If you're an English history buff, and especially if you love the reign of Henry VIII period, don't miss this wonderful mystery! Set in the time frame just after the execution of Ann Boleyn, the main character, Matthew Shardlake, embarks on a secret mission, ordered by none other than the King's man, Thomas Cromwell. The story is very tightly woven, laced with excellent historical fact and a lot of fun to read. What I liked is that I couldn't see the ending coming halfway through the book! It kept me guessing, all the while enjoying the ambiance of early Renaissance England during the time of the dissolution of the monasteries. Wonderful mixture of mystery and history. Loved it!