Helpful Score: 5
This is the fourth of the historical mysteries of Matthew Shardlake the hunchbacked lawyer, this is set during the twilight reign of Henry the VIII and the king is interested in taking a new wife which would make it his sixth. The lady in question Lady Catherine Parr is a widow whose husband has just died. Matthew is now Sgt Shardlake after his last escapade in York, he asked Bishop Cramner not to involve him in politics again, his latest client is a young man whose religious obsession lands him in Bedlam but after the murder of his good friend Roger Ellard, Matthew promises Roger's wife Dorothy that he will find his killer and when there appears to be link between Roger's murder and the woman the king wants to marry, Matthew is again caught up in the politics of the king's court. Sansom gets better with each book. If you like historical fiction, especially medieval mysteries you will like this book, however I suggest you start with the first one "Dissolution" and read them in order.
First of all, I would like to say that this is a wonderful series and the more you read, the more you want more! They take place during the Tudor era. This plot revolved around a serial killer who kills according to the prophecies in Revelations from the Bible. Sansom is an excellent writer and his books are all serious page-turners. His research gives the books great historical detail. The characters come to life and are very believable. You do need to start with book one, Dissolution, and read these books in order. I would highly recommend them to those who like historical mysteries that are well-written.
My favorite yet in the Matthew Shardlake series!
A mixture of murder, mystery and religous zealotry that will keep you up at night turning the pages. Sansom also spends time exploring the development of medical developments in the Tudor period which is an interesting subplot exploring mental health treatments particularly.
I highly recommend it!
A mixture of murder, mystery and religous zealotry that will keep you up at night turning the pages. Sansom also spends time exploring the development of medical developments in the Tudor period which is an interesting subplot exploring mental health treatments particularly.
I highly recommend it!
Sherry S. (SherryKaraoke) -
Brilliant warning from history of the dangers of religious fundamentalism.
The more I read about Matthew Shardlake and his world the more fascinated I become. I hate putting the book down. The author has done so much in the way of historical backround I believe that is the reason they are so entertaining.
