A review by simon326
Heartstone by C.J. Sansom

adventurous dark informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A more regulation adventure greets Master Shardlake in hearstone, as a non-criminal court case brings him South close to Portsmouth, just as the climax of the 1544-1546 war with France provides a tense backdrop to proceedings. Naturally, the case is not as simple as it initially seems, and it gives the reader plenty to think over and digest, which provides more than enough motivation to keep reading.

However, this time sees our hero fighting not only with his legal adversaries, but coming to terms with his own character flaws. The fact that we share in the frustrations expressed by supporting roles such as Barack when confronted with the decisions made by Shardlake, show us just how deeply involved we have become with our hunchback lawyer. However, it makes the moments of revelations all the more satisfying, and leaves us with much hope for the future.
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