Dissolution

Dissolution is the first book in the Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom. Set in 1537 during the reign of Henry VIII, it introduces Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer working for the king. Shardlake is sent to investigate the murder of a monk at a monastery that is about to be dissolved as part of Henry VIII’s religious reforms. As he uncovers a complex web of corruption, politics, and murder, Shardlake must navigate dangerous political waters while seeking justice. The novel blends historical fiction with a gripping mystery, showcasing Sansom's skill in creating a vivid, turbulent historical backdrop.