Murder at the War by Mary Monica Pulver Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $8.25 You Save: $4.70 (36%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Murder at the War
Book Review: Great read - I wish she still wrote the 'Peter Brichter Mystery' series!
Summary: 4 Stars
Mary Monica Pulver is one of my favorite authors, and I loved all of the 'Peter Brichter Mystery' series, of which this is one. While those interested in the SCA may disagree, to me this is perhaps the least of those books, my favorite being 'The Unforgiving Minutes'. Regardless, these books are the sort that one can keep and reread many, many times.
She most certainly can write (contrary to the opinion expressed in another review here), and has a deft, gentle, and subtle way of character development. Her touch is light, and you truly can feel her main characters. In addition, she writes with an occasional sense of humor that is notable for the fact that she doesn't force it forward; rather it flashes by in the sweep of the story. One example is the first mention of the SCA'a Pennsic War in 'The Unforgiving Minutes': "It's a friendly little war; loser keeps Pittsburgh."
Note: this book was originally entitled "Knight Fall".
Also note: I believe this author now publishes as Monica Ferris. Her 'Crewel World' books are good, but strike me as somewhat pale and bland in comparision to these superb 'Peter Brichter Mysteries' outings. Perhaps it's just that I better identify with the strengths and fears of the 'Brichter' characters...
Book Review: Great reading
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the first books that I kept running to do research. If you want to know about these wars then grab a copy and read. Much research was completed before Ms Pulver wrote this book Be prepared to keep reading until completed. Definately one that you don't want to put down until then end.Book Review: Murder at the War
Summary: 5 Stars
While receiving this book from a friend before I joined the society (SCA), I didn't understand the nuances of Pennsic War nor the intricate mannerisms of the characters. Since joining the society and seeing Pennsic War for myself, I understand the background of the book much better. Now I find it absolutely charming and have recommended it to many friends. The murder mystery is tantalizing and the characters feel so real. It's an absolute must read for any in the society or those wanting to be in the society.Book Review: Surprisingly good
Summary: 5 Stars
I had previously tried to read one of the medieval mysteries written by Margaret Frazer, who is actually Mary Monica Pulver writing with Gail Frazer. While I'm interested in the Middle Ages, I was so bored reading it, I couldn't finish. I worried this book would be of the same quality but my interest in the SCA motivated me to try it anyway. I was in the SCA years ago and attended Pennsic just a few years after this book was first published. This book promised lots of nostalgia and it delivered.
The first several pages took a bit to get through, learning both the mundane and SCA names of the many characters, and relearning SCA terminology. Once I had that down though, the story was up and running. Like the Margaret Frazer book, the murder doesn't happen until halfway through the story, but it didn't bother me half as much this time. The murderer was the first person I guessed but there were a few serious red herrings thrown in that threw me off. The characters were very likeable and I'm going to look up the next book in the series, even though it supposedly doesn't feature the SCA. After reading this, I was actually tempted to join up again, it was so fun reliving old times.
As for the review that implies Pulver can't write, ignore it. If the reviewer himself can't form proper sentences, what does that tell ya?
Book Review: The author can't write but the setting is interesting
Summary: 2 Stars
Sorry, the author can't write. The setting, the SCA's Pennsic War, is interesting for outsiders, but note below.There are problems with this book. People don't talk like this, the only explanation is that they are saying it for our benefit, but we (the readers) aren't supposed to be there.
This doesn't work as any genre I can think of. It isn't a police procedural, inspite of a police officer as a main character, because the procedure is wrong. It isn't a good mystery because it handles clues and red herrings poorly (Agatha Christie would throw the author out for some of the blatant red herrings, they are too bluntly used and too unbelievable).
I showed it to two former SCA members who have read the first chapter so far: One (a writer) pointed out serious point of view problems. Quote: "the author obviously never took a writing class". That could mean it's fresh and new, but in this case it is not intended as a compliment, the author blew basic writing skills.
The other former SCA member's comment was that there were 3 major (to an SCA member) errors of fact (just in chapter 1). So while you may find out something about the SCA, it may not be accurate.
Much of the last third of the book consists of one character interviewing other characters (boring). There is one of those trite mystery story denouments where the detective accuses people until the guilty party foolishly confesses.
I think it's actually 1 star writing but I gave it an extra for an interesting setting.