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A Mathematical Mystery #3
The Riddle of the Fractal Monks
A mystery lands – literally – at Tom Winscombe’s feet, and another riotous mathematical adventure begins…
Tom Winscombe and Dorothy Chan haven’t managed to go on a date for some time, so it’s a shame that their outing to a Promenade Concert is cut short when a mysterious cowled figure plummets from the gallery to the floor of the arena close to where they are standing. But when they find out who he was, all thoughts of romance fly out of the window.
Just who are the Fractal Monks, and what does Isaac, last of the Vavasors and custodian of the papers of famed dead mathematical geniuses Archie and Pye, want with them? How will other figures from the past also demand a slice of the action? And what other mysteries are there lurking at the bottom of the sea and at the top of mountains? The answers lie in The Riddle of Fractal Monks.
Tom Winscombe and Dorothy Chan haven’t managed to go on a date for some time, so it’s a shame that their outing to a Promenade Concert is cut short when a mysterious cowled figure plummets from the gallery to the floor of the arena close to where they are standing. But when they find out who he was, all thoughts of romance fly out of the window.
Just who are the Fractal Monks, and what does Isaac, last of the Vavasors and custodian of the papers of famed dead mathematical geniuses Archie and Pye, want with them? How will other figures from the past also demand a slice of the action? And what other mysteries are there lurking at the bottom of the sea and at the top of mountains? The answers lie in The Riddle of Fractal Monks.
- GenresMystery
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2020
10 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Pinnock
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 5, 2020
I have enjoyed this series and this, the third, is another very entertaining instalment.
The plot is cheerfully bonkers. Frankly, I don’t know how to begin to explain it but it involves mysterious and violent monks, fractal geometry, a pair of alpacas, some of the usual enjoyably silly but rather exciting episodes of Dan and Dot being in mortal danger (usually having put themselves there) and so on. It’s great fun and very well written and structured with the rather hapless Dan narrating while the women do the brainwork. Dot’s business partner Ali is on fine, scathing and abusive form (I laughed out loud more than once at her comments) and all in all it’s a terrific, cheering read especially in such troubled times.
These books perhaps aren’t utter comic masterpieces but they are very amusing and just immense fun to read. Warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
The plot is cheerfully bonkers. Frankly, I don’t know how to begin to explain it but it involves mysterious and violent monks, fractal geometry, a pair of alpacas, some of the usual enjoyably silly but rather exciting episodes of Dan and Dot being in mortal danger (usually having put themselves there) and so on. It’s great fun and very well written and structured with the rather hapless Dan narrating while the women do the brainwork. Dot’s business partner Ali is on fine, scathing and abusive form (I laughed out loud more than once at her comments) and all in all it’s a terrific, cheering read especially in such troubled times.
These books perhaps aren’t utter comic masterpieces but they are very amusing and just immense fun to read. Warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
March 19, 2020
The Riddle of the Fractal Monks is a wild ride: an over-the-top math/tech/mystery/humor novel that is the third volume in a series built around the work of a deceased pair of genius-level twin mathematicians, Archimedes and Pythagoras Vavasor. Though this was the third volume in the series and I hadn't read the first two I had no trouble following the narrative which begins with a monk plunging from a balcony to his death at a concert of music composed by Hildegard Von Bingen and grows more and more bizarre from that point. Llamas? Yes. Obscure and murderous monastic orders? Yes. Self defense with a meat cleaver? Yes. This is a perfect book if you're looking for a bit of undemanding, upbeat entertainment. I know I'll be going back to read the first two volumes in the series one of these days when I need a textual pick-me-up.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
May 5, 2020
This was probably the best of the three books. It is quite possible that by now, I am accustomed to the randomness of events or the even more random conversations between the main protagonists. This time around, there is no time spent on pleasantries, and we are plunged quite literally into the narrative. For those who haven't read the previous books, this will make little to no sense so I highly advise either reading a very detailed synopsis of the last two if not the books entirely (the latter might be the best course of action). Without too much of spoiler, Tom and Dorothy ended the previous escapade with things looking good for them life-wise, but Dorothy is obsessed with the Vavasors, and it turns out she is still digging. It is hard to imagine that there is something to unearth at this point, but this instalment proves us wrong in a very spectacularly grand fashion.
