Reviews

*Audio version*

I wanted to love this but only liked it a lot. The author did a nice job with the historical period but there were just a few too many clunky scene interruptions for my taste. I felt the author's presence here and there, which took me out of the moment. I'm guessing the series will become more refined in subsequent installments though. I'll likely pick up the next book in a few months.

dromwald's review against another edition

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4.0

A mix of whodunnit and espionage all set within one of England's most interesting and brutal periods - Elizabethan England. The author brings the period vividly to life though there were times when I really wanted to slap the protagonist, in this case a former Italian monk forced to flee his homeland for reading 'heretical'books. This theme continues throughout the story but complimentary to the main story which revolves around a series of grisly murders and a papist plot all set against the backdrop of Oxford University.
My only criticism is that some of the characters didn't really come to life for me and as I say there were times when I wanted to slap the protagonist, Bruno. That being said, the story kept me interested throughout and I look forward to reading more of Dr Bruno's adventures.

didactylos's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I came to this after the Shardlake books, not at all in the same league. I would hope as the first there a better and tighter plotting and structure develops over the rest. Disappointing.

lucita_knjige's review against another edition

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1.0

dnf at 50 pages so no rating

bookgut's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense

4.0

bohohohoh's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

charlie9_9's review against another edition

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4.0

i liked the book it was a mystery taking place in the 1500's. it was an easy read and one that kept you wanting to continue to it was done. having read many mysteries this one kept me guessing and not figuring it out to it was reveled. will look for more in the series

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