Heartstone

A Matthew Shardlake Mystery

By: C. J. Sansom

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

Length: 22 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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

One of Sansom's best!

If you could sum up Heartstone in three words, what would they be?

Sansom wonderful storyteller.

What did you like best about this story?

The development of the characters is superb, with riveting details of the times of Henry VIII. A truly exceptional historical novel.

What about Steven Crossley’s performance did you like?

He is consistent and performs the characters with animation that is pleasing to the ear. His performance remains one of the best in the audible book genre.

Any additional comments?

Although previous reviews have criticized the detail inherent in this novel, I found the details to add character and color to the story. At no time did I feel the story was dragged down by the details of the journey to Portsmouth, or of the colorful characters along the way. The narrative of the sea battle is by far one of the best oral battle accounts I've ever heard. Superb!

Is the author a time traveler? Astounding!

I had just finished another book I really liked and was grouchily starting Heartstone, unwilling to leave the world of the previous book. Little did I know how completely enthralled and caught up I would be in this world of the remarkable Matthew Shardlake and 16th century England. I am (almost) without words to express my fascination and admiration for the detailed description of life and characters at that time, how they go through their days, travel and interact with other personalities of the time. i think the author must be a time traveler to depict this period and people in such vivid color!

This is truly history coming to life in every cinematic and introspective detail. The story is intricate and finely woven, never trite or formulaic. I HIGHLY recommend this book for great entertainment, compelling and unusual adventure and mystery and many faceted characters.

Another superb story from C J Sansom

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a cracking read; full of authentic period details and interesting twists and turns.

What other book might you compare Heartstone to and why?

This is in the same league as "Sovereign" and "Dissolution"

What does Steven Crossley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

An awareness of the spoken language of the time

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

Yes!

Miliflucent Narrator!

Thanks for a absorbing story, skillfully and artfully narrated. Now for Master Shardlake's next adventure!

Shardlake has begun to annoy

Overall I love C.J. Sansom's books. I love the historical details, the wonderful interweaving of fact and fiction, and the great plots. Heartstone, however, was about two hours too long with a few too many repeat visits to the "scenes of the crimes." And by the end of the book, I must say that Shardlake's constant jumping to incorrect conclusions, need to always be right, and gullibility finally began to wear on me. I won't abandon him and look forward to the next in the series but with a bit less excitement. I am pleased that in the last couple of books the author has stopped peppering every line of dialogue with "Gesu," "Christ's nails," and other Tudor expletives. Not sure that I like the "f" bomb with is now often dropped instead and wonder if it would have been widely used as a curse at the time. Steven Crossely, as always, is a superb narrator.

The best yet!

The pace was fast and the story was compelling. I enjoyed this story even more, as familiar characters expanded and new ones came on. I would highly recommend this entire series!

Matthew Shardlake, an unlikely hero

If you could sum up Heartstone in three words, what would they be?

Corruption, deceit, redemption.....(in the end).

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heartstone?

When Jack finally let loose to Shardlake about how foolish it was to put himself in danger.

What about Steven Crossley’s performance did you like?

Couldn't imagine any one else doing the series.

Excellent series - LOVE IT

These mystery stories with Matthew Shardlake are so very entertaining for the researched details are what gives these readers like me what we want!! I want to know every detail about a time period I’m reading a story about. Thank you, CJ for sharing your talents with those of us who really DIG reading your book!!!!

Great for details on life in Tudor England

In addition to being a good story with good character development. I am amazed at how much cruelty there was in daily life,

Excellent twist ending

As always, the attention to historical detail is incredible, with a tightly plotted story and very believable (if fallible) characters. The audiobook narration is top notch.