Dragon's Lair (Queens Man)

As always, Sharon Kay Penmanship books get better with each in the series. I especially love the portrayals of the different mothers from Queens to those that didn’t survive childbirth and the relationships to the parents and children in either direction. I absolutely adore the realistically imperfect but giving the world his best character of Justin de Quincy. A man I could love but hopefully not fall in love wit if they were more than literary portrayals. The mysteries ring true as both story and history.

When I first read Sharon Kay Penmann's book "Prince of Darkness", I didn't realize that it was the fourth in a series of mysteries. I was not that fond of it. But later I read "The Queen's Man" which is the first of the series and became quite interested in them. "Dragon's Lair" is, I believe, the second in the series. I would recommend that you read them in order otherwise you don't understand all the characters and their interactions. It is a good series; she writes very well, although they are not as great as the fictional biographies, but good reading.

Sharon Penman has done it again! This is the third in her series of Medieval Mysteries starring Justin de Quincy. Justin is Queen Eleanor's man and is investigating and trying to recover the stolen ransom, in Wales, meant for King Richard, The Lionheart's, release from an Austrian prison. The story is fast paced with surprises around every corner. Prince John is a deliciously wicked as he constantly schemes to thwart his mother's attempts to free his brother and place himself on the throne. Justin encounters many difficult situations but like a cat always seems to land on his feet. I believe this is the best yet of Sharon's mysteries and I could not stop turning the pages! I read it in a little less than three days but not because it was a short novel, 322 pgs., but because it was such an exciting, engrossing read. It is full of detail and description, especially about Wales and Chester. Incredibly captivating!

Ms Penman creates real flesh and blood characters. Her work continues to fascinate whether it is one of the historical books or the mysteries. I honestly can say that every time I come to the conclusion of one of her books I am sorry to see the work end. She is a master storyteller and her use of the language is rare in historical and adventure fiction today. I eagerly await each of her books.

Sharon Penman's series about Justin de Quincy, the Queen's Man for Eleanor of Aquitaine, is both highly readable and historically accurate. The reader is treated to an interesting plot involving a king's ransom stolen in Wales, as well as the development of the de Quincy character. I enjoyed reading about Wales and the politics of the region at the time. I also thought the secondary characters were interesting and believable. I have enjoyed other books by this author and will continue to follow this series.

In the on-going story of the family of Henry II, this one continues with Richard, John, and of course, Eleanor of Aquitaine. As usual, this author tells a wonderful story, bringing back to life the characters that loom so large in the history of the British Isles. This is a very good read, and about as historically accurate as you can find.

I have enjoyed the Justin de Quincy Mystery books. I have all four. Sharon Penman provides excellent characters, plot, settings and character development. The mystery is not solved immediately and the historical background is excellent. I am not usually an historical mystery reader (my favorite mystery writer is Louise Penney) but I can highly recommend the Justin series.

It kept me reading, but it was more difficult to follow than the first book in the Justin de Quincy series (I haven't yet read the second). Its great strength, like the first, is the author's skill in keeping us in touch with period life and details. I found The Queen's Man much easier to follow. I am part Welsh but the plenitude of Welsh locations, customs, terms, history, and names was overwhelming at times. Nevertheless, reading Penman's work is a delight; she is devoted to putting us in the middle of the action and th location, and in helping us live with the protagonist as he faces everything from local food to far-flung crime.

Another tremendously exciting and interesting book - I did not want it to end.

I love Sharon Penmans writing and think her best historical books are the ones relating to Wales, so this excursion of Justin into Wales makes excellent reading. Her young Llewelyn seems as believable as his older persona in Here Be Dragons. As with her other Queens Man books, although this is fiction you can be sure that the real background and the day to day living are accurate. The events and people (real and imaginary) all ring true and the story sweeps you through. One perspective I really like is that although John is the villain who sets all the plots in motion, Sharon has a soft spot for him. He is shown as very human though ruthless. This came across in her historical books an shows again here when he appears. No typecasting here!

Sharon Kay Penman has again delivered another solid product in this book which again illustrates why she is amongst the best in historical fiction. The characters not only come alive but ring true to their time. Ms. Penman's books are worth acquiring.

A detective story from the Middle Ages, superbly related by Ms Penman, whose knowledge for the times shows clearly in the quality of her work. Justin de Quincy, an illegitimate son of a bishop, is recruited by the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine, to recover the stolen money, intended as ransom for her son, Richard the Lionheart, held prisoner in Austria. Peopled by colourful, charismatic characters, the novel proves to be an interesting and exciting read.

The book was as new; also love the "Queen's Man" series