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263rd out of 558 books
—
492 voters
Serpent in the Thorns (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir #2)
by
Jeri Westerson (Goodreads Author)
Convicted of treason, Crispin Guest was stripped of his title, his land, his money and his friends. Now with only his considerable wits to sustain him, Guest works the mean streets of 14th century London, building a small reputation for his skill. In 1383, a simple-minded tavern girl comes to his door—a body was found where she works and she’s the only person who could hav...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
September 29th 2009
by Minotaur
(first published 229)
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A 3.5 maybe. Crispin Guest remains a dashing and intriguing character reminiscent of Errol Flynn. His exploits sometimes stretch credulity, but that remains fun rather than irritating to me. I'll continue with the series, but this book read flatter than the first. The plot seemed painfully predictable at times, and for such a smart fellow, Crispin can at times be rather dim. Mostly, I suspect, for the author's convenience in stretching out the mystery. Crispin ignores an obvious clue early on, a...more
Jan 14, 2012
Katherine
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
mystery readers, medieval history readers
Recommended to Katherine by:
Independent Authors Guild
Westerson has accomplished an extraordinary rendering of the back streets of London during the early years of the reign of Richard II. If the pace of action seems measured it is because she takes the time to bring the reader into the most intimate contact with her novel's world. And she brings us veritably under the skin of her debased former knight and poverty-stricken sleuth, Crispin Guest.
Finding a suitable language for characters in the past to speak is always a delicate matter. The 19th ce...more
Finding a suitable language for characters in the past to speak is always a delicate matter. The 19th ce...more
Source: Public Library
On occasion I enjoy reading books set a very different locale. Since I write American historical fiction and science fiction, I'm drawn to something that isn't in my bailiwick. Serpent in the Thorns certainly fit that.
I was immediately swept into the 14th century London setting. Jeri Westerson does a great job conveying sense of place--one of the keys to keeping me a happy reader.
The mystery involving series protagonist Crispin Guest, was intricate and filled with action a...more
On occasion I enjoy reading books set a very different locale. Since I write American historical fiction and science fiction, I'm drawn to something that isn't in my bailiwick. Serpent in the Thorns certainly fit that.
I was immediately swept into the 14th century London setting. Jeri Westerson does a great job conveying sense of place--one of the keys to keeping me a happy reader.
The mystery involving series protagonist Crispin Guest, was intricate and filled with action a...more
Convicted of treason, Crispin Guest was stripped of his title, his land, his money and his friends. Now with only his considerable wits to sustain him, Guest works the mean streets of 14th century London, building a small reputation for his skill. In 1383, a simple-minded tavern girl comes to his door—a body was found where she works and she’s the only person who could have killed him. Except for the fact that the man was killed in place by a precisely aimed crossbow bolt. Making matters worse,...more
I'm looking forward to reading more Crispin Guest mysteries for years to come.
In this book Crispin wakes up to find a woman asking for his help "There's a dead man in me room". He realizes that she was "a bit dim". But become's more intrigued when she confesses to the crime.
In this second book in the series Crispin is still very much angry about having ended up in his current state of affairs, no land, not money, no title. While investigating the scene of the murder he thinks he see's a way to...more
In this book Crispin wakes up to find a woman asking for his help "There's a dead man in me room". He realizes that she was "a bit dim". But become's more intrigued when she confesses to the crime.
In this second book in the series Crispin is still very much angry about having ended up in his current state of affairs, no land, not money, no title. While investigating the scene of the murder he thinks he see's a way to...more
Crispin is back in the second book in this Medieval mystery series. This time he has a young man, Jack, who has sort of made Crispin take him under his wing. Crispin, known as the tracker, has a woman show up at his boarding room who is very slow, mentally. She tells Crispin that there is a dead man at her room and she must have killed him even if she does not remember doing so. The man is a French courier, who is bringing the CROWN OF THORNS to the king of England. Yes, that crown of thorns. It...more
Another fabulous installment in Jeri Westerson's Crispin Guest Medieval Noir series! This story was packed with intrigue, and action, arrows flying all over the place, assassination attempts on kings and nobility, and through it all Crispin serves as the dashing, heroic, honorable (and very banged up) disruptor of plots and solver of mysteries.
