Circle of Shadows (Crowther & Westerman 4) [Hardcover]

I remember reviewing this author's first book. 'Instruments of Darkness' which introduced an eccentric Gabriel Crowther, one of the first forensic pathologists and Harriet Westerman, a very pleasant and interfering - all in a good cause, you understand - lady of some means. These two are the central characters in this book which I think is the fourth in the series.

The story takes them to Germany to 'rescue' Harriet's brother-in-law from the clutches of a German legal system which normally likes a clean cut ending to a murderer's conviction. Crowther and Harriet must thwart the German executioner which they do with remarkable ease and with the full compliance of the ruler of the small province within the German country.

But then the story begins to unfold as further bodies are discovered, some previously thought to be suicides or natural deaths but by dint of knowledge and intelligent guesswork, are proven, by our heroes, to be murder. So, the game's afoot as a somewhat sinister 'undercover agent' is also pursuing a group of people whom, it is believed, are intent of ruining the status quo in Germany and to eventually change the world order.

It seems a bit unfair to cast the Freemasons in this light though their secrective ways have led many to believe such matters might be going on, even today. I have no idea but, in the case before us, a breakaway group of radicals is certainly doing its best to eliminate people of influence in the Province.

Fortunately, the good people of the Province offer as much help as they can to Crowther and Harriet, not forgetting a coterie of friends who have accompanied them from England in the first instance.

I like these books. The slow pace of the investigation does not hinder the storyline. The author puts in place several side stories which, little by little, merge together, giving one or two other characters a chance to shine.

She paints an excellent scene-setting, her knowledge of such a period in the late 1700s appears genuine and the fact that there is a history behind the main characters does not spoil this book as a stand-alone novel. For pure enjoyment, I would suggest this mini series is well worth reading from book 1 but, if that doesn't take your fancy, do start to follow the pair from this book onwards. In a quirk of publishing, the paperback of book three will probably be released at the same time as this hardback, so if you have the patience, buy both - the earlier book certainly hardens up dear Harriet who then meets her nemesis in this book 4 again.

"Circle of Shadows," is the fourth book by Imogen Robertson, following on from, "Instruments of Darkness," "Anatomy of Murder,"and "Island of Bones."

The book features returning sleuths, Gabriel Crowther, forensic pathologist, and Harriet Westerman, a woman of means, who are summoned to the Duchy of Maulberg in Germany to save one Daniel Clode, who has been arrested for the murder of Lady Martesen.

The fact that the accused is the brother -in-law of Harriet adds an extra impetus to their investigations as they begin to unravel the clues, including the discovery that some earlier deaths, hitherto thought to have occurred naturally or through suicide are concluded to be murder.

There are false trails and distractions, but remain fixed in your seat, follow the hints and read on!

As with her other books, Imogen Robertson, manages to capture a 'real feel' for the time and possesses a great capacity to create an authentic, exciting atmosphere, as the story unfolds, revealing the involvement of secret societies, who may be conspiring against the state.

It is an excellent story, providing the reader with the perfect opportunity to savour an expertly structured thriller, escape to the eighteenth century and along with the intrepid Gabriel Crowther and Harriet Westerman, solve the mystery.

I have now reached the point, where I look forward with great anticipation to each new book in the series and "Circle of Shadows," does not disappoint, maintaining the high standard set in her earlier novels.

Find a quiet spot in your favourite chair, put your phone on 'silent' and enjoy!

This is the fourth in a series of detective stories set in the late eighteenth century featuring Mrs Westerman and Gabriel Crowther. While it is possible to read it as a stand alone novel, you will have a much fuller experience if you read the others (Instruments of Darkness, Anatomy of Murder and Island of Bones) first. There are allusions to what has happened before in this book, but a back story is not provided and so the finer points of some of the relationships are not immediately clear.

Harriet Westerman is a youngish, well to do widow with two small children. In the past she has, in company with Gabriel Crowther, a wealthy recluse whose hobby is the study of anatomy, solved a couple of major crimes. Her sister, Rachel, now recently married and on her wedding tour, has disapproved of her involvement, deeming it unfeminine. At this point, do not start thinking that Mrs Westerman is a feisty 21st Century feminist plonked down in the 18th Century. She is not. One of Imogen Robertson's great achievements is that she has recreated the 18th Century world view very accurately.

At the start of the book there is a short prologue depicting a seance. Remember what happens because it is important. Then we skip forward two years and find Mr Clode an apparent murderer and attempted suicide being interrogated by an official of a middle European dukedom. Mr Clode is Mrs Westerman's brother-in-law, visiting Maulberg as part of his wedding tour and partly to check on the huge financial interests held there by his employer, the infant Earl of Sussex. Mrs Westerman receives a letter from her sister begging for help. So, she, Mr Crowther and the Earl of Sussex's guardian, Mr Graves, set off to help her, taking Michaels from the village to act as interpreter, guide and general enabler.

One of the things I like about this book is its realism and attention to historical detail, so it takes nearly two months to get there. Luckily, because of the Earl of Sussex's financial investment in the dukedom, Mr Clode is still alive while the case is being investigated with great thoroughness, to avoid any diplomatic difficulties. Mrs Westerman and her friends are given a respectful welcome and allowed to review the facts of the case.

Meanwhile we become aware of some of the intrigues in court life in Maulberg. There is evidence of the activities of the Free Masons and similar secret societies who may or may not be plotting against the state. Someone is looking into their activities, but it is not clear who. Then someone else is murdered and it becomes obvious that something very grim is going on.

There are clues throughout to possible solutions and we see them at the same time as Mrs Westerman and Mr Crowther, so, in theory, we could work it out for ourselves . . . . but . . . it is like a cryptic crossword, when you know the solution you can work it out backwards. It had crossed my mind who the villain was, but I couldn't work out why, so I thought it was a red herring thrown in to mislead.

This book works well on so many levels. It is a good story, a fine thriller, an excellent historical novel and an intriguing episode in an ongoing series.

If you haven't read the earlier books in the series, you have a huge treat waiting for you.