This riveting debut set in 1534 England secured C. J. Sansom's place among the most distinguished of modern historical novelists (P. D. James). When Henry VIII's emissary is beheaded at an English monastery, hunchbacked lawyer Matthew Shardlake is dispatched to solve the crime. But as he uncovers a cesspool of sin, three more murders occur - and Matthew may be the next target.
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"What a great read (that is if you like historical mysteries set during the reign of King Henry VIII...and I do)! Just after the execution of Queen Anne Bolyn and at the hight of the reform, Matthew Shardlake, a hunchback reformer and lawyer, has been hired by Thomas Cromwell to investigate a murder at a monastery in fear of being shut down. I will have to read this entire series!" — Genesis (5 out of 5 stars)
"What a great read (that is if you like historical mysteries set during the reign of King Henry VIII...and I do)! Just after the execution of Queen Anne Bolyn and at the hight of the reform, Matthew Shardlake, a hunchback reformer and lawyer, has been hired by Thomas Cromwell to investigate a murder at a monastery in fear of being shut down. I will have to read this entire series!"
" Interesting mix of historical fiction and mystery. Pacing was OK. Couldn't connect with main character. Sensibilities seemed a bit modern for the 1500's. Guessed the killer about halfway through but didn't figure out the motive. "
" Probably a lot more interesting if I had an interest in 16th century history. "
" Interesting. Murder mystery set during the dissolution of the monasteries. "
" Excellent. Terrific murder mystery set in a monastery at the time of the dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII. The main protagonist is a supporter of Cromwell and goes through his own crisis of faith about the new regime. "
" High quality historical fiction "
" Historical fiction meets whodunnit, I love having fun while I learn... and there are three sequels which just get better and better. "
" An interesting historical murder mystery, rich with detail, but somehow very crudely written. A promising start to a new writer's career, but hopefully just a start. "
" really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading the others in the series. "
" If you like mysteries and historical fiction, then this book is a great read. Extremely tense historical period, great descriptions of Cromwell, and a really interesting main character who isn't overly pretty or sympathetic. "
" Who would have thought that the murder mystery exploits of a hunchbacked lawyer at the time of Henry VIIIs monastery dissolution would be so mesmerising. Original stuff "
" Good story, interesting setting, well-formed characts. Protaganist was flawed but kept me on his side. "
" Wonderful Tudor mystery, introducing Matthew Shardlake. Lots of Tudor era villains are part of the story. "
" So excited to have stumbled upon this series. Truly well-written and visuals of the life and times are so clear. "
" Really one that deserves 4.5 stars. I loved the theme of this book and Sansom's pedigree as a historian shines throughout. "
" Good book for a summer read. I might read more in the series, but I'll wait. "
" These are outstanding audiobooks. The stories are excellent, made even better by outstanding narration. I sincerely hope there will be more in the series beyond the 4 I've read/listened to already. "
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