|
Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Barbara Cleverly's THE PALACE TIGER.
Ann from Redondo Beach, CA
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
I had never heard of her, but I will be reading her other books in the series, thanks to this one.
What other authors do you read?
John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Nora Roberts, Kris Radish, Michael Connelly, Anne Rivers Siddons, Dorothea Benton Frank, Dan Brown, Anne Rice, and many, many others.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
I really enjoyed the book. The twists and turns of the plot kept the pages turning and fresh. I didn't expect things to turn out the way they did, but it seemed like a clever solution to the problem. I really was into the book, and regretted having to put it down when I had to go to the hospital to have surgery last week. Once the haze cleared, I picked it back up and finished it. It was a well-crafted and witty story. I loved it and told the clerk at the Borders I visited yesterday.
Would you ever read a future book by Barbara Cleverly?
Yes. I really enjoy her style.
Evelyn from Dalton, GA
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Laura Marie Altom.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
[It was] good reading.
Would you ever read a future book by Barbara Cleverly?
Sure.
Sue from Council Bluffs, IA
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
What other authors do you read?
While I have not read anything else by Cleverly, I have now added her to my favorite authors reading list.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
THE PALACE TIGER was a very interesting read. It took me a while to slow down the pace of my reading to match the cadence of the book. Once
I began to see the rhythm, I really got into it. Barbara Cleverly places the culture into her style of writing, something that rarely happens in mysteries. Everything about the book was subtle, quiet, low key. While I was able to figure out some sections of the plot, there was enough intrigue and surprising curves to keep it interesting --- I guessed wrong in one instance, something that always tickles and pleases me! Also, I was lulled into forgetting it was a mystery many times due to her quiet style of writing.
Thanks so much for giving me the chance to review this book --- it was certainly worth the time!
Susan from Ridgewood, NY
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
No.
What other authors do you read?
James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks, Anne Rice, Anne Bishop, books on marketing and books on attracting prosperity.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
I enjoyed the book. It was very informative about Indian culture and beliefs. It was a very visual book, as well, so [it could be made into] a very picturesque movie! I enjoyed the character development, the intrigue and mystery, and the abundant subplots.
Would you ever read a future book by Barbara Cleverly?
Yes.
Ross from Nazareth, PA
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
No.
What other authors do you read?
I've read all of Matthew Pearl's and Steve Berry's books. I recently read Anne Rice's CHRIST THE LORD (the first of hers I've read), Javier Sierra's THE SECRET SUPPER, Raymond Khoury's THE LAST TEMPLAR, John Irving's THE FOURTH HAND, Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN, and --- like the rest of the world --- Dan Brown's THE DA VINCI CODE and ANGELS & DEMONS (a year or two ago now, so not so recently). I enjoy reading Conrad, Tolkien, and Hemmingway as well.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
I need a book to end well. It has to be wrapped up neatly. I think that is genuinely the most challenging part of writing, and in this particular case, it was done well. I would have been happy without the 29th chapter. I understand why it was there, but it really wasn't needed --- the story was done by the end of the 28th.
Cleverly writes an intriguing story with a wonderful cast of characters, set in an exotic location during a time that continues to capture Americans' imaginations --- the early 20s. The politics and mystery of this "whodunit" had great twists and turns and ended with a barrage of enlightenments I hadn't expected. [The book was] very enjoyable and well worth the read. I'll be looking to read her past and future works.
Would you ever read a future book by Barbara Cleverly?
Yes. She demonstrated the ability to tell a good story, created compelling and original characters, and provided a wonderful sense of place and time.
Aarti from Chicago, IL
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
No. I had her on my Amazon Recommendations list, though.
What other authors do you read?
In the realm of historical mystery, really only Lindsey Davis. And a bit here or there of Dorothy L. Sayers, Elizabeth Peters and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In terms of Indian fiction, I read this and that, though no authors with any real regularity.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
I thought it was entertaining. I was worried that it would build on the previous books in the series, which I haven't read, but it reads quite well as a stand-alone. [The only drawback I found] was that I think there were SO MANY characters that it was hard to get any sort of read on most of them, which I would have preferred. The only character I felt like I really got to know was Joe Sandilands, the main character, and possibly Edgar and Lizzie, but that's really all.
Would you ever read a future book by Barbara Cleverly?
Yes, I'd like to read the previous books in the series. Thank you very much for sending me a review copy of this book! I am glad to have found another author.
Billie from Oklahoma City, OK
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
This is the first book I have read by Barbara Cleverly
What other authors do you read?
Other authors I read on a regular basis are Julia Spencer-Fleming, Terri Blackstock, Lisa Scottoline and John Grisham.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
THE PALACE TIGER was an intriguing story. It keeps you in suspense throughout most of the book. I was not familiar with the culture, so some of the words used were completely foreign to me. I sometimes felt that I needed a dictionary beside me to decipher what was being said. Overall, the book was interesting, but not as suspenseful as other books I have read. This one did not keep me on the edge of my seat.
Would you ever read a future book by Barbara Cleverly?
I might read another of her books if it were in a familiar setting.
Gloria from Baltimore, MD
Have you previously read a book by Barbara Cleverly?
I haven't read any books by Barbara Cleverly until this one, but I am enjoying THE PALACE TIGER so much that I can't wait to read more of her books.
What other authors do you read?
In the mystery genre I also like Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and Tony Hillerman.
What did you think of THE PALACE TIGER?
Reading this book is a lovely pleasure. I have been to India and reading this book brings back many memories. I can feel the heat, see the dust rising in the air, hear the chanting, the violins and the chinking of the ankle bells on the dancers. [The book is] quite wonderful; it makes me long to return.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
