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.
