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Dark Fire (Matthew Shardlake 2)

Author: C.j. Sansom
Publisher: Pan Books
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

36 reviews
Sales Rank: 122

Media: Paperback
Pages: 595
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.7

ISBN: 0330450786
EAN: 9780330450782
ASIN: 0330450786

Publication Date: May 18, 2007
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new book dispatched from stock in the UK

Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 6-10 of 36

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I can thoroughly recommend this book. December 3, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a brilliant book, with all the key ingredients of a good mystery. It has investigations - two, both very interesting, both being investigated at the same time. It has mysteries - none of which have an obvious solution, and all of which are unfolded with clever, deft and vivid storytelling. It has characters, both historical (the powers of the day such as Thomas Cromwell and Richard Rich) and fictional (the intriguing duo at the centre of the story). It has history itself, with interesting and accurate (as far as dramatic license allows) details of the day.

The main strength, as with most novels, is in the telling. Sansom cleverly and clearly describes the mystery unfolding in what feels a thoroughly convincing Tudor setting. The story unfolds and although it is not quite a page-turner in the traditional can't-put-it-down sense, it is told with such vigour and enthusiasm that the book is a pleasure to read in so many ways, and is therefore difficult to put down.

And in Shardlake and Barak, the duo charged to solve the mysteries of Greek Fire and Elizabeth Wentworth, Sansome creates a wonderful partnership in the most classic sense. They are each individually very enjoyable to read about, and their relationship is a joy to behold.

Incidentally, you don't need to have read the first Shardlake book first, as this story is completely self contained, and contains barely a reference to the first book. The overall impression clearly, though, is that I thoroughly recommend this book.

5 out of 5 stars

I Enjoyed it Immensely October 11, 2007
7 out of 10 found this review helpful

I enjoyed this book very much. It will certainly please the myriads of historical crime novel readers. Period crime novels are probably at their highest level for many years and this is certainly one of the better ones. Not a classic but certainly a very enjoyable and interesting read.

1540 and Mathew Shardlake, believes that he has put himself out of favour with the flinty Thomas Cromwell. Matthew is trying to give his full attention to his legal practice and stay out of the way of one of England's most powerful men without success. His involvement in a murder case once again brings him into close contact with the King's chief minister and a new assignment.

The secret formula for Greek Fire, a legendary substance that creates fire that cannot be extinguished by any known means has been uncovered in a London monastery and Matthew is sent to recover it, but he soon finds out that everything is not as it would seem . . .

5 out of 5 stars

Superbly detailed and absorbing October 7, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Another splendidly detailed and absorbing Tudor whodunnit, above the standard of others in this genre. I perhaps didn't enjoy it quite as much as Dissolution and it did drag a just a tiny bit in parts. But Shardlake was more sympathetic here and the sights, sound and smells of Tudor London are just so authentic that you can imagine yourself there (though you would hardly wish to be). Excellent stuff.

5 out of 5 stars

the best one of the series!!! thrilling read!! September 16, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

i have to say i absolutely love the shardlake series. Sansoms attention to the finest detail without being overcomplicated truely brings to life the very smells,sounds and feeling of 16C England. the plot is very intense but were not confused with too many characters. as for the who dunnit!! i didn't have a clue until it was revealed?? but that could just be me. a real page turner and masterfully told c.j sansom has created a piece of real genious here. well recommended if you have a lust for real depiction of tudor England, and the best in the series which i highly recommend reading. Enjoy it!!

4 out of 5 stars

Compelling stuff September 7, 2007
34 out of 34 found this review helpful

If you have even a passing interest in historical fiction, particularly Tudor London, and you enjoy a gripping mystery replete with twists, turns and colourful characters, you're likely to have a good time with this book. C.J. Sansom's Shardlake character is a little on the obvious side, with his pure heart and indefatigability overcoming the constraints of his flawed physical being (he's a hunchback lawyer in case you're wondering). Still, it's impossible not to become enthralled by this tale of political intrigue and murder with its adroit descriptions of the machinations of the nobility, corrupt lawyers and officials, and vivid portrayal of the sights and sounds of Tudor London. To my mind, one of the best compliments a book like this can have is that it makes you want buy the next one before you've even finished it, just to be able to delve straight back into Shardlake's world.