Thornleigh Hall, the forbidding seat of the Earl of Sussex, dominates the surrounding countryside. It's heir is missing, and the once vigorous family is reduced to a cripple, his whore and his alcoholic second son, but its power endures.
Impulsive Harriet Westerman has felt the Hall's menace long before she happens upon the dead man bearing the Thornleigh arms. The grim discovery cries out for justice, and she persuades reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther to her cause, much against his better judgement; he knows a dark path lies before those who stray from society's expectations. That same day, Alexander Adams is killed in a London music shop, leaving his young children orphaned. His death will lead back to Sussex, and an explosive secret that has already destroyed one family and threatens many others.
A rich and thrilling historical novel of secrets and lies.
I was quite taken by the cover of this novel and then by the title, so I then turned it over to read it was a historical mystery... well that took my fancy straight away. Quite enjoyed reading this book, not an author I have read before. Flowed nicely along, but took a few days to read through.
I did love the character of Harriet, she is a strong minded woman, who is not idle to let things pass by. Crowther's is also an interesting character and I enjoyed the by-play between the two of them. The two main characters seemed unlikely to become friends but that is what happens as they solve the mystery together.
Good read.
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