C J Sansom
Biography
C.J. Sansom is a British author known for his critically acclaimed series featuring the character Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer in Tudor England. Sansom was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1952 and studied history at the University of Birmingham before completing a Ph.D. in history at the University of East Anglia. Before turning to writing full-time, Sansom worked as a solicitor in Sussex, which provided him with valuable insight into the legal system and history that he would later incorporate into his novels. His debut novel, "Dissolution," was published in 2003 and introduced readers to Shardlake, a complex and compelling protagonist navigating the dangerous political and social landscape of Henry VIII's England. Since then, Sansom has continued to delight readers with his meticulously researched historical mysteries, earning numerous awards and nominations for his work. His gripping storytelling and vivid historical detail have captivated a wide audience and established him as a master of the historical crime genre.
Classic Series
The series that started it all
- Dissolution
- Dark Fire
- Sovereign
- Revelation
Recent Series
Latest works by the author
- Heartstone
- Lamentation
- Tombland
Reading Order
Complete reading order for C.J. Sansom's books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C.J. Sansom known for?
C.J. Sansom is known for writing historical crime novels, with the Matthew Shardlake series being his most popular work.
How many books are in the Matthew Shardlake series?
As of now, there are seven books in the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom.
What time period do the Matthew Shardlake books take place in?
The Matthew Shardlake books are set in the reign of King Henry VIII during the 16th century in England.
Is C.J. Sansom a former lawyer?
Yes, C.J. Sansom worked as a solicitor before turning to writing full-time, which is reflected in the detailed legal aspects of his novels.
What is the first book in the Matthew Shardlake series?
The first book in the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom is 'Dissolution', which was published in 2003.