The epic fifth novel in the Matthew Shardlake Tudor Mystery series by the bestselling author of Winter in Madrid and DominionSummer 1545. A massive French armada is threatening England, and Henry VIII has plunged the country into economic crisis to finance the war. Meanwhile, an old servant of Queen Catherine Parr has asked Matthew Shardlake to investigate claims of “monstrous” wrongs committed … of “monstrous” wrongs committed against a young ward of the court. As the French fleet approaches, Shardlake’s inquiries reunite him with an old friend-and an old enemy close to the throne.
This fast-paced fifth installment in C. J. Sansom’s “richly entertaining and reassuringly scholarly series” (Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review) will enchant fans of Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, and The Other Boleyn Girl.
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All of the Shardlake series are fascinating and really bring the Tudor period under Henry VIII to life. Interesting mystery plot lines, good characters.
I have read all of the C.J. Sansom books and loved them all. He tells a wonderful story. The reader can hear, smell, and almost taste London.
What more can be said other than “incredible”
Every single aspect of every book in the Shardlake series, is thought about and detailed to a point that no other author can do. Sansom really is a king.
Superbly written
very good historical fiction
good as usual
I love love love this whole series. The author paints a compelling and realistic picture of medieval times in England and builds wonderful characters, with the come-alive background of the nobility and king. It is full of what must have been the ultimate seething cauldron of politics and daily life in those times. Matthew Shardlake is brilliant, real and completely lovable. Get started in this book or the first one. They are stand alone, but nice to read from the beginning as it explains how some of the important characters join and evolve in the cast. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (indeed!)
I have enjoyed this series and have read them in order.
I thought it was much too long, it went ON and ON. I did enjoy the characters and the historic setting, but I probably won’t read one of these again.
always a good read with Sansom
Great historic detail that makes plot and characters fascinating.
The entire series is wonderful, and a new one is coming soon.
one of the most interesting stories I have read in a while based on history and the greed of men.
Great addition to the Shardlake series
Excellent writing, historical adventure
This book is one in a series written by CJ Sansom, that was recommended to me several years ago. I read the entire series and was very much satisfied with the author and the books. It was filled with drama, mystery, intrigue, murder, and infused with a bit of the Tudor period when Henry VIII was king. I love reading history about the Tudor period, it’s very fascinating and somewhat confusing at the same time. If you like reading about this era, you will enjoy reading these books.
I absolutely love the Matthew Shardlake series! Matthew advocates for the truth and those wronged or harmed by avarice and the lies generated from the love of money and power. In this advocating, Matthew is definitely flawed. Since he wouldn’t behave so disreputably, not expecting his enemies to behave poorly does get Matthew into trouble. The secrets that Matthew had to uncover were not what I was expecting, as I had guessed something completely different. I appreciate the Epilogue and the history in the Author’s Note.
As I began reading this series in January, I will be saddened when I’ve finally caught up to Sansom’s pace, but the characters who share Matthew’s life are extremely enjoyable and help balance the Shardlake series nicely. I do hope Matthew learns to have faith and follow’s Parr’s advice.