Labyrinth: 07/22/11

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse was a book club selection. It's an archeological mystery in the present day and a 13th century historical fiction linked. The two plots are linked together by location and both have female protagonists with names beginning with the letter A.

In the present day Alice Tanner finds a potential tomb site inside a cave while helping with an archeological dig. Afterwards she begins to experience lapses in memory. A body is found near the site and she becomes the primary suspect. With her spotty memory she has trouble defending herself.

In the past Alais is given a ring by her father and told to protect it with her life. It holds the key to the Grail's secret hiding spot. It must be kept hidden at all costs.

Alais's story takes up two thirds of the book. I wish it were only a third of the total story because the historical melodrama got old fast. She's supposed to be a strong character, full of conviction but she is basically a pawn of the plot. To get through the book I had to skim through most of Alais's parts.

Two stars.

Comments (4)

Comment #1: Sunday, July, 24, 2011 at 10:06:29

Amy

I read another of her books, The Winter Ghosts, and enjoyed it for the most part. I wanted to read this one too but haven't read many good things about it. Mostly what you pointed out, the main character isn't that interesting.

Comment #2: Monday, July 25, 2011 at 21:41:00

Pussreboots

I wouldn't have read Labyrinth if it weren't for the book club I was briefly participating in.

Comment #3: Monday, July, 25, 2011 at 17:51:53

MarthaE

Sorry you didn't enjoy it more. The premise sounded interesting.

Comment #4: Monday, July 25, 2011 at 21:42:15

Pussreboots

I don't typically like historical fiction set in that era and would have shied away from it if it hadn't been part of the book club's reading.