What do you think?
Rate this book
Precious Bones
When the skeletal remains of a young woman and her baby are discovered entombed behind the kitchen wall of a historic Tudor house, Cassandra is overcome with grief. She feels certain she knows who the woman was, yet she can’t explain how—or how the two came to be sealed away. Drawn irresistibly to the house and the mystery of the “Bones of Blackfriars,” Cassandra begins searching for answers.
As she uncovers the truth about the Thorne siblings who lived there during the reign of Elizabeth I, her own life takes an unexpected turn, and she realizes her fate is bound to the Thornes in ways she never could have imagined.
As she uncovers the truth about the Thorne siblings who lived there during the reign of Elizabeth I, her own life takes an unexpected turn, and she realizes her fate is bound to the Thornes in ways she never could have imagined.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2011
About the author
Irina Shapiro
113 books1,433 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 30, 2017
A really enjoyable time shift story set between the turbulent times of Elizabeth I and present day London. When Cassandra buys and old Tudor cottage in London on a strange impulse, she has no idea that she is buying the family that lived there in 16th century too!
The lives of both Cassandra and the Elizabethan inhabitants of the house unfold with many tragic events and heart pounding excitement. The Elizabethan era was a very dangerous time to be a Catholic and the Thorne family are recusants, attending the Catholic Mass when possible whilst paying lip service to the new religion of Protestantism. The book involves many of the famous names of the time, including Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington plot to kill Elizabeth I and put Mary on the throne of England. The author interweaves fact and fiction seamlessly and it is a thoroughly enjoyable story. The only exception being a couple of parts where there was explicit sexual violence, I know it was a time when barbaric things were done but I found it a bit too graphic. Maybe I am a bit old fashioned though.
The lives of both Cassandra and the Elizabethan inhabitants of the house unfold with many tragic events and heart pounding excitement. The Elizabethan era was a very dangerous time to be a Catholic and the Thorne family are recusants, attending the Catholic Mass when possible whilst paying lip service to the new religion of Protestantism. The book involves many of the famous names of the time, including Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington plot to kill Elizabeth I and put Mary on the throne of England. The author interweaves fact and fiction seamlessly and it is a thoroughly enjoyable story. The only exception being a couple of parts where there was explicit sexual violence, I know it was a time when barbaric things were done but I found it a bit too graphic. Maybe I am a bit old fashioned though.
May 30, 2023
London, England. 2010/1586. Irina Shapiro’s Precious Bones (2011) is a dual timeline story, modern day and reign of Elizabeth I. A modern writer is drawn to a story on the news about a skeleton found behind a wall. The skeleton is actually from the Tudor period of Elizabeth I. This storyline zeroes in on the Babington Plot to put Mary, Queen of Scots on Elizabeth I’s throne. It is a perilous time to be a Catholic. I enjoyed reading this story until the very end. Unfortunately, the author did not check her research and wrote a completely incorrect statement concerning James VI of Scotland, Mary, Queen of Scots’ son who was also Elizabeth I’s heir. When Elizabeth I died in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England. The modern story I also enjoyed. It ties the writer I mentioned and her publisher to the Tudor period. The author’s writing is quite well done in both stories until the end of the Tudor story. My rating relates to the end of the Tudor story. I like the books of this author and will continue to read them. I did notice that the revised edition (2015) is listed on GR. Possibly, the error is corrected
in the 2015 edition. 3.5 stars.
in the 2015 edition. 3.5 stars.
January 12, 2018
This book suffered a lot by making it's narrator a published author who is amazing and the voice of her generation blah blah. All that stuff. Because the way she narrates the story is just so simple. If she was a decent writer, she should be a decent story teller and the writing was just not up to scratch. It's prose screamed beginner. I liked the idea of the book, it was interesting. At some parts, I had to check whose story it was, as the writing was not unique and the POV were so similar, with no differences. Though that may have been done on purpose. The stuff about Edward Norris made me uncomfortable as he was a real person and this book made him the horrible villian, whose behaviour is disgusting. It's somewhat disrespectful and made me uncomfortable. I would love to know why the author wrote him that way. Also at one point, the author pays for something with a one pound note in 2010. We haven't had one pound notes for 30 years. So research was obviously not very strong here, but when you're writing a story like this, it should be.
October 1, 2021
Irina Shapiro has written another fantastic historical tale. She says that some of the stories are true and some are fantasies but it doesn't matter because her book is so believable! During the remodeling of a 16th century home, the bones of a young women and baby are discovered in the present day London area.
The story is in the present and in the past. Both are love stories intertwined from modern day and back to the 1600s during the reign of Elizabeth I and the persecution of the Catholics.
I've read many of Ms. Shapiros books and I've loved every one of them!
The story is in the present and in the past. Both are love stories intertwined from modern day and back to the 1600s during the reign of Elizabeth I and the persecution of the Catholics.
I've read many of Ms. Shapiros books and I've loved every one of them!
