Helpful Score: 8
This book has become one of my all-time favorites. Very well written. I don't have any knowledge of (or specific interest in) 1600s England, but the plot and the writing make it fascinating. I loved how each witness gives you a different look at an event that you thought you knew from the previous witness. The story just builds and builds. Even if you don't "like" the characters, you can learn from each one. It is a thick novel, but worth the time spent to read it!
Helpful Score: 6
This is a really excellent read! The writing style is tough, but if you can get through it, you'll be in for a treat! I didn't like many of the characters in the book either, but I was so sucked in, there was no way I was going to stop reading it. With each character's version of the story, more truth is revealed and more mystery added! The author really was masterful with this book. The ending is excellent! I don't usually re-read books, but I may go back to this book again someday. I think knowing the ending, it would be fun to go back through it and miss all the "fingerposts" along the way!
Helpful Score: 5
I cannot say enough about this book to the point that I just found and ordered the hardback copy to accompany my paperback. I absolutely love the way Iain Pears writes this novel, using point of view, very descriptive language, and a stunningly convincing plot to carry the reader through what could be an intimidating size of book. This book is well worth the time, effort and credit.
Helpful Score: 4
Excellent mystery told from 4 different viewpoints.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a gem of a book, I happened upon it in a remainder sale. It's an historical mystery, which is not my usual reach-for genre; I'm a historical fiction buff, but mysteries not so much. I ended up totally engrossed by this tale, which is indeed a murder mystery told from 4 different character points of view. Each tells the story in his own perspective, very believeably. The genius of the tale is that you are left to decide whose version you think is the truth. Very detailed historical context, centered on the mid-1600s, the time of the restoration of King Charles II in England; the details are so refined and accurate that you end up with a great understanding of life as it must have been then. I recommend it highly.
