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A John Singer Sargent/Violet Paget Mystery #1
The Spoils of Avalon
The death of a humble clergyman in 1877 leads amateur sleuths Violet Paget and John Singer Sargent into a medieval world of saints and kings-including the legendary Arthur-as they follow a trail of relics and antiquities lost since the destruction of Glastonbury Abbey in 1539. Written in alternating chapters between the two time periods, The Spoils of Avalon creates a sparkling, magical mystery that bridges the gap between two worlds that could hardly be more different-the industrialized, Darwinian, materialistic Victorian Age and the agricultural, faith-infused life of a medieval abbey on the brink of violent change at the hands of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell. First in a new series of historical mysteries, The Spoils of Avalon introduces two unlikely detectives and life-long friends-beginning as young people on the verge of making their names famous for the next several decades throughout Europe and America: the brilliant and brittle Violet Paget, known as the writer Vernon Lee, and the talented, genial portrait painter John Singer Sargent.
302 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2014
13 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Mary F. Burns
20 books33 followersMary Burns’ debut historical novel J-THE WOMAN WHO WROTE THE BIBLE was published in July 2010 by O-Books (John Hunt Publishers, UK). Her second novel, PORTRAITS OF AN ARTIST about the 19th century portrait artist John Singer Sargent, was published by Sand Hill Review Press in 2013. This was followed by her Sargent/Paget Mystery series: THE SPOILS OF AVALON, THE LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES, and THE UNICORN IN THE MIRROR. #4 is on the way! Other literary novels include EMBER DAYS, OF RIPENESS & THE RIVER; and a non-fiction literary essay/exploration "Reading Mrs. Dalloway".
BLOGS: Literary Reviews Blog and Portraits of an Artist and
Sargent-Paget Mysteries
Ms. Burns was born in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in the western suburb of LaGrange, and attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where she earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in English, along with a high school teaching certificate. She relocated to San Francisco in 1976 where she now lives with her husband Stuart in the West Portal neighborhood. Ms. Burns has a law degree from Golden Gate University, has been president of her neighborhood association and is active in citywide issues. During most of her working career she was employed as a director of employee communications, public relations and issues management at various SF Bay Area corporations, was an editor and manager of the Books on Tape department for Ignatius Press, and has managed her own communications/PR consulting business as well, producing written communications, websites and video productions for numerous corporate and non-profit clients.
BLOGS: Literary Reviews Blog and Portraits of an Artist and
Sargent-Paget Mysteries
Ms. Burns was born in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in the western suburb of LaGrange, and attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where she earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in English, along with a high school teaching certificate. She relocated to San Francisco in 1976 where she now lives with her husband Stuart in the West Portal neighborhood. Ms. Burns has a law degree from Golden Gate University, has been president of her neighborhood association and is active in citywide issues. During most of her working career she was employed as a director of employee communications, public relations and issues management at various SF Bay Area corporations, was an editor and manager of the Books on Tape department for Ignatius Press, and has managed her own communications/PR consulting business as well, producing written communications, websites and video productions for numerous corporate and non-profit clients.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 20, 2015
I have read very few mysteries which have both moved me to tears and filled me with delight, but such is THE SPOILS OF AVALON, the first of a series whose sleuths are the young artist John Singer Sargent and his equally young writer and feminist friend Violet Paget. Both set off from London in 1877 where they are beginning their careers to the north of England to visit Violet’s elderly clergyman uncle in a small village. They find him dead, likely murdered, and feel the murder has something to do with his collection of crumbling relics from the dissolution of Glastonbury Abbey in 1539.
The alternate story is set in the last months of that Abbey, as a brave young monk and a blind Welsh bard attempt to transport some of the Abbey’s treasures to a safe hiding place in the north. Wherever they go, they find the old Catholic world of England savaged by Henry VIII’s men who care nothing for the mystical worth of books and chalices and relics, but only their monetary value. The portrait of the frail abbot Whiting who will be martyred for protecting his Abbey is very touching.
