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Heartstone
- Shardlake, Book 5
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 22 hrs and 42 mins
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Heartstone
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Summary
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.
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What listeners say about Heartstone
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- sally
- 08-12-18
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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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 26-03-20
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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
- Margaret O'Connor
- 22-03-21
A good yarn
A good yarn interspersed with the history of the period. In my opinion, the tale in this book sat less easily with the history than in other books as Shardelake seemed rather to be reckless rather than strategic. Nonetheless,a compelling listen and Stephen Crosslet is a brilliant narrator
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anne
- 28-03-21
another excellent book by Sansom
... and I am head over heels in love with Steven Crossleys voice! I'm about to download my 5th one.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Deano Frank
- 13-06-20
Thrilling Story Again
Another hit from CJ Sansom. Excellent story and once again excellent reading and characterization from Steven Crossley. Enjoyed the plot, was surprised by some of the finding Shardlake uncovered and listened to the last 14 Chapters in one sitting as it was genuinely enthralling. Have download all the series and have never been disappointed with them. Always surprised that they have not been transferred to either Film, or TV Series.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Julie
- 23-04-17
Emersive
emersive story start to finish. really enjoyed the reading and pace. 2nd book of series on audible found to be as good as the actual reading
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Gabrielle Harvey-Jones
- 02-03-15
I love CJ Sansom's work!
This book was extremely enjoyable, and the historical details all added greatly to the pleasurable experience!
I enjoyed the narration.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Janet
- 22-05-23
Another great story with lots of atmosphere
A really interesting storyline, with great characters and lots of historical details. I can really get involved in these Shardlake stories and feel I am right there in the streets, the old houses or the palace with him. Steven Crossley is a superb narrator and I never get characters confused or forgotten. Thank you for hours of engrossing entertainment.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr W.
- 16-01-21
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- rhiannydd powell
- 27-06-21
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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