Synopses & Reviews
A grisly murder among the German aristocracy propels this tale of eighteenth century forensics and historical crime solving The forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman and her reclusive companion, anatomist Gabriel Crowther, tackle their first case outside of England in the fourth installment of Imogen Robertson’s heralded historical suspense series.
As Germany’s elite are celebrating Shrove Tuesday of 1784 with a masked ball, the beautiful Lady Martesen is murdered. Daniel Clode, brother-in-law to Mrs. Westerman, is found near the body. All evidence points to him as the killer. As Daniel awaits execution, Westerman and Crowther arrive and quickly encounter a court full of opulence, intrigue, and deadly secrets—but no one who will talk.
With Anne Perry’s eye for period detail and Tess Gerritsen’s forensics knowledge, Robertson is emerging as a major author of highbrow suspense.
Review
Praise for Anatomy of Murder: “Memorable prose, strong and unusual leads, a sophisticated plot with several unexpected turns, and an accurate portrayal of the period all make this a winner.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
“A labyrinthine mystery in the heart of a teeming London, involving fashionable castrati, espionage and bodies in the Thames. We are immersed in Harriet’s London, and the city is evoked with a Dickensian exuberance… In the overcrowded field of historical fiction, Robertson has the smarts comfortably to outpace most of her rivals.”
—The Independent (UK)
Review
“I guarantee that once you have read this you will be eager to read the first - and keenly awaiting the third.”
—Daily Mail (UK)
Review
“This series, launched after Robertson won a Telegraph writing competition, continues to excel.”
—Daily Telegraph (UK)
Review
Praise for Island of Bones, coming in hardcover on October 11, 2012, from Pamela Dorman Books/Viking “[An] audacious mix of cultural gloss and uncomplicated, straight-ahead storytelling. The multi-layered nuance of Peter Ackroyd and the buttonholing narrative grasp of Stephen King are stirred into the mix.”
—The Independent (UK)
Review
"A new Imogen Robertson book is fast becoming something of an event. ...this follow-up does not disappoint. As ever, the characters are enticing and the plot absorbing. If you've not read the previous books, do not despair--they each stand alone. But if you have time on your hands, now is your chance to catch up."
—Daily Mail (UK)
Review
Praise for Instruments of Darkness: “A sensitive melodrama.... Robertson’s enjoyment of the period and her characters is infectious.” —The New York Times Book Review (Editor’s Choice)
Review
“A thoroughly engaging novel, with rich prose and an intricate, suspenseful plot, with melodramatic, Gothic touches in perfect keeping with the historical period. Robertson has already written another Westerman/Crowther mystery… let us hope for many more.”
—Associated Press
Review
“Every so often I encounter a book that makes me think with envy: ‘How I wish I could have written this story!’
Instruments of Darkness is just that book—poetic, enchanting, and chillingly memorable. Imogen Robertson is an exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel.”
—Tess Gerritsen, author of Keeping the Dead
Review
“Mayhem runs amok in this period thriller. [Robertson] pulls out all the stops… a roaring soap opera of a novel.”
—The Washington Times
Review
“Impressive… A ripping homage to Dickens, Austen and Conan Doyle, Instruments of Darkness will keep you up at night, and then, like me, waiting for the sequel.”
—Seattle Times
Review
“The book works splendidly as a period thriller, with complicated leads and informative details that illuminate 18th-century England for modern readers.”
—Publishers Weekly
Review
“This debut is getting some play and should well serve lovers of historical suspense.”
—Library Journal
Review
“Robertson's superior third historical featuring anatomist Gabriel Crowther and widow Harriet Westerman (after 2012's
Anatomy of Murder) makes the most of its revelations about Crowther's backstory . . . First-rate prose and the deepening relationship between the two leads bode well for the longevity of this series.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
“Set aside quality time to fully enjoy this richly layered, engaging historical series; a great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and C.S. Harris.”
—Library Journal
Review
“An altogether satisfying historical mystery.”
—Booklist
Review
Praise for
Island of Bones:
“Robertson's superior third historical featuring anatomist Gabriel Crowther and widow Harriet Westerman (after 2012's Anatomy of Murder) makes the most of its revelations about Crowther's backstory . . . First-rate prose and the deepening relationship between the two leads bode well for the longevity of this series.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Set aside quality time to fully enjoy this richly layered, engaging historical series; a great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and C.S. Harris.” —Library Journal
“An altogether satisfying historical mystery.” —Booklist
“[An] audacious mix of cultural gloss and uncomplicated, straight-ahead storytelling. The multi-layered nuance of Peter Ackroyd and the buttonholing narrative grasp of Stephen King are stirred into the mix.” —The Independent (UK)
"A new Imogen Robertson book is fast becoming something of an event. ...this follow-up does not disappoint. As ever, the characters are enticing and the plot absorbing. If you've not read the previous books, do not despair--they each stand alone. But if you have time on your hands, now is your chance to catch up."
—The Daily Mail (UK)
Review
Praise for
Anatomy of Murder:
“Memorable prose, strong and unusual leads, a sophisticated plot with several unexpected turns, and an accurate portrayal of the period all make this a winner.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Robertson's language is spry . . . her scene-setting broad and detailed, her prose gracefully pressed into the service of a serpentine plot."
