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Sir Roger Shallot #1
The White Rose Murders
In 1517 the English armies have defeated and killed James IV of Scotland at Flodden and James's widow-queen, Margaret, sister to Henry VIII, has fled to England, leaving her crown under a Council of Regency.
Roger Shallot is drawn into a web of mystery and murder by his close friendship with Benjamin Daunbey, the nephew of Cardinal Wolsey, first minister of Henry VIII. Benjamin and Roger are ordered into Margaret's household to resolve certain mysteries as well as to bring about her restoration to Scotland.
They begin by questioning Selkirk, a half-mad physician imprisoned in the Tower. He is subsequently found poisoned in a locked chamber guarded by soldiers. The only clue is a poem of riddles. However, the poem contains the seeds for other gruesome murders. The faceless assassin always leaves a white rose, the mark of Les Blancs Sangliers, a secret society plotting the overthrow of the Tudor monarchy...
This novel was previously published under the pseudonym Michael Clynes.
Roger Shallot is drawn into a web of mystery and murder by his close friendship with Benjamin Daunbey, the nephew of Cardinal Wolsey, first minister of Henry VIII. Benjamin and Roger are ordered into Margaret's household to resolve certain mysteries as well as to bring about her restoration to Scotland.
They begin by questioning Selkirk, a half-mad physician imprisoned in the Tower. He is subsequently found poisoned in a locked chamber guarded by soldiers. The only clue is a poem of riddles. However, the poem contains the seeds for other gruesome murders. The faceless assassin always leaves a white rose, the mark of Les Blancs Sangliers, a secret society plotting the overthrow of the Tudor monarchy...
This novel was previously published under the pseudonym Michael Clynes.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
117 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
263 books611 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 30, 2021
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**
Read this book in 2009, and its the 1st episode of the "Roger Shallot" journals series.
This series is made up from recollections from Roger Shallot when he was working as a spy and henchman for Cardinal Wolsey during the reign of King Henry VIII.
The tale it set in the year AD 1517, and Queen Margaret has fled Scotland, after her husband's, King James IV, defeat against the armies from King Henry VIII.
Due to his friendship with Benjamin, nephew of Cardinal Wolsey, Roger Shallot is drawn into a web of intrigue, mystery and murder.
Both are sent into Margaret's household to investigate certain mysteries, and so they start with Selkirk, a half mad physician imprisoned in the Tower, only to find him later on poisoned in a locked chamber.
The only clue left is a poem of riddles accompanied with a White Rose, the mark of Les Blanc Sangliers, a secret society plotting to overthrow the Tudor Monarchy.
What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling Tudor mystery, in which Roger Shallot and Benjamin will have to go to any lengths to find out the truth behind these murders, and after some twists and turns, followed with a well executed plot, they will be to identify the culprit of these murders.
Highly recommended, for this is a very thrilling start of the Roger Shallot series, and that's why I like to call this 1st outing: "A Very Enjoyable Roger Shallot Begin"!
Read this book in 2009, and its the 1st episode of the "Roger Shallot" journals series.
This series is made up from recollections from Roger Shallot when he was working as a spy and henchman for Cardinal Wolsey during the reign of King Henry VIII.
The tale it set in the year AD 1517, and Queen Margaret has fled Scotland, after her husband's, King James IV, defeat against the armies from King Henry VIII.
Due to his friendship with Benjamin, nephew of Cardinal Wolsey, Roger Shallot is drawn into a web of intrigue, mystery and murder.
Both are sent into Margaret's household to investigate certain mysteries, and so they start with Selkirk, a half mad physician imprisoned in the Tower, only to find him later on poisoned in a locked chamber.
The only clue left is a poem of riddles accompanied with a White Rose, the mark of Les Blanc Sangliers, a secret society plotting to overthrow the Tudor Monarchy.
What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling Tudor mystery, in which Roger Shallot and Benjamin will have to go to any lengths to find out the truth behind these murders, and after some twists and turns, followed with a well executed plot, they will be to identify the culprit of these murders.
Highly recommended, for this is a very thrilling start of the Roger Shallot series, and that's why I like to call this 1st outing: "A Very Enjoyable Roger Shallot Begin"!
June 19, 2017
Well that was a struggle. I found it pretty much impossible to see past the fact that the point of view character was an utterly obnoxious, cowardly misogynist to enjoy the mystery beneath. I won't be reading any more of this series.
