Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: England, 1193 A.D.
First Sentence: Do you think the King is dead?
This novel is the first in Sharon Kay Penman's Justin de Quincy mystery series.
Epiphany, 1193. Justin de Quincy finds himself on the road to London, alone, on a snowy morning. Suddenly, he encounters the scene of a crime. A pair of outlaws are attacking a man and a boy. Justin comes to the victims' aid. He chases off the outlaws. Unfortunately, the man has been dealt a fatal blow. His last words to Justin are: "You must deliver this letter to the Queen."
The Queen is Eleanor of Aquitaine. The King is her son, Richard the Lionhearted. No one knows the whereabouts of Richard. It is feared that he may be dead. If so, his brother John may claim the throne.
Justin takes it upon himself to deliver the letter to the Queen. Before delivering the letter, he reads it. He discovers that Richard is alive and being held for ransom.
Eleanor is impressed with Justin's courage and honesty. She makes him a Queen's Man and asks him to investigate the murder. She wishes to know if the killing was ordered by John, or another of the enemies of England.
As Justin investigates the murder, he finds that several of the victim's family had motives for his death. Justin also finds himself more embroiled in the intrigues of court politics. Along the way he finds friendship, love, and betrayal from some unlikely sources.
Will Justin solve the murder, and prove himself worthy of being a Queen's Man?
I found this novel to be an enjoyable read. Penman's description of life in England in the 12th century seem accurate and realistic. The characters have realistic personalities with good and bad sides. And the plot, like real life, doesn't end with a perfect solution.
Overall, a nice enjoyable read.
The Queen's Man
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Iron Grey Sea: Destroyermen by Taylor Anderson
Genre: Alternate History
Setting: An alternate Earth during the World War II era.
First Sentence: The sky was corroded lead, cold and gray with splotches of white.
This novel is the sixth in Anderson's Destroyermen series.
The Destroyermen series is about an American naval destroyer, the U.S.S. Walker, and its crew. During WWII the Walker enters a eerie storm and finds itself in a strange, alternate Earth.
There they discover the peaceful, intelligent Lemurians. The Lemurians are locked in a desperate war against the reptilian, carnivorous Grik. The Destroyermen decide to aid the Lemurians.
With each succeeding novel, Anderson reveals more of this strange version of Earth. Members of the Japanese navy have crossed over and joined with the Grik against the Americans and the Lemurians. Across the ocean to the East, the Destroyermen discover a group of humans who are descended from English explorers of the 1700's. Along with them is the evil Dominion. These humans descended from Spanish sailors of the 1600's practice a bloody mixture of Catholic and Aztec beliefs.
In this chapter of the series, the war is not going well. In the West, the Grik have become more crafty and intelligent. The Destroyermen's technological edge is being matched by the Grik who are aided by their Japanese allies.
In the East, the battle against the Dominion continues. Although the Dominion does not have advanced technology yet, they do have trained flying dinosaurs. And they are not afraid to use terrorist style attacks.
The main character, Captain Matthew Reddy, finds himself between the two theaters of war. When he receives the news that yet another Japanese warship has crossed over, he knows that it is up to him, and the Walker to meed the challenge.
This novel is full of action. There are desperate land, sea, and even air battles. There are some victories, and there are some defeats. And, Anderson's Earth grows larger as we learn of possible new allies for the Destroyermen.
I totally enjoyed this novel. It had a fast pace with lots of action. And I enjoyed reading about my favorite character, Dennis Silva. He always seems to be where he needs to be. And he doesn't let things like orders and rules get in the way.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series.
Iron Gray Sea
Check out my eBook!
Setting: An alternate Earth during the World War II era.
First Sentence: The sky was corroded lead, cold and gray with splotches of white.
This novel is the sixth in Anderson's Destroyermen series.
The Destroyermen series is about an American naval destroyer, the U.S.S. Walker, and its crew. During WWII the Walker enters a eerie storm and finds itself in a strange, alternate Earth.
There they discover the peaceful, intelligent Lemurians. The Lemurians are locked in a desperate war against the reptilian, carnivorous Grik. The Destroyermen decide to aid the Lemurians.
