Circle of Shadows - (Westerman and Crowther Mystery) by Imogen Robertson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"The best yet in [Robertson's] late-18th-century historical series." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In the fourth installment of Imogen Robertson's acclaimed historical suspense series, Mrs. Harriet Westerman and Gabriel Crowther depart England for the Duchy of Maulberg on a desperate mission to save a man accused of murder.

Shrove Tuesday, 1784. As Germany's elite dance at a masked ball, the beautiful Lady Martesen is murdered. Daniel Clode, Mrs. Westerman's brother-in-law, is found near the body, his wrists cut, his memories nightmarish. Is Daniel a killer? As he awaits execution, Westerman enlists Crowther, the increasingly reclusive anatomist, to help prove Daniel's innocence. After another ruthless death, the investigative duo find themselves racing to solve the mystery behind the killings--but no one will talk, and the clock is ticking for Daniel.

Review Quotes

Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS

"The best yet in [Robertson's] late-18th-century historical series. . . The puzzle is intricate enough to satisfy fair-play fans, but it's the perfect prose that puts this in the first rank of the subgenre."
--Publishers Weekly, (starred review)

"Dramatic intrigue and painstaking detail combine smoothly in this robust historical thriller. While this is the fourth series entry (after the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award nominee Island of Bones), Robertson does a particularly good job of filling in the backstory for new readers. Sure to be a treat for Anne Perry fans; try also with forensic investigation readers who like an ensemble cast."
--Library Journal, (starred review)

"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

"Delightful . . . Robertson is a virtuoso at capturing the nuances and customs of the period and culture."
--Mystery Scene Magazine

"The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many."
--Kirkus

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)

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 shortlisted for the 2011 Crime Writers' Association Ellis Peters Historical Award; and Circle of Shadows. In 2012, she was shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library. She lives in London.