Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

pick

Sometimes you need a side trip to the sixteenth century to solve a few murders. Loved being back in this world with Matthew Shardlake. Just realised there is a buddy read of this happening right now so i wont breathe a word more about it! 😂 Enjoy guys

Photo: WW2 tunnels at Fort Stony Batter. NZ never got invaded but it was a possibility so we built some defences like this one.

dabbe

dabbe Feel free to join us if you like! Let me know if you'd like to be added to our list. #ShardlakeSeriesBR 😊 2d

Centique @dabbe sounds like a good idea! Ive just been reading the posts 👍 2d

dabbe @Centique You're on it! Welcome! 🤗 2d

47 likes3 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

AnneCecilie I have no idea who‘s the guilty one in either of the cases. 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie I've read it, and I can't remember, so it's like reading it for the first time! 😂 2w

AnneCecilie @dabbe I‘ve read it too, some 10 yrs ago and can‘t remember either. 2w

lil1inblue I have no hunches thus far. Right now, they all seem suspect. 2w

39 likes4 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on this quote, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

LiseWorks Definitely Catherine Howard 2w

AnneCecilie I also had a feeling hi was there with Catherine Howard 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks @AnneCecilie ... that was my vibe, too. Also, who would go on a so-called lovely river cruise with a wife you can't stand or the guy that set you up with her? 😂 2w

lil1inblue Apparently gossiping about royals has been a tradition for centuries! 😂 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue #truth! 2w

34 likes5 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on this quote, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

rwmg Greek Fire was real. Usually thought to be naphtha or petroleum. See

Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs: Biological and Chemical Warfare in the Ancient World

LiseWorks Although the recipe was never found. And it was lost. 2w

Karisimo I was wondering the whole time if it was something that we take for granted today, such as petroleum. 2w

See All 6 Comments

dabbe @rwmg @LiseWorks @Karisimo According to C.J. Sansom, the author: I had heard of the mysterious ancient weapon known as “Greek Fire“ used by the Byzantine armies against the Arabs in the seventh century, the formula for which had been lost but which modern scholars believe was based on petroleum and could even be something like napalm. I thought having the formula appear in one of the monasteries dissolved by Henry VIII would make a good story.“ 2w

lil1inblue Researching this almost sent me down a rabbit hole. How terrifying, especially in that time period! 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue No wonder Henry VIII wants it to fight the French. 2w

30 likes6 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any additional thoughts, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

LiseWorks Too bad Shardlake needs to work for Cromwell. 2w

AnneCecilie I‘m wondering what Dark Fire actually is. And was it real? 2w

Karisimo The tension between these competing demands on his time/energy really drive the narrative! 2w

See All 10 Comments

dabbe @AnneCecilie Some good thoughts are posted on Slide 12. 🤩 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks Agree 💯, especially when we know what's going to happen to him. 😱 2w

dabbe @Karisimo 🎯! 🤩 2w

AnneCecilie @dabbe I saw some of them after my post here 2w

lil1inblue @Karisimo Indeed they do. So much tension! 2w

lil1inblue I'm wondering if there's going to be a moral conundrum arising. Should he find it, how will Shardlake feel about putting such a lethal and terrifying weapon in Cromwell's hands? Especially in light of his new views of Reform? 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue Good point. Sharklake hasn't even addressed that fact ... yet. 2w

28 likes10 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on this quote, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

OutsmartYourShelf I have a feeling Ralph was a complete & utter psychopath. 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf Driving your mom to an early grave can't be good. And Joseph and the sisters explaining how violent Elizabeth would get every time Ralph was around definitely has one wondering, doesn't it? 2w

OutsmartYourShelf @dabbe The missing pets & the goading things he said raised immediate red flags for me. I guess their remains are in the well. 2w

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dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf Excellent deduction, Sherlock! 🤩 2w

LiseWorks I think the family killed pets, and Elizabeth knows. Didn't someone disappear from that household? She is terrified, and something happened to her for her behavior to be like that 2w

AnneCecilie Something is not right in that household, and all the family members have decided to blame the girl that is standing alone. Ralph was definitely not the perfect child they made him out to be, and I have a feeling the girls isn‘t either. Didn‘t it say somewhere that the well smelled? 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks I also think something had to have happened to her personally for her to be so violent. 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie Oh, yeah. That's what Barack and Shardlake are going to check out. We stopped at an extremely pivotal moment! 😀 2w

AnneCecilie @dabbe I know. It was very hard to stop on the right chapter, but it would have been very easy to spoil something otherwise. 2w

lil1inblue @OutsmartYourShelf Ditto. 2w

28 likes10 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

LiseWorks She is terrified and traumatized 2w

AnneCecilie Apparently the keeping silent and being pressed is better than speaking her truth. Makes you wonder what she‘s seen and experienced in that house. 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks 🎯!. 2w

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dabbe @AnneCecilie It truly does, doesn't it? To rather get pressed to death? What the heck? 😱 2w

lil1inblue It definitely seems like a trauma response, and I don't think it's the trauma of Ralph's death that caused it. 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue Heck no! 🤩 2w

30 likes6 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any additional thoughts, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

OutsmartYourShelf Absolutely shocking that the accused was not allowed representation during the trial. The practice of pressing is horrific - also it's a bit macabre to think that this is where we get the English saying of “I must press you for an answer“. 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf What a softening of a word! And Elizabeth's plight is simply horrendous. What will they find in the well? 2w

LiseWorks I really want to know what's in the well. I can't believe these methods of torture. 2w

See All 7 Comments

AnneCecilie That shocked me too @OutsmartYourShelf. I‘m also wondering about the well. But something seems off in the family. The girls were too well behaved and the family friend that talked too much during the dinner. Makes you wonder what Ralph really was like and why Elizabeth changed so much after moving in. 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie @LiseWorks ... makes me excited to read on! 🤩 2w

lil1inblue @annececilie I agree about the family. I have a bad feeling about Ralph and my current hunch is that he hurt Elizabeth in some way and that's why she was so withdrawn. 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue Agree 💯. 2w

28 likes7 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

Karisimo I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between these two! 2w

OutsmartYourShelf Don't particularly like him at present, hope his character improves. 2w

Deblovestoread I am enjoying their relationship so far. 2w

See All 13 Comments

dabbe @Karisimo It's like one of the best bromances ever! First they hate each other, now it's grudging respect. We still have half a book to go! 😀 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf He's just a wee bit rough around the edges, isn't he? 2w

dabbe @Deblovestoread Things are definitely not boring when these two are together! 🤩 2w

OutsmartYourShelf @dabbe To use one of his favourite words he‘s an arsehole 😂 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf And he seems to love being that! 😂 2w

