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Summary: There's only one problem...
Review: ...and that's the fact that we've had to wait so long for this third installment in the series. It's wonderful...and I hope that Ms. Penman already has the fourth one at her publisher!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A Very Solid Story!
Review: A year ago, I read Sharon Kay Penman's Here Be Dragons, and thought it was outstanding, and said as much in my review. I was anticipating that Falls The Shadow would be the next of her books I would read, but then I got an email from her publisher, thanking me for the great review- Would I consider reviewing this, her new book, if they sent me a free reviewing copy? Given how much I loved the last book, I was MORE than happy to accept.So there you have it... this review may be a little biased. However, had I not liked the book, I'd not have ended up reviewing it. And while I don't quite feel that this is a five-star book, I cannot deny that it was a very enjoyable read! All the other reviews describe what the book is about, so I will just speak my mind instead... It was mentioned that this novel might be more enjoyable if you had read the two previous "Queen's Man" novels first. While I can see how that could certainly be true, in my opinion, it stood on its own quite well. A few exceptions might be the Claudine/Justin relationship, and the few cameo appearances from characters who must have been friends/helpers of Justin in the first two tales. These threads served little purpose here, and held no meaning for the readers just joining, but were little more than a few speed bumps on an otherwise smooth road. As far as other mystery novels go, I don't recall having read any, but I feel that it was Penman's wonderfully detailed historical setting which really drew me in. I've never been to Wales, but having read Here Be Dragons, this was a more than welcome return to this rich, beautiful land. Prince Llewelyn of Wales, and Prince John of England, I now hold as two of my favorite "literary" characters, thanks to that book, and here we are given a very enjoyable glimpse of what their first brush with one another might have been like. -A speculative foundation for what would become one of history's most fascinating rivalries! But what impressed me most about Dragon's Lair, was the pacing, which was perhaps not as smooth in Here Be Dragons. While there wasn't nearly as much action as in my usual reading fare, the plot involves you quickly and thickens at a nice steady gait, until we are given a very satisfying conclusion- which often makes or breaks a mystery. However, as another reviewer mentioned, the main culprit's identity might be obvious to anyone who's read her previous Welsh tales, or was familiar with this story's background, but alas, is that not a major obstacle of any historical fiction? All in all, this was a very solid book, which would have left me with great satisfaction even if I'd had to actually buy it! -Lysander
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Summary: Intrigue, Treachery and Murder in Medieval Britain
Review: At a very young age I started reading adventure stories of heroes from far away lands who performed extraordinary feats. As I grew up, history became my obsession; history in general, the middle ages in particular. I fell in love with new heroes whose exploits were as amazing as those of fiction. Then I discovered mysteries and again I couldn't have enough. So how can one author unite so brilliantly my three favorite subjects? Only when this author is Sharon Kay Penman! I entered Ms. Penman's world several years ago with one of her historical novels, and I was hooked for life. So it was only natural that when her first medieval mystery was published it would make its way into my hands. Medieval mysteries have become a popular genre, but no author masters the accuracy of the time as Ms. Penman does. I just finished reading the third installment in her series of medieval mysteries, "Dragon's Lair", and found myself pleasantly surprised that she could have improved on her two previous ones. "Dragon's Lair" takes our hero Justin de Quincy into Wales, where he must unravel the mysterious disappearance of a large portion of the ransom the Holy Roman Emperor has claimed to release King Richard from an Austrian dungeon, where he is being held captive. His younger brother John lusts after the crown and will stop at nothing to prevent his royal brother from buying his freedom and return to England. But Queen Eleanor, mother of both, will do anything in her power to free Richard, her favorite son, and return the rightful heir to the throne. David ab Owain, reigning Prince of Wales, conveniently accuses his nephew, Llewelyn ab Iorwerth, central character of Ms. Penman's second historical novel, "Here Be Dragons" of stealing the ransom. Taking a gamble, Justin joins forces with the rebel Welshman in an attempt to locate the stolen ransom and uncover the conspiracy. Treachery abounds in thirteenth century Wales and England. Corruption, murder, betrayal! Nothing new, but Ms. Penman makes it so fascinating to the reader that the book is impossible to put down. Masterfully handling both the historical facts and her imagination, again, Sharon Kay Penman has succeeded in giving us a gem!
