Wrapt in Crystal

by Sharon Shinn

Book Overview

When a planet's religious sects fall victim to a serial killer, an Interfed agent must immerse himself in a world of stark spirituality to save the lives of two extraordinary women. From the acclaimed... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441006167
• ISBN13: 9780441006168
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantasy and Mystery

Who is killing the priestesses of two opposing religious orders and why? That is the plot basic and Miss Shinn does an excellent job of following clues and developing the relationships between the characters. I was unsure what to expect from this novel which is a stand alone story unrelated to her other series. It is a very different kind of story from what I usually expect from her. I can't say I enjoyed it as much as her 12 Houses and Archangel series but I did enjoy it on its own merits and thought it was worth a 5 star rating. If you like her other books you will probably like this one. If you're looking for the most exciting, most adventuresome who done it in town this isn't it. If you are on the fence about buying it I would say take the chance. I was pleasantly surprised when I did.

Thoughtful Thriller

Combines an emotionally scarred interstellar detective's search for a serial killer with a fascinating look at a peaceful desert culture that embraces a female deity. Shinn's usual first-rate work.

Not quite on the level of Archangel, but good nonetheless.

A suspenseful murder mystery/lovestory. Shinn has created yet another masterpiece. While not quite as good as any of the books in the Samaria trilogy, this book has its share of qualities that should delight anyone who is a fan of Shinn's work. I have found all of her books a great read and always tough to put down once I start reading. Ms. Shinn cannot write books fast enough for me. As soon as I finish one I want to read another. Definitely one of today's great authors. Deserves much more appreciation and fanfare than she gets.

Good SF, satisfying mystery

Wrapt in Crystal is a deft blend of mystery and social science fiction, with colorful characters and complex world building. In particular, the Goddess-with-two-faces idea powers the plot through the mysterious deaths of priestesses and the soul-searching of a heroic detective. Shinn's crystal prose is always a delight, and no less in this tale than in her delightful Samaria series. Don't miss this one!

Shinn's best book yet

I stayed up all night to finish this book. Not only does she do action and romance well, but she manages to portray people with very different viewpoints in a sympathetic way. I usually don't like romance much, and I usually like more poetic prose -- but this author makes me feel comfortable and warm, using simple, readable prose to portray likeable characters. The only way I can describe the story is to say it is a science fiction space opera detective romance action novel with strong religious overtones. How's that for a combo?Our hero is Drake, a pretty standard stereotypical "private dick" character who is the perfect leading man for a romance novel or action story. He's sort of a gentleman space marine with a keen mind and unearthly competence - the kind of guy that doesn't really exist, but that women dream of. Fortunately the women in the book and the plot are interesting enough that rather than be distracted by the uber-detective you will be constantly wondering which of the ladies he's going to end up with, and whodunnit. The book is fun and suprisingly intelligent while seeming very down-to-earth and accessible.If like her angel stories, you'll like this book, too.