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Dr. Thomas Silkstone #2
The Dead Shall Not Rest
The brilliant anatomist Dr. Thomas Silkstone returns in Tessa Harris's vivid and compelling mystery series set in 1780s London. . .
It is not just the living who are prey to London's criminals and cutpurses. Corpses, too, are fair game--dug up from fresh graves and sold to unscrupulous men of science. Dr. Thomas Silkstone abhors such methods, but his leading rival, Dr. John Hunter, has learned of the imminent death of eight-foot-tall Charles Byrne, known as the "Irish Giant," and will go to any lengths to obtain the body for his research.
Thomas intends to see that Byrne is allowed to rest in peace. Yet his efforts are complicated by concern for his betrothed, Lady Lydia Farrell, who breaks off their engagement without explanation. When Dr. Hunter is implicated in the horrific murder of a young castrato, Thomas must determine how far the increasingly erratic surgeon will go in the name of knowledge. For as Thomas knows too well, the blackest hearts sometimes go undetected--and even an unblemished façade can hide terrifying secrets. . .
It is not just the living who are prey to London's criminals and cutpurses. Corpses, too, are fair game--dug up from fresh graves and sold to unscrupulous men of science. Dr. Thomas Silkstone abhors such methods, but his leading rival, Dr. John Hunter, has learned of the imminent death of eight-foot-tall Charles Byrne, known as the "Irish Giant," and will go to any lengths to obtain the body for his research.
Thomas intends to see that Byrne is allowed to rest in peace. Yet his efforts are complicated by concern for his betrothed, Lady Lydia Farrell, who breaks off their engagement without explanation. When Dr. Hunter is implicated in the horrific murder of a young castrato, Thomas must determine how far the increasingly erratic surgeon will go in the name of knowledge. For as Thomas knows too well, the blackest hearts sometimes go undetected--and even an unblemished façade can hide terrifying secrets. . .
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
193 people are currently reading
1343 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Harris
21 books528 followersFrom the author's website:After studying History at Oxford University, I began my journalistic career on a newspaper in my home town of Louth, in Lincolnshire. I progressed onto a London newspaper, where I became women's editor. From there I moved to become a feature writer on Best magazine. After two years I was made editor of a regional arts and listings publication. This was followed by another two years as deputy editor on Heritage magazine. Motherhood meant a spell as a freelance, contributing to several national magazines, such as Country Homes & Interiors, Perfect Home and Woman's Journal, as well as newspapers such as The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. During this time I also worked as a literary publicist and for a documentary-making company. In 2005 I was made editor of Berkshire Life magazine.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
April 22, 2019
The Dead Shall Not Rest is the 2nd book in the Victorian mystery series featuring American anatomist / doctor, Thomas Silkstone by Tessa Harris. Silkstone practices in London and is engaged to Lady Lydia Farrell.
In this story we meet Irish giant, Charles Byrne, an actual figure in history. He is saved from the freak show by Lady Lydia and Count Boruwlaski, a dwarf friend of Lady Lydia. They want to help Charles gain a pardon from the Royal family for his father who was falsely convicted of murder. As well, Dr. Silkstone tries to improve the giant's health as he is very ill. Introduced into this story is another historical person, Dr John Hunter who wants Byrne's body for anatomical research and frequents grave robbers to get the corpses he needs to further his scientific work.
Complicating this story is the murder of an Italian soprano and the arrest of his mentor, another soprano and friend of Count Boruwalski. We also get another spanner thrown into the mix, Lady Lydia meets somebody who upsets her and her relationship with Silkstone. So there is lots going on and it makes for a complex story. Silkstone has many pots on the fire, trying to prove that Signor Moreno didn't murder Signor Cappelli, trying to help Lady Lydia and sort out her issues, trying keep Charles Byrne out of Hunter's clutches. It makes for a busy entertaining story, if somewhat far-fetched.
The story kept my interest. I liked the historical elements and I like Lady Lydia and Silkstone. The resolution wasn't totally satisfactory but there is always the next book to read. (3 stars)
In this story we meet Irish giant, Charles Byrne, an actual figure in history. He is saved from the freak show by Lady Lydia and Count Boruwlaski, a dwarf friend of Lady Lydia. They want to help Charles gain a pardon from the Royal family for his father who was falsely convicted of murder. As well, Dr. Silkstone tries to improve the giant's health as he is very ill. Introduced into this story is another historical person, Dr John Hunter who wants Byrne's body for anatomical research and frequents grave robbers to get the corpses he needs to further his scientific work.
Complicating this story is the murder of an Italian soprano and the arrest of his mentor, another soprano and friend of Count Boruwalski. We also get another spanner thrown into the mix, Lady Lydia meets somebody who upsets her and her relationship with Silkstone. So there is lots going on and it makes for a complex story. Silkstone has many pots on the fire, trying to prove that Signor Moreno didn't murder Signor Cappelli, trying to help Lady Lydia and sort out her issues, trying keep Charles Byrne out of Hunter's clutches. It makes for a busy entertaining story, if somewhat far-fetched.
