Christopher John Sansom crafts compelling historical crime novels, renowned for their immersive settings and intricate plotting. His most celebrated works delve into the tumultuous 16th century, following the investigations of lawyer Matthew Shardlake amidst the political intrigues of Henry VIII's reign. Sansom masterfully blends meticulous historical research with engaging narrative, bringing to life the atmosphere and challenges of the era. Readers are drawn into his stories by the unique voice of his characters and the depth of historical detail, making his novels a rich experience for both history buffs and mystery enthusiasts.
King Henry VIII is dying. His Protestant and Catholic councillors are engaged in a final and decisive power struggle; whoever wins will control the government of Henry's successor, the eight-year-old prince. As heretics are hunted, and the radical Protestant Anne Askew is burned at the stake, the Catholic party focus their attack on Henry's sixth wife, Shardlake's old mentor, Queen Catherine Parr.
The fourth book in the Shardlake mystery series takes place in 1543. When an old friend of Matthew Shardlake's is murdered, he vows to bring the killer to justice. His search leads him back to the dark prophecies of the Book of Revelation--and a series of horrific murders.
Summer, 1545. England is at war. Meanwhile Matthew Shardlake is given an intriguing legal case by an old servant of Queen Catherine Parr. Asked to investigate claims of "monstrous wrongs" committed against a young ward of the court, which have already involved one mysterious death, Shardlake and his assistant, Barak, journey to Portsmouth.
During the political upheaval of Tudor-era England, the lawyer Matthew Shardlake must decide where his loyalties lie in "one of the best ongoing mystery series" for fans of Hilary Mantel (Christian Science Monitor). LONGLISTED FOR THE SIR WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION Spring, 1549. Two years after the death of Henry VIII, England is sliding into chaos. The nominal king, Edward VI, is eleven years old. His uncle, Edward Seymour, Lord Hertford, rules as Edward's regent and Protector. In the kingdom, radical Protestants are driving the old religion into extinction, while the Protector's prolonged war with Scotland has led to hyperinflation and economic collapse. Rebellion is stirring among the peasantry. Matthew Shardlake has been working as a lawyer in the service of Henry's younger daughter, the lady Elizabeth. The gruesome murder of one of Elizabeth's distant relations, rumored to be politically murdered, draws Shardlake and his companion Nicholas to the lady's summer estate, where a second murder is committed. As the kingdom explodes into rebellion, Nicholas is imprisoned for his loyalty, and Shardlake must decide where his loyalties lie -- with his kingdom, or with his lady?
In this sequel to "Dissolution," it is now 1540, and Shardlake has returned to practicing law in London. When he is called on to help a friend's niece, charged with killing her cousin, he has no idea it will force him back into Cromwell's dangerous schemes.
Autumn, 1541. King Henry VIII has set out on a spectacular Progress to the North to attend an extravagant submission by his rebellious subject in York. Already in the city are lawyer Matthew Shardlake and his assistant Jack Barak. As well as legal work processing local petitions to the King, Shardlake has reluctantly undertaken a special mission for Archbishop Crammer - to ensure the welfare of an important but dangerous conspirator who is to be returned to London for interrogation. But the murder of a York glazier involves Shardlake in deeper mysteries, connected not only to the prisoner in York Castle but to the royal family itself. And when Shardlake and Barak stumble upon a cache of secret documents which could threaten the Tudor throne, a chain of events unfolds that will lead to Shardlake facing the most terrifying fate of the age...
Now a major Disney+ original series, this first novel in C. J. Sansom's bestselling Shardlake series is perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel and Philippa Gregory. Set in England in 1537, a time of upheaval and transformation, the story begins with the brutal murder of a commissioner sent by Thomas Cromwell to investigate monasteries. As Henry VIII declares himself Supreme Head of the Church, the nation grapples with harsh new laws and a network of informers. Amidst this turmoil, Robin Singleton, a commissioner, is found dead at the Scarnsea monastery, his murder accompanied by acts of sacrilege. Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer and supporter of Reform, is dispatched by Cromwell to uncover the truth behind the chaos at Scarnsea. However, as Shardlake delves deeper into the investigation, he is forced to confront unsettling truths that challenge his beliefs and perceptions. This gripping tale invites readers to explore the dark heart of Tudor England, setting the stage for the next installment in the series, Dark Fire.
In what's being called a brilliant debut, Sansom presents a riveting historical novel in which issues of politics and faith collide when a gruesome murder is committed in a remote Benedictine monastery during the reign of Henry VIII.
Part thriller, part love story, this tale follows the fortunes of three young men, navigating the tumultous world of 1940s Spain. As the Second World war begins, one is sent to spy on another and the ramifications of a tragic love story will haunt them all
Twelve years have passed since Churchill lost to the appeasers and Britain surrendered to Nazi Germany. The long German war against Russia rages on and Britain finds itself under authoritarian rule. However, the resistance remains! Scientist Frank Muncaster has a secret that could change the balance of the world struggle forever. A haunting reimagining of 1950s Britain.
