In the 2003 book Dissolution, Sansom first introduced readers to Shardlake, a lawyer who solves crimes while navigating the political intrigue and theological reformation of Tudor England.
In addition to six more books with Shardlake, the Scottish author has published two stand-alone historical novels, Winter in Madrid and Dominion.
Recently, the television series Shardlake, starring Sean Bean from Game of Thrones as Thomas Cromwell and Arthur Hughes from The Innocents as the main character, was adapted from his novels.
Disney+ is scheduled to debut the first season of the Tudor murder mystery series on Wednesday.
Publishers Pan Macmillan released the following statement on Monday, announcing his passing: “It is with immense sadness that Pan Macmillan announces the death of CJ Sansom.”
“‘It is an extraordinarily strange coincidence that Chris has died only a handful of days before a new generation of fans will meet Matthew Shardlake, Barak and Guy and co for the first time through,” said Antony Topping, his representative.
