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Crowther and Westerman #3
Island of Bones
Cumbria, 1783. A broken heritage; a secret history...
The tomb of the first Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its island of bones for three hundred years. When idle curiosity opens the stone lid, however, inside is one body too many. Gabriel Crowther's family bought the Gretas' land long ago, and has suffered its own bloody history. His brother was hanged for murdering their father, the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen comfortable seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years. But the call of the mystery brings him home at last.
Travelling with forthright Mrs Harriet Westerman, who is escaping her own tragedy, Crowther finds a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice. And against the wild and beautiful backdrop of fells and water, Crowther discovers that his past will not stay buried.
The tomb of the first Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its island of bones for three hundred years. When idle curiosity opens the stone lid, however, inside is one body too many. Gabriel Crowther's family bought the Gretas' land long ago, and has suffered its own bloody history. His brother was hanged for murdering their father, the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen comfortable seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years. But the call of the mystery brings him home at last.
Travelling with forthright Mrs Harriet Westerman, who is escaping her own tragedy, Crowther finds a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice. And against the wild and beautiful backdrop of fells and water, Crowther discovers that his past will not stay buried.
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2011
38 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Imogen Robertson
21 books458 followersImogen Robertson grew up in Darlington, studied Russian and German at Cambridge and now lives in London. She directed for film, TV and radio before becoming a full-time author and won the Telegraph’s ‘First thousand words of a novel’ competition in 2007 with the opening of Instruments of Darkness, her first novel. Her other novels also featuring the detective duo of Harriet Westerman and Gabriel Crowther are Anatomy of Murder, Island of Bones and Circle of Shadows. The Paris Winter, a story of betrayal and darkness set during the Belle Époque, will be published in the US by St Martin's Press in November 2014. She has been short-listed for the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger twice and is married to a freelance cheesemonger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
February 18, 2022
Harriet Westerman and Gabriel Crowther are not your average sleuths. She, the unconventional and feisty widow of a Navy captain, and he, the misanthropic aristocrat with a shady background, who nonetheless form an entertaining, if unlikely, pairing in this entertaining historical whodunit.
The author takes the friends from the gentility of their Sussex homes, and deposits them on the stony shores of Derwent Water in Cumbria. At Silverside Hall their scientific rationalism comes up against the myths and legends of an older, pagan order, albeit one overlaid with the disturbances and tragedies of a more recent past. For though the novel is set in the 1780s, the crimes it describes were committed forty years earlier – sparked by failed Jacobite uprisings and the commercial ambitions of local gentry.
So what draws Westerman and Crowther so far from the comforts of home? Why should they care about the identities of a decades-old skeleton and his murderer? The answer lies in the twisted family background of the enigmatic Gabriel Crowther, finally unmasked as the real Lord Keswick on whose former estate the body is discovered.
The author skilfully interweaves heavyweight social and political themes, with Crowther’s journey of familial redemption. Meanwhile, the minor characters participate in a variety of intriguing subplots that stretch from the prehistoric ruins of the locality, to the duelling clubs and gambling houses of Central Europe. A well-researched and executed treat for lovers of the historical genre.
The author takes the friends from the gentility of their Sussex homes, and deposits them on the stony shores of Derwent Water in Cumbria. At Silverside Hall their scientific rationalism comes up against the myths and legends of an older, pagan order, albeit one overlaid with the disturbances and tragedies of a more recent past. For though the novel is set in the 1780s, the crimes it describes were committed forty years earlier – sparked by failed Jacobite uprisings and the commercial ambitions of local gentry.
So what draws Westerman and Crowther so far from the comforts of home? Why should they care about the identities of a decades-old skeleton and his murderer? The answer lies in the twisted family background of the enigmatic Gabriel Crowther, finally unmasked as the real Lord Keswick on whose former estate the body is discovered.
The author skilfully interweaves heavyweight social and political themes, with Crowther’s journey of familial redemption. Meanwhile, the minor characters participate in a variety of intriguing subplots that stretch from the prehistoric ruins of the locality, to the duelling clubs and gambling houses of Central Europe. A well-researched and executed treat for lovers of the historical genre.
September 6, 2021
I almost don’t care about justice getting served with these books because every scene is so delightful. I’m happy to just follow along wherever it goes.
The relationship between Harriet and Crowther is going somewhere (right? right?), but I’m so satisfied with them that there’s no rush. Just them using first names about 2/3 of the way through this book felt like a gorgeous, charming leap. Crowther’s praise for Harriet (maybe three times?) makes my heart sing. There’s this line towards the end about removing the lace cuffs of Harriet’s dresses which was more swoon-worthy than anything a romance novel can cook up. This is the slowest of slow burns. The most epic will-they-or-won’t-they books I know (and I’m a Deanna Raybourn fan, so that’s saying something). If they don’t, I’ll be fine. If they do, I’ll jump for joy.
Oh, there was a a mystery. Okay, so this one gave us so much Crowther background. It was fascinating. There were a few points where I got confused about which character was which and I was glad to be reading the ebook so I could do a quick search to refresh my memory.
The Lake District and use of myths, folklore, dobbies, and witchcraft brought a magical realism element to this one, but I wouldn’t say it came anywhere near a genre switch. When those elements in this book connect to the character of Jocasta in the last, you can’t help but smile. The final few lines involve Jocasta and a character we meet in this book and they brought tears to my eyes. Imogen Robertson knows how to bring parallel storylines together in the most artful, satisfying way.
Even though I have five books checked out of the library already, I just borrowed the next ebook in the series. Are there really only two more? *tears*
The relationship between Harriet and Crowther is going somewhere (right? right?), but I’m so satisfied with them that there’s no rush. Just them using first names about 2/3 of the way through this book felt like a gorgeous, charming leap. Crowther’s praise for Harriet (maybe three times?) makes my heart sing. There’s this line towards the end about removing the lace cuffs of Harriet’s dresses which was more swoon-worthy than anything a romance novel can cook up. This is the slowest of slow burns. The most epic will-they-or-won’t-they books I know (and I’m a Deanna Raybourn fan, so that’s saying something). If they don’t, I’ll be fine. If they do, I’ll jump for joy.
