Conspiracy of Violence: Chaloner's First Exploit in Restoration London (Thomas Chaloner Mysteries)

Thomas Chaloner, a reluctant spy for the feared Secretary of State, John Thurloe, and now returned from Holland, is in desperate need of employment. His erstwhile boss, knowing he has many enemies at court, recommends Thomas to Lord Clarendon, but in return demands that Thomas keep him informed of any plot against him. But what Thomas discovers is that Thurloe had sent another ex-employee to White Hall and he is dead, supposedly murdered by footpads near the Thames. Chaloner volunteers to investigate his killing: instead he is despatched to the Tower to unearth the gold buried by the last Governor. He discovers not treasure, but evidence that greed and self-interest are uppermost in men's minds, whoever is in power, and that his life has no value to either side.