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ehstarsong's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
thedeadwoods's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
walkingunund's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
jameskeates's review against another edition
4.0
Another epic Elizabethan adventure from CJ Sansom. Following the successful Shardlake formula, Tombland interweaves a murder mystery with the big events of the 16th century, now progressed from Henry VIII's reign to Edward VI's.
I love the Shardlake series, so this might be a harsh 4 stars because of my high expectations. As usual, the historical detail is vast and convincing, the hero relatable without being intrusively anachronistic in his views. The big event of this book is Kett's revolt, an uprising against the gentry in Norwich and the surrounding area, which is fascinating to learn about (topped off with a detailed historical essay from the author to explain what was factual and what imagined). I only gave 4 stars because the murder mystery element wasn't as good for me, with a James Bond style bad-guy-explains-it-all-instead-of-killing-the-good-guy, rather than much in the way of insight from Shardlake.
As mentioned the historical detail and description is the highlight, you really get a feel for the time and place, with only occasionally distraction from excessive exposition, which is probably necessary to make the book work stand alone if you've not read the whole series.
I love the Shardlake series, so this might be a harsh 4 stars because of my high expectations. As usual, the historical detail is vast and convincing, the hero relatable without being intrusively anachronistic in his views. The big event of this book is Kett's revolt, an uprising against the gentry in Norwich and the surrounding area, which is fascinating to learn about (topped off with a detailed historical essay from the author to explain what was factual and what imagined). I only gave 4 stars because the murder mystery element wasn't as good for me, with a James Bond style bad-guy-explains-it-all-instead-of-killing-the-good-guy, rather than much in the way of insight from Shardlake.
As mentioned the historical detail and description is the highlight, you really get a feel for the time and place, with only occasionally distraction from excessive exposition, which is probably necessary to make the book work stand alone if you've not read the whole series.
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/review-1499-tombland/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/review-1499-tombland/
girlinalibrary's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Read this book because I am interested in the Ketts rebellion, slow in places but I enjoyed the book. Probably wouldn’t read again.
nicjohnston's review
4.0
The 7th outing for Matthew Shardlake, the fabulous Tudor barrister, who in this tale finds himself in Norwich to conduct some low profile investigations for Lady Elizabeth. All the old gang are here and I would urge that if you haven’t read the earlier books you read them in order (and I am envious you have them all to come). This one is a little flabby and could have easily been 150-200 pages shorter with better emphasis on the mystery element and less on historical battles. Would thoroughly recommend but dig in for the long read.
nuthatch's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent book in the Matthew Shardlake series. This one takes place after the death of Henry VIII, during the short reign of his son. I am sad every time I finish one of these books. Luckily, it looks like there is a chance for another book.
knitswithbeer's review against another edition
4.0
I was disappointed with this.
The previous Shardlake books were detective stories with history thrown in.
This was a historical tale with a very thin investigation that kept petering out.
The historical essay at the end of the book was mire interesting.
The previous Shardlake books were detective stories with history thrown in.
This was a historical tale with a very thin investigation that kept petering out.
The historical essay at the end of the book was mire interesting.
carolineroche's review against another edition
5.0
Once again Sansom brings Tudor history to life in this book. Superbly researched as always, this focuses on something barely ever mentioned in the history of the Tudors, focussing as it usually does on the fascinating lives of the monarchy in that period. This book is rooted in the common man, and of a great rebellion that took place under Edward’s Protectorship. Sansom just get better and better!