Aaron is a young slave living in a grand mansion in Susa, owned by the cruel slave owner called Haman. He is desperate to be free from all the beatings and hunger that he suffers every day until he manages to escape.
Down the hill in a small cottage live Jasmine and her brother, Ethan, who are struggling to survive while their father is missing at war. Ethan is still at school while Jasmine works in the palace of Susa as a maid for the girl, Esther, who would become Queen of Persia.
Their lives are turned up-side-down with the unexpected arrival of this runaway slave. Hiding Aaron means danger for them all. Does God have a plan in the turmoil of their lives with the wicked Haman looking to destroy them?

'Ancient Persia once had an empire that stretched from Libya to Pakistan — ruled by kings whose royal couriers could cross its vast territory faster than anyone thought possible. Gill Jacobs brings history to life in an imaginative and interesting way, as in all of her other books. Her gripping stories of power, betrayal, and rebellion, along with the Bible as its background, are a great read. I commend them as you enjoy the journey.' Clive Anderson, Minister and author

'Deadly Plots and Secret Plans made me feel like I'd stepped right into Esther's world – ancient Susa, brave Esther, and sneaky Haman. The story helped me imagine the scenes clearly, like I was really there. I loved seeing what life in Susa might have been like.' Naomi Roberts, age 10

Much of Gill Jacobs' life has been working with children and young people as a paediatric occupational therapist and also in church youth work. These days she spends much of her time in voluntary work, gardening, writing puppet shows for family services and enjoying her five grandchildren. Her husband is a Messianic Jew. They live in Hampshire and have two grownup daughters.