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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
2 1/2 stars: rather disappointing unfortunately,
By tregatt (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Chaucer and the Legend of Good Women: A Medieval Murder Mystery (Hardcover)
Even though he is old and sickly, Edward III of England is still intent on continuing his never-ending war with France. But in order to do that he must have money. And so, Geoffrey Chaucer is sent, once again, on another diplomatic errand. This time to Florence in order to secure the money that his king needs from the rich Lipari Bank. But even though the banker Lipari may be willing to throw caution to the wind and lend the English king the money he needs, others are eager to thwart this new venture; and Chaucer soon finds himself mixed up, not only in dangerous Florentine politics, but also in the strange and acrimonious relationship between the Lipari brothers, and murder...
I have to admit, I was really disappointed with this mystery novel, especially since I had enjoyed the first book in the series so very much. As a mystery novel, it rated a very bland 2 stars, while as a historical novel, it rated about 3 stars. The thing is that was a very sterile and bland read. After a very promising and intriguing read, everything just fizzled. There was no tension or suspense, and the plot kept going backwards and forwards -- and sometimes in a very confusing way. So that for a novel that featured the fascinating Geoffrey Chaucer as chief protagonist, and that was supposed to take place in Florence during the exciting, early stages of the Renaissance, this was really irritating. The other problem was that characters were not properly developed -- too many remained enigmas like the young woman who appears at the beginning of the book but doesn't make another apperance until the near end; also certain plot motifs were never properly developed as well -- the strange and acrimonious relationship between the two Lipari brothers, for example. So that all in all, what with the lack of supsense, excitement and tension; the not properly developed characters and storyline; and all the to-ing and fro-ing, I'd have to vote this a very disappointing 2 1/2 star read
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chaucer's 'tale' continues,
By
This review is from: Chaucer and the Legend of Good Women: A Medieval Murder Mystery (Hardcover)
Phillippa Morgan's second novel in the three set series takes our intrepid Geoffrey Chaucer to Florence, the thriving, bustling city in the outset of its famous Renaissance (14th century) and once again the "Father of English Literature" is involved in a complicated, convoluted murder mystery.
Our hero, who's yet to pen more than a few lines on his own series of tales (after all, it's only the middle of the 14th century!), is on a diplomatic mission to bankers of Florence for his king, Edward III, who's so in over his head in his own wars with France that he desperately needs the money. This mission should be simple--just secure the papers for the loan and Chaucer can get back to his wife and family in London. Alas, though, as readers can expect, it's not quite so simple. Murder will out. As with Chaucer's own "Canterbury Tales" (but certainly not anywhere near the same degree!), Morgan's medieval mystery story not only addresses the subject of murder but looks at social, economic, and religious issues and injustices. Chaucer is set to finalize proceeings with the banker Antonio Lipari, one of the financial leaders of Florence. Before the transactions can be completed, Antonio is found dead, apparently killed by a toppled statue in his own villa. Of course, owing to the nature of Morgan's genre (a murder mystery!) and to the story's plot development, Chaucer suspects foul play and the story moves rapidly from this point. It's up to Chaucer to find the murderer. However, before the story is neatly and deftly finished (it's a murder mystery!), Morgan provides us with a melange of characters, some good, noble, and bad, most of whom have a credible motive for killing Antonio, including Antonio's blind brother, his sister-in-law, his assistant, and a number of others (Morgan is quick to round up the "usual suspects"!). One disappointment is that Morgan does not provide our Geoffrey with his two trusty aides from the first book, Alan and Ned, but as it's been three years since Chaucer's last "mission," perhaps they've moved on to higher paying and safer jobs! That said, "Chaucer and the Legend of Good Women" is a good read. Morgan's foray into historical, police-procedural fiction is a good one. She keeps the story going with Chaucerian humor and satire yet maintains the seriousness that a murder mystery should possess. Not deep--Morgan's not Umberto Eco--but few historical murder mystery writers are, this episode holds its own and, of course, readies us for the third installment Chaucer and the Doctor of Physic , set for a July, 2006, publication. Basically, the book is an uncomplicated fun read, one that captures the interest, imagination, and enjoyment of historical fiction fans! (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The mysteries of medieval murder,
By J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Chaucer and the Legend of Good Women: A Medieval Murder Mystery (Hardcover)
I picked this book up quite by chance and find that I've read the second book in a series of three.
Written within a light, but informative, framework of history the story moves quickly enough to maintain interest but not so quickly that connections cannot be made and tested. As in Chaucer's written legend itself, this book is more about bad men than good women. Or is it? Entertaining and well written: I'll be looking to read more of Master Chaucer's adventures. Whether or not they feature bad fish and fallen statues. A recommended light read. Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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