A below average story, pleasantly told - Rated 
Quite easy to read... despite the underlying topic relating to renaissance art history, which I know very little about, I think it is described in such a way that does not alienate philistines like me and I actually feel educated in such things now.
Having just undertaken a research based project, I can also empathise in the lead character a little.
If I sat back to think about the plot though, I probably wouldn't have much to write home about as it is 'struggling for friends' to be honest.
After a quarter of the way through, I predicted how it would unfold, desperately wanting to be wrong... Alas, any surprises I had were minor and instantly forgettable.
Just to save anyone else wasting their time:
He goes to Italy, gets laid a few times, discovers the hidden meaning behind a garden is a confession of murder, solves a recent murder of Emilio (which was always pointing at being his brother - yawn!), gets in a bit of a scrape as a result of his endeavours trying to out the killer, just before going home to get a first in his degree and live happily ever after... Oh yeah and gets the girl in the end!
Despite my nonchalance, I quite enjoyed the escapism which the book provides. We have had very warm weather this last week and it is easy to imagine kicking about in hotter climates, being young again!
I would prefer something a little less pleasant with more gorey twists and unexpected turns for my next read though!
Wonderful - Rated 
Fantastic read. Keeps you guessing until the end but is wonderfully written - will appeal to all types of readers from Rankin fans to Morton fans. Mark's previous book - The Whaleboat House - was his first and although a good book you can see how much he has developed when reading this book. I could only put it down very reluctanctly :-)
Very slow moving and dull - Rated 
The first third of this book is dedicated to "setting the scene". However I found it overly descriptive and soon lost interest. I couldn't finish it. Very disappointing.
Atmospheric Thriller - Rated 
Despite the very slow pace of this novel I found it hugely atmospheric. Maybe especially so because I know some of the places mentioned personally, A particular favourite being Bomarzo, The Sacred Wood.
Will definitely appeal to lovers of Italy, Gardens their histories and thrillers. It was only my interest in these first two that kept me turning the pages at first because I found I was almost halfway through before the mystery pulled me in properly. I was pulled in very slowly by the mystery of the two interrelated murders, committed four hundred years apart. It is believed that there is some sort of curse that will be lifted if the riddle of these deaths can be solved.
The protagonist Adam Strickland who is studying the Renaissance Garden at Villa Docci in Tuscany for his university thesis, by personal invitation is unwittingly drawn in by the family to help solve the mystery. Adam successfully uncovers the mysteries of the garden, completely unaware of the danger he is putting himself in, by nosing around into the dark past of the Docci family.
After the slow start I was surprised at how gripping this mystery eventually became.
great historical romp - Rated
The book starts quite slowly and if you are a not familiar with dante or his novel inferno or the novel divine comedy, or indeed the history of roman gods then it may confuse. But try and stick with it because underneath this has a great premise to its story. It is written in an elegant and well thought out way and does keep you hooked once you get about sixty pages into it great for a holiday read as it does spark up images of evenings on holday sat outside in the warmth. Def worth a look at
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