The Matthew Shardlake series is a 7 book historical mystery series set in 16th century Tudor England. Book 1, Dissolution, was published in 2003. The books follow the lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he solves crimes and tries to keep himself and his close ones safe in the dangerous, shifting political environment during the Tudor times.
Shardlake is a hunchback and often ridiculed or discriminated against, and perhaps because of that he often sides with the underdog even when he could gain from joining the winning team. He is sympathetic, true to his principles and loyal to those he cares about. But the Tudor world Shardlake inhabits isn’t always one that rewards good intentions or kindness. Time and time again, Shardlake is forced into situations with no truly “good” outcome, and the price he and his friends pay for their involvement is often very high as they are used as pawns by manipulative, devious agents playing deadly games of politics and religion.
The Matthew Shardlake series is a gripping series with engaging mysteries, vivid narration and detailed descriptions. Reading the books in this series feels like travelling back in time, experiencing the 16th century alongside Matthew Shardlake in all its glory, danger and mystery.
Historical fiction – Historical mystery
Mostly Murders 
Leave a comment