I was delighted to obtain an ARC from Edelweiss of Sharon Kay Penman's long awaited novel on Outremer, or the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This "Land Beyond the Sea"began to be settled in 1099 with the First Crusade.
A very fine historical representation of an era and point in time very different from what was happening in France, Normandy and England at that time. Baldwin IV , who has been called the "Leper King" was son of the King of Jerusalem Amalric I, and was educated by William, Archbishop of Tyre.
Baldwin had childhood symptoms of his disease before puberty and when his father died in 1174 he divulged it to his Curia Regis on his deathbed. Kingship of Jerusalem was partially hereditary and partially who approved Baldwin, who diagnosis was unclear at that time to be crowned at 13.
As he was not expected to live long, due to his illness the Barons who guided him and his Regents jockeyed for power of him and his sister Sybilla and half sister Isabella. He served valiantly for more years than expected and died in 1185.
He had married his sister to Guy of Lusignan, who was crowned king and later deposed, giving succession to Baldwin V his nephew. When that child king died Guy and Sybilla came to power.
Although not a time period I understand or always enjoy reading about, it was a fine read.
#NowYouSeeThem #NetGalley "DCI Edgar Stephens, Detective Sergeants Emma Holmes and Bob Willis, and of course magician Max Mephisto, are facing a brave new world" - the 1960s"!
I just loved this one and have been waiting for it.. I gobbled it down, actually and hated for it to end.
Review will be published in the Fall. Thanks NetGalley HMH for the ARC! ~5 Stars~
So very excited to read this 5th book in the series, hoping they go on forever? Eleven years after we last left this group they came together for a funeral in Brighton. It is well into an new decade and one with changes, both Max and Edgar are married with children, although on different continents.
Emma and Ruby along with many others are wishing to be more fulfilled, although both are living the life they had wished for. Emma misses being a Detective Sgt. and Ruby feels that allure also.
They are not prepared with where that wistfulness will take them.
A series of disappearances, which eventually include Ruby and Ed and Emma's oldest daughter thrust everyone in their group, as well as others in danger. Terrifically exciting with a well plotted mystery, with superb character development. Truly a winner.! Counting the months until the next ( with hints to the future)
A 5 Star review for Chris Nickson's #TheHocusGirl #NetGalley. A gritty gripping mystery of 19th century Leeds when a government spy caused havoc. "Thief-taker Simon Westow must save one of his closest friends from a grim fate at the hands of the government in this compelling historical mystery."
Simon's friend Davey Ashton,who he owes so much to, is
arrested for sedition and threatened with transportation. Simon's assistant Jane is also under attack by a girl who spiked a merchant's
drink, stole a valuable ring and seems to know all of Jane's secrets.
Simon and Rosie and Jane as well, are threatened by this "hocus" girl as well as the various bodyguards and toughs sent in to cover up the governmental crisis.
There is a great ending to the book which I loved. Nickson's Leeds books are always impeccably researched for period detail and very fast paced.
#TheMitfordScandal #NetGalley 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Very enjoyable, with strong historic characters superimposed adroitly on the mystery.
The Mitford sisters have written, and have been written about numerous times; I read Book 1 of this series for a review, read a sample of book #2, and have read others about the Mitfords.
The mystery was a bit complicated to follow well was my only criticism of the book, and it did keep pace with the main characters, Guy and Louisa. The author's notes ( must remember to read them first)tells us of other historical facts which were woven into the mystery. Excellent!
The story begins with a real historic tragic death, a second one and a third police scandal, are incorporated into a fictional crime that Guy, Louisa and others help to solve. They end up together as a couple, as in history Diana Mitford begins to end her marriage. I am hoping for a sequel.!
The Holidays are coming, Preorder your copy NOW!!
#CityOfPearl #NetGalley. I gave it 3.5 stars round to 4. I do like the characters, and have read every one so far, although I am a bit confused as to where they are going with this.
This from publisher: "October, 1093. At her mentor's urgent request, Lassair is accompanying Gurdyman across the sea to Spain. But why is he so insistent on embarking on this difficult and dangerous journey.. why does he seem so afraid?
Could there be any connection to the vagrant found lying dead outside his home, a single pearl
clutched in his outstretched hand? The pair reach the remote mountainous regions of northern Spain. Hot on her trail is Jack Chevestrier, the young lawman who loves her"
Lassair and Jack were together for a brief moment at the end, which was very good. I am hoping it all comes together, in a fashion a bit less contrived and more coherent. I enjoy Lassair, her village and her interpersonal relationships .. and of course the fenland.
