- Hardcover: 272 pages
- Publisher: St. Martin's Press (Jan 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0312200358
- ISBN-13: 978-0312200350
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 14.7 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,391,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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On the other hand, here's some good reviews!
Booklist gave it a starred review, and here's what Publishers Weekly had to say: "'I prefer to jump to conclusions without evidence. It saves time,' says Feste, a professional fool. Around this note of obfuscation, Gordon's first novel weaves an amusing sequel to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night that, through clever misdirection and deceit, keeps readers guessing. In the first year of the 13th century, the Fool's Guild - a training center and headquarters for jesters and clowns who secretly influence the direction of political events - receives word of the death of the Duke Orsino of Illyria. Feste, who nurtured Orsino's affections for Viola years before, suspects foul play, so he goes to investigate, disguised as a merchant. The guild also sends along Bobo, in fool's garb, to act as a decoy. Feste fears that Malvolio, former steward to a wealthy family who became the butt of his songs and pranks, may have murdered the duke in the first step of a long-promised revenge. But after 14 year's absence, Feste is no longer certain of Malvolio's appearance, and every man in town becomes a suspect. The plot becomes further entangled with the murder of Fabian, the new steward to the family that Malvolio once served. Gordon's invention of the guild's code and its many tricks is delightful; his dialogue is pitch perfect. What the first half of the narrative lacks in excitement, the second provides in abundance, as political intrigues - and the characters involved in them - sparkle, delighting readers all the way to the conclusion."
Booklist gave it a starred review, and here's what Publishers Weekly had to say: "'I prefer to jump to conclusions without evidence. It saves time,' says Feste, a professional fool. Around this note of obfuscation, Gordon's first novel weaves an amusing sequel to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night that, through clever misdirection and deceit, keeps readers guessing. In the first year of the 13th century, the Fool's Guild - a training center and headquarters for jesters and clowns who secretly influence the direction of political events - receives word of the death of the Duke Orsino of Illyria. Feste, who nurtured Orsino's affections for Viola years before, suspects foul play, so he goes to investigate, disguised as a merchant. The guild also sends along Bobo, in fool's garb, to act as a decoy. Feste fears that Malvolio, former steward to a wealthy family who became the butt of his songs and pranks, may have murdered the duke in the first step of a long-promised revenge. But after 14 year's absence, Feste is no longer certain of Malvolio's appearance, and every man in town becomes a suspect. The plot becomes further entangled with the murder of Fabian, the new steward to the family that Malvolio once served. Gordon's invention of the guild's code and its many tricks is delightful; his dialogue is pitch perfect. What the first half of the narrative lacks in excitement, the second provides in abundance, as political intrigues - and the characters involved in them - sparkle, delighting readers all the way to the conclusion."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Bard would stop for this mystery from his Twelfth Night,
By A Customer
This review is from: Thirteenth Night: A Medieval Mystery (Hardcover)
In December 1200, The Fool's Guild learns that Duke Orsino of Illyria unexpectedly died. The jesters and clowns who make up the behind the scenes, politically influential guild suspects foul play. Fifteen years earlier, one of the Guild's members, Feste, influenced events that led to Orsino loving Viola and halting a Saladin plot. The loser of that affair, Malvolio, vowed vengeance and the Guild wonders if he finally succeeded. The Guild leadership agrees to send Feste back to Illyria to learn the truth and, if necessary, stop any plot led by one of their greatest enemies, Malvolio. Feste disguises himself as a merchant. Another Guild member accompanies him as a jester to throw the spotlight away from Feste. Soon Feste realizes several unnerving facts. People age rapidly in a decade and a half, thereby changing their appearance. He cannot find his foe, who searches for him to complete his act of vengeance while plotting to complete his failed earlier mission. Either Alan Gordon wears white jackets with special buckles or he is a certifiable genius. No one except perhaps Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) would rewrite even an iota of the Bard, but Mr. Gordon does so fabulously. Taking up fifteen years after Twelfth Night ended, the writer provides a riveting historical mystery. The story line starts a bit slow like a roller coaster creaking up the first ramp, in this case to establish roles and motivations. However, once cleared, like the rest of the roller coaster ride, the novel is non-stop. The insight into the machinations of the Fool's Guild and the overall era brings to life Medieval England in a manner that would make Shakespeare proud because the Elizabethan influence is not a factor. Harriet Klausner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Entertaining with a very clever plot,
By A Customer
This review is from: Thirteenth Night: A Medieval Mystery (Hardcover)
Gordon's clever working of the characters from the Twelft Night produces a very entertaining mystery. Students who study Shakespear as part of their courses will enjoy this book.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant comic mystery in the best tradition of Shakespeare,
By A Customer
This review is from: Thirteenth Night: A Medieval Mystery (Hardcover)
A brilliant comic murder mystery -- think of Raymond Chandler writing the Pink Panther, or Shakespeare directing "Murder By Death." The Byzantine plot is set against a fascinating 11th Century backdrop. You will learn more about juggling, crossbows, guilds and alchemy than you ever learned in school. It took 400 years to get the sequel to Twelfth Night. With luck, the next volume -- "Fourteenth Night"? "As You Like It Again"? -- won't take so long.
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