This is a portrayal of two worlds: one of blind upholding faith, the second of young British sophisticates who find themselves strangely moved as they are at last able to climb half-ruined towers and wander in the ruins of abbeys, in search of what happened to the treasures and relics in 1539 which will lead to what happened to the eccentric, good-natured Victorian clergyman well over three hundred years later. And it will show Violet and John Sargent that no matter how antique the beliefs of old Catholic England seem to them, there remains a mysticism from those years that even the centuries cannot dissolve.
I read this fascinating novel until the wee hours of the morning, unable to put it down. It is rare when someone can write a mystery with such passion, poetry, and charm. Mary F. Burns is a very gifted writer.
In addition, the softcover book is beautifully designed with each chapter prefaced by some lines from Tennyson’s book of Arthurian lore, THE IDYLLS OF THE KING.
The alternate story is set in the last months of that Abbey, as a brave young monk and a blind Welsh bard attempt to transport some of the Abbey’s treasures to a safe hiding place in the north. Wherever they go, they find the old Catholic world of England savaged by Henry VIII’s men who care nothing for the mystical worth of books and chalices and relics, but only their monetary value. The portrait of the frail abbot Whiting who will be martyred for protecting his Abbey is very touching.
This is a portrayal of two worlds: one of blind upholding faith, the second of young British sophisticates who find themselves strangely moved as they are at last able to climb half-ruined towers and wander in the ruins of abbeys, in search of what happened to the treasures and relics in 1539 which will lead to what happened to the eccentric, good-natured Victorian clergyman well over three hundred years later. And it will show Violet and John Sargent that no matter how antique the beliefs of old Catholic England seem to them, there remains a mysticism from those years that even the centuries cannot dissolve.
I read this fascinating novel until the wee hours of the morning, unable to put it down. It is rare when someone can write a mystery with such passion, poetry, and charm. Mary F. Burns is a very gifted writer.
In addition, the softcover book is beautifully designed with each chapter prefaced by some lines from Tennyson’s book of Arthurian lore, THE IDYLLS OF THE KING.
November 24, 2022
2022 bk 364. A well researched, plotted, and written mystery that follows two time lines. I usually don't like the books that go back and forth in time, but I'll make an exception for this book. Written from the viewpoint of Violet Paget, the story tells of the sudden death of her 'uncle' and how she and John Singer Sargent (yes, the artist) seek to learn the truth behind his death. Sargent and Paget are in their early 20's in this episode and while they have been good friends since childhood, are both delighted to learn that they can work together to uncover secrets. Great staging. I ordered the sequel before starting food prep for Thanksgiving dinner!
March 19, 2015
The first in a terrific new series featuring Violet Page (the writer, Vernon Lee) and portrait painter John Singer Sargent. Set in 1877 England and Glastonbury Abbey in 1539 as monasteries face changes at the hands of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell.
November 27, 2017
In “The Spoils of Avalon,” author Mary F. Burns imaginatively presents the two amateur sleuths as dynamic, bright, and bantering in an endearing and sometimes hilarious way. This is the "real life" creative pair, 19th century artist John Singer Sargent and his lifelong friend, writer Violet Paget—that I came to know in Burns' novel, “Portraits of an Artist." Fiction can make you laugh, cry and fear – and so can real history! As an historian, I loved learning about events with which I was unfamiliar and which contained just the right touch of folkloric myth. The story takes us between the British late 19th and early 16th centuries as the mystery unfolds and, in the time-honored tradition of thrilling storm scenes of the era’s Victorian melodramas, finds resolution. But what I most enjoyed about the book was the author’s grip on the language and details of the two distinct eras. I never felt I was outside looking in, but rather, inside the characters’ minds experiencing their own sense impressions and surroundings. Thoroughly recommended, for fun, fiction, mystery and history - and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
June 16, 2022
John & Violet See Excalibur of Glastonbury in Naworth—AH! The King Arthur Mystique
Determined to destroy all vestiges of Roman Catholicism in England, Henry VIII set Cromwell to subduing abbeys one by one. His men, euphemistically referred to as Visitors, brought to cloisters, abbeys, and parishes the opportunity to acquiesce to the King’s protection by joining the Church of England, a joining that required tribute in the form of relics and articles of value used in rites and worship. Those who refused suffered what was shortly termed “dissolution”—destruction of their abbey or cloister and, often, their own deaths. Time and communication being what they were, some refusers attempted to spirit away their treasures for safe-keeping.
