Finally, a book that I can say that I was genuinely intrigued by! I started this book believing it to be about the war between science and faith, but it turns out that it is faith versus faith. Still, the question of whodunit brings Bruno (and the reader) on a thrilling chase to an unexpected conclusion (at least for me). It brings about the question, what is right and wrong? Who can answer that with certainty? Is the truth sometimes better left unsaid?

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Really excellent mystery and thriller. Reminds me of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose. There is much here that preaches of tolerance. The reality and tension of Oxford in 1583 really captured my attention.

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A very well written historical mystery. S. J. Parris creates a great story that is tightly wound and suspenseful throughout. My only negative comment would be that Parris seemed to reveal a bias against religion while promoting a humanistic viewpoint. For some, that will not be a negative but for me it was. However, it was subtlety inserted into the story and is not overbearing. Otherwise, a great first novel.

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