February 27, 2019
A lively read by Michael Clynes (Paul Doherty). This is the first of six featuring Roger Shallot--rogue, teller of tall tales, and spy to Cardinal Wolsey. An admitted exaggerator, Shallot's adventures are solidly based on the prodigious research of Dr. Doherty.
The story begins in 1517 when the English army has defeated the Scots at Flodden and James IV is killed. His widow queen, Margaret, sister to Henry VIII, flees to England, leaving her children behind and her crown under a Council of Regency. Cardinal Wolsey's nephew, Benjamin, and his friend, Shallot, are enlisted by the King's minister to help restore her to the throne.
This is a fast and engaging read for Tudor fans, especially those interested in King Henry VIII's reign. Doherty uses the White Rose faction (Yorkist loyalists) as a plausible vehicle to tell this story of murder and mystery behind King James' death. Indeed, Harry was always worried about an overthrow and viewed any nobility with Yorkist blood with particular suspicion.
Well researched, fun (if you can overlook Shallot's asides about women and Shakespeare, the list goes on), and a solid murder mystery.
The story begins in 1517 when the English army has defeated the Scots at Flodden and James IV is killed. His widow queen, Margaret, sister to Henry VIII, flees to England, leaving her children behind and her crown under a Council of Regency. Cardinal Wolsey's nephew, Benjamin, and his friend, Shallot, are enlisted by the King's minister to help restore her to the throne.
This is a fast and engaging read for Tudor fans, especially those interested in King Henry VIII's reign. Doherty uses the White Rose faction (Yorkist loyalists) as a plausible vehicle to tell this story of murder and mystery behind King James' death. Indeed, Harry was always worried about an overthrow and viewed any nobility with Yorkist blood with particular suspicion.
Well researched, fun (if you can overlook Shallot's asides about women and Shakespeare, the list goes on), and a solid murder mystery.
July 9, 2022
The White Rose Murders: Being the First Journal of Sir Roger Shallot Concerning Certain Wicked Conspiracies and Horrible Murders Perpetrated in the Reign of King Henry VIII
By Paul Doherty, writing under the name Michael Clymes
Reviewed July 9, 2022
The White Rose Murders is the first in the Roger Shallot mysteries told in the form of the narrator’s memoirs, and a word of warning to historical purists – Roger’s version of what happened often needs to be taken with a large grain of salt. You see, Roger is not only a rogue and a scoundrel who has never been above letting someone else take the blame if by doing so he would get himself out of a mess, but he is also a bit of a braggart. In spite of these less than stellar qualities, he tells a whopping good tale!
Roger was born seven years after the Battle of Bosworth put Henry VII on the throne, but the fact that he has little good to say about either Henry, father or son, makes me all the more willing to overlook his faults.
When the story begins, Roger is now in his 90th year. He is a successful and wealthy man who still enjoys a buxom woman to warm his bed. He is dictating his adventures to his chaplain who is often shocked by Roger’s scandalous behavior. (In spite of England now being Protestant, Roger still follows the Catholic faith.)
We then jump back to 1519. Two years previous, the English under the command of an irascible Lord Surrey trounced the Scots at Flodden, and King James IV was killed, leaving his queen (and Henry VIII’s sister) a widow. But wherever Margaret goes, trouble seems to follow. Living in exile in England, she wants to return to Scotland but before she can do that, Roger along with his friend, mentor, and master Benjamin Daunby (nephew of the king’s Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey) are sent by the Cardinal on a mission to join the widowed queen’s household and investigate certain unsavory goings on.
At the heart of the mystery is an assassin who manages to enter locked rooms, poison his victims, and leave a white rose at the scenes. This assassin is a member of a covert group who call themselves Les Blancs Sangliers. Is this a link to the late Richard III who was slain at Bosworth and whose personal device was the blanc sanglier? Is there a plot afoot to overthrow Henry VIII and put a Yorkist back on the throne?
Roger has a sassy, “I don’t give a damn” attitude when telling his story, and is not above name-dropping. He also likes to refer to past events without bothering to explain further, only saying, “But that’s another story.” For example, he mentions that he and Queen Elizabeth I once had an affair and the two of them often reminisce about the bastard son she bore him. “But that’s another story.” Then there is the time when he explains he has doubts that the Usurper, King Richard, had his nephews killed because he (Roger) saw one of them once. Again, however, we’re treated to no details, only, “But that’s another story.” (Does this mean these events will figure in future stories? It would be fun if they did.) In short, according to Roger, he has been around and since this is his story, he’s going to give himself the starring role and maybe exaggerate things a bit.