November 21, 2017
When I saw this was about the finding of ancient bones in a very old home my curiosity was piqued enough that I just had to read it. I'm very glad I did.
I can't say much because anything I might say could ruin the surprise for anyone else thinking about reading this book. I will only say that if you like mystery, intrigue, history and romance, you won't be disappointed in this tale. It's all there, and more! I found it absolutely delightful.
I can't say much because anything I might say could ruin the surprise for anyone else thinking about reading this book. I will only say that if you like mystery, intrigue, history and romance, you won't be disappointed in this tale. It's all there, and more! I found it absolutely delightful.
March 24, 2026
full review to come
August 10, 2022
An entertaining love story, with ups and downs. This historical fiction performs a good plot and give us some precious moments of action and rivalry. As a whole, it has an splendid horizon through that epoch.
The epitome of this romantic yarn is compelling and emotional. It feels pleasure and tense at the same time... An enjoyable book.
It's enough for now.
The epitome of this romantic yarn is compelling and emotional. It feels pleasure and tense at the same time... An enjoyable book.
It's enough for now.
July 18, 2019
“I knew you’d come.” he said as he turned around and walked away before I could ask what he could possibly have meant by that comment. - Cassandra
Best selling novelist Cassandra Blake is suffering from a bad case of writers block, when she sees a TV news report based on the discovery of the skeletal remains of a woman and her foetus, who have been found entombed in the walls of a historic Tudor House. Overcome by a sense of grief but unable to explain how or why, Cassandra finds herself inexplicably drawn to the house and is compelled to buy it.
No sooner has she moved in, Cassandra is plagued by visions of a woman named Constance Thorne who lived there with her family in the 1500s. As she unravels more of Constance’s life, Cassandra begins to realise that her life is connected to her in ways she could never have imagined.
Precious Bones is a stand alone dual time novel, set between the turbulent times of Elizabeth l in 1586 and present day 2010. Constance and her family are staunch Catholics in a time when Papists were regarded with suspicion due to numerous conspiracies against Elizabeth l by those who wanted to see Mary Stuart on the throne instead. It is in the background of one such conspiracy known as the Babington Plot, that the Thorne family innocently fall victim.
As a reader who is familiar with the author’s Echoes of the Past series, I felt that once again she has managed to seamlessly blend the past and present and grab the readers attention from the offset.
The author has managed to capture the suspicion and uncertainty of the era, made all the more volatile by self serving ambitious politicians. We’re given insight into the brutal torture that victims, who were sent to the Tower of London, were subjected to and the impact it had on their families. Several graphic scenes were over done for my taste but perhaps that’s just me.
I also felt that the romance between both couples lacked depth. The modern day one in particular felt under developed as Cassandra was barely coming out of her previous relationship before starting a new one. I would like to have seen more of their feelings on an emotional level rather than a physical one.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Precious Bones and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This is the first time I have listened to Verity Burns’ narration and I was impressed by how clear and concise her delivery was.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, dual time lines, past lives/reincarnation mystery and suspense.
Best selling novelist Cassandra Blake is suffering from a bad case of writers block, when she sees a TV news report based on the discovery of the skeletal remains of a woman and her foetus, who have been found entombed in the walls of a historic Tudor House. Overcome by a sense of grief but unable to explain how or why, Cassandra finds herself inexplicably drawn to the house and is compelled to buy it.
No sooner has she moved in, Cassandra is plagued by visions of a woman named Constance Thorne who lived there with her family in the 1500s. As she unravels more of Constance’s life, Cassandra begins to realise that her life is connected to her in ways she could never have imagined.
Precious Bones is a stand alone dual time novel, set between the turbulent times of Elizabeth l in 1586 and present day 2010. Constance and her family are staunch Catholics in a time when Papists were regarded with suspicion due to numerous conspiracies against Elizabeth l by those who wanted to see Mary Stuart on the throne instead. It is in the background of one such conspiracy known as the Babington Plot, that the Thorne family innocently fall victim.
As a reader who is familiar with the author’s Echoes of the Past series, I felt that once again she has managed to seamlessly blend the past and present and grab the readers attention from the offset.
The author has managed to capture the suspicion and uncertainty of the era, made all the more volatile by self serving ambitious politicians. We’re given insight into the brutal torture that victims, who were sent to the Tower of London, were subjected to and the impact it had on their families. Several graphic scenes were over done for my taste but perhaps that’s just me.
I also felt that the romance between both couples lacked depth. The modern day one in particular felt under developed as Cassandra was barely coming out of her previous relationship before starting a new one. I would like to have seen more of their feelings on an emotional level rather than a physical one.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Precious Bones and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This is the first time I have listened to Verity Burns’ narration and I was impressed by how clear and concise her delivery was.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, dual time lines, past lives/reincarnation mystery and suspense.
July 4, 2013
How often do we experience that feeling of deja vu? Most don't take us back several centuries. I didn't say all because after reading this story I'm open to the possibility. :-) That being said, I have read several books which drift back and forth in time and do enjoy how authors have used this premise to weave very interesting stories. What tricks or triggers our mind back in time?