LiseWorks I love Barack ❤️ 2w

AnneCecilie Me too @LiseWorks. I‘m not sure if they bring out the best or worst in each other. 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie @LiseWorks He is a stitch, isn't he? He truly does provide some comic relief and lightens up our dark Shardlake. I love the two of them together. 😀 2w

lil1inblue I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses. I like that Barak challenges Shardlake a bit, and brings him out of his shell, so to speak. @annececilie is spot on. 😂 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue He definitely keeps Shardlake on his toes--while saving his life more than once, too! 😂 2w

30 likes13 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

OutsmartYourShelf The Dukes of Norfolk seem to be a thorn in the side whatever monarch is reigning. The above Duke's grandson was supposedly involved in plots against Elizabeth I. 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf He was definitely Catholic and pro advancing the Howard name. 2w

LiseWorks All these people are so greedy for power that it makes you wonder. Always plotting must have been so tiring so no wonder they all died before 50. 2w

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AnneCecilie Money, greed and position brings out the worst in people. Cromwell, Richard Rich, The Duke of Norfolk. It doesn‘t matter which side their on, they are scrupulous. (edited) 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks And that would have been considered ancient! Plus the stress of worrying about being pressed, hung, head cut off, etc. for just looking the wrong way would add a wee bit of stress to one's daily life! 😂 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie That quote attributed to Lord Acton certainly seems to hold true: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” 2w

26 likes6 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

OutsmartYourShelf Probably quite a few people vying for that title at this time, Henry VIII amongst them. The punishment (burning alive) meted out is horrifying. 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf That, pressing, the rack, your head on a pole for all to see ... what a time period! 2w

LiseWorks Good Lord people were stupid 2w

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AnneCecilie Apparently it took a certain kind of personality to reach the top. I find that it‘s a lot of scrupulous people at the top. 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks And didn't seem to value life that much--except their own. 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie #truth 2w

23 likes6 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

LiseWorks I totally agree with Shardlake 2w

AnneCecilie That‘s true 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie @LiseWorks Agree 💯! 2w

22 likes3 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Any thoughts on these quotes, Shardlakians?
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

OutsmartYourShelf When Shardlake saw 'behind the curtain' of the push for reformation, he realised that for those at the top it wasn't driven by religion or morality as he thought so he has lost his zeal for reform. Shardlake still believes in the CoE but he seems to have a bit more sympathy for Catholics caught up in the changes. 2w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf And he definitely sees that all sides seem to want profit/power above a relationship with God. Brother Guy seems to be the only one to offer him any sort of religious solace at this point. 2w

AnneCecilie At the end of Dissolution, at least I, had a feeling that Shardlake was changed. Not only did the people on the top care more about the money, but he also found out that they would turn to torture to get confessions to get their way. That really made Shardlake see the light. But he still believe in an English bible and that everyone should read it. Maybe the Catholic Church hurt him too much for him to change sides completely 2w

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LiseWorks I feel for Shardlake when the religious people want to kill the others. More wars between Catholics and Protestants are yet to come with King Henry children. It's such a shame 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie We humans are a messy lot, aren't we? 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks Think of all the wars in history, and most have been fought over power, property, or religion. When will we learn? 2w

lil1inblue It is interesting to see how Shardlake has changed since Dissolution. Without the fervor of his commitment to reform, he seems more weary and jaded. In ch. 1 he says “Truly, as the ancients taught us, there is nothing under the moon, however fine, that is not subject to corruption.“ 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue #jadedindeed 🎯 2w

21 likes8 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Let's go, Shardlakians!
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

24 likes

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR

Hi, Shardlakians~
A little different type of discussion today, one involving quotes! I have each slide numbered 1-14, but some are just to read. Feel free to comment on any slide, any quote, ANYTHING! I can't wait to read what you're all thinking about! I've also linked the entire presentation below in the correct order in case the slides are out of order on the feed. Time for fun! 🤩
Link to slides: https://shorturl.at/lHSWQ

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

Librarybelle I‘m still reading through the first section—enjoying it so far! I‘ll come back to the quotes and respond once I‘m through part one. Thanks for hosting this! 2w

Deblovestoread I have read a ton of nonfic and historical fic set in this time period but it‘s mostly been through the royal perspective. This is grittier, with more emphasis on the common folk, with a side of royal intrigue. I like it! 2w

dabbe @Librarybelle And I just finished QUEEN HEREAFTER last night and can't wait to go comment on your posts--thanks for bringing that book to my attention, too! I loved it! 🤩 2w

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dabbe @Deblovestoread Yay! Me, too. I love how Shardlake is a step above the common folk but still has access to the way-upper people. We definitely get to view all walks of life. 2w

AnneCecilie I‘m enjoying this. The mysteries are introduced right away. Dissolution took a little more time to get started which makes sense if Samson was thinking about writing a series. I agree with both of you @Deblovestoread and @dabbe when it comes to Shardlake position in Tudor society. 2w

dabbe @AnneCecilie Yay! So glad you're liking it! 🤩 2w

lil1inblue I'm really digging this one so far. I really like the setting in London. Like @deblovestoread mentioned, it's grittier, and the city almosts becomes a character. 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue The Thames, too. Stinky, grimy, brown ... it definitely reflects the less-lovely places in London, too. 2w

23 likes8 comments

LitsyEvents

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Reposting for @dabbe
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2770003

dabbe Thanks! 🤩 2w

29 likes1 comment

LiseWorks

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

I finished the first half of Dark Fire #ShardlakeBR @dabbe A great start for the weekend #ForTheLoveOfBooks @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Very good start! Great job 2w

dabbe #woohoo! 🤩😀🤗 2w

18 likes2 comments

dabbe

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR
#ShardlakeSeriesBR @LitsyEvents

Hi, Shardlakians~
2 days until our midway discussion of DARK FIRE.
Are you as excited as I am? see y'all on 8/31! 🤩

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

Karisimo I *had* to read the whole thing- it was my bookspin book! 3w

dabbe @Karisimo I hope you liked it! 🤩 3w

Librarybelle Yay! 3w

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dabbe @Librarybelle 🤩 3w

curiouserandcurioser @dabbe its so good!! I have a funeral so i wont be around💔 but i really love this series, so thanks fir that, Denise❤ 3w

dabbe @curiouserandcurioser You can jump in at any time! Glad you're loving it and sorry about your funeral. 🧡🩶🧡 3w

Mollyanna So excited. I‘m really enjoying it so far 😊 3w

dabbe @Mollyanna Yay! 🤩 I'm loving the reread, too! 3w

LiseWorks I really like this one better than the first . It was hard to stop half way lol 2w

Karisimo @dabbe yes, loved it! 2w

lil1inblue @LiseWorks I like this one better so far, too! @dabbe really knows how to find the suspenseful moments to stop at! 😉 2w

Deblovestoread I have a few more chapters to listen to today but I‘ll be ready. 😀 2w

AnneCecilie I‘m ready and looking forward to it 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks I've read it before, and I'm also finding it hard to stop! 🤩😂🤩 2w

dabbe @Karisimo #woohoo! 🤩😂😀 2w

dabbe @lil1inblue I swear it was totally by size of the book! 🤩😂😀 2w

dabbe @Deblovestoread Yay! 🤩😀🤗 2w

51 likes17 comments

AnneCecilie

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Finished with this month‘s chapters for #ShardlakeBR

You know how to stop right in the middle of things @dabbe I really have to restrain myself to not keep reading

dabbe Sorry about that! What a fun pickle to be in, though! 🤩😀😍 3w

43 likes1 comment

Daisey

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

It‘s the first week of school and my to do list is so long, but I took a short break this evening for supper and one chapter. Maybe I can fit in another later tonight.

#ShardlakeBR #ShardlakeSeriesBR #ReadAndEat

Tamra I feel you. 💪🏾 4w

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 3w

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jenniferw88

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

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This is a definite new favourite series! I can't say too much about this because we haven't discussed it yet, but I feel for Shardlake. He doesn't seem to get a break from some of his problems!

I'm doing the series on Audible, and Steven Crossley does a fab job of doing different voices for the characters.

#52bookclub24 #bibliosmiaasmellybook #flameonthecover
#aty24 #abookinvolvingacrimeotherthanamurder

Librarybelle I‘m really enjoying this series too! 4w

dabbe Yay! I think I like this one even better than the first! Can't wait to discuss! 🤩🤗😊 4w

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Daisey

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

There are quite a few interesting words in these Shardlake novels.

#WeirdWords #WeirdWordWednesday
#ShardlakeBR #ShardlakeSeriesBR

Texreader Love these novels!! 1mo

39 likes1 comment

LiseWorks

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

August 5 #AboutABook New to you author @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Excellent 👌🏼 1mo

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1mo

lil1inblue 🌟🌟🌟 1mo

23 likes3 comments

kwmg40

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

pick

Second book in the Shardlake series. Excellent character development and lots of interesting historical detail, along with two suspenseful plotlines.

This is my #2004 entry for the #192025 challenge and second book finished for the #AwesomeAugust readathon.
@Librarybelle @Andrew65

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Librarybelle Excellent! 2y

Ruthiella I still have the last book in the series to read, but overall all I really enjoyed the Shardlake books. Solid historical mysteries. 👍 2y

kwmg40 @Librarybelle Thanks for stopping by! 2y

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kwmg40 @Ruthiella Glad to hear that the rest of the series is just as good! I'm looking forward to reading more. 2y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y

Andrew65 Love this series and it only gets better. 2y

34 likes6 comments

Blueroseis

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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7 years after reading the 1st in this series which I somewhat enjoyed it was time for me to read the 2nd. Describing what it was like in 16th Century London along with some of its execution methods and a good storyline that kept me interested throughout its 600 pages I learnt a lot about those times. Being quite graphic in places I started getting nightmares as the Epilogue approached. I will view those London streets differently now.

17 likes

RaeLovesToRead

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

I saw a photo online of a woman wearing patterned tights and Doc Martens and decided I needed both of these things in my life ❤ Love my new boots of stomping!!! 😁😁 (I am so easy to advertise stuff to!)

Above said boot of stomping is my Mum's TBR. Mostly books that I have read and insisted that she reads too. Faves include Factfulness, Wolf Hall and Dark Fire. I'm also waiting for her to read the Father Brown stories so I can steal the book 😅😁

CaffeineAndCandy ❤️❤️❤️ 3y

RaeLovesToRead @CaffeineAndCandy thank you! 😁😁❤ 3y

TheSpineView Cute!💙 3y

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RaeLovesToRead @TheSpineView thank you! 😊😊😊 3y

TrishB Everyone needs a pair of DMs to stomp in 😁 3y

RaeLovesToRead @TrishB I can't believe I've never had them before!!! 😁 (I also bought a pair of Chelsea boots while I was the store, cause they were sooo comfy! 😋 ) 3y

TrishB I have 54 pair. I‘m a bit obsessed with them. 3y

RaeLovesToRead @TrishB oh wow!!! 54?! That's amazing!!! 🙀🙀🙀 3y

TrishB I love them. I got my first pair in my teens and have loved them ever since (I‘m 54 this year so one per year 😁😁). 3y

RaeLovesToRead @TrishB I'm impressed!! 😍😊 3y

38 likes10 comments

Ruthiella

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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The 2nd in the Matthew Shardlake series set in Tudor England. Lawyer Matthew has two cases: 1 is the defense of a young woman accused of murder; she refuses to talk/defend herself. 2 is an undertaking for Cromwell who is desperate to keep power. With another Cromwell associate, the rough Jack Barak, he must find who has the secret to an ancient weapon “Greek Fire”🔥. It was a good mystery and Jack a welcome addition.

#FabulousFebruary book two

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Ruthiella

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

Who‘s in for the #FabulousFebruary readathon hosted by the equally fabulous @Andrew65 ?

I have a number of books on the go that I‘d like to finish, including the tagged book which I‘ve been listening to on audio.

This week long, choose your own goals readathon is the perfect opportunity to get stuck in a good book! 😀

Andrew65 Great to have you with us, good luck 😊👍 4y

PaperbackPirate Your stack is impressive! Have fun! 4y

28 likes2 comments

Grrlbrarian

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Got my #DoubleSpin wrapped with the tagged! I haven‘t gotten a #BookSpinBingo yet but having fun (mostly) so far. Dark Fire itself was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️CJ Sansom writes great characters, and the plots are twisty too. I‘m looking forward to the next in the series!

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! It's always amazing to me how many books you can read without scoring a bingo - I think I'm at 16 😂 4y

20 likes1 comment

SharonGoforth

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Anyone else participating in the R.I.P. (Readers Imbibing in Peril) challenge on Instagram and/or Twitter? It begins September 1 and goes through October 31. The idea is to read as many mystery/horror/gothic books, stories, etc. as you‘d like. This is the 15th anniversary of the challenge. It‘s something I look forward to every year. Picture is my “pile of possibilities” and of course is subject to change. #RIPXV

29 likes

TrishB

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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Good, massively detailed historical mystery. I think my only tiny complaint is that these are long books because of all the detail. Maybe could be 100 pages less. But the story and the setting are fantastic and the writing is very good.
#historicalmystery #jennyis30

jenniferw88

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TrishB

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Starting this one this morning. Not a huge fan of historical mysteries, but read the first and liked it and woke up and reading brain was suggesting this one 😁
Have a good a day as you can all ♥️

rockpools You have a good day too. So glad it‘s Saturday! 🌷 4y

Tanisha_A Have a good weekend, love. 😘 4y

erzascarletbookgasm You too! 👌❤️ 4y

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Cathythoughts I hope you like the book ... I have it here too 👍🏻🤞🏻 4y

