BOOK BRIEF

Dissolution

C.J. Sansom
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Dissolution

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004

Book Brief

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C.J. Sansom

Dissolution

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

456

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

England • 1530s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Dissolution by C.J. Sansom is a historical mystery set in 1537, following hunchbacked lawyer Matthew Shardlake. When a royal commissioner is murdered at a monastery, Shardlake is sent to investigate. The story delves into political and religious turmoil during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Reviews & Readership

4.2

75,657 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dissolution by C.J. Sansom is widely praised for its richly detailed historical setting and compelling, intelligently crafted mystery. Readers appreciate the vivid portrayal of Tudor England and the complex protagonist, Matthew Shardlake. Some critics note a slow pace and intricate plot that may challenge casual readers but overall, it’s a well-regarded historical novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dissolution?

Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with richly detailed settings would relish Dissolution by C.J. Sansom. Fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose or Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series will find similar pleasure in Sansom's blending of suspense and Tudor-era intrigue.

4.2

75,657 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Dissolution is the first novel in the popular Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom, which blends historical fiction with mystery and has been praised for its historical accuracy and rich detail.

The book is set during the reign of King Henry VIII, a period of intense religious upheaval in England, providing a vivid backdrop of the Henrician Reformation for the story.

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Author C.J. Sansom, before becoming a full-time writer, was a practicing lawyer, which contributes to the authentic legal and investigative nuances present in the series.

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Book Details
Pages

456

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

England • 1530s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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