Genre: Historical Mystery
The setting is London in the summer of 1540. King Henry VIII is on the throne. He is displeased with his current wife, Anne of Cleves. And he is displeased with with his adviser, Thomas Cromwell, who had encouraged the marriage.
Cromwell has learned that the secret for the ancient weapon, Greek fire, has been rediscovered. To curry favor with the king, he has arranged a demonstration of the weapon's fearsome power. Then, when the formula goes missing, Cromwell presses Matthew Shardlake into service.
Shardlake is a self described jobbing lawyer. He and Cromwell have had dealings in the past. To force Shardlake into helping him, Cromwell uses his political influence to aid Matthew with another case.
In that case, a young girl is accused of murdering her cousin. She refuses to enter a plea. The rule of law at the time demands that those who do not enter a plea must be pressed by heavy weights until they make a plea, or die. The girl is determined to die rather than plead. Cromwell's influence postpones the judgement of the court and forces Shardlake to investigate the mystery of the missing formula.
Shardlake is also saddled with a young man in Cromwell's service, Jack Barak.
As Shardlake and Barak investigate, we get a picture of London in 1540: crowded, stinking, politically corrupt, and dangerous. It is the time of the religious reformation. Professing the wrong political beliefs or religious beliefs could cost a person his head. The same is true of supporting the wrong adviser to the king.
I enjoyed this novel. Matthew Shardlake is a likeable character. He and Jack make an interesting investigative team. I like novels like this that paint an accurate picture of what live was like in the past.
Dark Fire is the second novel in Sansom's Shardlake series.
The first novel of the series is Dissolution.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
The First Heroes edited by Harry Turtledove and Noreen Doyle
Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction, Alternate History
This book is an anthology of original short stories set in the Bronze Age. The Bronze Age is an important era in human development. It signals an important advance in technology. Also, since bronze was an expensive metal to create and use, it had a significant effect in the cultures of ancient peoples.
Turtledove and Doyle have assembled an interesting group of fantasy stories. There are tales of the Bronze Age set in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, China, England, Central Europe and South America. Each tale relates a unique perspective of the life and times of characters in the Bronze age. The elements of fantasy vary widely from story to story.
Harry Turtledove is a master of alternate history novels. He contributes a story of a world in which mythical creatures co-exist with humans. S. M. Stirling is another master of the genre. He adds a story set in his Nantucket universe.
The book was dedicated to Poul Anderson, who died in 2001. He is the author of the final tale of the book. His story comes at the end of the Bronze age when warriors fought against iron wielding foes.
When I am looking for something new to read, I find that anthologies are an excellent means to explore new authors. This anthology would help the reader explore some of the authors in the Fantasy and Alternate History genres.
This book is an anthology of original short stories set in the Bronze Age. The Bronze Age is an important era in human development. It signals an important advance in technology. Also, since bronze was an expensive metal to create and use, it had a significant effect in the cultures of ancient peoples.
Turtledove and Doyle have assembled an interesting group of fantasy stories. There are tales of the Bronze Age set in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, China, England, Central Europe and South America. Each tale relates a unique perspective of the life and times of characters in the Bronze age. The elements of fantasy vary widely from story to story.
Harry Turtledove is a master of alternate history novels. He contributes a story of a world in which mythical creatures co-exist with humans. S. M. Stirling is another master of the genre. He adds a story set in his Nantucket universe.
The book was dedicated to Poul Anderson, who died in 2001. He is the author of the final tale of the book. His story comes at the end of the Bronze age when warriors fought against iron wielding foes.
When I am looking for something new to read, I find that anthologies are an excellent means to explore new authors. This anthology would help the reader explore some of the authors in the Fantasy and Alternate History genres.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Ode to a Banker by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery
Take Sam Spade and drop him into ancient Rome. Add the seamy underbelly of Rome in the first century. Then give him a messy family life. And you have Lindsey Davis's main character Marcus Didius Falco.
Falco is a paid informant, the first century equivalent of a gumshoe. He gets paid (occasionally) to ask questions and investigate. Sometimes he works for private citizens, sometimes he works for the Watch and occasionally he works for the Emperor himself.
Falco has a great, big, noisy family. His parents have been divorced for years. They refuse to communicate with each other. His two sisters and mother are in everyone's business. His wife, Helena, is the daughter of a senator. Falco and his wife have a daughter, and another child on the way. They live in a tenement, but are trying to get their "money pit" house finished.
Falco sometimes dabbles in writing poetry. When he is asked to do a public reading, he gets noticed by a publisher. Unfortunately, the publisher is murdered right after meeting with Falco. Falco's best friend happens to be a leader of the Watch. He ropes Falco into investigating the murder.
Meanwhile, back at home, the Emperor's chief spy may be sweet on Falco's Ma, or his sister, or perhaps both. His Pa is devastated by the death of his long-time female companion/business partner. Pa needs help keeping his books and running his business. Of course, it's up to Falco to attempt to solve this family dilemma.