The story kept my interest. I liked the historical elements and I like Lady Lydia and Silkstone. The resolution wasn't totally satisfactory but there is always the next book to read. (3 stars)
November 30, 2020
All'inizio pensavo fosse moscezza. Che come sempre a forza di leggere crime si comincia a fare selezione ma poi mi sono accorta che c'è qualcosa di strano e anche cose che a me quadrano poco.
October 7, 2014
Book Review: The Dead Shall Not Rest by Tessa Harris
Originally published on my blog: http://www.ltwrmama.blogspot.com
Historical fiction is one of my absolutely favorite genres of literature, and Tessa Harris does not disappoint in this novel set in pre-industrial, pre-American Revolution London. Harris fictionalizes the life and death of Charles Byrne, an 8-foot-plus giant from Ireland juxtaposed against the dwarf Count Josef Boruwlaski and mixes in classical composer Josef Haydn and burgeoning anatomist Dr. John Hunter in a tale of justice and duplicity.
This novel surprised me in its tender treatment of Charles and Emily's developing and selfless love played against the backdrop of the brutal and uncaring nature of grave robbery and anatomical butchery in the name of the advancement of science for physicians.
The novel's gruesome exploration of what we now take for granted in the field of medicine is a stark reminder of what it took for medical scientists to accumulate the healing knowledge we now enjoy in the 21st century. As with so many emerging scientific understandings, the journey is paved with pain, suffering, sacrifice, and sometimes even insanity.
Things I Loved:
1. This is book one of a series: I am overjoyed to find a new series to explore. Dr. Silkstone, the grounded anatomist from the uppity Colonies, serves as a trustworthy protagonist with a sense of ethics not shared by most of his anatomist peers. This initial book in the series sets Dr. Silkstone up against some formidable adversaries that he is not even aware exist yet and whets my appetite for more of his discoveries.
2. Tenderness vs. Tawdriness: Harris understands the difficult balance many people struggle to attain between their baser natures and their self-control. The ugly side of London reveals itself in many of the lesser characters, but also in the presumed nobility who, as history has shown us time and time again, bear that distinction in title only as their actions are often anything but noble.
3. Boldness: Harris is a bold storyteller, not shying away from the brutality of the anatomist's professional discipline and not making apologies for the profession's methods. The procurement and the treatment of corpses is an unpleasant yet necessary part of the now-respectable trade of the physician. Harris breaks open the underbelly of this profession and shows us how, like Dr. Frankenstein, even those with good intent can go too far in their pursuits.
4. Background information: Learning about the castrati and reaffirming the duality of the barber-surgeon provided me with a learning opportunity. Man's attempts to modify the body to meet certain aesthetics is nothing new, but it always astounds me the roads we are willing to travel in the name of art.
Things I Liked Less:
1. Charles Byrnes's end: Without giving too much away (I truly hate spoilers!), the end that befalls Charles Byrne is heartbreaking, especially in light of his devotion to justice and his friends' efforts to secure him. However, Harris's narration of this final scene is exquisitely nightmarish, not a scene I will forget in the near future.
2. Lady Lydia's desperate actions: I'm eternally frustrated by a seemingly strong woman who gives in to weakness. Although her plight is representative of the plight of many women from whom autonomy was unmercifully stripped, I wanted her to be stronger, to fight the bastards who hunt her like a delicious quarry.
For those who love realistic historical fiction, Harris does not disappoint. For those who love series comprised of novels that could be stand-alones, the Dr. Silkstone mysteries does not disappoint. I am thankful for this find. Although I cringe at the brutal truth Harris reveals, I am nonetheless hooked .
Originally published on my blog: http://www.ltwrmama.blogspot.com
Historical fiction is one of my absolutely favorite genres of literature, and Tessa Harris does not disappoint in this novel set in pre-industrial, pre-American Revolution London. Harris fictionalizes the life and death of Charles Byrne, an 8-foot-plus giant from Ireland juxtaposed against the dwarf Count Josef Boruwlaski and mixes in classical composer Josef Haydn and burgeoning anatomist Dr. John Hunter in a tale of justice and duplicity.
This novel surprised me in its tender treatment of Charles and Emily's developing and selfless love played against the backdrop of the brutal and uncaring nature of grave robbery and anatomical butchery in the name of the advancement of science for physicians.
The novel's gruesome exploration of what we now take for granted in the field of medicine is a stark reminder of what it took for medical scientists to accumulate the healing knowledge we now enjoy in the 21st century. As with so many emerging scientific understandings, the journey is paved with pain, suffering, sacrifice, and sometimes even insanity.
Things I Loved:
1. This is book one of a series: I am overjoyed to find a new series to explore. Dr. Silkstone, the grounded anatomist from the uppity Colonies, serves as a trustworthy protagonist with a sense of ethics not shared by most of his anatomist peers. This initial book in the series sets Dr. Silkstone up against some formidable adversaries that he is not even aware exist yet and whets my appetite for more of his discoveries.
2. Tenderness vs. Tawdriness: Harris understands the difficult balance many people struggle to attain between their baser natures and their self-control. The ugly side of London reveals itself in many of the lesser characters, but also in the presumed nobility who, as history has shown us time and time again, bear that distinction in title only as their actions are often anything but noble.
3. Boldness: Harris is a bold storyteller, not shying away from the brutality of the anatomist's professional discipline and not making apologies for the profession's methods. The procurement and the treatment of corpses is an unpleasant yet necessary part of the now-respectable trade of the physician. Harris breaks open the underbelly of this profession and shows us how, like Dr. Frankenstein, even those with good intent can go too far in their pursuits.
4. Background information: Learning about the castrati and reaffirming the duality of the barber-surgeon provided me with a learning opportunity. Man's attempts to modify the body to meet certain aesthetics is nothing new, but it always astounds me the roads we are willing to travel in the name of art.
Things I Liked Less:
1. Charles Byrnes's end: Without giving too much away (I truly hate spoilers!), the end that befalls Charles Byrne is heartbreaking, especially in light of his devotion to justice and his friends' efforts to secure him. However, Harris's narration of this final scene is exquisitely nightmarish, not a scene I will forget in the near future.
2. Lady Lydia's desperate actions: I'm eternally frustrated by a seemingly strong woman who gives in to weakness. Although her plight is representative of the plight of many women from whom autonomy was unmercifully stripped, I wanted her to be stronger, to fight the bastards who hunt her like a delicious quarry.
For those who love realistic historical fiction, Harris does not disappoint. For those who love series comprised of novels that could be stand-alones, the Dr. Silkstone mysteries does not disappoint. I am thankful for this find. Although I cringe at the brutal truth Harris reveals, I am nonetheless hooked .
April 10, 2022
Okay, that was it, no more books in this series for me.
Seriously, the plot was absurd, the villains, again, were the freak and the working-class doctor, and presents as facts things that are not facts. The two main facts in the story were thrown up into it without any follow-up until they come back as a 'twist' *bangs head against the desk* I think this is the laziest plot I've read, and I've read a lot.
The romance took up most of the story, and the mystery only was back up-front when the author remember that Dr Silkstone was supposed to be saving a man's life. And Lady Lydia Farrell is... argh! her character is only consistent in her inconsistency and her plot-line is even worst than the mystery. .
Sorry, I won't be reading more from this author.
Seriously, the plot was absurd, the villains, again, were the freak and the working-class doctor, and presents as facts things that are not facts. The two main facts in the story were thrown up into it without any follow-up until they come back as a 'twist' *bangs head against the desk* I think this is the laziest plot I've read, and I've read a lot.
The romance took up most of the story, and the mystery only was back up-front when the author remember that Dr Silkstone was supposed to be saving a man's life. And Lady Lydia Farrell is... argh! her character is only consistent in her inconsistency and her plot-line is even worst than the mystery. .
Sorry, I won't be reading more from this author.
June 21, 2016
If I’m being honest, I wasn’t overly eager to read this one. Whilst the first book was okay, it wasn’t enough to leave me truly interested in seeing where the series was going. As I had books two and three sitting by my bed, I decided it couldn’t hurt to see what happened next. After all, there have been many times where the second book improved massively upon the first.
Such was the case with this one, as book two was so much better than book one. I know I gave them both three stars, yet the first book was rounded up to three stars whereas this one had a few moments where it threatened to pull out a four star rating. It didn’t quite manage it, but it did improve massively upon the first.
As with book one, I believe that it shouldn’t really be deemed a mystery. At least, not in the sense that I’m used to. I said in my review of the first book that this seemed to be more of a historical drama rather than a historical mystery, and such was the case again. In fact, this one was even more of a soap opera. We had all the things of the first book, and then some more. In all truth, I can see the BBC or ITV making a drama out of this – such is the way of the story.
Still, despite all of this, it was better than the first. Again, the mystery aspect was quite clear from the onset. You knew how certain things would end, and you weren’t surprised by who was involved. Nevertheless, it was enough to keep you interested in where things were heading. For those who enjoyed the characters from the first book, and wanted more of them, this book takes things to new levels. I would have liked more of the focus to be upon the mystery, but the development that occurred was interesting enough. Plus, things have been set up for the next book.
Overall, a vast improvement upon book one. I’ll be reading the third book as I own it, but as it currently stands I’m unsure as to whether or not I’ll continue with the entire series. It’s one of those where I would like to see where things are heading, yet I’m not going to go out of my way to find out.