Rating:
Summary: It's simple
Review: Buy it, read it, and you'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: PITCH PERFECT HISTORICAL MYSTERY
Review: Dragon's Lair is the third book in the "Queen's Man" series. I started the series with this book and had no trouble popping right into the world of Justin, our hero. While the scope of this book isn't close to the depth of her other works (Here be Dragon's comes to mind), it certainly sets out what in intends to do, and that's deliver a thoughtful mystery. As an avid reader of historical fiction it seems that the historical fiction mysteries are often the worst of the genre. My chief complaint, other than poor writing, is the window dressing the actual history gets in the mysteries - more often than not the historical period is a cheese cloth back drop to a more modern tale (I'm looking at you Owen Archer). Penman makes it look so easy, which is why she's such a joy to read. Fairly said, Dragon's Lair is "light" reading & there is one instance where she uses a very hackneyed ploy to move the plot along - the eavesdrop (however, it's not as bad as the frequent over use of coincidence you'll find in other mysteries). Despite my brief irritation, she spun out of it with a twist that I didn't see coming and I was more than willing to utter a silent apology and quit my nitpicking. You're in good hands with her.
If you're looking for a weekend read - I more than recommend this book.
Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent medieval mystery
Review: I am a huge fan of Sharon Penman and she has once again given us a finely crafted story of life in the time of Eleanor and Aquitaine, Richard the Lion Heart, and of course, our ficticious hero Justin de Quincy. This story revolves around a true incident - Eleanor's frantic quest to raise an enormous ranson to secure the freedom of her favoured son Richard, but of course there are the little side stories that allow for the most fun, and this is where Justin comes in. He is asked to travel to the border of Wales, and so solve the whereabouts of a portion of the ranson payment. Along the way he encounters many characters who aren't what they seem, for good or bad, and of course solves the mystery. Don't be fooled - this is an elegant and complex mystery, and one not easily figured out. Along the way we encounter other characters that Penman fans will be familiar with from her other fantastic Welsh tales, butof course in a different time, and somewhat different place, and this makes the story all the more detailed. If I have one very small criticism, it is that the book assumes that you have been with Justin since he first appeared in the equally fine "The Queen's Man", and that you are familiar with his life and loves, paternity and other lifetime issues. I am, as would all devoted Sharon Penman fans, but for others who are new to her work through this book, it may be a little distracting. Similarly however, as a fan I would probably find all the re-intoductions somewhat tedious, so I appreciate that this is a fine line when writing a story in a series. But it is a very small criticism, and in no way detracts from the mastery of her writing, her meticulous attention to historical research and retelling, and the ability to spin a mighty good mystery.
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Summary: Of course...
Review: I am a longtime Penman fan, having devoured her two historical fiction trilogies. Her late foray into mystery fiction is wonderful! I insist that ALL the fiction I read be historically believable, and Ms. Penman fits the bill in every way. The history is accurate, and the fictional story is elegantly woven into the period setting. I await the next installment eagerly.
Rating:
Summary: A worthwhile sequel
Review: I am very impressed by all of Ms. Penmans' books that I have read. The sheer amount of historical research that goes into them is mind boggling. Dragon's Lair is the third installment in her mystery series. I think my favorite is still The Queen's Man; however, Dragon's Lair is a worthy contender. Justin de Quincy is yet again sent off on a mission on behalf of the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine who is the ruling monarch of the English, Aquitaine and Normandy empires while her son Richard the Lionheart is in an Austrian dungeon due to being captured on his way home from the Crusades. Part of the ransom has gone missing in the deep forests of Wales. Eleanor sends Justin to investigate and return the ransome if at all possible. In typical Penman mystery fashion there are a number of twists and turns so it's not easy to guess what is on the next page. I highly recommend it for people who like mysteries or books based upon the early ages of the English empire.
Rating:
Summary: Best yet
Review: I have loved Sharon Kay Penman's books for years. Don't see how The Sunne in Splendor could be topped but she's going for the gold - again! I just wish she'd write faster!
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Summary: A New Favorite of Mine
Review: I was on the prowl for new medieval fiction and stumbled upon this book. Wow! This author writes very well. Her plot is intricate, yet she never loses the reader. Her characters are interesting and believable. I liked this one so well I went out and immediately bought the other two novels in this particular character's series. I can hardly wait for the next one.
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