Falco questions possible suspects, untangles family squabbles and tries not to get himself killed. In the end, the mystery gets solved and the family issues are smoothed over (for now). As Helena says at the end of the novel, tomorrow is another day!
I always enjoy reading a Falco novel. Many authors of historical fiction portray the past in an idealistic light. Davis portrays a realistic ancient Rome: temples, brothels, mansions and slums. Davis's characters are realistic as well. Falco has to manage his professional affairs and his family responsibilities simultaneously. Just like real life.
If you enjoy a well plotted mystery novel with fully developed characters, then give Falco and his family a read.
The first book of the Falco series, The Silver Pigs, is also a great read.
Take Sam Spade and drop him into ancient Rome. Add the seamy underbelly of Rome in the first century. Then give him a messy family life. And you have Lindsey Davis's main character Marcus Didius Falco.
Falco is a paid informant, the first century equivalent of a gumshoe. He gets paid (occasionally) to ask questions and investigate. Sometimes he works for private citizens, sometimes he works for the Watch and occasionally he works for the Emperor himself.
Falco has a great, big, noisy family. His parents have been divorced for years. They refuse to communicate with each other. His two sisters and mother are in everyone's business. His wife, Helena, is the daughter of a senator. Falco and his wife have a daughter, and another child on the way. They live in a tenement, but are trying to get their "money pit" house finished.
Falco sometimes dabbles in writing poetry. When he is asked to do a public reading, he gets noticed by a publisher. Unfortunately, the publisher is murdered right after meeting with Falco. Falco's best friend happens to be a leader of the Watch. He ropes Falco into investigating the murder.
Meanwhile, back at home, the Emperor's chief spy may be sweet on Falco's Ma, or his sister, or perhaps both. His Pa is devastated by the death of his long-time female companion/business partner. Pa needs help keeping his books and running his business. Of course, it's up to Falco to attempt to solve this family dilemma.
Falco questions possible suspects, untangles family squabbles and tries not to get himself killed. In the end, the mystery gets solved and the family issues are smoothed over (for now). As Helena says at the end of the novel, tomorrow is another day!
I always enjoy reading a Falco novel. Many authors of historical fiction portray the past in an idealistic light. Davis portrays a realistic ancient Rome: temples, brothels, mansions and slums. Davis's characters are realistic as well. Falco has to manage his professional affairs and his family responsibilities simultaneously. Just like real life.
If you enjoy a well plotted mystery novel with fully developed characters, then give Falco and his family a read.
The first book of the Falco series, The Silver Pigs, is also a great read.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Genre: Science Fiction
The Winds of Dune is the sixteenth novel of the Dune universe. The original novel of the series was written by Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert's father. It is a widely held opinion that Dune is one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time.
Like other great novelists, Frank Herbert created such well developed settings, and characters due to the large amount of back writing he did to envision them. Frank Herbert wrote six Dune novels before his death. Afterwards, Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson used this wealth of information to write ten novels of the Dune universe.
This novel takes place after the second Dune novel, Dune Messiah. Paul Muad'dib, the main character of Dune, has wandered off into the sands of the desert planet and is presumed dead. His wife, Chani, has died giving birth to his twin children. His sister, Alia has taken ruthless control of the empire. Religious fanatics have committed untold pain and suffering throughout the empire in Paul's name. Paul's mother, Jessica, struggles to honor Paul's true humanity when so many have turned him into a god.
I enjoyed this novel. It furthers the Dune story by filling in a gap of the narrative between the second and third books. Herbert and Anderson have done a great job of continuing the legacy of Frank Herbert and forwarding the story of Dune.
The Winds of Dune
Dune, the original novel
The Winds of Dune is the sixteenth novel of the Dune universe. The original novel of the series was written by Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert's father. It is a widely held opinion that Dune is one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time.
Like other great novelists, Frank Herbert created such well developed settings, and characters due to the large amount of back writing he did to envision them. Frank Herbert wrote six Dune novels before his death. Afterwards, Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson used this wealth of information to write ten novels of the Dune universe.
This novel takes place after the second Dune novel, Dune Messiah. Paul Muad'dib, the main character of Dune, has wandered off into the sands of the desert planet and is presumed dead. His wife, Chani, has died giving birth to his twin children. His sister, Alia has taken ruthless control of the empire. Religious fanatics have committed untold pain and suffering throughout the empire in Paul's name. Paul's mother, Jessica, struggles to honor Paul's true humanity when so many have turned him into a god.
I enjoyed this novel. It furthers the Dune story by filling in a gap of the narrative between the second and third books. Herbert and Anderson have done a great job of continuing the legacy of Frank Herbert and forwarding the story of Dune.
The Winds of Dune
Dune, the original novel
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Liberating Atlantis by Harry Turtledove
Genre: Alternate History
Liberating Atlantis is the third novel in Turtledove's three novel alternate history Atlantis series. In this series, Atlantis is a continent that is discovered by English explorers in the late 15th century. Atlantis is populated with native peoples, and incredible exotic plants and animals. The history of Atlantis parallels the history of the United States in our timeline.