Such was the case with this one, as book two was so much better than book one. I know I gave them both three stars, yet the first book was rounded up to three stars whereas this one had a few moments where it threatened to pull out a four star rating. It didn’t quite manage it, but it did improve massively upon the first.
As with book one, I believe that it shouldn’t really be deemed a mystery. At least, not in the sense that I’m used to. I said in my review of the first book that this seemed to be more of a historical drama rather than a historical mystery, and such was the case again. In fact, this one was even more of a soap opera. We had all the things of the first book, and then some more. In all truth, I can see the BBC or ITV making a drama out of this – such is the way of the story.
Still, despite all of this, it was better than the first. Again, the mystery aspect was quite clear from the onset. You knew how certain things would end, and you weren’t surprised by who was involved. Nevertheless, it was enough to keep you interested in where things were heading. For those who enjoyed the characters from the first book, and wanted more of them, this book takes things to new levels. I would have liked more of the focus to be upon the mystery, but the development that occurred was interesting enough. Plus, things have been set up for the next book.
Overall, a vast improvement upon book one. I’ll be reading the third book as I own it, but as it currently stands I’m unsure as to whether or not I’ll continue with the entire series. It’s one of those where I would like to see where things are heading, yet I’m not going to go out of my way to find out.
May 10, 2013
Originally posted at Novel Reveries
"'Come and see the tallest man in the world (...) He is not six foot, not seven foot, but eight foot high.'"
Book two of the Dr. Thomas Silkstone series, The Dead Shall Not Rest delves into the dark depths of forensics and human nature. In this novel we travel with Thomas as he meets a giant with an illness, who wants a posthumous pardon for his father and to be saved from the knife when his time comes. The society surrounding them try to prevent these actions as many other anatomists, such as Dr. Hunter, become overly fascinated with the prospect of examining Charles Byrne, the Irish Giant.
I found the main and subplots intriguing and suspenseful, and nothing ended up the way I thought it would. I love books that switch things up like that. The mixture of fiction and nonfiction within the novel provided a storyline that was even more heartfelt because you realize that this person actually existed and had these struggles. I loved meeting and going through Charles Byrne’s story within the last few months of his life, and the scandal that arose from it, I only wished he didn’t have to go through it all. It was interesting how Byrne’s story was told, including Dr. Silkstone but not really involving him as much, as to keep the credibility of the original story while instilling the fictional complicities of the series. The author makes us readers fall in love with Charles Byrne’s character, eliciting the love and pity he so well deserved. Also indirectly included were a few other mysteries; the murder of the young castrato, Cappelli, and the mysterious depression of Lady Lydia. The proceedings of the castrato’s murder grew in interest as I read on and realized the complexity of the case, as with Lady Lydia’s sudden depression (initially I thought she was being overly dramatic, and a weak character all around, but recanted when I learned the full truth.) In this novel, nothing is as it seems. With all evidence pointing towards the nefarious Dr. John Hunter and his unscrupulous dealings, this book had me drawn through every chapter, wanting to follow Thomas’ suspicions and findings.
The writing style generates credible characters and a gritty victorian age descriptive background. This enables the reader to submerge into the created society and take in the novel’s adventurous and emotional journey. I’ve both read this book and listened to the wonderful audiobook. Both complement each other greatly, and Simon Vance (the narrator) is truly a vocal artist! This is a greatly thought out and researched historical mystery, and I would absolutely recommend it to those who love the great mysteries of London’s past.
First Line: “Death was not sleeping in St. Bride’s churchyard that night.”
Last Line: Spoiler?
----------------
Quotes
“Now in death, as in life, Charles Byrne would be an object of morbid curiosity: a freak of nature, a monstrous mutation.” (301)
"'Come and see the tallest man in the world (...) He is not six foot, not seven foot, but eight foot high.'"
Book two of the Dr. Thomas Silkstone series, The Dead Shall Not Rest delves into the dark depths of forensics and human nature. In this novel we travel with Thomas as he meets a giant with an illness, who wants a posthumous pardon for his father and to be saved from the knife when his time comes. The society surrounding them try to prevent these actions as many other anatomists, such as Dr. Hunter, become overly fascinated with the prospect of examining Charles Byrne, the Irish Giant.
