'Imogen Robertson's new thriller, set in late18th-century Germany, is completely absorbing. Though one of a series, I read it as a newcomer and it stands alone. The multiple narratives are atmospheric and, whilst the written in a style reminiscent of the setting (which works perfectly) the chemistry between characters is contemporary and infectious. The plot is sprawling (tending towards evasive at times) but when the links become clear it is a deeply rewarding read' * We Love This Book *
'Matchless storytelling, gripping and moving in equal measure. Addictive' * Nicci French *
'Chillingly memorable...an extraordinary thriller' * Tess Gerritsen *
'There are multiple plot strands and many different characters, but the plotting is so good that I never felt a loss of concentration. If you enjoy good, fast-moving historical thrillers then I urge you to check out this series. Recommended' * Eurocrime website *
[A] gripping blend of the Georgian gothic and the forensic thriller... Part of a talented new generation of historical detective novelists, Robertson adds a quirky charm to the brew, breathing new life into her scholarship, and telling a romping good tale as well -- Amanda Craig * Independent *
This series, launched after Robertson won a Telegraph writing competition, continues to excel' * Daily Telegraph *
Robertson's regular characters, protofeminist Harriet Westerman and oddball man of science Gabriel Crowther, pitch up in Maulberg to save a friend, wrongly accused of murder, from the executioner's axe and find themselves facing a mystery involving Masonic conspiracies, radical philosophers and a mad alchemist still in pursuit of the elixir of life. In her fourth novel, Robertson shows herself to be one of the best writers of historical fiction currently at work * BBC History Magazine *
'Her wonderfully implausible but excellent crime-fighting duo of sea captain's wife Harriet Westerman and anatomist Gabriel Crowther are called in to help when Westerman's brother-in-law is accused of murdering a titled lady' * Sunday Express *
The best yet in her late-18th-century historical series... The puzzle is intricate enough to satisfy fair-play fans, but it's the perfect prose that puts this in the first rank * Publishers Weekly *
Robertson is a virtuoso at capturing the nuances and customs of the period and culture * Mystery Scene *
If possible, it is even better than the first three which were excellent... An intriguing brew that keeps the reader engrossed at every moment... This is a series to savor * Deadly Pleasures *
'An 18th-century CSI! . . . Lots of political intrigue and great historical detail' * Woman *
A mystery that mixes a series of murders among Maulberg's elite, masonic conspiracies and a mad alchemist into a satisfying brew * Culture (The Sunday Times) *
