Interred With Their Bones
Did Shakespeare really write what we think he did? Or did someone else? That long-fought argument is the basis for Interred with Their Bones. The book, set in modern times, opens with Kate Stanley, Shakespearean-expert-turned-theatre-director, standing on London’s Hampstead Heath holding a box gifted to her by her former mentor, Roz Howard. As she ponders its contents, she notices something on fire across the Thames. Looking closely, she realizes it’s the Globe Theatre where she’s currently directing a new production of Hamlet. Upon the discovery of Howard’s body in the charred remains of the theatre, Kate finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. She travels across America and England to try and solve the tantalizing mystery of the true authorship of Shakespeare’s writing while fighting to stay alive as those around her are murdered.
If this book was only an average, typical mystery, it would be a good read. But mix in the contentious argument that Shakespeare didn’t write what we think he did, and this book becomes fantastic. As Kate struggles to solve the mystery, readers are privy to occasional chapters set in Shakespearean England that brilliantly dole out hints and clues to what has to be one of the most oft-argued debates in literature.
Carrell’s skill at combining plot and character development has created a page-turner worthy of (though I am reluctant to actually say it for fear of turning some readers away…) The Da Vinci Code. It has the pace, plot and intrigue necessary to become a bestseller. For those who shy away from such novels, it also has intelligent research worthy of its own book. So, without being trite, Interred with Their Bones has something for everyone and comes very highly recommended.