Caroline2 I‘m in a medieval mood at the mo too! 😆 🏰 4y

batsy The same to you ❤️ 4y

TrishB @Cathythoughts enjoying so far! I still only manage about 30 mins before getting distracted though! 4y

TrishB @Caroline2 hope you find something good 😘 4y

TrishB @RachelO @Tanisha_A @erzascarletbookgasm @batsy thanks lovely ladies ♥️ 4y

Caroline2 I‘m about halfway through The Last Hours, it‘s okay but not as atmospheric as I‘d like. 😆 4y

TrishB @Caroline2 😁 did make me laugh that you can and read a historical book and then it‘s about the plague 😘 I enjoyed TheLast Hours for the feminist/socialist angle. 4y

Caroline2 😆 it felt appropriate!!! I needed a situation that felt sympathetic to what we‘re going through. Plus I can sit there and think least we have modern medicine to help now! 😬 🤞 4y

TrishB @Caroline2 that‘s very true! Although modern medicine didn‘t cure stupidity. My daughter took the dog out before and said people were out and about like a normal day and she thought she‘d missed that lockdown had ended. People just making their own minds up. 4y

Caroline2 🤦‍♀️ it‘s the same here Trish!!! Loads more cars on the roads, lots of people about, I dread to think what the seafront is like as it‘s a sunny day! People are either assuming it‘s over or so fed up they‘re past caring!! It‘s not good! 😬 we‘re staying in!! 4y

Andrew65 Hope you enjoy it, I think the series only gets better. 4y

95 likes15 comments

Tamatha

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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Absolutely fantastic second book! I‘ve ordered the rest of the series already! 😀

2 likes

Texreader

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

A book in one of my very favorite series by a very favorite author about a very favorite character. Really, I absolutely love everything about this series. So book 2 in the series happens to be on sale today. Obviously highly recommended. It helps to read them in order but not necessary.

GingerAntics So this is approved historical fiction, then? 5y

35 likes1 comment

KOTK

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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Book 2 in the Shardlake series and it is better than the great first. He is a wonderful character and clear research undertaken to get historical references correct. Loved it so much

Andrew65 Book 3 is my favourite in this excellent series.

Sovereign

KOTK Thank you andrew65. Moved straight onto sovereign as he is such a great chatacter 5y

5 likes2 comments

Crazeedi

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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Book 2 of the Shardlake series. Shardlake has 2 mysteries to solve at the same time, one to aid Lord Cromwell, one to aid an old friend. He survives by his wits and his knowledge withe the help of his new friend Barak. Great book
4⭐

rretzler I have never read this series, but keep thinking that I should! 5y

Crazeedi @rretzler it is very different, I wasnt sure about it , but the second book was even better than the first. Being set in the 1500s is very different 5y

72 likes2 comments

beaconhillbooks

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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I have a new addiction: enter Matthew Shardlake.

This is how you make a 600 pg book zip! I did not want to put this book down as Sansom envelopes the reader in multiple mysteries all that must be resolved within 14 days. There are so many little historical details carefully knitted into the story! Sansom also surprised me with a few of the culprits. These books are super addictive, watch out historical fiction fans.

9 likes

beaconhillbooks

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

#currentlyreading

6 likes

stephfafahh

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

so-so

⭐️⭐️

1 like

Andrew65

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

This post contains spoilers

show me

What were your thoughts of the book? Did you enjoy it? Did you like it more than the first book? Any thoughts or ideas about what you thought they‘d find down the well?
What do you make of any of the characters?

Please feel free to discuss any thoughts or points from the book. These are just suggestions! Anyone can join in!

@Tove_Reads @EadieB

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I like the lawyer‘s viewpoint of the political atmosphere and I liked reading about Greek Fire which we read about in a Cussler novel. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB It was good for that political perspective and learnt about a new character from the time. Can you remember which Cussler book that was? 6y

Andrew65 Not heard of Richard Rich before. 6y

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Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB I was more interested in Elizabeth‘s story for some reason. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 At the moment I can‘t remember but it was about 3 books back from the current one we are on. (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB Definitely liked this one more than the first one. Felt liked it dragged a bit from time to time, then it really picked up during the last 7 chapters. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I never heard of Richard Rich either 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Agree Totally That was the story I was most interested in and wanted to find out more about, disappointed when it went off that storyline after the first few chapters. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I liked them both about the same. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Were you more interested in the trial or finding Dark Fire? (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I agree that it was a lot better than the first one but also agree there were still some dips in it but not around the well story. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I like learning about how the traveled with the horses and boats down the Thames. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Most Definitely the trial and finding out what happened. What an evil family they were!!! @Tove_Reads 6y

Andrew65 I think the apothecary was one of my favourite characters! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Yes the parents thought Ralph was an angel. Little did they know. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Yes he was very knowledgeable. I don‘t they would have solved the mysteries without his help. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 I was very surprised when they went after Cromwell that Shardlake wasn‘t mopped up in that, he knew a lot which could have undermined Rich. I though he‘d be taken out of the situation. Didn‘t think this part of the story quite held Water for me. @EadieB @Tove_Reads 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 I waited for the two stories to connect. I do like political history, and somew of it was really interesting, but I figure some editing would have been a good thing. Not the well storyline though, it was too short. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I think the father knew he was an angel but didn‘t the mother know what Ralph was like? 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 Totally stupid, but I kept on being distracted by ‘Barak‘; kept on thinking about Obama 😂 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yes I definitely wanted more depth to the well storyline. Not sure I totally bought them recovering from the poisoning or not being killed whilst they were suffering from the poisoning. So there were a couple of bits that I felt weakened the ending for me. @EadieB 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads 😂😂😂😂 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I was getting out the next book and saw something about Shardlake being taken to the tower. @Tove_Reads The two storylines didn‘t seem to go together in the same book 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I kept expecting the stories to be connected too. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Barack‘s name was totally distracting. 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @andrew65 Coming from a classless society it always somehow takes me by surprise what Blighty used to be, and what people were ready to do for upgrading themselves. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I didn‘t even think this and didn‘t find the name distracting. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads I know they would kill one another just to get ahead 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 Quite unusual that there was no connection between the two plots. I would have understood if it was Shardlake‘s family, so we would have learned more about him. It was a bit weird, I think. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yes the U.K. still is not a classless society!! Big differences in educational outcomes in general still depending on what class come from. At a conference today and over 13 million words difference in vocabulary knowledge by age of 4 from a middle class or working class family, that is a lot of words and accounts for a lot of the difference in outcomes - a lot of children never catch this up. Of course even worse in the past! @EadieB (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 What is it with the name ‘Ralph‘? Seems to be a bad guy name in historical fiction. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads There are names like that definitely! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads that must have been an interesting conference 6y

