Sovereign by C J Sansom

Summary

The Great Progress of Henry VIII to York is underway. Preparing the petitions to be granted, showing the power of the King, making arrangements to feed, house and entertain the retinue and soldiers alike are burdens enough without the threat of conspiracy in the air.

Turbulent times in the reign of Henry VIII with talk of dissent and a rebellion barely repressed take Mathew Shardlake, a London lawyer, and his assistant Jack Barak to York. They are there to share with Giles Wrenne, a local lawyer, the preparation of legal documents to put before the King. On the orders of Cardinal Cranmer they are also to ensure a rebel prisoner, held in the custody of Sir William Maleverer, remains alive until his tongue can be loosened by the torturers at the Tower of London. Mistress Tamasin Reedbourne diverts even the most ardent admirer.