Shardlake: Dissolution

By: C J Sansom

Narrated by: Jason Watkins, Mark Bonnar

Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

A thrilling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation based on CJ Sansom's best-selling Tudor crime novel.

Winter, 1537. Henry VIII has declared himself Supreme Head of the Church and instructed his Chief Minister, Thomas Cromwell, to dissolve England's religious houses and seize their wealth. But Cromwell's plot to bring down the abbeys has hit a snag - one of the King's Commissioners has been found brutally murdered in Scarnsea monastery, on the south coast of Kent.

If news of the killing were to get out, the consequences could be disastrous. Desiring a quick, discreet result, he sends his trusted lawyer-detective, Matthew Shardlake, to investigate. However, as Shardlake interviews the prime suspects and delves deeper into the mysteries of Scarnsea, it soon becomes clear that the case will not be as simple to solve as he had hoped.

Which of the terrified monks is the murderer? And can Shardlake catch him before he strikes again?

CJ Sansom's Shardlake series has sold over two million copies, and this atmospheric dramatisation starring BAFTA-winning actor Jason Watkins (The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries) brings his debut novel to electrifying life. Fast paced and suspenseful, it is both an engrossing murder mystery and a brilliantly realised portrayal of Tudor England.

©2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd. (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd.

Enjoyable mystery

Story a little hard to follow at times, assumes that you have a prior understanding of Henry the 8th and the history of all that he did.

Love Shardlake

Would you listen to Shardlake: Dissolution again? Why?

Yes, especially if the rest of the series is made available as a BBC radio production. Having read the books and love them, I very much enjoyed a full cast production. Jason Watkins is terrific as Shardlake.

What other book might you compare Shardlake: Dissolution to and why?

The Shardlake series represent the closest I have come to finding books with all the elements i like to read. Quality writing, good mysteries, historical setting, and character development. And Sansom is a wonderful writer.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final act between Shardlake and the murderer. The dramatization was so well done, I might have been holding my breath while driving.

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

It's always when Shardlake gives readers a peek at his emotions, especially when talking about his disability and his love for others.

Any additional comments?

I hope there are more in this series to come! A great book with great narrators and production elevates every story.

A good radio adaptation.

I love C J Sansom's Shardlake series & have read all the books. I have been hoping that this BBC adaptation would be made available to buy, & well done to Audible for making it possible. Jason Watkins is brilliant as Shardlake as is the rest of the cast & none of the suspense or mystery of the story is lost. I look forward to listening to the BBC adaptation of next Shardlake story Dark Fire although sadly Jason Watkins doesn't play Shardkake in that one.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

so good i stopped what i was doing to listen to th

so good i stopped what i was doing to listen to the complet book. very good listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

I have been a fan of the Shardlake novels, well done to the BBC for a brilliant dramatisation.

A must for Tudor history fans

I really enjoyed the story and the performance was good. The radio play-style really works. The only disappointment is that it's not longer.

Enjoyed it!

I enjoyed it so much I’ve downloaded the next one! Great for all the time in spend in traffic

Gripping

A fully realised drama which immerses the listener in the world of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. I prefer Justin Salinger as Shardlake, but this didn't dent my enjoyment of this dramatisation.

Gripping, and brilliantly done

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The performances are excellent. The production superb, with good adaptation and interesting sound - particularly liked the use of atmospheric music. Radio Four at its best.

What other book might you compare Shardlake: Dissolution to, and why?

If you like Cadfael - this is similar.

Have you listened to any of Jason Watkins and Mark Bonnar ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, but they are both excellent.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

In a world of change, only love can survive.

Any additional comments?

This keeps you guessing !

excellent

excellent story and casting. It had me gripped and I thoroughly recommend it to other listeners

I LOVE ❤️ THESE SHARDLAKES

Each and everyone of the C J Sansom Shardlake books are perfectly recreated in these BBC Radio productions. The professional full cast with some of the finest English actors bringing to life these Sansom murder mysteries which are full of atmosphere and suspense that transport you into the frightening days of the murderous Tudor tyrannical King Henry Viii. You can almost smell the dirty sickly London streets and feel the atmosphere thick with terror, paranoia and intrigue that permeates throughout these stories, as you never know who you can trust, who is your enemy and if you will survive the day. I cannot get enough! More please. Murder Mystery & Suspense at its best.

0 of 5 people found this review helpful