A review by asourceoffiction
Dissolution by C.J. Sansom

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a fantastic murder mystery that kept me guessing, and I love the backdrop of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries. I've read the fourth book in this series and this was definitely more engaging from the beginning, drawing me in by setting it inside a monastery at risk where everything is fuelled by paranoia and religious reform.

Shardlake is a great protagonist to get behind and his struggles with what he learns about Cromwell are brilliant to read, alongside the complex web of murder that runs through Scarnsea. I love how the characters develop and was surprised a few times by the direction the story took.

I really like how Sansom combines history and fiction, and throws in a little educated speculation of his own (particularly when it comes to Cromwell and Anne Boleyn). It serves the narrative really well, and makes this a brilliant, engrossing story; I'll definitely be seeking out the rest of the series.
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