Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Anatomy of Murder (Crowther & Westerman, Bk 2) on + 1726 more book reviews
Gotta say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the first one.
The story in intriguing, has multiple layers to it and continues to build throughout the book.
Wonderful real characters that you can relate to in the situations. Masterful writing that should not be missed.
The story in intriguing, has multiple layers to it and continues to build throughout the book.
Wonderful real characters that you can relate to in the situations. Masterful writing that should not be missed.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
First Line: Captain Westerman was in his cabin reading the letter from his wife for the fourth time when he heard the officer of the morning watch ring Six Bells.
It's 1781, and Harriet Westerman finds herself in London. Her husband, a ship's captain, has been very seriously injured while capturing a French vessel, and Harriet needs to be near him during his recuperation.
She and the reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther have become famous (or infamous) as amateur detectives for solving the mysteries of Thornleigh Hall, which occurred in the first book of the series, Instruments of Darkness. The British government requests their skills as detectives in investigating the death of a man whose body was pulled from the Thames. Harriet's presence at her husband's bedside is doing him no good. Since the doctor tells her to occupy her time in some other fashion-- and because "requests" from the government can seldom be ignored-- the team of Crowther and Westerman find themselves unraveling a plot filled with spies and betrayal.
Once again author Imogen Robertson immerses the reader in the England of the late eighteenth century. The setting, the time period, and the plot are all engrossing, but as with any high calibre mystery, the characters are what lift everything to a more lofty, enjoyable plane. We meet Harriet's husband, Harriet can now be seen as an anxious wife, and the hermit-like Gabriel Crowther is slowly becoming used to Harriet, her family, and just dealing with the general populace. (When you've avoided the public for years, it can take a while to get reacquainted.) Robertson's characters are anything but static and one-dimensional; things happen to them, they grow, and they change. Put this interesting cast in the middle of a genuinely puzzling investigation, and you experience a little bit of mystery reading nirvana.
If you're a fan of historical mysteries, strong characters, intriguing plots, and a rich, almost Dickensian setting, I'd advise you to read Imogen Robertson's Crowther and Westerman series.
It's 1781, and Harriet Westerman finds herself in London. Her husband, a ship's captain, has been very seriously injured while capturing a French vessel, and Harriet needs to be near him during his recuperation.
She and the reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther have become famous (or infamous) as amateur detectives for solving the mysteries of Thornleigh Hall, which occurred in the first book of the series, Instruments of Darkness. The British government requests their skills as detectives in investigating the death of a man whose body was pulled from the Thames. Harriet's presence at her husband's bedside is doing him no good. Since the doctor tells her to occupy her time in some other fashion-- and because "requests" from the government can seldom be ignored-- the team of Crowther and Westerman find themselves unraveling a plot filled with spies and betrayal.
Once again author Imogen Robertson immerses the reader in the England of the late eighteenth century. The setting, the time period, and the plot are all engrossing, but as with any high calibre mystery, the characters are what lift everything to a more lofty, enjoyable plane. We meet Harriet's husband, Harriet can now be seen as an anxious wife, and the hermit-like Gabriel Crowther is slowly becoming used to Harriet, her family, and just dealing with the general populace. (When you've avoided the public for years, it can take a while to get reacquainted.) Robertson's characters are anything but static and one-dimensional; things happen to them, they grow, and they change. Put this interesting cast in the middle of a genuinely puzzling investigation, and you experience a little bit of mystery reading nirvana.
If you're a fan of historical mysteries, strong characters, intriguing plots, and a rich, almost Dickensian setting, I'd advise you to read Imogen Robertson's Crowther and Westerman series.
Robert B. (SGTBob) reviewed Anatomy of Murder (Crowther & Westerman, Bk 2) on + 156 more book reviews
Read book 1 (Instruments od Darkness) first, it will save you some confusion.
A well written novel about two investigators in 18th century England.
Picture, if you will Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes teaming up to solve a murder surrounding events of sabatoge and spying elements.
I had difficulty getting started on this novel, because I was lost, for having NOT read the first book of this series (this is book 2 of the series).
Once I got to Chapter 2, the information was understandable and it flowed in a normal sequence.
The author has certainly done her homework, as she twines historical and fiction to produce an exciting mystery/murder novel.
The book is written in older English, so there were times when I needed to read a sentense more than once to understand what was happening.
I will read "Instruments of Darkness", book 1 of this series. I liked it that much.
A well written novel about two investigators in 18th century England.
Picture, if you will Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes teaming up to solve a murder surrounding events of sabatoge and spying elements.
I had difficulty getting started on this novel, because I was lost, for having NOT read the first book of this series (this is book 2 of the series).
Once I got to Chapter 2, the information was understandable and it flowed in a normal sequence.
The author has certainly done her homework, as she twines historical and fiction to produce an exciting mystery/murder novel.
The book is written in older English, so there were times when I needed to read a sentense more than once to understand what was happening.
I will read "Instruments of Darkness", book 1 of this series. I liked it that much.
