Helpful Score: 7
Matthew Shardlake is sent to unravel the mystery of a murder at a monastery. While there, he uncovers corruption, perversion, greed, and an additional couple of bodies.
Dissolution is clearly researched and gives an interesting glimpse into the conflict between Catholicism and the Church of England. The author has a doctorate in history, and his obsession with Tudor England is clear. If you, like I, do not enjoy reading about things of that time (hunchbacks, smelly monks, floggings, etc.) you will likely not enjoy this book. If hair shirts are your thing you will like it.
Dissolution is clearly researched and gives an interesting glimpse into the conflict between Catholicism and the Church of England. The author has a doctorate in history, and his obsession with Tudor England is clear. If you, like I, do not enjoy reading about things of that time (hunchbacks, smelly monks, floggings, etc.) you will likely not enjoy this book. If hair shirts are your thing you will like it.
Helpful Score: 1
I like historic fiction and mysteries, and this was both. I enjoyed it very much. The period of the Dissolution seems to be comparable to the corruption in politics in every generation.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an excellent, well-written novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
It seemed a little slow at the begining, but then I was hooked! Very interesting mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
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!
