Shadow of the Raven

Tessa Harris

Jan 2015 · Dr. Thomas Silkstone Mystery Book 5 · Kensington Books

About this ebook

An eighteenth-century American anatomist contends with a madness, murder, and social upheaval in this historical mystery for fans of Caleb Carr.

In the notorious mental hospital in rural England known as Bedlam, Dr. Thomas Silkstone seeks out a patient with whom he is on intimate terms. But he is unprepared for the state in which he finds Lady Lydia Farrell. Shocked into action, Thomas vows to help free Lydia by appealing to the custodian of her affairs, Mr. Nicholas Lupton. But when Silkstone arrives at the Boughton Estate to speak to Lupton, he finds that another form of madness has taken over the village . . .

Sweeping changes to the Boughton Estate threaten to leave many villagers, who are rightfully angry, destitute. After a single shot rings out and a man dies in the woods, it appears that the desperate villagers have turned to murder to avenge their cause. But for Thomas, a post-mortem on the victim raises more questions than answers. Although he manages to save an innocent man from the gallows, a second murder warns him of his potentially fatal situation. Soon he discovers a conspiracy far more sinister than anything he has ever faced. But who it leads to is the last person he suspects . . .

Praise for The Devil’s Breath

“Excellent . . . Both literally and figuratively atmospheric, this will appeal to fans of Imogen Robertson's series during the same period.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Stunning . . . perfect book club fodder.” —Library Journal

“A fascinating series . . . Harris is at her vivid best describing in precise, fearsome detail the “Great Fogg.”“ —The New York Times Book Review

Ratings and reviews

I am a fan of these Dr. Silkstone mysteries. I would recommend reading these in order though. While you can read them independently, there is so much backstory that builds through the series that would be lost by not reading them all. So much research goes into these books. From the timeframe and geography to the medical procedures available at the time. This is one of my favorite aspects of these stories. The depth of realism is simply amazing. Characters in these stories are so rich and well defined. The interactions between them are so lifelike you forget these are fictional. Not only is the mystery here engrossing, but the continuing story builds vividly with each volume, and this is no exception. In fact, this is my favorite so far. The storytelling exudes atmosphere so it is very easy to become ensconced in the tale. Dr. Silkstone is such an amicable character you can't help but befriend him in your mind. And keeping pace with the other installments, this one brings a cliffhanger ending that both excites and infuriates (but in a good way).

About the author

Tessa Harris is the author of the acclaimed Dr. Thomas Silkstone Mysteries, including Secrets in the Stones and The Anatomist’s Apprentice, as well as the debut Constance Piper Mystery, The Sixth Victim. A graduate of Oxford University with a History degree, Tessa has also been a journalist and editor, contributing to many national publications such as The Times and The Telegraph. She has also acted as a literary publicist for several well-known authors. Readers can visit her website at www.tessaharrisauthor.com.