BRING UP THE BODIES

Her Wolf Hall was a tour de force, but its sequel is a leaner and more brilliant literary invention. 'Mantel in the voice of Cromwell is inspired. When she is in full flow as a novelist, creating scenes and inventing dialogue, she is more convincing than rendering a recorded scene from history.' - Philippa Gregory. 'Bring Up The Bodies' unlocks the darkly glittering court of Henry VIII, where Thomas Cromwell is now Chief Minister. Henry is disenchanted with Anne Boleyn and has fixed his eye on the demure Jane Seymour. Anne has failed to give England an heir and rumours of her infidelity creep through the court. Over a few terrifying weeks, to dislodge her from her throne, Cromwell ensnares Anne in a web of conspiracy, acting to save his life, serve his King, and secure his position. But from the bloody theatre of the Queen's final days, no one will emerge unscathed. We begin to see King Henry start to show his age with former injuries and illnesses and see the real rise of his paranoia. 406 page US paperback edition with Author's Note and cast of characters.