Harriet calls the local Squire to arrange for an inquest. The Earl remarried, inappropriately some years ago to an dancer and the second son, Hugh, is now an alcoholic. The Earl's eldest son and heir Alexander, has been missing for some years. The estate that the body was discovered on belongs to that of Thornleigh Hall, the seat of the Earl of Sussex. He comes and concludes that the deceased has been murdered but several important clues are apparent. Harriet immediately asks for Gabriel Crowther, a reclusive but rich neighbour that she has heard has trained as an anatomist or early physician to examine the body. The story begins with Mrs Harriet Westerman, out for a morning ride when she is hailed by a person in the grounds of the adjoining estate who has discovered a man dead with his throat slashed.
The story is set in June 1780, but also refers to earlier events that occurred in April 1775 in New England. This first novel from a talented tv, radio and film director is written in a natural evocative style that one associates with authors of quality such as Jane Austen or more recently with Patrick O'Brian.
Robertson, Imogen - 'Instruments of Darkness' Review - Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson
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