Oh, there was a a mystery. Okay, so this one gave us so much Crowther background. It was fascinating. There were a few points where I got confused about which character was which and I was glad to be reading the ebook so I could do a quick search to refresh my memory.
The Lake District and use of myths, folklore, dobbies, and witchcraft brought a magical realism element to this one, but I wouldn’t say it came anywhere near a genre switch. When those elements in this book connect to the character of Jocasta in the last, you can’t help but smile. The final few lines involve Jocasta and a character we meet in this book and they brought tears to my eyes. Imogen Robertson knows how to bring parallel storylines together in the most artful, satisfying way.
Even though I have five books checked out of the library already, I just borrowed the next ebook in the series. Are there really only two more? *tears*
September 19, 2011
The Book Report: Mrs. Harriet Westerman, Royal Navy wife, and Mr. Gabriel Crowther, anatomist and aristocrat manqué (albeit with a very good reason to have missed the mark), are back in these two volumes, succeeding "INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS". Mrs. Westerman is, in "Anatomy," in London because her husband has suffered a grievous injury in the process of taking a very rich prize ship (an eighteenth-century Royal Navy captain made his own and his crew's fortune by capturing enemy ships, not sinking them). Mrs. Westerman has confined him to a hospital to recover, but her friend and neighbor Crowther has followed her to Town, ensuring she will not be bored. In fact, Crowther and Westerman find themselves looking into a series of ever-more-suspicious deaths, embroiling themselves and the families of Westerman and Thornleigh (County neighbors also in London while Thornleigh Hall is restored to its former magnificence after being burned down in the fist book) in the terrifying toils of a spy conspiracy taking place during the closing days of America's war for independence.
While there can never be a doubt that Crowther and Westerman will prevail, the cost to them both is always a source of suspense. Mrs. Westerman, a respectable Captain's wife, yet again charges around acting MOST unfeminine and brash, asking questions that powerful people do not want answered and demanding that everyone around her allow her to be herself (horrors!) and follow her own path (gadzooks!). Her proper, missish younger sister informs Mrs. Westerman in no uncertain terms of her behavior's cost to all her family. Crowther is drawn back into the world of aristos and wastrels he left behind without a shred of regret many years before. And, to make matters worse, while he is working out the solution to the dangerous puzzle at hand, he is required to dig up the ghosts of his murdered father and executed brother. All is resolved in the end, of course, but the personal lives of the sleuths are altered in some very significant ways. The stakes rise....
And in "Island," the newly upped ante is raised still further! Now Crowther and Westerman are summoned to Crowther's childhood home in the Lake District by none other than Crowther's unpleasant, spoiled, snobbish sister, unseen by the man for more than thirty years. (Thank GOODNESS, one can hear Crowther--and the author--thinking.) Her brat son is involved in some sort of scrape; bones are discovered in the family's old home that should most definitely not be there; and here Mrs. Westerman is, assisting with the anatomization of several of the corpses that pile up wherever the pair appear. Crowther has reason to suspect his nephew of murder, not a great stretch as the said nephew reminds him of his executed murderer brother; Mrs. Westerman's son Stephen, brought to the Lake District for enlightenment and education, is embroiled in the dangerous business of ferreting out truths that the great and the good do not wish to see out; and all concerned are, of course, inalterably changed by their researches and investigations.
At the end of this book, the entire series dramatis personae are assembled...it is a very moving finale. What Robertson plans for the enxt installment in the series, I cannot imagine. It will need to be a doozy to top this one.
My Review: I don't have a lot to say about the books, except I think any mystery lover who is also a history buff will enjoy the series. I very much enjoy the books myownself. I suspect that the author's somewhat stately choice of style, no contractions, no anachronisms, could pall on some readers. For me, it was a genuine pleasure. I like these books, and find them quite involving and well-made in novel terms. As mysteries, they are quite good enough...but not first-rank puzzlers. It's not why I am reading them, so I'm not disappointed. More of the Christie style, where the journey is the point, than the Sayers tradition, where the puzzle is very tightly crafted. Go in with your expectations properly calibrated, and these are delightful entertainments.
While there can never be a doubt that Crowther and Westerman will prevail, the cost to them both is always a source of suspense. Mrs. Westerman, a respectable Captain's wife, yet again charges around acting MOST unfeminine and brash, asking questions that powerful people do not want answered and demanding that everyone around her allow her to be herself (horrors!) and follow her own path (gadzooks!). Her proper, missish younger sister informs Mrs. Westerman in no uncertain terms of her behavior's cost to all her family. Crowther is drawn back into the world of aristos and wastrels he left behind without a shred of regret many years before. And, to make matters worse, while he is working out the solution to the dangerous puzzle at hand, he is required to dig up the ghosts of his murdered father and executed brother. All is resolved in the end, of course, but the personal lives of the sleuths are altered in some very significant ways. The stakes rise....
And in "Island," the newly upped ante is raised still further! Now Crowther and Westerman are summoned to Crowther's childhood home in the Lake District by none other than Crowther's unpleasant, spoiled, snobbish sister, unseen by the man for more than thirty years. (Thank GOODNESS, one can hear Crowther--and the author--thinking.) Her brat son is involved in some sort of scrape; bones are discovered in the family's old home that should most definitely not be there; and here Mrs. Westerman is, assisting with the anatomization of several of the corpses that pile up wherever the pair appear. Crowther has reason to suspect his nephew of murder, not a great stretch as the said nephew reminds him of his executed murderer brother; Mrs. Westerman's son Stephen, brought to the Lake District for enlightenment and education, is embroiled in the dangerous business of ferreting out truths that the great and the good do not wish to see out; and all concerned are, of course, inalterably changed by their researches and investigations.
