A Mystery of Errors

As usual I have gone about things the wrong way. Ever since reading "Much Ado About Murder", I have worked my way backwards through the Shakespeare and Smythe mysteries written by Simon Hawke. "A Mystery of Errors" is the first in the series of mysteries involving William Shakespeare as sleuth, along with would-be actor Symington "Tuck" Smythe. Naturally Hawke's first must include some background information about his characters and the time period, but it never distracts from the story at hand. As would-be actor Tuck makes his way to London to pursue his dream, he chances an encounter with a struggling poet hoping to make his mark on the London stage as well. Becoming fast friends, the pair winds up in London, and find jobs as ostlers with the Queen's Men. While not the jobs they had hoped for, they seek all opportunities to rise above their positions and prove their worth. Shakespeare gets his chance to write for the stage and Smythe his chance to act; but of course, everything does not go according to plan and both find themselves mixed up in murder and intrigue. Loosely following the plot of "A Comedy of Errors", the pair must unravel a mystery of murder, mistaken identity and conspiracy that places both of their lives at risk. Hawke has done a masterful job of uniting created characters with historical personages, and brings the Elizabethan theater to vivid life. In his afterword he acknowledges that he is no scholar on Shakespeare, but has taken the liberty to portray him as he has imagined him. His imagining is funny and likeable, mixing lines of dialogue from Shakespeare's plays into his 'fictional' counterpart's quips and exchanges. And while some purists may grimace at the thought of using Shakespeare as a fictional character, most assuredly the playwright himself would sanction it - for he himself wouldn't have had the plays he wrote if he didn't borrow (or downright steal) from other sources. "A Mystery of Errors" is a fine introduction to the series, but I have found them just as enjoyable to read out of order, and look forward to reading more.

Hailed as the first "Shakespeare-Smythe" episode in yet another Elizabeth mystery series, Simon Hawke’s "A Mystery of Errors" is a good first edition. Mr. Hawke, an acclaimed writer in the fantasy genre, makes his mystery gambit with this one and draws good marks. While there may be those who wish to compare it to "Shakespeare in Love" (or even Kellenman’s "Quality of Life"!), there’s actually little to compare, at least that would be worth the effort. This book stands on its own. Having Shakespeare as a co-central character is pleasant enough, certainly original enough, and Hawke’s powers of description and episode--not to mention his knowledge of Elizabethan history--are enough to make this a worthwhile read. "There was nothing quite so invigorating t the senses, Smythe decided, as ending a long and dusty day by being robbed." A good opening sentence, and Hawke, with his unlikely duo of protagonists, is off to trip the light fantastic on the boards of London’s stage. Young Smythe, just twenty and a bit of a hunk himself, vows to fulfill what he believes is his true calling--to become an actor! Of course, with that as the basic quest, Smythe sets out and soon teams up with another wannabe, Will Shakespeare. Clever and fun, at the same time. Not a heavy-weight, literarily (but how many historical mysteries really are?), "A Mystery of Errors" nonetheless demonstrates careful writing, thought, and a knowledge of the craft. Its pacing is sometimes erratic, but perhaps that’s meant as literary symbolism to the Elizabethan times! Regardless, Hawke, we hope, is busy with a second episode of Shakespeare-Smythe.

It is a mystery to me why promoters want to push that this book is more in the spirit of "Shakespear in Love," when the only item it has in common is that Will Shakespeare is a character in it. If you want to compare it to movies, it is much more in the spirit of Jake Scott's 1999 directorial debut: "Plunkett & Macleane." Why? It is a cheeky, edgy rendition done with a contemporary conciousness.The historical rendition of this "Mystery of Errors" is well done, the plot is solid and the characters convincing. As a Renaissance mystery, it has a nice flow, but beware that the mystery only begins to appear more than halfway through the book. The action picks up, and the solution at the end seems a bit rushed, but it is a nice debut to the mystery genre for prolific writer Simon Hawke. I only wish that the 'Afterword' had served as an introduction instead. Recommended.

On his way to London to become an actor, Symington "Tuck" Smythe has been accosted three times by highwaymen, but no one succeeded in robbing him since he had no money. On the fourth attempt Black Billy believes Tuck' statement of nothing to rob and flips the traveler a silver crown so he can have a bite to eat and a room in the nearby Haw and Mouse Inn. However, no rooms are available, but a guest short on funds, Will Shakespeare, offers to share a bed with Simon in exchange for sharing the cost. Tuck agrees. Tuck and Will learn each wants to work in the theater. They agree to journey together in search of fame and a lot of cash. However, neither one expected to become targets of killers who mistakenly identify Will as someone else all because Tuck wanted to help Elizabeth Darcie avoid an unwanted marriage. A MYSTERY OF ERRORS is an amusing historical mystery that willingly shakes a spear at the exorbitances of the Elizabethan drama. The story line is fun, never loses its step (except when Tuck performs), and makes its cast seem genuinely sixteenth century. Simon Hawke has begun a new series that will bring pleasure to those who enjoy a satirical look at heroism and a few tucks at the historical famous.Harriet Klausner

This is a rather good entry to the historical mystery genre -- esp if you enjoy mysteries set in Elizabethan England. I do however have one bone to pick: I do wish that the publicity people would stop comparing every book that has anything to do with Renaissance England and Shakespeare to "Shakespeare in Love". Especially when the comparision is based on the most tenuous of threads. "Shakespeare in Love" was a well acted, well written and well directed movie, but it was a fluff piece; "A Mystery of Errors" is not a fluffy mystery-novel at all. Symington Smythe leaves his home and his middle-class but almost penniless existence to go to London in hopes of joining the ranks of the actors in The Queen's Men. En route he meets the dashing and mysterious highwayman, Black Billy; and the similarly stage struck and budding playwright, William Shakespeare. Once in London, as there are few acting jobs to be had, both Smythe and Shakespeare obtain jobs as ostlers at The Toad and The Badger, all the while hoping that they will somehow manage to break into the magical world of The Queen's Men. And this is how they find themselves embroiled in the troubles of Elizabeth Darcie.Elizabeth Darcie is the only daughter of a wealthy merchant, and who is, much to her chagrin, about to be married off to a young man of the gentry and of some small prominence at court, Anthony Gresham. Elizabeth is both dismayed and angered at her parents's apparent lack of concern over her wishes; and so she is much buoyed when after a conversation with Gresham at the playhouse, she discovers that he has no wish to marry her at all. Imagine her surprise when a few days later Gresham turns up at her home and claims that not only has he never met her but that he wishes to continue with the engagement! Elizabeth is perplexed and angered by Gresham's behaviour and turns to Smythe (whom she met at the playhouse and was very much attracted to) for help in discovering what is afoot.While this mystery novel does not possess a dark and intricate plot, it is a well written and entertaining puzzle that will keep you guessing. What exactly is Gresham up to? Will Elizabeth be sacrificed to her father's ambitions? And how does Black Billy fit in to all this? This novel does not measure up quite in weight to Edward Marston's Elizabethan mystery series featuring Nicholas Bracewell, but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless. Simon Hawke is successful in giving the reader a glimpse of the political and religious intrigue that was taking place behind all the fanfare of Elizabethan England; and I liked his portrayal of William Shakespeare immensely.All in all a very enjoyable read.