A Rustle of Silk - by Alys Clare (Paperback)

About the Book

Introducing physician-sleuth Dr. Gabriel Taverner in the first of an intriguing series of mysteries set in early 17th-century Devon. Taverner is called out to examine a partially decomposed body found beside a river, only to discover that he has a personal connection to the dead man.

Book Synopsis

Devon, 1607. Gabriel Taverner, former ship's surgeon turned country physician, is called to examine a rotting body found impaled on a blade. Identifying the corpse seems a hopeless task and the death is declared a suicide.

But Gabriel is not satisfied and re-examines the body--making the first of a series of shocking discoveries that will lead him deep into the dark underbelly of the lucrative silk trade. As he investigates, Gabriel realises that not only was the death a murder--but even worse, he had a personal connection with the corpse.

Review Quotes

"An engaging cast and plenty of genuine suspense will keep historical mystery devotees firmly in Clare's corner" Booklist starred review

"Vividly evokes seventeeth-century Devon. Characters who are complex individuals complement the well-paced and pleasantly twisty plot" Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Alys Clare is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Harris, who has over twenty published novels.