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Heartstone

Shardlake, Book 5

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Heartstone

By: C. J. Sansom
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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About this listen

Heartstone is C. J. Sansom's fifth spellbinding mystery in C. J. Sansom's number one bestselling Shardlake series, for fans of Hilary Mantel and Philippa Gregory.

'When it comes to intriguing Tudor-based narratives, Hilary Mantel has a serious rival' - Sunday Times
‘Sansom has the trick of writing an enthralling narrative. Like Hilary Mantel, he produces densely textured historical novels that absorb their readers in another time’ - Andrew Taylor, Spectator

England, 1545: England is at war. Henry VIII's invasion of France has gone badly wrong, and a massive French fleet is preparing to sail across the Channel. As the English fleet gathers at Portsmouth, the country raises the largest militia army it has ever seen. The King has debased the currency to pay for the war, and England is in the grip of soaring inflation and economic crisis.

Meanwhile Matthew Shardlake is given an intriguing legal case by an old servant of Queen Catherine Parr. Asked to investigate claims of "monstrous wrongs" committed against a young ward of the court, which have already involved one mysterious death, Shardlake and his assistant Barak journey to Portsmouth.

Once arrived, Shardlake and Barak find themselves in a city preparing to become a war zone; and Shardlake takes the opportunity to also investigate the mysterious past of Ellen Fettiplace, a young woman incarcerated in the Bedlam. The emerging mysteries around the young ward, and the events that destroyed Ellen's family nineteen years before, involve Shardlake in reunions both with an old friend and an old enemy close to the throne. Events will converge on board one of the King's great warships, primed for battle in Portsmouth harbour . . .

A bestselling phenomenon, the Shardlake series is perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel's The Mirror and the Light. Continue the gripping historical series with Lamentation and Tombland.

©2010 C. J. Sansom (P)2014 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
Christian Fiction Crime Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Mystery Thriller & Suspense France Fiction War Exciting Royalty

Listeners also enjoyed...

Shardlake: Lamentation cover art

What listeners say about Heartstone

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An excellent story

This was the first book in this series I have heard and i have to say it was brilliant. The story was captivating and very cleverly done I loved the references to real events such as the Mary Rose and King Henry’s wives . The narrator was perfect for this book. I couldn’t wait to hear the next chapter every day . Highly recommend.

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Very enjoyable

This is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook and I throughly enjoyed it! C.J. Sansom has outdone himself yet again. However the narrator could have been better. At times Crossley’s attempts at accents was down right laughable!

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Capturing tale.

I was captured from beginning to end. Steven makes the story. come alive.
Excellent delivery

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Absolutely outstanding

Old characters remain to haunt the hero, in this intricately woven tale. I really appreciate the authors attention to historical detail. It was fascinating to see how he wove the story of the sinking of the Mary Rose, into his story.

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Sansom never disappoints

Would you listen to Heartstone again? Why?

Yes, his style of writing has a wonderful flow and is a joy to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heartstone?

Good twist

What about Steven Crossley’s performance did you like?

He differentiates the characters wonderfully.

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Thoroughly enjoyed it.

As brilliant as you'd expect.

Sure there are some common features with its predecessors, and also some repetitive plot devices. But, again, the weaving of plot, characters and historical intrigue is utterly captivating.

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Another classic!

Yet another fantastic piece of historical fiction that really gives you a first hand insight into life in the 1540s.

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Sublime

I have read all the Shardlake novels when they came out but following Sansom’s sad death have listened to the first five in the last month. They get better and better! A great legacy.

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Another clever weave

Addictive and absorbing. Lovely weave of character and plot. Unbelievable coincidences in this one spoiled the last tenth

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Steven Crossley as Narrator Maintains Excellence

After the very modern feeling and speed of the fourth 'Shardlake' novel, it is a hard act to follow - especially as the geographical landscape of the story is larger. The frailties of the main character come to the fore, however, and keeps interest. For me, sadly as I am a big fan, I wanted a wee-bit more zip in the story line. In the printed books you usually get a map of the locale; if you have the printed text there are several. One enormous character in the ship is the Mary Rose. My advice is to Google the ship and print one of the several cutaway diagrams; it will enhance your reading please considerably. I have lived with the audiobook of Heartstone for a week's listening and enjoyed the journey. I look forward now to 'Lamentation' (book 6).
Where and what next for Mathew Shardlake?

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