C. J. Sansom specializes in historical mysteries. He's renowned for the Matthew Shardlake series, including notable novels like Dissolution and Dark Fire set in Tudor England.
If you enjoy reading books by C. J. Sansom then you might also like the following authors:
S.J. Parris creates engaging historical thrillers filled with political intrigue and suspense. Her novels feature vivid depictions of Elizabethan England, exploring themes like religious conflict, espionage, and betrayal.
If you enjoyed C.J. Sansom's careful blend of history and mystery, you might like the adventures of philosopher-turned-spy Giordano Bruno in novels such as Heresy.
Rory Clements writes historical mysteries rich in atmosphere, set during the turbulent era of Elizabeth I. His stories combine accurate historical details with tense plots and memorable characters.
Fans who appreciate Sansom's skillful storytelling could enjoy Clements's thrilling novel Martyr, featuring spy John Shakespeare navigating plots and treachery at court.
Susanna Gregory is known for her engaging medieval mysteries featuring detailed historical settings and lovable, intelligent protagonists. Her novels tackle themes of power struggles, hidden agendas, and complex moral questions.
Readers fond of Sansom's Matthew Shardlake series might appreciate Gregory's A Plague on Both Your Houses, the first book in the Matthew Bartholomew series, set in 14th-century Cambridge.
Philip Kerr crafted gripping mysteries that blend crime fiction with carefully researched historical settings. His celebrated Bernie Gunther series features a detective navigating morally complex situations against the grim backdrop of Nazi Germany.
Kerr's March Violets brings alive the dark atmosphere of pre-war Berlin, offering the kind of detailed, thoughtful storytelling that appeals to readers who enjoy Sansom's engaging historical context.
Andrew Taylor specializes in atmospheric historical mysteries that present intricate narratives and deep character insights. His stories often explore the darkness and secrets lurking beneath polite society.
If you appreciate Sansom's vivid historical detail and exploration of complex themes, you might enjoy Taylor's acclaimed novel, The Ashes of London, which follows murder and intrigue amid the ashes of the Great Fire in 17th-century London.
Edward Marston is a great author to explore if you like historical mysteries similar to those by C. J. Sansom. Marston is known for vivid historical settings, especially Elizabethan England, where he blends intriguing mysteries with authentic historical detail.
His novel The Queen's Head, the first in the Nicholas Bracewell series, showcases an acting company caught up in murder and intrigue, providing a rich snapshot of Elizabethan theater life.
Paul Doherty writes engaging historical novels packed with suspense and detailed historical fact. His writing focuses heavily on medieval England, bringing the era to life through tense mysteries and relatable characters.
If you enjoyed Sansom's Tudor mysteries, Doherty's The Nightingale Gallery is a good place to start. It's the first entry in the Brother Athelstan series, featuring a Dominican friar who investigates crime in 14th-century London during times of political strife.
Fans of C. J. Sansom will appreciate Ariana Franklin’s clever combination of mystery and strong historical realism. Her books explore medieval England from a fresh perspective, often highlighting women's experiences during the period.
A notable work is Mistress of the Art of Death, which introduces Adelia Aguilar, a medical examiner ahead of her time who investigates murders in 12th-century Cambridge, challenging the expectations and prejudices of her day.
Kate Sedley offers readers intricate medieval crime mysteries centered around Roger the Chapman, an engaging trader-turned-sleuth. Like C. J. Sansom, Sedley takes an everyday character and places him into complex detective stories rich in historical detail.
Her novel Death and the Chapman is the first of the series, following Roger through the dangerous roads and marketplaces of 15th-century England as he solves murders that threaten their communities.
Bernard Cornwell's novels are a perfect match for readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom's blend of historical accuracy and immersive storytelling. Cornwell brings history alive with action-packed plots, dynamic characters, and carefully recreated settings.
His well-known novel, The Last Kingdom, is the first in a gripping series featuring Uhtred, a warrior caught between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, exploring themes of identity, allegiance, and the struggle for power in medieval Britain.
Ken Follett is an author whose historical novels combine meticulous research with vivid storytelling. If you enjoy the rich historical backdrop and well-drawn characters of C. J. Sansom, you might like Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth.
Set in 12th-century England, this epic tale follows the construction of a cathedral, bringing medieval society to life through intrigue, ambition, and the struggle for power.
Alison Weir is a historian and novelist whose books mix precise historical accuracy with engaging, narrative-driven plots. Like Sansom, she immerses readers in the drama and politics of Tudor England.
Her novel Innocent Traitor vividly portrays the turbulent life of Lady Jane Grey, exploring themes of duty, betrayal, and power struggles in vivid historical detail.
Philippa Gregory is well-known for her absorbing historical fiction, often focusing on the lives and experiences of women in British history.
If you're drawn to Sansom’s complex characters and detailed portrayal of Tudor-era intrigue, Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl might appeal to you.
This novel explores the rivalry and ambition between Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary, against the backdrop of Henry VIII's volatile court.
Antonia Hodgson writes historical thrillers with a dark, atmospheric tone. Fans of Sansom’s well-paced mysteries set amidst historical events might appreciate Hodgson’s The Devil in the Marshalsea.
Set in 18th-century London, the story follows Thomas Hawkins as he navigates a brutal and corrupt debtors' prison filled with danger and conspiracies.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson delivers gripping historical mysteries characterized by strong plotting and vivid period details. If you like Sansom’s detective approach and the exploration of moral dilemmas, you might enjoy her debut novel, Blood & Sugar.
This compelling mystery takes you to Georgian London as Captain Harry Corsham investigates a friend's disappearance, uncovering the sinister truths of the slave trade in the process.