Weekend at Blenheim

by J.P. Morrissey

Book Overview

In this enthralling and atmospheric tale of murder, revenge, and redemption, a young American struggles to make sense of a world he does not understand, where the price of acceptance may be murder. John Vanbrugh is an outsider in the England of 1905: A determined but unsuccessful American architect, he has moved to London to make a new life for himself and his wife, Margaret. When he receives an unexpected summons to meet the dazzling Duchess of Marlborough...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312311389
• ISBN13: 9780312311384
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Real Page Turner

Just want to say that Sunnye Tiedemann's review was right on the mark. I, too, couldn't decide whether to buy the book having read the review from Publishers Weekly, but it was inexpensive so I took a chance on a writer I had not read before. It was a very good book. The characters, for the most part, were real historical figures and the plot was believeable. Having been to Blenheim myself I could visualize the land around it. It is good thing not to take as gospel some of the reviews that are written by the professionals. Go with your gut feeling and take a chance, especially if it doesn't cost too much. You might be in for a wonderful surprise.

Could'nt put it down

I just finished reading "Weekend at Blenheim" and it was a very enjoyable experience. I visited Blenheim Palace about 10 years ago and I have vivid memories of it - it is an unforgettable kind of place. I think the characters were beautifully drawn and very believable, though I wish he had described more of the estate itself, rather than just the house. Nevertheless, it was very fun read. This book is a gripping mystery and an addictive thriller at the same time. That aristocrats could have and probably did behave in the way the book describes does not surprise me. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely?"

A very satisfying debut

A friend recommended this book to me and then I finished it in two days. Any fan of historical fiction will love this novel. The plot is intricate and the characters are painted in vivid colors and the atmosphere is mesmerizing. After 20 pages, you'll be hooked.

Stimulating, Entertaining

I don't usually read mysteries but something about this book drew me in. And I'm awfully glad it did, too. I found the characters utterly fascinating and the plot entirely involving. At no time did any character come across as a cardboard cut-out stereotype, as often happens in historical fiction. The author also has a firm grasp on his subject, but at no time does the research erode the story. I recommend this most entertaining novel to anyone, whether that person be a mystery fan or just someone who likes fantastic fiction.