The Chrysanthemum Tiger - (Gabriel Taverner Mystery) by Alys Clare

Book Synopsis

Physician-sleuth Dr Gabriel Taverner has to face his greatest challenge yet - a serious danger from the East threatens not just his life, but everyone he loves! All aboard this adventurous historical mystery set in the early seventeenth century.

March, 1605. Country doctor and former ship's surgeon Gabriel Taverner has embarked on his next adventure. After discovering that the debilitating injury he sustained years ago has lost its power to induce chronic seasickness, he became impatient to leave Devon once more. He finds himself in the service of Walter Haverleigh, a wealthy and successful merchant, who engaged Gabriel to tend the crew of the Luipaard on her voyage to the Eastern seas.

As the months and years of Gabriel's absence continue, his family and friends struggle with the replacement physician he engaged before his hasty departure. Doctor Maudsley Cheverell has turned out to be incompetent, arrogant and self-serving. When one morning his dead body is found in a ditch, it seems that nobody will mourn him or regret his untimely death.

However, when the body is examined, it is apparent that Cheverell was tortured by the application of a specific method from the East . . . Is there a connection to Gabriel and his time in Asia? And where is Gabriel? Why has the quiet peace of England's Tavy Valley been disrupted by a sinister plot and, most crucially, will everyone come out of it alive?

Review Quotes

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 historically detailed mystery full of action and philosophizing-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Cargo From Neira"

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

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

Excellent . . . the most gripping, intense, cryptic, and satisfying yet-- "Booklist"

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"

Fans of period intrigue will delight in this highly adventurous tale-- "Kirkus Reviews"

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"