Mantel's fictional retelling of the life of Cromwell continues, using the same conceits as the first book ("he" is always Cromwell). I assume no spoiler warnings are needed for a book describing events that took place 480 years ago: the book concerns the fall of Anne Boleyn, and Cromwell's role in making that happen. As Cromwell circles his prey and closes in, Mantel's writing is riveting and the verbal sparring is absolutely chilling. Reading it was an total pleasure.