A vivid depiction of the past, with a mystery thrown in

Much fascinating details about life shortly after the Black Death, most of it accurate based on my reading, with an occasional mildly jarring anachronism. The bookseller is likeable & mostly sensible, except when he needs to be stupid to create the necessary plot crisis.

I look forward to seeing how this series develops.

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8 people found this helpful

Simple but satisfying.

This was one of those gentle stories that will never challenge you. I do not think less of it for that. Sometimes you don't want great literature; writing that will wrack you with angst and leave you wringing your hands at the the state of the human race. Sometimes you just want to be told a story that will take you on a brief escape somewhere else and lull you back into your real life with as small a jolt as possible. This is one of the latter.

The main character is quaint and endearing. His family situation leaves scope for both a small level of independence and yet he remains bound by responsibility and so the reader won't be wondering if he'll sail off into the horizon at any point. The setting and time frame makes the plot interesting and fairly original - most author's go for historically more documented times. I suppose this means that the author is less likely to be caught out of with the odd historical inaccuracy.

Generally, a relaxing and engaging tale that may have been a bit more lively will a less monotonous narrator.

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5 people found this helpful

Great story

Well written and narrated, Good story well researched for the period. A smaller novel than some I have listened too but well worth the time spent listening.

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A lovely tale set in a wonderful place

Oxford is one of my favourite places on the planet. History is a passion. Literature is a calling. Having all three beautifully woven together in a delightful murder mystery is a delight. A lovely listen and I am now looking forward to the rest of the series with relish. If you too love Oxford and or history you will find this exquisitely researched book a delight.

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8 people found this helpful

thoroughly enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the narrator and the characters. Nice details and descriptions without being too wordy.

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1 person found this helpful

Pleasant enough romp

This is a very easy listen with good characterisation. The plot was a little intricate and chock full of red herrings which, to my mind, was unnecessary. Nevertheless I look forward to the next book in this series.

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1 person found this helpful

Lightweight

Although giving a fair impression of medieval life after The Death, the plot itself was fairly simplistic and quite easily unravelled. An unchallenging experience.

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1 person found this helpful

Most enjoyable book

I like the way the sort was written and the characters although the outcome of the mystery was a little predictable .

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enjoyable

i surprisingly enjoyed this book.. does it rambke a bit.. yes. but still the story moved on fast enough and was goid enough for me to want to try the next.

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1 person found this helpful

A really enjoyable mystery

The daily lives of University scholars, tradesmen and families in the years following the Black Death and the greed of one man.

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1 person found this helpful