This the second book in C.J. Sansom's Matthew Shardlake series sees the hunchback lawyer from Lincoln's Inn in London helping a friend work out why his neice has been blamed for the murder of her cousin. In doing this he becomes embroiled with Thomas Cromwell again, someone he really does not want to be involved with after the events of the previous book. Unfortunately he has no choice and is partnered up with Barack, Cromwell's man to try and piece together the mystery of Greek Fire. This is an ancient weapon that Cromwell has managed to loose and he is worried about his head, because Henry VIII has been on the throne for over 30 years and is not happy with the match that Cromwell arrange with Anne of Cleves. As the situation becomes ever more desperate for both Shardlake, Cromwell and his friend's neice the adventure really becomes fast paced.

As ever this book is full of historical detail that really brings everything to life. Sansom always includes a historcal note at the end of the book, so you can see what was fact, fiction and rumour. However, I would say this book should be required reading for all history students, because it brings the Tudor times alive (as well as being lots of fun) and really made me want to find out more.

All in all a great second book in the series that made me want to read the others!