As an English Literature Graduate and Museum worker I knew that I had to read this book, 'D.O.G.S.' as it combines my two loves, literature and history and I was not disappointed. As I knew this novel was aimed at the young adult market I wondered if it would be a little simplistic but I was very pleasantly surprised! I learnt some things about Ben Jonson that I didn't know and was kept intrigued and interested the whole way through. In fact I really didn't want to put the book down.
The writing is colloquial and easy to read adding to the fast pace of the mystery plot. The characters were well written and likable. I felt that the combination of characters from different class backgrounds all brought together in a predominantly upper class setting made the characters accessible to almost everyone, I shouldn't think anyone reading this novel would have a problem relating to at least one of the characters.
The settings of the book are described beautifully making it really easy to picture where the action is taking place. I really enjoyed the format of framing the action around the play structure, it made the plot easy to follow and the reveals about the historical characters were fascinating!
I unfortunately haven't read the prequel to this book, 'S.T.A.G.S' and although I was still able to follow the plot fine I feel that I would have had an even better understanding of the characters and their motivations had I read the books in order. So if you haven't read the first book don't worry but to really appreciate it I would suggest reading both. I will certainly be going back to read the first book by this great writer M.A. Bennett.
The writing is colloquial and easy to read adding to the fast pace of the mystery plot. The characters were well written and likable. I felt that the combination of characters from different class backgrounds all brought together in a predominantly upper class setting made the characters accessible to almost everyone, I shouldn't think anyone reading this novel would have a problem relating to at least one of the characters.
The settings of the book are described beautifully making it really easy to picture where the action is taking place. I really enjoyed the format of framing the action around the play structure, it made the plot easy to follow and the reveals about the historical characters were fascinating!
I unfortunately haven't read the prequel to this book, 'S.T.A.G.S' and although I was still able to follow the plot fine I feel that I would have had an even better understanding of the characters and their motivations had I read the books in order. So if you haven't read the first book don't worry but to really appreciate it I would suggest reading both. I will certainly be going back to read the first book by this great writer M.A. Bennett.