Historical mysteries as a genre seem to be hit or miss with me because the setting can easily overwhelm the actual mystery. That is not the case with this well-crafted novel. The late 18th century London history Robertson chose (with flashbacks to the American Revolution) provided interest and background for the story but it is the two unlikely sleuths which held my interest.

After a traumatic and shameful family tragedy struck, Gabriel Crowther sold his family lands and became a recluse in a small village. He fills his days with the study of science, particularly anatomy; and his laboratory is filled with glass jars containing frightening specimens. He has also written papers on the clues which may be found on murder victims which can help discover who may have done the foul deed. In other words, he is an early forensic scientist.

Harriet Westerman is an unusual woman of the day. Her husband is a naval officer and prior to starting a family, Harriet used to sail the seas with her husband. She now manages the family Sussex estate while her husband is away. When she discovers a dead man on her lands, she contacts Gabriel Crowther hoping he can help her determine what happened to the victim. Their investigations uncover devious plots involving the great Thornleigh Hall, Harriet’s neighbor.

Westerman and Crowther are smart and genuinely interesting characters who rely on their intellect rather than the gadgets television viewers see on the multitude of CSI-type shows. Instruments of Darkness is not only entertaining, it is also uniquely original in how it lays out the characters and clues. And of course, bottom line, it is a great read. ~Patti