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The Chronicles of Dorro #1
Thimble Down
THIMBLE DOWN is a village where death and malice lurk the otherwise quiet lanes. When the vile, seedy Bing Rumple acquires a gem-laden treasure, violence starts to follow him everywhere. Where did Bing find such a precious jewel, and worse, is someone willing to kill for it? In this fast-paced adventure, the village bookmaster, Mr. Dorro, and his young companions Wyll Underfoot and Cheeryup Tunbridge are in a desperate race to find the answer ... before death returns to Thimble Down.
- GenresFantasy
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2012
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 21, 2014
I have to say, I love this story. It reminds me a bit of the hobbit, with halflings and elves, but at least these little people can defend themselves if they have to. Thankfully it's not as long as the hobbit, so it'll appeal even to those of the young adults that don't like to read for too long. The story is interesting, giving insight into this world. I feel like it's a cursory glance, that will hopefully be expanded later in the series. It's a very interesting tale, fill with characters of ill repute, as well a honorable characters, and plenty of lazy and greedy people. It's a nice mix. I personally would love to know more about the elves, but I liked Dorro. He's not the bravest guy around, but he has his moment. He seems like he'll always come through when it really counts, and it makes it so much better that he's really just a librarian with a knack for solving mysteries. Great story, and I'd love to read book two.
September 16, 2014
An epic adventure...like Tolkien meets Agatha Christie
August 26, 2017
I loved the cover and the description of 'vintage', 'Agatha Christie' and 'Tolkien'. Hobbits, mysteries, books? I wanted to LOVE this book. Plus I was lucky enough to get a free ebook.
It is sweet and charming. It's nicely written, but for me it's just missing something. I was a bit bored. If you love hobbits and don't mind reading and thinking 'it's so like Tolkien', then this might be for you.
It is sweet and charming. It's nicely written, but for me it's just missing something. I was a bit bored. If you love hobbits and don't mind reading and thinking 'it's so like Tolkien', then this might be for you.
September 14, 2017
Good fun read
This was a very hobbitish read as I suppose it was meant to be. The halflings certainly had the appropriate personalities.
This was a very hobbitish story as I suppose it was meant to be. The halflings had appropriate personalities.
This was a very hobbitish read as I suppose it was meant to be. The halflings certainly had the appropriate personalities.
This was a very hobbitish story as I suppose it was meant to be. The halflings had appropriate personalities.
June 30, 2014
Title: Thimble Down
Series: Chronicles of Dorro
Author: Pete Prown
My Rating: 3 Stars
Good Reads Rating: 3.93 Stars
Content Rating: 10+
Similar Books: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Check it out: Good Reads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Good Reads Summary:
THIMBLE DOWN is a country village where death and malice lurk the quiet lanes. When the vile, drunken Bing Rumple acquires a gem-laden treasure, violence begins to follow him everywhere. Where did Bing find such a precious jewel, and worse, is someone willing to kill to possess it? In this fast-paced adventure, the village bookmaster, Mr. Dorro, and his young companions Wyll Underfoot and Cheeryup Tunbridge are in a desperate race to find the answer—before death comes to Thimble Down.
This was a puzzling book for me. As I read, I kept thinking “I should love this. I should absolutely love this”, and yet, for some reason, I didn’t. I liked it; it has a lot going for it. But it never quite reached AMAZING status.
First off, Thimble Down is extremely charming. It’s sort of like reading a mix of The Wind in the Willows and the first chapter of The Hobbit. This is why I was having trouble understanding why Thimble Down just wasn’t wowing me. I love both of those books, so therefore, I SHOULD feel the same way about Thimble Down. Perhaps it wasn’t zany enough (like poor Bilbo’s Unexpected Party), or it wasn’t whimsical enough (like Mole discovering life outside his underground home).
Our main hero, Dorro Winderiver is a bit of an amateur investigator, who enjoys afternoon tea a bit more than mysteries. While this sounds like the charming part, there were whole sections dedicated to Dorro’s eating habits. The slow pace of the book, especially at the beginning, was my biggest disappointment. Very little happened for a good while, and when something finally did happen, it didn’t happen to anyone I cared about. Even then, things continued to move slowly.
Slow pace aside, the writing style in Thimble Down is lovely. Charming character voices, clever humor, entertaining descriptions of the inhabitants of Thimble Down and the work they do there all kept me interested enough to keep reading. Certainly there is a mystery to be solved, but again, it was not one I cared too much about. Dorro isn’t much of a hero at all, in the fantasy sense of the word; he prefers his books and, of course, his food.