With each succeeding novel, Anderson reveals more of this strange version of Earth. Members of the Japanese navy have crossed over and joined with the Grik against the Americans and the Lemurians. Across the ocean to the East, the Destroyermen discover a group of humans who are descended from English explorers of the 1700's. Along with them is the evil Dominion. These humans descended from Spanish sailors of the 1600's practice a bloody mixture of Catholic and Aztec beliefs.
In this chapter of the series, the war is not going well. In the West, the Grik have become more crafty and intelligent. The Destroyermen's technological edge is being matched by the Grik who are aided by their Japanese allies.
In the East, the battle against the Dominion continues. Although the Dominion does not have advanced technology yet, they do have trained flying dinosaurs. And they are not afraid to use terrorist style attacks.
The main character, Captain Matthew Reddy, finds himself between the two theaters of war. When he receives the news that yet another Japanese warship has crossed over, he knows that it is up to him, and the Walker to meed the challenge.
This novel is full of action. There are desperate land, sea, and even air battles. There are some victories, and there are some defeats. And, Anderson's Earth grows larger as we learn of possible new allies for the Destroyermen.
I totally enjoyed this novel. It had a fast pace with lots of action. And I enjoyed reading about my favorite character, Dennis Silva. He always seems to be where he needs to be. And he doesn't let things like orders and rules get in the way.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series.
Iron Gray Sea
Check out my eBook!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Revelation by C. S. Sansom
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, 1543, During the reign of King Henry VIII
First Sentence: The high chandeliers in the Great Hall of Lincoln's Inn were ablaze with candles, for it was late in the afternoon when the play began.
This novel is the third in Sansom's Matthew Shardlake Mystery series.
The theme of this novel is madness. It is the time of the Protestant Reformation. Religious reform has embroiled London in a tangle of religious extremes. An unfortunate expression of personal beliefs could get one imprisoned, or even executed for heresy. Among the fervent believers are those who have become obsessed with the commands of the Bible.
Contrasted with the madness of some extremists, are those who suffer from psychological illness. Many of these are confined in Bedlam. Bedlam was London's hospital for the insane.
As the plot progresses, Shardlake encounters many different forms of madness. Shardlake is charged with defending a young man whose extreme religious obsession has caused him to be held in Bedlam. When one of Shardlake's friends is murdered, he joins the investigation for the killer. It soon becomes apparent that the killer is using the Book of Revelations as a guide for a series of gruesome slayings.
Will Shardlake find the killer before completes his evil plan? And will he be able to help his young client?
Sansom does a great job of bringing history to life. As Shardlake investigates the murders, we experience the city of London during the 16th century. Sansom's tale is a great historical novel, an intriguing mystery and an enjoyable read.
Revelation
Check out my eBook
Setting: London, 1543, During the reign of King Henry VIII
First Sentence: The high chandeliers in the Great Hall of Lincoln's Inn were ablaze with candles, for it was late in the afternoon when the play began.
This novel is the third in Sansom's Matthew Shardlake Mystery series.
The theme of this novel is madness. It is the time of the Protestant Reformation. Religious reform has embroiled London in a tangle of religious extremes. An unfortunate expression of personal beliefs could get one imprisoned, or even executed for heresy. Among the fervent believers are those who have become obsessed with the commands of the Bible.
Contrasted with the madness of some extremists, are those who suffer from psychological illness. Many of these are confined in Bedlam. Bedlam was London's hospital for the insane.
As the plot progresses, Shardlake encounters many different forms of madness. Shardlake is charged with defending a young man whose extreme religious obsession has caused him to be held in Bedlam. When one of Shardlake's friends is murdered, he joins the investigation for the killer. It soon becomes apparent that the killer is using the Book of Revelations as a guide for a series of gruesome slayings.
Will Shardlake find the killer before completes his evil plan? And will he be able to help his young client?
Sansom does a great job of bringing history to life. As Shardlake investigates the murders, we experience the city of London during the 16th century. Sansom's tale is a great historical novel, an intriguing mystery and an enjoyable read.
Revelation
Check out my eBook
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
At Drake's Command by David Wesley Hill
Genre: Historical Fiction, Nautical Fiction
Setting: England, and at sea on Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the world, in the late sixteenth century.
First Sentence: It was as fine a morning to be whipped as any I have ever seen.
