Listmania!
Books read: 1 Jan to 19 Feb 2008
The Constant PrincessThe Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Buy new: £4.74 / Used from: £2.29
2 Jan. Philippa Gregory is the one who got me into Tudor fiction, and this is a good read. Maybe not always factually accurate, but full of life and intrigue.
In the Shadow of Lady Jane (Richard Stocker)In the Shadow of Lady Jane (Richard Stocker) by Edward Charles
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01
4 Jan. Again, perhaps not strictly historically accurate, but this book introduced me to more detail about the tragic Lady Jane Grey. An easy-to-read tale that lead me to read...
Innocent TraitorInnocent Traitor by Alison Weir
Buy new: £5.49 / Used from: £1.15
6 Jan. This wonderful work really manages to entwine fact with a fictional telling. As Weir has written many non-fiction books, her knowledge on the subject shines through her characters.
Arbella: England's Lost QueenArbella: England's Lost Queen by Sarah Gristwood
Buy new: £6.99 / Used from: £1.53
9 Jan. This was a book I picked up at the library as I was intrigued by the whole 'England's Lost Queen' thing. And I found a fascinating story about a Stuart that I had not really heard of before.
The Shadow of the Pomegranate (Tudors 3)The Shadow of the Pomegranate (Tudors 3) by Jean Plaidy
Buy new: £2.97 / Used from: £1.51
10 Jan. Very easy to read, very simple view of the pre-Anne Boleyn days of Henry VIII's relationship with his first wife. Bit bland as these were the quieter years compared with what was to come.
Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, QueensElizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens by Jane Dunn
Buy new: £6.99 / Used from: £0.01
15 Jan. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was very disappointed with this. I thought it was over-written and repetative.
The Shakespeare SecretThe Shakespeare Secret by J.L. Carrell
Buy new: £3.86 / Used from: £0.01
16 Jan. I loved this book as it encompassed two areas I enjoy: historical thrillers and Shakespeare. And it's a lot of fun as well!
Sword of GodSword of God by Chris Kuzneski
Buy new: £3.99 / Used from: £0.01
17 Jan. Felt that the blurb on the back was misleading, making this sound like a historical thriller when it was more a military one. Quite gory and writing is very raw.
The Last King of ScotlandThe Last King of Scotland by Giles Foden
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01
20 Jan. Wonderfully written, bordering on the poetic at times, with all the brutal honesty and self-doubt required by the subject matter. Excellant.
The Alexandria LinkThe Alexandria Link by Steve Berry
Buy new: £4.84 / Used from: £0.01
22 Jan. Another so-so historical/treasure-hunt thriller that passed the time but never really ignited my imagination.
Mister PipMister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Buy new: £4.68 / Used from: £0.80
23 Jan. This is an amazingly powerful novel, very well written and deserving of all the praise and nominations it earned.
The Last TemplarThe Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
Buy new: £5.49 / Used from: £0.01
24 Jan. Too many similarities to The DaVinci Code for me, but it was pacy and the characters were well created. An easy read.
On Chesil BeachOn Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
Buy new: £3.79 / Used from: £0.99
25 Jan. Devastating and beautiful, this is a wonderful piece of writing.
Captain Corelli's MandolinCaptain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres
Buy new: £4.99 / Used from: £0.01
29 Jan. Comes alive when Captain Corelli makes an appearance some 200 pages in. Pace changes as reflecting events. Very clever and enjoyable book.
Henry VIII's Last Victim: The Life and Times of Henry Howard, Earl of SurreyHenry VIII's Last Victim: The Life and Times of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey by Jessie Childs
Buy new: £6.99 / Used from: £2.98
31 Jan. Not overly impressed with this. It was quite dull - surprising considering the subject matter - and over-written. Early chapters about the childhood of Henry Howard were the best bit.
The Templar LegacyThe Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
Buy new: £1.05 / Used from: £0.01
4 Feb. Quite enjoyed this (more than Alexandria Link or Last Templar). Well paced and fun historical thriller. Daft in places, but a rollicking read.
LabyrinthLabyrinth by Kate Mosse
Buy new: £3.83 / Used from: £0.01
6 Feb. Mosse is not as good a writer as she is a historian, but I enjoyed this for the silly fun that it was.
AtonementAtonement by Ian McEwan
Buy new: £4.90 / Used from: £0.01
7 Feb. I rarely leave a book unfinished, but this wonderfully written story was just too heavy-going for my current mindset. I intend to return to it when I'm in the mood to appreciate it fully.
Murder Most RoyalMurder Most Royal by Jean Plaidy
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £2.80
11 Feb. From the beginning of Anne Boleyn's rise to the fall of Catherine Howard, this takes in a huge chunk of history. Enjoyed it more than the one that preceeded it.
The Chimney Sweeper's Boy (Penguin Celebrations)The Chimney Sweeper's Boy (Penguin Celebrations) by Barbara Vine
Buy new: £6.39 / Used from: £2.42
12 Feb. I finished this book so quickly because I simply could not put it down! A wonderful, horrible story about identity, family and secrets. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
The ABC Murders (Agatha Christie Collection)The ABC Murders (Agatha Christie Collection) by Agatha Christie
Buy used from: £0.97
13 Feb. Classic Christie, lots of red herrings and little grey cells. Love her stuff, like a trip back in time.
The Mystery of the Blue Train (Poirot)The Mystery of the Blue Train (Poirot) by Agatha Christie
Buy new: £2.60 / Used from: £0.87
14 Feb. Another great Poirot story with twists and turns galore. When Christie is on form, there really is no one better.
Elizabeth and LeicesterElizabeth and Leicester by Sarah Gristwood
Buy new: £4.44 / Used from: £1.30
18 Feb. An interesting look at the relationship of Elizabeth and Robert Dudley, but didn't really tell me anything I hadn't already read elsewhere.
Appointment with Death (Poirot)Appointment with Death (Poirot) by Agatha Christie
Buy new: £3.99 / Used from: £1.50
18 Feb. Thought I'd guessed the ending of this one - and was feeling very smug. Turns out I was wrong, and Christie gets the better of me once again!
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Poirot)One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Poirot) by Agatha Christie
Buy new: £2.36 / Used from: £1.00
19 Feb. Brilliant ending, although there was some conspiracy stuff that I didn't rate so much.