Rating: 
Summary: Few Errors in this Mystery as Will 'Shines'
Review: Hailed as the first “Shakespeare-Smythe” episode in yet another Elizabeth mystery series, Simon Hawke’s “A Mystery of Errors” is a good first edition. Mr. Hawke, an acclaimed writer in the fantasy genre, makes his mystery gambit with this one and draws good marks. While there may be those who wish to compare it to “Shakespeare in Love” (or even Kellenman’s “Quality of Life”!), there’s actually little to compare, at least that would be worth the effort. This book stands on its own. Having Shakespeare as a co-central character is pleasant enough, certainly original enough, and Hawke’s powers of description and episode--not to mention his knowledge of Elizabethan history--are enough to make this a worthwhile read. “There was nothing quite so invigorating t the senses, Smythe decided, as ending a long and dusty day by being robbed.” A good opening sentence, and Hawke, with his unlikely duo of protagonists, is off to trip the light fantastic on the boards of London’s stage. Young Smythe, just twenty and a bit of a hunk himself, vows to fulfill what he believes is his true calling--to become an actor! Of course, with that as the basic quest, Smythe sets out and soon teams up with another wannabe, Will Shakespeare. Clever and fun, at the same time. Not a heavy-weight, literarily (but how many historical mysteries really are?), “A Mystery of Errors” nonetheless demonstrates careful writing, thought, and a knowledge of the craft. Its pacing is sometimes erratic, but perhaps that’s meant as literary symbolism to the Elizabethan times! Regardless, Hawke, we hope, is busy with a second episode of Shakespeare-Smythe.
Rating:
Summary: Few Errors in this Mystery as Will 'Shines'
Review: Hailed as the first “Shakespeare-Smythe” episode in yet another Elizabeth mystery series, Simon Hawke’s “A Mystery of Errors” is a good first edition. Mr. Hawke, an acclaimed writer in the fantasy genre, makes his mystery gambit with this one and draws good marks. While there may be those who wish to compare it to “Shakespeare in Love” (or even Kellenman’s “Quality of Life”!), there’s actually little to compare, at least that would be worth the effort. This book stands on its own. Having Shakespeare as a co-central character is pleasant enough, certainly original enough, and Hawke’s powers of description and episode--not to mention his knowledge of Elizabethan history--are enough to make this a worthwhile read. “There was nothing quite so invigorating t the senses, Smythe decided, as ending a long and dusty day by being robbed.” A good opening sentence, and Hawke, with his unlikely duo of protagonists, is off to trip the light fantastic on the boards of London’s stage. Young Smythe, just twenty and a bit of a hunk himself, vows to fulfill what he believes is his true calling--to become an actor! Of course, with that as the basic quest, Smythe sets out and soon teams up with another wannabe, Will Shakespeare. Clever and fun, at the same time. Not a heavy-weight, literarily (but how many historical mysteries really are?), “A Mystery of Errors” nonetheless demonstrates careful writing, thought, and a knowledge of the craft. Its pacing is sometimes erratic, but perhaps that’s meant as literary symbolism to the Elizabethan times! Regardless, Hawke, we hope, is busy with a second episode of Shakespeare-Smythe.
Rating: 
Summary: Alas, poor nit-picker!
Review: I enjoyed this novel very much, save for two
utter bloopers Mr. Hawke pulled, such as
the mention of high tea (when tea wouldn't
be imported to England for ca. 150 years),
his evident belief that "high" tea is the
fancy meal rather than "afternoon" tea,
and the scene in which a wise woman reads
a tarot deck of a type which didn't exist
until the 20th century. I liked the book very much otherwise, but
my disbelief suspenders had a hard time
recovering from the serious snapping produced
by these silly errors.
Rating: 
Summary: There is a Glimmer of a Good Series Here!
Review: I really didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I love Shakespeare, and I thought this would be a light look at him with enough familiarity about the plays that he wrote to make it fun. It wasn't like that at all. It's a romantic mystery that is not handled all that well. I found that I really did not like Elizabeth (not the Queen) at all. She is supposed to play the romantic interest, but she doesn't ring true. Even Will Shakespeare doesn't seem real in this book. I found that I liked Smythe who happens to be a purely fictional character, and Sir William is a good characterization. The mystery itself is hardly a mystery and there are even inconsistencies there. I don't want to give the story away, but three is too much of a coincidence! So, not much characterization, plot or mystery when all is said and done. I will read a second book in this series to see if there are improvements, but if you are looking for Elizabethan intrigue, you cannot go wrong with Patricia Finney. Her two books on this era are totally excellent!
Rating:
Summary: There is a Glimmer of a Good Series Here!