I did have the prime conspirators in this story pegged very, very early on, but there were certainly twists that I did not see coming. The mysteries are p...more
I did have the prime conspirators in this story pegged very, very early on, but there were certainly twists that I did not see coming. The mysteries are p...more
Jeri Westerson kicks up the intensity in Serpent in the Thornsbook two of her Crispin Guest series. As a writer, I wanted to see what changes she's made since Veil of Lies (book one). Here's what she gives her fans: tight, believable plot; crisp dialogue, escalating conflicts, surprising twists, emotional intensity, and a 14th Century London that comes alive. I was particularly drawn to her deft handling of dialogue tags rather than the more common 'he said' 'she said'. For historical fiction, t...more
I loved this second novel in the Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Series! Jeri Westerson has certainly made her mark in the mystery genre, and given it it such a wonderfully new spin. I love the idea of Medieval Noir. It has such a nice ring to it, and there are so many places to go with it. Of course, I am looking forward to Crispin's next adventure. He's such an intriguing and noble character. He comes across a crown of thorn in this book. Could it truly be "the" crown of thorns? Who murdered the c...more
Reading the first book in the series, I found I liked the fact that the stories are set in medieval times, because it is not what I typically read. I enjoyed the character and how the story progressed. The lone flaw was that the writing in certain spots didn't work for me.
In book 2, I felt the same way. The pacing was good, there were some nice twists as the story progressed. I was glad to see that there wasn't as much interaction with the local sheriff in this book. And the development of Crisp...more
In book 2, I felt the same way. The pacing was good, there were some nice twists as the story progressed. I was glad to see that there wasn't as much interaction with the local sheriff in this book. And the development of Crisp...more
I like this Crispin Guest series...and was surprised to find out that this is only the third one! I do, however, wish that the author would figure out a way to get Crispin some new clothes, rather than to continue on and on about how he has worn the same things for years upon years! JAck's gradual development as Crispin's servant is fun to see, and the glimpses into the poverty stricken side of London is not what is always presented. Grim, ugly and yet real life for more people than lived the gl...more
Second in this medieval mystery series featuring Crispin Guest, a former knight who was stripped of lands, title and wealth but spared his life when caught in a treasonous plot seven years previously against young King Richard. Now he lives in the London slums and works as a Tracker, basically a private detective. In this book, he is hired by a scullion in an inn, whose mentally challenged sister keeps confessing to the killing of a French courier--who was carrying a relic that may be the genuin...more
This is historical fiction, not historical romance, yet I find Crispin Guest incredibly sexy. I adore him. He's a smart, honorable, true-hearted man. Your basic medieval cowboy, AKA a knight. This is the second book in the series, which a friend loaned to me or I would have started with the first. Now I can't wait to read the third. I caught a few phrases and words I wouldn't have heard in the 1300's, otherwise the book is well written. An A- due to those little modern uh-ohs.
This is a hard-boiled detective story that takes place in the middle ages. The main character is a disgraced former knight who ekes out a meager living by solving mysteries. That's a pretty innovative idea, but a book needs more than that to keep interest. This one isn't too engaging at first. I did think the ending was surprising and exciting, though.
Also, despite clearly emulating the hard-boiled realistic style of detective novels, this book takes a few small detours into the supernatural for...more
Also, despite clearly emulating the hard-boiled realistic style of detective novels, this book takes a few small detours into the supernatural for...more
I liked that this one had a bit more politics/history than the previous one and the use of minor characters was improved. Not quite sure how I feel about the overall message and some of the politically/culturally progressive aspects of the plot as the setting is feudal England, they seem a bit far-fetched. Oh well. Hopefully that's all done with and the author doesn't get more preachy in the next book.
