Review of Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

If you like historical fiction and suspense/mystery writing, I think you will like this book. I found it somewhat similar to the Davinci Code by Dan Browne (in that it deals with the search for the "Holy Grail") and also the Historian by Elizabeth Kostava (not in subject, but in the depth of history covered). I found the book kept me interested as well as challenged as well. It took me a good four to five days to read, which is a long time for me to read a book, as I usually read quite quickly.

The book follows the parallels stories of Alais (in twelve century France) and Alice (in modern France) and their involvement with the grail legend. The story opens with modern Alice on an archeological dig in France where she stumbles onto an ancient grave that instigates the story. The grave contains a secret which is crucial to the grail legend and her discovery perks the interest of many who have been waiting for this discovery. At the same time, the book also follows the story of twelve century Alais and how she becomes involved in the grail story through three ancient books that lead her away from the life she has known.

The book alternates between the two stories and I found this to be quite enjoyable. Alice and Alais are very similar and it is interesting to see how the two women deal with their situations against very different time periods. I also love history and Kate Mosse does an excellent job dealing with the history of the Cathars in medieval France which this story is set against.

For those who enjoy history, this is a really good book.