It seemed like the pace was also much faster than the previous times they set out to investigate. Their learning capacity appears to have progressed. I was a little surprised to find out at the end that we have yet another mystery waiting for us. I was partly annoyed and partly happy because my reaction to this particular book meant that I might like the next as well. It is always nice to look forward to a sure thing. Annoyed because it seemed nearly impossible that there could be anything left for them to do. Old friends and even older enemies come out of the woodwork, and there are a lot of hunches that are followed here. The crumbs of clues lead them on a very wild chase with people in close pursuit nearly all the time. I even got the maths of this one a little more than before. If you are on the lookout for a wacky series of (almost) misadventures, then this might just be it.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and my knowledge of the previous books in the series.
It seemed like the pace was also much faster than the previous times they set out to investigate. Their learning capacity appears to have progressed. I was a little surprised to find out at the end that we have yet another mystery waiting for us. I was partly annoyed and partly happy because my reaction to this particular book meant that I might like the next as well. It is always nice to look forward to a sure thing. Annoyed because it seemed nearly impossible that there could be anything left for them to do. Old friends and even older enemies come out of the woodwork, and there are a lot of hunches that are followed here. The crumbs of clues lead them on a very wild chase with people in close pursuit nearly all the time. I even got the maths of this one a little more than before. If you are on the lookout for a wacky series of (almost) misadventures, then this might just be it.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and my knowledge of the previous books in the series.
June 21, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Riddle of the Fractal Monks is the third in the Mathematical Mystery series by Jonathan Pinnock. Released 16th April 2020 by Duckworth on their Farrago imprint, it's 304 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
The setup and humor remind me very much of other humorous British SF(ish) classics: Fforde, Fowler, Grant/Naylor, Moore, Stross, Aaronovitch, et.al. It's not derivative, not really, the author has a slightly different humorous slant and oh, good heavens, the puns flow like a mighty river. Whilst reading, I definitely felt like the aforementioned authors were being channeled though...
There are genuinely funny moments and the pacing is frenetic and relentless. The bad guys are boo-worthy, the good guys are plucky and funny and brave (if often quite hapless) and the end result is enjoyably readable. This is precisely the type of mystery/speculative fiction I adore and I was honestly captivated from literally the first page. This is the first book in a while which has made me stay up late reading. The author is adept at writing in necessary backstory, so it does work well enough as a standalone, but I recommend the other volumes in the series quite highly.
Four and a half stars, rounded up for the writing. People who loathe puns (or intelligent humour) will likely not enjoy this one. Fans of Laundry Files, Red Dwarf, HHGttG, and the others will find a lot to like until the next Shadow Police novel hits the stands (if it ever does... yes, I'm lookin' at you, Paul Cornell). For North American readers, the spellings and vernacular are British English. Nothing which should prove frustrating in context.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Riddle of the Fractal Monks is the third in the Mathematical Mystery series by Jonathan Pinnock. Released 16th April 2020 by Duckworth on their Farrago imprint, it's 304 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
The setup and humor remind me very much of other humorous British SF(ish) classics: Fforde, Fowler, Grant/Naylor, Moore, Stross, Aaronovitch, et.al. It's not derivative, not really, the author has a slightly different humorous slant and oh, good heavens, the puns flow like a mighty river. Whilst reading, I definitely felt like the aforementioned authors were being channeled though...
There are genuinely funny moments and the pacing is frenetic and relentless. The bad guys are boo-worthy, the good guys are plucky and funny and brave (if often quite hapless) and the end result is enjoyably readable. This is precisely the type of mystery/speculative fiction I adore and I was honestly captivated from literally the first page. This is the first book in a while which has made me stay up late reading. The author is adept at writing in necessary backstory, so it does work well enough as a standalone, but I recommend the other volumes in the series quite highly.
