Dissolution by C.J. Sansom was first published in 2003 and it’s the first book that I’ve read by the author, in fact it was only when I read his Guardian obituary when he died in April that I realised that I had almost certainly missed out on some really good reads. I think I did borrow one of his Shardlake books from the library before, but realised that it was part of a series, but never did get around to getting the first one, until now. I really enjoyed it.
The setting is England in 1537. It’s the year after Anne Boleyn’s execution and Henry VIII is beginning to dismantle the large network of monasteries that have managed to accumulate huge riches over the years. Henry is determined to strip them of their wealth and Thomas Cromwell has sent a young man to St Donatus Monastery to investigate their finances, but he is found dead there, he has been beheaded in the kitchen, and Cromwell sends Matthew Shardlake and his young apprentice to investigate the murder.
When they start to question the monks they soon realise that they are very far from being holy men, or even good men, the place is awash with sin, but which of them is a murderer?
This is an atmospheric read with a long snowstorm adding to the sense of menace as the monastery turns into a prison for Shardlake and his apprentice, trapped with a murderer on the loose.
This was another of my 20 Books of Summer.
I gave this to my mother not that long ago but didn’t have time to read it before wrapping. I assume she liked it but I don’t know if she continued with the series.
I appreciate the reminder of what sounds like a great read.
Constance,
I enjoyed it enough to continue with the series anyway, despite the fact that I seem to have been spending a lot of time in Tudor England recently!
There is no place better than Tudor England, unless one is named Anne or Katherine!
Constance,
LOL (as they say),
I don’t think I would have wanted to be too close to that Tudor court!
I have enjoyed all of the Shardlake books (apart from the last one, which I still haven’t read) and I love Sansom’s portrayal of Tudor England. I thought this was the weakest in the series, so you have a lot to look forward to!
Helen,
I think that the first book in a series is often a bit weaker, I suppose they are more of a scene setter than the other books, I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into them
Hi Katrina,
I am so entranced by your mention of the fact that there is a “long snowstorm” to make this novel by Sansom even more atmospheric. I feel like devouring it immediately–like tonight! It’s definitely going on my list. If I can wait that long!
I have a Sansom book standing by…but I can’t remember the title. Will have to check. Thanks for sharing this one!
Judith,
I thought of you when I was reading about the snow and the cold as I know you relish snow rather than heat. I hope you do enjoy it if you read it, maybe your library will have a copy.
So glad you enjoyed your first Sansom! You have lots of pleasure to come with the rest of the series. I should warn you they get longer and longer…!
FictionFan,
I feel that the Sansom books will be ideal winter reading!