Review by Ro Bennett on show 26th Nov.
I enjoyed the book on the whole although I felt it dragged a bit at the end and at times there was too much explanation and description, so it was a bit like a text book. Reading some of the reviews, other readers agree with this. I’ll read one review which sums up what I thought about the book.
Lots of "encyclopedia speak". Dan Brown has clearly done lots of research while writing this book, but do we need to be told ALL of it? Sometimes it felt more like I was reading excerpts from Wikipedia than a novel! The pace does pick up though, and Dan Brown is still the master of the hanging chapters that get you staying up late reading "just one more" - it's a long book, but you tear through it.
As for me, I like books which send me scurrying to Google to look things up and I found several interesting topics. I didn’t know anything about Washington, so I was fascinated by the architectural details and facts he included. I looked up George Washington and found the picture and statue Dan Brown mentions. Then I looked up religious symbols and their meaning and delved into Freemasonary. It was all very interesting!
My main interest was the bit about Noetic Science. I’ve already browsed their website and have read the book Dan Brown mentions called The Intention Experiment by Lynne Mc Taggart - so have started to read that again to refresh my memory. In her book The Field, Lynne Mc Taggart mentions Edgar Mitchell who co-founded the Institute of Noetic Science in 1973. Edgar Mitchell, was an astronaut who was part of the Apollo 14 mission. His experience inspired him to research into human consciousness and intention and it seems that Dan Brown is also intrigued with that sort of thing.
Throughout the Lost Symbol there is code cracking and deciphering and I love that because I’m rubbish at that sort of thing. I googled Durer’s picture Melencolia mentioned in the book and found the magic square in the picture. All the rows add up to 34, the columns add up to 34 and the diagonals add up to 34. On the bottom line of the square, the middle numbers are 15 and14 which reads 1514, that was the year the picture was painted. It’s absolute genius! Apparently, Magic Squares were created 4,000 years ago in Egypt and India and were believed to hold magical powers.
So as you can see there was a lot of meat in the book for me. I found loads to keep me occupied and interested and so I could overlook the weaknesses and flaws in the plot and the dreary unrealistic bits.
by Ro Bennett
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Dan Brown. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Dan Brown. Sort by date Show all posts
Friday, 27 November 2009
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
show 22nd October interview with jimmy paget brown
Well, on show today we have Jimmy Paget-Brown talking to us about his new book 'Finns War'.
also we have reviews from Brian Lowen - another Dan Brown Digital Fortress and Folly by Alan Tichmarsh.
Also will be looking at the dagger winners which were announced last night.
Linda Thomas interviewed Jimmy Paget-Brown on the bookshow on 22nd Oct 2009:
LT: When did you come to the Islands?
JPB: My wife and I came to live on St.Agnes in 1998, from Shropshire.
LT: Had you been over here before?
JPB: We had been to the islands a couple of times and stayed on Tresco and St Martins and enjoyed the islands so when this place on St Agnes came up for sale we bought it.
LT: Wow that was quite a contrast suddenly going to live on St Agnes which is a small and isolated island.
JPB: Yes, but beautiful though and the best of them all!
LT: Well, I couldn’t live there its too quiet for me, St Marys is quiet enough
LT: What was your profession prior to coming here?
JPB: I worked for Sales Marketing
LT: What made you take up pen & paper?
JPB: Since a young adult my dream was to either play Rugby for England or write a book. I didn’t play rugby for England so I went for the second best dream.
LT: the book is based around World War 11, why this subject for the book?
JPB: Because I lived through the war, I remember the bombs dropping and Chamberlains speech when he told us we were going to war with Germany. In fact I have to laugh when I read in the news of unexploded bombs from WW2 being discovered and surrounding houses being evacuated for a radius of 3 miles. When we were boys an unexploded bomb landed in our neighbours garden and we would go and watch the men digging around and trying to lift it out of the boggy ground, on our way back from school!
LT: How long did it take to write and research?
JPB: It took me 4years from start to finish and I did my research through books, sometimes online and through my memories and experiences.
LT: What about a publisher and proof reader, how did you go about finding them?
JPB: Well, I knew it was either trawl around the publishers in London or publish myself out of my own pocket, so I went for the latter. A friend of mine is a childrens author so she proof read for me and enjoyed the book and also suggested the publishing house.
LT: What about the book cover design as I really do sometimes judge a book by its cover?
JPB: We have a friend who is an artist and she painted the idea in watercolours.
LT: did you have an idea of what you wanted?
JPB: Most certainly, I knew I wanted the background of London in the blitz – St Pauls cathedral, the spotlights, rubble, and the family in the forefront.
LT: So, can you give us a quick resume of the book?
JPB: It is set from the beginning to the end of the war and the story is based around a family who live through these times.
(Brian Lowens also on the bookshow, who has started to read the book, asks if any of the family are based on JPB himself, especially the bright athletic one?)
JPB, with a wry smile: I think there is definitely some similarity
LT: Do you read & if so what do you like reading? Favourite authors?
JPB: I like historical factual novels especially by an author called Antony Beever best known for his works, the best-selling Stalingrad and Berlin - The Downfall 1945 recount the World War II battles between the Soviet Union and Germany.
Fiction books, one of my favourite authors is Patricia Cornwell. Mind you I always feel guilty reading - I feel I should be doing the housework or cleaning or something.
LT: Hm, I always have that fleeting thought just for a nanosecond, then its gone and I get back to what I enjoy doing - lives too short not to Jimmy.
LT: Do you have any other hobbies?
JPB: I used to like playing squash but I never played after I came to live here as I felt I was too old. I enjoy swimming and swim most days in the sea.
LT: Wow, don’t you find it too cold!
JPB: Oh no, I have my wetsuit on!
JPB: I would like to say what tremendous joy I get from writing, its therapeutic and gives you power, power to do and say anything you want, you are in control of your story. I would recommend it to anyone. My next book will be a childrens book. I have written childrens stories before.
LT: Oh, I didn’t realise, were they published?
JPB: No, they were for the benefit of my own children when they were small, for me to read to them.
LT: Well I hope you will come back on the show and talk about your next book when you have finished it. It has been a pleasure having you on the show and talking to you. Thank you very much. Oh, by the way, why do you not use your full name on your book?
JPB: Well, I thought Jimmy Paget-Brown was too much of a mouthful so I shortened it to James Brown.....
also we have reviews from Brian Lowen - another Dan Brown Digital Fortress and Folly by Alan Tichmarsh.
Also will be looking at the dagger winners which were announced last night.
Linda Thomas interviewed Jimmy Paget-Brown on the bookshow on 22nd Oct 2009:
LT: When did you come to the Islands?
JPB: My wife and I came to live on St.Agnes in 1998, from Shropshire.
LT: Had you been over here before?
JPB: We had been to the islands a couple of times and stayed on Tresco and St Martins and enjoyed the islands so when this place on St Agnes came up for sale we bought it.
LT: Wow that was quite a contrast suddenly going to live on St Agnes which is a small and isolated island.
JPB: Yes, but beautiful though and the best of them all!
LT: Well, I couldn’t live there its too quiet for me, St Marys is quiet enough
LT: What was your profession prior to coming here?
JPB: I worked for Sales Marketing
LT: What made you take up pen & paper?
JPB: Since a young adult my dream was to either play Rugby for England or write a book. I didn’t play rugby for England so I went for the second best dream.
LT: the book is based around World War 11, why this subject for the book?
JPB: Because I lived through the war, I remember the bombs dropping and Chamberlains speech when he told us we were going to war with Germany. In fact I have to laugh when I read in the news of unexploded bombs from WW2 being discovered and surrounding houses being evacuated for a radius of 3 miles. When we were boys an unexploded bomb landed in our neighbours garden and we would go and watch the men digging around and trying to lift it out of the boggy ground, on our way back from school!
LT: How long did it take to write and research?
JPB: It took me 4years from start to finish and I did my research through books, sometimes online and through my memories and experiences.
LT: What about a publisher and proof reader, how did you go about finding them?
JPB: Well, I knew it was either trawl around the publishers in London or publish myself out of my own pocket, so I went for the latter. A friend of mine is a childrens author so she proof read for me and enjoyed the book and also suggested the publishing house.