As with other books I have read by this author, Doherty knows his history and puts it to good use. He weaves an exciting tale with a good mystery. Turns out there are several more books in the Roger Shallot mysteries, and scoundrel or not, I think I am going to enjoy reading them.
By Paul Doherty, writing under the name Michael Clymes
Reviewed July 9, 2022
The White Rose Murders is the first in the Roger Shallot mysteries told in the form of the narrator’s memoirs, and a word of warning to historical purists – Roger’s version of what happened often needs to be taken with a large grain of salt. You see, Roger is not only a rogue and a scoundrel who has never been above letting someone else take the blame if by doing so he would get himself out of a mess, but he is also a bit of a braggart. In spite of these less than stellar qualities, he tells a whopping good tale!
Roger was born seven years after the Battle of Bosworth put Henry VII on the throne, but the fact that he has little good to say about either Henry, father or son, makes me all the more willing to overlook his faults.
When the story begins, Roger is now in his 90th year. He is a successful and wealthy man who still enjoys a buxom woman to warm his bed. He is dictating his adventures to his chaplain who is often shocked by Roger’s scandalous behavior. (In spite of England now being Protestant, Roger still follows the Catholic faith.)
We then jump back to 1519. Two years previous, the English under the command of an irascible Lord Surrey trounced the Scots at Flodden, and King James IV was killed, leaving his queen (and Henry VIII’s sister) a widow. But wherever Margaret goes, trouble seems to follow. Living in exile in England, she wants to return to Scotland but before she can do that, Roger along with his friend, mentor, and master Benjamin Daunby (nephew of the king’s Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey) are sent by the Cardinal on a mission to join the widowed queen’s household and investigate certain unsavory goings on.
At the heart of the mystery is an assassin who manages to enter locked rooms, poison his victims, and leave a white rose at the scenes. This assassin is a member of a covert group who call themselves Les Blancs Sangliers. Is this a link to the late Richard III who was slain at Bosworth and whose personal device was the blanc sanglier? Is there a plot afoot to overthrow Henry VIII and put a Yorkist back on the throne?
Roger has a sassy, “I don’t give a damn” attitude when telling his story, and is not above name-dropping. He also likes to refer to past events without bothering to explain further, only saying, “But that’s another story.” For example, he mentions that he and Queen Elizabeth I once had an affair and the two of them often reminisce about the bastard son she bore him. “But that’s another story.” Then there is the time when he explains he has doubts that the Usurper, King Richard, had his nephews killed because he (Roger) saw one of them once. Again, however, we’re treated to no details, only, “But that’s another story.” (Does this mean these events will figure in future stories? It would be fun if they did.) In short, according to Roger, he has been around and since this is his story, he’s going to give himself the starring role and maybe exaggerate things a bit.
As with other books I have read by this author, Doherty knows his history and puts it to good use. He weaves an exciting tale with a good mystery. Turns out there are several more books in the Roger Shallot mysteries, and scoundrel or not, I think I am going to enjoy reading them.
January 4, 2020
3.5 stars. Paul Doherty sure likes the "locked door" murders. Almost a constant theme in the Brother Athelstan series. Two in this early series. Set in Tudor England, with one of the main characters being a nephew of Thomas Wolsey, it has some interesting historical tidbits, and a pretty complicated mystery plot which kept me guessing till the end.
February 23, 2016
This was just okay - I'm a huge fan of the prolific Paul Doherty and have read several of his books over the years, and can't wait for the next Brother Athelstan mystery. I became aware of this early series recently and decided to give it a try; while I appreciated the cheeky humor and braggadocio of Roger Shallot, the narrator of the series, the plot was all over the place and became annoying. I skimmed the last thirty pages or so. I would try a later entry in the series to see how Doherty's style progressed, but I won't be in a big hurry to do so.
December 8, 2023
Väl läsvärd pusseldeckare i ett smutsigt tidigtudorengland.
June 1, 2022
SINOPSIS
En 1517, los ejércitos ingleses derrotaron y mataron a James IV de Escocia en Flodden y la reina viuda de James, Margaret, hermana de Enrique VIII, huyó a Inglaterra, dejando su corona bajo un Consejo de Regencia. Roger Shallot se ve envuelto en una red de misterio y asesinato por su estrecha amistad con Benjamin Daunbey, sobrino del cardenal Wolsey, primer ministro de Enrique VIII. Benjamin y Roger reciben la orden de ir a la casa de Margaret para resolver ciertos misterios y lograr su restauración en Escocia.
OPINIÓN
Thriller histórico-detectivesco, en el que con un humor muy ácido nos describen ese periodo histórico haciendo hincapié en lo crápulas, crueles y despótico de la nobleza de la época.
7/10
En 1517, los ejércitos ingleses derrotaron y mataron a James IV de Escocia en Flodden y la reina viuda de James, Margaret, hermana de Enrique VIII, huyó a Inglaterra, dejando su corona bajo un Consejo de Regencia. Roger Shallot se ve envuelto en una red de misterio y asesinato por su estrecha amistad con Benjamin Daunbey, sobrino del cardenal Wolsey, primer ministro de Enrique VIII. Benjamin y Roger reciben la orden de ir a la casa de Margaret para resolver ciertos misterios y lograr su restauración en Escocia.
OPINIÓN
Thriller histórico-detectivesco, en el que con un humor muy ácido nos describen ese periodo histórico haciendo hincapié en lo crápulas, crueles y despótico de la nobleza de la época.
7/10
July 14, 2020
Roger Shallot is cowardly, lecherous, boastful, and superstitious. This is a well written mystery, but I need to like my detective at least a little bit to enjoy the story. Which one of a group of unlikable people is committing murders and why? It was a little bit hard to care.
June 11, 2025
Grande libro, fa sognare. Magari è una storia vera chissà.
August 2, 2013
Loved Sir Roger. A different take on Tudor times.
July 13, 2017
Ambientato all'epoca del regno di Enrico VIII, questo è un racconto in prima persona del protagonista, Roger Shallot, un tipo dal passato losco che viene salvato dalla forca da un vecchio compagno di scuola (e nipote del Lord cancelliere), e i due fanno squadra. Mentre si trovano al seguito della regina Margherita di Scozia, appena rimasta vedova e scappata a Londra, si trovano coinvolti in una serie di omicidi e iniziano ad investigare.
Devo dire che la prosa è piacevole e si legge con facilità. La parte migliore è quella centrale, dove già stavo pensando che si potesse meritare 5 stelle, poi però comincia a zoppicare nella trama. C'è un indovinello lasciato dalla prima vittima, e i nostri due Sherlock continuano a dire che le prime due righe sono indecifrabili. Talmente indecifrabili che io, convinta di averli decifrati all'istante, pensavo di aver preso un abbaglio. Invece no, c'avevo azzeccato con 200 pagine di anticipo: loro ci sono arrivati ad uno sputo dal finale. E qui si ripropone l'eterno problema di chi è cresciuto a pane e Jessica Fletcher: le trame dei gialli le sgamiamo subito.
Ma di peggio c'è che persino il modus operandi dell'ultimo omicidio non ha senso, e questo è imperdonabile. Non voglio fare spoiler, ma chiedetemi e vi sarà dato.
E il finale è stato penoso e si va per le lunghe, con il cattivo che inchioda i due detective e invece di eliminarli sul posto, passa almeno 20 pagine a farsi dire come l'hanno smascherato, e ad applaudire con sarcasmo e dicendo cose tipo "avete una gran bella fantasia"... cioè, roba che più cliché di così si muore.
Come dicevo, la parte centrale è stata la migliore, con un buon ritmo e tanta azione, e infatti mi ero fermata per andare su amazon e mettere in wishlist gli altri libri della serie. Inutile dirlo, ora ho cambiato idea :/
Per carità, non è un brutto libro, è scritto bene ed è una lettura piacevole. Ma niente di più.
p.s.: tanto per cambiare, diamo il mongolino d'oro all'edizione italiana. I traduttori pensano che siamo ancora negli anni '40 e hanno italianizzato gran parte dei nomi. Il titolo molto appropriato "The white rose murders" (riferito alla rosa bianca degli York) è stato tradotto con l'inspiegabile "Gli artigli del diavolo"... per un libro in cui non ci sono artigli e non ci sono diavoli. E non ci sono nemmeno corvi nè rose rosse, che si trovano - ancora più inspiegabilmente - sulla copertina.
Ancora una volta i traduttori italiani la devono piantare di prendersi queste libertà.
