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The Throne of David
When a series of secret letters throws the ascendancy line of the British throne into disarray, only one person can prove the rightful heir—and everything depends on a stone that’s been lost for centuries. This high-stakes thriller leads you on a deadly chase around the world, following clues from King David. A mind-blowing mystery with an ending you’ll have to read to believe!
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
5 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Ann Farnsworth
4 books6 followersI have always been a voracious reader and sometime writer even while raising nine children. In fact, reading allowed me to escape for a few minutes (or hours) during the day while staying connected to the needs of our family.
Our youngest is now ten and the stories that have been stewing inside my head as I washed dishes, cooked dinner and helped with homework these last 25 years are bubbling up and out of my fingertips. My favorite books to read are DaVinci Code, Pride and Prejudice, the scriptures, any of the Harry Potter books and of course, Good Night Moon.
Our youngest is now ten and the stories that have been stewing inside my head as I washed dishes, cooked dinner and helped with homework these last 25 years are bubbling up and out of my fingertips. My favorite books to read are DaVinci Code, Pride and Prejudice, the scriptures, any of the Harry Potter books and of course, Good Night Moon.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 8, 2015
I won a drawing for the Advance Reader’s Copy of this novel & enjoyed reading it! (However, I am not paid to write this review.) The detail given to the history and action strike a good balance to keep the plot moving. While the title suggests reference to the Biblical David, it was fun to learn about the fictional journey of the characters for the possible heir as well as the legends and story behind the Stone of Destiny. Quotes from The Holy Bible are used without feeling overdone so you can enjoy reading whether you are an avid Bible reader or not. The settings described are beautiful. Whether I’m in a cab in New York City or walking across an English countryside, I feel like I am right there with the characters. All in all I would recommend this book as a fun, exciting read!
August 21, 2015
I thought this book was so much fun to read. It was far more exciting than I thought it would be.
David Lord is hired to find out if a letter written 32 years earlier is authentic. David had no idea the trouble that letter would bring. It sets a whole string of things into motion.
Peoples lives are in danger, a coronation stone needs to be located, and people are not who they seem to be. While we follow David and his friends in the search to find out if their is another heir to the throne, we realize that there are several families in danger. Someone is killing people that "might" have a claim to the throne. They are going off the year people were born and when they traveled. Who knew traveling to England could result in running for you life.
David is also searching for the original coronation stone, so that it can be put back where it suppose to be. The journey to find the stone some interesting stories are told, and it's so much fun to read. I love it when books tell a story, along with some history as well (whether it's "real" history or fiction). It makes it so much more fun to read.
In the end when the heir is revealed I was surprised because I thought it was someone else the whole time. I do have to admit I am always the last person to catch on...I don't know why, but I am.
I love how the story was told. The writing was wonderful, and the characters were very well developed.
If you like excitement, adventure, and searching for a treasure, you will enjoy this book. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away. Every time I start writing something I have to delete it because it would "give it away".
I don't think you will be disappointed when you read this one. It's an exciting, page turning adventure.
David Lord is hired to find out if a letter written 32 years earlier is authentic. David had no idea the trouble that letter would bring. It sets a whole string of things into motion.
Peoples lives are in danger, a coronation stone needs to be located, and people are not who they seem to be. While we follow David and his friends in the search to find out if their is another heir to the throne, we realize that there are several families in danger. Someone is killing people that "might" have a claim to the throne. They are going off the year people were born and when they traveled. Who knew traveling to England could result in running for you life.
David is also searching for the original coronation stone, so that it can be put back where it suppose to be. The journey to find the stone some interesting stories are told, and it's so much fun to read. I love it when books tell a story, along with some history as well (whether it's "real" history or fiction). It makes it so much more fun to read.
In the end when the heir is revealed I was surprised because I thought it was someone else the whole time. I do have to admit I am always the last person to catch on...I don't know why, but I am.
I love how the story was told. The writing was wonderful, and the characters were very well developed.
If you like excitement, adventure, and searching for a treasure, you will enjoy this book. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away. Every time I start writing something I have to delete it because it would "give it away".
I don't think you will be disappointed when you read this one. It's an exciting, page turning adventure.
