The Devlin Diary is historic fiction at its best. The story vacillates between the 1670s and the present. The mysteries of King Charles’ court and the experiences of a young American scholar at Trinity College in England provide the background of the mystery. How murders in 1670 can possibly influence a murder in the present underlie the mystery.
Phillips did a masterful job in characterization. She painted solid portraits of the main characters providing the necessary information for the reader to develop strong feelings on each individual. Her portrayal of the sordidness of the English Court contrasts dramatically with the rose tinted perceptions commonly held about English Court life. If you have read any of my other reviews, you are aware I am fond of strong female characters. Phillips crafted two women that I would be proud to know and hope that my granddaughter would emulate.
I felt the plot was intricate without being confusing. I particularly liked not being able to pre-determine the true villain. Being a romantic at heart, I also liked the final conclusion. Any loose ends were neatly bundled at the climax of the story.
I would recommend the book to those who enjoy mystery, romance and history and gentlemen don’t be put off by the comment on romance, it isn’t a romance novel, it is an excellent mystery novel that includes romance. I am going out to get her previous book, The Rossetti Letter. I don't give five dragons very often but this book demanded them.
Body of work of Christi Phillips
Review: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=7315
Web site: http://www.christi-phillips.com/
Phillips did a masterful job in characterization. She painted solid portraits of the main characters providing the necessary information for the reader to develop strong feelings on each individual. Her portrayal of the sordidness of the English Court contrasts dramatically with the rose tinted perceptions commonly held about English Court life. If you have read any of my other reviews, you are aware I am fond of strong female characters. Phillips crafted two women that I would be proud to know and hope that my granddaughter would emulate.
I felt the plot was intricate without being confusing. I particularly liked not being able to pre-determine the true villain. Being a romantic at heart, I also liked the final conclusion. Any loose ends were neatly bundled at the climax of the story.
I would recommend the book to those who enjoy mystery, romance and history and gentlemen don’t be put off by the comment on romance, it isn’t a romance novel, it is an excellent mystery novel that includes romance. I am going out to get her previous book, The Rossetti Letter. I don't give five dragons very often but this book demanded them.
Body of work of Christi Phillips
Review: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=7315
Web site: http://www.christi-phillips.com/
Coming tomorrow, questions and answers from the author, Christi Phillips!
4 comments:
I agree the book's a great read! I posted my interview with Christi Phillips today. Please stop by!
I'm looking forward to reading this novel. I was surprised by how much I liked the first.
This book sounds really great! I can't wait to read it!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I didn't leave my email for the contest: watch4birds@hotmail.com
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