LT: What about the book cover design as I really do sometimes judge a book by its cover?
JPB: We have a friend who is an artist and she painted the idea in watercolours.
LT: did you have an idea of what you wanted?
JPB: Most certainly, I knew I wanted the background of London in the blitz – St Pauls cathedral, the spotlights, rubble, and the family in the forefront.
LT: So, can you give us a quick resume of the book?
JPB: It is set from the beginning to the end of the war and the story is based around a family who live through these times.
(Brian Lowens also on the bookshow, who has started to read the book, asks if any of the family are based on JPB himself, especially the bright athletic one?)
JPB, with a wry smile: I think there is definitely some similarity
LT: Do you read & if so what do you like reading? Favourite authors?
JPB: I like historical factual novels especially by an author called Antony Beever best known for his works, the best-selling Stalingrad and Berlin - The Downfall 1945 recount the World War II battles between the Soviet Union and Germany.
Fiction books, one of my favourite authors is Patricia Cornwell. Mind you I always feel guilty reading - I feel I should be doing the housework or cleaning or something.
LT: Hm, I always have that fleeting thought just for a nanosecond, then its gone and I get back to what I enjoy doing - lives too short not to Jimmy.
LT: Do you have any other hobbies?
JPB: I used to like playing squash but I never played after I came to live here as I felt I was too old. I enjoy swimming and swim most days in the sea.
LT: Wow, don’t you find it too cold!
JPB: Oh no, I have my wetsuit on!
JPB: I would like to say what tremendous joy I get from writing, its therapeutic and gives you power, power to do and say anything you want, you are in control of your story. I would recommend it to anyone. My next book will be a childrens book. I have written childrens stories before.
LT: Oh, I didn’t realise, were they published?
JPB: No, they were for the benefit of my own children when they were small, for me to read to them.
LT: Well I hope you will come back on the show and talk about your next book when you have finished it. It has been a pleasure having you on the show and talking to you. Thank you very much. Oh, by the way, why do you not use your full name on your book?
JPB: Well, I thought Jimmy Paget-Brown was too much of a mouthful so I shortened it to James Brown.....
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Dan Brown - Angels and Demons
review by Brian Lowen 11th June 09
A cracking good thriller that gets you enthralled right from the start. I hope the film of the book recently released is as good, although I somewhat doubt it. I enjoyed this book better than The Da Vinci Code.
When a world renowned scientist is found brutally murdered, a Harvard professor, Robert Langdon, is summoned to identify the mysterious symbol burned onto the dead man’s chest. His conclusion: it is the work of the Illuminati – a secret brotherhood presumed extinct for nearly four hundred years – now reborn to continue their bitter vendetta against their sworn enemy – the Catholic church.
In Rome, the college of cardinals assembles to elect a new pope. Yet somewhere within the walls of the Vatican an unstoppable bomb of terrifying power relentlessly counts down to oblivion. While the minutes tick away, Langdon joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to decipher the labyrinthine trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome to the long forgotten Illuminati lair – a secret refuge wherein lies the only hope for the Vatican.
But, with each revelation comes another twist, another turn in the plot, which leaves Langdon and Vetra reeling and at the mercy of a seemingly invincible enemy.
It comes as quite a surprise to find that when near to the end of the book that after all this frenetic energy it has all occurred in just one day. Then at the end there is not just one clever twist to the tale, but several.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look out for the other two books Dan Brown has written ; Digital Fortress and Deception Point. I am not surprised that he has only written four books so far because the amount of research he must have undertaken to write this book is extraordinary.
A cracking good thriller that gets you enthralled right from the start. I hope the film of the book recently released is as good, although I somewhat doubt it. I enjoyed this book better than The Da Vinci Code.
When a world renowned scientist is found brutally murdered, a Harvard professor, Robert Langdon, is summoned to identify the mysterious symbol burned onto the dead man’s chest. His conclusion: it is the work of the Illuminati – a secret brotherhood presumed extinct for nearly four hundred years – now reborn to continue their bitter vendetta against their sworn enemy – the Catholic church.
In Rome, the college of cardinals assembles to elect a new pope. Yet somewhere within the walls of the Vatican an unstoppable bomb of terrifying power relentlessly counts down to oblivion. While the minutes tick away, Langdon joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to decipher the labyrinthine trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome to the long forgotten Illuminati lair – a secret refuge wherein lies the only hope for the Vatican.
But, with each revelation comes another twist, another turn in the plot, which leaves Langdon and Vetra reeling and at the mercy of a seemingly invincible enemy.
It comes as quite a surprise to find that when near to the end of the book that after all this frenetic energy it has all occurred in just one day. Then at the end there is not just one clever twist to the tale, but several.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look out for the other two books Dan Brown has written ; Digital Fortress and Deception Point. I am not surprised that he has only written four books so far because the amount of research he must have undertaken to write this book is extraordinary.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Dan Brown - Deception Point
review by Brian Lowen on show 7th October 2010
When a new NASA satellite detects evidence of an astonishingly rare object buried deep in the Artic ice, the floundering space agency proclaims a much needed victory…a victory that has profound implications for U.S. space policy and the impending presidential election.
With the forthcoming election in the balance, the President dispatches White House intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton to the Artic to verify the authenticity of the find. Accompanied by a team of experts, including the charismatic academic Michael Tolland, Rachel uncovers the unthinkable – evidence of scientific trickery. The meteorite in the ice is not what it was thought to be. But before Rachel can make her findings known, she realises, perhaps too late, that such knowledge puts her and Tolland in deadly jeopardy. Fleeing for their lives in an environment as desolate as it is lethal, they possess only one hope for survival – to find out who is behind the masterful plot.
The book certainly discredits the NASA organisation, holding it up to be a over-staffed monolith leeching money from the state with no thought for any security measures. Let us hope that this is fiction as well!
Another good story from Dan Brown, packed full of action, some of it rather ridiculous to my mind. Here again a tremendous amount of research must have been carried out and the book is packed full of scientific data, a lot of which I found unnecessary but it all goes toward providing a good read.
review by Brian
When a new NASA satellite detects evidence of an astonishingly rare object buried deep in the Artic ice, the floundering space agency proclaims a much needed victory…a victory that has profound implications for U.S. space policy and the impending presidential election.
With the forthcoming election in the balance, the President dispatches White House intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton to the Artic to verify the authenticity of the find. Accompanied by a team of experts, including the charismatic academic Michael Tolland, Rachel uncovers the unthinkable – evidence of scientific trickery. The meteorite in the ice is not what it was thought to be. But before Rachel can make her findings known, she realises, perhaps too late, that such knowledge puts her and Tolland in deadly jeopardy. Fleeing for their lives in an environment as desolate as it is lethal, they possess only one hope for survival – to find out who is behind the masterful plot.
The book certainly discredits the NASA organisation, holding it up to be a over-staffed monolith leeching money from the state with no thought for any security measures. Let us hope that this is fiction as well!
Another good story from Dan Brown, packed full of action, some of it rather ridiculous to my mind. Here again a tremendous amount of research must have been carried out and the book is packed full of scientific data, a lot of which I found unnecessary but it all goes toward providing a good read.
review by Brian
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Dan Brown – Inferno
review by showhost July 2013
I like Dan Browns novels especially the
Davinci code. I think all Dan Browns
fans look forward to the next book so I was really please when Alex Le Friec
gave me his hardback copy of DB’s latest.
The story re-unites us with Robert Langdon
(from the Davinci, The Lost Symbol Angels & Demons). Langdon wakes up in hospital in Italy,
suffering from amongst other things, amnesia.
He’s been shot in the head & keeps having hallucinatory flashbacks of
Dantes Inferno, plague masks & a silver haired lady (NOT ME) who’s trying
to warn him of some danger. But whoever
shot him wanted him dead, it seems, and they are not giving up. As the assassin attempts to get him again at
the hospital, shooting a doctor in the process, Langdon escapes with the help
of a young trainee female doctor, Sienna.