At the end of this book, the entire series dramatis personae are assembled...it is a very moving finale. What Robertson plans for the enxt installment in the series, I cannot imagine. It will need to be a doozy to top this one.
My Review: I don't have a lot to say about the books, except I think any mystery lover who is also a history buff will enjoy the series. I very much enjoy the books myownself. I suspect that the author's somewhat stately choice of style, no contractions, no anachronisms, could pall on some readers. For me, it was a genuine pleasure. I like these books, and find them quite involving and well-made in novel terms. As mysteries, they are quite good enough...but not first-rank puzzlers. It's not why I am reading them, so I'm not disappointed. More of the Christie style, where the journey is the point, than the Sayers tradition, where the puzzle is very tightly crafted. Go in with your expectations properly calibrated, and these are delightful entertainments.
December 6, 2015
First Sentence: There was a peculiar hush around the Tower the night before an execution.
Scientist and anatomist Gabriel Crother is something of an enigma to neighbors and acquaintances, which has been fine by him. Thirty years ago, he turned his back on his family tragedies, but now must face them. His estranged sister and her son are staying at the estate once owned by their family. Upon encouraging the current owner to move the tomb of the first Earl of Greta from the Island of Bones to the local church, an extra body is discovered within. Crother and his friend, Mrs. Harriet Westerman, are summoned and Crother must confront the past finding that what was thought to be true in the past may not have been and that a brother was falsely executed. Can the truth be learned before others die as well?
Having well-developed, interesting, appealing characters is so critical and Robertson has more than met that requirement. Each of the characters, whether principal or secondary, comes alive under Ms. Robertson’s deft hand; so much so that Mrs. Westerman is someone one would like to be, and her 12-year-old son, very believable. The relationship between all of the characters is perfectly correct and appropriate for the period, including the depth, trust and friendship between Crother and Mrs. Westerman. At the same time, each character is flawed making them realistically human. For those who’ve not read the previous books in the series, ample history is provided to each character, thus avoiding feeling lost.
There is no confusion as to where the story is set, either in period or in location. The period details of social proprietary and customs are always interesting but don’t make either the story or the characters seem stiff. We are reminded that this was a time when the old beliefs and legends still held their place beside Christianity. At one point, the vicar’s daughter acknowledges this blending…”I’m sure the Lord will forgive a few shreds of the pagan hanging on the souls of such good Christian people.” There are wonderful descriptions that both allow you to see the environs yet make you want to pack a bag and see them for fact. The weather is used very effectively as is the dialogue, which both shows the restraint of the time but occasionally acts as a vehicle for some delightful humor…”We might have managed that better. Your poor sister will soon run out of rooms to leave in high dudgeon.”
The story is wonderfully plotted. The prologue is significant to the story and absolutely compelling; drawing one in so completely as to resent ever having to put the book down, even for brief breaks. There are enough threads for it to be interesting but never confusing. It is remarkable the way in which Robertson occasionally picks up pieces and places them into the story in a new direction, thus changing the image of the puzzle in an unexpected way leading us to a wonderfully satisfying ending.
“Island of Bones” is the third in an excellent series which should be read in order but, most of all, should be read.
ISLAND OF BONES (Hist Mys-Gabriel Crowther/Harriet Westerman-England-1783) – VG+
Robertson, Imogen – 3rd in series
Headline, ©2011, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9780755372027
Scientist and anatomist Gabriel Crother is something of an enigma to neighbors and acquaintances, which has been fine by him. Thirty years ago, he turned his back on his family tragedies, but now must face them. His estranged sister and her son are staying at the estate once owned by their family. Upon encouraging the current owner to move the tomb of the first Earl of Greta from the Island of Bones to the local church, an extra body is discovered within. Crother and his friend, Mrs. Harriet Westerman, are summoned and Crother must confront the past finding that what was thought to be true in the past may not have been and that a brother was falsely executed. Can the truth be learned before others die as well?
Having well-developed, interesting, appealing characters is so critical and Robertson has more than met that requirement. Each of the characters, whether principal or secondary, comes alive under Ms. Robertson’s deft hand; so much so that Mrs. Westerman is someone one would like to be, and her 12-year-old son, very believable. The relationship between all of the characters is perfectly correct and appropriate for the period, including the depth, trust and friendship between Crother and Mrs. Westerman. At the same time, each character is flawed making them realistically human. For those who’ve not read the previous books in the series, ample history is provided to each character, thus avoiding feeling lost.
There is no confusion as to where the story is set, either in period or in location. The period details of social proprietary and customs are always interesting but don’t make either the story or the characters seem stiff. We are reminded that this was a time when the old beliefs and legends still held their place beside Christianity. At one point, the vicar’s daughter acknowledges this blending…”I’m sure the Lord will forgive a few shreds of the pagan hanging on the souls of such good Christian people.” There are wonderful descriptions that both allow you to see the environs yet make you want to pack a bag and see them for fact. The weather is used very effectively as is the dialogue, which both shows the restraint of the time but occasionally acts as a vehicle for some delightful humor…”We might have managed that better. Your poor sister will soon run out of rooms to leave in high dudgeon.”
The story is wonderfully plotted. The prologue is significant to the story and absolutely compelling; drawing one in so completely as to resent ever having to put the book down, even for brief breaks. There are enough threads for it to be interesting but never confusing. It is remarkable the way in which Robertson occasionally picks up pieces and places them into the story in a new direction, thus changing the image of the puzzle in an unexpected way leading us to a wonderfully satisfying ending.
“Island of Bones” is the third in an excellent series which should be read in order but, most of all, should be read.
ISLAND OF BONES (Hist Mys-Gabriel Crowther/Harriet Westerman-England-1783) – VG+
Robertson, Imogen – 3rd in series
Headline, ©2011, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9780755372027
December 25, 2020
Mysteries from the past are exposed and Crowther's past is brought to light. Mostly new characters this time. I have trouble when a large group of characters are all so goody-good bland, but they are a whole collected town so it's also hard to get into the intricacies of a group. Some good red herrings and all in all a great mystery and a fun read.
Allusions to rape but no details, murders (of course), kidnapping, different forms of grief.
Allusions to rape but no details, murders (of course), kidnapping, different forms of grief.
October 26, 2012
Another fabulous historical mystery from Robertson.
This time we get to focus on Crowther's unfortunate family history. Crowther's older brother was executed years ago for the murder of his father and Crowther never doubted in his brother's guilt. However, questions were raised in the previous book and now the action of this book brings Crowther and Mrs. Westerman to his former home near Keswick.
We are introduced to his sister Margaret(who married into minor Austrian nobility)and his nephew Felix--both of who are right pieces of work! Of course there's a dead body to start the action rolling and several more murders and attempted murders occur before the book reaches its dramatic and satisfactory ending.
The secondary characters are vividly drawn: I longed to slap silly Felix, comfort Miss Hurst,and have a comfortable chat with Mrs. Briggs. Young Steven Westerman plays an important role in the action as does his delightful tutor, Mr Quince.
The joy in these books is the author's ability to totally immerse you in the England of 1783. In the previous book the politics of the war with America played a big role; in this book the end of that war is barely mentioned. Rather, we are taken back to the fall-out from the two Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745.
The author plays fair with the mystery--all the clues are there. But just as engrossing as the 'who done it' is the 'why it was done.
I anxiously await the US publication of the next in this series.
This time we get to focus on Crowther's unfortunate family history. Crowther's older brother was executed years ago for the murder of his father and Crowther never doubted in his brother's guilt. However, questions were raised in the previous book and now the action of this book brings Crowther and Mrs. Westerman to his former home near Keswick.
We are introduced to his sister Margaret(who married into minor Austrian nobility)and his nephew Felix--both of who are right pieces of work! Of course there's a dead body to start the action rolling and several more murders and attempted murders occur before the book reaches its dramatic and satisfactory ending.
The secondary characters are vividly drawn: I longed to slap silly Felix, comfort Miss Hurst,and have a comfortable chat with Mrs. Briggs. Young Steven Westerman plays an important role in the action as does his delightful tutor, Mr Quince.
The joy in these books is the author's ability to totally immerse you in the England of 1783. In the previous book the politics of the war with America played a big role; in this book the end of that war is barely mentioned. Rather, we are taken back to the fall-out from the two Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745.
The author plays fair with the mystery--all the clues are there. But just as engrossing as the 'who done it' is the 'why it was done.
I anxiously await the US publication of the next in this series.
April 30, 2012
I am a newcomer to the Crowther and Westerman books, and when I realised that this was the third in the series I was concerned that I would have trouble getting into the story. This was far from the truth - Robertson provides enough back story to let you understand the characters, but not so much as to slow the pace of the story at hand. This is hard to achieve, and it's lovely to see it done well. This is typical of Robertson's style on the whole; she doesn't talk down to the reader, giving enough information to keep you engaged in the plot but not so much as to spell out the solution to you before the first chapter is over.
I thoroughly enjoyed Island of Bones, finding it to be good fun and very much in the spirit of Conan Doyle. The characters are well drawn, flaws and all, and it is refreshing to see a strong female character like Harriet Westerman. I thought the book was well paced and was satisfied by the conclusion, finding it neither obvious nor contrived - though I'm no detective myself, I must admit.
I will be ordering the first two books immediately on concluding this review. It has been a while since I had a book I hated to put down as much as this one, and I look forward to spending more time with the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Island of Bones, finding it to be good fun and very much in the spirit of Conan Doyle. The characters are well drawn, flaws and all, and it is refreshing to see a strong female character like Harriet Westerman. I thought the book was well paced and was satisfied by the conclusion, finding it neither obvious nor contrived - though I'm no detective myself, I must admit.
I will be ordering the first two books immediately on concluding this review. It has been a while since I had a book I hated to put down as much as this one, and I look forward to spending more time with the characters.
March 7, 2023
Island of Bones is another fantastic addition to the Crowther and Westerman series. Lord and Lady Greta's remains are to be removed from their crumbling resting place to a more secure location in the church. During the removal an extra corpse with an unknown identity is discovered. Mr. Crowther and Mrs. Westerman are called upon to travel to Crowther's childhood home to discover the secrets of the corpse. Crowther must face the ghosts of his past and learns that all was not as it seemed in the murder of his father.
I love this author, but I still have the same complaint I had with the other books. These books are set during the late 1700's. The people did not use such harsh swear words during this period. I feel like it's the only time, she steps out of the period. Otherwise, it would have been a 5 star novel. The swearing is always brief, and there are not more than 5 uses of foul language, but it just feels particularly jarring in a book set in this time period.
I love this author, but I still have the same complaint I had with the other books. These books are set during the late 1700's. The people did not use such harsh swear words during this period. I feel like it's the only time, she steps out of the period. Otherwise, it would have been a 5 star novel. The swearing is always brief, and there are not more than 5 uses of foul language, but it just feels particularly jarring in a book set in this time period.
December 10, 2012
One of my favorites of the newer series, this is only the third book but so far the author is keeping her plots interesting. This one is set in the Lake District, in Cumbria in the late 1700's. AS tan historical note explains the story is based on actual history, though of course all changed around to suit the story. The Jacobites, plots and fortunes made and lost, all the requisites for these very atmospheric mysteries. I am always amazed at how firmly entrenched in the time period and location I become when reading these slower paced but detailed mysteries. The characters and their colorful pasts lend so much to these stories. Highly recommend this series.