This extraordinarily entertaining and well-researched novel deals with objects associated with the King Arthur lore protected by 16th century monks of Glastonbury and 19th century interest in them.
I so very much enjoyed Burn’s THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT that I went hunting for other Burns titles. What a reward!!!
Determined to destroy all vestiges of Roman Catholicism in England, Henry VIII set Cromwell to subduing abbeys one by one. His men, euphemistically referred to as Visitors, brought to cloisters, abbeys, and parishes the opportunity to acquiesce to the King’s protection by joining the Church of England, a joining that required tribute in the form of relics and articles of value used in rites and worship. Those who refused suffered what was shortly termed “dissolution”—destruction of their abbey or cloister and, often, their own deaths. Time and communication being what they were, some refusers attempted to spirit away their treasures for safe-keeping.
This extraordinarily entertaining and well-researched novel deals with objects associated with the King Arthur lore protected by 16th century monks of Glastonbury and 19th century interest in them.
I so very much enjoyed Burn’s THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT that I went hunting for other Burns titles. What a reward!!!
December 20, 2021
I admit, I'm not a huge fan of dual timeline books and this one was no exception. Since the chapters were relatively short, I felt like I had whiplash bouncing between the centuries. That being said, I did like how the stories linked up at the end, and I loved the first hand look at the dissolution of Glastonbury Abbey.
August 22, 2024
Wonderful San Francisco /West Portal author who turns a history lesson into great entertainment. A true delight; learned much about English history, antiquities and the destruction of Glastonbury Abbey. Mary Burns has captured the prosaic balance of teaching history and a much overlooked chapter and presenting entertainment. A true trailblazer in historical mysteries.
June 18, 2022
What a great book! I love the way the two time periods are interwoven... I also love how Ms. Burns weaves historical facts throughout the story.
December 5, 2014
Writing a novel in two different time periods is nothing new but doing it really well is not so easy. The Spoils of Avalon is, to my way of thinking, a prime example of doing it oh, so very well. I was intrigued when offered the chance to read and review this because I’m fond of both the Arthurian legend and its time and the Victorian period for historical fiction and historical mysteries (not to mention pure historical nonfiction). Ms. Burns not only didn’t fail me, she gave me one of the best reads I’ve had all year.
The first thing I have to mention is the tone of the alternating chapters. By that, I mean there is no mistaking whether it’s 1539 or 1877 because the author has such a fine sense of the language and the syntax of each time and the events that were occurring, historically speaking. Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell were in the midst of destroying the monasteries in 1539 and the fear and disillusionment felt by the Abbot, the young monk, Arthur, and other abbey monks who gave their loyalty to the Church is palpable. Looking back from today, we know how Henry and Cromwell rampaged through all the church holdings, taking their wealth for the Crown and leaving the English Church in ruins. Contrasted with that time is the Victorian era and it’s industrialization and the beginnings of women’s freedoms. Violet and John speak in the mode of language you would anticipate and show the signs of modernity that would have certainly been evident in 1877 England.
