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1:21 pm
January 17, 2011
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My friend has kindly given me a whole load of these books as she knows I love reading Tudor history and stories.
Initially when she passed them to me I thought “WOW” these are amazing I can't wait to get stuck in but then I read the back “Murder Mystery!” I really don't like murder mystery books, can my dear friends on here give me a little insight to these books. I'm really not sure what to make out of them, lol!
I LOVE Tudor themed stories and histories but a Tudor murder mystery?
Has anyone read them?
They look beautiful books, is there any order to reading them, I'm in need of help guys……thankyou!
4:37 pm
August 12, 2009
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I have all 5 of them and loved them! But I like things like CSI and mysterious stuff, so… I liked them because the protagonist, Matthew Shardlake, has to puzzle things out just with observation and logic. He doesn't have all the “bells and whistles” of modern times like fingerprints, DNA, etc., and the criminal justice system worked MUCH differently back then in ways that did NOT favor the accused, so he has to navigate around those obstacles as well.
Sansom has a nice style of writing that lets you feel like you are back in time. He describes the sounds, sights, and smells of the time vividly.
I would recommend reading them in order as there are recurring characters besides Shardlake. In order, they are:
- Dissolution
- Dark Fire
- Sovereign
- Revelation
- Heartstone
"Don't knock at death's door.
Ring the bell and run. He hates that."
6:27 pm
January 9, 2010
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I've read the first two in the series and Sovereign is in my to-read pile. I love murder-mystery type stuff too but even if that's not really your sort of thing I still recommend them! Sansom has a wonderful way of making the Tudor era come to life and his style's more immediate and realistic that I enjoy them more than a lot of regular Tudor historical novels.
Give them a go – after all you don't have to keep reading if you're really not into the mystery side of things 
12:11 am
January 17, 2011
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Thanx so much for your help 
I will definitely start reading them today, maybe I might get hooked on murder mystery books, lol!
They do look beautiful books and thanx too for letting me know which order to read them as I was given the full set.
4:58 am
June 7, 2010
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These are great books. I've read the first two, but have not gotten further. So many books, so little time. I hope to continue with the series soon. I wish all writers could compose a novel like Sansom.
I agree with both Impish and Bella. It's great to read a murder mystery before the days of CSI-style techniques, and how the Tudor world comes alive.
Give the books a try, Sophie. You will be pleasantly surprised! Good luck reading!
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
9:34 pm
January 2, 2014
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I received Dissolution for Christmas this year, and I enjoyed it so much I asked for more for my recent birthday. Unfortunately my daughter could not find Dark Fire but she did get me Sovereign, so I will probably have to read that before any others. I’m looking forward to reading it, I like the Shardlake character.
