'Lord and Master', 'The Courtesan' and 'Past Master'
A fascinating 16th century story of one of Scotland's noblest families. A stirring tale of love and adventure, ambition, political intrigue and religious bigotry.
Handsome, charming, intelligent and talented, Patrick, Master of Gray, son and heir of the 5th Lord Gray, was the most successful and remarkable Scottish adventurer of his era. Involved in daring plots to free the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots, in the intrigues of Elizabeth I's court and the dramatic conflicts of war-torn Scotland, he strode imperiously across the turbulent stage of 16th century European history.
His illegitimate daughter Mary grew up to inherit her father's incredible good looks, passionate nature and talent for scheming. Wise beyond her years, she found herself caught up in Patrick's savage games of power politics, a victim of his reckless ambition. Until at last, the Master of Gray, past master of the art of political intrigue, found himself face to face with the final twist of fate which meant that his mastery might be very past indeed.
In this enthralling trilogy, Nigel Tranter has brought to vivid and memorable life one of the most fascinating, irresistible and ruthless individuals in Scottish history.