The characters, primarily Arthur, John and Violet, all came to life for me. I felt the Abbot’s distress and Arthur’s devotion to the man while he was having doubts about his own future as a monk. Seeing Arthur in a teenaged role was interesting, lending a new facet to the king he was to become. John’s love of art, in this time before he gained fame, runs throughout the story and it’s his eye for detail that makes him such a good sleuth. Then there’s Violet, a woman I had not heard of before who made a name for herself as a writer in a man’s world. In Ms. Burns’ hands, Violet is incredibly engaging and intelligent with a wit that enlivens her conversations. She has joined the small group of Victorian sleuths I call my favorites.
Getting to the bottom of how Reverend Crickley met his untimely end is, of course, the core of the tale and it’s a very pleasing bit of sleuthing that John and Violet take on. Is the less-than-totally-charming Lord Parke somehow involved? The housekeeper, Mrs. Barnstable? The lawyer Wattendall? And what is the motive behind the death?
Anyone in search of a truly engaging mystery with depth of character and plot and interesting historical settings would do well to pick up The Spoils of Avalon, first in what I hope will be a very long series.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, November 2014.
The first thing I have to mention is the tone of the alternating chapters. By that, I mean there is no mistaking whether it’s 1539 or 1877 because the author has such a fine sense of the language and the syntax of each time and the events that were occurring, historically speaking. Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell were in the midst of destroying the monasteries in 1539 and the fear and disillusionment felt by the Abbot, the young monk, Arthur, and other abbey monks who gave their loyalty to the Church is palpable. Looking back from today, we know how Henry and Cromwell rampaged through all the church holdings, taking their wealth for the Crown and leaving the English Church in ruins. Contrasted with that time is the Victorian era and it’s industrialization and the beginnings of women’s freedoms. Violet and John speak in the mode of language you would anticipate and show the signs of modernity that would have certainly been evident in 1877 England.
The characters, primarily Arthur, John and Violet, all came to life for me. I felt the Abbot’s distress and Arthur’s devotion to the man while he was having doubts about his own future as a monk. Seeing Arthur in a teenaged role was interesting, lending a new facet to the king he was to become. John’s love of art, in this time before he gained fame, runs throughout the story and it’s his eye for detail that makes him such a good sleuth. Then there’s Violet, a woman I had not heard of before who made a name for herself as a writer in a man’s world. In Ms. Burns’ hands, Violet is incredibly engaging and intelligent with a wit that enlivens her conversations. She has joined the small group of Victorian sleuths I call my favorites.
Getting to the bottom of how Reverend Crickley met his untimely end is, of course, the core of the tale and it’s a very pleasing bit of sleuthing that John and Violet take on. Is the less-than-totally-charming Lord Parke somehow involved? The housekeeper, Mrs. Barnstable? The lawyer Wattendall? And what is the motive behind the death?
Anyone in search of a truly engaging mystery with depth of character and plot and interesting historical settings would do well to pick up The Spoils of Avalon, first in what I hope will be a very long series.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, November 2014.
November 18, 2014
Summary:
The death of a humble clergyman in 1877 leads amateur sleuths Violet Paget and John Singer Sargent into a medieval world of saints and kings—including the legendary Arthur—as they follow a trail of relics and antiquities lost since the destruction of Glastonbury Abbey in 1539. Written in alternating chapters between the two time periods, The Spoils of Avalon creates a sparkling, magical mystery that bridges the gap between two worlds that could hardly be more different—the industrialized, Darwinian, materialistic Victorian Age and the agricultural, faith-infused life of a medieval abbey on the brink of violent change at the hands of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell.
First in a new series of historical mysteries, The Spoils of Avalon introduces two unlikely detectives and life-long friends—beginning as young people on the verge of making their names famous for the next several decades throughout Europe and America: the brilliant and brittle Violet Paget, known as the writer Vernon Lee, and the talented, genial portrait painter John Singer Sargent.
