Author CJ Sansom dies aged 71 just days before Disney+ series based on Matthew Shardlake novels drops
CJ Sansom has died at the age of 71
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Author Christopher John Sansom, best known as CJ Sansom, has died at the age of 71, with his literary agent Antony Topping sharing an emotional tribute.
His death comes just days before his new show based on his Matthew Shardlake books were set to air on Disney+.
Sansom's death was announced by his publisher Pan Macmillan who noted: "It has been our profound privilege and pleasure to be Chris’s publisher from the very beginning, we will continue to celebrate him and introduce many more readers to his extraordinary body of work for many years to come.
"We are all thinking of his friends at this very difficult time," whilst Sansom's literary agent Antony Topping also paid tribute to the author and said he was "lucky to know" his friend.
He added it was an "extraordinarily strange coincidence that Chris has died only a handful of days before a new generation of fans will meet Matthew Shardlake."
"This is also a moment for which Chris's established fans have been waiting a long time. Chris was so proud of all the work and determination that went into bringing the novels to our television screens.
CJ Sansom was best known for his Shardlake novels
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"Which I hope will bring an entirely new audience to the books and which will maybe also inspire some old fans to return to their favourite CJ Sansom novels. So long, Chris. I was lucky to know you."
A Disney+ spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of CJ Sansom's passing. Our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him best and with his many loyal fans."
Fans of the author also expressed their sadness and condolences after finding out of his death, with one writing on X: "Such a tragic loss.
"CJ Sansom was one of the finest ever writers of historical fiction. He was an inspiration to me and to many others. We are poorer without him."
CJ Sansom's novels are being turned into a Disney+ series
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Another said: "I’m so sad to hear of the death of CJ Sansom. He was a wonderful writer who changed the face of crime fiction for ever. RIP."
A third devastated fan posted: "So sad to hear of CJ Sansom’s passing. What a phenomenal writer, whose vivid, compelling historical novels are rightly beloved by so many.
"My lovely late Dad and I shared so many chats about the wonderful Shardlake novels. Huge love to everyone who loved him."
"Can't believe the news of CJ Ransom... He was one of my most beloved authors and I'll miss his writing! Hoping they still go ahead with the Disney+ series."
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CJ Sansom has died at the age of 71
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Sansom's Shardlake books are crime dramas set in the Tudor era, with the Disney+ series starring Arthur Hughes and Sean Bean.
The books tell the story of Shardlake the barrister who solves crimes while trying to avoid being dragged into political scandals in the court of Henry VIII.
The first Shardlake novel was published 21 years ago, with CJ going on to release six other novels featuring the character. He also wrote two standalone historical works, Winter In Madrid and Dominion.
Disney+'s four-part series sees Shardlake investigate a suspicious death on the orders of Thomas Cromwell and is set after Henry's dissolution of the monasteries