August 30, 2015
5 STARS
The Throne of David is a exciting blend of action, history, heroes that I did not want to put it down. The characters are such a vast range. I fell for David and Enrigue. Two different characters fighting for answers in there own way.
David Lord owns his own business of Forensic accounting. He is single. His good friend in England asked him to come help him. David goes right away.
His friend works as a private secretary to Prince George of England. It can't be traced back to him but it has to be done with someone he can trust. He gives his a list of women's name that left England in 1980 and had a baby in the US. He also needed to collect a DNA sample.
Enrique lived on the streets of New York by David's office. David got him in rehab. He turned to drink after a mission went wrong in Afghan. His wife left him. He has two daughters. He is asked for his help to find these women and find the one who had a baby. He owes David and has the skills to help.
The second task to find out about the Stone of Scone. If they had the right one. He did not know if the two tasks has anything to do with each other. David travels the British Isles to find out the answers about the Stone.
The history, the chase, action, is so well told about the different stones and different names of places it was spell binding.
The answers could throw a wrench in who would be the next King of England.
There starts the race. Some people are trying to stop David from succeeding. They are willing to kill for the cause.
I loved the ending chapters. The story came together so well. I am glad that I was given this book to read by Cedar Fort. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it and be part of The Throne of David.
The Throne of David is a exciting blend of action, history, heroes that I did not want to put it down. The characters are such a vast range. I fell for David and Enrigue. Two different characters fighting for answers in there own way.
David Lord owns his own business of Forensic accounting. He is single. His good friend in England asked him to come help him. David goes right away.
His friend works as a private secretary to Prince George of England. It can't be traced back to him but it has to be done with someone he can trust. He gives his a list of women's name that left England in 1980 and had a baby in the US. He also needed to collect a DNA sample.
Enrique lived on the streets of New York by David's office. David got him in rehab. He turned to drink after a mission went wrong in Afghan. His wife left him. He has two daughters. He is asked for his help to find these women and find the one who had a baby. He owes David and has the skills to help.
The second task to find out about the Stone of Scone. If they had the right one. He did not know if the two tasks has anything to do with each other. David travels the British Isles to find out the answers about the Stone.
The history, the chase, action, is so well told about the different stones and different names of places it was spell binding.
The answers could throw a wrench in who would be the next King of England.
There starts the race. Some people are trying to stop David from succeeding. They are willing to kill for the cause.
I loved the ending chapters. The story came together so well. I am glad that I was given this book to read by Cedar Fort. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it and be part of The Throne of David.
September 8, 2015
***4.5 stars***
Fiction books linked to ancient legends are a genre that I tend to enjoy. The Throne of David is a wonderful blend of modern day and legends from the past.
Before I read this book I had not heard of the Stone of Scone. I began to wonder if this was a fictional relic that the author had made up and described a thought out and fascinating history about. Of course, I had to google it and find that it is a real relic from Ireland and Scotland. It may have origins in Hebrew or Egypt. Ann Farnsworth did a great job at incorporating the legends and making a fascinating fictional story.
The history behind the relic and the quest to find it were my favorite parts of the story. The book holds quite a bit more than that in it's pages. It is a hunt to find players in a royal scandal. It is action and adventure, romance, and mystery. This book has a lot of depth to it's plot.
The characters seemed like real life people. They had depth, flaws, commitment, and loyalty. Even the bad guys had some of those traits. I liked that the story took place on two continents. The author spend time with both stories. They are connected and complimentary to each other.
This book does have some violence and sweet romance.
Fiction books linked to ancient legends are a genre that I tend to enjoy. The Throne of David is a wonderful blend of modern day and legends from the past.
Before I read this book I had not heard of the Stone of Scone. I began to wonder if this was a fictional relic that the author had made up and described a thought out and fascinating history about. Of course, I had to google it and find that it is a real relic from Ireland and Scotland. It may have origins in Hebrew or Egypt. Ann Farnsworth did a great job at incorporating the legends and making a fascinating fictional story.
The history behind the relic and the quest to find it were my favorite parts of the story. The book holds quite a bit more than that in it's pages. It is a hunt to find players in a royal scandal. It is action and adventure, romance, and mystery. This book has a lot of depth to it's plot.
The characters seemed like real life people. They had depth, flaws, commitment, and loyalty. Even the bad guys had some of those traits. I liked that the story took place on two continents. The author spend time with both stories. They are connected and complimentary to each other.
This book does have some violence and sweet romance.
August 22, 2015
Wow. This is an intense story, tightly and precisely written. There is no rambling or flowery prose here. The author's love of precise vocabulary? It's a gift -- for her and, by extension, to us. I cannot stress enough how much I care about truly good writing -- the mechanics, the grammar, the punctuation, you name it. And, wow. It's as though Ann Farnsworth wrote this with me in mind.
The Throne of David is able to create a compelling, riveting adventure that is not preposterous or cheesy or formulaic. This novel is fun and smart and exciting. It will keep you guessing, keep surprising you, and keep you reading (and guessing) until the final sentence -- and you'll wish it wasn't.
I am all about thrillers (check) and history (check), and impeccable writing (check). So, The Throne of David? It fits the bill, and then some. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this debut novel. I am in awe of Ann Farnsworth and cannot wait to see what else she has in store.
*I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. My opinions are 100% honest and 100% mine.*
The Throne of David is able to create a compelling, riveting adventure that is not preposterous or cheesy or formulaic. This novel is fun and smart and exciting. It will keep you guessing, keep surprising you, and keep you reading (and guessing) until the final sentence -- and you'll wish it wasn't.
I am all about thrillers (check) and history (check), and impeccable writing (check). So, The Throne of David? It fits the bill, and then some. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this debut novel. I am in awe of Ann Farnsworth and cannot wait to see what else she has in store.
*I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. My opinions are 100% honest and 100% mine.*
August 27, 2015
Superb writing, storyline and characters. Very well written. It was interesting, intriguing and an exciting read. Wasn't sure what to expect, but was thrilled from beginning to end. A great thriller with suspense and mystery. Fans of Dan Brown will enjoy "The Throne of David". Well done! Look forward to more to come, hopefully. A fantastic read!
* Received for an honest review from the publisher *
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
* Received for an honest review from the publisher *
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 30, 2020
I have recently been studying the Old Testament. It is the second time in my life I am reading it straight through. The last time I read it was about 5 years ago, so there is a lot that I have learned and discovered this time. This week, I just finished reading about David, and now his son Solomon has taken the throne. So, when I was given the opportunity to review this mystery thriller about the “biblical” throne of David that was passed down through the tribes of Israel that supposedly settled the British Isles, of course I was interested.
I mean, come on:
1) Hebrew esoteric history
2) Celtic Christianity
3) British royal history
4) It all takes place in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Of course I’d want to read it.
The Throne of David by Ann Farnsworth is a mystery thriller, and while I’m not too keen on those, it still was an interesting read. The protagonist is David Lord, who is somewhat of a freelance detective from an accounting firm, or something like that. I never really quite grasped what he did. He is contacted by a college best friend who is the personal secretary of Prince George. A letter was found pertaining to the Prince that could lead to the change of the throne. David goes to England to help, but his friend is killed. Happenstancely, he meets the sister of his friend, Camryn, whose husband has been MIA for a long time in Afghanistan. The secret police follow them step for step and always try to capture them as they try to make sense of how the Stone of Scone (the historical mythological rock that is under the British Coronation Throne) is related to the Pillow of Jacob (a rock Old Testament Jacob laid his head on to sleep and then had a vision of God). Meanwhile, in the US, David hires ex-military information man Enrique to search for women mentioned in this romantic letter to Prince George to see if there were any children born.
I’m not going to mention more than that because I don’t want to give anything away.
What I liked:
– The legends and myths of the Stone of Scone, leading into Celtic Christianity esoteric history and connecting it to the Pillow of Jacob. I really enjoyed reading about that since I had no idea about any connection previous. I want to go do my own research on it now.
– Always full of action
What I didn’t like:
– I thought a lot of it was a bit cheesy or unbelievable–action and dialogue were sometimes forced or very cliche, dreams and visions with mystical powers didn’t mesh well with the very realistic description of plot. The characterizing of the very Irish and the very Scottish was almost caricature-ized.