Friends from the age of ten, Paget and Sargent frequently met in the popular European watering places and capitals, frequenting the same salons and drawing rooms in London, Rome, Paris, Florence, Venice, Vienna and Madrid. Both were possessed of keen minds and bohemian tendencies, unorthodox educations and outsized egos (especially Paget). Their instant, natural bonding led them to address each other as “Twin”, and they corresponded frequently when they were apart.
Henry James once described Violet Paget as having “the most formidable mind” of their times, and he was an active fan and patron of John Sargent, introducing him to London society and his own inner circles of literary and artistic genius. (summary courtesy of HFVBT).
My Thoughts:
There were a few things I really loved about The Spoils of Avalon.
Quotes from Idylls of the King at the beginning of each chapter.
A beautiful front cover. It reminded me of a medieval illuminated manuscript.
Two time frames. One time setting is in 1877 Victorian England. The other time setting is 1539 England.
A mystery surrounding ancient relics.
The Arthurian legend.
An English monastery setting during the 1500s.
Henry VIII's rule. In particular, the event surrounding his "destruction" of the monasteries.
A murder mystery.
Victorian England.
What I did not like in regards to The Spoils of Avalon.
The story is too busy. It is a whirl of varying elements. I believe it is because the story is too busy, I failed to find a place to connect. Further, I was not able to become apart of the story.
Source: Free copy from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and Sand Hill Review Press in exchange for a review.
The death of a humble clergyman in 1877 leads amateur sleuths Violet Paget and John Singer Sargent into a medieval world of saints and kings—including the legendary Arthur—as they follow a trail of relics and antiquities lost since the destruction of Glastonbury Abbey in 1539. Written in alternating chapters between the two time periods, The Spoils of Avalon creates a sparkling, magical mystery that bridges the gap between two worlds that could hardly be more different—the industrialized, Darwinian, materialistic Victorian Age and the agricultural, faith-infused life of a medieval abbey on the brink of violent change at the hands of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell.
First in a new series of historical mysteries, The Spoils of Avalon introduces two unlikely detectives and life-long friends—beginning as young people on the verge of making their names famous for the next several decades throughout Europe and America: the brilliant and brittle Violet Paget, known as the writer Vernon Lee, and the talented, genial portrait painter John Singer Sargent.
Friends from the age of ten, Paget and Sargent frequently met in the popular European watering places and capitals, frequenting the same salons and drawing rooms in London, Rome, Paris, Florence, Venice, Vienna and Madrid. Both were possessed of keen minds and bohemian tendencies, unorthodox educations and outsized egos (especially Paget). Their instant, natural bonding led them to address each other as “Twin”, and they corresponded frequently when they were apart.
Henry James once described Violet Paget as having “the most formidable mind” of their times, and he was an active fan and patron of John Sargent, introducing him to London society and his own inner circles of literary and artistic genius. (summary courtesy of HFVBT).
My Thoughts:
There were a few things I really loved about The Spoils of Avalon.
Quotes from Idylls of the King at the beginning of each chapter.
A beautiful front cover. It reminded me of a medieval illuminated manuscript.
Two time frames. One time setting is in 1877 Victorian England. The other time setting is 1539 England.
A mystery surrounding ancient relics.
The Arthurian legend.
An English monastery setting during the 1500s.
Henry VIII's rule. In particular, the event surrounding his "destruction" of the monasteries.
A murder mystery.
Victorian England.
What I did not like in regards to The Spoils of Avalon.
The story is too busy. It is a whirl of varying elements. I believe it is because the story is too busy, I failed to find a place to connect. Further, I was not able to become apart of the story.
Source: Free copy from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and Sand Hill Review Press in exchange for a review.
November 22, 2014
The Spoils of Avalon is a mystery novel that stars real historical figures, the artists Violet Paget and John Sargent. When Violet gets a letter from her relative Mr. Crickley, a clergyman, telling her that he found something interesting the two lifelong friends decide to visit him, only to discover that he is dead. His mysterious death leads them to a trail of holy relics that links them to the legendary King Arthur and Joseph of Arimathea, who as legend says traveled to England after the death of Jesus Christ. Together they discover the past of the Glastonbury abbey that Henry VIII destroyed.
