Robert Harris' "Conclave" --- a Review

I liked this book. The ending is completely unexpected.

The book opens with the death of old Pope. Dean of Cardinals, charged with organizing a Conclave to elect new Pope, has been finding out that those members of conclave who are leading candidates for new Pope are having questionable past that practically prevent them to be a Pope.  

So, it is now up to Dean to make decision how to handle the situation. In addition, a new person appears just before a conclave begins who claims he is a new cardinal elevated in cardinal position by late Pope in secret.

What other secrets are out there? It is a good read.

posted by David  

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Judge Dee's first case by Robert van Gulik

This book about Golden Buddha is part of detective stories whose main character is Judge Dee set in 7th century China. It is said Judge Dee's character is based on real historical Chinese statesman and magistrate. 

In this book Judge Dee is investigating murder of another Judge in a port town. 

Even though it is well written novel, I was not very impressed. Judge Dee is open-minded and curious personality but I did not see anything remarkable in his character to make me to want to read other stories.

posted by David

  

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