A Conspiracy of Paper : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: A page turner
Review: Historical fiction that is well written, educates and entertains, and "A Conspiracy of Paper" certainly does both. It's hard to believe that Davis Liss is a first time novelist. He has a unique gift for putting words together that make you feel like you are living in this 18th century setting, and that you have known these people as friends or foes. The detail is extraordinary, but adds to rather than detracts, from the fast pace of the story. It is one of the best books I have read recently, and I am anxiously awaiting his next book.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing after all the strong reviews
Review: I did not feel as strong a sense that this author knew his period as I have from such recent historical novels as, say, The Dress Lodger. But what really frustrates me in a mystery is when the detective does not follow obvious trails or makes nothing of pretty strong hints. For example, Weaver had the manuscript of his father's book in his possession and knew it probably related to his death. Did he read it? No, it made him sleepy! Then someone stole it from him. Why not make it more difficult for him to get the manuscript in the first place than have him ignore it? There were many incidents like this throughout the book. If there is anything that makes me impatient, it is a stupid detective.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Whodunit with a twist or two
Review: Immerse yourself in the world of 18th century high finance and the South Seas Bubble. Couple it with a few murders, and a protagonist who can't avoid typical Jewish self-examination. You have the makings of a fun read. Excellent first effort by a young writer with great promise.

Rating:
Summary: A great detective story of financial intrigue
Review: A "Conspiracy of Paper" is a Sherlock Holmes-Dr.Watson detective story - a Douglas Fairbanks type swashbuckling historical adventure - and a Paul Erdman (Crash of 1979) financial primer- all wrapped into one. There are enough murders and women of sin to tempt and satisfy most readers' appetite. The plot is at times convoluted, but there are many surprise turns that hold your interest throughout. The protagonist, Benjamin Weaver,is a likeable hero (probably based on the famous British prizefighter, Daniel Mendoza) that you don't see much of any more. At the end,the author leaves the door ajar for more Benjamin Weaver adventures and we hope Mr. Liss will take up his quill again.

Rating:
Summary: What a gem!
Review: What an exciting start to what I hope is a long and prolific career for David Liss. He has created a page turner that truly kept me guessing until the very end. His characters are vivid and memorable. He has masterfully combined history, mystery and and brought the world of the London stock jobber to life. Kudos!

Rating:
Summary: Charles Dickens meets J.A. Jance
Review: 18th century economics, being Jewish in a country where the national religion is dictated by the king, throw in a couple related murders and you have David Liss' Conspiracy of Paper. David Liss' knowlege of the time period, along with being a gifted author whoes characters are full and interesting and you have a mystery that is unique in today's age of cookie cutter Private investagators, burned out cops, and bored housewife's turned super snoops. Even with out the mystery this would be a historical novel worth reading. I can not wait for another book by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding--couldn't put this one down!
Review: If you love mysteries, history, or the world of finance, you will find this a very satisfying book. Liss has researched the world of 16th century London financial circles and the similarities to today's world of investing, and the people in it, in a truly fascinating way. If you are at all familiar with the recent Emulex scandal you will see nothing much has changed in 400 years--only the methods of communication. Even if finance is of no interest to you, "Conspiracy" is a great mystery story. Character development is terrific. And just when you think you know who's behind the crimes, something happens to completely change your mind. While reading this book--and I couldn't put it down--I felt close to the protagonist even though he lived in a world completely different from my own. As with all good books, I couldn't wait to find out what happened, yet sorry to come to the end. A great book from a new author.

Rating:
Summary: How to make history come alive.
Review: David Liss has written a great first book about a time in history that very few know anything about. His descriptions of place and his people development is very vivid. This novel reminded me that there is very little that is new in this world. The financial world has become more technically sophisticated, but the basic physchology is the same. David Liss has taken the stage with other notable, but somewhat forgotten authors such as Costain and SamuelShellabarger.I can't wait to read more of his work in the hopefully near future.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely Worth Reading!
Review: David Liss is to be highly commended on his first novel. A Conspiracy Of Paper has it all -- very well developed and interesting characters (particularly Benjamin Weaver), an exciting and mysterious plot, an ability to make early 18th century London come alive for the reader,and a compelling historical perspective of the London stock market in its infancy, the criminal underworld, the powerful business elite and of anti-semitism. There is no question about the depth of research that Liss conducted to write this book, but what makes A Conspiracy Of Paper so special is the way he successfully manages to weave all of this research into a novel that will have you totally engrossed and glued to your seat. Do yourself a favor and read this book as soon as possible. I think you'll definitely enjoy the trip back in time!

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST BOOK YOU HAVEN'T READ
Review: In this book, the author Liss, ties together history, finance, and mystery to make his book work. With undertones of family relationships and relationships in general, the book follows, one, Benjamin Weaver, as he attempts to solve the "murder" of his father. Is his uncle involved? Is someone related to the exchange involved? This Liss all ties up in the end. He uses historical facts along with some creative fiction to creative a story that I could not put down. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Ben, to his uncle, to his doctor friend. The use of the stock exchange as a backdrop was a novel concept and those interested in finance would find this a great read. The prose seems to flow and there are no roadblocks to getting into the novel. The writing is clear, crisp and keeps a steady pace to the novel. Please if you are unsure, buy this book. You will not be sorry. The best book I read over the summer!!!!!