Equinox

Reasonably ok, but the villian might have well had a sign around his neck that said villian. I found the protagonists to have an interesting relationship to each other, but they were so naive it was funny. One could also see the big wind up coming a mile away. It's like whenever a cat is introduced, you can bet it will meet a bad end, same with any kids presented. Oy vey.

The bits about Newton and his cronies and enemies were interesting. It's obvious that the author is quite familiar with Newton's life and the information was presented almost conversationally rather than scholarly. The afterward was also quite helpful in clarifying things that were a bit hazy because I don't know that much about Newton's work or life.

There's a series of murders happening in Oxford and they echo some murders in the time of Newton. There seems to be an alchemical ritual behind this. While the main characters investigate the bodies mount.

The story is interlaced with the historical murders and written by someone with a very good knowledge of oxford. It's a fun read but nothing spectacular, would probably be of great interest to people who know the area and the places. Newton comes across badly in this one!

Põnevuslugu, mille tegevus leiab aset Oxfordis 2006. aastal ja sir Isaac Newtoni ajastul. 2006. aastal leitakse Oxfordis jõhkralt tapetud noor tüdruk. Tal on süda rinnust võetud ja selle asemele on jäetud vana kuldmünt. Sellele kuriteole järgnevad peagi teised, iga kord on ohvriks noor naine ja iga kord on tal eemaldatud mõni organ. Politsei ei tea, mida arvata. Asjasse saavad segatud politseifotograaf Philip Bainbridge ja tema endine elukaaslane Laura Niven ning oma õuduseks avastavad nad, et sääraseid mõrvu on ette tulnud ka varem, mitme sajandi eest. Vähehaaval hakkavad välja joonistuma suurejoonelise vandenõu piirjooned ning Laura mõistab, et ta peab ajaga võidu jooksma, et päästa kohutavast saatusest oma kõige show more kallimaid inimesi... show less

It is 2006 and a young woman has been found brutally murdered in Oxford. Her throat has been cut. But if that is not gruesome enough, in true "Ripper" style, her heart has been cut out of her chest cavity and in the place where it had been lies what appears to be an ancient gold coin. The following day, another woman is found, but this time her brain has been removed and a silver coin lies in the bowl of her skull.

The police force are baffled by the crimes. However, when Philip Bainbridge, a photographer attached to the police, and his one time lover Laura Niven become involved in the crimes they discover that these sadistic murders are not just confined to the present. A mystery begins to unfold which involves Sir Isaac Newton, a show more powerful man, but a man who lived over 300 years ago, with a deadly conspiracy. A conspiracy that echoes down the centuries and is as lethal today as it was all those years ago . . .

This is a well written book, well researched and executed. There are sufficient conspiracy theories, references to ancient crimes and interesting clues to keep the reader engrossed and turning the pages. show less

This is a murder story set in the 17th and 21st centuries. It's quite gripping as it switches between the two threads of the story. The 17th century story uses historical characters and makes it more interesting than just another detective story. At the end the author explains what was fact and what was invention, which is always useful to know.

The plot line is really interesting, but the dialogue is often stitled and unrealistc. Despite this, it's still an enjoyable read.

3.5 Stars