Description
Book SynopsisA brilliantly dark and compelling novel set in Venice from 'the medieval CJ Sansom' (Jeffery Deaver)
Trade ReviewSykes is a master at combining historical setting with mystery * The Times *
Sykes's gamble in putting Oswald in unfamiliar terrain pays off, as she again blends a detailed immersion in the time period with a clever mystery plot line * Publishers Weekly *
An excellent addition to a thoroughly enjoyable series... Sykes has created a medieval detective story with a troubled protagonist which manages to stay true to its period and hints at even richer things to come - I thoroughly recommend it. * Historia *
A Venice whose ancient glories still survive today provides the background for an investigation whose solution is secondary to identifying the cause of Oswald's angst. * Kirkus *
We are plunged into Sykes' rich soup of Venetian intrigue; period detail; and increasingly intricate plotting, all with the deeply realized character of Lord Somershill fighting his own demons while investigating. A brilliant addition to the Somershill Manor Novels. * Booklist *
This third series outing offers further insights into Lord Somershill and the past that bedevils him, along with sophisticated plotting, intrigue, and immersion in a fascinating historical setting. * Library Journal *
Oswald's character,
beautifully painted by Sykes, dominates this
excellent historical thriller set against the waterways, palaces and dungeons of medieval Venice * Sunday Express *
Comparisons to the master of historical crime, CJ Sansom, are inevitable and, in this case, justified. * The Times *
The whodunnit aspect is neatly done, the family secrets and waspish relationships are intriguing, and humour and originality are abundant. * Daily Mail *
Sykes offers an unusual perspective on this historical period ... She also deals realistically with the troubles of the era's women. * New York Times *
Trouble, and its attendant duties, confront the reluctant young lord on nearly every page of this eventful, engrossing, informative mystery set in mid-14th-century Kent, England. * Wall Street Journal *
There's a nice, cliché-free sharpness to Sykes' writing . . . that suggests a medieval Raymond Chandler at work, and there are no phony celebrations of the peasantry or earth-mothers thrusting herbal concoctions down grateful throats. Plenty of action and interesting characters, without intervention of the libertarian modern conscience that so often wrecks the medieval historical novel. * Independent *
Sykes establishes herself firmly as a major talent. * Publishers Weekly *