Together they discover a hidden object in
Langdons iconic tweed jacket.Its a glass phial containing a message from a
genetic engineering genius prior to him committing suicide. He warns of the end of humankind which is way
overpopulated & bound for extinction.
It seems he has planted a time bomb of a genetic/viral kind which could
cause another ‘black plague’.
The clues are there but can they find the
virus in time before it is released.
So, it’s like a more subdued & scholarly Indiana Jones.
Its far fetched but I enjoyed the book. It made me think about the issues raised and
the population boom graph really is startling (4m in 1970, 9m by 1950). Its all based around Dantes Inferno but it
was more like a history lesson crossed with
a novel. The historical facts were
delivered like a history lecture & whilst they were interesting they
bogged down the novel – it was almost like he was showing off his knowledge. I also liked the flits from Florence
to Venice, love Venice so it brought back the holiday we had
there.
So good read but stretches the imagination with his exploits and heavy going at times with his historical lectures. Are we getting to the end of how many adventures Langdon can get into without becoming too repetitive? James Bond managed it! ..... I do agree with another reviewer who said that:
quote 'the
book isn't intended to be a literary work of art. The skill is in the story,
not the execution; it's just a shame that the story has been told before'.
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Philip Carter - Altar of bones
review by showhost
Mix of Indiana
Jones and Davinci. A conspiracy thriller, 600+ pages long but it ran out of
steam.
Starts well enough, 1939 Siberia in a brutal prison camp
and Lena Orlova escapes with her lover, she knows a safe place to hide. A cave
hidden behind a frozen waterfall in the frozen, bone chilling wilderness, where
lies the legendary altar of bones. Lena is the keeper of the alter and must
protect it.
Fast forward to present day and San Francisco where Zoe,
Lena’s granddaughter, unwittingly becomes the next keeper after the murder of
her grandmother.
Zoe soon finds herself fearing for her life as the
assassins start the chase , backed by government agents and powerful business
people. They want the secret of youth behind the alter of bones.
Zoe is befriended by Ryan O’Malley whose father was part
of the JFK assassination plot, a plot which was linked to the alter of bones (as
well as Marilyn Munroe and Rasputin the Mad Monk).
So it’s lots of shoot em up & wild chase scenes and
just a sprinkle of sex (the stuff all unbelievable, farfetched plots are made of
ie James Bond, Indiana Jones). The beginning drew me in and I had high hopes I
thought I had found another Dan Brown (I loved the Davinci Code), but for me it
started to lose steam and the plot about the fountain of youth unbelievable
(roll my eyes and groan kind of unbelievable). Yes, some of you out there will
say, so was Dan Browns Davinci far fetched but I found that plot much more plausible to the
point I googled things like the paintings mentioned in the book to have a look. If
you like escapism in the form of Indiana then give it a go (I did enjoy the
Indiana films as I do the James Bond films but I didn’t want to read the books). Who's pseudonym is Philip Carter I can't find out who this author really is?
Thursday, 7 May 2009
7th May 09
Guests today were Lydia Birch & Maggie Perkovich.
Books reviewed were: Jodi Picoult Handle With Care, Stephanie Meyer New Moon & Wilbur Smith Blue Horizon.
Also looked at the top 10 bestsellers on international websites. Both had Stephanie Meyer 4 times with her Twilight series. Jodi Picoult, Dan Brown & Chris Cleave also in the list.
New Moon is being filmed at the moment & due for release in November 09.
Next week we are doing a Jodi Picoult special with favourite & least favourite book.
Books reviewed were: Jodi Picoult Handle With Care, Stephanie Meyer New Moon & Wilbur Smith Blue Horizon.
Also looked at the top 10 bestsellers on international websites. Both had Stephanie Meyer 4 times with her Twilight series. Jodi Picoult, Dan Brown & Chris Cleave also in the list.
New Moon is being filmed at the moment & due for release in November 09.
Next week we are doing a Jodi Picoult special with favourite & least favourite book.
Thursday, 11 June 2009
11th June 2009
Guests today were Brian Lowen, back from an enforced absence as he put up for council and got in (well done Brian), and Barbara Simpson.
Books reviewed were Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, Betrayal by Clare Francis, December by Elizabeth H Winthrop & The Luminous Life of Lilly Aphrodite by Beatrice Colin.
The last two were on the Richard & Judy shortlist for the Galaxy 2009 award, the winner of which was Kate Atkinson (When Will there be Good News).
Funny how although Angels & Demons was written before the Da Vinci Code, it was the Da Vinci which came out on film first.
Suggested similar authors for Clare Francis were: Ken Follett & Sebastian Faulks
The Orange Prize for Fiction was won by Marilynne Robinson (Home)
Books reviewed were Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, Betrayal by Clare Francis, December by Elizabeth H Winthrop & The Luminous Life of Lilly Aphrodite by Beatrice Colin.
The last two were on the Richard & Judy shortlist for the Galaxy 2009 award, the winner of which was Kate Atkinson (When Will there be Good News).
Funny how although Angels & Demons was written before the Da Vinci Code, it was the Da Vinci which came out on film first.
Suggested similar authors for Clare Francis were: Ken Follett & Sebastian Faulks
The Orange Prize for Fiction was won by Marilynne Robinson (Home)
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Dan Brown - The Lost Symbol
Review by John McKitterick on show 15th Oct.
Anticipation, waiting to light blue touch paper - but damp squib!
Ends up virtually copying the plot of Davinci and being too clever.
As with DV Code, he outlines some facts about Masons & Washington DC to draw in the intrigue.
Story opens with an 'event' which pulls the main characters together, all characters can be assimilated to those in DV Code.
Robert Langdon - Symbologist
Katherine Solomon - (the Sophie Neveau, not last of Jesus' bloodline) a scientist given limitless money to investigate the power of the human mind.
Peter Solomon - her brother (Sophie Neveaus uncle) and old colleague of Langdons who gets kidnapped.
The villain of the peace, Mal'Akh, is similar to the self-flagellating monk of DVCode and Sato, a 'Rosa Kreb like' CIA operative who is either a good or bad character . The story is of a Masonic legend referring to a lost or well hidden item that will enlighten all mankind. It is really about revenge Mal'Akh has orchestrated everything over many years in order to get his own back on the Solomon family. He invited Langdon into thje process as a 'worthy adversary' and to give creedence to the goings on while trying to locate the Lost Symbol.
As with DVC, Langdon spends lots of time running around vaults and tunnels beneath the city, gets caught and almost killed, escapes and realises that what he's looking for was there all the time.
As far as keeping the code crackers happy, the 1st symbol code didn't apper until chapter 41 and I cracked it without pen and paper! Of course it led on to another puzzle and so on, but through the entire story, it left me feeling 'where is this going? is there a point?'
And the final revelations? I won't say...........
by John McKitterick
Anticipation, waiting to light blue touch paper - but damp squib!
Ends up virtually copying the plot of Davinci and being too clever.
As with DV Code, he outlines some facts about Masons & Washington DC to draw in the intrigue.
Story opens with an 'event' which pulls the main characters together, all characters can be assimilated to those in DV Code.
Robert Langdon - Symbologist
Katherine Solomon - (the Sophie Neveau, not last of Jesus' bloodline) a scientist given limitless money to investigate the power of the human mind.
Peter Solomon - her brother (Sophie Neveaus uncle) and old colleague of Langdons who gets kidnapped.
The villain of the peace, Mal'Akh, is similar to the self-flagellating monk of DVCode and Sato, a 'Rosa Kreb like' CIA operative who is either a good or bad character . The story is of a Masonic legend referring to a lost or well hidden item that will enlighten all mankind. It is really about revenge Mal'Akh has orchestrated everything over many years in order to get his own back on the Solomon family. He invited Langdon into thje process as a 'worthy adversary' and to give creedence to the goings on while trying to locate the Lost Symbol.
As with DVC, Langdon spends lots of time running around vaults and tunnels beneath the city, gets caught and almost killed, escapes and realises that what he's looking for was there all the time.
As far as keeping the code crackers happy, the 1st symbol code didn't apper until chapter 41 and I cracked it without pen and paper! Of course it led on to another puzzle and so on, but through the entire story, it left me feeling 'where is this going? is there a point?'
