Oh, absolutely agreed that James and the authorities knew damn well what was brewing and (at the very least) had a hand in perpetuating it before orchestrating the big reveal. The book in question, though, all but said that Catesby & co. were innocently walking along in the park with nothing more on their minds than tickling furry kittens, before some complete stranger foisted several barrels of gunpowder on them, then ran away.

I appreciate that opinions differ as to the precise extent of the conspirators' involvement. I personally feel that the intent, planning, and a considerable portion of the execution was theirs.

(I'm a practising Catholic myself, so I'm not coming at this from a knee-jerk reaction of "bloody Papists". ;) )