May 13, 2016
I enjoy this series, but I felt this story became bogged down a bit. The past and the present life of the family took over the mystery. I just did not feel it moved along smoothly. I picked it up, read, and put it down. I did not feel the desire to keep reading into the night. I still like this author, and will try another in the series. I understand other viewers felt this was her best book yet. I Love murder, and mystery, and in this time period, but this moved a little to slow for me to give it a higher rating. Good but not great
April 19, 2020
Wonderful story
September 10, 2014
Ke knihám Imogen Robertson jsem se dostala díky tomu, že mi obálka prvního dílu přišla tak krásně tajemná. Samozřejmě mě zaujala i samotná anotace, nic mě ale nepřipravilo na to, jak hutná a propletená tahle kniha bude. A tak to platilo i u druhého a třetího dílu. A ten třetí mi konečně vysvětlil některé mé velké otázky, které mě trápily celé dvě předchozí knihy! Juchůůů!
Harriet Westerman se bohužel ještě tak úplně nevyrovnala se smrtí svého manžela, ale ví, že se musí postarat o své děti a být silná… Vezme zavděk únikem z utrápených myšlenek na minulost i budoucnost a raději se hrne řešit další případ. Tentokrát se vše začne motat okolo života jejího ve společnosti ne zrovna oblíbeného přítele a také „spoludetektiva“ Gabriela Crowthera.
Ten se totiž bude muset vrátit do svého rodného kraje, aby odhalil pravdu své minulosti. Jeho bratr totiž možná nebyl vinen a mluvil pravdu, naopak jeho otec se nejspíš nechoval vždy tak úplně čestně. Do toho všeho se ještě zamotá jeho povýšená sestra a její povedený synáček, trocha místní čarodějné smetánky a dva cizinci… a o záhadu je rázem postaráno.
Musím se přiznat, že v tomto díle mi jindy sympatická Harriet příšerně lezla na nervy. Není se ale čemu divit. Jsem ráda, že autorka ji nenechala se jen tak lehce ze všeho oklepat a prostě jít dál. To ovšem neznamená, že mě konec druhého dílu nešokoval. Myslela jsem si totiž, že Harriet bude mí klasické „žili šťastně… a občas vyřešili pár vražd“, ale prd z toho. Proto doufám, že si ji štěstí zase brzy najde, protože by to byla vážně škoda.
Konečně jsme se dostali na kobylu Gabrielovy minulosti! Ano, ano, stokrát ano! I když teda musím říct, že mi některých věcí bylo neskutečně líto, jako mi bylo líto i jeho. Ani se mu nedivím, že byl spíše nespolečenský a zahleděný do své vědy, užil si toho až až. Svým způsobem chápu i jeho sestru, ale to neznamená, že mi nepila krev. A spolu s ní i další postavy… že.
Tak jako tak jsem se vážně bavila, i když jsem občas ztrácela pozornost. Ale to se mi u téhle série občas stává, protože je tam několik linií, které se proplétají, takže musíte dávat dobrý pozor, aby vám něco neuniklo. Pak je hodně zajímavé sledovat, jak se vše spojuje dohromady a utvoří to na konci jeden celek… a vám pak všechno konečně zapadne do sebe. Těším se na další díl a věřím, že si svou úroveň udrží.
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Další skvělý díl. Ta autorka mě nepřestává překvapovat.
Harriet Westerman se bohužel ještě tak úplně nevyrovnala se smrtí svého manžela, ale ví, že se musí postarat o své děti a být silná… Vezme zavděk únikem z utrápených myšlenek na minulost i budoucnost a raději se hrne řešit další případ. Tentokrát se vše začne motat okolo života jejího ve společnosti ne zrovna oblíbeného přítele a také „spoludetektiva“ Gabriela Crowthera.
Ten se totiž bude muset vrátit do svého rodného kraje, aby odhalil pravdu své minulosti. Jeho bratr totiž možná nebyl vinen a mluvil pravdu, naopak jeho otec se nejspíš nechoval vždy tak úplně čestně. Do toho všeho se ještě zamotá jeho povýšená sestra a její povedený synáček, trocha místní čarodějné smetánky a dva cizinci… a o záhadu je rázem postaráno.
Musím se přiznat, že v tomto díle mi jindy sympatická Harriet příšerně lezla na nervy. Není se ale čemu divit. Jsem ráda, že autorka ji nenechala se jen tak lehce ze všeho oklepat a prostě jít dál. To ovšem neznamená, že mě konec druhého dílu nešokoval. Myslela jsem si totiž, že Harriet bude mí klasické „žili šťastně… a občas vyřešili pár vražd“, ale prd z toho. Proto doufám, že si ji štěstí zase brzy najde, protože by to byla vážně škoda.
Konečně jsme se dostali na kobylu Gabrielovy minulosti! Ano, ano, stokrát ano! I když teda musím říct, že mi některých věcí bylo neskutečně líto, jako mi bylo líto i jeho. Ani se mu nedivím, že byl spíše nespolečenský a zahleděný do své vědy, užil si toho až až. Svým způsobem chápu i jeho sestru, ale to neznamená, že mi nepila krev. A spolu s ní i další postavy… že.
Tak jako tak jsem se vážně bavila, i když jsem občas ztrácela pozornost. Ale to se mi u téhle série občas stává, protože je tam několik linií, které se proplétají, takže musíte dávat dobrý pozor, aby vám něco neuniklo. Pak je hodně zajímavé sledovat, jak se vše spojuje dohromady a utvoří to na konci jeden celek… a vám pak všechno konečně zapadne do sebe. Těším se na další díl a věřím, že si svou úroveň udrží.
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May 2, 2012
A broken heritage. A secret history. A bitter death.
A gripping thriller!
Island of Bones is the third offering from Imogen Robertson’s Western/Crowther novels, which follows Instruments of Darkness and Anatomy of Murder.