—Financial Times (UK)
“In the overcrowded field of historical fiction, Robertson has the smarts comfortably to outpace most of her rivals.” —The Independent (UK)
Review
Praise for
Instruments of Darkness:
“A sensitive melodrama. . . . Robertsons enjoyment of the period and her characters is infectious.” —The New York Times Book Review (Editors Choice) “A thoroughly engaging novel, with rich prose and an intricate, suspenseful plot, with melodramatic, Gothic touches in perfect keeping with the historical period. Robertson has already written another Westerman/Crowther mystery. . . . let us hope for many more.” —Associated Press “Every so often I encounter a book that makes me think with envy: ‘How I wish I could have written this story! Instruments of Darkness is just that book—poetic, enchanting, and chillingly memorable. Imogen Robertson is an exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel.” —Tess Gerritsen, author of The Silent Girl “Mayhem runs amok in this period thriller. [Robertson] pulls out all the stops. . . a roaring soap opera of a novel.” —The Washington Times “Impressive . . . A ripping homage to Dickens, Austen and Conan Doyle, Instruments of Darkness will keep you up at night, and then, like me, waiting for the sequel.” —Seattle Times “The book works splendidly as a period thriller, with complicated leads and informative details that illuminate 18th-century England for modern readers.” —Publishers Weekly “This debut is getting some play and should well serve lovers of historical suspense.” —Library Journal
Review
Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS
"The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many."
—Kirkus
"The fourth entry in this series mixes shamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, as all plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this is a winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine."
—Booklist
Review
Praise for ISLAND OF BONES
“Robertson's superior third historical featuring anatomist Gabriel Crowther and widow Harriet Westerman (after 2012's Anatomy of Murder) makes the most of its revelations about Crowther's backstory . . . First-rate prose and the deepening relationship between the two leads bode well for the longevity of this series.”
—Publishers Weekly, (starred review)
“Set aside quality time to fully enjoy this richly layered, engaging historical series; a great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and C.S. Harris.”
—Library Journal
“[An] audacious mix of cultural gloss and uncomplicated, straight-ahead storytelling. The multi-layered nuance of Peter Ackroyd and the buttonholing narrative grasp of Stephen King are stirred into the mix.”
—The Independent (UK)
"A new Imogen Robertson book is fast becoming something of an event. . . . This follow-up does not disappoint. As ever, the characters are enticing and the plot absorbing. If you've not read the previous books, do not despair—they each stand alone. But if you have time on your hands, now is your chance to catch up."
—The Daily Mail (UK)
Review
Praise for ANATOMY OF MURDER
“Memorable prose, strong and unusual leads, a sophisticated plot with several unexpected turns, and an accurate portrayal of the period all make this a winner.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Robertson’s language is spry . . . her scene-setting broad and detailed, her prose gracefully pressed into the service of a serpentine plot.”—The Financial Times (UK)
“In the overcrowded field of historical fiction, Robertson has the smarts comfortably to outpace most of her rivals.”
—The Independent (UK)
Review
Praise for INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS
“Robertson’s enjoyment of the period and her characters is infectious.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editor’s Choice)
“Every so often I encounter a book that makes me think with envy: ‘How I wish I could have written this story!’ Instruments of Darkness is just that book—poetic, enchanting, and chillingly memorable. Imogen Robertson is an exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel.”
—Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of The Silent Girl
“Mayhem runs amok in this period thriller. [Robertson] pulls out all the stops . . . [a] roaring soap opera of a novel.”
—The Washington Times
“Impressive . . . Robertson has a wicked way with suspense. A ripping homage to Dickens, Austen, and Conan Doyle, Instruments of Darkness will keep you up at night, and then, like me, waiting for the sequel.”
—Seattle Times
Synopsis
London, 1781. Harriet Westerman anxiously awaits news of her husband, a ship's captain who has been gravely injured in the king's naval battles with France. As London's streets seethe with rumor, a body is dragged from the murky waters of the Thames.
Having gained a measure of fame as amateur detectives for unraveling the mysteries of Thornleigh Hall, the indomitable Mrs. Westerman and her reclusive sidekick, anatomist Gabriel Crowther, are once again called on to investigate. In this intricate novel, Harriet and Gabriel will discover that this is no ordinary drowning-the victim is part of a plot to betray England's most precious secrets.
The critics raved about their first adventure, comparing them with the characters of Tess Gerritsen in period clothes. Fans of Instruments of Darkness will find the smart and spirited pair's second outing just as riveting.
Synopsis
Robertson has a wicked way with suspense.” Seattle Times
Imogen Robertsons first two historical suspense novels featuring the forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman and reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther have earned both glowing praise and a growing readership.
England, 1783. In Island of Bones, Crowthers haunting past is at last revealed. For years he has pursued his forensic studiesand the occasional murder investigationfar from his family estate. But an ancient tomb there will reveal a wealth of secrets. When laborers discover an extra body inside, the lure of the mystery brings Crowther home at last.
Fans of both historical fiction à la Anne Perry and the intricate forensics of Tess Gerritsen will be delighted by Robertsons latest.
Synopsis
Robertson has a wicked way with suspense.” Seattle Times
Imogen Robertsons first two historical suspense novels featuring the forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman and reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther have earned both glowing praise and a growing readership.
England, 1783. In Island of Bones, Crowthers haunting past is at last revealed. For years he has pursued his forensic studiesand the occasional murder investigationfar from his family estate. But an ancient tomb there will reveal a wealth of secrets. When laborers discover an extra body inside, the lure of the mystery brings Crowther home at last.
Fans of both historical fiction à la Anne Perry and the intricate forensics of Tess Gerritsen will be delighted by Robertsons latest.
About the Author
Imogen Robertson worked as a television, film, and radio director before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of four Westerman/Crowther novels: Instruments of Darkness; Anatomy of Murder; Island of Bones, which was short-listed for the 2011 Crime Writers Association Ellis Peters Historical Award; and forthcoming from Pamela Dorman Books, Circle of Shadows. In 2012 she was shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library. She lives in London.