Reviews

Tombland by C.J. Sansom

kingarooski's review against another edition

3.0

Further adventures of Matthew Shardlake during the Norwich rebellion 1549. I enjoyed this book, although it was rather long. The historical detail was admirable, though the essay at the end was a bit too much. I was also happy not to have to read/listen to more haughty and arrogant utterances from Sir Richard Rich, but found the Boleyn twins just as irritating. I suppose that's the reaction the author would have wanted. Jack Barack was in true form, though and I found myself growing more fond of Nicholas Overton.

I love, love the narration by Steven Crossley, though. I think my whole enjoyment of the Shardlake novels has been increased by his performances throughout the series.

I wonder if we will have more of Matthew Shardlake's adventures in the future.

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 against another edition

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 against another edition

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.

krobart's review against another edition

3.0

See my review here:

https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/review-1499-tombland/

girlinalibrary's review against another edition

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 against another edition

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

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.