To Play the King (House of Cards #2) by Michael Dobbs

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To Play the King (House of Cards Trilogy, Book 2) My rating:

In this second part of the House of Cards trilogy, Francis Urquhart, now Prime Minister, takes on none other than the King, both the man and all he stands to represent.

The story is well-documented, certainly drawing on Michael Dobbs’ experience as editorial assistant and feature writer, then politician for the Conservative party. Some of the issues seem close to his heart - and his right wing penchant is rather obvious.

It was interesting to get an insider’s view of the workings of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, as well as of how Madam Speaker (miraculously) prevents total mayhem.

This felt less suspenseful, more linear than the first volume. The characters are nicely fleshed out but the intrigue seems long-winded, abruptly resolving at the end with the customary twist.

It was a good read but lacked the extra spark of the first volume (or perhaps I just read it at the wrong time/in the wrong mood). I will be reading The Final Cut as definitely want to know how it all ends.

First, I need to finish my Summer Challenge with panache. The Big Book Summer Challenge is hosted by Sue at book by book and ends on September 7 - I am hoping to finish Becoming by Michelle Obama and reading either Live Bait by PJ Tracy or... a book recently received on my birthday: "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson (the second in the Millenium series)! 

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