FYI: I WON A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK THROUGH GOODREADS

Way too much information being thrown at you in the first several chapters, much of it having nothing to do with the alleged story. By the time I was getting round to the 100th page I had had more than enough.

Don't get me started on the ridiculous name for the lead character, who comes off a pathetic wooden mannequin who only really existed for her now beloved deceased mentor, and sadly never had any genuine aspirations of her own. Absolutely couldn't stand her she came off so flat. The 2 kids are equally 2 dimensional and frankly, by the eighth chapter and the 20th plus time being reminded that the dear wee souls parents had been killed in a car accident with their grandmother, I was of the opinion that it was a bloody shame that they hadn't been in the same vehicle.

I appreciate the author put a lot of research into this novel, but how that research is ultimately presented is what makes a good book.

***********************UPDATE************************************************

What's even funnier is how arrogantly defensive John Bentley comes across when he replies to negative reviews via private Goodreads.com mail or via replies to posted reviews.

He admits that Mrs G served no purpose other than to walk you through the book expounding upon the overlooked genius of Francis Bacon, and that he did not consider it necessary to bother fleshing out her character for this very reason. Bentley then follows up with the accusation that I probably didn't understand his book, while those that gave him excellent reviews obviously did.

Just basically proves my point that Bentley doesn't understand that when you choose to write a fictional book about a historical character, you still need to present the narrative in an engaging manner. ( )

This story is fascinating and most compelling. Through a 21st century narrative we accompany Mrs. G on her quest to confirm her suspicions of actions and identities of several of the main players from late 16th / early 17th century England. Juxtaposed against the quest is the 16th century story of conspiracy, intrigue, political posturing within Elizabethan England. But beyond all that, we also observe the birthing of the Age of Reason which is not necessarily a popular trend. That which we believed to be true of the Elizabethan Age is challenged and an alternative history is substantiated through exhaustive research of respected greats upon whom the author John Bentley has relied. Bentley has a most engaging writing style and is a fine storyteller which captivates the reader early on and carries them through to the end. However, what is most important are the philosophical ideas and questions the reader is left with long after the last page is read and the book is closed.

WOW! this book truly makes you question theories we thought were set in stone. Not only in regard to Shakespeare and Francis Bacon, but a real eye-opener to the world as we 'don't' know it! A fantastic read, supported by very interesting research material on the books website, plus the Pearltrees and Pintrest social media sites. A book that leaves one thinking beyond is always going to grab my attention. It takes the first 10 chapters or so to get into the 'nitty-gritty', but as you read on it makes sense as to why these first chapters are needed to lay the grounds to the novel. A thoroughly recommended read for all, this book has me looking into new territories with eyes wide open! ( )