Mark M. (g8orguy) reviewed on 1/22/2011 + 11 more book reviews

Imagine Sir Isaac Newton playing the role of Sherlock Holmes in London in the 1600s. Newton, late-in-life, is one of the leading officials of the British mint and, as part of his position, is in charge of investigating counterfeit coin press operations. The penalties for the crime are severe in that place and time and there is plenty of time for segues into descriptions of medieval torture and execution techniques. People are being murdered in the Tower of London and Newton is the only one that is interested in solving the mystery. Shhh, I wont spoil it.

The book is narrated by Newton s newly hired assistant. As a result of his daily association with Newton , the assistant slowly loses his religion. Newton was a genius by all accounts and, according to Kerr, did not accept the concept of the trinity (the basis for Protestantism and the Church of England). The assistant is also involved in a dalliance with Newton s niece who, as near as I can tell is Newton s only blood relative at this point in his life.

The story is interesting, is paced nicely, and draws the reader in quickly. Kerrs Character development and writing capability are nicely showcased. I did not feel as though the book closed well. In the end I am left wondering who drugged our wine and left us off from the coach - wondering where we were going in the first place.

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