Circle of Shadows

A grisly murder among the German aristocracy propels this tale of eighteenth century forensics and historical crime solving The forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman and her reclusive companion, anatomist Gabriel Crowther, tackle their first case outside of England in the fourth installment of Imogen Robertson s heralded historical suspense series. As Germany s elite are celebrating Shrove Tuesday of 1784 with a masked ball, the beautiful Lady Martesen is murdered. Daniel Clode, brother-in-law to Mrs. Westerman, is found near the body. All evidence points to him as the killer. As Daniel awaits execution, Westerman and Crowther arrive and quickly encounter a court full of opulence, intrigue, and deadly secrets but no one who will talk. With Anne Perry s eye for period detail and Tess Gerritsen s forensics knowledge, Robertson is emerging as a major author of highbrow suspense."

About the Author :
Imogen Robertson worked as a television, film, and radio director before becoming a full-time writer. Her previous novels in the Westerman/Crowther series include "Instruments of Darkness," "Anatomy of Murder," and "Island of Bones." She lives in London.

Review :
Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS "The best yet in [Robertson's] 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 of the subgenre." "Publishers Weekly," (starred review) Dramatic intrigue and painstaking detail combine smoothly in this robust historical thriller. While this is the fourth series entry (after the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award nominee "Island of Bones"), Robertson does a particularly good job of filling in the backstory for new readers. Sure to be a treat for Anne Perry fans; try also with forensic investigation readers who like an ensemble cast. "Library Journal," (starred review) "The fourth entry in this series mixesshamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, asall plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this isa winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine." "Booklist" Delightful . . . Robertson is a virtuoso at capturing the nuances and customs of the period and culture. "Mystery Scene" "The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many." "Kirkus" Praise for ISLAND OF BONES Robertson's superior third historical featuring anatomist Gabriel Crowther and widow Harriet Westerman (after 2012's "Anatomy of Murder") makes the most of its revelations about Crowther's backstory . . . First-rate prose and the deepening relationship between the two leads bode well for the longevity of this series. "Publishers Weekly, " (starred review) Set aside quality time to fully enjoy this richly layered, engaging historical series; a great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and C.S. Harris. " Library Journal" [An] audacious mix of cultural gloss and uncomplicated, straight-ahead storytelling. The multi-layered nuance of Peter Ackroyd and the buttonholing narrative grasp of Stephen King are stirred into the mix. "The Independent" (UK) "A new Imogen Robertson book is fast becoming something of an event. . . . This follow-up does not disappoint. As ever, the characters are enticing and the plot absorbing. If you've not read the previous books, do not despair they each stand alone. But if you have time on your hands, now is your chance to catch up." "The Daily Mail" (UK) Praise for ANATOMY OF MURDER Memorable prose, strong and unusual leads, a sophisticated plot with several unexpected turns, and an accurate portrayal of the period all make this a winner. " Publishers Weekly"" "(starred review) Robertson s language is spry . . . her scene-setting broad and detailed, her prose gracefully pressed into the service of a serpentine plot. " The Financial Times "(UK) In the overcrowded field of historical fiction, Robertson has the smarts comfortably to outpace most of her rivals. " ""The Independent" (UK) Praise for INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS Robertson s enjoyment of the period and her characters is infectious. "The New York Times Book Review" (Editor s Choice) Every so often I encounter a book that makes me think with envy: How I wish I could have written this story! "Instruments of Darkness" is just that book poetic, enchanting, and chillingly memorable. Imogen Robertson is an exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel. Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of "The Silent Girl" Mayhem runs amok in this period thriller. [Robertson] pulls out all the stops . . . [a] roaring soap opera of a novel. " The Washington Times" Impressive . . . Robertson has a wicked way with suspense. A ripping homage to Dickens, Austen, and Conan Doyle, "Instruments of Darkness" will keep you up at night, and then, like me, waiting for the sequel. " Seattle Times"" Praise for ISLAND OF BONES "Robertson's superior third historical featuring anatomist Gabriel Crowther and widow Harriet Westerman (after 2012's "Anatomy of Murder") makes the most of its revelations about Crowther's backstory . . . First-rate prose and the deepening relationship between the two leads bode well for the longevity of this series." --"Publishers Weekly, "(starred review) "Set aside quality time to fully enjoy this richly layered, engaging historical series; a great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and C.S. Harris." "--Library Journal" "[An] audacious mix of cultural gloss and uncomplicated, straight-ahead storytelling. The multi-layered nuance of Peter Ackroyd and the buttonholing narrative grasp of Stephen King are stirred into the mix." --"The Independent" (UK) "A new Imogen Robertson book is fast becoming something of an event. . . . This follow-up does not disappoint. As ever, the characters are enticing and the plot absorbing. If you've not read the previous books, do not despair--they each stand alone. But if you have time on your hands, now is your chance to catch up." --"The Daily Mail" (UK) Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS "The best yet in [Robertson's] 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 of the subgenre." --"Publishers Weekly," (starred review) "Dramatic intrigue