The era of Elizabeth and Mary of Scots was truly brutal and peopled by ambitious politicians who might make some of our modern day politicians (at least in the U. S.) seem kind of lame. Back then, they played for keeps (pun intended). The Tower of London had a well earned reputation for horror. This is the world that Cassandra mysteriously connects to. She wants to know why as much as she doesn't want to know why. Is this reincarnation thing real or is she suffering from mental illness. Either way, it's not good.
I would have rated this story higher but there were two events that were so vulgar that it was, for me, too over the top. I certainly understand the literary premise of writing a character in such a way as to leave no doubt who and what they are but I feel the author went too far. It was distracting to the point where I hesitated to continue reading the story. I did continue with the intention of skipping parts if necessary because the first instance could have been written much less graphically and made the same point. There was only one other event in the story and once again, the author was headed in the same graphic direction, in my mind, unnecessarily. Because of this I would re-consider reading other stories by this author. Other readers may feel differently but, as they say, forewarned is forearmed. :-)
My sensibilities aside, overall this was a well written story and I did enjoy it.
The era of Elizabeth and Mary of Scots was truly brutal and peopled by ambitious politicians who might make some of our modern day politicians (at least in the U. S.) seem kind of lame. Back then, they played for keeps (pun intended). The Tower of London had a well earned reputation for horror. This is the world that Cassandra mysteriously connects to. She wants to know why as much as she doesn't want to know why. Is this reincarnation thing real or is she suffering from mental illness. Either way, it's not good.
I would have rated this story higher but there were two events that were so vulgar that it was, for me, too over the top. I certainly understand the literary premise of writing a character in such a way as to leave no doubt who and what they are but I feel the author went too far. It was distracting to the point where I hesitated to continue reading the story. I did continue with the intention of skipping parts if necessary because the first instance could have been written much less graphically and made the same point. There was only one other event in the story and once again, the author was headed in the same graphic direction, in my mind, unnecessarily. Because of this I would re-consider reading other stories by this author. Other readers may feel differently but, as they say, forewarned is forearmed. :-)
My sensibilities aside, overall this was a well written story and I did enjoy it.
March 11, 2026
What in the earth, wind & fire did I read?!
I’ve read several books by Irina Shapiro and the grammatical errors are, once again, plentiful. Is there any research done? At this point I find myself wondering if anyone proofreads these before they’re published.
The premise also leans heavily on the familiar “I lived a past life and my soulmate is conveniently in my current town” trope. Not exactly new territory. And not done well at all!
**SPOILERS**
What made me stop reading, however, was a sudden graphic scene involving Edward Norris (Norrey in real life) & his servant boy - followed by a disturbing detailed fantasy involving the male main character. I’m not naïve & can usually skim past typical romantic scenes if they’re not my thing. This was not that. It came completely out of nowhere. Later on he decides to violently assault the C to get revenge on R that he feels rebuffed him. Again where in the Earth, Wind & Fire did that come from Irina! This man was a historical figure & it seemed so unsettling to create such a horrible villain out of him.
Zero warning, zero narrative necessity. A trigger warning would have been nice. I stopped reading and skipped to the end. Definitely not what I signed up for.
I’ve read several books by Irina Shapiro and the grammatical errors are, once again, plentiful. Is there any research done? At this point I find myself wondering if anyone proofreads these before they’re published.
The premise also leans heavily on the familiar “I lived a past life and my soulmate is conveniently in my current town” trope. Not exactly new territory. And not done well at all!
**SPOILERS**
What made me stop reading, however, was a sudden graphic scene involving Edward Norris (Norrey in real life) & his servant boy - followed by a disturbing detailed fantasy involving the male main character. I’m not naïve & can usually skim past typical romantic scenes if they’re not my thing. This was not that. It came completely out of nowhere. Later on he decides to violently assault the C to get revenge on R that he feels rebuffed him. Again where in the Earth, Wind & Fire did that come from Irina! This man was a historical figure & it seemed so unsettling to create such a horrible villain out of him.
Zero warning, zero narrative necessity. A trigger warning would have been nice. I stopped reading and skipped to the end. Definitely not what I signed up for.
November 22, 2017
I really disliked this book. I stopped reading it because of the extreme and graphic disclosure of sexual deviation. The story itself I believe would prove to be a very good book. I think the author made an error in judgment by adding this context to the book. The description of the book was appealing but was then spoiled. Life is too short. I don't want to fill my mind with unpleasant things, and that is now imprinted in my head. A worthy book should entertain or teach you. I read to relax.
October 22, 2017
Mediocre. Predictable. No language. Liked the cover. Go figure.