This is a detective thriller set in the middle ages in London! The main character is a disgraced knight who while living in poverty still attempts to live honorably (though his ethics fail from a Christian standpoint, especially when it comes to women). Fast-paced and filled with realistic details, this was a fun who-done-it in a unique setting. (Some objectionable elements.)
If you like medieval times then this is a great book to read. this story is about a guy named Crispen who lives poorly and wants a better life. this book was very well written all though i started on book 2 first. The book is action packed end on end thriller to me. I loved the part when he fliped miles over and was like throat or gut ither way you are going to die. This is one of the many books i have loved and i don't read very much. this book starts off as Crispen the tracker he recovers los...more
Disgraced ex-knight Crispin Guest gets a plea for help from a simpleminded scullion wench who believes she killed a man in her room. The man turns out to be a French courier on a mission to bring King Richard the legendary Crown of Thorns, now missing, and Crispin finds himself accused of attempting to kill the king as he tries to solve the mystery.
While most medieval reads tend toward either melodramatic romance or overcooked parody, Jeri Westerson’s Serpent in the Thorns is a tight and suspenseful detective novel—an absorbing and authentic thriller that offers intriguing characters, a fascinating setting, and even a touch of history.
Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
Another great installment by Jeri Westerson. This book was a page turner and a great read. I would have never guessed that I could be hooked by an adventures of a P.I. in Medieval, England, as I pretty much devoured this book in a couple of days. Great writing, and great storyline. I highly recommend this book.
Can't wait for the next one!
Can't wait for the next one!
This was a very well written period (1384) mystery set in London. Crispin Guest is a former knight who has become a tracker (dective) to make a meager living. He is overly high minded and honorable, to his deteriment. Complex well told mystery. I plan on reading the first book featuring Guest and will look for others.
“A medieval noir” Crispin Guest, de-knighted some 7 years previous for treason, continues to defend the poor and helpless against the aristocracy. Here the Crown of Thorns goes missing and he must find it or the sheriff will have his innkeeper friends put to death.
Good twisty-turny plot, honorable outlaw protagonist, good use of history, but really lousy editing. This book was published by a major publisher; who do they hire to edit their books??? The author was very, very poorly served by her publisher. I wish her luck.
Fairly interesting depiction of 11th century England. Crispin Guest is an engaging character and the plot is well planned, however to give it a 4 star rating, I would have liked more spy work and less "visiting" with former acquaintances to develop the story.
Westerson captures the medieval streets of London extremely well. It is not a place we would care to spend much time. This book is light, easy reading, but she loves Crispin too much! I wish she had shown us more of his roughness.
Billed as medieval noir, this second in the series featuring disgraced former knight Crispin Guest, now working as a private investigator, brings 14th-century London to life. Historical fiction at its best.
Crispin Guest is a disgraced knight, now Finder for Hire. Think Robin Hood in a different era. The plot twist in this one did completely surprise me. Now I am on to the next Crispin adventure.
This is the second book in the Crispin Guest series by Jeri Westerson. Overall, I think this book was a good read, and it was a pleasure to see Guest grow into more of a mensch.
Jan 11, 2010
K.B. Inglee
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
historical fiction fans
Recommended to K.B. by:
the author
Love it. The feel is right for my interpretation of the time. Very sensual; you can almost smell the dung and offal. Just the right amount of violence.
Crispin Guest returns for another medieval noir mystery, this time searching for a religious relic that has gone missing.
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L.A. native Jeri Westerson writes the critically acclaimed “Crispin Guest Medieval Noir” series. Her protagonist is a disgraced knight turned detective, plying his trade on the mean streets of fourteenth century London. Publishers Weekly says about her latest BLOOD LANCE, “Clever twists and convincing period detail make Westerson’s fifth 14th-century historical featuring disgraced knight Crispin G...more
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