Anatomy of Murder [Hardcover]

Imogen Robertson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 16, 2012

London, 1781. Harriet Westerman anxiously awaits news of her husband, a ship's captain who has been gravely injured in the king's naval battles with France. As London's streets seethe with rumor, a body is dragged from the murky waters of the Thames.

Having gained a measure of fame as amateur detectives for unraveling the mysteries of Thornleigh Hall, the indomitable Mrs. Westerman and her reclusive sidekick, anatomist Gabriel Crowther, are once again called on to investigate. In this intricate novel, Harriet and Gabriel will discover that this is no ordinary drowning-the victim is part of a plot to betray England's most precious secrets.

The critics raved about their first adventure, comparing them with the characters of Tess Gerritsen in period clothes. Fans of Instruments of Darkness will find the smart and spirited pair's second outing just as riveting.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Like Anne Perry’s mysteries, this menacing story set in Georgian London explores the complicated motives driving every character involved to act as they do while pulling together a colorful array of subplots. The death of Fitzraven, former musician and suspected spy, is just the beginning of a string of dark deeds. A large cast of characters makes it difficult to keep names straight, though key players are fully drawn. Some are dear, like little Stephen Westerfield; some vaguely threatening, like Jocasta the fortune-teller; and others are definitely up to no good. Seasoned mystery readers may guess who is behind the killings at the opera house, though few will realize the extent of others’ involvement. This second adventure starring Mrs. Westerman, stubborn and independent society matron, and ascetic anatomist Gabriel Crowther connects some of the dots from Instruments of Darkness (2011) and hints of further adventures to come. The melodramatic final scenes nearly destroy the mood, but by then, momentum will keep those pages turning. Readers interested in early autopsy practices will also want to try The Anatomy of Deception(2008), by Lawrence Goldstone. --Jen Baker

About the Author

Imogen Robertson studied Russian and German at Cambridge University and has worked as a TV, film, and radio director. In 2007, she won The Telegraph's First Thousand Words of a Novel competition with what would become Instruments of Darkness. She currently lives in London and has finished a second novel about Harriet Westerman and Gabriel Crowther entitled Anatomy of Murder.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books (February 16, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780670023172
• ISBN-13: 978-0670023172
• ASIN: 0670023175
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #589,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Something rather strange is happening." February 25, 2012

By E. Bukowsky HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

It is May, 1781, when "Anatomy of Murder," by Imogen Robertson, opens. The American colonists and their French allies are at war with Great Britain. Captain James Westerman commands the HMS Splendor, "a neat frigate of forty-four guns." His crew opens fire on a French ship and a vicious battle ensues. More than six months pass. Harriet Westerman, James's wife, is distraught since her husband returned from his last voyage with a severe head injury that left him greatly altered in mind and behavior. For the time being, Harriet and her sister, Rachel, are guests in the London home of the Earl of Sussex, the young heir to a wealthy estate.

An agent of Her Majesty's government prevails upon the resourceful Harriet and her friend and student of anatomy, Gabriel Crowther, to launch an investigation into the murder of a mean-spirited opportunist, Nathaniel Fitzraven. There is a possibility that his death may be tied to a rumor that spies have been passing vital information to the French about British ships, supplies, and troop movements. As a result, England is becoming "a body bleeding vital knowledge of her strategies...."

"Anatomy of Murder" is a an elegantly written and entertaining work of historical fiction in which Robertson shifts back and forth between Harriet and Gabriel and a plucky woman named Jocasta Bligh. Jocasta, an eccentric whose gift as a fortune-teller is well-known, is compassionate and savvy. She, along with her dog, Boyo, and a young waif named Sam, conduct their own inquiries into a case that will eventually converge with Harriet and Gabriel's. Robertson evocatively describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the British capital in the late eighteenth century. In addition, she adroitly contrasts the lifestyles of the idle rich with those unfortunates who live in abject poverty. Most heartbreaking are the orphans who are so neglected that they must forage for scraps in order to survive.

This engrossing mystery is enhanced by fascinating passages on such varied topics as castrati (who undergo disfiguring operations in order to enhance their musical potential), battles at sea, the staging of an opera, and life on the mean streets of London. The cast is large (and, at times, difficult to follow) and the plot has innumerable twists and turns. However, careful and patient readers will be amply rewarded by a thrilling finale that promises even more adventures to come. Those who enjoyed "Instruments of Darkness" will eagerly embrace this ambitious sequel.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A strong second book! March 14, 2012

By Albert Garcia

Format:Hardcover

Imogen Robertson started off with a bang with Instruments of Darkness and keeps the series not only going strong but picking up considerable steam with the second book; Anatomy of Murder. Harriet Westerman and Gabriel Crowther find themselves once again pulled in by circumstances into solving a murder. While the duo are asked by the British Goverment to look into the death of a suspected french spy that ties somehow into the mental breakdown of Westerman's husband; A Naval Captain.
In the seedier part of London,Jocasta a Tarot-card reader portents evil for one of her clients and is unable to keep it from happening. Thusly she decides to bring justice to the young girl.
Throw in the growth of Lady Susan and Imogen Robertson has brought all the players into the fray for a thrillride of a mystery. You will find it all in this book, thrills, good solid whodunit, and more then a little tragedy to go around.
This is a young writer who has taken the time to learn her craft and is wielding it so well.
A great read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Robertson is a hit! March 19, 2012

By M. Nakagawa

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Having loved the first book in this series, I could not wait for the next one to come out. So very well written and full of intelligent wit, this novel is so much fun! I cannot wait to read the next.Anatomy of Murder