The Cargo from Neira - (Gabriel Taverner Mystery) by Alys Clare

About the Book

Physician-sleuth Dr Gabriel Taverner has to connect the dots between a desperate woman who tried to kill herself, a dead man in a drainage ditch with nutmegs in his mouth and a nightly intruder in this historical mystery. Can Gabriel protect himself and the ones that are close to him or will he perish in a bigger plot that leaves bodies behind?

Book Synopsis

What do a desperate woman with a secret, a dead man in a drainage ditch and a dark figure in the night have in common? Physician-sleuth Dr Gabriel Taverner has to connect the dots before time runs out in this thrilling historical mystery.

February, 1605. A series of killings shake the quiet life of Devon's Tavy valley. Country doctor Gabriel Taverner, summoned by the coroner to examine the bodies, believes that the murders are somehow connected to a mysterious woman recently discovered in shocking circumstances.

Gabriel is determined to solve the mystery, and soon uncovers clues that link his unexpected patient to the brutal killings. Prominent among them is the strange and recurring theme of nutmegs. A precious spice from far-flung islands in a distant sea and already in demand, its high cost is increasing daily since the rumour has spread that it is a cure for the plague . . .

Gabriel finds himself caught in a deadly rivalry involving a greater prize and more ruthless players than he could have imagined. Fighting to protect his family and friends from dangerous involvement in this savage race, will he be able to emerge alive?

This is the fifth book in the Gabriel Taverner mystery series and will appeal to readers who enjoy rural settings, head-scratching puzzles and nautical adventures.

Review Quotes

A historically detailed mystery full of action and philosophizing-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Clare is a master at combining fascinating period details with spellbinding, adventure-filled stories. A must for historical mystery readers-- "Booklist"

A complex, exciting mystery whose rich historical background is disturbed by some truly chilling events-- "Kirkus Reviews on Magic in the Weave"

A gripping and unique page-turner that juxtaposes brutal realism with an astonishing, otherworldly, magical adventure . A real standout-- "Booklist on The Indigo Ghosts"

A haunting, eerie tale with otherworldly twists, a multilayered plot, and Clare's excellent period details make this a fine choice for historical-mystery fans-- "Booklist on Magic in the Weave"

A superb storyteller whose clever, twisty plots; believable characters, and skilful writing will engross the reader from first page to last-- "Booklist Starred Review of A Rustle of Silk"

An intricate puzzle worthy of Shakespeare himself-- "The Historical Novels Review on Magic in the Weave"

Excellent . Clare matches well-drawn characters, in particular the charismatic lead, with a head-scratching puzzle and creepy atmospherics. Imogen Robertson fans will be pleased-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Indigo Ghosts"

Impressive ... The mystery satisfies with a tragic, far-reaching conclusion. Clare reinforces her place among the top rank of historical writers-- "Publishers Weekly on The Angel in the Glass"

Plausible period detail and characters who feel real bolster the involving plot, and the prose and pacing are both top-notch. The prolific Clare shows no sign of running out of steam-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Magic in the Weave"

Wonderfully authentic period details, larger-than-life characters, a thought-provoking plot, and an affecting and powerful conclusion make this one of Clare's best-- "Booklist Starred Review of The Angel in the Glass"

About the Author

Alys Clare lives in the English countryside where her novels are set. She went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She is the author of the Aelf Fen, Hawkenlye, World's End Bureau and Gabriel Taverner historical mystery series.