The Music Of The Spheres

Rating:
Summary: Trust Charles Palliser
Review: Charles Palliser is one of the great writers practicing his art today. When I read his endorsement of this new author, I didn't feel he was likely to mislead, for his is not a name that I see endorsing every other book I pick up. His endorsement of Elizabeth Redfern's, "The Music Of The Spheres", and his explanation of why it fascinated him, all are spot on accurate.

Mr. Palliser writes very complex novels set centuries ago, so when he feels this author's work is complex, and evocative of time periods that are centuries passed, it is high praise indeed. Late 18th Century London at war is the setting for this debut novel. England and France are once again at each other's throats, and London is not just a haven for French refugees, but for France, her spies, her duplicitous ex-patriots, scientists, and men and women of evil.

The spheres and their movement are the planets both known, and those that are sought by a variety of characters. Some search for fame, others search to bring closure to madness. The music of the spheres is the beauty they contain as much of nature does. Planets have a purpose, they are predictable, and they are not so much reduced to the beauty of the equations that prove their behavior, as they elevate the art of mathematics.

People can also be depended upon to be reliable especially when driven by a dark obsession, when others, for gain or for sport, manipulate them. The dark side here is that women with hair that is red have become the target of a killer. A murderer who kills consistently, methodically, and has who shadows another who precedes him, and who he cares for in his own demented way.

The author adds a detective who not only has suffered the loss of a daughter; those who seek not only to discredit him, but also protect those that may have cost him his only child constantly hamper him. Even a stargazing family member wavers between his loyalties, who are his real masters, where do his loyalties lie?

Place all of this and so much more in a beautifully rendered London when she is not at her best, when she is dark and duplicitous, and you are placed in a powerful setting of gloom and treachery in the streets, and in the hearts of those who move upon them. Explanations can turn on what appears to be chance, a comment made in passing, or the contents of a man's purse.

Ms. Redfern has written a tremendous debut, a book I recommend without condition, and an author who I hope is producing many works to follow.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book with Some Minor Flaws........
Review: If you're looking for an atmospheric. well plotted book set in 1795 London during the heat of French Revolution intrigue , this is for you. Throw in some serial murders, and state of the art astronomy (for 1795). Terrific plotting and descriptions keep this book a real page turner thruout. Would make a great movie too! Nominal criticisms are too many unnecessary sex scenes, and an ending which is good but could be tightened up by a good editor. even so, a whale of a good first historical novel!

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Summary: HISTORY + SUSPENSE = GREAT LISTENING
Review: Remembered for his readings of numerous audio books, including the Dune books and Morgan's Run, talented stage and screen actor Tim Curry seems to be ubiquitous as he makes simultaneous appearances in various venues. His energy level appears to be as high as is his unique ability to give voice to the sinister and enhance suspense.

Such is the case in his rendering of Elizabeth Redfern's enthralling and atmospheric debut novel which takes place in 1795 London. There's espionage and evil walking the shadowy streets of that city as England is at war with France. Jonathan Absey of the Home Office is charged with tracking down spies. He attempts to soldier on but he is also consumed by the still unsolved murder of his 15-year-old daughter. There have been a number of killings - all young red haired ladies of the night.

As Absey seeks a murderer he comes upon a strange band of astronomers, the Company of Titius. This group is looking for a star. Is their search intertwined with Absey's investigation?

Elizabeth Redfern shows great promise as a writer, smoothly blending history and a breakneck thriller plot. Tim Curry excels in his reading.

Rating:
Summary: the best historical mystery novel I've read so far this year
Review: This is definitely the best historical murder mystery novel that I've read so far this year. The plot is an intriguing and fascinating one, and Elizabeth Redfern's prose style is crisp and colourful -- her descriptions of England in the late 18th century is so gothically atmospheric! Carefully plotted and tightly paced, I found myself simply unable to put this book down until I reached the conclusion of this spellbinding novel.

The events of this mystery take place during the summer months of 1795. The French Republican army is making mincemeat of the European forces that have gone up against it so far (England included), and espionage seems to be the game of the day. Indeed, the consensus at the Home Office is that England must be overrun with French spies right now as the French army seems to be incredibly well informed as to English troop dispositions. The natural suspects are of course the emigres that fled from France in order to avoid the bloody retribution of the Revolution, and it is the job of Jonathan Absey to track down such spies. However Jonathan has another obsession of his own that keeps him up at night and that is affecting his work: three years ago, Jonathan's runaway daughter was found strangled to death, and Jonathan has never given up hope of hunting down her murderer and making him pay. One night, after having spent a few fruitless hours keeping an eye on a group of emigres at a tavern, Jonathan learns that another young redheaded woman has been strangled in a manner similar to that of his daughter's. Further investigation unearths the fact that there have been several other such murders -- all young women, all redheaded, and all killed in exactly the same way. Surely this is the work of his daughter's murderer?

Jonathan's investigations lead him to the fascinating and mysterious de Montpellier siblings, Auguste and Guy; and to an astrological club, the Company of Titius. Here, however Jonathan meets with a dead end -- how to approach the de Montpelliers without raising suspicions? And then he remembers his estranged elder brother, Alexander, who like de Montpelliers, is also an amateur astronomer. Jonathan forces Alexander to make contact with the de Montpelliers and to spy on them for him. In the meantime, Jonathan tries to discover more about the de Montpelliers and their strange household, but someone in the Home Office seems to be protecting them, and Jonathan finds himself being increasingly sidelined to lesser duties. His only hope of discovering if the de Montpelliers are involved in the murders lies with Alexander. But can Jonathan trust his estranged brother?

'"The Music of the Spheres" is an enthralling and exciting read from beginning to end. Elizabeth Redfern has done a magnificent job of bringing the politics of the late 18th century England, with all it's intrigue (both political and diplomatic), to life. The novel was spun out precisely and evenly, with no extraneous bits that could have bogged down things terribly. It's true that this novel is not brimming over with optimism (esp the ending), but this, only adds, in my opinion, to the impact that the book imparts.

This is a very intricate and classy mystery novel that will keep you breathlessly guessing up to the very end; and is also a wonderful study on the nature of obsession and the effects it has on one's life and all those around-- such as Jonathan's obsessive need to find his daughter's killer, and Guy de Montpellier's obsessive need to discover his 'hidden' planet. Make no bones about it, this is an outstanding mystery novel; and is more than worthy of a five star rating.