Andrew65 What was you final rating for the book? 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Funny! That was my grandfather‘s name 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I gave both books 5 stars but I‘m an easy marker as I am just glad to be able to read the books! Ha ha 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB It is a statistic I have heard before and total shocking, we should all be ashamed of ourselves! So many high deprivation areas. 😢 Life chances affected for so many before they even start! @Tove_Reads 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB It was also my father in law‘s name. He was born the day the RAF was created and was named Ralph in honour of that. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Are you planning to read the next one? (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 Definitely not a classless society! But, not as bad as back then. Nowadays everyone has a possibility to succeed, at least in theory. A lot of Finnish women import these uneducated British men, never figured out why. Is it the accent that fools them, don‘t know 🤣 Some parts of the cities are quite terrible, and I bet the best schools are far from there... 6y

Tove_Reads I would give something like 3.5 stars. I expected more, once again. Not a bad story, but after reading a lot of historical fiction and murder mysteries I‘ve become picky. @EadieB @Andrew65 6y

Tove_Reads Haha, but your relatives are not historical, so maybe Ralph has become a decent-man‘s-name in the 20th century 😆@andrew65 @EadieB (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Some of our best schools are in high deprivation areas but also many of the worst too. Can be termed career suicide going to some schools but many of us still do it. Much tougher ask and not level playing field but I would never work in any other type of school, I want to (and do) make a difference. What can be frustrating is how hard it can be to move children educationally compared to other areas. But wonderful satisfaction doing it! (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Not many Ralph‘s out there now, not sure I have ever had a Ralph in School in 28 years in School. 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 For sure! A friend of mine in Connecticut loved teaching school kids in slums. I think Eaton would be pretty much hell. 6y

Andrew65 I think overall I would give it 4.25, 😂, not enough for 4.5 but better than a 4 for me. 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB My grandma‘s brother was Ralph, and now my second cousin named his son after him. Although in Swedish it is Ralf. Old biblical name, of course. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Do you find more behavioral problems in the deprived areas and is it a big distraction when your trying to teach the ones that want to learn meanwhile someone is being disruptive? (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB Definitely willing to read the third one, maybe it‘ll be 4 stars for me? (edited) 6y

Andrew65 I own the next one so am happy to read it and that definitely is a Chunkster (#YearoftheChunkster), my copy has 662 Pages. @EadieB @Tove_Reads

Sovereign

Andrew65 @EadieB in general there are more emotional problems (but a sweeping statement) that show themselves as poor behaviour. But we have everything in place so the behaviour and especially learning behaviour is impeccable. Key to address it and meet needs and like ours supports strong outcomes. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Let me know when you want to read it. @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Sounds great! sounds like you have everything managed well (edited) 6y

Andrew65 What is your impression of Shardlake? 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 I‘ve asked the library to get the third one as an ebook. I own 1 and 6, and I‘ve been thinking about lending number 6 to strong men competitions. It is BIG. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads probably June or July since May‘s books are already scheduled for me. 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB what kind of a cloak were lawyers wearing back then? Monkish, judgeish? (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m happy with either @Tove_Reads 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @andrew65 Is it just me or do we know quite little about Shardlake after two books? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads No that was what I was thinking, even how he got this hunch back? @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I like Shardlake. I like the fact that he is deformed because it builds his character. I also like the fact that he‘s very good and honest in his job. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB He certainly doesn‘t lack courage either. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I guess we will learn more about his character in the other books. The author is keeping him as a mysterious man 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads To answer your question about the robes I believe they are similar to the judges but probably a different color (edited) 6y

Andrew65 I would like to know what happens to ELizabeth now. @Eadie @Tove_Reads 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 🙌👏 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @andrew65 He must have an interesting history. How did he get an influential position like that? What is his background? What is his family‘s like, or is he an orphan? (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 She probably ran off with Henry‘s money and went and married someone else I think it was a Seymour not sure but you probably know more about it than I do (edited) 6y

Andrew65 What did anyone think was Down the well, I thought there might be something dead down there but totally shocked to find out it was a dead child. 😱 @EadieB @Tove_Reads 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Am I right in thinking he was in the army? @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 yes I thought it was an animal too. Was totally shocked that it was a body (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 Thought it might be the brother of the girl on the street. Didn‘t think he was killed by a child. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I was thinking of Elizabeth who was accused of Ralph‘s murder? Was anyone surprised how long she went without talking? Could you have done that? 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Oh I don‘t know what happened to her. Maybe will find out in the next book 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Wasn‘t Greek Fire in The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry?

The Venetian Betrayal

Andrew65 @EadieB I don‘t think we will hear about Elizabeth again. How does she read over from this. 6y

EadieB @Andtew65 @Tove_Reads I was just googling the Shardlake series about a TV series and it says the BBC is putting it on hold in order to do the Swedish detective Kurt Wallander series 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB I kept on seeing Elizabeth as younger than she was. A child could be quiet for very long after a trauma like that. I somehow think we won‘t hear about that family anymore. Hopefully I‘m wrong. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I think you are right. 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @andrew65 You‘d think Shardlake would be perfect for TV since Murdoch is so popular. The Wallander movies are insanely popular here. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I‘ve never seen any Wallander or even read them. (edited) 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads They will be doing a TV series for a Shardlake but they‘re putting it on hold because of Wallander 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 Swedish films, so might not sell well outside the Nordics. I‘ve read them all, and I like them. Read them in Swedish though. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I have a good amount of his books but only read the first one. The author is Henning Mankell who died recently. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads The Wallander Series has been shown on tv channels in the U.K. with subtitles just never seen them. Think they are popular. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Will have to read them, but unfortunately won‘t be able to do it in Swedish! @EadieB (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 I always find it weird when some films are “made authentic”, and then everyone speaks English in Nazi Germany etc. Ruins it a bit for me. Like the American version they planned for Father Ted. Just no! 6y

