Customer Reviews
Enjoyable romp - By: Victoriana_Mad, 29 Jun 2008 
Now, I don't know how much of the story is based on truth (were Wilde & Conan-Doyle good friends?) but the thing I enjoyed most about this novel, apart from it being set in my favourite period, was that it had the sense of a well researched factional novel. You get the impression that Brandreth enjoyed writing this novel, & that he devoted time to getting the details correct. It's not a particularly literary book, but I don't think that was the intention. It's a great little holiday novel, or one to read on your commute. The type of book that I enjoyed immensely & look forward to the next in the series, but not one I would buy in hardback & I probably won't hold on to the paperback...
Unutterable tosh - By: Neil French, 08 Jun 2008 
I used to wonder if Wilde would have been a bit annoying in life...glumly searching for the bon mot & flinging it into a conversation like a rubber chicken. But Brandreth manages to make him merely boring. This book is Giles screaming "Look, Mummy! I know lots of famous people! Bet I can get them alll into my scrapbook!". His style is forced; the plot is dire; the denouement predictable. Apparently though, several people who have offered a crit of this exercise in turgidity have liked it a lot. One despairs, frankly.
Not Wilde.... - By: Theodora Wayte, 06 May 2008 
I wanted to enjoy this. I did manage to finish it. There were some good moments but it was a bit of a slog. I had been attracted to the idea on the cover, & even gave a copy to a friend (before I read it) as I thought it would have a lot going for it, but I will not be passing it on to any others.
I hope any following titles will have more to offer. I wonder if the next one out will show Wilde's true nature & not brush over it in the narrative in this rather unexpected way. It is referred to in the past tense, but not as the story goes along, surely the Robert Sherard character would have sussed it, why so coy?
Fresh! - By: A. Burgot, 12 Apr 2008 I'm a sucker for the nineteenth century. I would have thought that putting real people through a fictional adventure would cause libel issues, but apparently not. Good for him! Oscar Wilde playing Sherlock Holmes with the help of Conan Doyle was refreshing & entertaining.
Great reading - By: Mr G, 03 Apr 2008 
I enjoyed this novel immensely. Brandreth is a superb writer with a nice line in understated humour & a keen ability to evoke a period. The story is intriguing & the characters very well-drawn, with Wilde himself emerging as fun, fascinating & humane. It's a terrific read & I hope the author will produce a whole series. Book 2 is out in May 2008.
