Dark Fire by C. J. Sansom

Dark Fire

C. J. Sansom

Historical Fiction

The second in the series of mysteries set in Tudor England featuring lawyer Matthew Shardlake. Shardlake started out as a reformer, but is now losing his faith, repelled by the excesses of both sides in the religious struggles that dominate his times. I had already read the first in the series, Dissolution, and the third, Sovereign, which was unusual for me as I normally read a series in order. So far this has been my favourite, though they are all excellent.

An enjoyable read and an intriguing mystery, but also an appeal against extremism that is just as relevant now as when the book is set.