Four and a half stars, rounded up for the writing. People who loathe puns (or intelligent humour) will likely not enjoy this one. Fans of Laundry Files, Red Dwarf, HHGttG, and the others will find a lot to like until the next Shadow Police novel hits the stands (if it ever does... yes, I'm lookin' at you, Paul Cornell). For North American readers, the spellings and vernacular are British English. Nothing which should prove frustrating in context.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 16, 2020
Reading The Riddle of the Fractal Monks by Jonathan Pinnock without reading the other books in the series was a bit like plunging into a television drama midway through the season. It wasn't like a Poirot where the familiar characters are solving a brand new mystery, it's clearly a continuation of an action-packed adventure started in the first two books. There was some explanation to get me up to speed, but I think that I should probably have read the first two books to get the most out of this one.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book. It was funny and fast-paced and I'd certainly like to read more from this author. The recognisably English setting was particularly enjoyable.
The story ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so I hope Mr Pinnock is already working on Book 4!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book. It was funny and fast-paced and I'd certainly like to read more from this author. The recognisably English setting was particularly enjoyable.
The story ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so I hope Mr Pinnock is already working on Book 4!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
April 17, 2020
About a year and a half ago I read The Truth about Archie and Pye. It was listed as a Mathematical Puzzle Book and I thought it would have some sort of puzzles in it for there reader to solve. I was wrong then.
Forgetting that I had read that, I picked up The Riddle of the Fractal Monks. It is part of the series which I realized by the end of the first chapter.
My assessment of this book is virtually the same as the first book. The characters are interesting. Yes, I did have to laugh at parts. But once again, I was taken aback by the language used in the book.
I closed my last review saying that I would miss reading the further adventures of Tom and Dorothy, but I wouldn't read any more of the books in this series. There are too many other books to read that I will not be assaulted page after page by the language in them. My mistake. In the future I will remember the author and not be drawn in by clever titles. I will invest my time in books I can completely enjoy.
Forgetting that I had read that, I picked up The Riddle of the Fractal Monks. It is part of the series which I realized by the end of the first chapter.
My assessment of this book is virtually the same as the first book. The characters are interesting. Yes, I did have to laugh at parts. But once again, I was taken aback by the language used in the book.
I closed my last review saying that I would miss reading the further adventures of Tom and Dorothy, but I wouldn't read any more of the books in this series. There are too many other books to read that I will not be assaulted page after page by the language in them. My mistake. In the future I will remember the author and not be drawn in by clever titles. I will invest my time in books I can completely enjoy.
April 13, 2020
In The Riddle of The Fractal Monks, Tom and Dorothy are once again drawn into the pursuit for proof of a mathematical formula that has the potential to change the world, and not necessarily for the better. This time, they are joined in the pursuit by an obscure order of monks who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the formula. I don't even begin to understand the mathematics beyond a basic level, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. Tom and Dorothy have a great sarcastic banter, with Dorothy usually having the upperhand, and the cast of characters, including the alpacas, provide a great deal of wit. The book is clever, and for this series, this may have the fastest moving plot, really pulling the reader along. It's a very clever book, and many thanks to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2020
The premise for this, a mathematical mystery, was so intriguing. Unfortunately, the execution was a bit of a let-down. The dynamic between the characters didn't work for me, and the humour wasn't good enough to keep me reading on. The mystery itself, involving murderous monks, is quite bonkers but might work for some people.
At about halfway through, I did remember that I DNF'd the first book in the series a few years ago. And while my second go at the series was slightly more successful, I don't see myself picking up the first two books (again).
(I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
At about halfway through, I did remember that I DNF'd the first book in the series a few years ago. And while my second go at the series was slightly more successful, I don't see myself picking up the first two books (again).
(I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
March 27, 2020
If you geek out on maths you'll be right at home with this hilarious bit of fun. I do wish I'd read the others first, but that didn't stop the laughing. Tom is the not-quite-clueless half of the pair and Dorothy is the certifiable geek. Together they meet people who are more like Bedlamites than anything else. Guaranteed laughs!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Duckworth Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Duckworth Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 5, 2020
This is part of a series that I haven't read and I didn't feel it worked well as a standalone. The premise was interesting--mathematical thrillers--but I couldn't get into the story and it took me a long time to finish. Not a bad book, just didn't connect with me. If the premise strikes your fancy, I'd recommend starting at the beginning in order to understand the backstory.