– At points, some information or events were a little confusing
– Information overload. A lot of times, there’d be a few pages of characters just stating the legends and lore, as if they were reading a Wikipedia article vertabum. It wasn’t very well integrated into the novel.
If you like clean thrillers or clean mysteries with no graphic romance or graphic violence, then this is for you.
If you like Celtic, Hebrew, esoteric, Christian, or British history, then you might be interested in this.
I mean, come on:
1) Hebrew esoteric history
2) Celtic Christianity
3) British royal history
4) It all takes place in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Of course I’d want to read it.
The Throne of David by Ann Farnsworth is a mystery thriller, and while I’m not too keen on those, it still was an interesting read. The protagonist is David Lord, who is somewhat of a freelance detective from an accounting firm, or something like that. I never really quite grasped what he did. He is contacted by a college best friend who is the personal secretary of Prince George. A letter was found pertaining to the Prince that could lead to the change of the throne. David goes to England to help, but his friend is killed. Happenstancely, he meets the sister of his friend, Camryn, whose husband has been MIA for a long time in Afghanistan. The secret police follow them step for step and always try to capture them as they try to make sense of how the Stone of Scone (the historical mythological rock that is under the British Coronation Throne) is related to the Pillow of Jacob (a rock Old Testament Jacob laid his head on to sleep and then had a vision of God). Meanwhile, in the US, David hires ex-military information man Enrique to search for women mentioned in this romantic letter to Prince George to see if there were any children born.
I’m not going to mention more than that because I don’t want to give anything away.
What I liked:
– The legends and myths of the Stone of Scone, leading into Celtic Christianity esoteric history and connecting it to the Pillow of Jacob. I really enjoyed reading about that since I had no idea about any connection previous. I want to go do my own research on it now.
– Always full of action
What I didn’t like:
– I thought a lot of it was a bit cheesy or unbelievable–action and dialogue were sometimes forced or very cliche, dreams and visions with mystical powers didn’t mesh well with the very realistic description of plot. The characterizing of the very Irish and the very Scottish was almost caricature-ized.
– At points, some information or events were a little confusing
– Information overload. A lot of times, there’d be a few pages of characters just stating the legends and lore, as if they were reading a Wikipedia article vertabum. It wasn’t very well integrated into the novel.
If you like clean thrillers or clean mysteries with no graphic romance or graphic violence, then this is for you.
If you like Celtic, Hebrew, esoteric, Christian, or British history, then you might be interested in this.
September 28, 2015
This exciting thriller with the right amount of romance held my interest. David Lord of New York is called to London by a former college classmate, Roger, to help with a delicate investigation--one where after a private lunch, David is offered a key to an apartment not known to be connected to Roger and told to stay there instead of at the hotel where is credit cards and phone calls can be monitored. On their way there, Roger is killed, David almost, but the mystery remains. The focus of an elimination attempt headed by a dedicated but misguided captain of the British SO14, David finds himself in constant danger, but not alone as Roger's sister, Cami, finds David in the apartment and insists on joining in solving the mystery Roger hired David to solve as well as discovering the forces behind her brother's assassination.
The story takes the reader on a search for the Stone of Destiny, believed to have ties to Old Testament stories and which was brought to Ireland in the early centuries. It became part of Irish legend and the traditional coronation stone for Ireland, often borrowed by Scotland, and would roar its approval if the proper king were being crowned. But the stone is lost, and Prince George, a confirmed bachelor, has no heirs--or does he? A mysterious American woman returned to the United States in 1980-81, and an unsigned letter found by Roger hints at romance between her and Prince George. David Lord hires an under the radar investigator, Enrique, to search for these women in the U.S., only for Enrique to discover they and their families are being eliminated almost faster than he can locate them. What does it all mean? This fast-paced adventure leads to a surprising conclusion.
The story takes the reader on a search for the Stone of Destiny, believed to have ties to Old Testament stories and which was brought to Ireland in the early centuries. It became part of Irish legend and the traditional coronation stone for Ireland, often borrowed by Scotland, and would roar its approval if the proper king were being crowned. But the stone is lost, and Prince George, a confirmed bachelor, has no heirs--or does he? A mysterious American woman returned to the United States in 1980-81, and an unsigned letter found by Roger hints at romance between her and Prince George. David Lord hires an under the radar investigator, Enrique, to search for these women in the U.S., only for Enrique to discover they and their families are being eliminated almost faster than he can locate them. What does it all mean? This fast-paced adventure leads to a surprising conclusion.
August 28, 2015
This book caught my attention from the very beginning and I didn't want to put it down until I had read every last word. It begins with three school boys who want to open a locker. What they find is amazing, a mailbag missing for more than thirty years. One of the letters, when delivered, sets in motion danger, and adventure for American David Lord. He is called by a friend to find out just who could be the heir for the British throne, and that friend is killed before he's able to reveal anything to David. David must unlock the mystery of the letter on his own, and some of it from a different continent. Danger lurks around every corner for him and anyone that he has had contact with. Will he be able to figure out this mystery before he is killed?
The plot of this book is so great! I love the way the author went about it. It's great how David has to figure out a way to investigate women in American while he himself is in England. I love that there were almost two parallel story lines running as David went about investigating the stone in the British Isles and his employee went about investigating in America.
I love that there was a touch of romance to this one, but that's not what the whole book is about. It's a clean book, filled with mystery and suspense. The ending was amazing. I didn't see it coming at all. And neither did any of the characters. So great! Make sure you pick up a copy of this great book!
The plot of this book is so great! I love the way the author went about it. It's great how David has to figure out a way to investigate women in American while he himself is in England. I love that there were almost two parallel story lines running as David went about investigating the stone in the British Isles and his employee went about investigating in America.
I love that there was a touch of romance to this one, but that's not what the whole book is about. It's a clean book, filled with mystery and suspense. The ending was amazing. I didn't see it coming at all. And neither did any of the characters. So great! Make sure you pick up a copy of this great book!
August 24, 2015
You guys my mom WROTE THIS BOOK! I finished the book this morning, which is impressive considering I wasn't expecting to get it from Amazon until two days from now! The book is a page turner for sure, and is what I would call a mystery-historical thriller. The first half of the book read like most mysteries and was definitely interesting, but the last half was where things came together and the magic happens. The author introduced really fascinating legends about England's coronation stone and kept the tension throughout the ending really well, but still introduced surprise plot twists, made me laugh and worry at different times, and left me with a message about the influence of history that inspired me. I felt like while there were a lot of characters, the author somehow made each of them real and distinct, painted a great picture of people I would love to know and reminded me of people I already did know and miss. I'm so glad I got this book early so I could read it, and I'm excited to read more when she finishes her next book!
September 4, 2015
If you love the thrilling scholarly adventure of The Davinci Code then be on the look out for the latest greatest thriller, The Throne Of David by Ann Farnsworth. The story begins with two adventurous twin boys who find a friend that can pick locks. They open an old postal office storage box containing letters that were meant to be delivered over 3 decades ago. A specific letter is delivered to the Prince of England and starts a whole series of events that disrupts a lot of lives.
David Lord, an American accountant, is recruited to help track down an potential heir to the throne that may live in America. Others are set determined to keep things as they are and are willing to do whatever it takes to stop a potential heir from being found.
Various biblical legends tie into the search and add another complicated element to the search.
The Throne Of David is a intense page turner that is bound to entertain from the first page.
David Lord, an American accountant, is recruited to help track down an potential heir to the throne that may live in America. Others are set determined to keep things as they are and are willing to do whatever it takes to stop a potential heir from being found.
Various biblical legends tie into the search and add another complicated element to the search.
The Throne Of David is a intense page turner that is bound to entertain from the first page.
July 27, 2017
I found this to be quite an interesting book. The mystery was great and the bit of romance thrown in was good.
I had no idea of the mystery of Jacob's pillow, especially surrounding the areas of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It has made me want to do a bit of research to find out how legit it all is.
The description of Ireland and Scotland was great and man, how I'd love to visit those places and see those things.
The characters we good and interesting. I'm not sure how much I can actually see some of them acting or doing the things they did, but it wasn't too horrible.
I did have a hard time believing in some of the mystical type things that happened. I think that because we don't often - if ever - see big miracles happen, that reading about it seems weird.
Anyway, I thought it was a good book with lots of mystery and intrigue. I plan on seeing what else this author has available.
I had no idea of the mystery of Jacob's pillow, especially surrounding the areas of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It has made me want to do a bit of research to find out how legit it all is.
The description of Ireland and Scotland was great and man, how I'd love to visit those places and see those things.
The characters we good and interesting. I'm not sure how much I can actually see some of them acting or doing the things they did, but it wasn't too horrible.
I did have a hard time believing in some of the mystical type things that happened. I think that because we don't often - if ever - see big miracles happen, that reading about it seems weird.
Anyway, I thought it was a good book with lots of mystery and intrigue. I plan on seeing what else this author has available.
September 1, 2015
Right from the beginning this story drew me in. There is mystery and intrigue and a wonder of what truly happened. This book truly does feel like the Raider of the Lost Ark at times, with it's historical and religious history that ties into their search for a treasure or the truth. I am not a history or religious scholar, but it all felt very authentic and added greatly to the story.
There is murder, romance, mystery, suspense and even faith throughout this story. It really is very compelling and great read. There was also some great twists that I did not expect. I highly recommend this book. Even with all of the action and suspense the book is still what I classify as a clean book.
There is murder, romance, mystery, suspense and even faith throughout this story. It really is very compelling and great read. There was also some great twists that I did not expect. I highly recommend this book. Even with all of the action and suspense the book is still what I classify as a clean book.
August 19, 2015
A life changing opportunity to research and then write this book, I hope you all enjoy the characters, settings and historical facts as much as I do. http://annfarnsworth.com/
February 19, 2021
I'm not usually a fiction reader but this book hooked me in! I love the story, the writing, and the adventure.
April 16, 2023
I would like to have been able to give this a higher rating, but I just couldn't, due to all the pure fantasy features which I felt detracted from the otherwise interesting plot. The premise was timely and an intriguing one: "what if the Prince of Wales (fictionalized) had been secretly married and had a legitimate baby who would be, unwittingly, second in line England's throne in modern times?"
Part of the book dealt with tracking down potential spouses for the Prince in America. This part was tough to swallow as the man in charge of the hunt was a recovering drug addict with military training and a broken marriage, as well as many other personal issues. it was unbelievable in the extreme that complete strangers would respond to his out-of-the-blue personal questions of: "Did you emigrate here in 1980 and have a baby in 1981?" These questions are greeted with almost no suspicion or reluctance and they invite him in to their homes like a long-lost relative! i found it very jarring!
On the other hand, two people were searching for the Stone of Destiny, all over the British isles, including surviving a dunking in the Irish Sea; one of them being given up for drowned after two days, only to be found through supernatural intervention!
On the plus side, it was well written and gripping. I wish this author well and hope she will, or has written more. Perhaps an editor could suggest she stay more within the realm of possibility!
Part of the book dealt with tracking down potential spouses for the Prince in America. This part was tough to swallow as the man in charge of the hunt was a recovering drug addict with military training and a broken marriage, as well as many other personal issues. it was unbelievable in the extreme that complete strangers would respond to his out-of-the-blue personal questions of: "Did you emigrate here in 1980 and have a baby in 1981?" These questions are greeted with almost no suspicion or reluctance and they invite him in to their homes like a long-lost relative! i found it very jarring!
On the other hand, two people were searching for the Stone of Destiny, all over the British isles, including surviving a dunking in the Irish Sea; one of them being given up for drowned after two days, only to be found through supernatural intervention!
On the plus side, it was well written and gripping. I wish this author well and hope she will, or has written more. Perhaps an editor could suggest she stay more within the realm of possibility!
May 29, 2025
This was a less than wonderful mystery. The plot was such a pot boiler that it was difficult to finish, though I did. I think the writing was not excellent but was almost acceptable. The basic theories that the plot was based on were simply ridiculous. No, don't believe Jesus was partially raised in England! There's a clue for you.
October 14, 2015
3.5 of 5 stars – Light, Fun Ride, Even If A Bit Incredulous.
[I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Ann!]
I’m a fan of a good mystery thriller, especially set in faraway places, and this nicely met that expectation.
