Jan 30 2015

The School of Night by Colin Falconer – Review @hfvbt @Colin_Falconer #WilliamShakespeareDetectiveAgency

Posted by Brooke in Book Review, Book Tour, Uncategorized / 1 Comment

I received this book for free from . This review is voluntary. My opinion is not influenced in any way.

Please join Colin Falconer as he tours the blogosphere for the first book in his William Shakespeare Detective Agency series, The School of Night, from January 10-February 6.

Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Cool Gus Publishing
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 168

Series: The William Shakespeare Detective Agency
Genre: Historical Mystery

“My name is William Shakespeare. No, not that Shakespeare; and no jests please, I’ve heard them all. I’m the other one, the ne’er do well cousin, the loafer, known to family and friends as the dunce, the one who could not recite Cicero or Horace, who could never be as good as his clever cuz, the one who has just come to Bishopsgate from Stratford with silly dreams in his head and a longing to make something more of himself than just a glover’s handyman.”

What he finds in London is Lady Elizabeth Talbot, who is willing to pass a few shillings to this blundering brawler if he will help her find her husband. Poor William does not realize the trail will lead to the truth behind the death of Shakespeare’s great rival, Christopher Marlowe – or to a lifelong love affair with a woman far above his station.

Each book tells the story of William’s adventures as England’s first gumshoe, set against turbulent Elizabethan politics; of his romantic pursuit of the impossible Elizabeth Talbot; while charting the career of his up and coming dramatist cousin, the bard of Stratford, but just Will to his family.

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bookreview
The School of Night by Colin Flaconer is book one in the William Shakespeare Detective Agency. This was an enjoyable historical mystery. William, cousin of the famous playwright, has come to London with a secret dream: to be an actor in his cousin Will’s plays. Upon first entering the city, he is robbed and then his cousin doesn’t seem the least bit interested in having him around, much less helping him. William decides to keep his dream a secret for the time being. William is funny and honest and comes across as a very likable character. He’s a down on his luck guy, and you just feel bad – he seems to constantly be getting into situations that get him into trouble. The settings were very aptly described – I could definitely picture myself in the time period. This was a quick read for me with an interesting mystery. I would like to read more in this series.

About the Author

Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.

He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.

He currently lives in Barcelona.

For more information please visit Colin Falconer’s website. You can also find him on Facebook or follow on Twitter.