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Heresy by S.J. Parris

Heresy

by S.J. Parris
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (5):
  • Readers' Rating (26):
  • First Published:
  • Feb 23, 2010, 448 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Feb 2011, 448 pages
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Reviews


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There are currently 25 member reviews
for Heresy
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  • RoseMary W. (Boardman, OH)
    HERESY
    I enjoyed reading this book. The author did a very good job developing the characters and this kept the plot interesting and mysterious. I was not able to predict the ending. Anyone who enjoys mysteries will enjoy reading Heresy.
  • Sandra G. (Middleton, WI)
    A very well-written, unusual mystery novel
    Soon after his arrival at Oxford in 1583, former monk Giordano Bruno begins wondering whom he can really trust. This sense of unease permeates the novel, keeping the reader guessing along with Bruno as he attempts to identify who is responsible for the sudden deaths of several Oxford fellows. The further you read, the faster you want to turn the pages. One of my favorite lines is "You played your part very well, Bruno, I never suspected you. But then you never suspected me, did you?"
  • Jane H. (Indianola, Iowa)
    Heresy
    S.J. Parris takes what little is known about Giordano Bruno and turns out a taut, excellent well written mystery novel. Bruno's search for the killer keeps a reader turning the pages. Parris not only know her characters well, but she understands the culture, morals and religious problems of 1583 Oxford and England.
  • Joyce W. (Rochester, MN)
    An Intelligent Mystery
    What a novel setting for a murder mystery; Oxford, England, in the 1500's. This is a fun read. Heresy is well written in modern day English (not Old World English). There is love, danger, politics, religion, and interesting characters of all ages.

    Even though the setting is during the Inquisition, the political and religious issues are relevant today. The author does an excellent job of describing the sparse and uncomfortable living conditions of this era. Their discourse is intelligent and fraught with double meanings. I will watch for more books from this author.
  • Patricia S. (Menlo Park, CA)
    Historical fiction at its best!
    The story of Giordano Bruno comes to life in this engaging book that provides a page turning read. It is set in Oxford in the late sixteenth century and shows the extremes of cruelty committed in the name of "Faith." The struggle of real people trying to come to grips with competing loyalties. It is full of believable characters and delicious intrigue. A very good read indeed.
  • Darlene C. (Simpsonville, SC)
    Thumbs up for "Heresy" by S.J. Parris
    I really enjoyed the book and couldn't wait to get home everyday and read a bit more! This historical "whodunit" prompted me to investigate the real characters used, so I learnt a bit of history as well. I can see this becoming a very successful BBC series similar to "Cadfael". Heard this was the first book of three and I can't wait for the next one.
  • Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
    Elizabethan Era Thriller
    As a lover of all things Tudor and Elizabethan, I thoroughly enjoyed S.J. Parris' Heresy. The book follows monk and scientist Giordano Bruno as he is called to London on a secret mission at the behest of Sir Francis Walsingham. This mission becomes secondary to Bruno's inadvertent involvement and subsequent investigation of several murders at Oxford University. Rich with accurate period detail and multi-dimensional characters, Heresy is one for the bookshelves for lovers of English historical fiction.

Beyond the Book:
  Giordano Bruno

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