outi's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
cpt_tusktooth's review against another edition
4.0
Move over Dan Brown and Steve Berry, there's a new arcania author in town. Carrell delves into the world of Shakespearian scholarship in a search for on of the Bard's lost plays... and the identity of the author himself. The murder portion of the plot seems contrived at times, but the depth of research into the Jacobean era and the real mysteries surrounding Shakespeare make this an enjoyable read.
balibee146's review against another edition
3.0
Noisy, slightly stupid, dumb ass fun. Exactly what I was expecting and a welcome easy read. Could have lost 50 or so pages with tighter editing.
natwrite's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
readermeetsbook's review against another edition
4.0
A Shakespearean adventure story like Brown's Da Vinci Code. Mystery and murder while on the trail for Shakespeare's lost play. A thrilling read. For people who enjoyed Da Vinci Code or likes Shakespeare.
zealot_of_apathy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jenkittycatfrog's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book having seen it on Goodreads. Having taken a Shakespeare class in college, I was well aware of the numerous conspiracy theorists about Shakespeare. I was set to discover a new theory or a very solid case for who the real writer(s) are, especially coming from an author who teaches on the subject. Unfortunately, I think the book gets too bogged down in a large number of historical figures (unrecognizable to some extent.) In addition, there is a lack of substance/believability to the plot or even conviction. Somehow, The Da Vinci Code was able to convince me to go along with a very implausible plot, this book didn't ever do that. I found myself continuing to read trying to discover the conviction or reason to believe in the heroine's quest.
nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
With sparks of creativity and the intent of fast-paced entertainment, this literary scavenger hunt might have been more impressive had not a line of DaVinci Code and National Treasure wannabes already worn that road. The Shakespeare history and allusions spoke to my personal interests, but even I will admit that the scholarship weighed heavily at times. Also, the historical "interludes" should have been omitted. On the other end of the spectrum, the action sequences similarly tended to be a bit too much. Diverting, especially on audio, but could have been better with a lighter, more subtle touch.
coops456's review against another edition
4.0
If you are willing to suspend your disbelief and have any interest in Shakespeare and his works then this is a fascinating book. There are plenty of plot holes but I was caught up in wanting to find the lost play Cardenio.
It's whetted my appetite to learn more about Shakespeare and the controversy surrounding his works.
It's whetted my appetite to learn more about Shakespeare and the controversy surrounding his works.