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Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award 2003

This book introduces Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer working for Thomas Cromwell in 1537. This is after Anne Bolyen is beheaded, Henry VIII wedded Lady Jane Grey, and her untimely death. Matthew Shardlake is an interesting character and we learn through reminiscence how he became a respected lawyer in spite of his deformity as a hunchback.

England is in turmoil with the new religion that has the King as its head rather than the Pope. Cromwell is closing Abbeys all over the country, confiscating the lands (and they are massive). One of his emissaries to to the Abbey at Scarnsea has been murdered. Cromwell sends Shardlake and his assistant Mark Poer to investigate.

It is a very good mystery and the characters are well-drawn. The resolution is not an easy one, no quick and easy solution, Shardlake has some of his beliefs shaken as he investigates. It is a very good debut to a series that will lead me back to reading more of the story and learning how Shardlake will continue with some of the doubts that are beginning to plague him.

A mystery set in a historical time period - - sounds interesting. How did you learn of this one?

I loved this book, I have the entire series, but so far have only read this one.

Anita wrote: "A mystery set in a historical time period - - sounds interesting. How did you learn of this one?"

I have no idea Anita. I've always read reviews for collection development for my public library so it might have been there and its been on my TBR ever since.

Anita wrote: "A mystery set in a historical time period - - sounds interesting. How did you learn of this one?"

There are a lot of historical mysteries; many are series:

The Brother Cadfael series (I've read a few)
Amelia Peabody (I read about 5 of these, but stopped. They seemed repetitive but they are very popular)
Mistress of the Art of Death - Set in medieval Cambridge, England. I've read most of them)

There are many more, but some of them tend to be a bit on the romance side.

I loved the Mistress of the Art of Death series! I plan to one day read a Brother Cadfael, just haven't gotten to it yet.

Barbara wrote: "I loved the Mistress of the Art of Death series! I plan to one day read a Brother Cadfael, just haven't gotten to it yet."
I loved the series too, I was saddened when she passed away.

Ladyslott wrote: " I was saddened when she passed away.."

Ditto. I was actually shocked. I don't think I've read the final installment, maybe because that will keep it from being the end, the last chapter, etc.