Rating: Summary: Couldn't put it down Review: There are so few books of the mystery/thriller genre today that have interesting character development and historical/cultural context. This book has both and is entirely engrossing as a result. Add in the mystery, and I couldn't put it down (totally destroyed a good night's sleep). COP is of particular interest in this day and age, as parallels can be drawn between the stock market mentality then and today. COP was entertaining, educational and memorable.
Rating: Summary: A good, entertaining read! Review: Mr. Liss takes us back to the narrow streets, open sewers, and lawless atmosphere of 18th-century London. Aside from giving the reader an insight into life and manners in the London of that time, Mr. Liss also manages to slip in a gripping plot. In its final stages, the book had me spellbound. An excellent debut by Mr. Liss; I hope he comes back to this subject again in future books.
Rating: Summary: This is a wonderful book Review: This was a great book. This book is not only a compelling mystery and narrative, but only a brilliant historic representation of people's understanding of probability and chance--it isn't what you would think. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in these topics.
Rating: Summary: A Good if Repetetive Read Review: This book definitely kept me turning the pages. Liss does a nice job of painting a historical backdrop for his novel and gives us a likeable protagonist to lead us through the maze of late 18th century London financial and social underworlds. The book repeatedly returns to the raw anti-semitism presumably present in 18th century London as a source for dialogue and character development, and it becomes a bit tiresome at points. In lieu of an otherwise excellent story, that might be nitpicking, this book is certainly a high-caliber mystery, historical fiction, action novel worth every penny.
Rating: Summary: An exceptional, enjoyable read. Review: An extraordinary first novel. Mr. Liss has captured the essence of life in England in the early 18th century. His characters are compelling, whether they be real or an invention of the author. His depiction of conversational English during this period is enchanting, as he expertly paints the strata of English society-from nobility, the wretchedly poor, the criminal class, and everything in between. Resist the urge to turn this work into a page-turner. Every word is meant to be savored.
Rating: Summary: Creaky and hamfisted Review: An exciting premise, well-researched and detailed, but with the story mechanics of a seventh grade short story. Things like "...but he had no idea that the person he had just seen would change his life forever..." (not a quote, but you get the idea). Wished I'd waited for the paperback!
Rating: Summary: WOW! This one is a winner! Review: "Conspiracy of Paper" is, without a doubt, one of the most engrossing books in print today. David Liss, a new and exceptionally talented author, tells a captivating story set in eighteenth century London, running the gamut from the newly-emerging stock market to the back alleys of London to the wealthy financiers who control the world. "Conspiracy of Paper" ... grabs the reader from the beginning as Liss describes scenes as if he were actually there. The realism in this work is exemplary. Protagonist Benjamin Weaver is a Jew living in a Christian world. A retired boxer, now working as a debt collector for London aristocracy, Weaver is compelled to investigate the death of his own father, a notorious stockjobber. During his venture, Weaver is forced to deal with devout Jewish relatives who can't understand why he shuns his faith; a desperate prostitute who seems to know him better than he knows himself; and a host of powerful London business men who are not exactly what they appear to be. Liss gives us rare details of the newly-forming stock market, revealing a remarkable talent for making history come alive. Liss is a gifted scholar far beyond his years as well as an extraordinarily talented writer. His uncanny ability to tell a story is unsurpassed. I want to see more from this author!
Rating: Summary: Outstanding Read Review: This was a wonderful book to read and enjoy. Its accurate portrayal of the times coupled with the storyline kept me interested the entire time I read it. I emailed the author for suggestions about similar novels and he wrote back with several suggestions. Great book and nice guy.
Rating: Summary: A Conspiracy of Paper: A Novel Review: Excellent read! Exciting, hard to put down, very entertaining. A great mystery set in 1800 century England, I hope to see more of this Weaver character in upcoming novels.
Rating: Summary: A fun and intriguing lesson in history Review: What a fun way to learn of things past. An intriguing plot and and maze of twists and turns keep you and the protagonist, Ben Weaver, guessing right up to the end; and what an ending it is. The ending's unraveling of the mystery reminded me of The Sting. Through all of the fun, the reader even learns a bit of the history behind the British stock market; a forebearer of our own. Liss has a great sense of time and place. A very fun read!
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