Reviews

The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman

dearestdorian's review against another edition

1.0

It's a relief to be done with this book.

Why did I dislike it?

- It's written in third person omniscient, yet has frequent page breaks to skip between people's heads. There seems to be little point to these breaks, because even in Chiara's head, we can see Silvano's thoughts.
- The writing style is basic and not at all beautiful. It's dull, and there's a fair bit of telling going on, without much showing.
- The answer to the mystery is obvious, at least for part of it. As for the rest, it comes down to a dull motive.

Spoiler

Brother Fazio is jealous of Brother Anselmo's success, has been affected by lead and arsenic from the pigments he makes, and decides to off random people to frame him.

Yawn.

I started skimming at about the halfway point, because it couldn't hold my full attention. A book should demand complete focus but this one couldn't make a case as to why I should choose it over any other preoccupation.

coliecat73's review

4.0

Good. But ending a little rushed.

lakesbecky's review

3.0

Murder mystery in an Italian monastery in 14th century. Lots of twists and details.

leoonie_'s review against another edition

3.0

*3,5⭐

drearyletters's review

I liked the setting and concept of the story, but the pov switches were too frequent and took me out of the story. It felt like every chapter was a summary. In the end, I set it down for a few days and couldn’t make myself pick it up again. 

thebookshelfofrat's review against another edition

2.0

Pretty sure this book was only written so the author could rave about an underappreciated medieval Italian artist and go into detail about how paints were made in this period. Which, honestly, fair enough, good for her. At least she managed to make the interesting historical infodump relevant to the plot.

adeperi's review

5.0

Mary Hoffman is brilliant! I read this after reading the Stravaganza series, and it was just as good! It's rare for an author to have so many books that are original, interesting, and constantly leaving you on the edge of your seat. I have so much respect for this author.

jbojkov's review

2.0

Not sure what all the fuss was about with this one. In fact, to be fair, I only read about half b/c I have a really long list and don't want to waste any time on things that don't catch me at least halfway thru!

fiona_readerly's review

hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I really enjoyed this YA historical fiction. I wish it had been a bit longer and more in depth perhaps. However, a well written introduction to historical fiction for younger readers. 

abigailbat's review

5.0

A rich historical fiction novel about a sixteen-year-old nobleman named Silvano who is in love with the beautiful Angelica. Angelica is married to a man she does not love and one day her husband is found murdered - stabbed with Silvano's dagger. Silvano claims that he didn't do it and his father sends him to take sanctuary at a friary in a nearby town while they figure out who the real murderer is. Meanwhile, the pretty, young Chiara is sent to the nextdoor convent because there is not money enough for her dowry. She knows that she has no calling to be a nun, but she feels trapped by her situations. When Chiara and Silvano meet, there are instant sparks. But a murder at the friary throws everything into disarray...

I don't like mysteries, but I loved this book. The detailed historical setting was really appealing to me and it has several nice romantic elements. Hoffman creates a world that it is easy to get lost in and characters that are unforgettable.

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

Readalike suggestions: If you like this one, try Hoffman's other series, the Stravaganza books. I've also heard this book compared to Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose.