In the following review, Broyard compares Unsworth's The Big Day to MacDonald Harris' Yukiko. Though his critical evaluation focuses more on Yukiko, Broyard uses it to illustrate why he finds The Big Day a disappointing follow-up to Mooncranker's Gift.

In the following review, Eder considers After Hannibal a "dazzling" exploration of history, greed, and betrayal.

In the following review, Burroway cites minor flaws in Morality Play, but otherwise praises the novel's deft universality of theme.

In the following review, Edwards finds The Rage of the Vulture an admirable attempt to reveal personal conflict amid catastrophic world events.

In the following review, Bernstein praises Unsworth's "tightly constructed murder mystery" and the evocative details with which he builds his story in Morality Play.

In the following review, Pollitt considers Unsworth's figure of the Madonna in Stone Virgin more interesting than his depiction of his human characters.

In the following review, Begley praises Unsworth's deft handling of the historical novel genre and his thought-provoking themes in Morality Play.

In the following review, Nicholl presents an appreciative assessment of Morality Play, maintaining that the novel is a worthy successor to Unsworth's prior works.

In the following review, Quinn offers praise for the reprint edition of The Hide.

In the following review, Lehmann-Haupt offers praise for Unsworth's evocation of the Middle East in the early twentieth century in The Rage of the Vulture.

In the following review, Clute finds the meaning of Stone Virgin somewhat confusing but appreciates Unsworth's depiction of Venice.

In the following review, Schwartz finds the characterizations in After Hannibal particularly intriguing and rewarding to the reader.

In the following review, Malone provides an appreciative assessment of Unsworth's main character in The Idol Hunter.

In the following review, Steinberg praises Morality Play as a "gripping" examination of the tension between appearances and reality.

In the following review, Lothrop-Green provides a brief overview of the plot of Morality Play and praises the novel's exploration of the role of art in revealing universal truths.