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  • Revelation

  • A Matthew Shardlake Novel
  • By: C. J. Sansom
  • Narrated by: Anton Lesser
  • Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (228 ratings)
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Revelation cover art

Revelation

By: C. J. Sansom
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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Summary

Abridged edition.

C. J. Sansom's bestselling adventures of Matthew Shardlake continue in the fourth title of the series, the haunting Revelation.


Spring, 1543. King Henry VIII is wooing Lady Catherine Parr, whom he wants for his sixth wife. But this time the object of his affections is resisting. Archbishop Cranmer and the embattled Protestant faction at court are watching keenly, for Lady Catherine is known to have reformist sympathies.

Matthew Shardlake, meanwhile, is working on the case of a teenage boy, a religious maniac locked in the Bedlam hospital for the insane. Should he be released to his parents, when his terrifying actions could lead to him being burned as a heretic?

When an old friend is horrifically murdered Shardlake promises his widow, for whom he has long had complicated feelings, to bring the killer to justice. His search leads him to both Cranmer and Catherine Parr –and with the dark prophecies of the Book of Revelation.

As London's Bishop Bonner prepares a purge of Protestants, Shardlake, together with his assistant, Jack Barak, and his friend, Guy Malton, follows the trail of a series of horrific murders that shake them to the core, and which are already bringing frenzied talk of witchcraft and a demonic possession – for what else would the Tudor mind make of a serial killer . . .?

Continue the gripping historical series with Revelation, Heartstone, Lamentation and Tombland.

©2008 C. J. Sansom (P)2008 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic reviews

"Gripping, colourful and beautifully brought to life by Anton Lesser." (Daily Express)

"The perfect blend of history and mystery. Sansom¿s novels make for compulsive listening. At over seven hours, this is the ideal companion for a long haul flight." (Independent)

"Anton Lesser gets into the swing of dialogue that mixes detective-fiction idiom and olde English not quite 'Make my day, churl', but close." (The Sunday Times)

What listeners say about Revelation

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Finished

Finished this book in its entirety and so no need to write any more words.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Engrossing and superbly read.

If historical mysteries are your thing, I can't recommend this highly enough. The plot twists and turns with great imagination, the scenes are well set and described, and in the hands of Anton Lesser the whole thing comes to life and grips you throughout.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very good story, excellently read

I've read, and enjoyed, the earlier books in CJ Samson's series of detective novels featuring the lawyer and ex-monk Shardlake set in the turbulent time of Henry VIII. I'm glad to say that this latest book in the same series works well as an audio book, not least because of the excellent reading by Anton Lessor. It's an intriguing story using the seven prophecies in the book of revelation as a template for a series of extraordinary murders. If you know and like David Hewson's Rome series of modern detective novels you'll likely enjoy Revelation and see the parallels between it and Book One in the Rome series.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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revelation

loved listening to this part of the shardlake series
most enjoyable well done cj sansom

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful listen

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, this author and this narrator. I look forward to listening to more of these books.

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wonderful reading of great story

Love Anton Lesser's readings of these stories. They are entertaining and interesting, and very educational.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Revelation by CJ Samson

The continuing tale of Matthew Shardlake (4th book). The story gives a picture of life in the 16th C at the time of Henry VIII as well as the adventures of Shardlake and his friends. A thrilling story and well told by Anton Lesser, very enjoyable.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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ANOTHER MARVELLOUS SHARDLAKE!

Would you listen to Revelation again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, as Anton Lesser reads like I believe Sharlake to sound, making it feel like he is actually sat with me, recounting the events.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew Shardlake will always be my favourite character, as he is good, but flawed, so your heart sinks when his does, you root for him to be able to find the love he seeks. I also liked Dr Guy, a wise, gentle voice of reason, who can also get very angry when he needs to.

What about Anton Lesser’s performance did you like?

I liked Lesser's narration of the book, his depth of voices was something I appreciated, especially with characters such as Guy and Barack, two different men at different stages in life, and one with an accent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The recounting of the final climax was something that kept me at the edge of my seat, I couldn't stop listening, even to eat!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another gripping medieval whodunit!

I thoroughly enjoy the medieval world of Matthew Shardlake. The historical detail is excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Bible Black and Series Best

For me this is the most enjoyable of the Shardlake series so far (haven't reached Heartsone yet - I am rationing myself in the hope of further sequels before I run out), possibly because the gothic Old Testement element completes the compelling atmosphere.

I don't normally do Abridged but Anton Lesser's superb narration is unsurpassable.

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