Dissolution (Matthew Shardlake 1)

C J Sansom is an excellent storyteller. He is one of those writers who have an indefinably quality to their writing which makes it remarkably enjoyable to read. The story slides of the page, and you'll find yourself turning pages effortlessly.

This is the first novel following Shardlake, the hunchbacked lawyer, employed here by Thomas Cromwell to investigate a murder in a monestary. Sansom has an excellent knowledge of the historical background of the period (and setting the story in a time with such an interesting political situation gives the book another edge). There are all sorts of little details in here, regarding real and fictional characters and places, and more than enough vivid discription to give a thoroughly believable picture of Tudor England.

I actually read Dark Fire, the second Shardlake novel, before I read this one, but that didn't really matter, as the plot wasn't mentioned in that novel. This novel is slightly more the classic murder mystery than the second - with a handful of possible suspects with apparent motives and alibis - but that doesn't matter. It is still a thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyable read.

indulge (1/1 people found this helpful)

The first book I have read by this author and what a delight. I felt immersed in the feeling of the time.This era has always been a bit hazy to me and now feel I have more of an understanding of exactly what was going on without having to dredge through tedious history text books.
The murder plot was intriguing with all the clues there for the picking but of course some red herrings as well.Excellent. Already have the other 'Shardlake' books in anticipation of more superb stories.

Engaging and well-written mystery (1/1 people found this helpful)

Dissolution is an intelligent, literary murder mystery set in England at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. And I loved it. Ok, so it's not fine literature - although it is well written and well researched - but it is a gripping story, with plenty of pace, twists and turns of plot and a range of well drawn and recognisable characters.

Samson at his strongest (1/2 people found this helpful)

This is a novel which appeals to the senses, paticularly of touch and smell. Although a morarally focused book there are no 21st century judements, leaving the reader with a clear impression of the social structures of the time.It emphasises fear of the monarchy and reform regardless of your position. There is a simmering anger created by the need for the people to repress their thoughts,despite holding powerful beliefs. Emotions of the reader are exposed continually and it is impossible to put the book down (I woke in the night compelled to read the next chapter (or 2)). Hiistorical fact and the authors supposition about the era are interlinked in a whodunnit where the language is simple, but informative of the time. The plot is complicated, but is revisited through reflective passages,providing the reader with reminders of significant events (a great plus for readers who lack 100% concentration, such as me!).
The author sets the scene innocently and develops the characters with consistency. The conclusion is satisfying and unpredictable, although totally believable. Fantastic novel.

ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID................................... (2/3 people found this helpful)

As one who normally only reads in bed, I could not lay this book down, and got stuck into it every chance I could. There is a certain magic about it, not that the plot is fantastic, but it is compulsive reading,
I loved the main character, the hunchback Master Shardlake, and the physicician Brother Guy, a black face in Tudor England - a rare man indeed.
There are four murders and a lengthy list of suspects in an Abbey destined for closure by the Crown. King Henry VIII has distanced himself from the Pope in his need to divorce Catherine of Aaragon and marry Anne Boleyn......and on the story goes...............
Commissioner Shardlake is sent to Scarnsea Abbey by Lord Thomas Cromwell to investigate the murder of the previous Commissioner, Singleton. Then they start dropping like flies. Can one of the monks be a murderer?
Where is Cadfael when you need him?
The author has done some considerable research into this period and has given us an absolute cracker of a good old-fashioned whodunnit. The characters are colourful, diverse and interesting and the dialogue spontaneous - when it could have seemed olde worlde. The landscape and surroundings well described without becoming boring and you can picture yourself there.There is no shortage of excitement and at times I was reading faster and faster and turning the pages like the clappers.
Let us hope it the start of a long series.
I could take a lot more of this.
A fabulous read, not to be missed!!!

Dissolution (Matthew Shardlake 1)

C.J. Sansom

Reader Reviews:

Excellent Historical Fiction (0/0 people found this helpful)

indulge (1/1 people found this helpful)

Engaging and well-written mystery (1/1 people found this helpful)

Samson at his strongest (1/2 people found this helpful)

ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID................................... (2/3 people found this helpful)

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