C. J. Sansom

C. J. Sansom is a British writer known for his historical crime novels, particularly the Shardlake series, which is set in the reign of Henry VIII.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Dissolution

    A Shardlake Novel

    Set in the 16th century during the reign of King Henry VIII, the novel follows the story of Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer, who is sent by Thomas Cromwell to investigate the murder of a royal commissioner at a monastery. As Shardlake delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a series of secrets, lies, and corruption within the monastery. The story is a blend of historical fiction and crime thriller, offering a vivid portrayal of the political and religious turmoil of the Tudor period.

    The 6082nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Heartstone

    A Shardlake Novel

    Set in the tumultuous period of Tudor England, the narrative follows hunchbacked lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake as he embarks on a new case that leads him into the heart of a conspiracy and danger. Tasked with investigating a series of legal disputes for the Queen's cousin, Shardlake's journey takes him to Portsmouth, where the English fleet is preparing for a momentous battle against the French. Amidst the backdrop of impending war, Shardlake uncovers a series of mysteries and dark secrets that threaten not only his life but also the stability of the realm. Combining rich historical detail with suspenseful mystery, the story weaves together political intrigue, betrayal, and courage, showcasing the complexities of justice and loyalty in a time of national crisis.

    The 9670th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Tombland

    A Shardlake Novel

    Set in the tumultuous period of 1549, this historical mystery follows the astute lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he navigates the political and social upheaval of Tudor England. Tasked with investigating a gruesome murder linked to the powerful Boleyn family, Shardlake finds himself embroiled in the larger context of the Kett's Rebellion, a peasant uprising against the oppressive land enclosures. As he delves deeper into the case, Shardlake must confront the dangerous intersections of justice, loyalty, and power, all while grappling with the personal and societal challenges of a nation on the brink of transformation.

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  4. 4. Lamentation

    A Shardlake Novel

    Set in the turbulent final years of Henry VIII's reign, this historical mystery follows the astute lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake as he is drawn into a perilous investigation involving a stolen manuscript that could ignite religious conflict. Tasked by Queen Catherine Parr to recover her controversial book, Shardlake navigates a treacherous landscape of political intrigue, religious fervor, and personal danger. As he delves deeper into the shadowy world of Tudor England, he uncovers a web of secrets and betrayals that threaten not only the queen's safety but also his own life.

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  5. 5. Revelation

    A Shardlake Novel

    Set in the tumultuous period of Tudor England, this historical mystery follows the astute lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of King Henry VIII's reign. Tasked with solving a series of gruesome murders that echo the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation, Shardlake must unravel a web of religious fanaticism and political intrigue. As he delves deeper into the case, he faces personal and professional challenges that test his resolve and intellect, all while the shadow of the Reformation looms large over the kingdom.

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  6. 6. Sovereign

    A Shardlake Novel

    Set in the tumultuous era of Tudor England, this historical mystery follows the astute hunchbacked lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, as he is dispatched to the city of York during King Henry VIII's grand progress. Tasked with ensuring the smooth running of the royal visit and the safe transport of a dangerous prisoner, Shardlake soon finds himself embroiled in a web of political intrigue and murder. As he delves deeper into the secrets of the court and the city, he uncovers a conspiracy that could threaten the very stability of the kingdom, testing his wit and resolve to their limits.

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  7. 7. Dark Fire

    Set in the tumultuous era of 1540s England, the story follows the astute lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he navigates the dangerous political landscape under the reign of Henry VIII. Tasked with uncovering the secrets of "Greek Fire," a legendary and powerful weapon, Shardlake finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and murder. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he must contend with ruthless adversaries and the ever-present threat of the Tower of London, all while grappling with his own moral dilemmas and the complexities of justice in a world rife with corruption and power struggles.

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