Thornleigh Hall, seat of the Earl of Sussex, dominates its surroundings. Its 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 a 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.

For some reason, I wasn't expecting this to be a historical crime novel - I thought it was going to be a contemporary tale, though why I thought that I've no idea! Still I did enjoy this escapade into the past. I was worried it was going to turn into a romantic style drama a la Amanda Quick, (while there's certainly nothing wrong with that, it wasn't what I was in the mood for!) as theres the impulsive & slightly reckless heroine teamed with a brooding reclusive hero - but while theres a chemistry between Harriet & Gabriel I missed any romantic stirrings - though I'm guessing they will occur as the series progresses.

Because of this resemblance, I first thought the characters where going to be a bit stereotypical of that historical romantic suspense genre, but the parallel story of the two children added a bit more intrigue & overall I was pleasantly surprised. While I won't be actively tracking further books in this series down, I will be more than happy to read any that come my way. :o)

A little something for taking part as a send only in my Halloween Sweepstake :o)


Released as part of the Spook-tacular Halloween Challenge (#27)

Thank you so much for this wishlist book - such a lovely surprise! It was so kind of you - really looking forward to reading it!

I loved this! What a ripping yarn, & I particularly enjoyed the Crowther/Harriet partnership! So pleased to see there is a sequel too - that's going on my wish list! Thanks very much Plum-crazy!