Some light tanning/foxing present

From C. J. Sansom comes a gripping historical thriller set in Tudor England—filled with intrigue, danger, and the deadly politics of King Henry VIII’s court.

It is 1540, and England is on the brink of upheaval.

Lawyer Matthew Shardlake is reluctantly drawn into a dangerous mission when he is ordered to recover a mysterious substance known as “dark fire”—a legendary Greek fire said to have the power to destroy entire armies.

Working under the command of Thomas Cromwell, Shardlake must navigate a treacherous world of political schemes, religious tensions, and ruthless ambition. But as he digs deeper, he finds himself caught in a deadly web of secrets where one wrong move could cost him everything.

With enemies closing in and time running out, Shardlake must uncover the truth behind dark fire before it falls into the wrong hands.

Atmospheric, intelligent, and full of suspense, this story blends real historical events with a gripping mystery.

✨ Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery / Thriller
🌶️ Spice Level: Moderate (themes/violence)

📚 Series: Matthew Shardlake - Book 2

Richly detailed, tense, and immersive—perfect for readers who love historical intrigue, clever mysteries, and high-stakes political drama ⚖️📖