Customer Reviews

Cruel As the Grave

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

No this is not the same quality of novel as Penman's brilliant historical fiction. But this is also 200 pages and a mystery. I think the other reviewers are comparing apples and oranges and unfairly judging this book. This is remarkably better than The Queen's Man. I must admit I did not solve that mystery, but neither did the author. The ending of that book was a cheap way out of a knot into which the story had been wound. This book was much more logical. The clues where there and although I had early suspiscions of the ultimate culprit, it kept me intersted to the end. The mystery in this case evolves separately from the intrigue at court - so there are really two simultaneous situations for Justin to juggle. It is NOT 1000 pages of brilliant fiction - but it is a fun, quick-read mystery set in 1193. Take it for what it is and you'll enjoy it.

The first novel I read of Sharon Kay Penman took me less than a week to complete. It was well over a thousand pages and I had finals in graduate school, but I couldn't put it down. Cruel of the Grave is not the same caliber of book. Penman's gift of developing characters and a storyline that readers feel intimately involved with is not established in this text. I have read all of her historical novels. After reading each novel I anxiously waited for the next to be published. Penman's talent clearly lies within her ability to write amazing medieval novels, not medieval mysteries.

Although the Justin de Quincy series does not equal Penman's supurb historical novels (especially Here be Dragons, Falls the Shadow, and The Reckoning) and The Queen's Man is the better mystery of the two that have appeared so far, Cruel As the Grave is nevertheless enjoyable and Penman's gift for characterization is strongly evident here, as in all her novels.

Penman's books are not the ones to appeal to those who look for the fantasy of the Middle Ages, with knights that rush to rescue fair maidens. Nary a dragon, either. But her historical research is deep and broad and her mysteries are true to the genre. In short, this is a good choice for people who are looking for historical mysteries, but not "historical fiction," or romance.

This is another wonderful novel by this author, if you really like historical novels then she is the one to read. All the details and description necessary to visually visit this period of time (medieval England) and become captive of the players as she spins one intrigue after another. Justin is the lead in this and is what every man should be, just, loyal, compassionate as he leads you through the mystery created. Completely enjoyable.

Not sure why some of the reviews were so critical. These were not meant to be the epic,long novels that she has written previously. I think stretching herself into mystery writing while keeping it in the same time period was an admirable move. They are rich with detail and Justin de Quincy is completely out of her imagination. I personally adore the character and I like these books. More light reading when you need a break from the large volumes of historical fiction I usually read.

Sharon Kay Penman is, I think, one of if not the best writer of historically based, honest, historical fiction living today. Her several series about the Plantagenets, all huge but engrossing, are all worth reading for those who love historical fiction and also want the truth.

Her other, smaller series (smaller in both length of books and number of books) are the historical mystery series which Penman emphasizes ARE not as historically accurate as her others. The main characters: Eleanor of Aquitaine, John Count of Mortain, her youngest son, and Richard the LionHearted, King of England and many others, as well as the basic plot outline and setting are based truthfully and historically but for the first time her main character and some others are fictional. In her afterwards she clarifies "who is who and what is what" which not all authors (I'm thinking of some major best selling authors) do not.

Not to give away any plots, but the main character is 21 year old Justin de Quincy, a young man with an interesting background, who is a fictional character, and who through a series of accidents and coincidences in the first De Quincy book, "The Queen's Man" becomes a spy or secret agent for Queen Eleanor. All the following books have that as the main focus, as Justin is sent on various dangerous trips or projects for the Queen of England. At this point in time King Richard the LionHearted IS in captivity, held by his enemies. His younger brother John is one of those, as he of course (and true to history) wants his brother's crown. Justin de Quincy's travels and the various mysteries have to do with his trying to help the Queen, as asked, to save her favorite son, Richard.

No, these are not great books, and Penman is more a Historical Fiction than a true mystery author, but she is a good writer, and I enjoyed all the DeQuincy books so far.

So far they are, in order (which is how they should be read):

"The Queen's Man" The Queen's Man: A Medieval Mystery (Medieval Mysteries)

"Cruel as the Grave"Cruel as the Grave

"Dragon's Lair"Dragon's Lair (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

"Prince of Darkness"Prince of Darkness (A Medieval Mystery)

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Her historical fiction which is, indeed, very accurate (each book is given an afterward to clarify any concerns of the reader)-------See the

Are (and again, need to be read in order)can be found on the Sharon Kay Penman "page" or may be easier to Google to get the right order. The order you should look for is the YEAR in which the book takes place; NOT the year Penman wrote it. She goes from the 1100's to the 1400's, so, obviously, there are changes in main characters, the major events, wars, and so on.....Essentially there are two or three trilogies in the "Historical Fiction" books, which are all quite lengthy, but really worth it. to those who love history and want to read well written, lively books.

My son has finished the book and told me that it was a really great story! He enjoyed the story, did not have to be bugged to keep reading and loved the ending. I was suprised since this was a required book by his school for summer reading so read it!

To my mind being a voracious reader I love a good medieval mystery these stories come alive under Sharon Kay Penman to my mind the best of the best. This incredible author makes you feel you are there and that you know her characters. You can't go wrong with one of her books.

The saga of "The Queen's Man" continues in this well written, fast paced mystery. As before, Penman weaves more than one story line throughout the narrative. A delightful book; don't miss it!