Our main character is Peregrine James, known as Perry to his friends. Perry is a plucky lad who has lost his position as a cook. Unfairly accused of thievery, Perry must seek his fortune elsewhere. As he is being whipped, Perry gains the notice of Francis Drake, the intrepid sea captain. Perry boldly asks Drake for a position on his ship. Peregrine proves his mettle, and is accepted into Drake's crew.
Perry is the lowest ranking boy on the ship. He must quickly find a place among the experienced sea dogs. As they sail from adventure to adventure, Perry gets by with luck and bravery. Sometimes he causes his own misfortune due to his honesty and idealism.
Where Drake intends to sail is kept secret from the crew. A British ship sailing through waters infested with Spanish and Portuguese ships is always in peril. The crew follows Drake because he is a courageous man of action. They believe that they will be greatly rewarded when they return to England. If Perry can survive the dangers, and pick his battles, he might make his fortune too.
I like this novel. I especially like the author's voice. The novel is told in the first person. The voice used evokes the period in which the novel is set. The dialog also adds to the atmosphere of the novel. I especially liked the creative oaths the sailors use when speaking. Overall, the voice makes the novel fun to read.
I also like the way the action moves forward. Many of the chapters end with a cliff hanger which leads the reader directly into the next chapter. This makes for an enjoyable read.
The novel ended with a cliffhanger, so I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
At Drake's Command is how available on Amazon!
From the author:
Hi, Mike:
Thanks so much for reading--and enjoying--At Drake's Command. I really want to write the second book, Desperate Bankrupts, but that, unfortunately, depends on how well ADC does.
I will, of course, let you know when it's available on Amazon. Until then, however, people can pre-order autographed copies at:
http://www.temurlonepress.com/preorder.php
All the best, and THANK YOU for taking the time to review At Drake's Command!
David H.
Setting: England, and at sea on Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the world, in the late sixteenth century.
First Sentence: It was as fine a morning to be whipped as any I have ever seen.
Our main character is Peregrine James, known as Perry to his friends. Perry is a plucky lad who has lost his position as a cook. Unfairly accused of thievery, Perry must seek his fortune elsewhere. As he is being whipped, Perry gains the notice of Francis Drake, the intrepid sea captain. Perry boldly asks Drake for a position on his ship. Peregrine proves his mettle, and is accepted into Drake's crew.
Perry is the lowest ranking boy on the ship. He must quickly find a place among the experienced sea dogs. As they sail from adventure to adventure, Perry gets by with luck and bravery. Sometimes he causes his own misfortune due to his honesty and idealism.
Where Drake intends to sail is kept secret from the crew. A British ship sailing through waters infested with Spanish and Portuguese ships is always in peril. The crew follows Drake because he is a courageous man of action. They believe that they will be greatly rewarded when they return to England. If Perry can survive the dangers, and pick his battles, he might make his fortune too.
I like this novel. I especially like the author's voice. The novel is told in the first person. The voice used evokes the period in which the novel is set. The dialog also adds to the atmosphere of the novel. I especially liked the creative oaths the sailors use when speaking. Overall, the voice makes the novel fun to read.
I also like the way the action moves forward. Many of the chapters end with a cliff hanger which leads the reader directly into the next chapter. This makes for an enjoyable read.
The novel ended with a cliffhanger, so I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
At Drake's Command is how available on Amazon!
From the author:
Hi, Mike:
Thanks so much for reading--and enjoying--At Drake's Command. I really want to write the second book, Desperate Bankrupts, but that, unfortunately, depends on how well ADC does.
I will, of course, let you know when it's available on Amazon. Until then, however, people can pre-order autographed copies at:
http://www.temurlonepress.com/preorder.php
All the best, and THANK YOU for taking the time to review At Drake's Command!
David H.
Monday, August 20, 2012
A Body in the Bathhouse by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Ancient Rome and Britain, 75 AD
First Sentence: But for Rhea Favona, we might have lived with it.
This novel is the thirteenth in Davis's Falco historical mystery novel series.
Marcus Didius Falco leads a complicated life. He is, after all, an informer and investigator in ancient Rome.
First, he discovers a dead body hidden under the floor in his father brand new bathhouse. Interestingly, the contractors for the bathhouse have departed from Rome. Perhaps they are bound for the Emperor's large construction project in Britain.
