Reviews

A Tip for the Hangman by Allison Epstein

rowan_simone's review against another edition

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4.0

so gay. kit marlowe is in his icon era i think

poodily's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

rulubear's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

melausten's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5

backstagebadger's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kelpish's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 rounded up to 4 because “queer Elizabethan espionage story based on historical events” is too up my alley to not reward.

schnaucl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a very well written novel based on the premise that Christopher "Kit" Marlowe was a spy, something the author's note at the end says there's actually some evidence in the historical record to support.

Epstein does a good job showing the toll espionage takes on Kit.   He can want the plots to fail but still feel sympathy for the people involved in the plots and still feel the weight of the consequences he helped bring about.

I've never read his plays but now i want to read Doctor Faustus.

It was  well told tell with interesting characters.
Sadly, it does follow history at the end, but that's hardly Allison Epstein's fault.

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geisttull's review against another edition

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3.0

listened to this one. good story

klobrc's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Alright. The romance didn't really do anything for me, which did not help. 

rjsreadingnook's review against another edition

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5.0

What a thrilling ride! It’s hard to believe this is a debut, because author Allison Epstein has crafted an intriguing historical fiction novel with such skill and mastery.

I have been a Christopher Marlowe fan ever since I read Edward II for fun back in my college days so this was a treat. I had no idea that he most likely was involved in spy work for Queen Elizabeth I. I understand based on the author’s notes that not all of the events in the book are accurate but it made for an exciting and entertaining read.

At the heart of the novel was an unexpectedly tender gay love story between Kit (Marlowe) and Tom. The romance was written perfectly and served as a way of showing Kit’s humanity and conscience during his downward spiral, especially in part 2 of the novel.

I strongly recommend this book for historical fiction lovers, especially people who appreciate LGBTQ+ historic figures.

Thank you to Doubleday for the gifted copy. #PRHPartner

Look for more of my thoughts on A Tip for the Hangman on Instagram on 2/18/21.