Helpful Score: 2
I have read all the previous Shardlake mysteries and enjoyed them. For whatever reason, this one was much longer than the others or, at least, it seemed like it. As such, it dragged a bit. It appears that Sansom tried to stuff too much into this novel and as a result the storyline suffered.
Still, when the next Shardlake mystery appears, I'll read that one too.
Still, when the next Shardlake mystery appears, I'll read that one too.
Slow start,but it was an exciting ride to the finish!
Lots of flashbacks to the previous stories this one builds off of the prior story events to build excitement and drama, but it was these same flashbacks that may have overburdened the storyline initially.
If nothing else, Matthew Shardlake certainly led an adventuresome life during the medieval period...yes I know it's fiction ;P Nonetheless it was a fast paced fun story once you got to it, with a couple of twists that made it worthwhile!
Lots of flashbacks to the previous stories this one builds off of the prior story events to build excitement and drama, but it was these same flashbacks that may have overburdened the storyline initially.
If nothing else, Matthew Shardlake certainly led an adventuresome life during the medieval period...yes I know it's fiction ;P Nonetheless it was a fast paced fun story once you got to it, with a couple of twists that made it worthwhile!
I always love spending time with Matthew Shardlake and Jack Barak. As far as character series go, the Shardlake novels are in my top 3 of historical fiction series. Sansom has created a unique character set in Tudor England, a hunchbacked lawyer with a heart of gold that seems to find himself intwined in mysteries and danger in pursuit of justice for the powerless. Heartstone, published in 2010 is the latest in the series, so Mr. Sansom, we are waiting anxiously for the next installment. Hop to it!
Love Mathew Shaedlake and his world. I was sorry to finish the book since it is the last in the series. I actually contacted the author asking if any more were planned. He will start writing another Shardlake sometime next year after he finishes his current work.
This is one of my favorite historical mystery series. I love the setting of Tudor England and the character of Matthew Shardlake. I loved the first and last parts of this book the best but he middle felt a little flat to me. I loved Ellen's story but the rest I was not that interested in. I will, however, continue the series because I have really enjoyed the rest of the books and totally look forward to the next one.
