Reviews

Back Bay by William Martin

dhasenkampf's review

2.0

This is one of those books where you are into the story the whole way through until you get to the last page and want to throw the book across the room. I thought the pacing was very well done. The story line was interesting and kept me flipping pages. The writing was engaging. The editing was incredibly sloppy but I had the original edition, hopefully later ones were better. I think the character development for the MC was pretty good, but his love interest didn't seem realistic at all. One of the worst female characters I've read lately. But more than all that, I can't get over how awful the ending was and had to deduct a full two stars. So unsatisfying and just ridiculous. 

lillywilcox's review against another edition

this could've been really fun but alas. I can look past the "she breasted boobily" but not the gratuitous use of the N word by a white author

go_devils's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

laura_thereflectivebookshelf's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed this book. I initially picked it up because it is about the history of the neighborhood I grew up in and I'm glad I did. It is a historical fiction novel and a DaVinci Code-like mystery all in one.

imklb's review against another edition

3.0

My second William Martin book and it did not disappoint. I personally liked the 1st book I read by him better, but this one was still amazing. Can't wait to find his other books and continue reading him.

marynolanpleckham's review against another edition

2.0

Wow. From the ratings, I was expecting much better. I found this book painfully slow and I just didn't care about the plot or characters. Too many late in the book twists about relationships and random violence.

kc1005us's review against another edition

5.0

A re-read-read before years ago. First in the Peter Fallon series. Looking forward to the series once again

thebrownbookloft's review against another edition

3.0

I would give it 3.5 stars. I love family sagas but thought this was shallower than others I've read. Also confusing characters. I kept having to look back to see who some were.

canada_matt's review against another edition

4.0

Martin introduces the reader to the Pratts; a family steeped in history who hold a deep secret that traces back to the time of George Washington. After being given aa Paul Revere silver tea set, Washington promises to keep it on display in the White House, much to the chagrin of one Horace Taylor Pratt, Massachusetts Founding Father. After the tea set is stolen from the Madison White House during the War of 1812, Pratt seeks to secure its ownership through a number of negotiations and keep the profits inside his family circle. However, an accident leaves the tea set hidden somewhere in the Back Bay part of Boston, and the mystery flows down for six Pratt generations. Modern historian Peter Fallon stumbles upon the Pratt secret when perusing some old family papers and begins to ask questions not only about the tea set, but the Pratts in general. Juxtaposing the historical development of the Pratts and their secret with Fallon's modern search for answers blends the two stories into a single plot line that could mean the end of Fallon. The tea set appears to be the thread that keeps the story moving, though Martin recounts many sub-plots in the Pratt family history that create a rich and captivating tale for the reader. Less a mystery or historical document chase than a snapshot of a family riddled with secrets of their own, Martin captivates and educates the reader continually. Well worth the time invested and sure to whet the reader's appetite for the rest of the Fallon series.

I was not sure what to expect when I started the book, as it appeared to play out like a modern historian uncovering a secret item, lost in history, whose reappearance could answer many questions. Layer that with a family trying to preserve their own secrets and a few sinister villains, creating an all-around decent novel. However, Martin takes the reader through history to build on the mystery while addressing issues of the day and weaving threads between six generations, all culminating in the modern discovery of the secret. Martin uses the alternating chapters to keep the reader shifting their mind in order to better understand al the characters who appear throughout. Threads woven throughout the story come together nicely in the end and the reader will surely have at least a few forehead-slapping moments. I am eager to see what else Martin has in store in the series, set in and around Boston, an area that has always intrigued me.

Kudos, Mr. Martin for such an interesting opening novel. I can see this is only the beginning of what could be a highly captivating set of novels.

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patrickg's review

4.0

Change of pace from usual thrillers. Historical details make this fun and almost educational