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C.J. Sansom's Dark Fire is a richly atmospheric and suspenseful historical mystery that continues the adventures of hunchbacked lawyer Matthew Shardlake in 16th century Tudor England. This time, the action is set in 1540 amid the volatile politics and tensions surrounding Henry VIII's marriage to Anne of Cleves.

Shardlake is called to investigate the bizarre and horrific death of one of Thomas Cromwell's commissioners at the mansion of a Greek scholar. What initially appears to be a tragic accident soon reveals itself as a twisted case of murder involving long-buried secrets and dangerous conspiracies.

As with the previous books in the Shardlake series, Sansom's painstaking research and grasp of the period shines through on every page. Readers will feel utterly transported to the gritty, vividly rendered streets of London and the oppressive climate of religious and political tensions under Henry VIII's reign. Authentic period language and details immerse you fully in the era.

The highly intelligent and principled Shardlake continues to be a magnetic lead protagonist whose moral courage in pursuit of justice makes him eminently rootable. His relationships with the supporting cast like the fool Barak further enrich the narrative's emotional depth.

Sansom has a true gift for constructing intricate, labyrinthine plots full of endless twists and red herrings. The pace is tautly suspenseful while allowing for nuanced historical context and social commentary. Perhaps the ending gets slightly too convoluted and mystical toward the climax, but the resolution still feels wholly satisfying.

With its lethal blend of thrills, compelling characters, and immersive authenticity, Dark Fire is another riveting and transporting historical novel from Sansom. I give it a hearty 4 out of 5 stars and recommendation, especially for fans of the genre. Sansom's Shardlake series goes from strength to strength.