Bestselling Author CJ Sansom Passes Away at 71

Beloved author and creator of the renowned Shardlake series, CJ Sansom, has sadly passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer.

Sansom, born in Edinburgh to an English father and Scottish mother, began his literary career with the gripping novel ‘Dissolution,’ which marked the inception of his iconic Tudor detective, Matthew Shardlake.

His longtime editor and publisher, Maria Rejt, reflected on Sansom’s desire for a quiet publication journey, despite the widespread acclaim he garnered from readers across the globe.

The highly anticipated TV adaptation of ‘Dissolution’ starring Arthur Hughes and Sean Bean is set to debut on Disney+ just days after Sansom’s passing.

Recognized for his exceptional contributions to the literary world, Sansom was recently awarded the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association Cartier Diamond Dagger.

Christopher John Sansom, as he was formally known, had a background rooted in Presbyterianism and conservative ideals, which later influenced his leaning towards socialist politics during his formative years.

His series of Shardlake novels, spanning from ‘Dissolution’ to ‘Tombland,’ captivated millions of readers with their historical depth and intricate mysteries set in locations like Sussex, Norfolk, and beyond.

While battling his health challenges, Sansom was working diligently on his eighth Shardlake installment, ‘Ratcliff,’ showcasing his unwavering commitment to delivering captivating historical fiction.

In ‘Tombland,’ Shardlake finds himself entangled in a murder investigation interwoven with the political turbulence of post-Henry VIII England, portraying his evolution as a character through the series.

Stephanie Merritt, a prominent literary critic, praised Sansom’s character development in ‘Tombland,’ highlighting Shardlake’s continued relevance and depth throughout the series.