The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
jilliwwatson's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
I have been anticipating a good read with this book ever since I bought it a few years ago and maybe it was this expectation that left me disappointed.
I really like the concept of the series, with each book based on an actual entry in the Domesday book. The time period is a great pick, with all the turmoil and change, it creates atmosphere and confusion that works well with the mystery. The author shows well how superstition was a normal and regular part of life and makes it believable.
I do think that the main characters, our mystery solvers, were less than roundly created. I felt they came across as two dimensional. Though in this case I have hopes that they will get better as the series progresses.
The mystery was very contrived, or it read like it was anyway. The whodunit, the why, and how they figured it out didn't flow well together.
I still have hopes that the series will get better and I will be reading at least one more of this series.
I really like the concept of the series, with each book based on an actual entry in the Domesday book. The time period is a great pick, with all the turmoil and change, it creates atmosphere and confusion that works well with the mystery. The author shows well how superstition was a normal and regular part of life and makes it believable.
I do think that the main characters, our mystery solvers, were less than roundly created. I felt they came across as two dimensional. Though in this case I have hopes that they will get better as the series progresses.
The mystery was very contrived, or it read like it was anyway. The whodunit, the why, and how they figured it out didn't flow well together.
I still have hopes that the series will get better and I will be reading at least one more of this series.
vathek's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. Good solid period detective/thriller/whodunnit novel. Likable characters, mind blowing ending.
I still can't decide if the final reveal was genius or lunacy, but it was a highly enjoyable ride either way.
Not devoured a book at such a rate in a long time.
I still can't decide if the final reveal was genius or lunacy, but it was a highly enjoyable ride either way.
Not devoured a book at such a rate in a long time.
j_l_lonsdale's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
mbondlamberty's review
5.0
Great view of the effects of the Norman Conquest and how the lives of all of those already living in England changed. Also an interesting view on the nascent government and the role of the state in that society.
bog_boi's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pressurechief's review
4.0
Found this gem at the public library. I am impressed with the author's detail in setting and character for the time period. The plot kept me interested and moving through the book. I am glad I found this Doomsday Book series. I really enjoyed Eco's _Name of the Rose_, and while this book wasn't as sophisticated or heady, it was similar in structure and feel. I would recommend it to others who enjoy a good monastic murder-mystery.
bexwat's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0