SANSOM sets out his stall as an impressive new voice in historical crime writing with this tale set in the harsh times of Henry VIII.
With the hush-hush aim of doing away with the powerful monasteries, Lord Cromwell sends an unsavoury commissioner to a South Coast institution where he comes to a grisly end.
Reformist lawyer Matthew Shardake and his loyal sidekick Mark are sent to investigate the decapitation at Scarnsea monastery and find themselves cut off by snow as further sinister happenings threaten to occur.
A decent historical crime thriller debut.
Ed Perkins
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article