It's a cool Sunday morning. I've watched Red Sparrow for the first time.... It was ok. Now as I watch an episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker, I'll work on this BLog entry. I finished a book this morning and I'll provide my review and also the synopsis for the next book in line. They are part of my 1st book in a series challenge. I'll also continue with my look at favorite authors.
Just Finished
"Undersea Quest by Frederik Pohl & Jack Williamson was originally published in 1954 and is the 1st book in their Undersea Academy YA science fiction trilogy. In some ways it reminded me of other books of the genre, e.g. the Tom Swift science fiction adventure series. In any matter, it was an enjoyable adventure and I now have to find the next two books. I've read other Sci-Fi by Williamson; The Legion of Space (1st in the Legion books, not so great) and The Humanoids (2nd in the Humanoids series, much more enjoyable). I'd rank Undersea Quest in the middle, I think.
Young Jim Eden is enrolled in the Undersea Academy by his uncle, a successful undersea entrepreneur and scientist. Jim's father had passed away when Jim was but a child so Stewart, even though absent much of the time has taken the role of father figure. Things don't go well at the Academy, located in the Caribbean. His senior classmate, one Junior Officer Brand Sperry is the son of Uncle Stewart's arch rival, one who has competed with and tried to steal the Eden's scientific inventions.
There is trouble at the Academy and both Jim and his best friend Bob Eskow are expelled. This leads Jim on a great undersea adventure; first to try to find his uncle at the undersea city of Thetis and then also to try and survive the manipulations of mysterious enemies. It's an entertaining adventure with enough science to pique your scientific bone and lots of adventure and action. The villains are genuinely scary and the heroes are uplifting; e.g. Jim, Bob and new acquaintance Gideon, close friend of Uncle Stewart. I won't describe any more of the story as it's short and I don't want to ruin it. If you like science fiction, adventure and YA stories, you might enjoy this. I did anyway. (4 stars)"
Currently Reading
"A lonely woman of fifty-three vanishes in fog; a fat twenty-two-year-old never returns from an early morning walk . . .
Experienced
policemen know that most missing persons either turn up or go missing
on purpose. But fresh young D.S. Freya Graffham won’t drop it — until
she discovers what links the people who disappear on “The Hill,” young
and old, men and women, even a little dog. Susan Hill writes with
compassion, humour and a unique understanding of the details of daily
life."
My Favorite Authors - C.J. Sansom
Christopher John Sansom was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and has written one of my favorite historical crime novels, featuring hunchback lawyer, Matthew Shardlake. The stories are set during the reign of Henry VIII and Matthew regularly is tasked to assist Henry's Chief of Spies Thomas Cromwell and later, his replacement Thomas Cranmer. I've read the 1st five books so far. I'll provide a review or synopsis for each.
C.J. Sansom
"It is 1537, a time of
revolution that sees the greatest changes in England since 1066. Henry
VIII has proclaimed himself Supreme Head of the Church. The country is
waking up to savage new laws, rigged trials and the greatest network of
informers it has ever seen. And under the order of Thomas Cromwell, a
team of commissioners is sent through the country to investigate the
monasteries. There can only be one outcome: dissolution.
But on
the Sussex coast, at the monastery of Scarnsea, events have spiraled
out of control. Cromwell's Commissioner, Robin Singleton, has been found
dead, his head severed from his body. His horrific murder is
accompanied by equally sinister acts of sacrilege.
Matthew
Shardlake, lawyer and long time supporter of Reform, has been sent by
Cromwell to uncover the truth behind the dark happenings at Scarnsea.
But investigation soon forces Shardlake to question everything that he
hears, and everything that he intrinsically believes..." (4 stars)
"Excellent story set in Henry VIII's England. Centered around Lawyer, Matthew Shardlake and his assistant Barak, an employee of Thomas Cromwell. Shardlake is involved in two cases, one for Cromwell and a murder trial involving a young lady who won't defend herself. The story moves quickly, there is excellent tension and the characters are well-developed. I enjoyed this Shardlake story even more than Dissolution, his first. (4 stars)"
"I totally enjoyed this story. This is the third book in the Matthew Shardlake mystery series, set during the reign of Henry VIII. This story is set during the King's Progress to York and Matthew and his partner, Jack Barak are sent there by Henry's Archbishop Cranmer. Matthew's job is to sit on a Commission that is to hear complaints from the local populace and make judgements. As well, he is assigned to care for a prisoner, Edward Broderick, who is being held prior to conveyance to the Tower of London for interrogation.
The story is very well written, the characters are interesting and well-developed. C.J. Sansom has found his way with this series and I think this is the most interesting story so far. I definitely recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery and also a good period piece; the best of both worlds. (4 stars)"
"The Matthew Shardlake series is excellent, well-written historical mysteries. Revelation was no exception. The story is set in 1543, Henry VIII trying to get Catherine Parr's hand in marriage as his 6th wife and Shardlake and his assistant Barak, on the hunt of a fanatic trying to act out the punishments outlined the Revelation. As well, he must try and keep a young man, who has been sent to the insane asylum, Bedlam, from being burned at the stake as a heretic. Compounding his situation, London is being tormented by religious fanatics, trying make political gain against Archbishop Cranmer. Shardlake has many extreme situations to deal with as he tries to solve the crimes of a mad serial killer. Moves along so nicely, enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes as you try to solve along with Shardlake and enough historical reference of the time to educate as well. Excellent story. (4 stars)"
"Heartstone is the 5th book in C.J. Sansom historical mystery series featuring lawyer, Matthew Shardlake. There are many branches to this story and it keeps Matthew and his capable assistant Jack Barak very busy. It makes for a long, wandering story but there was no time when it didn't hold my interest and wondering what would happen next.
Matthew is recovering from his depression of the death of his long-time house keeper, Joan. He is dealing with a number of cases and also with a young woman he'd met in a previous story, Ellen, who resides in Bedlam, an insane institution. He is struggling to help her and at the same time to find a way of dissuading her from her love for him.
Matthew is asked by King Henry VIII's wife, Lady Catherine Parr to help her with a situation. This means Matthew will have to go to Portsmouth to check on a young man, Hugh Curteys, who may be being misused by his Ward, Mr. Hobbey. Matthew feels this might help him find out more about Ellen's past as she lived in a nearby town.
What else?? Well, Matthew is suspicious of his new steward, an old soldier Mr Coldiron, and the young lady he calls his daughter, Josephine. And, of course, there is the threat of an invasion from France while Matthew is in Portsmouth. Troops are being drafted and sent to Portsmouth. Jack Barak is threatened with being drafted as well while his wife, Tamasin, is near giving birth. There are many old and new enemies for Matthew to deal with, Sir Richard Rich and Lawyer Dyrick. Whew! Is that enough for you?
Well, the story is involved, with many, many twists and turns and threats to both Matthew and Jack. It's a fascinating and interesting follow-on to the other books in the series. Don't be intimidated by the size, there are no wasted pages and the story is rich, historical and detailed. It's one of the more entertaining series I've read and enjoyed. (4 stars)"
I have the next book in this excellent series plus one of Sansom's standalone novels. The complete listing of his books can be found at this link.
Have a great week. Stay safe. 😷
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