and painstaking detail combine smoothly in this robust historical thriller. While this is the fourth series entry (after the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award nominee "Island of Bones"), Robertson does a particularly good job of filling in the backstory for new readers. Sure to be a treat for Anne Perry fans; try also with forensic investigation readers who like an ensemble cast." --"Library Journal," (starred review) "The fourth entry in this series mixes shamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, as all plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this is a winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine." --"Booklist" "Delightful . . . Robertson is a virtuoso at capturing the nuances and customs of the period and culture." --"Mystery Scene" "The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many." --"Kirkus" Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS "The best yet in [Robertson's] 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 of the subgenre." --"Publishers Weekly", (starred review) "Dramatic intrigue and painstaking detail combine smoothly in this robust historical thriller. While this is the fourth series entry (after the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award nominee "Island of Bones"), Robertson does a particularly good job of filling in the backstory for new readers. Sure to be a treat for Anne Perry fans; try also with forensic investigation readers who like an ensemble cast." --"Library Journal", (starred review) "The fourth entry in this series mixes shamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, as all plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this is a winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine." --"Booklist" "Delightful . . . Robertson is a virtuoso at capturing the nuances and customs of the period and culture." --"Mystery Scene" "The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many." --"Kirkus" Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS "Dramatic intrigue and painstaking detail combine smoothly in this robust historical thriller. While this is the fourth series entry (after the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award nominee "Island of Bones"), Robertson does a particularly good job of filling in the backstory for new readers. Sure to be a treat for Anne Perry fans; try also with forensic investigation readers who like an ensemble cast." --"Library Journal", (starred review) "The fourth entry in this series mixes shamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, as all plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this is a winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine." --"Booklist" "The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many." --"Kirkus" Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS "The combination of unusual historical nuggets, a taxing mystery and good writing will please many." --"Kirkus" "The fourth entry in this series mixes shamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, as all plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this is a winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine." --"Booklist" Praise for CIRCLE OF SHADOWS "The fourth entry in this series mixes shamanism and alchemy with court intrigue and conspiracy, plus a dash of undying love and insanity, as all plot strands come together. With well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and distinctive settings, this is a winning historical mystery; Westerman and Crowther continue to shine." --"Booklist" Praise for ANATOMY OF MURDER "Memorable prose, strong and unusual leads, a sophisticated plot with several unexpected turns, and an accurate portrayal of the period all make this a winner.""--""Publishers Weekly"""(starred review) "Robertson's language is spry . . . her scene-setting broad and detailed, her prose gracefully pressed into the service of a serpentine plot.""--""The Financial Times "(UK) "In the overcrowded field of historical fiction, Robertson has the smarts comfortably to outpace most of her rivals." "--""The Independent"(UK) Praise for INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS "Robertson's enjoyment of the period and her characters is infectious."--"The New York Times Book Review"(Editor's Choice) "Every so often I encounter a book that makes me think with envy: 'How I wish I could have written this story!' "Instruments of Darkness" is just that book--poetic, enchanting, and chillingly memorable. Imogen Robertson is an exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel." --Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of "The Silent Girl" "Mayhem runs amok in this period thriller. [Robertson] pulls out all the stops . . . [a] roaring soap opera of a novel." "--The Washington Times" "Impressive . . . Robertson has a wicked way with suspense. A ripping homage to Dickens, Austen, and Conan Doyle, "Instruments of Darkness" will keep you up at night, and then, like me, waiting for the sequel." "--Seattle Times" Praise for ISLAND OF BONES "Robertson's superior third historical featuring anatomist Gabriel Crowther and widow Harriet Westerman (after 2012's "Anatomy of Murder") makes the most of its revelations about Crowther's backstory . . . First-rate prose and the deepening relationship between the two leads bode well for the longevity of this series." --"Publishers Weekly, "(starred review) "Set aside quality time to fully enjoy this richly layered, engaging historical series; a great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and C.S. Harris." "--Library Journal" "[An] audacious mix of cultural gloss and uncomplicated, straight-ahead storytelling. The multi-layered nuance of Peter Ackroyd and the buttonholing narrative grasp of Stephen King are stirred into the mix." --"The Independent" (UK) "A new Imogen Robertson book is fast becoming something of an event. . . . This follow-up does not disappoint. As ever, the characters are enticing and the plot absorbing. If you've not read the previous books, do not despair--they each stand alone. But if you have time on your hands, now is your chance to catch up." --"The Daily Mail" (UK)