Helpful Score: 4
Don't be put off by the title--this book isn't an attack on either Darwin or the theory of evolution. Instead, it's a historical mystery in the tradition of A. S. Byatt's "Possession." In one narrative thread, we gradually learn what happened during the Beagle's voyage; in the other, we meet two modern scholars trying to unearth that story through documents. The novel has appealing characters and a lot of emotional force.
Helpful Score: 3
A really interesting novel that traces Darwin's journey, his relationships with other members of the expedition, and a huge secret that is being kept under wraps. A very good read, with flashbacks to the journey as one person finally pieces together the puzzle. Almost like a period mystery novel.
Obviously playing on The DaVinci Code but actually more interesting than it!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a fun little novel that starts out simple, then spirals into intrigue by the end. The action is a little uneven - there's a stretch in the middle that isn't all that exciting and then at least two books' worth of excitement is crammed into the last small section - but there's plenty there.
