I received this from LibraryThing as a free advanced copy from the publisher, William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. Unfortunately, I cannot praise this one as highly as I have others.

To begin, I'd like to point out that Goodreads should update the book information. The paperback copy is 404 pages long, not the 360-some it says.

As for the book itself, I was incredibly disappointed. It took almost 300 pages for anything interesting to happen, and the ending was unsatisfactory to say the least. It left the reader slightly dumbfounded, but not in a way that one would wish. Very few characters are multi-dimensional, with most failing to rise from the page. The whole story was dark, but not in a Poe or Gothic sort of way, it was just... dark. Perhaps, unnecessarily so.

In short, I would not recommend this. Normally, I keep my first read books on principal, but I don't think I even want anyone stumbling across this among my piles and shelves if/when they look for something to read. ( )

I received this from LibraryThing as a free advanced copy from the publisher, William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. Unfortunately, I cannot praise this one as highly as I have others.

To begin, I'd like to point out that Goodreads should update the book information. The paperback copy is 404 pages long, not the 360-some it says.

As for the book itself, I was incredibly disappointed. It took almost 300 pages for anything interesting to happen, and the ending was unsatisfactory to say the least. It left the reader slightly dumbfounded, but not in a way that one would wish. Very few characters are multi-dimensional, with most failing to rise from the page. The whole story was dark, but not in a Poe or Gothic sort of way, it was just... dark. Perhaps, unnecessarily so.

In short, I would not recommend this. Normally, I keep my first read books on principal, but I don't think I even want anyone stumbling across this among my piles and shelves if/when they look for something to read. ( )

The Skull and the Nightingale by Michael Irwin captures 18th century England through a dark yet intriguing lens. So like The Crimson Petal and The White this novel holds no bars in portraying graphic stories without possibility of being mistaken for a Dickensian morality tale. As a result, there are few likable characters and little if no room for empathy. Still, there is a rather unique twist surrounding the bargain made between James Gilbert and his godson Richard Fenwick that helps keep the pages turning. To fans of historical fiction I say this book, so well written, may lead you down a lascivious path you may not want to wander. For myself, I will look forward to reading another Irwin novel if maybe next time he lighten things up a little. ( )

A very slow start that picks up toward the middle but never quite makes up for its sluggishness. This is impeccably researched and fans of historical fiction -- especially London in the 18th century -- will appreciate how incredibly accurate and detailed the novel is. It has a very authentic feel. Unfortunately, this is outweighed by cons: no compelling stakes for the narrator, no in-depth analysis of his benefactor's cruelty, no takeaway for the reader.

Recommended only for those who love this time period. ( )

I received this book from the LibraryThing First Reads free giveaway. This was an interesting read as it dealt with the relationship between Richard and his Godfather (Gilbert). In the beginning, the relationship seemed very formal but once Richard agreed to report to Gilbert his detailed account of his surroundings and experiences, it appeared that his Gilbert had found another 'puppet'. As the story progressed, it clearly demonstrated that those with money have power to satisfy their whims and those dependent on them, at times will choose the easier path regardless of their moral compass. I don't want to reveal the ending but I have to say that I was actually surprised. I would recommend this book. ( )