September 24, 2020
This was a such a unique and interesting story. It told in time of now and many years in the past. It's two stories that intertwine with each other. Two women who are so different but are so alike. Cassandra is an author in a slump. She can't get motivated for her next novel. And she has to deal with a new boss who drives her up the wall. Then she hears about bones found in a home with lots of history. She can't help but be drawn to it. She buys the home and suddenly inspiration takes over. She has a new story and it's one that might not be fiction. We learn about a family in the past, the Thorne's and all that happened to them. This is a great mystery. I really had no idea where it would go next. It also is a romance hidden deep inside. I loved every minute. The back and forth between times was so much fun and I found myself researching the historical facts myself. This narrator's voice represented both time periods, both main character women, perfectly. This is a must read/listen for romantic mystery fans.
November 27, 2022
This book was interesting and I loved the historical references. It looks like the author did her work. The storyline was a bit predictable but I wanted to finish it.
This story of two time crossed lovers did keep my interest.
This story of two time crossed lovers did keep my interest.
December 19, 2025
A really awesome historical novel. Set in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1. Also in the present time as a dual narrative.
Want to Read
April 21, 2020TheFussyLibrarian
November 30, 2016
When bones are found hidden in a wall in an old Tudor house, Cassandra, an author, finds herself drawn to the house. She seems to know things she shouldn't know being the fact that she has never been to the house and the fact that the bones are from the 16th century . When the house goes on the market she races to buy it. Soon she owns the house and all the secrets it holds. Why is she so drawn to the house and why does she seem to know who the old inhabitants were? Soon she finds her answer at a time where she loses her boyfriend and her best friend and finds a new lover that she has known longer than she realizes.
This is the first stand alone book I have read by Irina Shapiro and I found it a great read. Many people who write, in my opinion as a reader and reviewer, sometimes do wonderful with series and then have issues with the stand alone novels. This was not the case here. Irina has become a wonderful writer in my mind and I have fallen in love with her writing. From the time periods, to the history, to the characters, her books lack for nothing. They are skillfully researched and very well written. This book was full of history and action and told a wonderful story of family, love, and history. I was very much drawn to this story as soon as I read the first page. The characters are detailed and easy to love and the story tells of a great love and a great loss. The ending is an amazing one and answers all the questions that this book brings about. I look forward to reading more from such a talented author....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
This is the first stand alone book I have read by Irina Shapiro and I found it a great read. Many people who write, in my opinion as a reader and reviewer, sometimes do wonderful with series and then have issues with the stand alone novels. This was not the case here. Irina has become a wonderful writer in my mind and I have fallen in love with her writing. From the time periods, to the history, to the characters, her books lack for nothing. They are skillfully researched and very well written. This book was full of history and action and told a wonderful story of family, love, and history. I was very much drawn to this story as soon as I read the first page. The characters are detailed and easy to love and the story tells of a great love and a great loss. The ending is an amazing one and answers all the questions that this book brings about. I look forward to reading more from such a talented author....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
November 23, 2015
3.5 stars
A bittersweet love story. Precious Bones is a romantic book in that it shows the power and boundlessness of true love. I actually became teary-eyed at one crucial point in the story even though I knew it was coming (I read the end; it's a bad habit I have although I don't do it often).
I liked the protagonists, especially Richard. I loved how protective and smitten he was of Constance. He was a real man, one of integrity and bravery.
Although a compelling read, this was flawed in some areas. The modern romance in particular was underdeveloped. The protagonists didn't spend much time together nor did we get more insight into their feelings for one another. The historical one could have used a bit more development too, but I felt their love and attraction more.
If one is squeamish, please note that there's some violence and rape. They're briefly described but are still disturbing. I felt some of the scenes/chapters were short and could have used more detail. The characterization of some of the secondary characters were a bit clichéd but not detrimentally so.
This was my first time reading anything by this author. I would read more if I found a compelling storyline that interested me.
A bittersweet love story. Precious Bones is a romantic book in that it shows the power and boundlessness of true love. I actually became teary-eyed at one crucial point in the story even though I knew it was coming (I read the end; it's a bad habit I have although I don't do it often).
I liked the protagonists, especially Richard. I loved how protective and smitten he was of Constance. He was a real man, one of integrity and bravery.
Although a compelling read, this was flawed in some areas. The modern romance in particular was underdeveloped. The protagonists didn't spend much time together nor did we get more insight into their feelings for one another. The historical one could have used a bit more development too, but I felt their love and attraction more.
If one is squeamish, please note that there's some violence and rape. They're briefly described but are still disturbing. I felt some of the scenes/chapters were short and could have used more detail. The characterization of some of the secondary characters were a bit clichéd but not detrimentally so.
This was my first time reading anything by this author. I would read more if I found a compelling storyline that interested me.
September 16, 2015
I have read a number of books by this author, and have liked the majority of them. Not this one however. While it is not outright bad or badly written, it hit a number of sour notes for me and I did not like it or enjoy it. My criticisms are more of personal preference than general complaints that I would want to hurl at the author.
November 17, 2017
I'm working on writing my review now. It will be posted here after it goes live on my blog. I did listen to the audiobook version of the story, and that experience is part of the star rating, so just something to keep in mind.
January 17, 2021
I'd looked forward to this book for a couple of years & was pleased to find it for free on Kindle. I only made it 100 pages since it read more like a bodice ripper than pseudo-Tudor historical fiction.
April 2, 2025
not for me
In a nutshell, not well researched, sexually explicit material. I have read six of Irina’s books. Each one becomes more and more graphic. I will not read another.
In a nutshell, not well researched, sexually explicit material. I have read six of Irina’s books. Each one becomes more and more graphic. I will not read another.
September 8, 2023
This book is the perfect example of why showing not telling matters and to done more bloody research that what you vaguely remember from school.
While it is true that English Catholics believed that James Vi (and the First of England) would be kinder to them than Elizabeth I, JAMES WAS NOT A CATHOLIC!
Sorry, I literally said “he was not” when I read that bit while waiting for the train. Aloud. I was that annoyed.
Okay, the basic plot is that a writer hears about old bones being found in a Tudor house and becomes obsessed and then after a visit to one psychologist when she thinks she is going crazy because of how she is thinking about the characters in a novel she is writing, decides that she is the reincarnated sister of person who was the bones.
Yeah, I had a problem with that one doctor visit.
But the worst part is that instead of showing us things, the author tells us. The book functions along two story lines – one set in the Tudor period about a Catholic family in Elizabeth’s London and the other about the author who ends up writing about their story because she can remember her past life. So in the Catholic family the eldest daughter falls in love with a Walsingham Spy. Instead of showing us how this happened, we are told -we are told he did nice things (we don’t see it). And this makes the relationship hard to swallow. Maybe the dude didn’t arrest your friend’s husband, but he works with people who did. He was spying on your family and it seems you just fall for him. There should be more debate about the relationship, at least interior debate. Because we never see the pair falling in love and the interior debate is lacking, the relationship does not seem real, So when the eldest daughter is raped and her husband is condemned to death for killing her rapist, you feel nothing because everything is happening to shadows. This rapist is a character named Edward Norris and it is unclear if he is based on the historic Edward Norris, who incidentally did not die that way. (I don’t mind slight shifts in character in historical fiction because of pov. Cromwell’s view off Anne Boleyn for instance, is not going to be ours. But the basic facts should be kept correct). Norris is also the gay who is lusting for the hero and that makes him sexually evil so there is that trope going on as well. In fairness, it is unclear why our hero falls for the heroine outside of the fact that she is pretty, and, therefore, most be innocent.
The modern storyline isn’t much better. The “writer of her generation” doesn’t seem to write like one. And everything is info dumps. When the writer discovers that her boyfriend is banging her agent, she tells us she is angry, but we are never shown the anger. Her speeches (and they are speeches) to both the agent and the boyfriend are so rote. She then takes up with the head of her publishing house who basically said her latest submission was trash (even though he worked as a photographer he is also a publishing expert apparently). And, look, but would a head of publishing house actually call in an agent and her author – the money earning author for the company (a multiple best seller and in translation) and call said author’s latest submission trash so bluntly (when are told repeatedly that book was not in fact trash to). The agent just sets quietly there too. Would it really go down that way?
Also, I am sorry but I am with the cheating boyfriend on one thing - if the person I was about to move in with dumped their current residence and brought a new one without at least telling me, I would be upset to. If we are going to share a new residence, I should have some input. (If a male character had done this, we would be calling him a controlling jerk. The writer character in this book is a controlling jerk because of this).
It’s just a bad book. I’m sorry but it is. It might of been interesting if the character were actually shown to be acting anger or in love, but nope. It’s like reading a news report that goes on for too long and is on Fox News.
While it is true that English Catholics believed that James Vi (and the First of England) would be kinder to them than Elizabeth I, JAMES WAS NOT A CATHOLIC!
Sorry, I literally said “he was not” when I read that bit while waiting for the train. Aloud. I was that annoyed.
Okay, the basic plot is that a writer hears about old bones being found in a Tudor house and becomes obsessed and then after a visit to one psychologist when she thinks she is going crazy because of how she is thinking about the characters in a novel she is writing, decides that she is the reincarnated sister of person who was the bones.
Yeah, I had a problem with that one doctor visit.
But the worst part is that instead of showing us things, the author tells us. The book functions along two story lines – one set in the Tudor period about a Catholic family in Elizabeth’s London and the other about the author who ends up writing about their story because she can remember her past life. So in the Catholic family the eldest daughter falls in love with a Walsingham Spy. Instead of showing us how this happened, we are told -we are told he did nice things (we don’t see it). And this makes the relationship hard to swallow. Maybe the dude didn’t arrest your friend’s husband, but he works with people who did. He was spying on your family and it seems you just fall for him. There should be more debate about the relationship, at least interior debate. Because we never see the pair falling in love and the interior debate is lacking, the relationship does not seem real, So when the eldest daughter is raped and her husband is condemned to death for killing her rapist, you feel nothing because everything is happening to shadows. This rapist is a character named Edward Norris and it is unclear if he is based on the historic Edward Norris, who incidentally did not die that way. (I don’t mind slight shifts in character in historical fiction because of pov. Cromwell’s view off Anne Boleyn for instance, is not going to be ours. But the basic facts should be kept correct). Norris is also the gay who is lusting for the hero and that makes him sexually evil so there is that trope going on as well. In fairness, it is unclear why our hero falls for the heroine outside of the fact that she is pretty, and, therefore, most be innocent.
The modern storyline isn’t much better. The “writer of her generation” doesn’t seem to write like one. And everything is info dumps. When the writer discovers that her boyfriend is banging her agent, she tells us she is angry, but we are never shown the anger. Her speeches (and they are speeches) to both the agent and the boyfriend are so rote. She then takes up with the head of her publishing house who basically said her latest submission was trash (even though he worked as a photographer he is also a publishing expert apparently). And, look, but would a head of publishing house actually call in an agent and her author – the money earning author for the company (a multiple best seller and in translation) and call said author’s latest submission trash so bluntly (when are told repeatedly that book was not in fact trash to). The agent just sets quietly there too. Would it really go down that way?
Also, I am sorry but I am with the cheating boyfriend on one thing - if the person I was about to move in with dumped their current residence and brought a new one without at least telling me, I would be upset to. If we are going to share a new residence, I should have some input. (If a male character had done this, we would be calling him a controlling jerk. The writer character in this book is a controlling jerk because of this).
It’s just a bad book. I’m sorry but it is. It might of been interesting if the character were actually shown to be acting anger or in love, but nope. It’s like reading a news report that goes on for too long and is on Fox News.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
3/2010, London, England (Blackfriars). Tristan (Oxford) was away for business in China but would be back soon.
Cassandra Blake (author/writer, Oxford) & him kept separate flats.
Joanna “Jo” Cooper (agent, BFF) was telling Cassandra; Mr. Turner Jr. (son) was going to be the new book publisher. Dad had retired.
Mr. Turner Sr. & Mr. Randall were having a meeting with the employees to make the announcement official.
Dr. Anthony Downs (forensic) was looking into the Bones of Blackfriars case.
The female skeleton, 16-25, had been PG. Both set of bones that were found behind the alcove wall date back to the 16th. Century.
A necklace around her neck had C & R & a picture inside.
Why did Adrian Turner (Christ Church College; PS) later take Candace to the Punjab House Indian restaurant for supper for?
6/1586, Tyburn Hill. Pippa, & Constance “Connie” Thorn (sister) watched in awe as Mary Conway (madam, cold-blooded killer) was swinging from the gallows.
The mob crowd was going ballistic, & PPL were getting trampled from the excitement.
Pippa is to be a governess for Hugh Milton (father, Catholic) she will reading/writing to his 2 daughters: Mary Milton & Anne Milton.
What happened between Richard Carlisle (former spy) & Amelia (lover)?
Would Constance & Richard fall in love?
9/1586, Why did Sir Edward Norris kidnap Constance?
What was Robert Wilcox (head of the committee) telling Richard Albert Carlisle?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains violent or graphic adult content &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written (dual timeline) mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Merlin Press LLC; Booksends; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Cassandra Blake (author/writer, Oxford) & him kept separate flats.
Joanna “Jo” Cooper (agent, BFF) was telling Cassandra; Mr. Turner Jr. (son) was going to be the new book publisher. Dad had retired.
Mr. Turner Sr. & Mr. Randall were having a meeting with the employees to make the announcement official.
Dr. Anthony Downs (forensic) was looking into the Bones of Blackfriars case.
The female skeleton, 16-25, had been PG. Both set of bones that were found behind the alcove wall date back to the 16th. Century.
A necklace around her neck had C & R & a picture inside.
Why did Adrian Turner (Christ Church College; PS) later take Candace to the Punjab House Indian restaurant for supper for?
6/1586, Tyburn Hill. Pippa, & Constance “Connie” Thorn (sister) watched in awe as Mary Conway (madam, cold-blooded killer) was swinging from the gallows.
The mob crowd was going ballistic, & PPL were getting trampled from the excitement.
Pippa is to be a governess for Hugh Milton (father, Catholic) she will reading/writing to his 2 daughters: Mary Milton & Anne Milton.
What happened between Richard Carlisle (former spy) & Amelia (lover)?
Would Constance & Richard fall in love?
9/1586, Why did Sir Edward Norris kidnap Constance?
What was Robert Wilcox (head of the committee) telling Richard Albert Carlisle?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains violent or graphic adult content &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written (dual timeline) mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Merlin Press LLC; Booksends; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 17, 2019
When a body is found in an old Tudor house in London, successful author Cassandra is stunned at her reaction to the skeletal remains. She's brought to tears by the news report, although the death would have taken place hundreds of years before. Her boyfriend doesn't understand her fascination with the story, and as she begins to write a tale based on the Tudor house she buys impulsively, she unravels a tale that's almost too close to home.