“So this is why Lydia called for me, thought Thomas. She wanted him to examine the giant to ensure he was well enough to embark on showing himself to the public.” (34)
I found the main and subplots intriguing and suspenseful, and nothing ended up the way I thought it would. I love books that switch things up like that. The mixture of fiction and nonfiction within the novel provided a storyline that was even more heartfelt because you realize that this person actually existed and had these struggles. I loved meeting and going through Charles Byrne’s story within the last few months of his life, and the scandal that arose from it, I only wished he didn’t have to go through it all. It was interesting how Byrne’s story was told, including Dr. Silkstone but not really involving him as much, as to keep the credibility of the original story while instilling the fictional complicities of the series. The author makes us readers fall in love with Charles Byrne’s character, eliciting the love and pity he so well deserved. Also indirectly included were a few other mysteries; the murder of the young castrato, Cappelli, and the mysterious depression of Lady Lydia. The proceedings of the castrato’s murder grew in interest as I read on and realized the complexity of the case, as with Lady Lydia’s sudden depression (initially I thought she was being overly dramatic, and a weak character all around, but recanted when I learned the full truth.) In this novel, nothing is as it seems. With all evidence pointing towards the nefarious Dr. John Hunter and his unscrupulous dealings, this book had me drawn through every chapter, wanting to follow Thomas’ suspicions and findings.
“‘I am only an anatomist when I am dealing with a corpse, Dr. Hunter. To the living I am a surgeon and a physician.’” (88)
The writing style generates credible characters and a gritty victorian age descriptive background. This enables the reader to submerge into the created society and take in the novel’s adventurous and emotional journey. I’ve both read this book and listened to the wonderful audiobook. Both complement each other greatly, and Simon Vance (the narrator) is truly a vocal artist! This is a greatly thought out and researched historical mystery, and I would absolutely recommend it to those who love the great mysteries of London’s past.
First Line: “Death was not sleeping in St. Bride’s churchyard that night.”
Last Line: Spoiler?
----------------
Quotes
“Now in death, as in life, Charles Byrne would be an object of morbid curiosity: a freak of nature, a monstrous mutation.” (301)
September 23, 2016
I had decided that I wasn't going to go on with this series but after reading, "The Dead Shall Not Rest" which is the second book of six total, I've changed my mind. This was a mystery that I really found intriguing. The author writes about real events that happened in the late 1700's in and around London. Many of the characters are real as well. She even includes a glossary at the end of each book which is catagorized by chapter and includes the actual events, people, places, and things which occurred in each. There is a story that continues from book to book which has it's own mystery and then there is always some new and unpredictable mystery for the young doctor to figure out. I am checking these out from the digital library so I have to put each one on hold and wait for it. The way this one ended I don't want to wait!
January 31, 2021
This is the second installment in the Dr. Thomas Silkstone series.
The year is 1782 and medical doctors act as examiners to the dead as well as the living. And while Thomas is a colonists visiting London and of the utmost integrity, he learns there is much professional jealousy and dangerous rivalry amongst his English colleagues.
Many not above performing medical procedures beyond their skill level in an attempt to prove themselves capable. And still more resort to buying stolen corpses to further their studies.
These stories are a study in early forensic pathology and the long rejected science in detection to solve crimes. Quite fascinating as well as a lesson to never forget the horrors the poor and wrongly accused suffered.
The year is 1782 and medical doctors act as examiners to the dead as well as the living. And while Thomas is a colonists visiting London and of the utmost integrity, he learns there is much professional jealousy and dangerous rivalry amongst his English colleagues.
Many not above performing medical procedures beyond their skill level in an attempt to prove themselves capable. And still more resort to buying stolen corpses to further their studies.
These stories are a study in early forensic pathology and the long rejected science in detection to solve crimes. Quite fascinating as well as a lesson to never forget the horrors the poor and wrongly accused suffered.
March 24, 2013
This book was a bit more than borderline ridiculous. I felt like the author tried to think of the most unlikely character pairings and hoped the story would be pulled together by its macabre twists. The characters were not more than mildly engaging nor was the story enchanting. Unfortunately, while I read this entire book, I will not be back for more. My stories need a little more meat in the bone (pun intended).
September 22, 2013
This is a Dr. Thomas Silkstone mystery set in late 1700s London. The book gives a good feel for the setting though I got the impression that London was chock full of grave robbers, highwaymen thieves, con artists, and cheats of all kinds. The story was okay - Dr. Silkstone needs to find the murderer of a famous castrato (a singer castrated as a youth to maintain his soprano voice) - but the "side stories" were a little too melodramatic for me.
January 17, 2013
I really wanted to like this series, but I just couldn't get into it. I thought that it was well researched for the time period, and the subject seemed interesting, but the plot fell short. Some of the plot developments just seemed ridiculous and silly.
May 1, 2013
I struggled getting through this book because I thought the plot line was really stupid and gross. Then I found out it was based upon real people and relieve events. I guess you just can't make this stuff up.
December 6, 2016
I really enjoy historical fiction and while there were several parts of the book I enjoyed, it seemed disjointed at times and on the brink of trite romance writing. The character of Lady Lydia Farrell seemed 2 dimensional and I kept expecting more of the main character, Dr Silkstone.
August 5, 2013
This story has the potential to be a lot more than it is. The way it's told is shallow and full of clichéd dialogue. I don't expect to read any more of this series.
September 4, 2013
Possibly one of the poorest written book that I have read. Totally predictable, and full of cliches.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone.
