I have just finished reading C J Sansom’s Heartstone. It is his latest in the Matthew Shardlake series set in Tudor England. All are very readable and as with all good books I felt sorry that it had come to an end. I want to find out what happens to the hapless lawyer after his latest adventure.  This book had a particular resonance for me as it takes Matthew to Portchester Castle where I played as a young girl with my sisters. The smell of the sea, the wonderful tower where eventually French prisoners of war would be housed, the grassy moat all brought back wonderful memories. Now I know that it might have housed Catherine Parr I shall look for her shadow next time I visit the castle.

Denny Bradbury