Christopher Marlowe is probably best known for being a contemporary of Shakespeare, for dying in a bar brawl, and for writing controversial plays such as Doctor Faustus, and, in some circles, probably in that order. A Tip for the Hangman sheds light on other elements of his life, including his rise from the poor son of an indebted cobbler to a poet who was the toast of London; his career in espionage for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I; and his long relationship with solicitor Tom Watson. Yes, this is definitely historical fiction — Epstein makes no bones about messing with timelines or boosting Marlowe's importance to the spymaster — but it's so interesting and compelling that it makes me want to learn more about Kit Marlowe. An excellent book, and highly recommended.
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