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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
This is the first serial killer (technically we had them before but this is also the first time C. J. Samson researched serial killers and their mind set) book and it was frightening. Story and characters are still the highlight of the books for me; and how immersive they feel. Plus, they are page turners.
I just thought it was a bit too long (although I also understand we needed to go through the motions here) and possibly one of the story lines did not add much to the story (but it beautifully introduced mental illness in this time period).
I just thought it was a bit too long (although I also understand we needed to go through the motions here) and possibly one of the story lines did not add much to the story (but it beautifully introduced mental illness in this time period).
The historical references are correct, the use of language, figures and places are authentic. These are good,solid historical mysteries with a history lesson built in. Excellent!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Another good Shardlake mystery. The serial murders are well-written, creating an ever-building tension as the murderer continues his Revelation-themed reign of terror. They're also very gruesome - the reader needs a strong stomach, or else to skim.
Some of the subplots didn't entirely work for me. Barak and Tamasin's broken marriage is depressing, Guy's subplot doesn't seem IC (and is also depressing), and the "Shardlake has a crush on a woman out of his reach" subplot that happens in every book (with different women, of course) is tedious and unnecessary. Either let Shardlake actually find love, or stop making him have crushes on his assistant's lover/high-born ladies/newly-widowed friends. It's annoying.
Also, one minor quibble: Sansom really, really needs a better copy editor. Not for typos - there aren't a remarkable number of those - but to catch repetitive words. For example, in one tiny quarter-page scene, there were three "said gloomily", two "said quietly", and an additional "quiet". Repetition at that level is very distracting.
Some of the subplots didn't entirely work for me. Barak and Tamasin's broken marriage is depressing, Guy's subplot doesn't seem IC (and is also depressing), and the "Shardlake has a crush on a woman out of his reach" subplot that happens in every book (with different women, of course) is tedious and unnecessary. Either let Shardlake actually find love, or stop making him have crushes on his assistant's lover/high-born ladies/newly-widowed friends. It's annoying.
Also, one minor quibble: Sansom really, really needs a better copy editor. Not for typos - there aren't a remarkable number of those - but to catch repetitive words. For example, in one tiny quarter-page scene, there were three "said gloomily", two "said quietly", and an additional "quiet". Repetition at that level is very distracting.
This is the first of Sansom's historical fiction books I have read and I must say I was not disappointed. The writing was entertaining and interesting while remaining fairly accurate and educational at the same time. The backdrop of Tudor life under Henry VIII during the latter years of his reign following the execution of his fifth wife and his pursuit of his sixth is brought to life in vivid colour and grim through Sansom's descriptive text and the observations of his main characters, Shardlake, Barack and Guy.
Sansom's portrayal of how those of the time view serial killers is insightful and well considered and obviously based on fact of some description, be it actual cases or educated conjecture based on the general beliefs and ideas prevelant at the time. The contrasting views given by each character further emphasises the confusion and power of religious views (or the lack thereof) during the period.
My only slight bug bear is the occasional use of bad language during the book. Generally I have no problem with this but I struggled to accept that such language was used during Tudor times, even within the context of the seemingly relaxed relationship between Shardlake and Barack. Although admittedly I could be very very wrong about this and they could have been swearing like troopers throughout Tudor times...
Anyway overall a very enjoyable book with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and some interesting side stories that add detail and context to the main storyline. And I never guessed the ending at all which made it all the better.
Sansom's portrayal of how those of the time view serial killers is insightful and well considered and obviously based on fact of some description, be it actual cases or educated conjecture based on the general beliefs and ideas prevelant at the time. The contrasting views given by each character further emphasises the confusion and power of religious views (or the lack thereof) during the period.
My only slight bug bear is the occasional use of bad language during the book. Generally I have no problem with this but I struggled to accept that such language was used during Tudor times, even within the context of the seemingly relaxed relationship between Shardlake and Barack. Although admittedly I could be very very wrong about this and they could have been swearing like troopers throughout Tudor times...
Anyway overall a very enjoyable book with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and some interesting side stories that add detail and context to the main storyline. And I never guessed the ending at all which made it all the better.
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
No
So gooood. More entertaining than book 3 and I can't wait to read the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Torture, Religious bigotry, Murder
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes