The Anatomist's Apprentice: a gripping mystery that combines the intrigue of CSI with 18th-century history

(Paperback)

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The 18th-century meets the sharp blade of forensic science...

The death of Lord Edward Crick has unleashed a torrent of gossip through the seedy taverns and elegant ballrooms of Oxfordshire. Few mourn the dissolute young man - except his sister, the beautiful Lady Lydia Farrell. When her husband comes under suspicion of murder, she seeks expert help from Dr. Thomas Silkstone, a young anatomist and pioneering forensic detective from Philadelphia.

Against his better judgment he agrees to examine Sir Edward's decomposing corpse, and soon learns that it is not only the dead but also the living to whom he must apply the keen blade of his intellect. And the deeper the doctor's investigations go, the greater the risk that he will be consigned to the ranks of the corpses he studies...

Praise for Tessa Harris:

'A densely plotted yarn about a crafty 18th-century poisoner wreaking havoc on the Oxfordshire estate of a noble family . . . we await - indeed, demand - the sequel' New York Times Book Review

'Harris' research is meticulous. The results are a historical CSI with a romance and excellent mystery' Romantic Times

'Populated with real historical characters and admirably researched, Harris's novel features a complex and engrossing plot' Library Journal

'The author will have you flipping the pages at each unexpected turn in the plot. The novel is an absorbing read with a shocking twist at the end' Historical Novel Society

'Well-rounded characters, cleverly concealed evidence, and an assured prose style point to a long run for this historical series' Publishers Weekly Starred Review

'The exceptionally strong historical background in this 1780s London-set novel makes it impossible to put down. With each book, the mysteries have become stronger . . . Silkstone is an admirable character and he captures readers' emotional interest' RT Book Reviews

The Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries:

The Anatomist's Apprentice

The Dead Shall Not Rest

The Devil's Breath

The Lazarus Curse

Shadow of the Raven

Secrets in the Stones

Reviews

A densely plotted yarn about a crafty 18th-century poisoner wreaking havoc on the Oxfordshire estate of a noble family . . . we await - indeed, demand - the sequel. - New York Times

An engrossing, lively and satisfying series debut. - BookPage

Harris' research is meticulous. The results are a historical CSI with a romance and excellent mystery. - Romantic Times

Harris has more than a few tricks up her sleeve, and even veteran armchair puzzle solvers are likely to be surprised. - Publishers Weekly

The author will have you flipping the pages at each unexpected turn in the plot. The novel is an absorbing read with a shocking twist at the end. - Historical Novel Society

Author Bio

Tessa Harris, born in Lincolnshire, holds a history degree from Oxford University. After four years of working with local newspapers, she set her sights on women's magazines. She is regularly heard on local BBC radio and over the years has interviewed such people as Margaret Thatcher, Jeffrey Archer, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Hampshire, Alan Titchmarsh, Jackie Stewart, Boris Johnson, and Uri Geller. She lives in Berkshire with her husband and their two children.