Robert Floyd Floyd itibaren 111, Taiwan, 台北市士林區福佳里
This is the first book I've read of the series, and am happy to report that it can be read stand-alone. This was also my first introduction to Shardlake and the writing of C.J.Sansom and I'm pleased with both. Serjeant Matthew Shardlake is a very likeable hero. Bent of body but strong of mind, Shardlake will go to great lengths to see justice done. His resolve will be tested severely though when he is faced with open hostility and physical harm from his powerful enemies. Sansom has great skill of description and detail, and weaves together an intricate and engrossing mystery. The book deals with an expansive canvas but Sansom writes so beautifully that the story progresses fluidly - a near-perfect mix of drama, action and characterization. Set as it is in Tudor times, Sansom succeeds in depicting the historical setting with believable detail, something which adds greatly to the pleasure of the book. A first rate mystery novel with an astounding twist to the tale, "Heartstone" is a must-read for all lovers of historical fiction and mystery. Though this is a large book, 626 pages of small font (Hardcover), it is well worth the time. I didn't notice the pages fly by, and I'm hoping you won't either. Full review here.
This book was pure Gold - it was impossible to put down, and its clear to see why its a classic. Watching Holmes apply his methods to each case and unravel it to the eternaly baffled Watson was entertaining and even inspiring. I only wish I was as smart as Sherlock. I actually think we can all learn a lot from Sherlock - even if he is fictional :) Some other interesting things I learned: - sherlock only says 'elementary' once - sherlock does cocaine when bored in between cases . I guess it wasn't such a big deal back then? - one caper delved into the history of the Mormons, which was very interesting