Then, it just so happens that the Emperor wants Falco to investigate why the project has turned into a royal money pit.
And, to make matters worse, Falco's sister's house has been ransacked by a stalker. The stalker happens to be Falco's former partner, and current enemy, Anacrites. Falco needs to get his sister out of town to keep her safe.
Finally, Falco has a toothache.
So Falco gathers up his wife, daughters, sister, brothers-in-law, children's nurse and Nux the dog. for a family expedition to barbarous Britain.
Once in Britain, Falco (the man from Rome) stirs up trouble while investigating the fraudulent schemes he finds at the construction site. He and his family could be in danger from angry contractors. Then both the current and former architects are murdered on the same night.
Can Falco keep his family safe, solve the murder of the architects, curb the fraud at the construction project, find the murderous bathhouse builders, and find relief for his dental misery?
I enjoyed this novel. I like Falco as a character. He seems like someone I'd like to meet if I lived in ancient Rome. As usual, Davis has used a large cast of characters in this novel. Thankfully, she has provided a list of principal characters.
Although the novel stands up by itself well, I suggest reading the novels in order. I read this novel out of order and it took me a few chapters to get oriented.
Overall, a good read, and a good chapter in a great series.
A Body in the Bathhouse
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Ancient Rome and Britain, 75 AD
First Sentence: But for Rhea Favona, we might have lived with it.
This novel is the thirteenth in Davis's Falco historical mystery novel series.
Marcus Didius Falco leads a complicated life. He is, after all, an informer and investigator in ancient Rome.
First, he discovers a dead body hidden under the floor in his father brand new bathhouse. Interestingly, the contractors for the bathhouse have departed from Rome. Perhaps they are bound for the Emperor's large construction project in Britain.
Then, it just so happens that the Emperor wants Falco to investigate why the project has turned into a royal money pit.
And, to make matters worse, Falco's sister's house has been ransacked by a stalker. The stalker happens to be Falco's former partner, and current enemy, Anacrites. Falco needs to get his sister out of town to keep her safe.
Finally, Falco has a toothache.
So Falco gathers up his wife, daughters, sister, brothers-in-law, children's nurse and Nux the dog. for a family expedition to barbarous Britain.
Once in Britain, Falco (the man from Rome) stirs up trouble while investigating the fraudulent schemes he finds at the construction site. He and his family could be in danger from angry contractors. Then both the current and former architects are murdered on the same night.
Can Falco keep his family safe, solve the murder of the architects, curb the fraud at the construction project, find the murderous bathhouse builders, and find relief for his dental misery?
I enjoyed this novel. I like Falco as a character. He seems like someone I'd like to meet if I lived in ancient Rome. As usual, Davis has used a large cast of characters in this novel. Thankfully, she has provided a list of principal characters.
Although the novel stands up by itself well, I suggest reading the novels in order. I read this novel out of order and it took me a few chapters to get oriented.
Overall, a good read, and a good chapter in a great series.
A Body in the Bathhouse
Check out my eBook!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Teleport This by Christopher M. Daniels
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: At the beginning of the 21st century in space and on multiple planets.
First Sentence: So here we are at the beginning of the 21st century on Earth and, in all fairness, a pretty exciting time to be on the planet.
What if the universe is filled with sentient creatures, and they are all human, or mostly human with some variation in shape and color?
And what if they are not very interested in discovering us, but leave it up to us to discover them?
In Christopher Daniels's universe his two main characters, Simon and Gilbert, decipher a signal from space which contains the instructions for communicating with the advanced humans of the galaxy. Also included are the instructions for building a teleportation device. Using this device Simon and Gilbert are introduced to an interesting array of wise cracking, "alien" humans:
Jon - a computer hacker/con man,
Ellie - his space freighter captain sister,
Ellie2 - a self-aware intelligent computer/robot,
Alicia - a beautiful planetary princess with built-in laser beams,
to name a few.
Simon and Gilbert get mixed up with characters on the run from the law, double crossing con men, and dangerous intergalactic mobsters. As the characters stumble through their adventures they try to make the best of bad situations. Their wise cracking banter makes this novel a humorous romp through space.
I enjoyed this book. It made for a fun, easy, light read. A nice break between more weighty tomes.
Teleport This
Check out my eBook!
Setting: At the beginning of the 21st century in space and on multiple planets.
First Sentence: So here we are at the beginning of the 21st century on Earth and, in all fairness, a pretty exciting time to be on the planet.
What if the universe is filled with sentient creatures, and they are all human, or mostly human with some variation in shape and color?
And what if they are not very interested in discovering us, but leave it up to us to discover them?
In Christopher Daniels's universe his two main characters, Simon and Gilbert, decipher a signal from space which contains the instructions for communicating with the advanced humans of the galaxy. Also included are the instructions for building a teleportation device. Using this device Simon and Gilbert are introduced to an interesting array of wise cracking, "alien" humans:
Jon - a computer hacker/con man,
Ellie - his space freighter captain sister,
Ellie2 - a self-aware intelligent computer/robot,
Alicia - a beautiful planetary princess with built-in laser beams,
to name a few.
Simon and Gilbert get mixed up with characters on the run from the law, double crossing con men, and dangerous intergalactic mobsters. As the characters stumble through their adventures they try to make the best of bad situations. Their wise cracking banter makes this novel a humorous romp through space.
I enjoyed this book. It made for a fun, easy, light read. A nice break between more weighty tomes.
Teleport This
Check out my eBook!
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzch & Lee Chadeayne
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Schongau, a town in 1659 Germany
First Sentence: October 12 was a good day for a killing.
It is the middle of the 17th century. Years of plague and war have left the town of Shongau fearful of the wrath of God. The townspeople fear the unknown, witches and the Devil.
In this dark and gloomy German town three young boys have been murdered. Each bears an arcane sign, proof of the work of a witch. Also, two young girls have gone missing. The frightened townspeople immediately accuse the local midwife of being a witch. She is quickly imprisoned. The town's leaders want to torture and execute her to avoid a bloody witch hunt.
Lurking in the dark streets of Schongau is a strange assortment of characters: Jakob the town's hangman, his daughter Magdelina, Simon the young physician, strange foreign soldiers, and perhaps the Devil himself. The hangman, his daughter, and the physician believe that the midwife is innocent. They must find the proof in a town gripped with superstitious fear.
Who has ordered the deaths of the children? And why?
Can Jakob, Simon and Magdelina solve the mystery and prevent more gristly deaths?
I enjoyed this novel. Unlike many mystery novels, there is no clever sleuth. There is no grand evil plan. The characters, both good and evil, make choices and take action. Ultimately, luck plays a large role in the outcome of the story. For me, this makes the plot more believable.
The fact that this novel was translated from German to English made it an interesting read. The translator made some interesting word choices. The German place names and character names were a challenge but did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, a unique historical mystery, and a good read.
The Hangman's Daughter
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Schongau, a town in 1659 Germany
First Sentence: October 12 was a good day for a killing.
It is the middle of the 17th century. Years of plague and war have left the town of Shongau fearful of the wrath of God. The townspeople fear the unknown, witches and the Devil.
In this dark and gloomy German town three young boys have been murdered. Each bears an arcane sign, proof of the work of a witch. Also, two young girls have gone missing. The frightened townspeople immediately accuse the local midwife of being a witch. She is quickly imprisoned. The town's leaders want to torture and execute her to avoid a bloody witch hunt.
Lurking in the dark streets of Schongau is a strange assortment of characters: Jakob the town's hangman, his daughter Magdelina, Simon the young physician, strange foreign soldiers, and perhaps the Devil himself. The hangman, his daughter, and the physician believe that the midwife is innocent. They must find the proof in a town gripped with superstitious fear.
Who has ordered the deaths of the children? And why?
Can Jakob, Simon and Magdelina solve the mystery and prevent more gristly deaths?
I enjoyed this novel. Unlike many mystery novels, there is no clever sleuth. There is no grand evil plan. The characters, both good and evil, make choices and take action. Ultimately, luck plays a large role in the outcome of the story. For me, this makes the plot more believable.
The fact that this novel was translated from German to English made it an interesting read. The translator made some interesting word choices. The German place names and character names were a challenge but did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, a unique historical mystery, and a good read.
The Hangman's Daughter
Check out my eBook!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)