Constance is a Catholic in the time of Queen Elizabeth II, making her very religion dangerous to publicly claim. While her brother prepares to marry and her little sister flirts with a highborn man, she's left wondering what her role is in a world where women don't have many choices. A brief encounter with a spy leaves her rattled and she embarks on a journey of secret letters, arrests, and a marriage to the man she least expects.
While Cassandra reveals more of Constance's life through her writing, her own life spirals out of control. She begins to question her own sanity and the realness of her haunting visions.
As in her Echoes from the Past series, she blends the past and present to perfection in a way I didn't expect. Both time frames hold enough drama, intrigue, and romance to be books in their own right. I was hooked from the first page and the non-stop twists left me on the edge of my seat. Waiting to see how the lives of such different women turned out was nearly torture!
I enjoyed the parallel timelines. The fantasy aspects weren't overdone and I felt as if everything that happened in Cassandra's story was completely believable. Her emotions were real and her reactions to things were easy to relate to. I hope there's more of her story one day.
I've never listened to anything narrated by Verity Burns, but I thoroughly enjoyed her work with this book. She had different inflections when reading for Constance and Cassandra, making it clear what time period the story was in. She's very talented and I know this won't be the last of her work I'll listen to.
Overall, I'm thrilled with my latest Irina Shapiro book. I highly recommend it to all book lovers, no matter their favorite genre.
Constance is a Catholic in the time of Queen Elizabeth II, making her very religion dangerous to publicly claim. While her brother prepares to marry and her little sister flirts with a highborn man, she's left wondering what her role is in a world where women don't have many choices. A brief encounter with a spy leaves her rattled and she embarks on a journey of secret letters, arrests, and a marriage to the man she least expects.
While Cassandra reveals more of Constance's life through her writing, her own life spirals out of control. She begins to question her own sanity and the realness of her haunting visions.
As in her Echoes from the Past series, she blends the past and present to perfection in a way I didn't expect. Both time frames hold enough drama, intrigue, and romance to be books in their own right. I was hooked from the first page and the non-stop twists left me on the edge of my seat. Waiting to see how the lives of such different women turned out was nearly torture!
I enjoyed the parallel timelines. The fantasy aspects weren't overdone and I felt as if everything that happened in Cassandra's story was completely believable. Her emotions were real and her reactions to things were easy to relate to. I hope there's more of her story one day.
I've never listened to anything narrated by Verity Burns, but I thoroughly enjoyed her work with this book. She had different inflections when reading for Constance and Cassandra, making it clear what time period the story was in. She's very talented and I know this won't be the last of her work I'll listen to.
Overall, I'm thrilled with my latest Irina Shapiro book. I highly recommend it to all book lovers, no matter their favorite genre.
September 5, 2018
Cleanly Written Trite Theme.
The very first item I want to thank the author for is that her book took the complicated historical subject of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots rivalry and the historical aftermath of Catholicism in England taking a huge backseat to Henry VIII Protestantism and making both subjects merge and become easily understandable. Also the prose in this book is swift and clear. Descriptions of landscapes, clothing and interior design were rendered beautifully. On the flip-side, the theme of this book of past lives visitation on present day individuals was the truly disappointing part of the book. Very trite and commonplace theme. Suffice it to say that the book moves between present day England (2010) and Elizabethan times of the later 1500s. The heroine in the present finds a fascination with the person and life of a beautiful woman in Elizabethan times. Both lives are harried romantically. The Elizabethan heroine, Constance, falls in love and heartbreak occurs as Catholics and Catholic allies are sought out and punished or are executed. The modern heroine, Cassandra, has her own drama related to the upheavals that love creates in her life too. By mid story, the subject of reincarnation and past lives comes up. From this point on, the plot is never again in doubt. Too, too easy to figure out. Some of the logic in both past and present day plots obviously fail. And at the end, some of the details supplied are too glib and unlikely to have happened so easily. So three stars for the history and writer"s style countered by a flimsy and oft times too superficially described plot without necessary details.. Probably won't read more books by Ms. Shapiro.
The very first item I want to thank the author for is that her book took the complicated historical subject of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots rivalry and the historical aftermath of Catholicism in England taking a huge backseat to Henry VIII Protestantism and making both subjects merge and become easily understandable. Also the prose in this book is swift and clear. Descriptions of landscapes, clothing and interior design were rendered beautifully. On the flip-side, the theme of this book of past lives visitation on present day individuals was the truly disappointing part of the book. Very trite and commonplace theme. Suffice it to say that the book moves between present day England (2010) and Elizabethan times of the later 1500s. The heroine in the present finds a fascination with the person and life of a beautiful woman in Elizabethan times. Both lives are harried romantically. The Elizabethan heroine, Constance, falls in love and heartbreak occurs as Catholics and Catholic allies are sought out and punished or are executed. The modern heroine, Cassandra, has her own drama related to the upheavals that love creates in her life too. By mid story, the subject of reincarnation and past lives comes up. From this point on, the plot is never again in doubt. Too, too easy to figure out. Some of the logic in both past and present day plots obviously fail. And at the end, some of the details supplied are too glib and unlikely to have happened so easily. So three stars for the history and writer"s style countered by a flimsy and oft times too superficially described plot without necessary details.. Probably won't read more books by Ms. Shapiro.
