After finishing Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake I needed a “sure thing”, a book I could count on for enjoyment and entertainment. And looking over the TBR shelf I saw Revelation, the fourth volume in C.J. Sansom’s series of Tudor mysteries featuring hunchback lawyer Matthew Shardlake. I had my next read….
In the spring of 1543 Henry VIII was hoping to make Catherine Parr his sixth wife, but she was understandably reluctant. Religious turmoil continued in England as the King turned back to practices some considered papist, and divisions grew among the Protestants. The wrong views could result in charges of heresy and subsequent burning. Because of her reformist sympathies, Reformers supported a match between Lady Catherine and the King, hoping for her favourable influence. Meanwhile, a friend of Shardlake’s is murdered. When Matthew promises his friend’s widow that he will find the killer, he doesn’t realize that the investigation will again bring him into contact with politics and people at court, not to mention a serial killer inspired by the Book of Revelation. He is soon investigating with London coroner Sir Gregory Harsnet at the request of Archbishop Cranmer, who suspects a plot to prevent the King’s marriage. And at great risk, they are keeping this knowledge from the King. Views differ as to whether they are seeking a madman or someone possessed by the devil. Matthew is also involved in the case of a young protestant radical who has fallen prey to a religious obsession, praying constantly for a sign from God that he is saved. The boy has been put into Bedlam for his own safety.
This was the good read I hoped for and I enjoyed seeing the familiar characters in action again, as well as some new villains. Jack Barak, Tamsin, Shardlake’s old enemy Bealknap, and my old favourite the former Brother Guy are all here. This is a fascinating period of history, and I love all the details that flesh out the period, social habits, the practice of medicine… I’m always grateful to escape safely back to the 21st century though!