A review by artemisia_vulgaris
Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Like the character at the centre of events, who is almost entirely absent from the narrative, this book wears its cleverness on its sleeve. A mysterious town of shrouded history and isolated, anachronistically artisanal appearance. Eccentric characters with peculiar names, a knotty puzzle taken up from many strands, a few left dangling from which to weave a sequel. I enjoyed it, but did not love it - like a Tudor inn refurbished by millionaire-turned-landlord, its whimsical authenticity doesn’t quite persuade, but it’s a pleasant place to spend a few hours.

The narration was lively, characterful, end evocative of place and events. It only grated in a very few places (no astronomer says afelion for aphelion) and from a perfectionist like me, that’s praise.