A review by rebeccazh
Heartstone by C.J. Sansom

challenging dark 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? Yes

3.5

3.5 stars. Sansom is good at writing tense mysteries and I was engrossed and intrigued by the mystery surrounding Hugh - small family dramas hiding deep, ugly secrets are a trope I enjoy a lot. However, I find it quite uncomfortable to read about the investigations into Ellen's traumatic past. The many repeated instances in this series of women being crazy or evil was never clearer than in Ellen, the hysterical and crazy rape survivor. Really left a bad taste in my mouth. Also the pace lagged quite a bit in the beginning and middle parts.