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  
Wary of another novel about Henry VIII and the usual common history thread, I delved cautiously into this book unsure whether I would find something new. It did not dissapoint and put a whole new concept on the life around the dissolution and how it affected the common folk.
Love this narrator, clear and interesting in the telling of a good story based in a good degree of historically accepted fact.
Already started book 2 in the series!

My first listen by this author will not be my last

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A murder mystery set in the period of the Reformation during the reign of Henry V111. It is centred around the dissolution of the monasteries.

The first of the Matthew Shardlake Series which was C.J. Sansom's first published novel and, rightly so, critically acclaimed by all accounts.

Outstanding is insufficient to describe this elegant and beautifully written story with articulate and vivid descriptions of the times and troubles of the era.

For lovers of the Tudor's this book weaves its story after the execution of Anne Boleyn and begins shortly after the death of Queen Jane.

Lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, is appointed as a Commissioner for Thomas Cromwell sent to investigate the gruesome murder of a previous commissioner in a fictional monastery on the coast of the South of England.

I swooned over the voice of the narrator, Steven Crossley. He is simply incredible and made the read even better. His diction is sublime and his character voices are perfect.

I was gripped from the start and, some 14 hours later, found myself listening to the last hour (plus the very interesting authors notes) at 3.30 in the morning, under the covers!

I can't image anyone disliking this if the genre suits.

Exception Book

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

The story is so good you get drawn in from the beginning. I wasn't drawn just by the story but the inter twined history lesson as well.

What did you like best about this story?

I like a book with a strong character, and Matthew Shardlake is just such a character. I like that we find out about his life away from the mystery that is happening around him. I like that he is so much more than just a detective. I also learned so much about the history of the time. Although I knew about Henry 8th, the whole changing of religious beliefs, and how that impacted the general public was an eyeopener. An amazing read

Have you listened to any of Steven Crossley’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I haven't but if this one is anything to go by I will be looking him up.

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

I like that Matthew is a compassionate person who is having to be a political pawn in a situation not of his doing and I like how that unfolds in the book.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book and whole series to anyone, my husband and daughter both also loved this book. A first for us.

unputable down book

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Samson has been credited with inventing historical crime and it’s probably a fair summation. The seven books in the Shardlake series are worth a hundred by many average authors.

A modern classic

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Engrossing from start ro finish, full of intrigue and drama, was with Shadlake in tnose Tudor times. Loved it.

Dissolution

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Chosen by my book club. I thought I would not enjoy this book but was soon gripped and loved it. Wonderfully brought to life by the narrator

Brilliant book wonderfully read

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Brilliant well performed, C.J.Samson the equal to Bernard Cornwell in historical fiction cannot wait to hear Fire Days.

Supreme

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My 1st Shardlake, it took a while to get into it but finally got going and finished at a pace. I really enjoy historical novels & found this an intriguing story set at a time I don't know much about. I enjoyed the story, characters with all their flaws and the narration, look forward to the next in the series.

An intriguing story

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A great story that that shows how the Dissolution may have been enacted. During a time of great upheaval and change this is a marvellous story of plot and counter plot that keeps the reader or listener intrigued through until the end.
Narrated by Steven Crossley bringing the story to life in a believable way using language that underlines the period. An excellent listen.

Another view of Thomas Cromwell and his deeds.

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Enjoyed the story very much but disagree with the portrayal of Cromwell. It is only my opinion but I feel William Cromwell has been blacken in the way Richard 111 has been. This does not distract from the book in any way.

Dissolution a version of truth

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