Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: 12th Century England
First Sentence: Blasphemy! Rage drives my feet until I am almost running - disgraceful behavior! - along the red brown track away from that ... hovel.
This novel is the second in the author's Servant of the Crown series.
Our main character, Sir Faucon de Ramis, is a newly appointed coroner. His duty is to investigate any untimely deaths. to determine if any fines and duties are due to the King.
Sir Faucon doesn't want to only determine if a murder has been committed. He wants to discover who the culprit is. Thus he can ensure that the fines and taxes are levied in a fair and just way.
In this novel a young man has been accused of murder. He is discovered with the body, and with blood on his hands. When the hue and cry is raised, the young man makes a mad dash for the church and claims sanctuary. He has forty days of safety before he can be prosecuted and punished for his crime.
Fortunately, Sir Faucon is in town investigating another death.
Sir Faucon begins to ask questions. He soon determines that the young man in the church is not guilty.
If he is innocent, then who is guilty?
I enjoyed this book. The author has an enjoyable easy-to-read writing style. The characters seem real, and the plot moves forward.
Also, the plot of the book is bracketed with clues from another evil murder. Sir Faucon will soon learn about this horrible and evil crime.
Now on to book three.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Season of the Raven by Denise Domning
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: England in the 12th century.
First Sentence: "Tonight you sleep with the angels my sweet," I tell her and press a kiss to her forehead in blessing.
This novel is the first in the author's Servant of the Crown mystery series.
Sir Faucon de Ramis has recently returned from a crusade to the holy lands. Back in England is is a second son with few prospects. He is surprised when is offered the post of Keeper of the Kings Pleas. (Pleas is the plural of plea. )
On his first day in office, He is presented with his first case. I seems to be an accidental death. A drunk miller has died when he fell into his water wheel. But Sir Falcon discovers evidence that the miller had been stabbed and was dead before he fell.
Sir Faucon is assisted by brother Edmond. Edmond is a stickler for proper legal protocol and is not afraid to speak his mind. Often this is a nuisance for Sir Faucon.
With the help of Edmond, Sir Faucon gathers the clues that will help solve the mystery.
He also discovers that there is another set of murders happening. It may take a long time to to unravel the clues needed to solve this deeper and more nefarious mystery.
I liked this novel. It was an easy read with believable characters.
Now on to the next book in the series.
Setting: England in the 12th century.
First Sentence: "Tonight you sleep with the angels my sweet," I tell her and press a kiss to her forehead in blessing.
This novel is the first in the author's Servant of the Crown mystery series.
Sir Faucon de Ramis has recently returned from a crusade to the holy lands. Back in England is is a second son with few prospects. He is surprised when is offered the post of Keeper of the Kings Pleas. (Pleas is the plural of plea. )
On his first day in office, He is presented with his first case. I seems to be an accidental death. A drunk miller has died when he fell into his water wheel. But Sir Falcon discovers evidence that the miller had been stabbed and was dead before he fell.
Sir Faucon is assisted by brother Edmond. Edmond is a stickler for proper legal protocol and is not afraid to speak his mind. Often this is a nuisance for Sir Faucon.
With the help of Edmond, Sir Faucon gathers the clues that will help solve the mystery.
He also discovers that there is another set of murders happening. It may take a long time to to unravel the clues needed to solve this deeper and more nefarious mystery.
I liked this novel. It was an easy read with believable characters.
Now on to the next book in the series.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Hannibal's Children by John Maddox Roberts
Genre: Alternate History
Setting: In an alternate version of Europe and the Mediterranean, 115 years after the third Punic War. A version of history in which Rome was defeated by the Carthaginians .
First Sentence: Behind them were the seven hills and the sacred city of Quirinus.
This novel is an example of alternate history. The author choses a point of departure from our historical time line. then the author tells how history might have happened.
In this novel, the point of departure is at the end of the third Punic War. At this time, in our history Rome utterly destroyed the Carthaginian empire. In this version, Hannibal defeats the Romans and sends them into exile.
So, the Romans move north and settle in lands that once belonged to the barbarian hordes. While in exile, the Romans continue their civilization and prepare for the day they when can conquer the Carthaginians and return to Rome.
After 115 years, envoys are sent out to assess the situation, and determine if the time has come for the conquest of Rome.
Is it time for the conquest to begin?
This was an okay book. Once the change of timeline has occurred, the novel reads like a normal novel about Rome.
I you like reading about Rome and Romans, check out this book.
Setting: In an alternate version of Europe and the Mediterranean, 115 years after the third Punic War. A version of history in which Rome was defeated by the Carthaginians .
First Sentence: Behind them were the seven hills and the sacred city of Quirinus.
This novel is an example of alternate history. The author choses a point of departure from our historical time line. then the author tells how history might have happened.