Liberating Atlantis covers the civil war period of history. In Atlantis, the southern states have plantations and slaves, the northern states do not have slavery. In this retelling of history, the slaves rise up against their masters, and the government sends the army to quell the rebellion.
Opening Atlantis, the first book in the series, covers the initial period of discovery and exploration. Early explorers of Atlantis must learn about this strange land and its incredible and dangerous creatures.
The United States of Atlantis, the second book in the series, covers the revolutionary period. Colonists must battle the British to find freedom and liberty, and create a new government.
Liberating Atlantis is the third novel in Turtledove's three novel alternate history Atlantis series. In this series, Atlantis is a continent that is discovered by English explorers in the late 15th century. Atlantis is populated with native peoples, and incredible exotic plants and animals. The history of Atlantis parallels the history of the United States in our timeline.
Liberating Atlantis covers the civil war period of history. In Atlantis, the southern states have plantations and slaves, the northern states do not have slavery. In this retelling of history, the slaves rise up against their masters, and the government sends the army to quell the rebellion.
Opening Atlantis, the first book in the series, covers the initial period of discovery and exploration. Early explorers of Atlantis must learn about this strange land and its incredible and dangerous creatures.
The United States of Atlantis, the second book in the series, covers the revolutionary period. Colonists must battle the British to find freedom and liberty, and create a new government.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Historical Mysteries set in Ancient Egypt
If you are a fan of historical mysteries, but are growing tired of knights, castles and sword fights, you might try reading these novels set in ancient Egypt. Sand, temples and tombs litter the landscape. But evil is evil. And murder is murder. In each novel, our intrepid investigator must follow the clues, and decipher the crime.
Lauren Haney
In Haney's novels, our investigator is Lieutenant Bak. Bak is the commander of the Medjay police in the city of Buhen in 1464 BC. Buhen is near the southern border of the Egyptian empire. It is the during the reign of the female Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut. Bak must solve crimes, and stay in the pharaoh's good graces.
Lynda Robinson
Robinson's investigator is Lord Meren. Meren serves as chief investigator for the boy king Tutankhamen. Meren, as member of the palace court, must navigate the intrigues of the pharaoh's court while seeking to solve crimes that have reached the royal ears. All this, while protecting the young king from danger.
Paul Doherty
Doherty's investigator is the chief judge of the temple of Ma'at in Thebes, Amerotke. Amerotke must investigate crimes while uncovering conspiracies against the reign of Queen Hatusu. Doherty brings Egypt to life with his descriptions those ancient times.
Lauren Haney
In Haney's novels, our investigator is Lieutenant Bak. Bak is the commander of the Medjay police in the city of Buhen in 1464 BC. Buhen is near the southern border of the Egyptian empire. It is the during the reign of the female Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut. Bak must solve crimes, and stay in the pharaoh's good graces.
Lynda Robinson
Robinson's investigator is Lord Meren. Meren serves as chief investigator for the boy king Tutankhamen. Meren, as member of the palace court, must navigate the intrigues of the pharaoh's court while seeking to solve crimes that have reached the royal ears. All this, while protecting the young king from danger.
Paul Doherty
Doherty's investigator is the chief judge of the temple of Ma'at in Thebes, Amerotke. Amerotke must investigate crimes while uncovering conspiracies against the reign of Queen Hatusu. Doherty brings Egypt to life with his descriptions those ancient times.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Prophecy of Death by Michael Jecks
Genre: Historical Mystery
In this installment of the Knights Templar Mystery series Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock find themselves entangled in the intrigues of the royal court.
They have just returned to England from France with urgent messages for the king. Unfortunately, they have raised the ire of the king's especial friend, Sir Hugh Despenser. Despenser sends his henchmen to attack Simon and upset Sir Baldwin.
To thicken the plot, Baldwin and Simon must find out who has stolen the Oil of St. Thomas. This holy relic is believed to have special significance for the king of England. The king is frantic to have his oil returned. Despenser wants Baldwin and Simon to discover its whereabouts. And, Baldwin and Simon must solve the mystery in order to keep Despenser from further harassing them.
I enjoyed this novel. The plot is thickly woven with subplots, red herrings and dead ends. It is a solid chapter in a series which extends to over thirty novels.
In this installment of the Knights Templar Mystery series Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock find themselves entangled in the intrigues of the royal court.
They have just returned to England from France with urgent messages for the king. Unfortunately, they have raised the ire of the king's especial friend, Sir Hugh Despenser. Despenser sends his henchmen to attack Simon and upset Sir Baldwin.
To thicken the plot, Baldwin and Simon must find out who has stolen the Oil of St. Thomas. This holy relic is believed to have special significance for the king of England. The king is frantic to have his oil returned. Despenser wants Baldwin and Simon to discover its whereabouts. And, Baldwin and Simon must solve the mystery in order to keep Despenser from further harassing them.
I enjoyed this novel. The plot is thickly woven with subplots, red herrings and dead ends. It is a solid chapter in a series which extends to over thirty novels.
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