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castlelass's review against another edition
3.0
Historical fiction featuring Christopher Marlowe as Queen Elizabeth’s advance scout to find a route for her tour of the English countryside, where the queen and her many attendants become visible to her subjects. This tour was known as a “progress,” and included sequential visits to the country houses of nobles. They entertained the queen with masques (stage performances), speeches, music, food, and drink. During Marlowe’s advance visits, several unexplained deaths and unpleasant incidents took place. The story revolved around solving the mystery of these incidents.
I found this novel quite unique in its setting and storyline. The author provided vivid descriptions of England in 1591 using period-appropriate language, in the time of Shakespeare (spelled Shaxsper) and Marlowe. I was interested to find out how these seemingly unrelated events were eventually explained. This story has an extremely long build-up and a quick denouement. I found it a solid story that transported me into the time-period. Recommended to readers of historical fiction of the Elizabethan era.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review.
I found this novel quite unique in its setting and storyline. The author provided vivid descriptions of England in 1591 using period-appropriate language, in the time of Shakespeare (spelled Shaxsper) and Marlowe. I was interested to find out how these seemingly unrelated events were eventually explained. This story has an extremely long build-up and a quick denouement. I found it a solid story that transported me into the time-period. Recommended to readers of historical fiction of the Elizabethan era.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review.
aziz_reads's review against another edition
5.0
As much as I love historical fiction, if it is too immersed in language from five centuries ago it can get dry. Luckily, this book didn't have that problem. We have here a book of intrigue and murder around a queen who really just wants to stay alive but also has to see her public once in a while. Overall, a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more.
jilljemmett's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I’ve read in the Kit Marlow series, and I loved it. Even though I haven’t read the other books, I still understood everything. Some of the characters weren’t described in detail, because they were probably introduced in past novels, but it wasn’t a big problem.
I loved the mystery elements of the story. I had no idea what the solution would be. Each of the stops on the planned route of the Queen’s Progress had to be cancelled due to a commotion or death on the property. Each situation seemed so unique that I wondered how they could be connected. The mystery came together in a great ending.
Some of Christopher Marlow’s contemporaries were in the story. Robert Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, was an important character. Will “Shaxsper” also made a couple of appearances in the Rose theatre. I loved how he made up words when he spoke to other people, because he created many of the words that we use today.
I loved this story, and I will definitely look for more in this series in the future!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
I loved the mystery elements of the story. I had no idea what the solution would be. Each of the stops on the planned route of the Queen’s Progress had to be cancelled due to a commotion or death on the property. Each situation seemed so unique that I wondered how they could be connected. The mystery came together in a great ending.
Some of Christopher Marlow’s contemporaries were in the story. Robert Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, was an important character. Will “Shaxsper” also made a couple of appearances in the Rose theatre. I loved how he made up words when he spoke to other people, because he created many of the words that we use today.
I loved this story, and I will definitely look for more in this series in the future!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
vesper1931's review against another edition
2.0
In 1591 Queen Elizabeth decides to go on a progress. It is up to Marlowe to ensure the festitives are handled correctly, but it doesn't take long for the first death. What really is happening, it's for Marlowe to discover.
I liked the idea of the story but not the excution. I just couldn't get that interested in it. 2 stars for finishing the book, but only just.
A NetGalley book
I liked the idea of the story but not the excution. I just couldn't get that interested in it. 2 stars for finishing the book, but only just.
A NetGalley book
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