Tombland

In the seventh novel of C. J. Sansom's Shardlake series, Tudor England is in chaos, with the economy in collapse, inflation raging, and rebellion stirring among the peasantry. Matthew Shardlake, Jack Barak, and Nicholas Overton are reunited at the summer assizes at Norwich, where they are faced with layers of mystery and danger surrounding Edith Boleyn's death. When East Anglia explodes, Robert Kett leads a force of thousands in overthrowing the landlords and establishing a vast camp outside Norwich. Shardlake must decide where his loyalties lie, as government forces prepare to march north and destroy the rebels. He also discovers that the murder of Edith Boleyn may have connections reaching into both the heart of the rebel camp and the Norfolk gentry.

Format: CD-Audio
Publication date: 18 October 2018
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Tudor England comes to life vividly in C. J. Sansom's seventh novel, Tombland, in his bestselling Shardlake series. Set in 1549, two years after the death of Henry VIII, England is plunged into chaos. The nominal king, Edward VI, is just eleven years old, and his uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, rules as Protector. The destruction of the old religion by radical Protestants is causing discontent among the populace, while the prolonged war with Scotland is proving disastrous and threatening to involve France. The economy is in collapse, inflation rages, and rebellion is stirring among the peasantry.

Since the old King's death, Matthew Shardlake has been working as a lawyer in the service of Henry's younger daughter, the Lady Elizabeth. The gruesome murder of Edith Boleyn, the wife of John Boleyn, a distant Norfolk relation of Elizabeth's mother, brings Shardlake and his assistant Nicholas Overton to the summer assizes at Norwich. There, they are reunited with Shardlake's former assistant Jack Barak. The three unravel layers of mystery and danger surrounding Edith's death, as a second murder is committed.

And then, East Anglia explodes as a peasant rebellion breaks out across the country. The yeoman Robert Kett leads a force of thousands in overthrowing the landlords and establishing a vast camp outside Norwich. Soon, the rebels have taken over the city.

Barak throws in his lot with the rebels; Nicholas becomes a prisoner in Norwich Castle; while Shardlake must decide where his ultimate loyalties lie, as government forces in London prepare to march north and destroy the rebels. Meanwhile, he discovers that the murder of Edith Boleyn may have connections.

Tombland is a captivating and intricate novel that delves into the political, religious, and social turmoil of Tudor England. Sansom's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the period to life, making readers feel as if they are living in the 16th century. The characters, including Shardlake, Barak, Nicholas, and Elizabeth, are well-developed and relatable, and their struggles and alliances add depth to the plot. The novel also explores themes of loyalty, corruption, and the power of the people, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.

In conclusion, Tombland is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in Tudor history. C. J. Sansom's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make it a captivating and engaging novel that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Shardlake series.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 135 x 132 x 58 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529003055
Edition number: Unabridged ed