And the final revelations? I won't say...........
by John McKitterick
Monday, 27 February 2012
Gay Hendricks and Tinker Lindsay - The First Rule of Ten: A Tenzing Norbu Mystery
review by Ro Bennett on recorded show
This book is described as combining gripping detective action with Tibetan Buddhism
Product Description
"Don't ignore intuitive tickles lest they reappear as sledgehammers." That's the first rule of Ten. Tenzing Norbu ("Ten" for short)-ex-monk and soon-to-be ex-cop-is a protagonist unique to our times. In The First Rule of Ten, the first installment in a three-book detective series, we meet this spiritual warrior who is singularly equipped, if not occasionally ill-equipped, as he takes on his first case as a private investigator in Los Angeles. Growing up in a Tibetan Monastery, Ten dreamed of becoming a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. So when he was sent to Los Angeles to teach meditation, he joined the LAPD instead. But as the Buddha says, change is inevitable; and ten years later, everything is about to change-big-time-for Ten. One resignation from the police force, two bullet-wounds, three suspicious deaths, and a beautiful woman later, he quickly learns that whenever he breaks his first rule, mayhem follows. Set in the modern-day streets and canyons of Los Angeles, The First Rule of Ten is at turns humorous, insightful, and riveting-a gripping mystery as well as a reflective, character-driven story with intriguing life-lessons for us all.
About the Author
Gay Hendricks, PhD, has served for more than 35 years as one of the major contributors to the fields of relationship transformation and body-mind therapies. Along with his wife, Dr Kathlyn Hendricks, Gay is the co-author of many bestsellers.
I enjoyed the book and found it a page turner. The storyline was good and I liked the character of Tenzing Norbu, but to me the ending read like a script for some sort of Indiana Jones cum Dan Brown movie - almost as though it was written with the idea of it being turned into an action packed, suspense filled, guns a-blazing film with a melodramatic conclusion.
This might be because the co -author Tinker Lindsay is a screenwriter who has worked in the Hollywood entertainment industry writing and developing feature films.
Having said that , it was a feel good book and I will certainly read the rest of the trilogy when they become available
This book is described as combining gripping detective action with Tibetan Buddhism
Product Description
"Don't ignore intuitive tickles lest they reappear as sledgehammers." That's the first rule of Ten. Tenzing Norbu ("Ten" for short)-ex-monk and soon-to-be ex-cop-is a protagonist unique to our times. In The First Rule of Ten, the first installment in a three-book detective series, we meet this spiritual warrior who is singularly equipped, if not occasionally ill-equipped, as he takes on his first case as a private investigator in Los Angeles. Growing up in a Tibetan Monastery, Ten dreamed of becoming a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. So when he was sent to Los Angeles to teach meditation, he joined the LAPD instead. But as the Buddha says, change is inevitable; and ten years later, everything is about to change-big-time-for Ten. One resignation from the police force, two bullet-wounds, three suspicious deaths, and a beautiful woman later, he quickly learns that whenever he breaks his first rule, mayhem follows. Set in the modern-day streets and canyons of Los Angeles, The First Rule of Ten is at turns humorous, insightful, and riveting-a gripping mystery as well as a reflective, character-driven story with intriguing life-lessons for us all.
About the Author
Gay Hendricks, PhD, has served for more than 35 years as one of the major contributors to the fields of relationship transformation and body-mind therapies. Along with his wife, Dr Kathlyn Hendricks, Gay is the co-author of many bestsellers.
I enjoyed the book and found it a page turner. The storyline was good and I liked the character of Tenzing Norbu, but to me the ending read like a script for some sort of Indiana Jones cum Dan Brown movie - almost as though it was written with the idea of it being turned into an action packed, suspense filled, guns a-blazing film with a melodramatic conclusion.
This might be because the co -author Tinker Lindsay is a screenwriter who has worked in the Hollywood entertainment industry writing and developing feature films.
Having said that , it was a feel good book and I will certainly read the rest of the trilogy when they become available
Friday, 9 July 2010
James Becker - The Moses Stone
Review by Brian on show 1st July
This book kept reminding me of Dan Brown’s Da Vinchi Code and Angels and Demons.
The story is set in the middle east, mainly in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem and involves a lot of history of the ancient tribes in the time of Moses.
A clay tablet covered in ancient writing is found by an English couple in Morocco. A day later they are dead, killed in a car crash. But where is the relic they died to protect?
Determined to uncover a secret that’s endured for two thousand years, Chris Bronson follows a trial of clues that lead him from the hustle of a Moroccan souk to the deserted caves of Qumran, from the sinister echoes of a water filled tunnel under the city of Jerusalem to a windswept fortress whose name spells death.
With the help of his ex wife, Angela, an expert in ancient writing, they follow the clues on the clay tablet, which turns out to be one of a set of four, trying to locate a buried horde of silver treasure. Threatened on every side by violent extremists, Bronson and Angela are plunged into this mystery rooted in biblical times.
A good story with the historical part made to be interesting. I enjoyed it and can recommend it as a good read, shortly available in the charity shop!
review by Brian
This book kept reminding me of Dan Brown’s Da Vinchi Code and Angels and Demons.
The story is set in the middle east, mainly in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem and involves a lot of history of the ancient tribes in the time of Moses.
A clay tablet covered in ancient writing is found by an English couple in Morocco. A day later they are dead, killed in a car crash. But where is the relic they died to protect?
Determined to uncover a secret that’s endured for two thousand years, Chris Bronson follows a trial of clues that lead him from the hustle of a Moroccan souk to the deserted caves of Qumran, from the sinister echoes of a water filled tunnel under the city of Jerusalem to a windswept fortress whose name spells death.
With the help of his ex wife, Angela, an expert in ancient writing, they follow the clues on the clay tablet, which turns out to be one of a set of four, trying to locate a buried horde of silver treasure. Threatened on every side by violent extremists, Bronson and Angela are plunged into this mystery rooted in biblical times.
A good story with the historical part made to be interesting. I enjoyed it and can recommend it as a good read, shortly available in the charity shop!
review by Brian
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Glenn Cooper - Book of Souls
REVIEW BY BRIAN LOWEN ON SHOW 18TH AUGUST
I think this book is well summed up by the sticker on the front cover that says if you love Dan Brown you will love this.
I also think that it would be most advisable to read Library of the Dead, to which this book is a sequel, before reading this as you will not know what is going on until you get well into the book.
A shocking truth lies within the pages of an ancient library, locked inside a high-security complex deep beneath the Nevada desert. The US government will stop at nothing to keep it classified, but now a shadowy group of ex-employees want the world to know – however terrifying the disclosure might prove to be. When a single volume, missing from the original collection, mysteriously surfaces at a London auction house, they persuade former FBI agent Will Piper to help them obtain it and unlock the ultimate secret of the library, once and for all.
Travelling to England, Will discovers the text contains a sonnet that holds a series of clues that reveal the book has had a profound effect on the history of mankind. But all the time he is being watched, and as he gets nearer to the final revelation, he and his young family become a direct target for a deadly group of men whose duty it is to protect the library’s secret – whatever it takes.
Another good story from Glenn Cooper, completely far-fetched, but still very enjoyable.
Not so much of a thriller, well, until the last few chapters, but rather a good tale of following mysterious clues and solving ancient riddles.
Once again, the story jumps across the centuries, but this is not a problem as each part is well contained and you know how they are going to slot into the final conclusion.
Well recommended.
I think this book is well summed up by the sticker on the front cover that says if you love Dan Brown you will love this.
I also think that it would be most advisable to read Library of the Dead, to which this book is a sequel, before reading this as you will not know what is going on until you get well into the book.
A shocking truth lies within the pages of an ancient library, locked inside a high-security complex deep beneath the Nevada desert. The US government will stop at nothing to keep it classified, but now a shadowy group of ex-employees want the world to know – however terrifying the disclosure might prove to be. When a single volume, missing from the original collection, mysteriously surfaces at a London auction house, they persuade former FBI agent Will Piper to help them obtain it and unlock the ultimate secret of the library, once and for all.