November 27, 2017
This is a bit more than a historical novel. It's a novel set in two time periods. The contemporary setting is 2010 and is the story of an author who suddenly finds herself obsessed with a house in London where the bones of a young woman and her fetus were found walled up. She buys the house, and after moving in starts writing a novel set in Elizabeth I's time, based on memories of that period which come to her at night as she writes by candlelight. The second story, of course, is of the Elizabethan period which she is remembering. The premise is that she is writing about her own experiences as she has been reincarnated in the present day. As it turns out, her new publisher is also reincarnated and was her husband in that earlier time. Her investigation of the history of her neighborhood which confirms the memories she is having add to the texture of the novel as she decides she is not going crazy after all! It's a fun story (except for the intrigue and deaths in the Elizabethan period), and intrigued me enough to send me looking for others by this author.
April 5, 2018
Amazing
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
What an impressive story. I felt like I was truly seeing the images of the 1600s, the people, and the places. Each character is richly described & seem to come off the page as more than simple characters in a book. Wonderfully written, , Precious Bones by Irina Shapiro is a book which the reader will be compelled to finish. From the first page to the last, this book will grab hold of you & not let go.
The fictional characters are richly described & believable. From Cassie & Adrian to Constance & Richard readers will find they become emotionally involved. I do not give 5 star reviews often, but this book deserves the full rating I have given.
Any reader of historical fiction will find this book an accurate & believable. The historical persons are true, custom, places, & horrors of the time are true to historical record Fans of Elizabethan times will want to read this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
What an impressive story. I felt like I was truly seeing the images of the 1600s, the people, and the places. Each character is richly described & seem to come off the page as more than simple characters in a book. Wonderfully written, , Precious Bones by Irina Shapiro is a book which the reader will be compelled to finish. From the first page to the last, this book will grab hold of you & not let go.
The fictional characters are richly described & believable. From Cassie & Adrian to Constance & Richard readers will find they become emotionally involved. I do not give 5 star reviews often, but this book deserves the full rating I have given.
Any reader of historical fiction will find this book an accurate & believable. The historical persons are true, custom, places, & horrors of the time are true to historical record Fans of Elizabethan times will want to read this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
August 19, 2018
Cassandra is a best-selling novelist who is having trouble starting her next book, when she sees a TV news report about the skeletal remains of a young woman and a baby that have been found in an old Tudor mansion. She feels—knows—that she knows the victims, despite the fact that they died over 500 years earlier. To the dismay of her boyfriend, she buys the house and, after getting rebuffed by the new head of her publishing company, starts to write a story about the bones. Her writing leads her to the Thorne family, who lived in England in the 1500s, and the more she writes, the more she realizes that she has an unbelievable connection to them.
Precious Bones by Irina Shapiro is part fantasy, part historical fiction. The author does an amazing job of bringing the distant past alive as she describes the abuses in the name of religion of the era, and traces a family’s roots from past to present. She puts the reader fully in the picture, and an initially gruesome picture it is. This one, I guarantee you, you will not be able to put down once you start reading.
Precious Bones by Irina Shapiro is part fantasy, part historical fiction. The author does an amazing job of bringing the distant past alive as she describes the abuses in the name of religion of the era, and traces a family’s roots from past to present. She puts the reader fully in the picture, and an initially gruesome picture it is. This one, I guarantee you, you will not be able to put down once you start reading.
October 26, 2020
Irina Shapiro has written an intrigue novel filled with love, history, fantasy and a touch of paranormal. After the bones of a 16th century young woman and infant are found walled up in a kitchen alcove, Cassandra is obsessed with finding out who she was and how she happened to be placed there. With the encouragement of her publisher/lover, Thomas, she begins the journey of uncovering the story of Constance and Richard. Their love story as well as that of Cassandra and Thomas is filled with heartbreak as well as euphoria.
Living during the reign of Elizabeth I, the persecution of the Catholics plays heavily in the story. Constance, a Catholic, falls in love with Richard an agent of the Crown and a Member of the Church of England. The reader learns of the religious persecution prevalent in Elizabethan England.
Told in alternating chapters this book is fascinating on many levels. The narration by Verity Burns was well done. A definite read for those who enjoy romance, history, and fantasy.
Living during the reign of Elizabeth I, the persecution of the Catholics plays heavily in the story. Constance, a Catholic, falls in love with Richard an agent of the Crown and a Member of the Church of England. The reader learns of the religious persecution prevalent in Elizabethan England.
Told in alternating chapters this book is fascinating on many levels. The narration by Verity Burns was well done. A definite read for those who enjoy romance, history, and fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews