C

C.J. Sansom

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 19 Books

3
Series
19
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books
Start with: Dissolution (2003)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books
Start with: The Tainted Relic (2005)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Winter in Madrid (2006)

About C.J. Sansom

First published on the 25th of October. 2012, this was to be a major standalone novel from C.J. Sansom. Utilizing his ever expansive historical knowledge once more, it this time concerns itself with an alternate telling of the events following the second world war. Establishing a somewhat darker tone to what he had previously, it manages to convey some grander ideas and themes overall. Set within a timeline where Nazis won the war leaving Britain now a satellite state to Nazi ruled Germany, everything is found to be lot different to how it was before. Instead of Winston Churchill it is Lord Halifax who succeeded in 1940 as the leader of Britain, thus leading them to lose the war. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books series, C.J. Sansom has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by C.J. Sansom

Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books
7 books 2003–2018
1

Dissolution

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books with Dissolution, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2003
2

Dark Fire

Dark Fire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of C.J. Sansom have come to expect.

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2004
3

Sovereign

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books with Sovereign, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2006
4

Revelation

Revelation is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of C.J. Sansom have come to expect.

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2008
5

Heartstone

Heartstone explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books series by C.J. Sansom.

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2010
6

Lamentation

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books with Lamentation, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2014
7

Tombland

Tombland continues the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books story arc with C.J. Sansom's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books
10 books 2005–2014
1

The Tainted Relic

The Tainted Relic continues the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books story arc with C.J. Sansom's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
2

Sword of Shame

Epic adventure awaits in Sword of Shame, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books series that raises the stakes across the realm C.J. Sansom has built.

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2006
3

House of Shadows

House of Shadows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of C.J. Sansom have come to expect.

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2007
4

The Lost Prophecies

The Lost Prophecies continues the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books story arc with C.J. Sansom's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
5

King Arthur's Bones

King Arthur's Bones continues the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books story arc with C.J. Sansom's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
6

The Sacred Stone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books with The Sacred Stone, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2010
7

Hill of Bones

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books with Hill of Bones, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2011
8

The First Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in The First Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books series showcases C.J. Sansom's mastery of suspense.

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2012
9

The False Virgin

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books with The False Virgin, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2013
10

The Deadliest Sin

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Deadliest Sin as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books series showcases C.J. Sansom's mastery of suspense.

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2014
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 2006–2012
1

Winter in Madrid

Winter in Madrid is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of C.J. Sansom have come to expect.

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2006
2

Dominion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Dominion, another outstanding contribution from C.J. Sansom.

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2012

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is C.J. Sansom?

C.J. Sansom is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 19 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books, Publication Order of Medieval Murderers Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best C.J. Sansom series to start with?

For readers new to C.J. Sansom's work, the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with Dissolution to start from the very beginning.

How many books has C.J. Sansom written?

C.J. Sansom has written over 19 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read C.J. Sansom books in order?

Yes, reading C.J. Sansom's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does C.J. Sansom write in?

C.J. Sansom writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 19 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are C.J. Sansom's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of C.J. Sansom's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is C.J. Sansom's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, C.J. Sansom's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Matthew Shardlake Books series. The first book, Dissolution, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.