Comments on: My Top Ten Historical Mysteries

By: Janet W

Janet W — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:12:47 +0000

Thanks for the feedback: appreciated Today my dd found a take*on*the*plane book for her trip back east: “Under the Eagle” by Simon Scarrow … looks good. Same time period as “The Gladiator” movie.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:07:17 +0000

@Janet W I'm about halfway through The White Queen. So far, it's not my favourite of her books. I have a particular idea of Elizabeth Woodville's character in my head, and Philippa Gregory's take is very different to mine. Still, I'll reserve judgement until I get to the end. As always, it's very well-written and the reader gets a feel for the times.

By: Janet W

Janet W — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:07:17 +0000

My dd is crazy for Miz Gregory … how is her new book comparing to her other works?

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:15:54 +0000

@heidenkind I've never heard of P.B. Ryan! Must check those out. Thanks! @Keishon I'd love to know what you'd include on your list! @Marissa Yet more for the TBR pile, then? @Andrea The C.J. Sansom books are set during the reign of King Henry VIII, which is one of my favourite historical periods. Yes, I read 'The Alienist'. I found it to be an OK read but I wasn't blown away by it. @Li I've read the Deanna Raybourn books and enjoyed them, particularly Silent in the Sanctuary. However, I had issues with inconsistent characterization over the three books in the series, particularly in relation to Lady Julia's father.

By: Li

Li — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:38:19 +0000

I love Maisie Dobbs too – and it sounds as though I need to check out CJ Sansom!

Have you read Deanna Raybourn’s Silent books? They’re Victorian-era mysteries and the first book has the best opening lines ever…

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:53:51 +0000

4 books from C.J. Sansom made your top 10?!? Must be a great series. You’ve written about it a couple of times and I’ve added it to my ‘must read’ list for after my holiday in September.

Did you read the Caleb Carr books – The Alienist was the first I think.

By: Marissa

Marissa — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:25:29 +0000

Hides under desk… for I have not read one of your top ten list!! But some on your list sound great so I will be checking them out.

By: Keishon

Keishon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:55:04 +0000

Thanks for this list!

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:33:33 +0000

I haven’t read any of those books, though I do enjoy historical mysteries. My favorites are probably The Gilded Age Mysteries by PB Ryan.