The book was long (881 pgs.) but was a very interesting read. 1549. Two years after the death of Henry VIII and the economy in collapse, inflation rages and the peasantry are rebelling. Shardlake is in the service of Henry's daughter, Lady Elizabeth. John Boleyn has been arrested for killing his wife. Shardlake is trying to prove his innocence. I look forward to the next book and recommend this series to those who love Historical Mysteries.