Reviews:
Review by Amos Lassen
Four hundred years have failed to bring to light any hard evidence that these, or any other persons, actually wrote Shakespeare's poems and plays, but they have brought an astonishing body of evidence that Shakespeare did not write them. Author Ted Bacino is firmly in the Marlowe camp, and his historical novel, The Shakespeare Conspiracy, is a biography of Christopher Marlowe, told as if Marlowe wrote the works of Shakespeare. Marlowe was a contemporary of Shakespeare, and well-known in Elizabethan literary circles, such as they may have been 400 years ago, as the author of The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus, Tamburlaine the Great, The Jew of Malta, The Tragedy of Edward II and other plays. Marlowe was also believed to be a spy, and he had a well-known taste for boys. In fact, we have Marlowe to thank for the statement, "All they that love not tobacco and boys are fools." It was the spy thing, however, that resulted in the murder of Marlowe in 1593, in a bar brawl at the age of 29. Unless … Here is where Bacino's imagination comes into play. Bacino theorizes that the brawl was a carefully constructed ruse to make it appear that Marlowe was dead, and thus get his political enemies off his back, as it were. Marlowe, writer at heart, and a great one, could go into hiding, but he could not stop writing. So his rich and powerful lover hired a somewhat coarse commoner, William Shakespeare, to masquerade as a playwright so that Marlowe's works could continue to be brought forth and staged. From there, complications develop, and Bacino sees them through to the end of Shakespeare's life as well as to the end of Marlowe's life, as Bacino envisions it to have played out. Constable Maunder, an investigator with the single-minded determination of Les Miserable's Inspector Javert, is convinced that Marlowe is alive and pursues him around Europe. The pursuit is facilitated by the locations in every new play — names dropped like breadcrumbs that give clues to the playwright's whereabouts: Verona, Padua, Venice, Milan, Sicily … It's an entertaining theory, plausibly presented and all the gay stuff is trotted out proudly. The chapters are on the short and choppy side, and there are too many places where the proofreader fails to catch the typos that fell through the cracks of the spelling checker (the most egregious of which may be the horse's "bridal"). The plus side of that is that you can easily find a spot to bookmark when you need to set the book aside and resuming the collateral activities of living your own life.Review by Joe DeMarco in Mysterical E-Magazine
Though the details are best left of the reader to discover, this book contains some wonderful material that will enlighten as well as entertain. Think you know everything there is to know about the Bard or who might have written his material? This book will show you that you don’t. There’s plenty more to find out and Bacino does yeoman’s work in pulling together history and the details of the conspiracy. There’s a fast moving story, historical figures the reader will recognize, and a conspiracy theory that will give rise to questions.Review by Erastes
I was in awe at just how much work Bacino has put into this, with foreword, and massive appendices. It’s obviously massively researched and he’s clearly looked up every single point that he’s writing about, from plague to theatres to politics. I have to give Bacino a standing ovation simply for the work he’s done here with a foreword and a huge appendix But.. The trouble is — it’s not really a novel. This book is really going only to appeal to historians, because those wanting an immersive novel are going to find the style jarring–as I did.A Guest Review by Victor J. Banis
Review by Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Before he could be apprehended and sent to prison, he reportedly suffered fatal injuries in a knife fight, and was buried in an unmarked grave. About the same time, the (then unknown) sometimes actor named William Shakespeare started releasing a long series of surprisingly polished plays and other literary works, which gave him instant fame and fortune. Those who knew him were amazed that the simple womanizer, who didn't seem very literate, could possibly have created such beautiful works, and Shakespeare himself seemed to barely understand what he had written. It wasn't long before it also became evident that the writing style - and sometimes the exact verbiage - seemed very much like that of the deceased Mr. Marlowe. Author Bacino takes the known facts concerning Marlowe and Shakespeare, and adds his own conjecture as to how all that came to be. He creates a riveting historical mystery novel of conspiracies, deceptions spies and murder, built around a longtime gay relationship between Marlowe and his well-connected benefactor, Sir Thomas Walsingham, as well as other colorful characters of the period. Though essentially a sad story, there is significant wit in the telling of it, as the duo worked together to overcome daunting obstacles to their love. The book also includes fifty pages of notes as to the origin of the incidents told, and separating the fact from fiction. Well written and worth a look. Five stars out of five.Review by Midwest Book Review
Instead, the postulate that playwright and known spy Christopher Marlowe was the true author forms the core hypothesis of this engaging narrative. Following the worlds of William Shakespeare, and his notorious sexual escapades resulting in illegitimate children, as well as Christopher Marlowe, who found it acceptable to be homosexual as long as he kept the affiliation within his own class, The Shakespeare Conspiracy is offers wry, page-turning delight and uncountable rationales why only Christopher Marlowe could have been the true playwright behind the classics.Review by Victor J. Banis
