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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Watery Grave (Wiki Coffin Mysteries #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The first in a historical mystery series set during the US Exploration Expedition of the early 1800's. Wiki Coffin, half New Zealander half American, is hired to be a linguist. But the night before they sail, Wiki finds a boat with a dead body inside. The woman was murdered, and there is reason to believe that the killer is with the expedition, especially when another body turns up. The historic details slowed the book down at times, but on the whole I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and the trip back in time.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-watery-grave-by-joan-druett.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-watery-grave-by-joan-druett.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) in Movies
Oct 16, 2020
Late 90's drama, apparently based on the final of Alexandre Dumas's D'Artagnan Romances "Ten Years Later", and purporting to answer the mystery behind who was the real Man in the Iron Mask.
Yes, there was such a figure.
No, there's no historical evidence that he wore the mask 24/7, or that he was locked up in squalor.
This has an impressive cast list, including the likes of John Malkovich (Athos), Gérard Depardieu (Porthos), Jeremy Irons (Aramis), Gabriel Byrne (D'Artagnan) and a still-very-young Leonardo Di Caprio (Philippe/Louis) - who was then very much still in his 'pretty boy' phase - but the film just never really seems to 'take off' at all.
Yes, there was such a figure.
No, there's no historical evidence that he wore the mask 24/7, or that he was locked up in squalor.
This has an impressive cast list, including the likes of John Malkovich (Athos), Gérard Depardieu (Porthos), Jeremy Irons (Aramis), Gabriel Byrne (D'Artagnan) and a still-very-young Leonardo Di Caprio (Philippe/Louis) - who was then very much still in his 'pretty boy' phase - but the film just never really seems to 'take off' at all.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Novel Disguise in Books
May 18, 2023
How Long Can Tiffany Disguise the Danger She’s In?
When her half-brother dies unexpectedly, Tiffany Woodall quietly buries him and then assumes his identity. There is nothing else for her to do in 1780’s England, especially if she wants to stay in the cottage the two of them lived in. But she quickly finds that being two people is much more challenging than she expected, especially when she starts falling in love with the local book seller and has to dodge the marriage proposal of the local rector. But it’s taking over her half-brother’s job of the local duke’s librarian that puts her in the most danger when one of the servants dies. Might it tie to her brother’s death?
Obviously, there is a lot going on here, and it does mean the mystery takes a little time to become an important part of the story. But I didn’t care. I was quickly caught up in Tiffany’s life and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to her next. And make no mistake about it, the mystery here is strong. I loved how things were all pulled together for the climax. The characters are also wonderful, with plenty of them to love or love to hate. I always felt like I was transported back in time as I was reading. My only complaint was that we learned a little more than I felt necessary about the after effects of the poison, but that was a minor issue. I’m already looking forward to the sequel. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, don’t miss this one.
Obviously, there is a lot going on here, and it does mean the mystery takes a little time to become an important part of the story. But I didn’t care. I was quickly caught up in Tiffany’s life and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to her next. And make no mistake about it, the mystery here is strong. I loved how things were all pulled together for the climax. The characters are also wonderful, with plenty of them to love or love to hate. I always felt like I was transported back in time as I was reading. My only complaint was that we learned a little more than I felt necessary about the after effects of the poison, but that was a minor issue. I’m already looking forward to the sequel. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, don’t miss this one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Royal Affair in Books
Sep 4, 2024 (Updated Sep 4, 2024)
Protecting Royal Love
Someone has sent Princess Elizabeth a letter hinting at a scandal in the past of Prince Philip. The letter was intercepted, and Iris Sparks and Gwen Baingridge have been approached to find out if there is any truth to the scandal or not. Since it is believed that the two royals are heading for an engagement by the end of the summer, time is of the essence. When Iris and Gwen begin digging in to see if there is truth behind the insinuation, they hit dead ends and uncertain connections. Can they find out if someone is about to out a royal scandal?
I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get back to this series. This was a fun second visit. The characters are sharp, and I love how Iris and Gwen complement each other so well. The mystery was good, although it was a little overly convoluted at the end. It all made sense, however. The real world fits well into this historical mystery, and, even though I knew how history actually played out, I was hooked. I’d forgotten just how much humor there was, especially the banter between the leads. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I am able to visit them again.
I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get back to this series. This was a fun second visit. The characters are sharp, and I love how Iris and Gwen complement each other so well. The mystery was good, although it was a little overly convoluted at the end. It all made sense, however. The real world fits well into this historical mystery, and, even though I knew how history actually played out, I was hooked. I’d forgotten just how much humor there was, especially the banter between the leads. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I am able to visit them again.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Summoner’s Sins (Sandal Castle Medieval Thrillers #3) in Books
Mar 30, 2021
The Summoner’s Sins is a really engaging historical fiction set in the 14th century. I really liked that real historical people were used in the narrative, and the attitudes of medieval people towards religion and witchcraft always fascinates me. The average medieval person was a very superstitious type - which I suppose was an understandable way to make sense of the world without science. Curses shouted out from the gallows abound in this story, and there are plenty of rebels in the background who are only too happy to make it look as though they are curses that have come true.