Devo dire che la prosa è piacevole e si legge con facilità. La parte migliore è quella centrale, dove già stavo pensando che si potesse meritare 5 stelle, poi però comincia a zoppicare nella trama. C'è un indovinello lasciato dalla prima vittima, e i nostri due Sherlock continuano a dire che le prime due righe sono indecifrabili. Talmente indecifrabili che io, convinta di averli decifrati all'istante, pensavo di aver preso un abbaglio. Invece no, c'avevo azzeccato con 200 pagine di anticipo: loro ci sono arrivati ad uno sputo dal finale. E qui si ripropone l'eterno problema di chi è cresciuto a pane e Jessica Fletcher: le trame dei gialli le sgamiamo subito.
Ma di peggio c'è che persino il modus operandi dell'ultimo omicidio non ha senso, e questo è imperdonabile. Non voglio fare spoiler, ma chiedetemi e vi sarà dato.
E il finale è stato penoso e si va per le lunghe, con il cattivo che inchioda i due detective e invece di eliminarli sul posto, passa almeno 20 pagine a farsi dire come l'hanno smascherato, e ad applaudire con sarcasmo e dicendo cose tipo "avete una gran bella fantasia"... cioè, roba che più cliché di così si muore.
Come dicevo, la parte centrale è stata la migliore, con un buon ritmo e tanta azione, e infatti mi ero fermata per andare su amazon e mettere in wishlist gli altri libri della serie. Inutile dirlo, ora ho cambiato idea :/
Per carità, non è un brutto libro, è scritto bene ed è una lettura piacevole. Ma niente di più.
p.s.: tanto per cambiare, diamo il mongolino d'oro all'edizione italiana. I traduttori pensano che siamo ancora negli anni '40 e hanno italianizzato gran parte dei nomi. Il titolo molto appropriato "The white rose murders" (riferito alla rosa bianca degli York) è stato tradotto con l'inspiegabile "Gli artigli del diavolo"... per un libro in cui non ci sono artigli e non ci sono diavoli. E non ci sono nemmeno corvi nè rose rosse, che si trovano - ancora più inspiegabilmente - sulla copertina.
Ancora una volta i traduttori italiani la devono piantare di prendersi queste libertà.
December 22, 2021
16c Rogue with a heart of/hand out for gold
This is a ‘perils of Pauline” type tale, where our antiheros blunder into trouble, only to escape, time and again, by luck, cheating, and improbable last minute help, time and again. On one hand, this story mines a rich trove of Tudor lore, focused on intrigue in the immediate aftermath of Flodden. The cast of the early Henriad makes full appearances, from Suffolk to Wolsey to Margaret Tudor. On the other, I don’t think we gain much in terms of new insights into them or the period, but definitely some new twists to the historical record.
There are good and visceral descriptions of 16c London: if you can get your hands on a Map of the City between the Tower and Whitehall, can help in visualizing the relationships the many walkabouts, river trips and places described in the book (most still exist on today’s Google Maps). Similarly, if you are not a frequent Tudor reader, doing some quick WikiPedia dives into Battle of Flodden, Cardinal Wolsey, and early Henry VIII can be useful. I found the entries on Syon Priory and Sheen (later Richmond) Palace particularly interesting. and as alway, having a 15-16C royal family tree handy to sort out the various Richard’s, Henrys, Margarets and Marys is a handy reference.
My biggest issue was I didn’t find the protagonist particularly interesting or likable, even under the guise of a “charming rogue” antihero. He cynically uses and cozens people, even as his “betters” do the same to him. I found the repeated bragging asides, such as “ I gave that line to Shakespeare” unnecessary, especially as they never really lead anywhere narratively. And I found his buddy that observes and only reveals later, seemed to repeat this trick a little too often — a little improbably. Moreover the last chapter, the “all is revealed” denouement is a fairly crude story telling device.
There’s very much a ‘male gaze’ in this story too, which may irritate a modern audience, especially if they are coming from the Phillips Gregory end of the Tudor fiction spectrum.
This is a ‘perils of Pauline” type tale, where our antiheros blunder into trouble, only to escape, time and again, by luck, cheating, and improbable last minute help, time and again. On one hand, this story mines a rich trove of Tudor lore, focused on intrigue in the immediate aftermath of Flodden. The cast of the early Henriad makes full appearances, from Suffolk to Wolsey to Margaret Tudor. On the other, I don’t think we gain much in terms of new insights into them or the period, but definitely some new twists to the historical record.
