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I've had to stop and look up words that I'm not able to sort out even with context--which is distracting from the story itself. I don't mind learning new things, but most of the words I'll never have need of again so it seems a bit pointless. I complain about this every time and still I read on though--I do like the the characters and series otherwise and would give it 5 stars if it weren't for this one issue. Aug 07, Suzanne rated it it was ok.
Although I enjoy McIntosh's authentic Medieval details and attitudes, lightened with a bit of modern attitude, the "mystery" is practically non-existent. It's obvious quite early who the murderer is and unbelievable that Gil is unable to decipher literally the clue that reveals the identity -- I, too, turned away in disgust. One motive is also patently obvious, although I was surprised by the other and was unable to interpret those clues correctly, relying as they do on the Mediev Frustrating.
One motive is also patently obvious, although I was surprised by the other and was unable to interpret those clues correctly, relying as they do on the Medieval mind-set.
Unfortunately, the characters are not developing. They remain rather flat and two-dimensional. That sort of thing is not a problem in mysteries that rely primarily on secondary characters with a detective who shows up later in the work and whose primary function is to reveal all, as in most Christy works, but in this kind of series, with main recurring characters, it is essential that they develop. Jun 20, Kate rated it really liked it Shelves: Gil and Alys, finally married, are really a great couple and this mystery, involving a body found in the peat bog, a missing husband, and a witch-hunting priest, is filled with interesting characters and historical facts.
There is a section towards the end where you may get bored, knowing who the murderer is and wondering how there can be 70 more pages, but if you stick with it you will enjoy the surprisingly exciting ending. Sep 18, Kathy rated it really liked it.
Still loving this series and enjoying the increasing level of participation in solving mysteries by Gil's new bride Alys. This one had no presence of her father who played such an important role in previous books. There is a generous good will touched with loving humour as the author depicts life and peoples of rural areas in the 15th Century. Suspicion of witchcraft was one element dealt with as well as many discussions and descriptions of peat - all greatly amusing to me.
Aug 29, Mairi rated it really liked it. I love that there's a mystery series set in 15th Century Glasgow. Sometimes, however, I'm a little disappointed with the books themselves. This one was slow going - it took me about pages to really get hooked.
From there on out I really enjoyed the story, and didn't guess what was going on until very near the end. Gil Cunningham is a very likeable character, as is Alys. I enjoy this series. There was a little too much time spent on educating me about the mining of coal. Once I got past that I was into trying to figure out 'who done it'. I kind of had a guess, but was still surprised at the ending. Recommend the series-start with the first one: Nov 16, Cheryl rated it really liked it. A Gil Cunningham Murder Mystery. While Gil and his new bride are visiting his family estates a body is found by peat-cutters.
Gil is pulled into the mystery when a local wise women is accused of witchcraft. A local man is missing but the corps seems much older. Gil discovers a tangled web of deaths and coverup. I get so caught up in the characters and the world of s Scotland that I forget to follow the clues to the murder s Gil Cunningham and his lady Alys are trying to solve! I really love to fall into a Pat McIntosh stirt! Mar 12, Patty rated it really liked it.
One of the best in this series of mysteries set in 15th century Scotland. A body is found in the peat, possibly a man missing from the village weeks ago, possibly a long-lost saint It is up to Gil and Alys, now newly wed, to find out. May 09, Cindy rated it liked it.
Good characters and a nice s Scotland period piece. And an interesting mystery, although I did struggle a bit with the many characters and the dialect. Feb 11, Donald rated it it was ok Shelves: Totally agree with all the other reviews, the culprit was obvious from the start and the plot was simply playing catch-up, not a great addition to the series.
Sep 16, Maureen E rated it liked it Shelves: Mar 14, Rachel marked it as to-read. Picked up a couple of books at the Festival. I've never heard of the books or the authors but I was in the mood for a mystery and liked the cover art. Nov 16, Bryn Plus Others rated it liked it Shelves: This is the peat bog one, and I don't remember much of it, although I seem to recall there's some very nice Alys parts.
Oct 12, Rachel rated it liked it Shelves: A good read - I did guess the murderer though which is always a little disappointing. May 02, Julia rated it it was amazing. I enjoyed this book very much - all of the Gil Cunningham books are great. And learning about medieval Scotland is a big plus!
Recommend the series-start with the first one: Works can belong to more than one series. So, the Dummies guides are a series of works. Home Groups Talk Zeitgeist. Aug 12, Penny rated it really liked it Shelves:
Gil and his new bride Alys leave Glasgow to visit his mother when a body is foud in the peat. The investigation follows the usual path to a surprising twist. Jul 23, Mary added it. I enjoy the Gil Cunningham series, good characters and brings the era alive. Tom rated it liked it Mar 02, Colleen Bolthouse rated it it was amazing Sep 23, Angie Taylor rated it really liked it May 15, Lynn rated it really liked it Jun 22, A good rule of thumb is that series have a conventional name and are intentional creations , on the part of the author or publisher.
For now, avoid forcing the issue with mere "lists" of works possessing an arbitrary shared characteristic, such as relating to a particular place. Avoid series that cross authors, unless the authors were or became aware of the series identification eg. Also avoid publisher series, unless the publisher has a true monopoly over the "works" in question. So, the Dummies guides are a series of works. But the Loeb Classical Library is a series of editions, not of works. Home Groups Talk Zeitgeist.
I Agree This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and if not signed in for advertising. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms. Common Knowledge Series Gil Cunningham murder mystery. Gil Cunningham murder mystery Series by cover. Forsaken Soul by Priscilla Royal Same series: Gilbert Cunningham is the youngest son of an aristocratic Scottish family that lost their lands after his father and two older brothers were killed fighting for James III against the future James IV.
Gil is studying to be a notary and working for his uncle David Cunningham who is the senior judge of the Consistory Court of the archdiocese. Gil expects to become a priest: When Gil finds a woman murdered, the case falls under Judge Cunningham's jurisdiction, and he assigns Gil to the investigation. John Semphill of Muirend.