The cast of secondary characters is charming and humorous, bumbling about trying to solve a murder. Few are up to the task, but it is certainly entertaining to see them try.
I don’t recommend Thimble Down if you’re looking for an exciting, edge-of-your seat thrilling fantasy novel. If, however, you are looking for a pleasant read to accompany a rainy day and a cup of tea, Thimble Down is the book for you.
August 1, 2014
Thimble Down is a wonderful story, especially if you’re into Tolkien and the universe he created.
Dorro is the Book keeper, librarian of a small town (Thimble Down) filled with hobbits/halflings. Normally not much happens in the town, the day is usually filled with small things and that’s just how they all like it. But then… something does happen. A whole lot of things actually.
First a young lad is found in Dorro’s cellar, which is highly unusual on its own. Then Bing Rumple shows up with his brother and a friend. They claim they helped some elves and was awarded a brooch and some beautiful knives as a reward, only later Bing turns up dead with an elven knife in his back – at the same time as a hunting party of elves turns up, claiming that their precious brooch was stolen and demands to have it back.
The sheriff of the little town has his hands full and hires Dorro in as a consultant, hoping his quick mind will find the missing pieces of the puzzle BEFORE the elves starts turning the town upside down in their search for their brooch.
Now the question is…. Will Dorro be able to figure out the mystery before someone else winds up murdered? And where does the young lad Wyll Underfoot fits into it all?
Let me start by saying that I love and adore the universe that Tolkien has created. I’m not entirely sure if Thimble Down is a direct fan fiction, but non the less, I enjoyed the book immensely. Seeing the little town being disrupted by something so hideous as a murder, having their meals being late (oh, the horror) and seeing the brilliant mind of Dorro Winderiver was amazing. Pete really has managed to capture the lifestyles of the hobbits and add his own twist to them.
That said, I also had a little trouble connecting with the characters, Thimble Down didn’t manage to capture me entirely for some reason. I have tried looking at it from different angles, but just can’t figure out the reason why. The writing is good, the language flows easily, the characters are wonderful and I laughed several times due to the antics from some of them, the action was really good as well, and yet... I had no trouble at all putting down Thimble Down, none. Not even mid-chapter, which is normally not something I do.
That said, I would still recommend Thimble Down for people who loves a good adventure and Tolkien’s world.
Dorro is the Book keeper, librarian of a small town (Thimble Down) filled with hobbits/halflings. Normally not much happens in the town, the day is usually filled with small things and that’s just how they all like it. But then… something does happen. A whole lot of things actually.
First a young lad is found in Dorro’s cellar, which is highly unusual on its own. Then Bing Rumple shows up with his brother and a friend. They claim they helped some elves and was awarded a brooch and some beautiful knives as a reward, only later Bing turns up dead with an elven knife in his back – at the same time as a hunting party of elves turns up, claiming that their precious brooch was stolen and demands to have it back.
The sheriff of the little town has his hands full and hires Dorro in as a consultant, hoping his quick mind will find the missing pieces of the puzzle BEFORE the elves starts turning the town upside down in their search for their brooch.
Now the question is…. Will Dorro be able to figure out the mystery before someone else winds up murdered? And where does the young lad Wyll Underfoot fits into it all?
Let me start by saying that I love and adore the universe that Tolkien has created. I’m not entirely sure if Thimble Down is a direct fan fiction, but non the less, I enjoyed the book immensely. Seeing the little town being disrupted by something so hideous as a murder, having their meals being late (oh, the horror) and seeing the brilliant mind of Dorro Winderiver was amazing. Pete really has managed to capture the lifestyles of the hobbits and add his own twist to them.
That said, I also had a little trouble connecting with the characters, Thimble Down didn’t manage to capture me entirely for some reason. I have tried looking at it from different angles, but just can’t figure out the reason why. The writing is good, the language flows easily, the characters are wonderful and I laughed several times due to the antics from some of them, the action was really good as well, and yet... I had no trouble at all putting down Thimble Down, none. Not even mid-chapter, which is normally not something I do.
That said, I would still recommend Thimble Down for people who loves a good adventure and Tolkien’s world.
May 20, 2015
Thimble down by Pete Prown
A quite peculiar start to somewhat of a different type of book. The names of the characters take a bit of an imagination; however, names and descriptions sound all too familiar.