The main story had some decent action and a pretty fast pace, with a number of twists and turns. It reminded me a little of The Da Vinci Code (although not quite up to that high standard) – where an investigator and tag-along female companion pursued info of ancient history and legends (in this case, of the Stone of David), which propelled them from place to place, being hunted (and barely escaping capture each step of the way) by a murderous agent sponsored by an unknown entity. It also included a bit of romance, which was nice yet thankfully remained secondary to the main story, but it was also basically a predictable set-up of attraction and series of misunderstandings to create some relationship tension.
Ann Farnsworth’s style was easy-to-read, which helped with the pace, and the dialogue made sense and flowed well, if a bit clichéd at times. The action kept me engaged, but it was at times a bit far-fetched and convenient. There were a few instances of magic and spiritualism (matching nicely with those aspects in the folklore of the Irish legends), yet they just so happened to help the MCs along right when they needed it. The two MCs were nicely fleshed out, but the villains were not as well – the key conspirators being kept hidden (and not discussed) and their agent needing more depth.
I liked Farnsworth’s setting and her descriptions of Ireland and Scotland, which helped me visualize them (but still lacked that final touch to give me a full sense of being there). There was also a nice bonus of learning more about the history and legend of the Stone of David (and it's many other names, particularly the ones I was aware of: Stone of Scone and Coronation Stone), the ancestry of Ireland and Scotland (including its origins, which I did not know of, from a tribe of Israel), and some of the small historic towns of Ireland and Scotland.
Overall, this was a fun, and I’ll say light, thriller taking me through Ireland and Scotland and some of its past.
[I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Ann!]
I’m a fan of a good mystery thriller, especially set in faraway places, and this nicely met that expectation.
The main story had some decent action and a pretty fast pace, with a number of twists and turns. It reminded me a little of The Da Vinci Code (although not quite up to that high standard) – where an investigator and tag-along female companion pursued info of ancient history and legends (in this case, of the Stone of David), which propelled them from place to place, being hunted (and barely escaping capture each step of the way) by a murderous agent sponsored by an unknown entity. It also included a bit of romance, which was nice yet thankfully remained secondary to the main story, but it was also basically a predictable set-up of attraction and series of misunderstandings to create some relationship tension.
Ann Farnsworth’s style was easy-to-read, which helped with the pace, and the dialogue made sense and flowed well, if a bit clichéd at times. The action kept me engaged, but it was at times a bit far-fetched and convenient. There were a few instances of magic and spiritualism (matching nicely with those aspects in the folklore of the Irish legends), yet they just so happened to help the MCs along right when they needed it. The two MCs were nicely fleshed out, but the villains were not as well – the key conspirators being kept hidden (and not discussed) and their agent needing more depth.
I liked Farnsworth’s setting and her descriptions of Ireland and Scotland, which helped me visualize them (but still lacked that final touch to give me a full sense of being there). There was also a nice bonus of learning more about the history and legend of the Stone of David (and it's many other names, particularly the ones I was aware of: Stone of Scone and Coronation Stone), the ancestry of Ireland and Scotland (including its origins, which I did not know of, from a tribe of Israel), and some of the small historic towns of Ireland and Scotland.
Overall, this was a fun, and I’ll say light, thriller taking me through Ireland and Scotland and some of its past.
November 7, 2015
A friend of mine lent me this book. I don't gravitate towards murder/mysteries, but this one was interesting and kept me reading. There was enough trouble to keep you guessing and enough good to keep you hoping. At the beginning, things seemed pretty grim. By the end, things seemed really easy for them. I can say that had it remained more challenging and they had to really work hard, it would have added to the suspense. Overall, it was a good book.
October 10, 2015
A gripping tale
I really enjoyed this book. I really wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. It was an interesting and unusual plot. I loved the history she wove into the story that clarified some things about The Stone of Scone that I had learned about on my tour of England and Scotland many years ago. A fun read.
I really enjoyed this book. I really wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. It was an interesting and unusual plot. I loved the history she wove into the story that clarified some things about The Stone of Scone that I had learned about on my tour of England and Scotland many years ago. A fun read.
February 7, 2016
The story was a good idea, but not as well executed as one would hope. Somewhat the writing, but especially editing, left much to be desired.
January 20, 2017
A great read, full of interesting English history. A bit predictable, but I enjoyed it none the less.
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