To be honest, I had never heard of Violet Paget or John Sargent until I read this book so them starring in the novel really didn’t excite me much. What really made me enthusiastic was that it involved King Arthur, and I am a major Arthurian buff. One interesting thing that I liked about the book was that they linked King Arthur and Glastonbury Abbey, where he and Guinevere are said to have been buried.
I really liked the narrator Violet Paget. She was very interesting along with her companion John Sargent. Violet has a sharp wit, and most of the times I found her funny. Both she and John have an eye for detail. She also loves to read the legends of King Arthur.
The story involves two storylines set in different time periods. The first is set in the Victorian period that involves the murder mystery with Violet Paget and John Sargent. The second is set in Glastonbury in the Tudor era during the reign of Henry VIII, and the main character Arthur, a novice, who watches his convent and his friend, the abbot being under threat by both the king and Thomas Cromwell. He also watches a great divide and inner conflict in the convent as most are for the Protestant Reformation. Arthur strives to protect his abbey and the relics in it.
Overall, this was a fun mystery to read. The book is fast-paced and easy to read. It is full of suspense, intrigue, and drama that keeps you invested in the story. The characters are likable, and I found myself interested in the real life of Violet Paget and John Sargent. I recommend this story to anyone interested in historical fiction, mystery, The Victorian Era, The Tudors, and King Arthur.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
To be honest, I had never heard of Violet Paget or John Sargent until I read this book so them starring in the novel really didn’t excite me much. What really made me enthusiastic was that it involved King Arthur, and I am a major Arthurian buff. One interesting thing that I liked about the book was that they linked King Arthur and Glastonbury Abbey, where he and Guinevere are said to have been buried.
I really liked the narrator Violet Paget. She was very interesting along with her companion John Sargent. Violet has a sharp wit, and most of the times I found her funny. Both she and John have an eye for detail. She also loves to read the legends of King Arthur.
The story involves two storylines set in different time periods. The first is set in the Victorian period that involves the murder mystery with Violet Paget and John Sargent. The second is set in Glastonbury in the Tudor era during the reign of Henry VIII, and the main character Arthur, a novice, who watches his convent and his friend, the abbot being under threat by both the king and Thomas Cromwell. He also watches a great divide and inner conflict in the convent as most are for the Protestant Reformation. Arthur strives to protect his abbey and the relics in it.
Overall, this was a fun mystery to read. The book is fast-paced and easy to read. It is full of suspense, intrigue, and drama that keeps you invested in the story. The characters are likable, and I found myself interested in the real life of Violet Paget and John Sargent. I recommend this story to anyone interested in historical fiction, mystery, The Victorian Era, The Tudors, and King Arthur.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
July 26, 2016
The Spoils of Avalon is a different type of historical mystery covering two separate eras with chapters jumping from sixteenth century Arthurian themed Tudor England to nineteenth century Victorian England. The difference lies in the use of dual narrators and main characters, real life artistic figures John Singer Sargent and his friend author Violet Paget.
Who could have ever imagined that the arrival of a letter could set into place a complex faith driven murder mystery that Sargent and Paget are determined to solve. In order to do this they must leave London for the north of England, to visit the letter’s author, her uncle, Mr. Crickley, a clergyman. His letter mentions an interesting find he has made but they will never know more than that for when they arrive he is found dead. Or was he murdered for what he has discovered?
The mystery unfolds between alternating chapters taking the reader on a spiritual and faith based journey where moral questions lie behind every corner and within every hand written scroll and ink well dipped pen to paper. The reader will be taken to the world of the legendary King Arthur involving holy relics during the dissolution of the monasteries and the destruction of Glastonbury Abbey by Henry VIIIs Tudor England. Also present is the brilliant use of the legend of Joseph of Arimathea who traveled to England after the death of Jesus Christ. You will meet Thomas Cromwell, so hold on to your hats my friends.
