Nigel Cawthorne

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of the book. First and foremost, I am a fanatic of true crime, assassinations, etc. I've been reading about the JFK assassination for years and have come to my own conclusions. So when a book such as this comes out, of course, I am going to jump all over it. The title says it all in nutshell. Many times one hears that assassinations don't accomplish what the killer(s) set out to do, that is, if they even have an agenda or reason for killing. The murders put forth in this book truly did change the world and the author provides details on just how those changes came about because these people were killed. What i loved about the book is that it shed light on murders I wasn't that familiar with, coupled with the effects of those murders. A truly insightful and fascinating read.… (more)

Fantastic!

You can always tell when an author loves the topic of their book so deeply, and has true knowledge of the real world places they are writing about. This book breathes tradition, and alumni. I loved that with each chapter, it had me questioning if I could really go and see this, if this was what life was like at yale. It made the magical elements of the story that much more engulfing.

The story isn't written with a linear timeline, which adds so much to the suspense. I was on edge for the whole book, I needed answers so many questions, and I couldn't read fast enough to get them! The ending was perfection, left just the right questions opened, but gave a solid closure.

The magic has boundaries / rules, it's so believable. This could be present day, a haunting true story. No wand waving or unimaginable spells. Very well researched, and written. I can't wait for the next book!… (more)

Interesting, but not precisely what it says on the tin. The title and summary on the back would give the impression that the book is a collection of crazy laws enacted throughout the ages that are still in effect. There are a few of these sprinkled throughout, but most of the entries are really more a historic overview of London laws through history; laws that seem insane to us now, but made sense to citizens at the time (for good or bad).

As I said, it's still a very engaging and interesting read; I learned heaps about London (did not know, for example that there's a city of London and a City of London (the latter being the 1 square mile section within the old Roman walls). But I admit when I saw "Ludicrous" in the title, I was expecting something far sillier, the UK version of silly laws I've heard about in America like:

In Gainsville Georgia, you are not allowed to eat fried chicken any other way than using your hands.

In Arizona, having more than two vibrators in your home is illegal. If you own more than two in your house, you can be subject to criminal possession.

In Iowa, it is illegal for a man with a mustache to kiss a woman in public.

In Florida it is illegal for a divorced or a widowed woman to skydive on a Sunday afternoon. Also, if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

The closest this book comes to this version of ludicrous is a law that states you cannot have a pack of playing cards within one mile of any building storing explosives or ammunition. Which, I admit, is a stumper.

All in all, a good read; very informative, well-written and entertaining. Just not silly.… (more)