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Title: A Mystery of Errors : A Shakespeare & Smythe Mystery by Simon Hawke ISBN: 0-8125-6454-5 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 19 November, 2001 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.73 (11 reviews)
Rating: 2
Summary: Get your Shakespeare Lite
Comment: This story is an enjoyable diversion for any Shakespeare fan in a mood for something light and a little bit enlightening. It's fun to recognize bits of "real Shakespeare" embedded in the text, and Hawke gives several unorthodox slants to the Shakespeare character. He does miss his opportunity to have Shakespeare's companions feed the future bard all his famous lines, or to tweak those scholars who think Shakespeare was really older Christopher Marlowe or somebody. In Hawke's afterword he doth protest unnecessarily for his travesty on great Shakespeare; we don't really expect more.
Simon Hawke is an American college professor so despite his very English name this isn't a "true English" mystery. In fact, there's not much mystery here; it might better be titled a comedy of errors ;) There's nothing of great moment, but an interesting view of London and theatrical life in the 16th century. Aspiring actor Tuck Smythe is not much of a sleuth (his eloquent companion Mr. Shakespeare is none), and no real crime appears before the last third of the book.
There's much ado about social climbing parents-indeed that's a key to the mystery. The author gives the impecunious and ostensibly ignorant young heroes (and us) an awful lot of background information, most of it interesting but told flat rather than atmospherically. He also talks at us too much rather than have his characters show us through their experiences. The ending is too rushed and wordy. I hope the author has learned from writing this rather academical novel and the next is better; there's good potential in his concept. The proofing and printing of this book on pulp paper leave something to be desired.
Rating: 5
Summary: A really well designed historical mystery
Comment: On his way to London to become an actor, Symington "Tuck" Smythe has been accosted three times by highwaymen, but no one succeeded in robbing him since he had no money. On the fourth attempt Black Billy believes Tuck' statement of nothing to rob and flips the traveler a silver crown so he can have a bite to eat and a room in the nearby Haw and Mouse Inn. However, no rooms are available, but a guest short on funds, Will Shakespeare, offers to share a bed with Simon in exchange for sharing the cost. Tuck agrees.
Tuck and Will learn each wants to work in the theater. They agree to journey together in search of fame and a lot of cash. However, neither one expected to become targets of killers who mistakenly identify Will as someone else all because Tuck wanted to help Elizabeth Darcie avoid an unwanted marriage.
A MYSTERY OF ERRORS is an amusing historical mystery that willingly shakes a spear at the exorbitances of the Elizabethan drama. The story line is fun, never loses its step (except when Tuck performs), and makes its cast seem genuinely sixteenth century. Simon Hawke has begun a new series that will bring pleasure to those who enjoy a satirical look at heroism and a few tucks at the historical famous.
Harriet Klausner
Rating: 4
Summary: Young Shakespeare Fleshed Out!
Comment: Symington "Tuck" Smythe leaves his home and heads to London to be a player. Along the way, he comes upon one Will Shakespeare, a poet, also heading to London to be a player and (hopeful) a successful play-writer. The two form a friendship and find themselves as ostlers in a theatre troupe.
Our protagonist, Tuck, gets involved in a mystery involving a lovely young woman, much above him on the status ladder. His best buddy, Will, tags along making witty quips and being almost more a of a nuisance than a help in the mystery solving department.
Hawke has made a very real Will Shakespeare, spouting soon to be Shakespeare-isms and acting as a word-sparring partner with Smythe. Will is just an ordinary man, with the barest hint of the Shakespeare that is to come. It is well-done and the mystery itself was well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cared enough about Tuck and Will to want to read more of this series.
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Title: The Slaying of the Shrew by Simon Hawke ISBN: 0765342944 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 15 December, 2002 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Much Ado About Murder by Simon Hawke ISBN: 0765302411 Publisher: Forge Pub. Date: 01 December, 2002 List Price(USD): $23.95 |
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Title: The Merchant of Vengeance by Simon Hawke ISBN: 0765304260 Publisher: Forge Pub. Date: 01 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $23.95 |
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Title: Sleep of Death by Philip Gooden ISBN: 0786707623 Publisher: Carroll & Graf Pub. Date: August, 2000 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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Title: The Frost Fair by Edward Marston ISBN: 0749006382 Publisher: Allison & Busby Pub. Date: 21 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
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