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A review by biblio_jordyn
A Tip for the Hangman by Allison Epstein
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“It brought a sense of petty satisfaction, watching someone who doubted you adjust their expectations.”
Scholarship student and future playwright, Christopher Marlowe, gets pulled aside by Queen Elizabeth I’s Spymaster for an opportunity...be a spy. Dangling gold and thrills to the student who came from nothing? How could he say no?
I, usually, don’t read historical fiction, but this one caught my eye because of the description.
Historical fiction? Thriller? LGBTQIA Representation? All wrapped into one? I was sold.
What could have been better?
There were some sections that I thought dragged, which could have been replaced with scenes with action and espionage, but that could be me being impatient and just wanting a full on drama.
What I liked?
For the most part, the storyline was interesting and believable. The espionage portions of this book were ADDICTING. The writing immersed me in England with familiar playwrights like William Shakespeare in some sections. ALSO! Portions of this book were based in truth (not all, which is all explained at the end in the authors note). Honestly, reading this felt like watching a spy movie/tv show. I was left with a new found love I didn’t know I would have!
This is a book I WOULD LOVE to see turn into a Netflix original series, can we make that happen?
This author has definitely sold me on historical thrillers!
Scholarship student and future playwright, Christopher Marlowe, gets pulled aside by Queen Elizabeth I’s Spymaster for an opportunity...be a spy. Dangling gold and thrills to the student who came from nothing? How could he say no?
I, usually, don’t read historical fiction, but this one caught my eye because of the description.
Historical fiction? Thriller? LGBTQIA Representation? All wrapped into one? I was sold.
What could have been better?
There were some sections that I thought dragged, which could have been replaced with scenes with action and espionage, but that could be me being impatient and just wanting a full on drama.
What I liked?
For the most part, the storyline was interesting and believable. The espionage portions of this book were ADDICTING. The writing immersed me in England with familiar playwrights like William Shakespeare in some sections. ALSO! Portions of this book were based in truth (not all, which is all explained at the end in the authors note). Honestly, reading this felt like watching a spy movie/tv show. I was left with a new found love I didn’t know I would have!
This is a book I WOULD LOVE to see turn into a Netflix original series, can we make that happen?
This author has definitely sold me on historical thrillers!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Murder