I've always enjoyed historical mysteries especially written around a framework of factual history. This one is told in third person, alternating the modern timeline (1992), with Elizabethan & Jacobian historical vignettes built into the story. There is a major subplot involving the situation in Bosnia at the time which struck me oddly, but the research for all of the facets of the book (modern and medieval) were impressively well done.
There were a few stereotypes with which I was somewhat uncomfortable and the female main character, Margaret, though not unintelligent, struck me as recklessly hasty and naive.
The book is undeniably beautifully written. The author has a deft touch with dialogue and pacing. The historical parts are very well researched and believably rendered and I didn't find any anachronisms or mistakes. (I'm not a historian, just a keen amateur). If the denouement was a trifle too perfect, it was at least a happy and satisfying one. It should also be mentioned that either the author is gifted with his capacity for nuts-and-bolts writing, or the editing was superlative. I was given an early eARC for review purposes and found not one single typo or mistake. I think that might be unique in my reviewing experience thus far.
The author includes a nice list of historical notes and references which leave me itching to read further. I always love author afterwords for the glimpse they give into the author's creative process. That was a big plus for me with this book.
I enjoyed this one very much and will definitely seek out the author's further work.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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