So, although I've rated it 4 stars, it's really a bit better than that. It is, however, a thoroughly enjoyable read, a well managed blend of fact and fiction. I can't say if the author's premise - that Shakespeare's plays were written instead by Christopher Marlow - is so or not, but for the most part what he says seems authentic, which is all one should ask of a work of fiction - where the semblance of truth is of far more importance than actual verity. Historical accuracy aside, the author serves up a witty and exciting tale of m/m romance between Christopher Marlowe and his patron, Sir Thomas Walsingham, though readers expecting juicy sex will be disappointed-- this is indeed more romance than erotica and the romance is more talked about than demonstrated. Thomas's cousin, The Royal Spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham,takes it in his head to arrest Marlowe and bring him to trial for heresy. At first Marlowe is safe simply hiding out at Scadbury Manor, Sir Thomas's estate, but that is not enough to satisfy Francis, who wants Marlowe dead, and orders Thomas to arrange it. What Thomas arranges instead is to fake Marlowe's death. Marlowe wants his plays produced, however, and a dupe is found in Shakespeare, who agrees to having them published and produced with his name on them instead of Marlowe's. Throughout the ensuing years--somewhat reminiscent of Les Miserable--Francis and his Constable, Henry Maunder, pursue Marlowe's trail relentlessly, supplying considerable suspense and keeping the pages turning. The author has one major fault, however, and it was this that prompted my rating. Like the worst of the Victorian writers ("Little did he know, dear reader...") he tends to insert asides where he talks to the reader, telling him about events and details subsequent to the story. These intrusions break the spell, and remind the reader that he is after all only reading a book, not living in Elizabethan England. It is a cardinal sin, and nowhere more defeating to the author's purpose than in historical fiction. Apart from that, however, the book is an excellent read. The prose is well done, the humor sly and sparkling, the characters mostly well drawn, though Sir Francis was non-dimensional. Whether or not the author convinces the reader of his premise (I'll let others decide that for themselves), he nonetheless spins an entertaining tale. I recommend the book highly for those who like literate historical fiction. But a familiarity with the (purported) Shakespearean oeuvre would be helpful in getting some of the inside jokes.The Publishing Guru “Todd Rutherford”
Using historically accurate facts, Bacino builds a narrative that describes the world of "gay 16th century Elizabethan England." Moreover, England had been overcome with the Black Plague, sending the country into chaos. The book is loaded with comedy, murder, and romance, all the while gravitating toward the resolution of the mystery. Shakespeare Conspiracy clearly portrays William Shakespeare in a negative light, claiming that he was more known for his work in the stable than his acting or writing abilities. In other words, William Shakespeare was a nobody until the suspicious death/murder of Christopher Marlowe days before his trial. Furthermore, the evidence within the book and in supplemental section hints that Christopher Marlowe could in fact have penned the famous Shakespearean works we read today. Bacino makes a number of bold claims, and like any good historian and researcher, backs them up with impeccable support. For instance, the last fifty pages of the book is essentially a fact verification section, referencing the exact document. Shakespeare Conspiracy outlines numerous homosexual relationships of the time; however, instead of berating those involved, the people of the time chose to downplay the behavior, calling it having "an affinity for each other." Throughout the book, a lively and humorous dialogue takes place between Inspector Maunder and Sir Thomas Walsingham, who tries to protect Christopher Marlow's whereabouts and his impending prison stint. In addition, there is a witty exchange between Sir Francis and Sir Henry regarding the credibility of Shakespeare's work. Sir Francis states, "There seems to be a multitude of questions concerning the obvious discrepancy between Mr. Shakespeare's background and Mr. Shakespeare's writings." In addition to Shakespeare's life being full of vulgarity, illegitimate children, and mistresses, he has hardly any education. It seems that there is minimal correlation between Shakespeare's accomplishments and his academic career. Francis is undoubtedly onto something, and continues asking Sir Henry probing questions such as, "where does he get the material for all his plays," and "His knowledge of court manners? And his familiarity with so much of Italy? He's never been to court and never been out of the country." In modern times, Shakespeare's popularity and impact on future literature is so great that even the casual reader will take time and dig into this entertaining mystery. What exactly went on behind the peculiar death of Christopher Marlowe? What would be the implications to modern day literature if it were proved that everything Shakespearean is actually the work of Christopher Marlowe? Why, it would turn the world of literature upside-down! Read this fascinating book--and decide for yourself.Tracy Roberts “Write Field Services”
Melissa Brown Levine “Independent Book Reviewer”
Bacino combines historical fact, poetic license, well timed humor and conspicuous sexuality to flesh out the story of how William Shakespeare became known as one of the world's greatest playwrights. Bacino crosses the stories of playwright and spy Christopher Marlowe and Shakespeare at a time when both men's lives are undergoing major transitions. When atheist material is found in the home of Christopher Marlowe's former lover, Thomas Kyd, Marlowe is called to Court on charges of heresy. When Marlowe's benefactor and current lover, Sir Thomas Walsingham, seeks help from his cousin, the Secretary of State, and is asked to commit a horrendous act against his beloved, a plot is devised to save the poet and later, to allow the talented Christopher to continue to write and have his plays produced. Bacino portrays Marlowe as a passionate, intelligent, mischievous and talented young man with a deep love for Sir Thomas, which is reciprocated in both action and word. Young Shakespeare is not presented in such a positive light. Bacino's Shakespeare is not much above a buffoon. His lack of education, culture, and sophistication are repeatedly highlighted with Shakespeare often being the subject of the humor that slivers throughout this tale. This book has action, drama, colorful characters, sensuality, a love affair, and conflict that remains present throughout the story. Bacino skillfully integrates fiction and fact, educating the reader as he entertains. The author has included an appendix outlining the historical facts and the fictional inclusions by chapter. This is a testament to Bacino's professionalism and also makes it easier for interested readers to conduct their own research on Shakespeare and Marlowe. The Shakespeare Conspiracy is much like the plays of the author in question: compelling, entertaining, and controversial. I highly recommend it. Melissa Brown Levine IP Book Reviewers