Book excerpt: 'A marvellous romp' The Times 'The clash of blades, the whizzing bullets and galloping hooves guarantee nonstop adventure' Literary Review In May 1671, Colonel Blood became the only person ever to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. How did he succeed? Why did King Charles II decide to pardon him, and hire him as his personal spy? In a page-turning narrative that reads like a thriller, Robert Hutchinson tells the compelling story of Colonel Blood: turncoat, fugitive, double agent - and the most wanted man in Restoration England.