December 27, 2022
As a historical fiction that lets me learn about anatomical science and attitudes toward unusual physiques in 18th-century England, this book was a pleasure. The mystery of who killed the castrato was more or less an afterthought, and Lady Lydia continues to be a silly character. It is quite amazing for a woman writer to write male characters so much better than female.
July 15, 2021
This is the second in a series featuring Dr. Thomas Silkstone. Silkstone is an anatomist who tries to adhere to professional standards in a time when the medical profession is filled with those who have a less ethical approach to medicine. He is drawn into the case of a gigantic man who is featured in a circus like atmosphere. Silkstone also has a love interest with some rather debilitating psychological problems. A very atmospheric tale.
December 29, 2020
I had a little bit of a history lesson with this book. I went Googling a number of names. Skullduggery is a word I would use to describe this book.
September 16, 2022
It is ridicule to have a good book with 2 sentences in French and both not making sense.
With 50 millions people who speaks French to rely on a Google translation…
With 50 millions people who speaks French to rely on a Google translation…
April 24, 2021
People had no claim to their own corpses in 18th century England. Grave robbers could dig you up with impunity and sell your body to anatomists or surgeons as long as they left the grave clothes in the coffin (because taking the clothes would be robbery!). Bribing people to protect your body was a waste of money because surgeons would just pay higher bribes to get at you. This novel incorporated several historical persons, including Charles Byrne, the Irish Giant, who was measured at 8'2" by physicians at the time. Charles wanted to be buried at sea, but was mercilessly hunted in the waning days of his short life. The "winner" was the also very real Dr. Joseph Hunter, who, depending on your perspective, was either a ghoul that didn't respect anyone's dying wishes, or a medical genius because of his findings from dissection and experiments. Oddly, Byrne was befriended by a Polish Count, who was a little person only about 2 feet tall. To this day, the trustees of the Hunterian Museum are STILL debating whether to keep Byrne's skeleton or put it to rest in accordance with his final wishes. The book ends with a CSI tale as Dr. Silverstone solves the murder of a castrati.
February 27, 2013
The Dead Shall Not Rest is the second book in a fine new historical series set in eighteenth century England. Dr Thomas Silkstone is a young surgeon from Philadelphia newly arrived in London to study under a respected surgeon. Silkstone believes in the use of forensics to help solve crimes, which coupled with being from the newly independent colonies makes him an outsider and looked down upon by all levels of society including members of the medical establishment. When a famous castrato is found brutally murdered and disfigured as though by a surgeon, Silkstone sets out to prove the innocence of the man accused and at the same time trying to protect a giant under his care who is dying of tuberculosis and is being stalked by a doctor intent on stealing his dead body for scientific study. There’s also a three foot tall Count. Yes, it may all sound fantastic yet all the main characters are based on actual people. Ms Harris presents period detail in a way that is absorbed into the story without sounding academic but shows the harsh reality of the time. --Steve
January 31, 2015
In the second book in a series about the world's first ever forensic detective, you would think that science might actually play a part in solving the mystery, wouldn't you?
Well you, my friend, would be wrong. So very, very wrong.
The second book continues much like the first: everyone hates Dr. Thomas Silkstone because they're all jealous; everyone loves Lady Lydia Farrel because apparently sickly, obnoxious, and frequently unconscious was what men considered totally bangin' back in the day; rich people have secrets and poor people have it rough. But whereas the first book was merely a little convoluted, this book jumps the rails early and never looks back.
If you're looking for a book about sighing Victorian Brits waxing poetic about death, this might be your thing. But if you're looking for a murder mystery that actually has anything to do with a murder mystery, you are out of luck.
Well you, my friend, would be wrong. So very, very wrong.
The second book continues much like the first: everyone hates Dr. Thomas Silkstone because they're all jealous; everyone loves Lady Lydia Farrel because apparently sickly, obnoxious, and frequently unconscious was what men considered totally bangin' back in the day; rich people have secrets and poor people have it rough. But whereas the first book was merely a little convoluted, this book jumps the rails early and never looks back.
If you're looking for a book about sighing Victorian Brits waxing poetic about death, this might be your thing. But if you're looking for a murder mystery that actually has anything to do with a murder mystery, you are out of luck.
April 30, 2013
Still LOVE the forensic science part of this novel and Dr. Silkstone remains a perfect gentleman scientist. But the Lovely Lady Lydia is beginning to really get on my nerves and she is making things hard for our protagonist to do any actual work with her propensity to be constantly in distress. Poor Lady Lydia suffers 3 novels worth of adversity for every 1 book Ms. Harris writes and this reader would prefer some slightly more imaginative plot devices.
On the other hand Dr. John Hunter is a great character and I like how Ms. Harris works in the perception of "colonists" into her novels.
Worth reading but I hope she moves on from Lady Lydia a bit in the next novel which I am pretty sure is due out this spring.
On the other hand Dr. John Hunter is a great character and I like how Ms. Harris works in the perception of "colonists" into her novels.
Worth reading but I hope she moves on from Lady Lydia a bit in the next novel which I am pretty sure is due out this spring.
May 10, 2013
I liked this book and the first well enough. It was entertaining and I was able to follow it. Just one bone to pick with it (ha!). Lady Lydia and Dr. Silkstone are way too perfect. Why does every rich, good, wonderful woman have to be gorgeous as well? And Dr. Silkstone is not only impossibly good, in this book we learn that his ancestors and family are also impossibly good. That said, I kept wishing Lady Lydia would take a hike, or that he'd give up on her, or that her peril would prove to be fatal. Oh well. It's not enough of a problem to ruin the book for me, and I will definitely read the next one. I'll just be hoping that these two can pick up a flaw, at least a token one.
June 13, 2015
I enjoy this series (read The Anatomist's Apprentice first) since it takes place in 1800s London. But I was disappointed because this one did not end as I wished it would (no spoiler alert).
April 7, 2021
judder: verb; (especially of something mechanical) shake and vibrate rapidly and with force.
"the steering wheel juddered in his hand"
judder: noun; an instance of rapid and forceful shaking and vibration.
"the car gave a judder"
You will need this definition if you are going to read the Doctor Thomas Silkstone series. I’m an English major and had to look it up when I first encountered it. No problem. It is always interesting to learn a new word. But it seems like the author, Tessa Harris, discovered this word while writing the first book and liked it so much, she wanted to play with it even more. She used it 25 times in her first six books. In Book 4 alone, she used it 11 times. It got to the point where each time I encountered it, it distracted me from the story. May I suggest occasional alternatives such as quiver, waver, shudder, shake, tremble, or quake?
I had just finished reading a series of books about the Civil War and I needed a break from an overload of war, death, scholarship, and military tactics. So, I turned to Harris’s Dr. Silkstone series to cleanse my reading palate.
I enjoyed the main character, Dr. Silkstone, very much. He is engaging, intelligent, and ahead of his time in terms of this profession. As an American in England towards of the end of the Revolutionary War, he is a fish out of water. The side characters are well drawn and interesting.
However, by the end of the fourth book, I had had enough of Silkstone’s love interest, Lady Lydia. She is tiny and frail, always in peril and needing rescue from the handsome and incredibly patient Silkstone. She falls apart, her emotions never in check, to any problem or threat. People could be dying on every side and Silkstone still has to choose his words carefully lest he upset her brittle equilibrium. Lydia certainly faces formidable challenges and dangers, but she never rises to meet them, always needing Silkstone to save her. Too many pages are devoted to Silkstone’s attempts to comfort and cosset her always shattered emotional state. I would have loved to see her grow from a fragile flower to a woman discovering her power. Six books into the series, this has yet to happen.
I enjoyed the mysteries, medical elements, history, and most of the characters. These books provided what I needed: light reading. But when I finish the sixth book, I won't get anymore in the series, mostly because I just don’t understand the practical and inexplicably devoted Silkstone’s attraction to such a fragile, clinging, distraught, high maintenance, damsel in perpetual distress.
"the steering wheel juddered in his hand"
judder: noun; an instance of rapid and forceful shaking and vibration.
"the car gave a judder"
You will need this definition if you are going to read the Doctor Thomas Silkstone series. I’m an English major and had to look it up when I first encountered it. No problem. It is always interesting to learn a new word. But it seems like the author, Tessa Harris, discovered this word while writing the first book and liked it so much, she wanted to play with it even more. She used it 25 times in her first six books. In Book 4 alone, she used it 11 times. It got to the point where each time I encountered it, it distracted me from the story. May I suggest occasional alternatives such as quiver, waver, shudder, shake, tremble, or quake?
I had just finished reading a series of books about the Civil War and I needed a break from an overload of war, death, scholarship, and military tactics. So, I turned to Harris’s Dr. Silkstone series to cleanse my reading palate.
I enjoyed the main character, Dr. Silkstone, very much. He is engaging, intelligent, and ahead of his time in terms of this profession. As an American in England towards of the end of the Revolutionary War, he is a fish out of water. The side characters are well drawn and interesting.
However, by the end of the fourth book, I had had enough of Silkstone’s love interest, Lady Lydia. She is tiny and frail, always in peril and needing rescue from the handsome and incredibly patient Silkstone. She falls apart, her emotions never in check, to any problem or threat. People could be dying on every side and Silkstone still has to choose his words carefully lest he upset her brittle equilibrium. Lydia certainly faces formidable challenges and dangers, but she never rises to meet them, always needing Silkstone to save her. Too many pages are devoted to Silkstone’s attempts to comfort and cosset her always shattered emotional state. I would have loved to see her grow from a fragile flower to a woman discovering her power. Six books into the series, this has yet to happen.
