I came to this one knowing it to be a historical mystery, set in the middle ages, but also knowing that the author is a fairly well-known romance writer. I have nothing against romance writers in general, preferring to judge every book and author on their own merits and not by some preconceived stereotype.What I found was a nice story with an engaging mystery plot and fairly well-drawn characters. I happen to know quite a bit about the actual history of this time (just after the Battle of the Standards, the opening round of the struggle between Stephen and Matilda) and it is obvious that the author has done her research well. And I did like the way the history interacted with the mystery plot.But overall, I was less impressed with the actual writing, especially the dialogue. Nearly every line seemed to be followed by something like, "she said knowingly" or "he said wistfully." I know that basic writing classes teach students to avoid such adverbial phrasing but I also know that rules are meant to be broken and some fantastic writers occasionally do it anyway. But repeated use of this makes for a "style" of writing and, to me, it screamed "amateur".Similarly, each line of dialogue was followed by an activity of some kind and never strung together: (note: this is not a quote from the novel, just my own made-up example to illustrate the style)Character 1: "Cold night out tonight, wouldn't you say?"Activity: She glanced toward the squire, curling her hair over an ear.Character 2: "Indeed"Activity: The squire began to polish a set of armor.Character 1: "Maybe it will rain"Activity: A thrush tweeted in a nearby bush.Character 2: "Perhaps you are right. It might rain."Activity: Another thrush answered its mate's call with another tweet.etc. etc. etc.Some of that sort of thing works well to add texture to a scene but I didn't enjoy being hit over the head with it.I could give many more examples of the writing style but...I will resist. I am certainly no master of the written word but I know a manuscript in need of an editor when I see one.So overall I would rate the story and plot a "4" but grade the writing level at a "2" so compromised with an overall grade of the dreaded "3"
This is well written and interesting, but contains typos (such as wrong names) and weird errors like interchangeably using "wine" and "ale".. first 5 chapters are filled with repetitive mentions of the rushes on the floors. The author is clearly aware that 'dinner' is the midday meal, but often forgets and refers to the end of the day meal as 'dinner' too. The young heroine is very beautiful, but she also has a tan, which was basically a disfigurement for a lady in the 12th century. She is also so perfect that "she never says the wrong thing". Annoying, in this case the wrong thing is telling a man that he looks tired after it was totally cool for him to basically send her to bed. LOL.
What do You think about No Dark Place (2000)?
This has been classified as a mystery, but it didn't strike me that way. The plot is of a young man in 12th century England who doesn't remember his early childhood. What he does remember is being brought up by the sheriff of Lincoln and his wife.In the first chapter, another knight recognizes Hugh as the missing son of the former Earl of Wiltshire who had been killed thirteen years earlier. Apparently Hugh's features are so similar to his parents' that he could be identified after such a long time. Hugh at first refuses to believe this, but eventually becomes convinced and then tries to determine who killed his father.The book is set in the early years of the battle for the throne between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Both sides are trying to win Hugh's allegiance once his true identity becomes known. Historical events are included which illustrate the time in which the story takes place.For me this was more of a coming-of-age story as Hugh comes to grips with his true identity, meets his biological mother, and falls in love. It wasn't until I came to the GR page and saw it listed as Medieval Mystery #1 that I realized "Oh yeah, he was trying to solve his father's murder".
—Julia
The dust jacket makes this novel sound interesting, I wish I had stopped at the dust jacket. The book itself was poorly written, the story itself was completely predictable, the dialogue was shallow and dull. There was no character development, the romance portion of the story was passionless the characters had no chemistry. All in all the only thing I was please with was the fact that I borrowed this from the library.If you are looking for a good historical fiction try Sharon Kaye Penman's 'The Sunne In Splendour', for an historical romance try 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon.
—Barb
I like a period piece every once in a while and Joan Wolf appears to be just what i need for some enjoyment. This is my first book of hers. I see she has a long list, so i will read more. Medieval England is ripe for mysterious historical fiction, there was so much going on. There are familiar and interesting characters in this book, the old, probably over-used, battle between Stephen and Maude. But this book gave a very good flavor of day-to-day life and surroundings, which i enjoy and it was an interesting story.
—Jean Perry
