In "Hearthstone", C.J. Sansom presents an intricate mystery set in Tudor England during the reign of Henry VIII. The story follows Matthew Shardlake as he takes on Queen Catherine Parr's request to investigate the death of Michael, a tutor to two children who are now Wards of the Crown. It is revealed that the children's guardian, Nicholas Hobbey, had terminated Michael's tutoring to serve his interests. Before his death, Michael left a note pleading for help for one of the children, Hugh, who was being mistreated by Hobbey.

Matthew had already planned to journey to the same area in his quest for the truth. He had set for himself the task of learning what had happened to Ellen Fetti-Place nineteen years ago that had driven her to madness and to become an inmate at Bedlam. Matthew had met her two years ago while visiting a young boy who was also an inmate at Bedlam. Although Ellen had seemed to be the sanest inmate there, she was too terrified of the outside world to set foot out of Bedlam's protective doors.

Samson intertwines these tales with the historical events of the time, providing an enjoyable read for lovers of historical fiction.