R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 11/24/2013 + 1452 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

The setting is England of the 1700s. The heroine is Harriet Westerman who discovers a body on her property. Recognizing that the man was murdered, she searches out her neighbor, the renowned Gabriel Crowther, the hero. In spite of their differences and a bit of friction now and then, the two cooperate to search for the killer.

Mrs. Westerman once sailed the seas with her naval husband. Landbound, she now supervises the care of their English property at Caveley Park, lives with her sister and raises her children. I liked that that she misses the sea, her husband and the many adventures they had together. And, I enjoyed the scenarios with her children which add to the depth and complexity of her character.

Crowther has his own problems and protects his privacy, concealing the fact that he was born an aristocrat. His fascination with anatomy seems gruesome to many but his knowledge is respected. Mrs. Westerman is not a wilting violet and joins him in autopsies.

The story is complex, leading the reader and the characters in several directions as the investigation progresses. In describing the setting, the author includes the Gordon Riots adding to the tale's historical relevance. In addition, I found the characters both interesting and realistic, the plot a good one, and the ending well done.

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