Andrew65 My local library‘s e-book selection has 15 Henning Mankell Books. (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 They are good, solid crime books. Liked them better than Stieg Larsson or Liza Marklund. Swedish is easy, you would understand a lot :) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 Mankiller!!!! lol! Love it! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads That‘s interesting! 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Just got the BBC version of Father Ted from my library. That show is very funny! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads 😂😂😂 Can‘t turn your back on this iPad for a second! 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB It‘s my all-time fave show! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Father Ted still has me in stitches! (edited) 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Did you ever read the Grebe sisters‘ books. Some Kind of Peace by Camilla Grebe and Asa Traff? (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Grebe Sister Books? 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 Isn‘t it great to have so many series to look forward to? Can‘t wait to hear your opinion about Bolton! 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Some kind of Peace? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yes still need to get to her, and aim to get to Library of Gold this weekend. Sure Eadie is a fan of Bolton. @EadieB (edited) 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads and @Andrew65 Yes I just read that one, some kind of peace, and the next one in the series. they were pretty good but not really five stars probably four stars (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Nope, had an overdose of Nordic literature, but should read more again. I can read all the Nordic languages, granted Icelandic is challenging, but I have quite a selection to choose from! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads That‘s impressive! 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads I loved Kristin Lavransdatter (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 Jealous! I love Library of Gold! One of the best in the genre, Top 3! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 Bilingual by birth helps! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Looking forward to it even more! 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Haven‘t read her trilogy yet. 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 The Assassins is also good, but not as good. I have two Lynds at home waiting for the right moment! (edited) 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Andrew65 I have a few Gayle Lynds books too. I‘ll have to check out which ones I have (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Now Eadie That isn‘t a surprise with the thousands of books you have. 😂 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB Thanks, this was fun! Time to hit the hay! G‘nite! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I have been giving a lot away. I think I have mailed a least 100 a month for a few months. The postal workers and I are good friends now. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Thanks, just downloaded The Assassin‘s as an audiobook. 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads I‘m babysitting and giving my grand kids a lot of sweets so they leave me alone. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB You may need to contribute to his health plan for Back Pain! 😂 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Wow! About the books, not the kids 🤣 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I have that one at home for sure. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Goodnight, we will have to do it again soon. 👍 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 😂 I bet they love Granny! (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I take them to the post office and my mail carrier has a truck as I am considered a rural route. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Just as well! 😊 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 They do I come with cookies, cakes, gummy bears, yogurt, mandarin oranges and then leave them when my son-in-law comes home at 6:00 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Gummy Bears 😋 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 They love those Gummy Bears 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I do too. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 it‘s only on Tuesday and Wednesday or I would never get my reading done! I guess Tove went to bed. I‘ll go and let you get some reading done. Bye! (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB No problem, in between comments replying to emails! 😂 Tend To Read a bit later once I‘ve hit my second wind! (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Just looked on FictFact and #1 in the Judd Ryder series is Book of Spies and #2 is The Assassins (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Good catch, thanks. 👍😊 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Figured you didn‘t want to ROO (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m leaving that recent bad habit to you. 😂 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 More like I brought your bad habit 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB It certainly seems to be catching. 😊 Actually a while since I did it, but last week was reading book 15 of no.1 Ladies Detective Agency whilst listening to Book 16! 😂 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 That‘s a good trick. i just hoped you finished 15 before 16 was done (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB No actually finished 16 before 15 but to be fair not much progression in this That affected that negatively. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 At least you were able to see what happened in the future before it happened! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 😂😂😂 6y

Andrew65 Listening to book 17 too as we speak. @EadieB (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Hope it is better than the last one! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes most definitely. 🤞 6y

11 likes141 comments

Andrew65

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

We will be launching our open discussion about Dark Fire in about 15 minutes @Tove_Reads and @EadieB . It‘ll be marked as a spoiler so you will have to click on the link when it is posted to open it. Others who have read it please feel free to join in, the three of us have all finished the book now so can‘t spoil it for us.

This will be an open discussion so feel free to post anything about the book or post your own questions on the thread.

EadieB @Andrew65 I like the different point of view coming from the lawyer‘s viewpoint of the politics of the time. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB I thought the Greek Fire was interesting as we read about that in one of Cussler‘s books. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB There will be a different post for the Discussion so that can mark it as a spoiler, you will be tagged into it. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 ok 6y

43 likes4 comments

EadieB

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

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Book #2 shardlake series. Tudor England 1540. Thomas Cromwell is in jeopardy. Shardlake is asked to defend a young girl that has been accused of murdering a young boy. Meanwhile Shardlake is also asked to find a lost cask of Dark Fire which is a weapon of mass destruction. Lots of adventure and fascinating period detail. Recommended for those who love historical mysteries.

72 likes

EadieB

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

My Weekend Reading Marathon:
Dissolution - 480 pages - 16 hours
Dark Fire - 155 pages - 5 hours

Total - 635 pages - 21 hours

ReadZenRites Well done!!👏🏻🌸🎉💕 6y

73 likes1 comment

EadieB

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Having a C.J. Samson weekend. Starting book 2 after finishing Book 1, Dissolution, yesterday. Looking forward to another great read!

MayJasper Fabulous. I wish you joy of it 💟 Super fav author for me 6y

EadieB @MayJasper He is quickly becoming a favorite of mine! 6y

Daisey I think this might be my favorite of the series. Enjoy! 6y

See All 6 Comments

EadieB @Daisey A lot of people have said the same thing! 6y

janeycanuck I‘m on Book 4, hoping to finish it up tonight. They are dense but SO GOOD! 6y

EadieB @janeycanuck I‘m looking forward to starting the 3rd one! Glad you are enjoying them too! 6y

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Andrew65

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

With just over two hours to go, these are my current statistics. Had hoped to make 12 hours but will not be making this. 😔 Life (and sleep) gets in the way. 😂

Will not finish a book during the challenge as the tagged book is a Chunkster at 608 Pages. #YearoftheChunkster

DeweysReadathon

Cathythoughts 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 6y

Smartypants Great progress @Andrew65 6y

Simona 👏👏👏Still nice number! 6y

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AmyG You tried. That‘s more than I did! Good job. 6y

ElishaLovesBooks Great job!👏👏 6y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Awesome job!!! 🎊🎉🙌🏻💗 6y

Andrew65 @Cathythoughts @Smartypants @Simona @AmyG @ElishaLovesBooks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks. You all have that remarkable Litten ability to make one feel good about yourself, so thanks for that too. 🙌😍 6y

LauraBeth Wow! Impressive! 🎉🎉 6y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks You have to rest up for our discussion 😘 6y

Reviewsbylola Amazing job! You sure put a dent on that chunkster! 6y

Andrew65 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks We are travelling this evening but hope still to be able to take part in the discussion. 😊😍 Then need to start Red Clocks. 6y

Andrew65 @LauraBeth Thanks 😊 6y

Andrew65 @Reviewsbylola Thanks and most probably means I can finish the Chunkster before bed time! 6y

83 likes13 comments

Andrew65

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

Okay here goes starting Dark Fire, and hope to finish before May begins. Heard great things about this one and will be reading along with @Tove_Reads and @EadieB
Hope to get to end of Chapter 10 today, 25 by tomorrow, 40 by Sunday, Chapter 47 and Epilogue by Midnight on Monday.
#Yearofthechunkster #HenryVIII #Tudors

Tove_Reads Chunksters rule!!!!! 6y

Tove_Reads Will you have proper reading socks by May? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads It‘s definitely something lacking in my wardrobe so definitely need to! 6y

