Revelation

A Matthew Shardlake Mystery

By: C. J. Sansom

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

Length: 21 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

C.J. Sansom's Matthew Shardlake mysteries whisk listeners back in time to the tumultuous court of King Henry VIII. Shardlake has his hands full this time defending a young religious fanatic who has been thrown into Bedlam. On top of that, Shardlake's friend is murdered, and the quest to find the killer leads Shardlake right to the steps of the king's latest romantic conquest, Catherine Parr.

©2008 C.J. Sansom (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

The Best Yet!

This historical mystery novel has the most compelling story line so far in the Matthew Shardlake series. The story was complex and supported by vivid historical details and many interesting characters. The narrator delivered an incredible number of vocal changes in the characters (upper/lower class, male/female, etc.), including wide ranges in the emotional tones of each character, e.g. excitement, insanity, gender, grief, age, etc. The killer used a list of biblical riddles, allegorical crimes, in the Book of Revelations to devise a method to fit each "crime." In a strange *twist*, each murder required Matthew to figure out how the resulting victim represented the twisted crime, a difficult task in itself, and the previous suspect never seemed to fit the new crime! The tension heightens and fear escalates as Matthew's friends, associates and even a royal bride-to-be become vulnerable during this murdering spree. And as the end of the list approaches, Michael himself becomes the target of the last twisted crime. When the King's men realize they have the killer finally trapped, they decide to flood the tunnel in which he is hiding. Michael has gone there to confront him at last and the waters flood in...unchecked.

Don't miss reading this book -- and don't expect to want to put it down before the end!

Excellent, as usual

If you are entertaining the idea of starting the Shardlake series... DO NOT HESITATE! I whole heartedly recommend the entire series. Well researched and crafted series. Matthew Shardlake becomes an old friend. It is heartbreaking to find that CJ Sansom will not be finishing the series as he is dying. Which makes the series poignant. Maybe he'll lay out the last novel for a ghost writer?

I love the Shardlake series!

I've been hooked on the Shardlake novels for awhile now, taking them slowly because there are only five of them. Revelation was just that - a revelation. It's a fascinating story, with Sansom's usual engaging cast. His characters are human and believable, and the subject matter fascinating. Once again I'm sent to the history section of the library to learn more! I'm very impressed by the research that goes into these novels. This was a book that caused me to look for tedious and repetitive tasks to do so that I had an excuse to listen. Then I would find myself standing stock still and staring into space transfixed. No laundry folded or dishes put away! There's only one left! I want more!!

Another Smasher Out Of The Park....Another HomeRun

Brilliant author and narrator team up again...most welcome combination provides hours of fixated listening to a mystery tale of detailed Tudor life and times....a wonderful tale while sewing by the fire on a mid winters day.

Great Mystery,Awesome Performance

What did you love best about Revelation?

The characters continue to develop with the wild and crazy religious dark ages as a backdrop. The history is accurate as far as I can see.Other than the story, I have to say that Steven Crossley's performance is magnificent.

Any additional comments?

Be sure to start at the beginning of the series.

The best of the Shardlake series

What other book might you compare Revelation to and why?

I have read the entire Shardlake series on Audible. They are all excellent and I think Revelation was the best of the series, followed closely by Sovereign and Dark Fire. Heartstone was the weakest of the 5 in my opinion.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was a good, engrossing story.

Interesting

This was not what I was expecting but it was a good story. As a Christian I am always interested in reading (listening to) books that depict Christians and their faith. C. J. Sansom does a great job of showing that Christians are not perfect, that while they may desire to do good to everyone they often fall short, they lose their tempers, and they even have times of doubt.

Really didn't figure out WHO the antagonist was until I read it at the end. If you like the other Matthew Shardlake mysteries you will surely like this

Still waiting for a dud!

When I read series, I'm really just waiting for that next book that will disappoint. It's as if authors lose the magic at some point, as if they become bored themselves with the whole business. But here I am on Book 4, and I can hardly wait to start #5! The plots keep doing the impossible and improving, and the narration continues to be spot on! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Just gets better

I enjoy this series very much. The historical background is interesting and still pertinent in today's world. The stories are well written and well performed. I look forward to more.

Excellent history lesson

Gives real insight into our forbears and reminds us the more things change the more we realize human nature does not really change.