Travelling to England, Will discovers the text contains a sonnet that holds a series of clues that reveal the book has had a profound effect on the history of mankind. But all the time he is being watched, and as he gets nearer to the final revelation, he and his young family become a direct target for a deadly group of men whose duty it is to protect the library’s secret – whatever it takes.
Another good story from Glenn Cooper, completely far-fetched, but still very enjoyable.
Not so much of a thriller, well, until the last few chapters, but rather a good tale of following mysterious clues and solving ancient riddles.
Once again, the story jumps across the centuries, but this is not a problem as each part is well contained and you know how they are going to slot into the final conclusion.
Well recommended.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Douglas Adams - Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
review by Malcolm Martland 27th Jan
Kindle edition - (£2.99 but gone up since)
The BBC did a clever version of this novel shortly before Christmas but with some difference. It was first published in 1987/88 and as a bit of a cross between Adams’ own H2G2/Dr Who and Sherlock. It is also the first novel I bought and read on a Kindle.
But anyway from the back cover:
“What do a dead cat, a computer whiz-kid, an Electric Monk who believes the world is pink, quantum mechanics, a Chronologist over 200 years old, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet), and pizza have in common? Apparently not much; until Dirk Gently, self-styled private investigator, sets out to prove the fundamental interconnectedness of all things by solving a mysterious murder, assisting a mysterious professor, unravelling a mysterious mystery, and eating a lot of pizza ….etc”
The synopsis was by the author so he clearly understood it, but if you saw the BBC Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency this is nothing like it. The Beeb did a clever cosy tidy up for Christmas abut a missing cat and omitted all the extraterrestrial, supernatural stuff. They both included Schrodingers Cat thought experiment though. Early in the book is a horse mounted malfunctioning Electric Monk - a refugee from a distant civilisation whose function when working properly is to have faith on our part so we don’t need to bother! Then there is the Cambridge don whose room is a time machine! He can't use the video recorder so he just time travels to last week's TV schedule to watch programs he's missed etc. Very weird! Bit Hitchhiker meets Sherlock! And of course they all end up saving the planet the universe and everything.
It was the first I bought and read on Kindle too so I didn't feel totally at home with the technique or the story! Not being a recent novel I found a few errors in the text – I am assuming that the Kindle version was prepared by scanning the original typeset and the OCR’ing it – unfortunately with a few – not many - missed recognitions left behind. Some of the older and free offerings for Kindle also suffer from this type of error. But I recently read Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol (shudder) and the manuscript must have been in digital format and thus easy to transfer to Kindle with no text errors. Incidentally I’m now very comfortable with the Kindle – it is really nice to read, you can import Word documents and PDF – so I was able to read my son’s latest ScFi novel. But the only down side is that it needs light to read in the dark as there is no backlight. But if you buy the Kindle leather case there is a little pull out LED light that just about does the job – pretty low tech on such a nice machine.
Malcolm F. Martland Broadcast on RadioScilly 107.9FM 27 January 2011
Kindle edition - (£2.99 but gone up since)
The BBC did a clever version of this novel shortly before Christmas but with some difference. It was first published in 1987/88 and as a bit of a cross between Adams’ own H2G2/Dr Who and Sherlock. It is also the first novel I bought and read on a Kindle.
But anyway from the back cover:
“What do a dead cat, a computer whiz-kid, an Electric Monk who believes the world is pink, quantum mechanics, a Chronologist over 200 years old, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet), and pizza have in common? Apparently not much; until Dirk Gently, self-styled private investigator, sets out to prove the fundamental interconnectedness of all things by solving a mysterious murder, assisting a mysterious professor, unravelling a mysterious mystery, and eating a lot of pizza ….etc”
The synopsis was by the author so he clearly understood it, but if you saw the BBC Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency this is nothing like it. The Beeb did a clever cosy tidy up for Christmas abut a missing cat and omitted all the extraterrestrial, supernatural stuff. They both included Schrodingers Cat thought experiment though. Early in the book is a horse mounted malfunctioning Electric Monk - a refugee from a distant civilisation whose function when working properly is to have faith on our part so we don’t need to bother! Then there is the Cambridge don whose room is a time machine! He can't use the video recorder so he just time travels to last week's TV schedule to watch programs he's missed etc. Very weird! Bit Hitchhiker meets Sherlock! And of course they all end up saving the planet the universe and everything.
It was the first I bought and read on Kindle too so I didn't feel totally at home with the technique or the story! Not being a recent novel I found a few errors in the text – I am assuming that the Kindle version was prepared by scanning the original typeset and the OCR’ing it – unfortunately with a few – not many - missed recognitions left behind. Some of the older and free offerings for Kindle also suffer from this type of error. But I recently read Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol (shudder) and the manuscript must have been in digital format and thus easy to transfer to Kindle with no text errors. Incidentally I’m now very comfortable with the Kindle – it is really nice to read, you can import Word documents and PDF – so I was able to read my son’s latest ScFi novel. But the only down side is that it needs light to read in the dark as there is no backlight. But if you buy the Kindle leather case there is a little pull out LED light that just about does the job – pretty low tech on such a nice machine.
Malcolm F. Martland Broadcast on RadioScilly 107.9FM 27 January 2011
Monday, 19 August 2013
Dan Brown - Inferno
reviewed live on the bookshow by Brian Lowen on 15th August 2013
Another epic saga
from DB featuring Professor Robert Langdon, the famous art historian, who is an
expert at deciphering ancient hieroglyphics.
The story centres
around the fact that the World’s population is increasing at such a dramatic
speed that within a few decades there will not be enough food to feed them all.
An eminent medical
scientist has decided to save the world and comes up with a novel, but
terrifying way of reducing the world’s population.
The whole book
involves the chase across Europe to attempt to stop the release of the
Professor’s ‘solution’ before it is too late.
The leader of the
World Health Organisation, an attractive mature lady, is leading the search and
has enrolled Robert Langdon to help identify where the Professor’s lethal
‘solution’ has been hidden. Also
involved is a young doctor who was helping the professor initially but now
realises the foolishness of her ways.
city’s important
buildings, only to find that what they seek is really in
Istanbul, which is where the action reaches its climax, but not after several
twists and unexpected turns in the story.
I am sure if you
have been to Florence then you would enjoy this part of the story more, as I
did with the part that features Venice.
I enjoyed the book
even though it does seem excessively long. DB is very good at holding your
attention during the story and building up a good plot but the story does keep
referring to Dante’s poem, the Divine Comedy, which deals with the nine stages
of the progression into hell until you reach the inferno, and this tends to get
rather depressing after a while.
I expect it will
make another good film though with some great scenic venues.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
PDJames – The Lighthouse
Review by Malcolm Martland 4 June 2009
I like PDJames books but this one just did not cut the mustard with me. I read a review of The Lighthouse in the Guardian couple of weeks ago and thought could she have based this on Scilly – so I had to buy it.Set in Cornwall on inappropriately named Combe Island 12 miles off Newquay – Combe would be OK for Devon but Cornwall would be a Saints name or something really Celtic - like Tresco maybe?
The island is set aside for the famous, the well off and those in high public office – it is an anachronism where exhausted bigwigs take an undeserved break – probably on their parliamentary expenses!
Transport to the island is either by the harbourmaster’s boat or helicopter as they have their own helipad. Once on the ground visitors can get about by golf buggy or bicycle – sound familiar.
Accommodation on the island is at The House or in cottages dotted about the isle with names like Dolphin Cottage, Seal Cottage, Peregrine Cottage, Atlantic Cottage, Puffin Cottage. This is not however self catering but catered – formal meals are provided at the house or delivered to the cottages. Those staff who do not have their own accommodation live in the stable block – how nice and quaint.
Apart from administrative and catering staff residents include a once disgraced doctor and his nurse wife, a drunken vicar on rehab., an author Nathan Oliver who was born on the island and his daughter and assistant cum daughter’s lover, and the last female descendent of the island family.
But if PD James based any of this on Scilly it must have only been on a very indifferent day trip – she has no feel at all for these Atlantic islands and any resemblance to our islands is purely superficial. Her writing is for great tracts trivial and dull – matter of fact – obsessed with doilies – or similar such items - sizes of windows and flower borders of no relevance to either the plot or to literature. Stupid use of vocabulary – laughably she uses “risible” several times – I didn’t find it that amusing- the idea of 2 policemen attending a crime scene on bicycles – risible – give us a break Dame Phyllis. I know it is much easier to criticize a novel than write one but this disappointed me immensely. And she repeats herself eve within paragraphs – and also contradicts herself – Murder Victim 1 Nathan Oliver – was in pretty good shape for a man of 68 – same paragraph - victim was quite frail – author, make your mind up before this book joins the ranks of Dan Brown and Ian McEwan in my dustbin.
And the action – the first murder has already happened at the beginning of the book –the great novelist – bad tempered Nathan Oliver found hanging by a rope form the top of the lighthouse – but with signs of having been strangled first- but can Devon and Cornwall Constabulary deal with it? No – because of the sensitivity and privilege of the site Commander Dalgliesh from Scotland Yard and his team are flown in – and they ponder and ponder for nearly 300 pages.
Then quite suddenly the old PD James is back – another murder – the drunken priest this time – and the detectives are suddenly galvanized out of their terminal introspection and solve the murders and prevent yet another in a dashing dazzling finale.
But I still don’t know why they had to wait for the next high tide until they looked for evidence on the beach below the cliffs – have I just not lived here long enough to understand this – I know that low tide would have been better (thanks Lydia for supporting me on this).
I’m sure it’ll make a great TV drama but I thought it was quite poor in very many places. Don’t buy is my verdict!
I like PDJames books but this one just did not cut the mustard with me. I read a review of The Lighthouse in the Guardian couple of weeks ago and thought could she have based this on Scilly – so I had to buy it.Set in Cornwall on inappropriately named Combe Island 12 miles off Newquay – Combe would be OK for Devon but Cornwall would be a Saints name or something really Celtic - like Tresco maybe?
The island is set aside for the famous, the well off and those in high public office – it is an anachronism where exhausted bigwigs take an undeserved break – probably on their parliamentary expenses!
Transport to the island is either by the harbourmaster’s boat or helicopter as they have their own helipad. Once on the ground visitors can get about by golf buggy or bicycle – sound familiar.
Accommodation on the island is at The House or in cottages dotted about the isle with names like Dolphin Cottage, Seal Cottage, Peregrine Cottage, Atlantic Cottage, Puffin Cottage. This is not however self catering but catered – formal meals are provided at the house or delivered to the cottages. Those staff who do not have their own accommodation live in the stable block – how nice and quaint.
Apart from administrative and catering staff residents include a once disgraced doctor and his nurse wife, a drunken vicar on rehab., an author Nathan Oliver who was born on the island and his daughter and assistant cum daughter’s lover, and the last female descendent of the island family.
But if PD James based any of this on Scilly it must have only been on a very indifferent day trip – she has no feel at all for these Atlantic islands and any resemblance to our islands is purely superficial. Her writing is for great tracts trivial and dull – matter of fact – obsessed with doilies – or similar such items - sizes of windows and flower borders of no relevance to either the plot or to literature. Stupid use of vocabulary – laughably she uses “risible” several times – I didn’t find it that amusing- the idea of 2 policemen attending a crime scene on bicycles – risible – give us a break Dame Phyllis. I know it is much easier to criticize a novel than write one but this disappointed me immensely. And she repeats herself eve within paragraphs – and also contradicts herself – Murder Victim 1 Nathan Oliver – was in pretty good shape for a man of 68 – same paragraph - victim was quite frail – author, make your mind up before this book joins the ranks of Dan Brown and Ian McEwan in my dustbin.
And the action – the first murder has already happened at the beginning of the book –the great novelist – bad tempered Nathan Oliver found hanging by a rope form the top of the lighthouse – but with signs of having been strangled first- but can Devon and Cornwall Constabulary deal with it? No – because of the sensitivity and privilege of the site Commander Dalgliesh from Scotland Yard and his team are flown in – and they ponder and ponder for nearly 300 pages.
Then quite suddenly the old PD James is back – another murder – the drunken priest this time – and the detectives are suddenly galvanized out of their terminal introspection and solve the murders and prevent yet another in a dashing dazzling finale.
But I still don’t know why they had to wait for the next high tide until they looked for evidence on the beach below the cliffs – have I just not lived here long enough to understand this – I know that low tide would have been better (thanks Lydia for supporting me on this).
I’m sure it’ll make a great TV drama but I thought it was quite poor in very many places. Don’t buy is my verdict!
Thursday, 7 October 2010
show 7/10/10
guests Brian Lowen and Maggie Perkovic. Books under the mic are: Robert Harris – Archangel, Dan Brown - Deception Point, Jean Wok - Lost in Translation & Philippa Gregory - the Red Queen.
Brian, I’m glad you're reviewing this author because I enjoyed his book Pompeii.
Brian, I’m glad you're reviewing this author because I enjoyed his book Pompeii.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
show 26th Nov & email from Linwood Barclay
Ro Bennett, the Lesley Davis fan is continuing from last week, and is reviewing today Kuki Gallman I dream of Africa (I also read Kuki Gallman and it was also loaned to me by Marlene)& also wants to discuss Dan Brown’s latest: Lost Symbol.
Maggie Perkovic is reviewing Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall & sequel Concubines Secret – you must have liked these then Maggie?
If I have time I'd like to review the one I've just finished which was a real page turner - No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay (thanks to Ro for that as she recommended it to me).
I emailed Mr Barclay and here is the reply:
Linwood Barclay 26/11/09 >>>
Thanks, Linda, for spreading the word about No Time for Goodbye. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I've just gotten up and, given the time change
-- I'm in Canada -- your show is probably on as I type this. My favorite author, by the way, is Ross Macdonald, who wrote the Lew Archer novels.
Cheers
Linwood
Maggie Perkovic is reviewing Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall & sequel Concubines Secret – you must have liked these then Maggie?
If I have time I'd like to review the one I've just finished which was a real page turner - No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay (thanks to Ro for that as she recommended it to me).
I emailed Mr Barclay and here is the reply:
Linwood Barclay
Thanks, Linda, for spreading the word about No Time for Goodbye. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I've just gotten up and, given the time change
-- I'm in Canada -- your show is probably on as I type this. My favorite author, by the way, is Ross Macdonald, who wrote the Lew Archer novels.
Cheers
Linwood
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Anne Fortier - Juliet
review by Ro (guru) Bennett on show 10th March
When I started the book I thoroughly enjoyed it. My sister gave it to me with wholehearted recommendations but I was slow to start reading it because it is based on the story of Romeo and Juliet and I still have an allergic reaction to Shakespeare since having it crammed down my throat at school.
However, the author, Anne Fortier (and her mother according to the credits) does know the story inside out and the book did get me researching the history of the play and the different versions of the Romeo and Juliet story, of which Shakespeare’s play became the most famous although, it was not entirely Shakespeare’s own invention.
I found the different versions of the story very interesting. An early version written in 1476 by Masuccio Salernitano is set in Siena, not Verona. Siena is also where the main action in this book takes place. Anne Fortier has a good knowledge of its geography, history, culture and architecture which she puts to good use in the book. She has obviously spent a good deal of time linking Salernitano’s story with places and buildings in Siena, and working them into her plot.
This is an introduction to the book.
Julie Jacobs and her twin sister, Janice, lost their parents in a terrible accident while they were very young. They know they were born in Italy and that their Great-Aunt Rose has been raising them in the U.S. ever since. The rest of their family history is a mystery.
Upon Aunt Rose’s death, the twins discover that Janice has inherited Aunt Rose’s estate while Julie is left with a passport for someone named Giulietta Tolomei, a key, and a cryptic note about treasure awaiting her in Italy. Julie is surprised to discover that she is Giulietta Tolomei and that her aunt changed the twins’ names when she brought them to America. Confused, brokenhearted, flat broke and with nothing to lose, Julie embarks on an Italian adventure.
The story fluctuates between 1340, when their ancestors Giulietta Tolomei and Romeo Marescotti were entwined in a forbidden romance and the modern-day relationship between Julie Jacobs and ??? - who are alive and well and possibly still cursed with the ancient ‘a plague on both thy houses’.