Island of Bones is clustered around a mystery in Gabriel Crowther’s family history. A secret that has been buried for 300 years resurfaces, challenging and confronting Crowther’s present. Everything that Crowther thought he knew is thrown into turmoil as his family’s bloody history is exposed in this historical thriller.
Island of Bones is exciting, enthralling and a refreshing interpretation of the thriller genre. The extremely well written and well-researched novel shows Robertson as an author to watch.
Robertson’s delicious descriptions entice the reader to fully immerse themselves into the novel, placing you firmly alongside the characters with the story line entwining the reader emotionally.
It’s always a promising sign when a prominent thriller author, such as Tess Gerritsen, gives an enticing review, stating that Robertson is an “exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel”. I wholly agree, this truly is!
Disregard that this is the third novel in the series. I read this before any of the others, and I felt as intrigued and immersed in the story line and characters as if this was the first novel in the series, without feeling left behind, as can often be the case.
I can’t praise Robertson’s writing enough. If you don’t own this book then you need to! This is definitely a novel that needs to be firmly in your collection.
Island of Bones is full of intrigue, mystery, thrills, history and has enticed itself into my imagination and my book collection!
A gripping thriller!
Island of Bones is the third offering from Imogen Robertson’s Western/Crowther novels, which follows Instruments of Darkness and Anatomy of Murder.
Island of Bones is clustered around a mystery in Gabriel Crowther’s family history. A secret that has been buried for 300 years resurfaces, challenging and confronting Crowther’s present. Everything that Crowther thought he knew is thrown into turmoil as his family’s bloody history is exposed in this historical thriller.
Island of Bones is exciting, enthralling and a refreshing interpretation of the thriller genre. The extremely well written and well-researched novel shows Robertson as an author to watch.
Robertson’s delicious descriptions entice the reader to fully immerse themselves into the novel, placing you firmly alongside the characters with the story line entwining the reader emotionally.
It’s always a promising sign when a prominent thriller author, such as Tess Gerritsen, gives an enticing review, stating that Robertson is an “exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary novel”. I wholly agree, this truly is!
Disregard that this is the third novel in the series. I read this before any of the others, and I felt as intrigued and immersed in the story line and characters as if this was the first novel in the series, without feeling left behind, as can often be the case.
I can’t praise Robertson’s writing enough. If you don’t own this book then you need to! This is definitely a novel that needs to be firmly in your collection.
Island of Bones is full of intrigue, mystery, thrills, history and has enticed itself into my imagination and my book collection!
May 18, 2012
Cumbria, 1783. A broken heritage; a secret history...The tomb of the first Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its island of bones for three hundred years. When idle curiosity opens the stone lid, however, inside is one body too many. Gabriel Crowther's family bought the Gretas' land long ago, and has suffered its own bloody history. His brother was hanged for murdering their father, the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen comfortable seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years. But the call of the mystery brings him home at last. Travelling with forthright Mrs Harriet Westerman, who is escaping her own tragedy, Crowther finds a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice.
This is the third novel in Imogen Robertson's Crowther and Westerman series, having not read the previous two, or any other work by this author, I was a little concerned that I would find this book hard work but enough information is given to let this book stand on it's own. The historical setting gives an extra area of interest and sets the story apart from many other murder mysteries available. I found the book to be well written and liked the level of description given and atmospheres created throughout. I would certainly now consider exploring the earlier books.
This is the third novel in Imogen Robertson's Crowther and Westerman series, having not read the previous two, or any other work by this author, I was a little concerned that I would find this book hard work but enough information is given to let this book stand on it's own. The historical setting gives an extra area of interest and sets the story apart from many other murder mysteries available. I found the book to be well written and liked the level of description given and atmospheres created throughout. I would certainly now consider exploring the earlier books.
August 8, 2013
After book number two, I wondered how long Robertson could continue to write two unconnected narratives before it made the book seriously unbalanced. Perhaps she too wondered that, for she changes things up a little and basically restrains herself to one interconnected group in her third Crowther and Westerman novel. I appreciated this, mostly, I think, because I always had a hard time feeling a sense of attachment to the non-Crowther-Westerman group, and by eschewing a side story about completely new characters with no connection to the main cast until the very end, I felt a greater sense of dread and suspense. My only complaint is that sometimes she enjoys too much of a happy ending, and I have to roll my eyes a little at how perfectly nice and convenient some things work out.
September 12, 2013
Mrs. Westerman and Gabriel Crowther make an unlikely pair, and they would in modern times, but in Georgian England their interest in solving crimes makes every level of society uncomfortable. This time, in order to distract herself from grieving the recent death of her husband, Harriet is pleased to go with Crowther back to his ancestral home. Crowther sold it just after his brother hanged for the murder of their father. The finding of an old corpse in an even older tomb is what triggers the invitation, and it starts the unraveling of what Gabriel Crowther believed about his family. If Jane Austen had written mysteries they would have read like Robertson's books do.
October 7, 2013
I just love Imogen Robertson and this series of her novels. This is the third one with the same two characters solving murders in the 1700's. The history is wonderful, and Ms. Robertson always explains what is real, and what isn't. Most of the history is real. The two individuals are friends and couldn't be more different. One is talkative, cheery, and seeks out people and clues. The other is quiet, reserved, and the anatomist in the partnership. Their lives are revealed throughout the books so I would recommend starting with the first book, if you can.
December 20, 2012
A fun murder mystery, with an engaging detective duo that together approximate Holmes.
December 22, 2013
3.5. Kind of convoluted but Crowther is awesome.
August 23, 2015
Such an excellent series! I enjoyed this installment very much.
June 1, 2016
Překvapivě dobrá kniha. Líbily se mi všechny postavy. Nakonec i ty záporné mi byly svým způsobem sympatické. A moc se mi líbila doba, ve které se příběh odehrával.
