Lamentation

Matthew Shardlake has been assigned to represent Lincoln’s Inn at the burning of three men and one woman who have been declared heretics.  It is not something he wants to do.  While there he observes another lawyer looking at him strangely.  That evening the same young lawyer, William Cecil, visits Shardlake informing him that Queen Catherine Parr would like him to visit her the following morning.

The Queen tells Shardlake that she had written a book, that if it fell into the wrong hands would mean the death of her and others.  And now, it has disappeared.  A printer had been found dead with the first page clutched in his hand.  Who has the rest of the manuscript?  Shardlake is given permission to question those in her household and also search outside the palace for evidence of the thief.

From the apprentice to the printer, Shardlake learns of a man who had tried to break into the printer’s shop.  The man was unique in that part of his ear had been cut off.  Later Shardlake hears of the same man who had approached one of the Queen’s pages trying to get him to spy on her.

Later Cecil informs Shardlake that the apprentice has been killed.  Three other associates of the printer have disappeared. Are they also dead or have they gone into hiding?

Not long after this, Shardlake discovers what appears to be a conspiracy.  Is it one that endangers the Queen or are other plans afoot?  Following that event, Richard Rich, a Privy Councillor, and nemesis of Shardlake,  makes an unusual approach to him and asks that they work together.  Having knowledge that Rich doesn’t have, allows Shardlake to agree.

What will happen to the investigation when Shardlake is arrested and charged with heresy?  How many more will die in the search for the Queen’s manuscript.  As author C. J. Sansom points out in his after notes, London at this time was a tumultuous and violent city.  One had to be very careful about what was said and done.

“Lamentation” is an excellent novel based on historical facts, and a very good read for fans of historical fiction.