Dissolution cover art

Dissolution

Shardlake, Book 1

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Dissolution

By: C. J. Sansom
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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About this listen

Now a major Disney+ original series

'C. J. Sansom’s books are arguably the best Tudor novels going' – The Sunday Times

Dissolution is the first novel in C. J. Sansom’s phenomenal bestselling Shardlake series, perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel and Phillipa Gregory. After one of Cromwell's commissioners is brutally murdered, Matthew Shardlake is drawn into an investigation that becomes darker than he could have ever imagined . . .

England, 1537. It is a time of revolution that sees the greatest changes in England since 1066. Henry VIII has proclaimed himself Supreme Head of the Church. The country is waking up to savage new laws, rigged trials and the greatest network of informers it has ever seen. And under the orders of Thomas Cromwell, a team of commissioners is sent throughout the country to investigate the monasteries. There can only be one outcome: dissolution.

But on the Sussex coast, at the monastery of Scarnsea, events have spiralled out of control. Cromwell's commissioner, Robin Singleton, has been found dead, his head severed from his body. His horrific murder accompanied by equally sinister acts of sacrilege.

Matthew Shardlake, lawyer and long-time supporter of Reform, has been sent by Cromwell to uncover the truth behind the dark happenings at Scarnsea. But Shardlake's investigation soon forces him to question everything that he hears, and everything that he intrinsically believes . . .

Follow Shardlake into the dark heart of Tudor England with the next book in the series, Dark Fire.

2003, CWA New Blood Dagger, Short-listed

2003, CWA Historical Dagger, Short-listed

2003, Waverton Good Read Award, Short-listed

©2003 C. J. Sansom (P)2014 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd. Christian Fiction Crime Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Mystery Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting

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All stars
Most relevant  
I first met Shardlake on the radio and thought him brilliant then. Brilliant and a bit scary. I am so glad to find him on Audible. Steven Crossley makes me forget that I am not surrounded by a whole cast of characters. He's excellent as a narrator. So many people have said such clever things about C J Sansom that I can only repeat I loved this. What's next?

I loved this

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I first heard of Matthew Shardlake in a dramatised serial on Radio 4 and although historical novels are not normally my 'thing' I thought I would try the books on Audible. I'm so glad I did.
As many others have commented before me, C J Sansom has the miraculous ability to transport the reader back to Tudor times and seemingly effortlessly to evoke sights, sounds and even the smells of the period.
The historical detail in this book is fascinating and the mysteries that unfold are riveting, but it is the main characters that are the stars. By the end of the book they have taken on a life of their own, due in no small part to the brilliant narration of Steven Crossley.

HOOKED!

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I loved this book. CJ Sansom is a new author to me. The historical setting in Tudor times was beautifully described and atmospheric. It brought back a lot of history I had learnt in school but had forgotten ! This is a great detective story with a wonderful cast of characters. The narration was perfect. I will definitely get the next book in the series.

Fantastic Book

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Had the paperback edition for years but never got around to reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed this first foray into the writings of Sansom. This came about through listening to Pillars and World without End (Follett).

The story line flowed in a logical manner making it easy to follow. There were a number of twists and turns which you want in this genre.

The narration for me was well done, the pace was good (some narrators sound like they are running the 100m dash).

First foray

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What made the experience of listening to Dissolution the most enjoyable?

Having just finished all the "Sharpe" books by Cornwell, my daughter suggested Dissolution. Like most new books it took a bit to get into it, but I enjoyed every minute, and Steven Crossley was an excellent narrator. Thrust right into the chaotic nature of the Reformation, the excellent writing provided an added facet to a period with which, I must confess, I was not particularly conversant. The characters provided the added colour. One felt they became almost individuals in their own right.

What did you like best about this story?

The whodunit element woven into the narrative kept interest alive. I was reminded of "The Name of the Rose", but this was superbly crafted with an unexpected twist at the end.

Which character – as performed by Steven Crossley – was your favourite?

Difficult one.. they were all superb. Shardlake, I think ; a character one could admire, love or loath in equal measure. His mood varied through the story, depending on the context, which added an interesting dimension.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part of the story where Shardlake came face to face with the real facts about what had happened to Anne Boleyn and Cromwell's part in it was particularly effective.

Any additional comments?

Just downloaded book 2 !

Something Different

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I read this book a few years ago (and the four after that) and loved it, so was looking forward to delving back in to Matthew Shardlake's world in audio book format. Fortunately, I'd left it just long enough to have forgotten lots of the details so it was as new again!

I love a historical novel, and this is an excellent example of one. It is so rich and full of detail and I feel I learn so much from these books about genuine historical events and people. CJ Sansom is well known for being very historically accurate and I am often inspired to look things up and learn a bit more about the people and events of the time.

I also love a crime/whodunnit/detective story and this is a fantastic one of those too! They didn't have detectives in the 1530s, obviously, but they did have lawyers which is the next best thing. It is quite slow paced as it is so full of detail, which I imagine may frustrate some people, but I enjoy that about it. It is a very well crafted story.

Steven Crossley does an excellent job. I could listen to him all day (and in fact I practically have!)

Definitely recommend. Am about to start the second one!

If you like history and crime, this is a must!

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Rich characterizations of historical figures, brought to life by Sansomes pen. An absorbing read.

would give it six stars if I could.

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This is my first book by this author. The narrative by Steven Crossley was excellent and really added to the delivery of the story
I thought the use of language lent well to setting the atmosphere of the time. Deaths and beheading were the daily norm and this was described for the reader. It was evident from the start that the times were so dangerous. The fact that Shardlake could solve murder in this mayhem is amazing but solve it he does. The character of Shardlake was well rounded and believable. I did not like some of his views (around the class system, roles of women) but I guess these were the views of the time. He figured out the clues and solved the mystery in the end. I did not guess the ending which was helpful. I would highly recommend this series.

Great historic atmosphere and whodunnit all in one

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loved it really enjoyed the story line would recommend it ,it was as if you were there in the book exciting and had me sitting on the of my seat

brilliant

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I really enjoyed the book, the voices were mainly good. Plot moved along well and it was interesting to see the dissolutions from the point of view of the ordinary people.

Great Introduction to Matthew Shardlake

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