Interesting novel in which the United States degenerates into a dystopian state in the near future. The story is also about the importance of words. The banning of certain words prevents certain thoughts which the state would rather not have. Certainly there are elements found in other novels of this general type (1984, Brave New World, and Fahrenheit 451 come to mind) but the emphasis on security in our society since 9/11 adds to the relevance. Thought-provoking and I’m going to think about it a bit.

A mystery with several murders set in 16th century Oxford University. Religous intolerance, conspiracies, plots against the crown, the Queen’s spymaster, and an undercover monk-scholar all work to make this a compelling historical thriller.