There are good and visceral descriptions of 16c London: if you can get your hands on a Map of the City between the Tower and Whitehall, can help in visualizing the relationships the many walkabouts, river trips and places described in the book (most still exist on today’s Google Maps). Similarly, if you are not a frequent Tudor reader, doing some quick WikiPedia dives into Battle of Flodden, Cardinal Wolsey, and early Henry VIII can be useful. I found the entries on Syon Priory and Sheen (later Richmond) Palace particularly interesting. and as alway, having a 15-16C royal family tree handy to sort out the various Richard’s, Henrys, Margarets and Marys is a handy reference.
My biggest issue was I didn’t find the protagonist particularly interesting or likable, even under the guise of a “charming rogue” antihero. He cynically uses and cozens people, even as his “betters” do the same to him. I found the repeated bragging asides, such as “ I gave that line to Shakespeare” unnecessary, especially as they never really lead anywhere narratively. And I found his buddy that observes and only reveals later, seemed to repeat this trick a little too often — a little improbably. Moreover the last chapter, the “all is revealed” denouement is a fairly crude story telling device.
There’s very much a ‘male gaze’ in this story too, which may irritate a modern audience, especially if they are coming from the Phillips Gregory end of the Tudor fiction spectrum.
March 21, 2023
An interesting idea for a book...told in the first person...
Protagonist is pretty, I think, disreputable. I did not, do not, like him! I have purchased 5 of the 6 books as a lot on Kindle and have only read the first book! Hope the next adventures in this main man's narrative is less distasteful...and I am sue it nay only get worse! Paul Robert's books are fast pace d and are wonderfully evocative of the times he writes about. I always learn more vocabulary of the era and despite many repetitions in each book, enjoy his clear descriptions of everything happening on the streets and in the businesses as one reads along with the person or persons walking, riding on horseback or in a wagon observing all this activity...I doubt anyone doing those things anywhere in the world could see all that is described each time they travel the streets, roads, alleys or walkways and it is nice to know this author thinks one can or does or would...The main characters in this initial book of this series in 90 years old as he dictates his memoir to a cleric he knows and though he disparages this man in the text of said memoir almost mercilessly... It seems to me the man is dutifully and accurately writing down all that is said for the benefit of the reader! I cannot say I Enjoyed this book as much as I have others by this prolific author...I liked the character of Benjamin ( I have a son named Benjamin!!!??? Like That matters!)...anyway , the narrator of this tale is Not so likeable. I will read the next book and then decide if I will read the read...so much to read...so little time. Remains to be seen whether or not I move on to something else...
Protagonist is pretty, I think, disreputable. I did not, do not, like him! I have purchased 5 of the 6 books as a lot on Kindle and have only read the first book! Hope the next adventures in this main man's narrative is less distasteful...and I am sue it nay only get worse! Paul Robert's books are fast pace d and are wonderfully evocative of the times he writes about. I always learn more vocabulary of the era and despite many repetitions in each book, enjoy his clear descriptions of everything happening on the streets and in the businesses as one reads along with the person or persons walking, riding on horseback or in a wagon observing all this activity...I doubt anyone doing those things anywhere in the world could see all that is described each time they travel the streets, roads, alleys or walkways and it is nice to know this author thinks one can or does or would...The main characters in this initial book of this series in 90 years old as he dictates his memoir to a cleric he knows and though he disparages this man in the text of said memoir almost mercilessly... It seems to me the man is dutifully and accurately writing down all that is said for the benefit of the reader! I cannot say I Enjoyed this book as much as I have others by this prolific author...I liked the character of Benjamin ( I have a son named Benjamin!!!??? Like That matters!)...anyway , the narrator of this tale is Not so likeable. I will read the next book and then decide if I will read the read...so much to read...so little time. Remains to be seen whether or not I move on to something else...
November 30, 2024
Interesting but a little bit flawed
I read the presage and character list so I'd have a clear picture of the cast and where they might fit in.
Finding a clear flaw first off was what gave me the three star rating. Mainly because Katherine Howard was the 5th queen of Henry 8; the 4th was Anne of Cleves, the 3rd was Jane Seymour, then Lady Anne, Katherine Howard, 6th and last was Katherine Parr. It's precedence and should be accurate.
