Heartstone

A Matthew Shardlake Mystery

By: C. J. Sansom

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

Consistently appearing on US and UK best-seller lists, C.J. Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake mysteries have earned considerable critical acclaim, including a CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award. At the behest of a former servant to Catherine Parr, Shardlake travels to Portsmouth to investigate claims of unspeakable crimes committed upon a young ward of the court. There, Shardlake uncovers disturbing evidence even as England’s continuing war with France rages around him.

©2011 C.J. Sansom (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Best Shardlake Mystery Yet

I have read all the series up to this book and this is a fabulous book. The history is thrilling. I could not figure out the killer before hand. Loved it

My favorite of the series thus far

Really great and surprising story told with the author’s typical heart and empathy. My favorite of the series thus far.

Excellent historical fiction!

Where does Heartstone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have truly enjoyed the Matthew Shardlake series. I am learning more about European history along with the mysteries involved. Excellent series.

King Henry France and crossdressing intrigue

Matthew pursues criminals, suffers greatly during the French attacks in 1544 and helps a young girl in an institution and another dressed as a boy.

Sure-fire entertainment

I am really enjoying this series - currently am on Book Three. The characters are compellingly drawn, the setting is engrossing and the plots are clever. Narration also good. This author is a sure bet, I can't think of anyone who would not enjoy this.

Another Outstanding Yarn

What did you love best about Heartstone?

C.J. Sansom delivered another great story, elegantly constructed, skillfully written and satisfying in every way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heartstone?

The author continues to provide a window into myriad worlds, the England of Henry VIII, the lot of a disabled person in a far crueler time, British law, devoted friends and deliciously wicked villains. He does so with the professionalism for which he is justifiably famous.

Have you listened to any of Steven Crossley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narrator's skills added to an outstanding story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was a book I could hardly wait to get back to, gripping and intricate. One of his best.

Shardlake scores again!

Would you consider the audio edition of Heartstone to be better than the print version?

I discovered C J Sansom by a referral from another author. What a treasure!
Pathos, mystery in medieval England... no DNA!!.. and personal interaction.
I hope that C J writes more!
I think I am preparing to be unable to read (gasp!) so have all 5. I guess I must
have enjoyed being read to as I do delight in this narrator as well.

I love this series

If you are entertaining the idea of starting the Shardlake series... DO NOT HESITATE! I whole heartedly recommend the entire series. Well researched and crafted series. Matthew Shardlake becomes an old friend. It is heartbreaking to find that CJ Sansom will not be finishing the series as he is dying. Which makes the series poignant. Maybe he'll lay out the last novel for a ghost writer?

Rich in historical detail, except...

Generally well done with good narration. The plot twist was unexpected and I enjoy the characters overall. However, there is no evidence that the f-word was widely used in the 1500s. Its increased use in this series is disappointing and grates on the ear.

Best of the Shardlake Series

A landscape you can "see" ~ history you can "live" ~ characters you can believe ~ a mystery likely to surprise.

Sansom's Shardlake mysteries have become deeper, more colorful and more intriguing as the series has developed. His characters evolve, they are not "likeable," they are realistic. His history informs and colors the tales. These are wonderful historical novels and this is the best of them.