Unfortunately, as it progresses, the story becomes very convoluted and action packed like a mixture of a Dan Brown novel and an Indiana Jones film involving centuries-old family feuds, mistaken identities, stolen artifacts, gangsters and intricate plots which ended up irritating me.
Having said that, I do like her writing style and her humour and she certainly does know her subject inside out.
review by Ro
When I started the book I thoroughly enjoyed it. My sister gave it to me with wholehearted recommendations but I was slow to start reading it because it is based on the story of Romeo and Juliet and I still have an allergic reaction to Shakespeare since having it crammed down my throat at school.
However, the author, Anne Fortier (and her mother according to the credits) does know the story inside out and the book did get me researching the history of the play and the different versions of the Romeo and Juliet story, of which Shakespeare’s play became the most famous although, it was not entirely Shakespeare’s own invention.
I found the different versions of the story very interesting. An early version written in 1476 by Masuccio Salernitano is set in Siena, not Verona. Siena is also where the main action in this book takes place. Anne Fortier has a good knowledge of its geography, history, culture and architecture which she puts to good use in the book. She has obviously spent a good deal of time linking Salernitano’s story with places and buildings in Siena, and working them into her plot.
This is an introduction to the book.
Julie Jacobs and her twin sister, Janice, lost their parents in a terrible accident while they were very young. They know they were born in Italy and that their Great-Aunt Rose has been raising them in the U.S. ever since. The rest of their family history is a mystery.
Upon Aunt Rose’s death, the twins discover that Janice has inherited Aunt Rose’s estate while Julie is left with a passport for someone named Giulietta Tolomei, a key, and a cryptic note about treasure awaiting her in Italy. Julie is surprised to discover that she is Giulietta Tolomei and that her aunt changed the twins’ names when she brought them to America. Confused, brokenhearted, flat broke and with nothing to lose, Julie embarks on an Italian adventure.
The story fluctuates between 1340, when their ancestors Giulietta Tolomei and Romeo Marescotti were entwined in a forbidden romance and the modern-day relationship between Julie Jacobs and ??? - who are alive and well and possibly still cursed with the ancient ‘a plague on both thy houses’.
Unfortunately, as it progresses, the story becomes very convoluted and action packed like a mixture of a Dan Brown novel and an Indiana Jones film involving centuries-old family feuds, mistaken identities, stolen artifacts, gangsters and intricate plots which ended up irritating me.
Having said that, I do like her writing style and her humour and she certainly does know her subject inside out.
review by Ro
Saturday, 18 July 2009
James Twining - The Gilded Seal
Review by Linda Thomas
Somebody described it as a bit ‘Da Vinci’ (by Dan Brown) ish. And I can understand where they get the comparison as it’s about Leonardo DaVinci’s artwork and following cryptic clues but for me that was as far as the comparison went.
Tom Kirk is a former art thief. He, with his partner in crime Archie, had decided to come clean and move to the right side of the law & use their knowledge advising museums on their security and helping recover lost or stolen art.
‘The Madonna of the Yarnwinder’ has been stolen from Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland and Tom Kirk has been sent by the insurance company to investigate the theft. But someone meant for him to be there, as nailed to the wall where the painting once hung was a message for him – a black cat nailed to the wall. Tom Kirk, alias Felix, in his criminal days, believes this is the work of one of his adversaries.
However, when the murder, by torture & crucifixion, of his long time friend Rafael (a forger of artwork) is discovered, Tom has to find out who did it and abandons the search for the missing painting.
In New York, Special Agent Jennifer Browne, who has an expert knowledge of paintings, is investigating a forgery case which is about to get much bigger than she thought. The dead body count is mounting and these torturous murders are linked to the forged painting. The trail leads her to Paris where she unexpectedly encounters Tom. Tom has discovered a plot to remove the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, and is becoming suspicious of the possible link to the death of his friend. But the officials at The Louvre will not believe him; will not believe that anyone can get past their security. Tom uses Jennifer to foil the plot.
Jennifer finds herself behind bars accused of conspiring to steal the painting. Her only option is to help Tom unravel the web. They discover that both their cases are related and they find themselves drawn into a chase around France and Cuba unearthing conspiracies and subterfuge and coded messages dating back to Napoleon himself.
I found this book a good pacy read and the facts about the paintings which were true, very interesting (the theft of the Mona Lisa & the Madonna of the Yarnwinder actual events. During the time of the absence of the Mona Lisa, forgeries were sold and passed off as the originals).
The only irritating thing for me and I think the one thing that spoilt it was the over use of adjectives/adverbs of insignificant objects such as: ‘…wearing an expensive blue suit, pale blue shirt and coloured Gucci tie…’
‘..her jet black bob held off a pale face by the Chanel sunglasses perched on her head..’
‘….Tom checked his watch, a vintage Panerai Marina Militaire….’ So?
‘Tom caught a glimpse of Milo’s watch as he stretched his arm to the horizon, a rare 1950’s IWC Mark 11, originally designed for and issued to the British Air Force. Milo’s model, Tom noted was the ‘No T’ variant, hastily discontinued by the British authorities after they realized that its luminescent Radium dial markings were slightly radioactive’. I could understand this last one if it was a way in which they recognized his body in later chapters but they didn’t, it didn’t, it was nothing to do with the rest of the story.
I found as I was reading it, it was playing in my mind like a ‘made for TV movie’. The places, like the catacombs, were being visualised in my mind which for me makes a good read. It would actually make a great, fast paced, movie but who do I think should play Tom Kirk - I don't know but please not Tom Hanks. Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio, mat Damon..?
Somebody described it as a bit ‘Da Vinci’ (by Dan Brown) ish. And I can understand where they get the comparison as it’s about Leonardo DaVinci’s artwork and following cryptic clues but for me that was as far as the comparison went.
Tom Kirk is a former art thief. He, with his partner in crime Archie, had decided to come clean and move to the right side of the law & use their knowledge advising museums on their security and helping recover lost or stolen art.
‘The Madonna of the Yarnwinder’ has been stolen from Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland and Tom Kirk has been sent by the insurance company to investigate the theft. But someone meant for him to be there, as nailed to the wall where the painting once hung was a message for him – a black cat nailed to the wall. Tom Kirk, alias Felix, in his criminal days, believes this is the work of one of his adversaries.
However, when the murder, by torture & crucifixion, of his long time friend Rafael (a forger of artwork) is discovered, Tom has to find out who did it and abandons the search for the missing painting.
In New York, Special Agent Jennifer Browne, who has an expert knowledge of paintings, is investigating a forgery case which is about to get much bigger than she thought. The dead body count is mounting and these torturous murders are linked to the forged painting. The trail leads her to Paris where she unexpectedly encounters Tom. Tom has discovered a plot to remove the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, and is becoming suspicious of the possible link to the death of his friend. But the officials at The Louvre will not believe him; will not believe that anyone can get past their security. Tom uses Jennifer to foil the plot.
Jennifer finds herself behind bars accused of conspiring to steal the painting. Her only option is to help Tom unravel the web. They discover that both their cases are related and they find themselves drawn into a chase around France and Cuba unearthing conspiracies and subterfuge and coded messages dating back to Napoleon himself.
I found this book a good pacy read and the facts about the paintings which were true, very interesting (the theft of the Mona Lisa & the Madonna of the Yarnwinder actual events. During the time of the absence of the Mona Lisa, forgeries were sold and passed off as the originals).
The only irritating thing for me and I think the one thing that spoilt it was the over use of adjectives/adverbs of insignificant objects such as: ‘…wearing an expensive blue suit, pale blue shirt and coloured Gucci tie…’
‘..her jet black bob held off a pale face by the Chanel sunglasses perched on her head..’
‘….Tom checked his watch, a vintage Panerai Marina Militaire….’ So?
‘Tom caught a glimpse of Milo’s watch as he stretched his arm to the horizon, a rare 1950’s IWC Mark 11, originally designed for and issued to the British Air Force. Milo’s model, Tom noted was the ‘No T’ variant, hastily discontinued by the British authorities after they realized that its luminescent Radium dial markings were slightly radioactive’. I could understand this last one if it was a way in which they recognized his body in later chapters but they didn’t, it didn’t, it was nothing to do with the rest of the story.
