lanegard's review against another edition
4.0
I never read books like this, with this format and content, but I actually really enjoyed it. The mystery got more intriguing the more I read, and everything was explained thoroughly so there were no odd cliffhangers. I felt like I learned so much insight into the time period and the origins of the stock exchange, and the ending was perfect.
jamh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
slimikin's review against another edition
2.0
A very, very slow-moving historical mystery that owes rather more of its narrative and diction than it ought to the digressions and circumlocutions of an old man's fictional nostalgia.
lukadu's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished this book and what a treat it was! I never expected to like it as much as I did. It was well researched and interesting. Many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. It was very interesting to read about the way the finance world worked in London in the 1700's and the way of life of the people in the time period that were not royalty. Most historical novelists write about historical figures related to the Kings and Queens, so I found this approach, refreshing.
ksparks's review against another edition
5.0
This is the best book I have read in the past couple of years. I read it because it was recommended by Sarah Waters, my other favorite contemporary author. It's a historical mystery, set in 18th century London. It is the result of the author's PhD research, and is amazing both in content and style. It is a gripping story, well written, and feels as if it could have been written in the 18th century.
scottk1222's review against another edition
4.0
I was a bit daunted by this book but only a bit, since it is set in London of the 1800's the language is a bit antiquated. But once you get into the whole plot of the book, and get used to his nuances and cadences it flows quite smoothly and the book is an unexpected joy. He is witty and parts of the book made me laugh out loud. Once you are invested in reading it (it only took me about 3 chapters to get involved) You will fall in love with his characters. Elias,and to some extent Sir Owen, as well as Mr.Benjamin Weaver and feisty Kate Cole are all great characters to get to know ...luckily he has a sequel and is working on yet another to be out in 2008 !!! If I could give quarter marks this book would have gotten 4.5 stars.
shanijeanius's review against another edition
I wanted to love it, but didn't. It was a good story, but maybe one or two too many twists for me to be able to comfortably follow it. Did not find the main character terribly sympathetic for some reason. I was surprised by the ending. I was distracted by the love interest which only somewhat contributed to the story line. Good perspective of Stuart England, though.
jewelreads's review against another edition
3.0
I had to read this book for a class I'm taking. While it is wonderfully executed and accurate historical fiction (the reason it was picked for the class), the plot, and characters leave something to be desired. Most of the second half of the book, the main character Benjamin Weaver, seems to accomplish nothing. He goes somewhere, threatens or beats someone up, and finds out the same information as he found out from the last person he beat up or threatened. It's just not a very interesting plot. Instead of real detective work, Weaver just seems to threaten people or throw money at them to get information. Overall an okay read, but I won't be recommending it to anyone except maybe a dedicated history buff.
numbuh12's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is fantastic. The plot is crafted and executed perfectly from start to finish. The fluid, beautiful prose had me hooked from the first page. The impressive cast of characters are all realized in unique yet realistic ways. The protagonist, Benjamin Weaver, is the perfect combination of admirable and flawed, providing moments where I cheered him on the whole way, and others where I literally rolled my eyes and wanted to slam his face into a wall. Liss is clearly very knowledgeable and devoted in creating the atmosphere of early eighteenth century British society and finance, a goal in which he succeeded with flying colors. I can't wait to read his other historical novels.
rachel_b_824's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up solely because it was right near the Laura Lippman books, and it was a lovely find. A historical mystery that is more about the story than the mystery. It's like a much lighter Iain Pears book. Interesting to get a peek into Jewish life in London in the 1800s.