Murder at the War

Rating:
Summary: Unique SCA setting - my introduction to Peter & Kori
Review: I greatly enjoyed this unusual and well-crafted mystery. The various Medieval recreationists and their activities which it vividly depicts are sympathetic and interesting, especially in the ways in which they affect the unfolding of the plot - one edition of this story is sub-titled, approximately, "A Medieval Mystery with a Modern Setting". Peter is a complex, very human detective.
This is the only entry in the Peter & Kori Brichter series in which the Society for Creative Anachronism has a major role, but they're all well-written stories ... so even if the SCA element was all that drew you to this book, I recommend you try the rest.
** I wish Ms. Pulver hadn't apparently stopped writing this series! However, she has apparently turned her attention instead to the Sister Frevisse Medieval series, which she [co-]authors under the name Margaret Frazer.

Rating:
Summary: A book for both medievalists and mystery fans!
Review: Mary Monica Pulver has a knack for making each of her books unique--this one is an "exotic setting" mystery, located at a Medieval History group's annual re-creation of a "Medieval War." The victim is a fellow you'll love to hate and the main suspect is the wife of the detective/protagonist. All in all this is a fun romp in the woods in armor. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (a real living-history group) will recognize thinly veiled descriptions of their own members here--a touch of reality amidst the fantasy that makes this book a delightful read!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent fictional look at the SCA, with a mystery added
Review: Mary Monica Pulver's a longtime member of the SCA, and is well-qualified to write a mystery set in and among the Society's members at our largest gathering, the Pennsic War (upwards of 10,000 people onsite). Unlike _Bimbos of the Death Sun_ et seq., there's no attitude of "oh, look at the freaky weirdos who should get a life," instead, we get a sympathetic look at the SCA's subculture and how it meshes and clashes with the surrounding "mundane" world. The various groups within the SCA are presented fairly faithfully, although things now are not quite as they were when she wrote this book. The mystery element is honestly puzzling, and hinges on a bit of SCA lore that's in front of the reader's face from the beginning. A good first mystery novel, with an unusual setting.

Rating:
Summary: The author can't write but the setting is interesting
Review: Sorry, the author can't write. The setting, the SCA's Pennsic War, is interesting for outsiders, but note below.

There are problems with this book. People don't talk like this, the only explanation is that they are saying it for our benefit, but we (the readers) aren't supposed to be there.

This doesn't work as any genre I can think of. It isn't a police procedural, inspite of a police officer as a main character, because the procedure is wrong. It isn't a good mystery because it handles clues and red herrings poorly (Agatha Christie would throw the author out for some of the blatant red herrings, they are too bluntly used and too unbelievable).

I showed it to two former SCA members who have read the first chapter so far: One (a writer) pointed out serious point of view problems. Quote: "the author obviously never took a writing class". That could mean it's fresh and new, but in this case it is not intended as a compliment, the author blew basic writing skills.

The other former SCA member's comment was that there were 3 major (to an SCA member) errors of fact (just in chapter 1). So while you may find out something about the SCA, it may not be accurate.

Much of the last third of the book consists of one character interviewing other characters (boring). There is one of those trite mystery story denouments where the detective accuses people until the guilty party foolishly confesses.

I think it's actually 1 star writing but I gave it an extra for an interesting setting.

Rating:
Summary: The author can't write but the setting is interesting
Review: Sorry, the author can't write. The setting, the SCA's Pennsic War, is interesting for outsiders, but note below.

There are problems with this book. People don't talk like this, the only explanation is that they are saying it for our benefit, but we (the readers) aren't supposed to be there.

This doesn't work as any genre I can think of. It isn't a police procedural, inspite of a police officer as a main character, because the procedure is wrong. It isn't a good mystery because it handles clues and red herrings poorly (Agatha Christie would throw the author out for some of the blatant red herrings, they are too bluntly used and too unbelievable).

I showed it to two former SCA members who have read the first chapter so far: One (a writer) pointed out serious point of view problems. Quote: "the author obviously never took a writing class". That could mean it's fresh and new, but in this case it is not intended as a compliment, the author blew basic writing skills.

The other former SCA member's comment was that there were 3 major (to an SCA member) errors of fact (just in chapter 1). So while you may find out something about the SCA, it may not be accurate.

Much of the last third of the book consists of one character interviewing other characters (boring). There is one of those trite mystery story denouments where the detective accuses people until the guilty party foolishly confesses.

I think it's actually 1 star writing but I gave it an extra for an interesting setting.

Rating:
Summary: Murder at the War
Review: This book is great fun, if you are into role playing games. I think it gives good information about the Society of Creative Anachronism in the process of telling the tale. There are plenty of twists in the plot and many possibilies for the murderer.
The characters are likeable and fun to read about.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent but not new
Review: This is an excellent book, and part of one of my favorite series. However, for anyone hoping for a new mystery, prepare to be disappointed. Murder at the War is the original title of Knight Fall.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent but not new
Review: This is an excellent book, and part of one of my favorite series. However, for anyone hoping for a new mystery, prepare to be disappointed. Murder at the War is the original title of Knight Fall.

Rating:
Summary: Murder at the War
Review: While receiving this book from a friend before I joined the society (SCA), I didn't understand the nuances of Pennsic War nor the intricate mannerisms of the characters. Since joining the society and seeing Pennsic War for myself, I understand the background of the book much better. Now I find it absolutely charming and have recommended it to many friends. The murder mystery is tantalizing and the characters feel so real. It's an absolute must read for any in the society or those wanting to be in the society.

Rating:
Summary: Murder at the War
Review: While receiving this book from a friend before I joined the society (SCA), I didn't understand the nuances of Pennsic War nor the intricate mannerisms of the characters. Since joining the society and seeing Pennsic War for myself, I understand the background of the book much better. Now I find it absolutely charming and have recommended it to many friends. The murder mystery is tantalizing and the characters feel so real. It's an absolute must read for any in the society or those wanting to be in the society.