Order of C.J. Sansom Books

British historical fiction and mystery writer C.J. Sansom brings impressive academic credentials to his craft, having earned a Ph.D in history from the University of Birmingham. After practicing law in Sussex, he transitioned to full-time writing and has become celebrated particularly for his Matthew Shardlake series.

Sansom launched his publishing career in 2003 with Dissolution. His collaborative work includes contributions to The Medieval Murderers anthology series alongside fellow authors Philip Gooden, Susanna Gregory, Michael Jecks, Bernard Knight, Karen Maitland and Ian Morson.

Among Sansom's notable works, Winter in Madrid stands as a compelling standalone set in war-torn Spain during September 1940. With Madrid devastated by civil war and Franco resisting Hitler's pressure to enter the conflict, the story follows a British Secret Service operative working to gain the trust of Madrid businessman Sandy Forsyth, while a former Red Cross nurse pursues her own covert agenda.

The Matthew Shardlake series begins with Dissolution, transporting readers to 1537 during England's turbulent transformation under King Henry VIII's declaration as Supreme Head of the Church. As new legislation, corrupt trials, and widespread suspicion fracture the nation, Thomas Cromwell dispatches commissioners to examine monasteries across the country. When commissioner Robin Singleton is discovered murdered and beheaded, Cromwell enlists his ally, lawyer Matthew Shardlake, to solve the crime. The novel's success led to a 10-episode BBC 4 radio adaptation in 2012.