It feels like a bit of a hobbit tale, slightly weird, slightly intriguing.
The writer beginning to talk about these unusual characters and their adventures.
Dorro, the book keeper in Thimbledown, largely resembles Bilbo Baggins of the Shire in Lord of the Rings, writing style feels similar, taken to another world.
Dorro, not only the book master, but the village sleuth, who secretly helps the local sheriff with solving crimes.
When an unwelcome villager returns and a murder takes place, along with theft, Dorro works alongside the sheriff to uncover the culprit.
It's quite a simple tale, as described, a mixture of a range of different books combined into one.
Unfortunately, if you are a fan of Tolkien’s work, or citizen sleuths, this does fall a bit short.
Some humour filters in and out, but lack of character connection makes it harder to become fully immersed.
Every now and then, a sparkle of excitement enters into the story.
I did want to become fully riveted, but because I am a fan of the books this novel represents, I may be slightly biased, but it lacked the darkness or the variety of characters that other books had.
I do feel this is an interesting tale for children, maybe a bit long. Short stories with Darro would be better; because he is an amusing character.
A slightly non-dramatic ending, but an amusing story nonetheless.
3/5 stars
A quite peculiar start to somewhat of a different type of book. The names of the characters take a bit of an imagination; however, names and descriptions sound all too familiar.
It feels like a bit of a hobbit tale, slightly weird, slightly intriguing.
The writer beginning to talk about these unusual characters and their adventures.
Dorro, the book keeper in Thimbledown, largely resembles Bilbo Baggins of the Shire in Lord of the Rings, writing style feels similar, taken to another world.
Dorro, not only the book master, but the village sleuth, who secretly helps the local sheriff with solving crimes.
When an unwelcome villager returns and a murder takes place, along with theft, Dorro works alongside the sheriff to uncover the culprit.
It's quite a simple tale, as described, a mixture of a range of different books combined into one.
Unfortunately, if you are a fan of Tolkien’s work, or citizen sleuths, this does fall a bit short.
Some humour filters in and out, but lack of character connection makes it harder to become fully immersed.
Every now and then, a sparkle of excitement enters into the story.
I did want to become fully riveted, but because I am a fan of the books this novel represents, I may be slightly biased, but it lacked the darkness or the variety of characters that other books had.
I do feel this is an interesting tale for children, maybe a bit long. Short stories with Darro would be better; because he is an amusing character.
A slightly non-dramatic ending, but an amusing story nonetheless.
3/5 stars
January 17, 2014
Thimble Down is an enchanting mystery with the likes of The Hobbit, sure to charm readers just as much as it keeps them guessing. I fully enjoyed reading the story, as not too many novels combine a murder mystery with high fantasy, although the genres were excellently mixed in this case.
Dorro is a wonderful character that readers cannot help but fully root for. Despite his occasional fussiness, he has an intelligent mind and a wonderful heart. Besides, who can dislike a bookmaster? I also loved Cheeryup. Despite her innocence and youth, she has a fire within her that is absolutely admirable. There simply aren't enough young female characters like her.
The world of Thimble Down was a wonderful setting for the story. The peaceful surroundings of the woods and the countryside just make the excitement even more exciting. An absolutely magical area, it was fun to learn about the elves and the halflings alike. I definitely would enjoy hanging around Thimble Down. I'd feel tall around the halflings (which is really saying something).
Readers of all ages can enjoy Mr. Dorro, Will and Cheeryup in Thimble Down. Between the mystery, the wit of the writing, and everything from fishing with elves to murder, Thimble Down is a bedtime story that will keep you up long past your bedtime. A delight to read.
Dorro is a wonderful character that readers cannot help but fully root for. Despite his occasional fussiness, he has an intelligent mind and a wonderful heart. Besides, who can dislike a bookmaster? I also loved Cheeryup. Despite her innocence and youth, she has a fire within her that is absolutely admirable. There simply aren't enough young female characters like her.
The world of Thimble Down was a wonderful setting for the story. The peaceful surroundings of the woods and the countryside just make the excitement even more exciting. An absolutely magical area, it was fun to learn about the elves and the halflings alike. I definitely would enjoy hanging around Thimble Down. I'd feel tall around the halflings (which is really saying something).
