'Makes you want to read every word...the plot is serpentine and satisfying, with enough false trails and distractions to create a genuine mystery' Telegraph

The streets of London seethe with rumour and conspiracy as the King's navy battles the French at sea. And while the banks of the Thames swarm with life, a body is dragged from its murky waters. In another part of town, where the air seems sweeter, the privileged enjoy a brighter world of complacent wealth and intoxicating celebrity. But as society revels in its pleasures, a darker plot is played out.
Yet some are willing to look below the surface to the unsavoury depths. Mrs Harriet Westerman believes passionately in justice. Reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther is fascinated by the bones beneath the skin. Invited to seek the true nature of the dead man, they risk censure for an unnatural interest in murder. But when the safety of a nation is at stake, personal reputation must give way to the pursuit of reason and truth.

Sold to Pamela Dorman Books/Viking US in a significant six-figure two-book deal

About the Author

Imogen Robertson is a TV, film and radio director. She studied Russian and German at Cambridge, and now lives in London. She directs the hit Cbeebies show Numberjacks for TV and radio, for which she won an RTS award in 2006. She also writes and reviews poetry and was commended in The National Poetry Competition 2005. She won the Telegraph's 'First thousand words of a novel' competition in 2007 with the opening of Instruments of Darkness.

Reviews
'A fantastically twisting murder mystery that will have you enthralled' * Woman's Own *
'Chillingly memorable...an extraordinary thriller' * Tess Gerritsen *
'I guarantee that once you have read this you will be eager to read the first - and keenly awaiting the third' * Daily Mail *
'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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780755348442
Author Imogen Robertson
Format Paperback
Page Count 464
Imprint Headline Review
Publisher Headline Publishing Group
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 34mm