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Anyone enjoying C. J.Sansom's books?

63 replies

HappydaysArehere · 21/04/2016 01:14

Found one of these books lurking unread on one of my bookshelves. Read it and went and bought all the books in the Matthew Shardlake series. I am now addicted to this Tudor lawyer/detective working for Cromwell, etc in a London and elsewhere in England which is full of the smells, atmosphere and historical information of the time. He is a hunchback, so suffers emotionally and physically which adds to the complexity of the character but it is the wonderful, historical facts which emerge alongside his investigations that I really enjoy. The first in the series is Dissolution. I am on to my fourth at the present time. So, anyone else enjoying them? I do hope so.

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Greydog · 22/04/2016 20:20

I read Dominion, which made me laugh at the "all events after 1941 are fictitious", but quite enjoyed it, but I really don't like any of the medieval stuff, just find it incredibly dull! Sorry!

Dumbledoresgirl · 22/04/2016 22:27

Re which Giordano Bruno book to read first (I've had to Google them as I have to say all the titles blend I to one for me) I would definitely second reading Heresy first. Not only because it is the first, but I thought it was the strongest. Set in a closed community (Oxford college) which is always a good recipe for a whodunit, and I remember it had quite a good twist and some really strong scenes towards the end. Quite horrible historical details too if you like that sort of thing (trying not to give anything away). Although I read Sacrilege first (I think - anyway, the one set in Canterbury, and I was pretty much hooked from the off). The book where he creeps into a house and discovers a secret room, I can't remember which book that is, but it is not as gripping as the Oxford and Canterbury stories.

Re Shardlake, I heard some working news about C J Sansom's health about a year ago. I can't see anything about it now though so I hope he has at least one more Shardlake story for us to enjoy. And yes, Shardlake needs to buck up a bit.

squoosh · 22/04/2016 22:42

Yes I read that CJ Sansom has/had cancer. I assumed that's why the last two books haven't been as impressive as the others, bigger things on his mind I suppose.

Dumbledoresgirl · 22/04/2016 23:05

Damn auto correct. I meant worrying news, not working.

MermaidofZennor · 23/04/2016 06:43

I had heard that he has/had cancer also. I don't know how ill he's been, but wish him well and hope that there are more novels to come.

HappydaysArehere · 23/04/2016 08:07

The news about his health is really worrying. I am sure we all wish him well and hope modern medicine is working well as it often does these days.

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HelenTitchener · 23/04/2016 08:19

I have it on good authority that he is in the process of writing another Shardlake novel at the moment - yay!

ElspethFlashman · 23/04/2016 08:22

Thanks all , I'll try Heresy and give the series another chance.

CJ Sansom seems to live a fairly single life and I've always thought that's why Matthew never has a relationship either. It's normal to the author.

AmberGreyson · 25/04/2016 08:48

I love them!

WordGetsAround · 25/04/2016 12:18

That's great news about Sansom writing a new Shardlake! I'll put it on preorder as son as I can!!

MitzyLeFrouf · 26/04/2016 11:39

Every so often I have a peek on Amazon to see if there's a release date for the next installment.

Hurry back Shardlake!

cressetmama · 27/04/2016 14:52

Lamentation was one of my favourites! Do hope Mr Sansom is up to another as it would be fascinating to see his relationships shift with the change of reign.

HappydaysArehere · 04/05/2016 09:20

Now on to Heartstone and so far finding it really enjoyable. Loving the idea that it will take me onto the Mary Rose.

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