In this novel, the point of departure is at the end of the third Punic War. At this time, in our history Rome utterly destroyed the Carthaginian empire. In this version, Hannibal defeats the Romans and sends them into exile.
So, the Romans move north and settle in lands that once belonged to the barbarian hordes. While in exile, the Romans continue their civilization and prepare for the day they when can conquer the Carthaginians and return to Rome.
After 115 years, envoys are sent out to assess the situation, and determine if the time has come for the conquest of Rome.
Is it time for the conquest to begin?
This was an okay book. Once the change of timeline has occurred, the novel reads like a normal novel about Rome.
I you like reading about Rome and Romans, check out this book.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Second to None by Alexander Kent
Genre: Historical Fiction, Nautical Fiction
Setting: At sea and and in England during the summer of 1815.
First sentence: The midshipman stood beneath the cabin skylight, his body accepting the heavy motion of the ship around him.
This novel is the twenty-fourth of the author's Richard Bolitho series. This series currently runs to thirty books.
In this series we have followed the exploits of the main character of the series, Sir Richard Bolitho. We have followed his career from midshipman to Fleet Admiral. Watched his glory at in battle, his duty to his country, and his unfortunate troubles with love.
Then, finally at the end of his illustrious life, a single French bullet robs him of life and love.
Now, the author follows the life and career of Sir Richard's nephew Adam Bolitho.
The war with France is over. There are sailors and officers who have never known a time of peace. the British Navy turns its attention to the pirates and slavers of North Africa.
Captain Bolitho and his crew are part of the fleet tasked with ridding the Mediterranean from the North African corsairs.
In between the naval sea battles, Adam Bolitho continues to have a complicated love life. His first great love was the wife of one of his close friends. Unfortunately, she died in a terrible cliffside accident.
Now, Adam has found another great love. She too is the wife of another man.
Sprinkled between battles and love, the author gives us a glimpse of the rest of Sir Richard's "little crew".
This was an okay book. It advanced the plot lines, and gave us a peek into the past .
Setting: At sea and and in England during the summer of 1815.
First sentence: The midshipman stood beneath the cabin skylight, his body accepting the heavy motion of the ship around him.
This novel is the twenty-fourth of the author's Richard Bolitho series. This series currently runs to thirty books.
In this series we have followed the exploits of the main character of the series, Sir Richard Bolitho. We have followed his career from midshipman to Fleet Admiral. Watched his glory at in battle, his duty to his country, and his unfortunate troubles with love.
Then, finally at the end of his illustrious life, a single French bullet robs him of life and love.
Now, the author follows the life and career of Sir Richard's nephew Adam Bolitho.
The war with France is over. There are sailors and officers who have never known a time of peace. the British Navy turns its attention to the pirates and slavers of North Africa.
Captain Bolitho and his crew are part of the fleet tasked with ridding the Mediterranean from the North African corsairs.
In between the naval sea battles, Adam Bolitho continues to have a complicated love life. His first great love was the wife of one of his close friends. Unfortunately, she died in a terrible cliffside accident.
Now, Adam has found another great love. She too is the wife of another man.
Sprinkled between battles and love, the author gives us a glimpse of the rest of Sir Richard's "little crew".
This was an okay book. It advanced the plot lines, and gave us a peek into the past .
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Sword of Honor by Alexander Kent
Genre: Nautical Fiction, Historical Fiction
Setting: In England and on board a British Navy vessel.
First sentence: Vice-Admiral Sir Graham Bethune put down his pen and waited for the elderly Admiralty clerk to gather up the letters and dispatches he has signed.
This novel is the twenty-third in the author's Richard Bolitho series. The series currently runs to thirty books.
It is 1814. The war with Bonaparte and France is over. Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho has recently returned from his duty commanding the British squadron patrolling the American coast.
Now, he has been ordered to Malta to command the British fleet in the Mediterranean.
In their excitement at winning the war, the Admiralty is quickly downsizing the size of the fleet.
The Admiralty believes that the only enemy left in the Mediterranean are Muslim traders.
Bolitho is well aware that, no matter what the truth of the situation, it will be left to the lowly sailors to fight and die to defend their country.
I liked this book. The author has an easy to read style that makes the pages fly by.
Once again, I encourage readers to read the books in order. Doing so will enable the reader to follow Bolitho's life from midshipman to Admiral.
Setting: In England and on board a British Navy vessel.
First sentence: Vice-Admiral Sir Graham Bethune put down his pen and waited for the elderly Admiralty clerk to gather up the letters and dispatches he has signed.
This novel is the twenty-third in the author's Richard Bolitho series. The series currently runs to thirty books.
It is 1814. The war with Bonaparte and France is over. Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho has recently returned from his duty commanding the British squadron patrolling the American coast.
Now, he has been ordered to Malta to command the British fleet in the Mediterranean.
In their excitement at winning the war, the Admiralty is quickly downsizing the size of the fleet.
The Admiralty believes that the only enemy left in the Mediterranean are Muslim traders.
Bolitho is well aware that, no matter what the truth of the situation, it will be left to the lowly sailors to fight and die to defend their country.
I liked this book. The author has an easy to read style that makes the pages fly by.
Once again, I encourage readers to read the books in order. Doing so will enable the reader to follow Bolitho's life from midshipman to Admiral.
Friday, June 2, 2017
The Cross of St. George by Alexander Kent
Genre: Historical Fiction, Nautical Fiction
Setting: 1913, At sea in the Atlantic Ocean
First Sentence: The Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth, usually a place of noise and constant movement, was quiet as the grave.
This novel is the twenty-second book in the author's "Richard Bolitho" series which currently runs to thirty volumes.
The war with France, after lasting about twenty years, will soon be over. The war with the United States is costing many British and American sailors' lives. Soon Britain will be at peace for the first time in a generation.
Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho can sense the end of hostilities. In his heart he begins to question the need for more bloodshed.
Why should more sailors die just to win a battle in the middle of the ocean?
What will happen to the Navy sailors when their services are no longer needed?
Already there are many disabled sailors forced to beg for a living. And there is a generation of men who only know life as it is lived upon a British man-o-war.
Duty requires that Bolitho's squadron attack and destroy American Navy vessels on the high seas. Yet, Bolitho understands that there is no honor in paying a large butcher's bill just to win a relatively meaningless victory.
I liked this book. In Bolitho the author has created a realistic character. Bolitho has attained high rank, yet he still struggles to balance duty and honor.
I suggest that you read the books in this series in order.
Setting: 1913, At sea in the Atlantic Ocean
First Sentence: The Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth, usually a place of noise and constant movement, was quiet as the grave.
This novel is the twenty-second book in the author's "Richard Bolitho" series which currently runs to thirty volumes.
The war with France, after lasting about twenty years, will soon be over. The war with the United States is costing many British and American sailors' lives. Soon Britain will be at peace for the first time in a generation.
Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho can sense the end of hostilities. In his heart he begins to question the need for more bloodshed.
Why should more sailors die just to win a battle in the middle of the ocean?
What will happen to the Navy sailors when their services are no longer needed?
Already there are many disabled sailors forced to beg for a living. And there is a generation of men who only know life as it is lived upon a British man-o-war.
Duty requires that Bolitho's squadron attack and destroy American Navy vessels on the high seas. Yet, Bolitho understands that there is no honor in paying a large butcher's bill just to win a relatively meaningless victory.
I liked this book. In Bolitho the author has created a realistic character. Bolitho has attained high rank, yet he still struggles to balance duty and honor.
I suggest that you read the books in this series in order.
Monday, May 22, 2017
For My Country's Freedom by Alexander Kent
Genre: Nautical Fiction, Historical Fiction
Setting: In England and at sea during the War of 1812.
First Sentence: Lady Catherine Somervell reined in the big mare and patted her neck with a gloved hand.
This book is the twenty-first in the author's Richard Bolitho series which currently runs to thirty novels.
Once again Sir Richard Bolitho has been called to duty. War with the United States is imminent. Sir Richard, now an admiral, has been tasked with the assignment to take the war to the American Navy.
Sir Richard, his nephew, and the members of his "little crew" go off to sea to define king and country. The little crew is the group of sailors and officers who always seem to be at hand when Bolitho goes to sea. Not only must they leave the country they love, they must leave the people they love.
In this novel there is great love, secret love, and tragedy.
The author does a good job of providing the exposition needed to understand the story. However, I strongly suggest that, if you are interested in this story you should read them in order.
This novel was a great addition to the Bolitho saga.
Setting: In England and at sea during the War of 1812.
First Sentence: Lady Catherine Somervell reined in the big mare and patted her neck with a gloved hand.
This book is the twenty-first in the author's Richard Bolitho series which currently runs to thirty novels.
Once again Sir Richard Bolitho has been called to duty. War with the United States is imminent. Sir Richard, now an admiral, has been tasked with the assignment to take the war to the American Navy.
Sir Richard, his nephew, and the members of his "little crew" go off to sea to define king and country. The little crew is the group of sailors and officers who always seem to be at hand when Bolitho goes to sea. Not only must they leave the country they love, they must leave the people they love.
In this novel there is great love, secret love, and tragedy.
The author does a good job of providing the exposition needed to understand the story. However, I strongly suggest that, if you are interested in this story you should read them in order.
This novel was a great addition to the Bolitho saga.
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