Helpful Score: 4
This is the first of Penman's medieval mysteries and is a wonderful introduction to one of the queens of historical fiction. If you are not already familiar with SKP, these medieval mysteries are a great place to start. They are very entertaining, with good plots & great characters. And, careful, you might even learn something along the way.
These books (and there are currently four of them) are set during the nervous times of the early 1190's. King Richard the Lionhearted is prisoner of a foreign power & his mother, the great Eleanor of Acquitaine is ruling in his stead, trying to keep his kingdom together - despite the efforts of various intrigues, including those of his brother John (who ultimately became John I).
Wonderful, utterly delightful books! Good for all ages - all generations.
These books (and there are currently four of them) are set during the nervous times of the early 1190's. King Richard the Lionhearted is prisoner of a foreign power & his mother, the great Eleanor of Acquitaine is ruling in his stead, trying to keep his kingdom together - despite the efforts of various intrigues, including those of his brother John (who ultimately became John I).
Wonderful, utterly delightful books! Good for all ages - all generations.
Helpful Score: 3
A medieval mystery...how intriguing! This is my first book by Penman and I enjoyed it. From the beginning I was drawn into Justin de Quincy's life and was wanting to know more about what he would do given his circumstances (I don't want to give anything away!) But, he does become The Queen's Man...the queen being Eleanor of Aquitaine. Enjoyable characters and dialogue and I found it to be a quick read. When I realized it was the first in a series I was afraid the "mystery" would not be solved...but, the story of this book is resolved...leaving behind the greater plot of England's royal future and Richard Lionheart. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series. 4 stars
Helpful Score: 2
A pleasant novel of Medieval England and Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart. A quick and pleasant read of mystery and intrique and the growing up of a young man during those times. I found it a quick and enjoyable read for an afternoonl
Helpful Score: 2
I'm an avid English history fan. I especially like the period from about the 1100 - 1700. I also love a good mystery, so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Sharon Kay Penman's "The Queen's Man"! Sharon Kay Penman has made quite a name for herself (and rightly so) in the historical fiction realm. Now she's set her sights on a mystery series too.
I really enjoyed the first in this series about Justin de Quincy and the services he provides for Eleanor of Aquitaine as she tries to tread the treachorous waters of foreign poliy in 1193. The book was a nice mix of historical settings, interesting characters and a plot that kept a good pace.
Justin does aid the Queen, and solves the mystery. But more than that he discovers more about himself and the larger world around him. This book wasn't earth-shattering literature, but it was a rollicking fun read that managed to teach me more about the medieval times. Now that's entertainment!
Now I'm on to the second book in the series, "Cruel as the Grave". Can Justin help Eleanor rescue Richard the Lionhearted from the clutches of the King of France?
I really enjoyed the first in this series about Justin de Quincy and the services he provides for Eleanor of Aquitaine as she tries to tread the treachorous waters of foreign poliy in 1193. The book was a nice mix of historical settings, interesting characters and a plot that kept a good pace.
Justin does aid the Queen, and solves the mystery. But more than that he discovers more about himself and the larger world around him. This book wasn't earth-shattering literature, but it was a rollicking fun read that managed to teach me more about the medieval times. Now that's entertainment!
Now I'm on to the second book in the series, "Cruel as the Grave". Can Justin help Eleanor rescue Richard the Lionhearted from the clutches of the King of France?
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very quick and easy read. An enjoyable if not thought-provoking book, it is still good for a rainy Sunday morning.
