City of Gold and Shadows

Inspector Felse

ISBN: 1-55690-104-6 Order from: Recorded Books

A conventional and pleasant mystery, with atmospheric, archeological motifs, well-drawn and comfortable characters, and somewhat unlikely plot.

Reviewed by David on January 16, 2000

Genre: Mystery (Archeology, Romance)

Synopsis: Charlotte Rosignol, a young musician struggling to earn her living in England, is surprised when her distant relative's attorney contacts her. Dr. Morris, a noted archeologist, has been missing for a considerable time, and his lawyer wants her advice on the management of her uncle's property. Curious, Charlotte retraces Dr. Morris's last known itinerary, and arrives at a mystery surrounding the intriguing Roman site on the border of Wales: Aurea Phiala. However, it quickly appears that not all secrets of the vanished town are ancient, and someone is very determined to keep these secrets hidden.

Full Review: Ellis Peters, the author of the popular series about Brother Cadfael, has also written several loosely connected novels featuring Inpector Felse. This unabridged recording of City of Gold and Shadows features a pleasant atmosphere, composed of cosy English countryside shadowed by old Roman ruins, a self-possessed young woman as a protagonist, and a villain that remains hidden almost to the end.

While some of the plot elements are rather unlikely, the mystery, on the whole, is rather deft. As the crime becomes clearer, the identity of the perpetrators is nicely vague until the end. The main characters are well-drawn, and the protagonist combines intelligence and exterior coolness with understated passion and an occasional, self-deprecating sense of humor. The police are competent and well-meaning, even slightly patronizing, although since they are fairly unobtrusive, this does not irritate.

In general, this is a pleasant English mystery, with all the standard elements and likeable, plausible characters as a bonus.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 1-55690-104-6 Order from: Recorded Books