I found as I was reading it, it was playing in my mind like a ‘made for TV movie’. The places, like the catacombs, were being visualised in my mind which for me makes a good read. It would actually make a great, fast paced, movie but who do I think should play Tom Kirk - I don't know but please not Tom Hanks. Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio, mat Damon..?
Friday, 1 January 2010
New Years Eve show 2009
What was your favourite book of 2009 and least favourite? That was the question I put to my guests (Maggie Perkovic, Ro Bennett & Babs Simpson) and the listeners. Also visitors & possibly a local or two, logged their favourites throughout the year. So here's what my guests had to say:
Ro's favourite: Janet Evanovitch - Finger Lickin 15. Ro loves the humour of her books and looks forward to the next year when the follow on comes along.
Ro's least favourite: Susan Hill - The Beacon. The story was boring, the characters easily forgetable and the plot? It left Ro wondering what was that about?
Masggie's favourite: The Great Lover by Jill Dawson: Maggie loves this era early 1900's, and really enjoyed reading about Rupert Brooke, who was held up as a glamorous romantic poet,(see her review on this blog).
Maggie's least favourite: Jacky Trevane - Invisible women: Maggie enjoyed the first book 'Fatwa' but didn't enjoy this one as she felt it was just cashing in on other peoples tales.
Bab's favourite: Markus Zusak - The Book Thief: Death is a brilliant character in this very unusual book. It is beautifully written and set in the WW2 era which Babs loves. But on a par was 'Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and Literary Society' written by Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Shaffer. Again set in 1940's during WW2 it told of the German Occupation of Guernsey through letters.
Bab's least favourite: Victoria Hislop - The Return: Babs loved the Island (based on a Cretan leper colony) but this book set during the Spanish civil war was a disappointment. I felt that I was reading an article from an encyclopaedia and the story around it was dull and predictable. I had to agree with Babs on this one!
Some listeners comments:
Steve Watt: Best Book - undoubtedly 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel A brilliant historical novel but I have to put a word in for Cormac McArthy's 'Border Trilogy' (see reviews in this blog). As for the worst I only managed the first three pages of 'The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown - admirably and accurately described by the Guardian as 'a steaming pile of clunk.'
Ellie: best & worst both by same author Stephanie Meyer. Best, 'Eclipse', because it had a lot of action and bit of gore. Worst, 'New Moon',because nothing much happened in it.
Win Grant: Best book Hilary Mantel - Wolf Hall
Toby (St Martins Bakery): Jose Saramago - Blindness
Here's what the visitors said:
BOOK, AUTHOR & COMMENTS
Paul Torday - Salmon fishing in the Yemen: excellent read, unusual, reminds me of tv series 'yes misister'
Dodie Smith - I capture the Castle: My favourite book ever! Especially the bit with the escaped bear on the train
Jo Verity - Sweets From Morocco:I wrote it!
Edwar Cummings - Ghosts of Rosevear: Very interesting - and a good read too based on an island off St Agnes
Mark Haddon - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime: About autisitic boy sometimes amusing & shocking, a real insight
Thomas Bloor - Worm in the Blood: Wonderful love story that shouldn't work but really does make me cry
Tom Rob-Smith - child 44: Gripping crime novel set in Stalinist Russia. Realistic and ultimately haunting
Ian Sansom - The Case of the Missing Books: Quicrky & humourus novel about a Jewish librarian who takes up a job in Ireland only to find all the books missing
John Connelly - Bad Men: Spooky crime thriller set on an island off the coast of Maine USA
Sue Monk Kidd - The Secret Life of Bees A wonderful story out of nowhere which sends you on a roller coaster of emotions but end up feel good. Set at the start of the 1960's civil rights movement.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez - 100 years of Solitude a complex & involving story of one family in South America. It slowly tells a potted history of the continent as seen through eccentric eyes.
Terry Pratchett - Unseen Academicals: Brilliant!
Stephanie Meyer - Twilight Saga: NEVER a fan of romance, but enjoyed Twilight! Currently curbing my obsession!
My favourite? Chris Cleave 'The Other Hand', it really made me stop and think differently about some of the plights of immigrants held in detention centres.
Worst: Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst: boring & dull and I didn't care what happened to the characters (who were they anyway?).
Happy New Year to all! (definition of a hangover: Wrath of Grapes!)
Ro's favourite: Janet Evanovitch - Finger Lickin 15. Ro loves the humour of her books and looks forward to the next year when the follow on comes along.
Ro's least favourite: Susan Hill - The Beacon. The story was boring, the characters easily forgetable and the plot? It left Ro wondering what was that about?
Masggie's favourite: The Great Lover by Jill Dawson: Maggie loves this era early 1900's, and really enjoyed reading about Rupert Brooke, who was held up as a glamorous romantic poet,(see her review on this blog).
Maggie's least favourite: Jacky Trevane - Invisible women: Maggie enjoyed the first book 'Fatwa' but didn't enjoy this one as she felt it was just cashing in on other peoples tales.
Bab's favourite: Markus Zusak - The Book Thief: Death is a brilliant character in this very unusual book. It is beautifully written and set in the WW2 era which Babs loves. But on a par was 'Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and Literary Society' written by Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Shaffer. Again set in 1940's during WW2 it told of the German Occupation of Guernsey through letters.
Bab's least favourite: Victoria Hislop - The Return: Babs loved the Island (based on a Cretan leper colony) but this book set during the Spanish civil war was a disappointment. I felt that I was reading an article from an encyclopaedia and the story around it was dull and predictable. I had to agree with Babs on this one!
Some listeners comments:
Steve Watt: Best Book - undoubtedly 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel A brilliant historical novel but I have to put a word in for Cormac McArthy's 'Border Trilogy' (see reviews in this blog). As for the worst I only managed the first three pages of 'The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown - admirably and accurately described by the Guardian as 'a steaming pile of clunk.'
Ellie: best & worst both by same author Stephanie Meyer. Best, 'Eclipse', because it had a lot of action and bit of gore. Worst, 'New Moon',because nothing much happened in it.
Win Grant: Best book Hilary Mantel - Wolf Hall
Toby (St Martins Bakery): Jose Saramago - Blindness
Here's what the visitors said:
BOOK, AUTHOR & COMMENTS
Paul Torday - Salmon fishing in the Yemen: excellent read, unusual, reminds me of tv series 'yes misister'
Dodie Smith - I capture the Castle: My favourite book ever! Especially the bit with the escaped bear on the train
Jo Verity - Sweets From Morocco:I wrote it!
Edwar Cummings - Ghosts of Rosevear: Very interesting - and a good read too based on an island off St Agnes
Mark Haddon - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime: About autisitic boy sometimes amusing & shocking, a real insight
Thomas Bloor - Worm in the Blood: Wonderful love story that shouldn't work but really does make me cry
Tom Rob-Smith - child 44: Gripping crime novel set in Stalinist Russia. Realistic and ultimately haunting
Ian Sansom - The Case of the Missing Books: Quicrky & humourus novel about a Jewish librarian who takes up a job in Ireland only to find all the books missing
John Connelly - Bad Men: Spooky crime thriller set on an island off the coast of Maine USA
Sue Monk Kidd - The Secret Life of Bees A wonderful story out of nowhere which sends you on a roller coaster of emotions but end up feel good. Set at the start of the 1960's civil rights movement.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez - 100 years of Solitude a complex & involving story of one family in South America. It slowly tells a potted history of the continent as seen through eccentric eyes.
Terry Pratchett - Unseen Academicals: Brilliant!
Stephanie Meyer - Twilight Saga: NEVER a fan of romance, but enjoyed Twilight! Currently curbing my obsession!
My favourite? Chris Cleave 'The Other Hand', it really made me stop and think differently about some of the plights of immigrants held in detention centres.
Worst: Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst: boring & dull and I didn't care what happened to the characters (who were they anyway?).
Happy New Year to all! (definition of a hangover: Wrath of Grapes!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