Review: I really didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I love Shakespeare, and I thought this would be a light look at him with enough familiarity about the plays that he wrote to make it fun. It wasn't like that at all. It's a romantic mystery that is not handled all that well. I found that I really did not like Elizabeth (not the Queen) at all. She is supposed to play the romantic interest, but she doesn't ring true. Even Will Shakespeare doesn't seem real in this book. I found that I liked Smythe who happens to be a purely fictional character, and Sir William is a good characterization. The mystery itself is hardly a mystery and there are even inconsistencies there. I don't want to give the story away, but three is too much of a coincidence! So, not much characterization, plot or mystery when all is said and done. I will read a second book in this series to see if there are improvements, but if you are looking for Elizabethan intrigue, you cannot go wrong with Patricia Finney. Her two books on this era are totally excellent!
Rating:
Summary: My two cents worth...
Review: It is a mystery to me why promoters want to push that this book is more in the spirit of "Shakespear in Love," when the only item it has in common is that Will Shakespeare is a character in it. If you want to compare it to movies, it is much more in the spirit of Jake Scott's 1999 directorial debut: "Plunkett & Macleane." Why? It is a cheeky, edgy rendition done with a contemporary conciousness. The historical rendition of this "Mystery of Errors" is well done, the plot is solid and the characters convincing. As a Renaissance mystery, it has a nice flow, but beware that the mystery only begins to appear more than halfway through the book. The action picks up, and the solution at the end seems a bit rushed, but it is a nice debut to the mystery genre for prolific writer Simon Hawke. I only wish that the 'Afterword' had served as an introduction instead. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: My two cents worth...
Review: It is a mystery to me why promoters want to push that this book is more in the spirit of "Shakespear in Love," when the only item it has in common is that Will Shakespeare is a character in it. If you want to compare it to movies, it is much more in the spirit of Jake Scott's 1999 directorial debut: "Plunkett & Macleane." Why? It is a cheeky, edgy rendition done with a contemporary conciousness. The historical rendition of this "Mystery of Errors" is well done, the plot is solid and the characters convincing. As a Renaissance mystery, it has a nice flow, but beware that the mystery only begins to appear more than halfway through the book. The action picks up, and the solution at the end seems a bit rushed, but it is a nice debut to the mystery genre for prolific writer Simon Hawke. I only wish that the 'Afterword' had served as an introduction instead. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Unique and entertaining
Review: On his way to London to become an actor, Symington "Tuck" Smythe has been accosted three times by highwaymen, but no one succeeded in robbing him since he had no money. On the fourth attempt Black Billy believes Tuck' statement of nothing to rob and flips the traveler a silver crown so he can have a bite to eat and a room in the nearby Haw and Mouse Inn. However, no rooms are available, but a guest short on funds, Will Shakespeare, offers to share a bed with Simon in exchange for sharing the cost. Tuck agrees. Tuck and Will learn each wants to work in the theater. They agree to journey together in search of fame and a lot of cash. However, neither one expected to become targets of killers who mistakenly identify Will as someone else all because Tuck wanted to help Elizabeth Darcie avoid an unwanted marriage. A MYSTERY OF ERRORS is an amusing historical mystery that willingly shakes a spear at the exorbitances of the Elizabethan drama. The story line is fun, never loses its step (except when Tuck performs), and makes its cast seem genuinely sixteenth century. Simon Hawke has begun a new series that will bring pleasure to those who enjoy a satirical look at heroism and a few tucks at the historical famous. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Young Shakespeare Fleshed Out!
Review: Symington "Tuck" Smythe leaves his home and heads to London to be a player. Along the way, he comes upon one Will Shakespeare, a poet, also heading to London to be a player and (hopeful) a successful play-writer. The two form a friendship and find themselves as ostlers in a theatre troupe. Our protagonist, Tuck, gets involved in a mystery involving a lovely young woman, much above him on the status ladder. His best buddy, Will, tags along making witty quips and being almost more a of a nuisance than a help in the mystery solving department. Hawke has made a very real Will Shakespeare, spouting soon to be Shakespeare-isms and acting as a word-sparring partner with Smythe. Will is just an ordinary man, with the barest hint of the Shakespeare that is to come. It is well-done and the mystery itself was well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cared enough about Tuck and Will to want to read more of this series.
Rating:
Summary: Young Shakespeare Fleshed Out!
Review: Symington "Tuck" Smythe leaves his home and heads to London to be a player. Along the way, he comes upon one Will Shakespeare, a poet, also heading to London to be a player and (hopeful) a successful play-writer. The two form a friendship and find themselves as ostlers in a theatre troupe. Our protagonist, Tuck, gets involved in a mystery involving a lovely young woman, much above him on the status ladder. His best buddy, Will, tags along making witty quips and being almost more a of a nuisance than a help in the mystery solving department. Hawke has made a very real Will Shakespeare, spouting soon to be Shakespeare-isms and acting as a word-sparring partner with Smythe. Will is just an ordinary man, with the barest hint of the Shakespeare that is to come. It is well-done and the mystery itself was well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cared enough about Tuck and Will to want to read more of this series.
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