See All 41 Comments

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Loving my Chunksters this year. 6y

andrew61 It's a cracking read Andrew - ive had Lamentation sat on a shelf to read for a while, maybe ill have to get to it soon. 6y

Andrew65 @andrew61 Thanks, Another very positive review! Will let you know what I think. 6y

Bluebird Yay. Great book, great series. I hope you enjoy! 6y

Andrew65 @Bluebird Hi Bluebird, great to hear from you 😊 and if you think it‘s a great book I‘m sure it will be. @Tove_Reads @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Bluebird I‘m still reading Dissolution. Almost 1/2 done! Hi Bluebird! Good to hear from you! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Are you enjoying Dissolution? 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Yes it‘s a pretty easy read. Had to go food shopping this morning and then I got a new faster computer and the computer guy just left so that has eaten into my reading time today but I‘m bound and determine to finish today. 6y

Tove_Reads I am done for today. Will continue with chapter 26 tomorrow morning 🙃 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m on page 174/608 in Dark Fire (Chapter 14). Other things have eaten into my reading time too. @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Are we going to finish the book and then discuss? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads You‘re doing well! 👏 I got behind schedule yesterday as too tired to take it in after a week‘s work an was shattered. Hope to get back on schedule today and finish up to the end of Chapter 25 which is over halfway through the book. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB That would be the plan, with an open discussion. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads ok then I just keep reading until I‘m done both books. (edited) 6y

Bluebird Hi. Welcome to Litsy @EadieB sorry I went MIA. Haven‘t read a book since December. 😱 horrors! I was hoping the Readathon would kickstart me, but it doesn‘t seem to be working. I‘m trying to get back into the bookish world. 😊 I‘ll visit LibraryThing soon too. 6y

Andrew65 @Bluebird I would say target a favourite book or author and an easy reading book to get you started again Bluebird. Hope all is okay. Great to see you again. 😊 (edited) 6y

EadieB @Bluebird Do you have a lot going on in your life or is it just a reading slump? 6y

Bluebird Mostly just a massive reading slump. I‘m not even listening to audiobooks during my commute—which is totally out of character. Hoping to fall back into it as quickly as I stopped. 6y

EadieB @Bluebird I agree with Andrew. Find something short and light maybe an audio would be best. Hope all goes well soon! Stay in touch! 6y

Andrew65 🤞🤞🤞 That you get out of the slump. 😊 @Bluebird (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Back on track. Now finished to the end of Chapter 25. 331/608 @EadieB (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew Thats great! But the more you read, the further behind I get! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 😂😂😂 Well the good news for you is that it‘s almost sleep time here! A few hours for you to catch up. 👍 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 That‘s true, but while I‘m sleeping you will be waking soon and grab your book and finish by time I get up tomorrow morning. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘ve seen the time you get up, so some catching up for you there and unlikely to be able to read much before 11.00 tomorrow. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Well, that‘s good news for me as I only have about 100 more pages to go so I can start the next book in the morning. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB You are catching up well! 🙌👏 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Thanks for the encouragement! I feel better now and I‘ll finish this book and try to get up a little earlier (maybe 5:00) and start the next one. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Impressive! Good luck! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Thanks! Good night! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yep, off to sleep now! 💤 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Finally finished Dissolution and will begin Dark Fire! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yey! Well done! 🙌🙌🙌 (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Thanks! Don‘t forget 2:00 Music Shop! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 7.00 for me and should about be able to fit it in before I have a 3 hour drive. Thanks for the reminder. 😊 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 3 hour drive! Audio time! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes should allow me to finish off Dark Fire before the work week starts. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 That‘s great that you have that audio! 6y

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Andrew65

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

These are the books I will be reading this weekend, already started two of them! The tagged book I am reading over the next four days with @Tove_Reads , feel free to join us. Also trying to get hold of a copy of Walking By Night, it‘s return is overdue to the library. Hate when people do this, especially as it‘s for a Group Read! 😡Looking forward to When Hoopoes Go to Heaven, as loved Baking Cakes in Kigali.
Let the fun begin!

EadieB

Tove_Reads Wooohooo! I am reading seven books atm... And I‘m feeling guilty. My TBR list is out of control and I‘m pretty sure the books are gossiping about my ability to get through the list... will read my first Karin slaughter and Sharon penman, so looking forward to excellent reads! 6y

Andrew65 I‘ve currently got Four on the go and just about to start book 5 so you are in good company! 🤯 You will enjoy both those authors. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I‘m going to read Dissolution tomorrow and then I will join you for Dark Fire. Don‘t worry about group read. We can do it when you finally get the book! (edited) 6y

See All 15 Comments

Libby1 Dark Fire is sooooo good! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Wow! Enjoy, and we look forward to your contributions @Tove_Reads 6y

Andrew65 @Libby1 That‘s great to hear! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Grrrrr, frustrated that I can‘t get to It! 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Awesome! Great to have you on board! Both me and Andrew ‘struggled‘ a bit with Dissolution, but Dark Fire is supposed to be great. Dissolution was OK, but that was it. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads @EadieB Gave Dissolution 3.75 Stars but must be at least seven years since I read it. 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB I think I was more of a 3.25 kinda gal. It‘s so highly acclaimed though... (edited) 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 I‘ll probably start Dissolution tonight and finish it tomorrow. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads @EadieB To be honest not overly impressed by it but so long ago that I read it that don‘t remember a lot about it. But obviously gives a lot of good context about the dissolution of the monasteries. 6y

Tove_Reads @Eadie @Andrew65 Finding this to be more personal on so many levels. Dissolution did not grip me character wise. From the beginning you feel for Elisabeth in this one. 6y

Crazeedi @Tove_Reads I love penman. Read the first book *when christ and his saints slept* and have started the second *time and chance* and have 3 more after to read 6y

Andrew65 @Crazeedi When Christ and His Saints Slept is one of my favourite all time books along with all three of her Welsh Princes Trilogy and

The Sunne In Splendour: A Novel of Richard III

77 likes15 comments

Tove_Reads

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

Wooohooo! Look at my new socks (a present from myself). Not related to the book, but will wear these while reading #buddyread with @Andrew65 Figure I‘d read 10 chapters today, 15 Sat and Sun, 7 Monday. Can‘t promise I‘ll stick to the schedule, but that‘s my plan! It‘s raining cows and horses, so a perfect Friday night of Reading (and watching The Middle - I‘m obsessed with Brick)

