Dissolution Audiobook By C. J. Sansom cover art

Dissolution

A Novel of Tudor England Introducing Matthew Shardlake

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Dissolution

By: C. J. Sansom
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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This riveting debut set in 1534 England secured C. J. Sansom’s place “among the most distinguished of modern historical novelists” (P. D. James). When Henry VIII’s emissary is beheaded at an English monastery, hunchbacked lawyer Matthew Shardlake is dispatched to solve the crime. But as he uncovers a cesspool of sin, three more murders occur - and Matthew may be the next target.

©2003 C. J. Sansom (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC Thriller & Suspense England Crime Historical Mystery Fiction Middle Ages
Engaging Mystery • Rich Historical Detail • Excellent Narration • Complex Protagonist • Intriguing Plot Twists

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Would you listen to Dissolution again? Why?

Yes! There is so much detail and history that one may have missed some important twists.

What other book might you compare Dissolution to and why?

Wolf Hall; same period; also very well written

What about Steven Crossley’s performance did you like?

His ability to give each character a distinct voice

A gripping tale of Tudor England

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Dissolution, by C. J. Samson, takes place during King Henry the VIII’s closure of Roman Catholicism in England. More often during the course of our historical studies we were told that the ostensible reason was so King Henry could marry Anne Bolin. Dissolution provides us with further insight that another attractive reason to void Rome’s control of the English gospel was to seize the wealth of the Roman Catholic Church in England. The book though does not center on Henry the VIII. Rather it concerns itself with the absolute power being wielded by Thomas Cromwell over the reformation in England. We are also shown how the Church was operated for its benefit and not that of its flock.

Into that setting, comes Matthew Shardlake, an investigative attorney, sent by Cromwell to solve a murder at a monastery soon to be looted in furtherance of the reformation. Shardlake must solve the murder of the King’s prior emissary to the monastery, before the closing of the abbey can take place because of political circumstances. The single murder becomes a series of murders and Sharlake struggles to find the truth. He does, but not only the truth of the murders, but the proper nature of the reformation as well; at least as being conducted by Cromwell. This is the first of the series and it was not bad. Had mystery, plot and a story that kept one’s attention. Other reviewers tell us the same and some encourage us to continue reading as the series and its mysteries get better. Even better than this fairly good novel is intriguing.

The truly great part of this book was its teaching about England in the 1530s. We all know the history of Henry the VIII, and his lust for women and an heir. What is more difficult to find is a telling of life and politics of the time. C. J. Samson does that very well. The readings, by Steven Crossley, was quite good. The book is worth a try, particularly if the series does in fact get even better. I will be trying more myself.

Dissolution of Catholicism in England

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This book is a time machine back to 1530s.
Very engrossing hard to put down. A very real page turner.

Great Book

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Would you listen to Dissolution again? Why?

Yes! Steven Crossley really brings this story alive and his voices are consistent throughout the performance. This story is gripping with characters that jump out of the narrative.

What did you like best about this story?

The unassuming protagonist, Matthew Shardlake. The setting, the time period.

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

With out a doubt, Matthew Shardlake, how could it not be.

Must Read Series

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What did you love best about Dissolution?

The mixture of history and criminal investigation is superb. The writing is very vivid and one can almost smell and touch the life of medieval England. The main figures are not quite likable, but very real. The author is very skillful presenting a multi-layered, internally conflicting personality of the main characters.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The murder plot is actually quite simple, but the twists with the main characters personal feeling and changes of attitude are the main factors attract me from listening it.

One of the best historic thrillers I read

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