I enjoyed the mysteries, medical elements, history, and most of the characters. These books provided what I needed: light reading. But when I finish the sixth book, I won't get anymore in the series, mostly because I just don’t understand the practical and inexplicably devoted Silkstone’s attraction to such a fragile, clinging, distraught, high maintenance, damsel in perpetual distress.
September 1, 2020
There is something very good about this series and yet I am not going to continue on with the third book. Attention to historical detail really draws the reader in to the story. In my opinion, this book (as well as the first in the series) gets lost in their own plots. Too many characters and too many twists keep the pace of these books to a snail's pace. Some editing would not be remiss. Bad things keep piling up in both of the books and it was really not necessary. I have looked ahead and it appears that the H and h of the series struggle to find their HEA, and I don't like it when a relationship is used as a plot device. I want to know by the second book in a series that the culmination of the relationship will happen no later than the third book in a series. I know that's a personal preference, but I don't think an author should make main characters have a romantic relationship if they won't be moving through the series as a couple. Keep them as friends with absolutely no sexual tension. I am fine with that, but don't draw out the relationship by throwing out roadblocks. It's annoying to readers that want a dynamic duo solving crime and is in love, too.
I love that this series is so well researched. I love the main characters and the recurring characters. But I do not love these books. They are good and I am sure that readers that don't care about love in their books will be fine with being strung along by the romance. But because of that and the crazy pile on of way too many plot twists and turns, I have to give this a B-.
I love that this series is so well researched. I love the main characters and the recurring characters. But I do not love these books. They are good and I am sure that readers that don't care about love in their books will be fine with being strung along by the romance. But because of that and the crazy pile on of way too many plot twists and turns, I have to give this a B-.
May 12, 2020
A well-written and informative mystery that includes a number of characters who lived in the late 1780s, specifically, Dr. John Hunter, Count Josef Boruwlaski, and Charles Byrne (also known as The Irish Giant or The Giant O'Brien), each of whom is a central character.
This is a period in England when grave robbers make a living by getting corpses for anatomists who want cadavers for teaching purposes and for research. Dr. John Hunter has let it be known that when Charles Byrne dies he wants his corpse for research. Byrne, who is ill and may not have all that much time left, wants no part of that; he wants to be buried at sea. Silkstone wants to be sure Byrne's wish is carried out.
There are additional story lines that hold one's attention. There is the murder of a castrato, whose mentor, a friend of Boruwlaski, gets arrested for the murder. Silkstone wants to prove the mentor's innocence, while at the same time trying to find out why his betrothed has broken their engagement.
The various sub-plots do not distract from the overall good read and, yes, I had to do some research regarding Hunter, Boruwlaski, and Byrne. Three interesting people in history.
This is a period in England when grave robbers make a living by getting corpses for anatomists who want cadavers for teaching purposes and for research. Dr. John Hunter has let it be known that when Charles Byrne dies he wants his corpse for research. Byrne, who is ill and may not have all that much time left, wants no part of that; he wants to be buried at sea. Silkstone wants to be sure Byrne's wish is carried out.
There are additional story lines that hold one's attention. There is the murder of a castrato, whose mentor, a friend of Boruwlaski, gets arrested for the murder. Silkstone wants to prove the mentor's innocence, while at the same time trying to find out why his betrothed has broken their engagement.
The various sub-plots do not distract from the overall good read and, yes, I had to do some research regarding Hunter, Boruwlaski, and Byrne. Three interesting people in history.
July 21, 2017
second in the Dr Silkstone series this follows Thomas and Lydia and their budding romance. we also meet several unsavory characters including another anatomist who has a gruesome collection of body parts from animals to humans. in this story, Dr Hi.ter obssesses over a giant, charles Byrne hoping to get his hands on his body after his death so he can dissect this unusual creature. Dr Silkstone also races to discover who murdered a young opera star and took his larynx. he fears the wrong person has been accused and arrested. This story has a lot going on and we learn a lot about victorian medical practices and superstions. The story doesnt really get tense until the final twist toward the end of the story so some of the storytelling bogs down a bit. overall i enjoyed this second installment
November 29, 2025
second in the Dr Silkstone series this follows Thomas and Lydia and their budding romance. we also meet several unsavory characters including another anatomist who has a gruesome collection of body parts from animals to humans. in this story, Dr Hi.ter obssesses over a giant, charles Byrne hoping to get his hands on his body after his death so he can dissect this unusual creature. Dr Silkstone also races to discover who murdered a young opera star and took his larynx. he fears the wrong person has been accused and arrested. This story has a lot going on and we learn a lot about victorian medical practices and superstions. The story doesnt really get tense until the final twist toward the end of the story so some of the storytelling bogs down a bit. overall i enjoyed this second installment
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