Richard Lee is a reasoned and logical man, and able to tell a curse from an actual murder - and thank goodness for him! I really liked the characters that Keith Moray has written in to this story, and Richard and Hubert are great lead characters. Richard is a god-fearing man, but he doesn’t let religion get in the way of the truth. Hubert is ever faithful to Richard and their pursuit of the truth.
I really very much enjoyed this book - I do like historical fiction (you’ve probably guessed this by now!) and I enjoy a good mystery. This delivered in spades on both counts.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for providing me with an e-ARC.
Richard Lee is a reasoned and logical man, and able to tell a curse from an actual murder - and thank goodness for him! I really liked the characters that Keith Moray has written in to this story, and Richard and Hubert are great lead characters. Richard is a god-fearing man, but he doesn’t let religion get in the way of the truth. Hubert is ever faithful to Richard and their pursuit of the truth.
I really very much enjoyed this book - I do like historical fiction (you’ve probably guessed this by now!) and I enjoy a good mystery. This delivered in spades on both counts.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for providing me with an e-ARC.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Her Gilded Prison (Daughters of Sin #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Historical isn't one of my favorites when it comes to genre but this one had enough romance and mystery to keep me interested. The writing was intriquing and very well done. It made me feel as if I could see and feel what was happening to and with the characters. Stephen was a bit odd at first, I didn't know what to think of him but he made me laugh and smile. And then I fell in love with him and with Sybil. The secondary type characters also made me smile and feel good. Which is always fun because sometimes the other characters get put into the background and you don't feel them, but not in this story. I am so glad I got to review this one
Pawel Pawlikowski recommended Ivan's Childhood (1962) in Movies (curated)
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Moonlight School in Books
Mar 11, 2021
Are you looking for a book that is based on illiteracy? This book called "The Moonlight School" is about that, and a little mystery is popped in as well. It seems like this is mostly about the mountain people that are in Rowen County.
This book is a few main characters, Cora Wilson, Lucy Wilson, Angie Copper, and Finley James. One other one that name is Brother Watt. The author pops a little romance in this book as well. However, most of this book is about learning to read and write.
Will they be able to get the folks' help in the hills to learn to read and write? Will the Moonlight School campaign be stopped in its tracks? Will Lucy find her sister, or will she accept god answer? There seems like there some romance going on, and will Lucy choose Andrew or Watt?
My favorite is learning about how the night schools started. I love the fact that we know about illiteracy and how it the solution came about. This book seems to occur based on actual historical events. That seems like a good idea.
If you are a book fan, well, this is a book you may want to read, It about books and teaching an adult to read. There some mystery in the plot, The author wrote a perfect story plot.
This book is a few main characters, Cora Wilson, Lucy Wilson, Angie Copper, and Finley James. One other one that name is Brother Watt. The author pops a little romance in this book as well. However, most of this book is about learning to read and write.
Will they be able to get the folks' help in the hills to learn to read and write? Will the Moonlight School campaign be stopped in its tracks? Will Lucy find her sister, or will she accept god answer? There seems like there some romance going on, and will Lucy choose Andrew or Watt?
My favorite is learning about how the night schools started. I love the fact that we know about illiteracy and how it the solution came about. This book seems to occur based on actual historical events. That seems like a good idea.
If you are a book fan, well, this is a book you may want to read, It about books and teaching an adult to read. There some mystery in the plot, The author wrote a perfect story plot.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Mar 4, 2022
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Mapmaker's Children in Books
Sep 9, 2017
I loved this book with each turn of the page. It gave you two stories that went well together. You get a modern mystery. You also learn about history at that time.
This book has you learn about Sarah and her family. We learn about slavery and what it like to be a part of the UGRR? The historical fiction and story go through the past to the future.
What will happen to Sarah and helping other by being so brave? The abolitionist John Brown has a daughter that might really be talented. She and Eden have something in common. Will Eden uncover the secrets of the past to the future?
You do learn about slavery and what our country was going through at that time. Eden may find a story that connects to the Hills from the past to present.
This book has you learn about Sarah and her family. We learn about slavery and what it like to be a part of the UGRR? The historical fiction and story go through the past to the future.
What will happen to Sarah and helping other by being so brave? The abolitionist John Brown has a daughter that might really be talented. She and Eden have something in common. Will Eden uncover the secrets of the past to the future?
You do learn about slavery and what our country was going through at that time. Eden may find a story that connects to the Hills from the past to present.