Gooden, Philip - SLEEP OF DEATH

[LJ Roberts]

SLEEP OF DEATH (16^th Century Mystery) – VG Phillip Gooden – 1^st of series
Carroll & Graf, 2000 – tradepaper

During the reign of Elizabeth I, actor Nick Revill, joins the Chamberlain’s Men, the acting company of Richard Burbage and author William Shakespeare. When he unmasks a thief, he is asked to investigate the death of a young man’s father whose mother then marries his uncle.

There are scenes of great good humor, early investigative techniques, some suspense—could Shakespeare be the killer?--and wonderful depictions of London during the late 1500’s. One doesn’t need knowledge of Hamlet to enjoy this book. This is a well-plotted, delightful book and the start of a very good series.