Sometimes a book isn't done justice by its audio book version. This is usually when the book is read by its author. (The late Madeleine L'Engle is an exception, but she had a theatrical background.) This is the first audio book I've encountered which seems to be salvaged by its reader which, in this case, is the dark-brown-voiced Tony Jay, former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and, according to the blurb, heard in Disney parks worldwide. If I had been reading this book, rather than list...

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it, though mainly for the Shakespearean background, descriptions of like in England in the late 1500s, and the use of the Bard’s language to add flavor. The book kid billed as a mystery and I think this is incorrect. A mystery involves clues and red herrings, logic and puzzles. This was more of a thriller until the very end, where an unsuspected and never proved issue turns out to be the motive for Shakespeare‘a problems. That being said, the pacing is slo...

A Great mystery built around one of history's most famous writers.in this fast paced and detailed novel William Shakespeare fears for his life as one mysterious "accedent" after another tries to kill him. all of these "Accedents" culminate in murder. Not Shakespeare's murder, he's just the guy that gets arrested for it. Now The Bard of Avon is on a desperate flight not just to clear his name but to save his family from his evil stalker.

Odd hero-caught-in-the-middle plot. Narrator is clear and (I agree with other ratings) saves the story. Some scenes go beyond “romantic” ...

I listened to the audiobook from the library. This one was okay. William Shakespeare has been accused of murder, and chaos abounds as he escapes in disguise, only to reappear in order to find out who set him up and why. Time's Fool is told in first person, from the Bard's own point of view. Meh.

I found this book a little difficult to get into, but once I managed to get through the first 30 pages, I found it to be a rather interesting story of Shakespeare's supposed love for his dark mistress.

Another must-read for Shakespeare fans. This one is a clever murder mystery involving the Dark Lady from Shakespeare's sonnets. Very entertaining.

Book #: 26Title: Time's FoolAuthor: Leonard TourneyCategory: Popsugar Basic: A novel based on a real person (William Shakespeare)Possible Category: Dagonell's Suggestion: A book with a Shakespeare quote as the titleRating **** four out of five starsWilliam Shakespeare received a note from his former mistress asking to see him privately. When he meets her, she asks for money as she is dying and wants to hire a physician. While they are meeting, someone sets the inn on fire. William escapes. His p...

I often read novels in which Shakespeare is a character. I have written some myself, the YA novels Merlin's Shakespeare and The Mercutio Problem. I find Shakespeare as a character endlessly fascinating. This novel is well-written, with a good description of Shakespeare's world. It is a murder mystery in which Shakespeare is the intended victim. It's fast-paced. The Dark Lady is a major character in the book. I disliked how the author focuses on her darkness as an indicator of her warped characte...

The mystery was secondary to the portrait drawn by the author of a version of Shakespeare at the height of his fame. It showed an imperfect man, warts and all -- dissolute, a little narcissistic, and coming to grips with his flaws and frailties in the second half of life. To his credit, he took ownership of his infidelities and weak character, but still aimed to be a better man despite his acknowledged moral shortcomings. I also enjoyed the language, the rhythm and cadence of the words, the outr...

I am glad I listened to this book instead of reading. I was transported to the days of Shakespeare, even down to the vocabulary. I have read other books that Shakespeare was telling the story, but it was in modern language. The telling of this story brought me right there... as if Shakespeare was talking to me. The story is about someone who is stalking Shakespeare, eventually framing him for murder. I found it a little hard to believe, with all the characters that he created, he didn't have any...

You must enjoy Shakespeare, and if you do, you’ll enjoy this novel. Without getting stuffy, Tourney has captured the essence of the great playwright in a readable fashion. Oh, and the mystery’s interesting, too. This is the first 5 star rating I’ve given, but characters, plot, style - all warrant it. Looking forward for more.

Enjoyed this very much. Found it to be more sophisticated than the author's Joan & Matthew Stock series, which I also enjoy. (Their cameo appearance in this book made me smile.) I look forward to reading more in both series. (Or re-reading, in the case of the Stocks--I read the series years ago in pre-Kindle days and was delighted to discover they were available in digital format.)

This was an excellent book. I think the author captured the essence of what Shakespeare could have been like and he did a wonderful job of placing him in and describing the era. His use of prose and vocabulary are admirable. I look forward to reading other works by Leonard Tourney.

Fascinating We know little of the Bard’s life, Tourney tells us. Yet he has woven a masterful mystery for it. Someone is after Shakespeare, and he knows neither who nor why. You’ll become intrigued as you follow his efforts to solve the puzzle and remain alive as well.

William Shakespeare's ex-mistress attempts to blackmail him, but then they must escape a fire. An arson attack. She unfortunately is killed. But events up to then have convinced Shakespeare that someone is trying to kill him. Now he must discover who and whyAn enjoyable historical mystery

Edit ReviewThe writer has an excellent knowledge of Shakespeare's background. The novel is well plotted, very absorbing, and a delightful read. The use of the vernacular of Shakespeare's time is impressive. Surely anyone with some appreciation for Shakespeare will appreciate this novel as well

Edge of my seat reading this one.This mystery was hard to put down as I would read till my eyes were too tired to focus. Without spoiling anything this author penned a wonderful tale that keeps you guessing all the way to the end.

This was a fun romp through England during Shakespeare's time. He is on the lam after having his life threatened. When he goes to the nearest "high-up" for help; he is told to help himself. This novel does not spare Shakespeare and he is shown in the rough. Smart!

A five-star immersion into mystery and Shakespeare's EnglandWhile masterfully plotted, this book impressed most through the author's knowledge of early 1600s England and his grasp of the vernacular of the period. It was a true treat for Shakespeare fans and mystery buffs, alike.

I'm giving it two stars even though I didn't finish it. The author knows his Shakespeare, but it was too contrived. His attempt at clever failed

A Light ReadThis was a pleasurable, light read, especially for any amateur student of Shakespeare, full of references to his plays and his life.

I enjoy period mysteries and especially one like this set in Tudor England with William Shakespeare as protagonist and possible victim! Good plotting and end.

Loved the book although the page numbering was off

A very good book. I really enjoyed the Shakespeare angle.

Sorry but..I just kept losing the plot. The idea is a good one but I’m not sure that the bard would approve.

Great ReadI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr. Tourney's creativity as well as his diligence in making this story believable made this a great read. Thank you.

Shakespeare has an enemy who is stalking him. After being called to the home of an old mistress, he hears an explosion and finds the building on fire. He manages to escape to the roof and down a ladder, but his old mistress is dead on the ground. He realizes that this isn't the first instance, and goes to Robert Cecil, who provides him with bodyguards. He finds a small boy who witnessed the person who threw the bomb, and finds he is a good actor. Then the boy is killed, Shakespeare is the suspec...

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