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four Tudor-era mysteries

Started by Toki Bloodaxe, July 14, 2009, 02:00:28 PM

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Toki Bloodaxe

     I have previously reviewed one of these books on this forum some time ago. But, I would like to take all four of them and lay them out in a way that reveals their continuity of plot and character.
     The four books: "Dissolution" (2003), "Dark Fire" (2004), "Sovereign" (2006), and "Revelation" (2009), authored by C. J. Sansom, concern the adventures of Matthew Shardlake- a barrister of the English court of commons and pleas- during the era of King Henry VIII. The era is rife with political corruption and violence, as factions at the King's court vie for influence and power, and the all-important ear of the king. Matthew Shardlake is not a particularly good-natured fellow through all of his adventures. He certainly has a good moral compass and always seeks to do the right thing where his clients are concerned. But, Matthew is in constant pain from his hunched back and suffers the slings and arrows of ridicule from those around him ( even King Henry makes fun of Matthew's deformity in the book "Sovereign") on a daily basis as he goes about his business. Then, there is his difficulties with romance. Though he is a man with the highest degree of integrity, Matthew is foiled again and again in his romantic pursuits by either his personal appearance or by circumstances beyond his control. He comes across as a complicated character- pitiable in some ways, admirable in others- though he is always interesting.
    The first book in the series "Dissolution" concerns the break up of the religious abbeys and monasteries by King Henry and his able Chancellor Thomas Cromwell during the time period of the "great break away" from Vatican control over England. All religious houses such as priories, abbeys, monasteries and the like are being dissolved. The monks and Nuns are pensioned off and turned out onto the streets and all monastic property is therefor seized by the Crown. Matthew Shardlake is sent by Thomas Cromwell to investigate some disappearances of King's officers at a monastery in the South of England. What he finds is murder (of course), mayhem and a great deal of financial corruption. His eventual investigation only lends credence to the Protestant Reformers beliefs that all religious houses are dens of iniquity. "Dissolution" is a good first book. But, it suffers a bit from a plodding plot and limited character development. If you can struggle through it, you are rewarded with a banging smash-up finish worthy of a good police thriller. Stick with it because the next three books get much better.
     "Dark Fire" is the second book in the series and it offers a great deal more intrigue and plot twist. The scenario is set in London now, and we are finally treated to the feast of the senses that is a large Tudor-era city. The story concerns the discovery of a chemical compound and formula similar to Greek Fire found in a monastery being dismantled near London. King Henry's ministers are desperate to get their hands on the weapon, as it will mean victory in a naval war with the hated French. But, everyone who comes in contact with the substance seems to die, as factions at court battle in out to see who gets to present it to the King and thus curry favor from him. Into this mess is thrown Matthew Shardlake, who only wants to defend a poor girl accused of a terrible murder, but also has to seek out the truth behind the dark fire weapon and secure it for his master Thomas Cromwell. In this book we are also introduced to two continuing characters in the series. Guy Malton is a former monk and healer from "Dissolution" who has his character fleshed out considerably in this story. And, Jack Barak, a sort of educated ruffian who knows the mean streets of London well and is not afraid to use violence to serve Thomas Cromwell or Matthew. Altogether, this book presented the plot and characters in a more agreeable fashion. The reader is treated to a progressively tense plot with the palpable sense of pure human evil about it. The story ends with a fiery climax concerning the dark fire weapon and the eventual downfall of Thomas Cromwell as Chancellor is described.
     The third book "Sovereign" describes a mission whereas Mathew Shardlake and Jack Barak are sent north to the city of York, trailing along behind King Henry's last great progress. The king is enamored with his new wife Catherine Howard, who is along with the progress. There are complications, though, concerning Catherine's fidelity to the King, and even some rumors concerning the King's hereditary right to actually sit the throne. Through it all, Matthew and Jack fight, make up, are nearly killed several times in various horrible circumstances, become embroiled in a traitorous plot against the King and even witness one of Catherine's adulterous lovers leaving  her quarters. It all comes to a head with a truly terrifying instance where Matthew is taken to the Tower of London and tortured for information regarding his knowledge of the Queen's adulterous affairs. Now we know where English dentistry gets its sordid reputation....ouch!! Truly a fine story, the plot eventually has Matthew Shardlake fighting to the death with a man whom he considered to be his good friend. The reader is treated to a great deal of extra dimension in character development that really enhances the book.
     In the fourth book of the series, and the final one to date, Mathew, Jack and Guy are caught up in a complicated plot concerning religious fanaticism, King Henry's slide away from religious reform, and the effect that the violent imagery of the Biblical Book of Revelations can have on an unstable murderous individual. It is late in King Henry's reign and he is wooing a not-to-willing Catherine Parr. But, she is a strict Protestant reformer and there are those in the King's court who wish to use her to check the slide of the kingdom back into the influence of the Catholic Church. There are also those, jealously defending their current position at court, who wish to do Catherine Parr ill. Throw in a religious maniac who murders people according to the imagery set forth in the Book of Revelations. Add a young boy who will not stop praying for forgiveness, no matter what. Mix in some sexual confusion and longing regarding the ex-monk Guy Maltin. Pour in a dash of romantic misadventure regarding matthew's attraction to a beautiful widow, and you have the makings of a complex, yet highly rewarding, plotline that sets up the book to be the best in the series. The sequences regarding guy Malton's difficulties with his feelings for a young con artist, and the suffering of the inmates of the notorious Bedlam hospital for the insane make for a very emotionally involving read.
     Now, I want everyone who reads this bit to understand that these books are MYSTERIES not thrillers. English mysteries contain a lot of plotline development, historical background, character creation and conversation. They are often a bit short on the action aspects of thrills and chills. If you want violence , brutality and gore, American writers like James Lee Burke can deliver that in spades. Its the difference between tequila shots at a strip club with your buddies from work, or a long deep conversation with your best friend over a couple of glasses of fifty year old single malt Scotch. Both can be fun in their own time and place, but one can end up being a bit more intellectually rewarding in the end.
    Incidentally, I understand that the BBC is making some programs from the Matthew Shardlake books. Kenneth Brannagh is slated to play Matthew Shardlake.   

Pascal

Thanks for the reviews -- I've read "Dissolution" and "Sovereign" ... have been trying to find "Dark Fire" locally.  Guess I'll include it and "Revelation" on my next Amazon order.

This is really a fun series -- I've enjoyed the two I've read.