Come on this very different adventure. It will keep you guessing and wanting to read on. I enjoyed the presence of the artists taking the lead to help solve this mystery. I thought it was a very good touch. The Spoils of Avalon is different but it is mostly Arthurian based where the sixteenth century storyline does take precedence. It is very religious in subtext and if you are more interested in the Victorian 1877 storyline, there aren’t that many chapters focused in the nineteenth century because the focus drifts back to the legend of King Arthur and the reasons for the uncle’s murder connected to Victorian England. I did enjoy very much the chapter headings of quotations taken largely from Idylls of the King by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Who could have ever imagined that the arrival of a letter could set into place a complex faith driven murder mystery that Sargent and Paget are determined to solve. In order to do this they must leave London for the north of England, to visit the letter’s author, her uncle, Mr. Crickley, a clergyman. His letter mentions an interesting find he has made but they will never know more than that for when they arrive he is found dead. Or was he murdered for what he has discovered?
The mystery unfolds between alternating chapters taking the reader on a spiritual and faith based journey where moral questions lie behind every corner and within every hand written scroll and ink well dipped pen to paper. The reader will be taken to the world of the legendary King Arthur involving holy relics during the dissolution of the monasteries and the destruction of Glastonbury Abbey by Henry VIIIs Tudor England. Also present is the brilliant use of the legend of Joseph of Arimathea who traveled to England after the death of Jesus Christ. You will meet Thomas Cromwell, so hold on to your hats my friends.
Come on this very different adventure. It will keep you guessing and wanting to read on. I enjoyed the presence of the artists taking the lead to help solve this mystery. I thought it was a very good touch. The Spoils of Avalon is different but it is mostly Arthurian based where the sixteenth century storyline does take precedence. It is very religious in subtext and if you are more interested in the Victorian 1877 storyline, there aren’t that many chapters focused in the nineteenth century because the focus drifts back to the legend of King Arthur and the reasons for the uncle’s murder connected to Victorian England. I did enjoy very much the chapter headings of quotations taken largely from Idylls of the King by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
November 18, 2014
I have recently become a fan of historical mysteries so when I was offered this book for review, I jumped at the chance. The beauty of this book is we get two historical eras for the price of one and our historical sleuths are real figures in history, from the art and literary worlds.
The mystery involves the death of a clergyman in the 19th century surrounding the disappearance of a holy relic which came from Glastonbury Abbey in the Tudor era, 16th century England. In it, we get the unlikely pairing of John Singer Sargent the famous painter and Violet Paget aka Vernon Lee, an author. Their rapport, stemming from being lifelong friends, is enjoyable and their methods for solving the mystery were quite interesting.
Not only do we get a mystery that keeps us turning the pages, we also get to experience the dissolution of the monasteries, wrought by Henry VIII, firsthand. In this case, Glastonbury Abbey, the renowned monastery so entrenched in Arthurian legend. The author has deftly written two eras of the past making the reader feel present the entire time and with the historical background left intact.
An enjoyable mystery which also gives us some history and so we learn something along the way. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great historical fiction and mysteries combined. This being the first in a series, I look forward to continuing on with the adventures of Violet and John.
The mystery involves the death of a clergyman in the 19th century surrounding the disappearance of a holy relic which came from Glastonbury Abbey in the Tudor era, 16th century England. In it, we get the unlikely pairing of John Singer Sargent the famous painter and Violet Paget aka Vernon Lee, an author. Their rapport, stemming from being lifelong friends, is enjoyable and their methods for solving the mystery were quite interesting.
Not only do we get a mystery that keeps us turning the pages, we also get to experience the dissolution of the monasteries, wrought by Henry VIII, firsthand. In this case, Glastonbury Abbey, the renowned monastery so entrenched in Arthurian legend. The author has deftly written two eras of the past making the reader feel present the entire time and with the historical background left intact.
An enjoyable mystery which also gives us some history and so we learn something along the way. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great historical fiction and mysteries combined. This being the first in a series, I look forward to continuing on with the adventures of Violet and John.
November 10, 2014
As posted at http://www.justonemorechapter.com/
This book takes place in 2 different time periods, the 1800's and mid 1500's (under the rule of King Henry VIII). The monasteries are being destroyed under the command of the King and mix in some history, myth from King Arthur and Avalon and you get an entertaining read.
Violet Paget and John Singer Sargent are real historical figures and brought together in 1877, what is suppose to be a friendly visit turns tragic when Violets friend passes under mysterious circumstances. Alternating each chapter between the two time periods works so well with this book. The language and mannerisms reflect the different times making a clear distinction between the two story lines.
The plot was rather interesting, I like a good murder mystery, one that keeps me on my toes trying to figure things out. I love the added bonus here with the Arthurian legends, the relics and this mysterious little book.
This is my first book by this author, I like her writing style. Easy to follow with a smooth flow and details that acknowledge her expertise of these time periods. This is a planned series which I hope to continue with.
This book takes place in 2 different time periods, the 1800's and mid 1500's (under the rule of King Henry VIII). The monasteries are being destroyed under the command of the King and mix in some history, myth from King Arthur and Avalon and you get an entertaining read.
Violet Paget and John Singer Sargent are real historical figures and brought together in 1877, what is suppose to be a friendly visit turns tragic when Violets friend passes under mysterious circumstances. Alternating each chapter between the two time periods works so well with this book. The language and mannerisms reflect the different times making a clear distinction between the two story lines.
The plot was rather interesting, I like a good murder mystery, one that keeps me on my toes trying to figure things out. I love the added bonus here with the Arthurian legends, the relics and this mysterious little book.
This is my first book by this author, I like her writing style. Easy to follow with a smooth flow and details that acknowledge her expertise of these time periods. This is a planned series which I hope to continue with.
January 24, 2015
The Spoils of Avalon is a truly enjoyable read. Traveling through two different periods of time, as the story is told, takes the reader on a stunning trip. Violet is witty and warm, and the pairing with John is truly magical. The way Ms. Burns tells the story, through the eyes of Violet Paget, allows the reader to relish each moment of the adventure. She fills the story with intrigue and suspense, captivating the reader. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery, accompanied with a journey, will enjoy and wish for more. The secondary characters were penned well, like Arthur. He definitely had a way of showing emotion in his encounters. This satisfying read allows the reader to visualize the castles, cemeteries, and all the events of the storms, and many other things crafted so very well.
Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
November 4, 2014
Atmospheric settings and intriguing historical facts are woven into this impressive novel. I recommend it for English history buffs and mystery lovers both. The main characters, Paget and Singer Sargent, are an unlikely pair for sleuths but this works well as the book is also set in Victorian England.
For my full review, visit http://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/20...
For my full review, visit http://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/20...
August 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this first mystery involving John Singer Sargent and Violet Paget. I liked the alternating timelines, 1877 with the young John and Violet, and 1539, as Henry VIII and his minions were "reforming" (pillaging,destroying) the great abbeys and priories of England, and in particular Glastonbury. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
December 5, 2014
What fun to see John Singer Sargent with his pal Violet Paget, who was also the author Vernon Lee. Burns sets the stage for this whodunnit and lets us have a romp through the English countryside. I loved it.
October 26, 2021
Passing of Time
I liked the transfer of time from the 1800s to the 1500s. I also enjoyed the passages of time from the 1100s regarding King Aurthor. The loss of the Excalibur was also exciting. How does a Catholic ypriest
I liked the transfer of time from the 1800s to the 1500s. I also enjoyed the passages of time from the 1100s regarding King Aurthor. The loss of the Excalibur was also exciting. How does a Catholic ypriest
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