Readers of all ages can enjoy Mr. Dorro, Will and Cheeryup in Thimble Down. Between the mystery, the wit of the writing, and everything from fishing with elves to murder, Thimble Down is a bedtime story that will keep you up long past your bedtime. A delight to read.
February 23, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: It wasn’t terrible. There was nothing exceptional about it; I’d liken it to the B-movie version of The Hobbit, but I fear that’s doing it a disservice. It wasn’t BAD. Despite the fact that Prown’s world is seriously similar to Middle Earth (halflings, elves and all), I didn’t mind as much as I thought I would (or should). Instead of being annoyed that Prown borrows Tolkein’s world, I sort of wondered if this was, perhaps, a Hobbity town across the ocean that Gandalf hadn’t quite discovered yet. …A middling Middle Earth, perhaps?
Mostly I think Thimble Down is delightful and funny, and you’ll likely enjoy it if you know why it is the dwarves agree to bring Bilbo along on their journey. Even if you don’t know about Bilbo, I’d wager a pint you’d be interested to hear his tale after reading Thimble Down.
Would I recommend it: Yeah, why not? If you’re a LOTR fan (and you can get past the ‘ZOMG this is like, exactly the same’ business), you’ll get a good chuckle out of it.
Will I read it again: Meh.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/02/re...
Mostly I think Thimble Down is delightful and funny, and you’ll likely enjoy it if you know why it is the dwarves agree to bring Bilbo along on their journey. Even if you don’t know about Bilbo, I’d wager a pint you’d be interested to hear his tale after reading Thimble Down.
Would I recommend it: Yeah, why not? If you’re a LOTR fan (and you can get past the ‘ZOMG this is like, exactly the same’ business), you’ll get a good chuckle out of it.
Will I read it again: Meh.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/02/re...
March 7, 2014
Actual Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I have to admit when I first heard about Thimble Down I was a little concerned about whether or not I'd like it. I'm pretty particular about books like this, set in fantasy worlds. Despite that, though, I couldn't not give it a chance because, let's face it, it sounds pretty awesome. A mystery novel meets a hobbit-type world, I mean, what's not to love? I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed!
It takes a certain kind of author to be able to craft a storybook world with such description and I think that Mr. Prown did a great job of this. I found myself submerged in the characters and almost always interested in what happens next. I will say that at times I felt it drag, but not or long. So, overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more from Pete Prown in the future. I honestly don't like a lot of epic-type fantasy, except a few choice favorites like the Hobbit/LOTR and (of course) one of my personal favorites Sparks by R.S. McCoy, but Thimble Down will certainly be a novel that I will look back on and maybe even reread a few times in the future. I recommend to fans of any of the aforementioned books looking for more, or fans of a good mystery!
I have to admit when I first heard about Thimble Down I was a little concerned about whether or not I'd like it. I'm pretty particular about books like this, set in fantasy worlds. Despite that, though, I couldn't not give it a chance because, let's face it, it sounds pretty awesome. A mystery novel meets a hobbit-type world, I mean, what's not to love? I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed!
It takes a certain kind of author to be able to craft a storybook world with such description and I think that Mr. Prown did a great job of this. I found myself submerged in the characters and almost always interested in what happens next. I will say that at times I felt it drag, but not or long. So, overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more from Pete Prown in the future. I honestly don't like a lot of epic-type fantasy, except a few choice favorites like the Hobbit/LOTR and (of course) one of my personal favorites Sparks by R.S. McCoy, but Thimble Down will certainly be a novel that I will look back on and maybe even reread a few times in the future. I recommend to fans of any of the aforementioned books looking for more, or fans of a good mystery!
February 21, 2014
*I received this book free from Book Publicity Services in exchange for an honest review*
Thimble Down is a wonderful mystery novel placed in a fantasy world with Halflings and Elves. When a rare Elven brooch comes up missing and they track its whereabouts to a good for nothing Halfling in Thimble Down, it is the towns Bookmaster, Dorro Winderiver, who will solve the case!
This is a well-rounded story with a whole lot of suspense and wonderful character development. I found myself questioning who had the missing brooch right up to the very end of the story, even when a person out right confesses, I still had doubts. The author did not want to give anything away right up till the very end, it was perfect!
I strongly recommend anyone who loves fantasy to read this novel. Pete Prown is a great author and effortlessly brought the characters to life!
Favorite Moment: When Dorro showed the Elves how to fish when they could not kill them with their bow and arrows.
Thimble Down is a wonderful mystery novel placed in a fantasy world with Halflings and Elves. When a rare Elven brooch comes up missing and they track its whereabouts to a good for nothing Halfling in Thimble Down, it is the towns Bookmaster, Dorro Winderiver, who will solve the case!
This is a well-rounded story with a whole lot of suspense and wonderful character development. I found myself questioning who had the missing brooch right up to the very end of the story, even when a person out right confesses, I still had doubts. The author did not want to give anything away right up till the very end, it was perfect!
I strongly recommend anyone who loves fantasy to read this novel. Pete Prown is a great author and effortlessly brought the characters to life!
Favorite Moment: When Dorro showed the Elves how to fish when they could not kill them with their bow and arrows.
September 12, 2014
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS NOVEL!!! I will be back with an actual review of the book -- I can't get into details right now because I'm running late for a meeting.
But I finished Thimble Down two days ago, and I find that I can't stop thinking about the characters, the story, the brilliant writing, and I just wanted to share my thoughts here right now because of the fact that I keep thinking of this great, fun, interesting, fascinating book.
This is the first novel of Pete Prown that I've read, and I want to read ALL of his work. He is an absolutely brilliant writer, and I hope he plans to keep writing similar stories. His new book, Devils & Demons, was just recently released, so I'm going to download it to my Nook and start it right away.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone!! OK -- I need to run right now, but will be back with more of a review. For now, I hope some of my friends here read Thimble Down and Devils & Demons so that we can talk about these great stories!!
But I finished Thimble Down two days ago, and I find that I can't stop thinking about the characters, the story, the brilliant writing, and I just wanted to share my thoughts here right now because of the fact that I keep thinking of this great, fun, interesting, fascinating book.
This is the first novel of Pete Prown that I've read, and I want to read ALL of his work. He is an absolutely brilliant writer, and I hope he plans to keep writing similar stories. His new book, Devils & Demons, was just recently released, so I'm going to download it to my Nook and start it right away.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone!! OK -- I need to run right now, but will be back with more of a review. For now, I hope some of my friends here read Thimble Down and Devils & Demons so that we can talk about these great stories!!
December 23, 2013
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
This will be a book I will read again and again. I loved the language and wit that this book provided! It was easy to get into and felt like a warm cup of tea.
Picture a murder mystery in the Shire from Lord of the Rings and you will have a good idea of what this book is about. Granted, they are not hobbits, but the halflings in Thimble Down certainly remind you of them.
I enjoyed not only the characters and their charm, but the mystery as well. It wasn't as easy to solve as one might think, which made it all the more better! It kept you wanting to read more and I know when another "Chronicles of Dorro" come out I will certainly be glad to read it!
This will be a book I will read again and again. I loved the language and wit that this book provided! It was easy to get into and felt like a warm cup of tea.
Picture a murder mystery in the Shire from Lord of the Rings and you will have a good idea of what this book is about. Granted, they are not hobbits, but the halflings in Thimble Down certainly remind you of them.
I enjoyed not only the characters and their charm, but the mystery as well. It wasn't as easy to solve as one might think, which made it all the more better! It kept you wanting to read more and I know when another "Chronicles of Dorro" come out I will certainly be glad to read it!
dnf
September 7, 2014Copy received for review
Described as a cross between Tolkien and Agatha Christie.... I found it to be a little too Tolkien. Like if Bilbo had a series of cozy mysteries to solve.
Problem is, as much as I love the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings stories, I don't actually care for Tolkien's writing style.
So I only got about 25 pages into this one before I found myself actively avoiding reading it.
This is a DNF for me, but I'm sure it's a case of "It's not you, it's me" and that many will love it.
Described as a cross between Tolkien and Agatha Christie.... I found it to be a little too Tolkien. Like if Bilbo had a series of cozy mysteries to solve.
Problem is, as much as I love the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings stories, I don't actually care for Tolkien's writing style.
So I only got about 25 pages into this one before I found myself actively avoiding reading it.
This is a DNF for me, but I'm sure it's a case of "It's not you, it's me" and that many will love it.
February 21, 2014
review to come. very enchanting, good mystery
April 28, 2017
Halflings hooray
What lovely characters and a well
Thought out mystery story, well worth the
Read, for all it was a mystery, it leaves
You with a happy outcome
What lovely characters and a well
Thought out mystery story, well worth the
Read, for all it was a mystery, it leaves
You with a happy outcome
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews