Reviews of Memento Mori by Readers
Review by Bishop Ed Little (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana)
I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed Memento Mori. It’s a great story; the plot lines are nicely woven together. I feel as though Lady Apollonia has become a friend! You’ve also created a gloriously
despicable villain in Sherf. Am I right in assuming that we may well see her again?
One of the delightful things about reading your books is that they provide the “feel” of Medieval England. You have the ability to craft an exciting and challenging mystery, all the while immersing the reader in a very different time and place. Thanks so much for letting me be one of your admiring readers. I look forward to the next installment!
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Comments by Nancy Becker
I have been meaning to write and tell you how much I enjoyed “Memento Mori.” I really liked the complexity of the narrative – – lots of interesting things happening and woven together so artfully. I suspect that one of your intentions is to teach as well as to entertain, and I so enjoy the details of 14th century life – – Life in Windemere House, the priory, the relationships among Merchants, knights, squires, servants, the clergy, the details of daily life among the wealthy, among the poor, among the thieves (even Laston bringing his master’s heart to Lady Apollonia in a bottle).
The characters are very strong. The villains are SO evil, and their evil deeds are unflinchingly portrayed – – the murder of the pious hermit and the delayed discovery of his body is chilling. There is even a rip-roaring sex scene. Sherf is a particularly dastardly character who is brought very much to life in the narrative. I liked the devious complexity of the plot to ambush the kings treasure.
I wonder if Lady Apollonia ever gets angry enough to smash crockery?Sometimes she seems a little
ethereal and self-controlled. Probably that is appropriate to her station, but maybe a little more fire would be something for you to think about.
To sum up, a fabulous book. thank you. Keep on writing!!
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Review by the Rev. Jim Mitchell in the Hoosier Parson, Vol. 5, No. 3:
If you are sick and tired of political wrangling and horrific news stories, a good medieval murder mystery might be in order. Memento Mori is just the ticket.
The plot is intricate but plausible. Political corruption, child abuse, rapacious greed, ecclesiastical malevolence, and plain old fashioned nastiness abound. But so do courage, self-discipline, compassion, and faith. I found the book hard to put down. Foster knows how to make the reader turn the page.
As always, the book is well researched. The reader gets a revealing look at life in 14th century England.
Lady Apollonia is the center around whom the plot and characters revolve. She is a loyal, humane and reverent humanist. She thinks. Her intentions are not distorted by greed or vanity. She is also a woman of deep sympathy for the unfortunate and of high intelligence and learning. She is also capable of an unyielding and determined resolve.
Her nemesis is ingenious, totally without scruples, devoid of anything that could be called morality, a person consumed by egotism and compulsive, manipulative energy. She is licentious without being sensual, a genuinely horrid person. How these fascinating personalities interact makes for a great story.
There are important religious themes in the book. Resurrection pops up unexpectedly. It’s described in a moving and helpful way. She convincingly portrays the inherent tendency of evil to self-destruct. The bumbling and ridiculous nature of self-important vanity and greed personified by the Pardoner are vividly — and humorously — described. All this is done in a subtle, but powerful and entertaining way. You’ll enjoy the book.
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Comments by dennis norman:
i was finally able to sit down and read, and i have just had the most wonderful reunion with lady apollonia and her english world. it was a very warm homecoming. i envy the knack you have for bringing both characters and their time to life in such a genuine way. even the villains.
the intricate webs you have woven are quite ingenious. my compliments.
the world of fiction has a new Lady in its midst. can’t wait until i get to meet her again.