Rating: 
Summary: The Queen's Man Rides Again
Review: A 2nd episode for DeQuincy, Queen Eleanor's "man" from the mind of Sharon Penman. Her feel for the medieval England of Henry & Eleanor from her previous historical novels form the basis for this unique historical murder mystery set in England in 1193, which also serves as a nice encore for the first murder mystery "The Queen's Man".Penman emerged long ago as one of the best historical novelists and continues to solidify her reputation with each new release. The "Queen's Man" novels are unique side trips where she plays with fictional characters based on her strong historical story lines. Penman's special genius lies in the bright and shining historical detail that she can weave into both plot and dialog (she's a very good student of history and at
times is absolutely brilliant in conveying to us the workings of medieval minds). Penman's true genius is the broad historical scope that is painted on top of the shimmering details of brief moments. It truely does feel as if you
are living the story yourself, and it is this bringing us readers in as witnesses that stands as Penman's contribution to the art of the historical
novel. If you prefer to read in chronological order:
1101-1154 When Christ And His Saints Slept (Vol 1 of Trilogy)
1156-1171 Time And Space (Vol 2 of Trilogy)
12th Cent Devil's Brood (Vol 3 of Trilogy)- not yet released
1192-1193 The Queen's Man
1193 Cruel As The Grave
1183-1232 Here Be Dragons (Vol 1 of Welsh Trilogy)
1231-1267 Falls The Shadow (Vol 2 of Welsh Trilogy)
1271-1283 The Reckoning (Vol 3 of Welsh Trilogy)
1459-1492 The Sunne In Splendour
Rating:
Summary: The Queen's Man Rides Again
Review: A 2nd episode for DeQuincy, Queen Eleanor's "man" from the mind of Sharon Penman. Her feel for the medieval England of Henry & Eleanor from her previous historical novels form the basis for this unique historical murder mystery set in England in 1193, which also serves as a nice encore for the first murder mystery "The Queen's Man". Penman emerged long ago as one of the best historical novelists and continues to solidify her reputation with each new release. The "Queen's Man" novels are unique side trips where she plays with fictional characters based on her strong historical story lines. Penman's special genius lies in the bright and shining historical detail that she can weave into both plot and dialog (she's a very good student of history and at
times is absolutely brilliant in conveying to us the workings of medieval minds). Penman's true genius is the broad historical scope that is painted on top of the shimmering details of brief moments. It truely does feel as if you
are living the story yourself, and it is this bringing us readers in as witnesses that stands as Penman's contribution to the art of the historical
novel. If you prefer to read in chronological order:
1101-1154 When Christ And His Saints Slept (Vol 1 of Trilogy)
1156-1171 Time And Space (Vol 2 of Trilogy)
12th Cent Devil's Brood (Vol 3 of Trilogy)- not yet released
1192-1193 The Queen's Man
1193 Cruel As The Grave
1183-1232 Here Be Dragons (Vol 1 of Welsh Trilogy)
1231-1267 Falls The Shadow (Vol 2 of Welsh Trilogy)
1271-1283 The Reckoning (Vol 3 of Welsh Trilogy)
1459-1492 The Sunne In Splendour
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful sequel to "The Queen's Man"
Review: A rewarding sequel to Penman's first mystery although, as always with her novels, the book seemed to end too soon. When will Penman produce her next entrancing work?
Rating: 
Summary: I can hardly believe Sharon Kay Penman wrote this.
Review: After THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOR and the Welch sagas, I am so disappointed that she is now writing these shallow mysteries. I can only believe that she had to pay the mortgage.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as excellent earlier work
Review: Although I have loved Sharon Penman's earlier work, Here be Dragons and Falls The Shadow in particular, I am beginning to wonder if she has burned herself out. Cruel As The Grave appears shallow and rushed and there are several historical errors in the detail - bales of hay for example which are a result of mechanisation and would not have been around in the late twelfth century. The characters are well realised, but the plot lacks tension and I get the impression that ms Penman is just going through the motions rather than caring passionately about her work. Could do better.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as her others, but readable
Review: As an avid reader of all Sharon Kay Penman's books, I wasdefinitely looking forward to any new work. However, I have to say,this is not her finest work. The plot is rushed, and rather thin at best. While I enjoy the character of Justin, I want more depth and detail. This book is a fast, entertaining read, but in no way compares to her finest work...
Rating:
Summary: THE FINEST WRITER OF HISTORICAL FICTION
Review: Books by Sharon Kay Penman remind me that reading is one of life's finest pleasures. Her stories are full of exciting adventures, great romance, vivid history all wrapped up in a bright ribbon of excellant writing style. CRUEL AS THE GRAVE is the second book of what will prove to be another wonderful series for Penman. Murder, mayhem, honour and lack thereof battle with lust, laughter, and ambition. There are too many great things to say about it. A pure delight !!!
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as previous works
Review: But readable still. The author has got some very interesting characterisations going on and I like seeing how they interact with each other.
However other readers don't worry as Ms Penman's next book, Time and Chance, is a return to her big historical novels. It's about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and will be published next year. Then she'll follow it up with the conclusion to the trilogy, The Devil's Brood, and her next Justin de Quincy mystery, Dragon's Lair, which takes him to Wales to cross swords with the young Llewellyn Fawr of Here Be Dragons. I for one can't wait for these books!
Rating: 
Summary: A Fun Read!
Review: For the second year in a row, I recieved Ms.Penman's novel as a birthday present. Last year it was The Queen's Man, this year, of course, it was Cruel As the Grave. Although not as intense and historically rich as her trilogy, When Christ And His Saints Slept, or Sunne in Splendor, Cruel As the Grave was a fun and great companion for the few days that it took me too read it! Ms.Penman is an accomplished writer that brings the medieval era to life for her readers. She has inspired me, and will contine to do so for years to come.
Rating:
Summary: A Fairly Good Mystery
Review: I am a great fan of Sharon Kay-Penman's historical novels and am eagerly awaiting subsequent books since I've read them all up to now. This is the first of her mystery stories that I've read. Ms. Penman's attention to detail is apparent in this book, and her feeling for life the way it was when this family ruled England is flawless. I enjoyed this story, and I liked Justin, her hero, but the mystery was not as "fleshed Out" as I have come to expect from this author. The story is fun though, and I love the era so I will probably try to read more about this likeable hero in the coming months.
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