October 29, 2021
This would finally shed light to Gabriel Crowther's tragic family's past in the place where he was born... at Silverside Hall in Cumberland at the Lake District where Crowther's ambitious opportunistic father planned on establishing his 'noble' legacy. But Silverside was not the Earl of Keswick's target... it was the nearby historic thus much older castle of Gutherscale Hall, the ancestral home of the Earls of Greta, staunch Jacobite Catholics. Unfortunately, the Greta castle burned down and not long then after was the Earl's murder by his heir. Lucius Adair Penhaligon, Gabriel's older brother, a chronic gambler and an obnoxious bully, 'confessed' to patricide and was tried in the House of Lords and then hanged. After the ignominious events, Gabriel sent off his toddler sister Margaret to be cared for by their mother's family in Ireland and sold off his inheritance to the Briggs, a very wealthy merchant family, took his mother's family name and spent almost 3 decades abroad in deep study of anatomy... and also swore not to ever come back to the scene of his family's disgrace again. He was wrong. He and Harriet were specially sent for via his sister Margaret's instigation (as a result of their much publicized fame in solving the Thornleigh Hall murders and finding the lost heirs) to investigate a mummified body found in the uncovered tomb of the first Earl and Countess of Greta at Herbert's Island, part of the then estate of the Earl of Keswick and the much older and bigger Greta forfeited properties. Margaret and her adult son, Felix, were guests in sufferance and regret by Mrs. Briggs doyen of Silverside Hall, given Margaret's hypocritical snobbishness. This book's layered plots would involve a deep belief of the old ways and the clannish loyalty of the villagers to their liege... hence, Crowther would always be Lord Keswick or Lord Charles to them. Interesting backstory of the Briggs aside from that of the understandably vengeful Gretas. There was also the atmosphere of Magic and the paranormal because of Casper Grace and others like him, revered and respected by their neighbours as healers and mystics and their connection with the palpable power of the circle of standing stones... also a 'lost' precious relic~treasure believed to be given by the fae to the lord stewards of the place, a cross of gold decorated with rubies and diamonds... and of course some personal dramas... a child's stoic courage... and the baffling murders. Another enthralling read.
July 3, 2018
While this book had a very interesting story line, the writing bored me and I did not care overly much for the characters (which is important for me)....
The simpering Mrs. Briggs who now owns the former estate/home of the Greta's
Sullen, anti-social Gabriel Crowther (formerly Charles Penhalgion), anatomical scientist
Inquisitive & intelligent Mrs. Harriet Westerman, crime solving partner of Gabriel
Imperious & demanding Vizegrafin Margaret von Bolsenheim, Gabriel's sister & Mrs. Briggs' neighbor
From the inside flap: "Cumbria, England 1783. The tomb of the 1st Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its Island of Bones for three hundred years.When an extra body is discovered in the ancient crypt, however, Gabriel Crowther and forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman travel to the Lake District to investigate.
Gabriel Crowther's family, marked by its own bloodied legacy, bought the Greta's land years ago. His brother was hanged for murdering their father , the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen the safety of seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years.
Now, Crowther and Mrs. Westerman, who is fleeing her own tragedy, find a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice. In Island of Bones, Crowther discovers that his haunting past will not stay buried and the lure of the mystery--a broken heritage, a secret history--bring him home at last."
This sounds wonderful, does it not? It was all too tediously written for me and the two women; Mrs Briggs & the Vizegrafin distracted me from the mystery.
The simpering Mrs. Briggs who now owns the former estate/home of the Greta's
Sullen, anti-social Gabriel Crowther (formerly Charles Penhalgion), anatomical scientist
Inquisitive & intelligent Mrs. Harriet Westerman, crime solving partner of Gabriel
Imperious & demanding Vizegrafin Margaret von Bolsenheim, Gabriel's sister & Mrs. Briggs' neighbor
From the inside flap: "Cumbria, England 1783. The tomb of the 1st Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its Island of Bones for three hundred years.When an extra body is discovered in the ancient crypt, however, Gabriel Crowther and forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman travel to the Lake District to investigate.
Gabriel Crowther's family, marked by its own bloodied legacy, bought the Greta's land years ago. His brother was hanged for murdering their father , the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen the safety of seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years.
Now, Crowther and Mrs. Westerman, who is fleeing her own tragedy, find a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice. In Island of Bones, Crowther discovers that his haunting past will not stay buried and the lure of the mystery--a broken heritage, a secret history--bring him home at last."
This sounds wonderful, does it not? It was all too tediously written for me and the two women; Mrs Briggs & the Vizegrafin distracted me from the mystery.
May 8, 2018
This entry into the Crowther/Westerman series gets a resounding 4 stars! It may be that the author will never again reach the heights she attained in the 1st book of the series, "Instruments of Darkness," this book is still a worthy successor and one that I enjoyed more than #2: "Anatomy of Murder."
Crowther and Harriet Westerman are called to a remote area of The Lake District, on the shores of Derwentwater, because an almost mummified body has been discovered thrown in on top of a family grave which was disinterred to be transferred to a different cemetery. The person requesting their presence turns out to be the long-lost sister of Crowther, a woman who married a minor nobleman of German descent and who is now known as Vizegrafin Margaret von Bolsenheim. She remains an unresolved and unpleasant character through-out. Her inclusion in this story is awkward at best and the sister-brother relationship simply doesn't work. Mercifully, they have very little interaction and she fades away into the woodwork at the end. Good riddance.
For the rest of the story, the "extra body" is merely the beginning of murders, abduction, theft, betrayal, "cunning men" and witches. We do learn much more about Crowther's family, although most of it is still not glorious. I did have the pleasure of unmasking the villain early on! The treatment of the local characters and folk lore was well done as it flowed naturally as part of the fabric of the landscape as well as the narrative. One character in particular, Mrs. Briggs, had delightful overtones of Austen at her best.
Crowther and Harriet Westerman are called to a remote area of The Lake District, on the shores of Derwentwater, because an almost mummified body has been discovered thrown in on top of a family grave which was disinterred to be transferred to a different cemetery. The person requesting their presence turns out to be the long-lost sister of Crowther, a woman who married a minor nobleman of German descent and who is now known as Vizegrafin Margaret von Bolsenheim. She remains an unresolved and unpleasant character through-out. Her inclusion in this story is awkward at best and the sister-brother relationship simply doesn't work. Mercifully, they have very little interaction and she fades away into the woodwork at the end. Good riddance.
For the rest of the story, the "extra body" is merely the beginning of murders, abduction, theft, betrayal, "cunning men" and witches. We do learn much more about Crowther's family, although most of it is still not glorious. I did have the pleasure of unmasking the villain early on! The treatment of the local characters and folk lore was well done as it flowed naturally as part of the fabric of the landscape as well as the narrative. One character in particular, Mrs. Briggs, had delightful overtones of Austen at her best.
December 29, 2025
4.75 Stars
Based in the 1700s, the world you enter with Island of Bones is enveloped in a writing style that pulls you in and wraps you around its finger. Each character tells you the story through their experiences and adventures. I do not have space in this square to tell you how I feel and think about this book.
Crowther is a baron who has forsaken his namesake to escape the soiled past of his family. A corpse enthusiast, he is pulled back to his homeland to solve a mystery when an extra set of bones is unexpectedly found in a tome.
Accompanied by the widow, Mrs. Westerman and her son Stephen, Crowther finds himself discovering a new family history among the growing collection of mysterious deaths new and old.
Favorite quote:
“We are never free. It is simply as we grow older, the negotiations become more complex.”
Based in the 1700s, the world you enter with Island of Bones is enveloped in a writing style that pulls you in and wraps you around its finger. Each character tells you the story through their experiences and adventures. I do not have space in this square to tell you how I feel and think about this book.
Crowther is a baron who has forsaken his namesake to escape the soiled past of his family. A corpse enthusiast, he is pulled back to his homeland to solve a mystery when an extra set of bones is unexpectedly found in a tome.
Accompanied by the widow, Mrs. Westerman and her son Stephen, Crowther finds himself discovering a new family history among the growing collection of mysterious deaths new and old.
Favorite quote:
“We are never free. It is simply as we grow older, the negotiations become more complex.”
December 3, 2022
Another terrific read from Imogen Robertson. It's thoroughly enjoyable to see the growth of the characters and the the depth of the relationships, which are becoming so multi layered.
This book delves into the depths of Crowther's past, picking at the scab of a story that has been hinted at in the earlier two books in this series. It takes the two main characters out of their previous locations and throws them into the rural setting of Cumbria.
Robertson again threads together multiple storylines, with absorbing characters at a fast pace, keeping the reader engrossed and wondering all the way through.
With each book, I'm enjoying this author more and more, with this latest being my favourite to date.
This book delves into the depths of Crowther's past, picking at the scab of a story that has been hinted at in the earlier two books in this series. It takes the two main characters out of their previous locations and throws them into the rural setting of Cumbria.
Robertson again threads together multiple storylines, with absorbing characters at a fast pace, keeping the reader engrossed and wondering all the way through.
With each book, I'm enjoying this author more and more, with this latest being my favourite to date.
June 27, 2017
(3.5 stars) This is the third book in the Crowther and Westerman series. Crowther is summoned back to his family’s estate to deal with a mystery of an extra body found in a family tomb. He must also deal with the uncomfortable reunion with his sister, who was sent away when his brother was convicted and executed for their father’s murder. Harriet accompanies him, along with her son. Together, they must untangle family secrets both from the past and from more recent times. Harriet gains a better understanding of Crowther, seeing him in his original environment and helps him to puzzle out the mysteries.
January 19, 2020
When I first picked this book up, I was unaware it was the third in a series. I try to read series in order, but since the book was in my house, I decided to give it a try anyway - and I'm so glad I did!
I really loved the characters and I thought the mystery was well laid out, both in terms of plotting and narrative flow. I've also never read a historical mystery set in the 1700s. I feel like the glut of this genre is Victorian, so it was neat to see a much earlier time period.
I've had issues with mystery novels and historical fiction in the past, and this book sidestepped all my issues with tropes. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I really loved the characters and I thought the mystery was well laid out, both in terms of plotting and narrative flow. I've also never read a historical mystery set in the 1700s. I feel like the glut of this genre is Victorian, so it was neat to see a much earlier time period.
I've had issues with mystery novels and historical fiction in the past, and this book sidestepped all my issues with tropes. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
September 4, 2022
Knížku jsem četla již podruhé, víceméně díky dovolené, kdy jsem potřebovala papírovou knížku na pláž. Musím řici, že je v ní několik dějovích linií, které se spolu navzájem prolínají. Naštěstí počet postav je na rozumné úrovni, jinak by asi mohl být problém si udržet přehled.
Knížka se čte dobře a vysvětluje konečně v plné míře pozadí, které vedlo Crowthera, aby se zřekl své původní identity, i když některé věci zůstanou i nadále ne plně vysvětlené. Minulost a současné události spolu velmi úzce souvisí a stará vražda byla vysvětlena a brat Crowthera očištěn. Knížku ke přečtení dopočujuču, i když by občas mohla být méně rozvláčná a některé dějové linky by mohly být zjednodušeny.
Knížka se čte dobře a vysvětluje konečně v plné míře pozadí, které vedlo Crowthera, aby se zřekl své původní identity, i když některé věci zůstanou i nadále ne plně vysvětlené. Minulost a současné události spolu velmi úzce souvisí a stará vražda byla vysvětlena a brat Crowthera očištěn. Knížku ke přečtení dopočujuču, i když by občas mohla být méně rozvláčná a některé dějové linky by mohly být zjednodušeny.
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