Traci1 ❤❤ the socks! 6y

BookwormAHN Great socks 💜 6y

niha923 ohh my godddd the socks!!! 😍😍😍 6y

See All 36 Comments

Andrew65 Got the book ready for Reading now I am home for work but haven‘t planned what socks I planned to read in. 😳 😂 Love your socks! 😊 Will try to match your schedule but tonight may be a Challenge after a tough week of work! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 I am utterly shocked! You have not planned your reading socks!!! What kind of a monster are you??? And they let you be a litten!!! Disgraceful!!! 🤪😂 Sarcasm - for those who did not get it... 😘 No worries... Reading chapter 6 now. Ready to discuss tomorrow. Way better than the first one, so far. Brutal. What is wrong with me...? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I know they must have really lowered their standards when they let me in! Need to peruse Amazon and order a shed load of new socks, apart from my Christmas socks they are all boring colours! 😂 Great to hear you are enjoying it, I shall start shortly. Just got home from work and just finished my tea. We all like a bit of brutal action! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 about time to take care of the sock situation! I am concerned. You have clearly neglected this important issue! There‘s a detail I‘d like to figure out, my British friends were not familiar with this old legal (brutal) punishment from the good auld days, but let‘s discuss it tomorrow. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Hangs Head in shame over the socks! 😞 Be very worried! Look forward to discussing it. (edited) 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 Babysitting until 6:30 PM but when I get home, I‘ll post a picture of my reading socks. You do have to get some reading socks, Andrew! (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @andrew65 Andrew def needs to up his game!!! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads @EadieB If you are both saying this I definitely need to address it! 😂😂😂 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I have a few pairs of reading socks, a reading shirt and I don‘t know if you remember my Tommy Hilfiger reading dress I bought about the time Donna Tartt‘s book Goldfinch was published. I post a picture when I get home. (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads “... you‘re a lawyer and everyone knows you have to keep an eye on lawyers...” Haha, I have a masters degree in law 🤫😳😇😅 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Well done on that! Impressed 🙌👏, but obviously @EadieB and I need to keep our beady eye on you! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB All I bring to the party is the books. How boring am I! @Tove_Reads 6y

Tove_Reads Lame @Andrew65 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads How did you know my middle name! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB I‘m finished with the book for today. 40 chapters ✅ Guess what?! I wasn‘t wearing socks at all while I read, and I still managed to do it! ⚠️ 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Amazing! Just starting and hope to finish tomorrow! Did you like it? 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Well, yes and no. Once again I was expecting more. Let‘s see what happens in the last 7 chapters. I‘m glad I‘m reading it, but doubt I‘ll reread it. 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads I like his writing! I see on your TBR list ...And Ladies Of The Club. Did you read it yet? 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB ALOTC is on my have to read it really soon list. Hope to start reading it sometimes mid-may to mid-June. It‘s time consuming for sure! Supposed to be really good, and I feel it‘s as underrated as a book can be. 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads I want to read it too. I was president of my local Perkasie Woman‘s Club during their 100th Anniversary in 1999 so I think I would enjoy it. (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB Cool! I see another buddy read coming up! If I remember correctly there are some others who‘d be interested in reading it as well! 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads That would be fun! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB Done! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads @EadieB I am also finished. How are you going Eadie? 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 halfway done but I‘ll try to finish some more tonight. Busy day just getting back home from cardiologist. I passed the tests with flying colors just have to go to kidney specialist to regulate my high blood pressure which is genetic. 6y

Andrew65 Fantastic news! 🎉🍾🥂😊😍 @EadieB (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I‘m finished Dark Fire 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yey! How about an open discussion of the book tomorrow (Wednesday). I can post any time from around 18.30 London Time tomorrow which I think is 1.30 pm for you Eadie and 20.30 pm in Finland. Is this a good time for people. Alternatively is there a better time? @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 yes that‘s good for me 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 😊 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 Works for me! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yey! 🙌👏👍😊 @eadieb Will send a First post around 6.30. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 👍 6y

50 likes36 comments

Andrew65

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2 | C. J. Sansom

@Tove_Reads and I are looking to read Dark Fire by CJ Sansom this weekend (27th - 30th April). This is book 2 in the Shardlake Series set in 1540 during Henry VIII‘s reign and is a historical mystery. It has a strong reputation and is rated at 4.25 on Goodreads.

If anyone would like to join us you will be very welcome. 😊👍

#HistoricalMystery #HenryVIII

Daisey This series is fantastic and this is one of my favorites of the individual books! 6y

MayJasper I am with @Daisey it is a fantastic book. I love all his books. I especially love

Dissolution: A Shardlake Novel

Crazeedi This looks amazing! But I think I'm going to want to read book 1 before I read book 2. What is the first book of series? 6y

See All 6 Comments

Andrew65 @Crazeedi The first one is

Dissolution: A Shardlake Novel 1

Andrew65 @Daisey @MayJasper That‘s great to hear. 😊 6y

Crazeedi Thank you! 6y

68 likes1 stack add6 comments

Tove_Reads

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

Just realized I haven‘t read a chunkster this month 😱🤭🤫 @Andrew65 Neither one found the first one to be excellent, but since people keep on saying the series is top notch, it might be time to hit this one?! When would you like to start?

Andrew65 I‘m a bit short this month too. Finished one early in the month, The Wise Man‘d Fear, and currently Reading Another, The Heart‘s Invisible Furies, but need to get a move on to finish it in April. (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 So, May? John Boyne, if I only were a gay man... 🤣 He is my fave contemporary non-mystery non-histfic author! That book is soooo good! You‘re still not done with the second book of the Irish saga? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads No for some reason the second book in the Irish Saga got on the back burner and never got back to the front. Not that I‘m not enjoying it either! Do need to get back to it. I can either start Dark Fire next Weekend (27th) or the following weekend (4th May). Let me know if either of those dates are good. 😊 6y

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Tove_Reads @andrew65 This coming weekend works well! Have a four day weekend 🙃 Have you read The Library of Gold? Would like to hear your opinion about it! Loooved it!

The Library of Gold

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Look forward to reading it next weekend, unfortunately we don‘t get the extra day until the following Monday. Not heard of Library of Gold, sounds great and off to research where I can get hold of a copy. Stacked it. 6y

Andrew65 Just downloaded a copy from the library. 😊 6y

Ranchan I think this one might be the best book in the series (although that can also be because it‘s the one that got me hooked, lol!) 6y

Tove_Reads @oOArankaOo Sounds good! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 I just checked it out - not a chunkster. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads 😱 Just got mine down from the bookshelf and mine just fits into my definition of a Chunkster (over 600 Pages), but could depend on your definition and edition too. Mine matches the Amazon paperback at 608 Pages so just scrapes into my definition of a Chunkster. How many pages has yours got? 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 501 pages 🧐😨 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yours must be much smaller print than mine. Now if the Amazon version has over 600 Pages does that mean you can count this one as a Chunkster? 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 Just checked the editions on GR. Most are 580-610 pages, so I guess it works for me! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yey! So reliant on the edition! 🎉🙌😍 6y

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