I read a digital ARC via NetGalley.
I read a digital ARC via NetGalley.
December 31, 2021
Although I haven’t read the previous books in the series I had no trouble following the narrative and I quite liked the characters. I’m not, however, a fan of the style - a farcical romp with plenty of slapstick elements. These are set, obviously, within the context of fractal mathematics.
I should probably have known better than to try this one. It’s skilfully constructed and told, but does not float my boat. About 2.7 stars for me.
I should probably have known better than to try this one. It’s skilfully constructed and told, but does not float my boat. About 2.7 stars for me.
April 1, 2020
This series never disappoints and all the books are well written and entertaining. This one was no exception.
I loved the plot, was happy to meet again the characters and had a lot of fun.
An engrossing and fun story, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the plot, was happy to meet again the characters and had a lot of fun.
An engrossing and fun story, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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May 8, 2021Such a good read!
I have enjoyed reading all three books on the series so far. They are witty, nailbiting, exciting and they have led me to revise areas of Matb
I have enjoyed reading all three books on the series so far. They are witty, nailbiting, exciting and they have led me to revise areas of Matb
April 1, 2021
I was actually delighted that I found out this was the third book in the series. I figured it was worth reading the first two first, which was a good idea. Although the books are standalone stories, there are a lot of details and spoilers if you don't read the others.
I have spent the last two weeks with Jonathan's characters and it was super lovely. Reminded me of Carl Hiaasen (I love his books). So this is the third adventure for Tom, Dorothy and Ali and some of the fringe characters.
While the first book was paced well, the drama unfolds in every chapter and you will be sitting on the edge of your chair. Tom is a really likeable protagonist, although I would have personally made every single decision differently. The book feels very international though set in England, and sometimes some British pop slang seeps through. I really enjoy math, but I can't say if the difficult stuff is actually correct, but I assume so. I loved all the conspiracy theory stuff, crazy monks, people winding up dead (am usually very pacifistic).
It was really a perfect book to take my mind off of Corona. Every time you read you will say to yourself "this is the last chapter", but it is not. Read it in two sittings. Am very excited for the fourth book when it's done.
Highly recommend if you want to really dive into something for a few hours.
I have spent the last two weeks with Jonathan's characters and it was super lovely. Reminded me of Carl Hiaasen (I love his books). So this is the third adventure for Tom, Dorothy and Ali and some of the fringe characters.
While the first book was paced well, the drama unfolds in every chapter and you will be sitting on the edge of your chair. Tom is a really likeable protagonist, although I would have personally made every single decision differently. The book feels very international though set in England, and sometimes some British pop slang seeps through. I really enjoy math, but I can't say if the difficult stuff is actually correct, but I assume so. I loved all the conspiracy theory stuff, crazy monks, people winding up dead (am usually very pacifistic).
It was really a perfect book to take my mind off of Corona. Every time you read you will say to yourself "this is the last chapter", but it is not. Read it in two sittings. Am very excited for the fourth book when it's done.
Highly recommend if you want to really dive into something for a few hours.
November 16, 2020
I requested this book on Netgalley.
So, this book isn’t a good choice for you if you haven’t read the previous ones in the series. That was the first thing to go wrong for me. Secondly, the main characters aren’t very nice people that you’d want to read about. The guy is spineless and easily led around by his girlfriend. She, on the other hand, is reckless and mocks her boyfriend any chance she gets.
With all the running about, there’s a mystery to be solved. However, the duo keeps getting throwing themselves into scrapes that they shouldn’t be able to walk out of — yet they do. As the name indicates, the mystery has something to do with fractals and a religious order of monks who decide on math taking them to enlightenment. There’s some humor.
All in all, I had a really hard time to keep going because the story and the characters both failed to interest me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews