When I was recommended Dissolution, I was, at first, a little skeptical. I had never read an historical book before, let alone an historical-crime book. But once I had read the first chapter, I knew that I was holding onto a gem of a book. The best thing about this book is that it always keeps you guessing and thinking ahead. When you think you know who the murderer is, along comes yet another sudden, unexpected twist that forces you to think twice. The worst thing about Dissolution is that.... actually, I can't think of a negative aspect of this great book!

Finally got around to getting the first three of the Shardlake series after reading the fourth one a while ago and I was not disappointed. As the first in the series I was expecting things to be a bit less entertaing and exciting but I was very wrong. From the outset Sansom recreates the time of the dissolution of the monasteries vividly, bringing the era to life as he did in the fourth book. The turmoil of the changing religious backdrop echoes throughout the book and within the Scarnsea Monastery walls and Shardlake investigates the murder of an official while getting dragged into the murky world of monastic life with all its hidden secrets. As the story gets more complex it with lie after lie and deceipt after deceipt being unearthed, the reader is pulled further and further into the book and I practically had to force myself to stop reading at times, especially towards the end. The characters are vividly written once again and although none are particularly likeable (that includes Shardlake himself) they all come across realistic and believable and add depth to the story (not that it really needed it). There are as many twists to the characters as there are to the story itself and I really did not see that ending coming. Again my only slight bug-bear is the swearing, I still can't imagine that kind of language being used, but as I said with Revelation I could be very wrong about that. Overall a very good read and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Having read this series years ago I was inspired to reread the books after watching Shardlake on television recently. I’m now on the last one, having been unable to put them down, and luckily it’s been so long I had forgotten the plots (mostly). It really is the most wonderful series that brings the world of Henry VIII alive, and beyond. The detail and inventive storylines are exceptional, though on the second time through I must admit I really do feel a bit sorry for Shardlake.

This is definitely a 'curl up in front of the fire' on a dull afternoon book. Its the first Matthew Shardlake story I've read and I'll definitely be reading more.

I absolutely LOVED this book, and could not put it down! The way Sansom brought to life the way of Cromwell and the Reformation... As a lover of this period, i certainly enjoyed it and it's accuracy for the period aswell...I can't wait for my copies of Dark Fire and Sovereign to arrive, and for the fourth book to be published!