I think, even though some persons don't appear in a particular story, an author who is writing about history should at least be correct in identifying the players who lived in the times and at least deserve to be accurately mentioned. It gave the rest of the work a sloppy feel, as though it didn't really matter to be so wrong in the base research and understanding of history.
The mystery took a very long time to develop as others have said, and I quickly became tired of the asides and parenthetical comments about the person who was supposedly transcribing the story. It was cute the first few times but it quickly became annoying and over played.
All said, worth 3 stars. Not sure if I will become a fan.
I read the presage and character list so I'd have a clear picture of the cast and where they might fit in.
Finding a clear flaw first off was what gave me the three star rating. Mainly because Katherine Howard was the 5th queen of Henry 8; the 4th was Anne of Cleves, the 3rd was Jane Seymour, then Lady Anne, Katherine Howard, 6th and last was Katherine Parr. It's precedence and should be accurate.
I think, even though some persons don't appear in a particular story, an author who is writing about history should at least be correct in identifying the players who lived in the times and at least deserve to be accurately mentioned. It gave the rest of the work a sloppy feel, as though it didn't really matter to be so wrong in the base research and understanding of history.
The mystery took a very long time to develop as others have said, and I quickly became tired of the asides and parenthetical comments about the person who was supposedly transcribing the story. It was cute the first few times but it quickly became annoying and over played.
All said, worth 3 stars. Not sure if I will become a fan.
February 21, 2021
I do like historical whodunnits even when, after all the twists and turns, the villain turns out to be my initial suspect. I started reading this series out of turn but have found that, so far, each novel is stand alone so it hasn't mattered too much. I'm looking forward to reading Roger Shallot's next adventure.
June 30, 2023
An interesting idea, told by an old rogue who’s out-lived all his contemporaries, about his life as a young rogue during the reign of Henry VIII. This is out of Doherty’s usual timeframes, and he certainly makes free with history, which is unusual for him. It was well written, hence the 4 stars, but it didn’t grab me as much as Brother Athelstan does.
January 5, 2019
Andy's review
Downloaded this series as remember some of these books years ago when I got them from my local library ( although I don't think I actually read this title). I enjoyed it thoroughly, & look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Downloaded this series as remember some of these books years ago when I got them from my local library ( although I don't think I actually read this title). I enjoyed it thoroughly, & look forward to reading the other books in the series.
January 28, 2019
The story is well plotted but I didn't care much for Roger Shallot. His master, Benjamin, was a much more interesting character. The story is told by Shallot in his 90s as he dictates his memoir to a priest. This premise is used in another of Doherty's earlier books so it's not too original.
April 27, 2020
Un libro algo denso a ratos, pero considerando que son memorias de alguien del siglo XV, es lo esperable, lo que i me sorprendió es que pese a ser un libro de historia, es muy divertido, está lleno de intriga y suspenso, obviamente acordé a la época.
May 23, 2021
Definate nail biting mystery
Fantastic breath holding storyline. Absolutely unable to put it down, written with historical facts and infilled with just enough fiction, making the readers eyes crave the next clue.
Fantastic breath holding storyline. Absolutely unable to put it down, written with historical facts and infilled with just enough fiction, making the readers eyes crave the next clue.
February 25, 2022
A good start to an all too short series. Roger has (according to his tales) been everywhere and seen everything. Whether much of it is true... The book has some laugh out loud moments. Paul Doherty is an author who really knows his history.
August 21, 2017
Un romanzetto noioso e nulla di più...non so perchè mi intestardisco a comprare libri di questo autore!
November 10, 2017
Great read
Again the author takes the reader on a merry ride around and around all the while keeping your interest until the end.
Again the author takes the reader on a merry ride around and around all the while keeping your interest until the end.
June 25, 2018
I abandoned after 72 pages because the mystery wasn't really underway, the narrator is unlikeable, and the language is too crude.
June 19, 2019
Good
Very different from the usual tale of that period. Different names of that period with a clever finale and a lot to still read?
Very different from the usual tale of that period. Different names of that period with a clever finale and a lot to still read?
October 7, 2019
A very good read, the narrator is mysterious at times, alluding to further adventures to come in future books.
In a similar vein to Shardlake, maybe not quite as absorbing.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
In a similar vein to Shardlake, maybe not quite as absorbing.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
March 24, 2020
Very wordy. Lots of history but a little slow.
June 15, 2020
At least this is a much more likable, but same faults, lead character than Matthew Jankyn series.
October 16, 2020
Very entertaining read.
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