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Keeper of Pleas #2
Spider Silk
Coroner Sévère has it all: a beautiful young wife, money, influence…and secrets.
Not only is a disease slowly crippling him, but his wife, Olivia, is a former prostitute who once served the Chief Magistrate himself — a man with cruel appetites.
When Sévère and Olivia begin to investigate the heinous crimes of Chief Magistrate Frost, more than the Coroner’s career is at risk.
Sévère might just end up at the gallows.
Not only is a disease slowly crippling him, but his wife, Olivia, is a former prostitute who once served the Chief Magistrate himself — a man with cruel appetites.
When Sévère and Olivia begin to investigate the heinous crimes of Chief Magistrate Frost, more than the Coroner’s career is at risk.
Sévère might just end up at the gallows.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2017
180 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Annelie Wendeberg
23 books342 followersAnnelie Wendeberg likes to throw morally grey heroines into impossible situations just to watch disaster unfold. Her books have sold nearly a million copies worldwide in multiple languages through both independent and traditional publishing. When she's not writing, you can find her herding goats, making cheese, and saving owls and kangaroos from peril.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 28, 2018
Coroner Sévère has a few problems. He is recently married to a woman with whom he signed a contract stating he would never bed her. Yet he is discovering a newly formed distaste for using prostitutes. His young charge The Pirate Rose (not quite the Dread Pirate Rose) is wreaking a bit of havoc in his household, his infantile paralysis is getting much worse and his address may change to Newgate prison before a final appointment with the gallows.
The one problem he does not have is how beautifully he is written along with the other inhabitants of his world. Sadly his world of Victorian England is a sordid ugly place and might be one of the most hypocritical of modern times. Women of means kept physically and mentally constricted, while for their men, visiting prostitutes is common and acceptable behavior.
This brings us to the Coroner’s wife, the beautiful Olivia, once one of the most sought after prostitutes in London. Now there is fear exposure to her past could come at any time and ruin them both. But of course that might be a minor fear if you are heading for the gallows.
In Spider Silk, Olivia comes into her own as first the Coroner’s assistant, then setting up as a private detective. She acquires more confidence and reveals her core of steel after several heartbreaking developments.
There is harsh darkness in this book. No one comes out of this story unchanged in some way.
There is still the delicate dance between Coroner Sévère and Olivia as they find their way into a more trusting relationship. Whether it will become a loving relationship remains to be seen; but not for too long I hope. I have small patience for ‘will they/won’t they’ strung out for too long.
Annelie Wendeberg has now written two books of the Coroner Sévère series. Like the first book, Keeper of Pleas, this is an intricate character study, an exploration of the morality and hypocrisy of an age often mistakenly admired, and a tremendous noir detective story.
I write so much of the darkness of the story, but oh the Coroner, his wife, and their household. There is solidarity and friendship. There is humor and pathos.
Now don't go looking, but the epilogue is one of the most satisfying and clever I've come across.
The one problem he does not have is how beautifully he is written along with the other inhabitants of his world. Sadly his world of Victorian England is a sordid ugly place and might be one of the most hypocritical of modern times. Women of means kept physically and mentally constricted, while for their men, visiting prostitutes is common and acceptable behavior.
This brings us to the Coroner’s wife, the beautiful Olivia, once one of the most sought after prostitutes in London. Now there is fear exposure to her past could come at any time and ruin them both. But of course that might be a minor fear if you are heading for the gallows.
In Spider Silk, Olivia comes into her own as first the Coroner’s assistant, then setting up as a private detective. She acquires more confidence and reveals her core of steel after several heartbreaking developments.
There is harsh darkness in this book. No one comes out of this story unchanged in some way.
There is still the delicate dance between Coroner Sévère and Olivia as they find their way into a more trusting relationship. Whether it will become a loving relationship remains to be seen; but not for too long I hope. I have small patience for ‘will they/won’t they’ strung out for too long.
Annelie Wendeberg has now written two books of the Coroner Sévère series. Like the first book, Keeper of Pleas, this is an intricate character study, an exploration of the morality and hypocrisy of an age often mistakenly admired, and a tremendous noir detective story.
I write so much of the darkness of the story, but oh the Coroner, his wife, and their household. There is solidarity and friendship. There is humor and pathos.
Now don't go looking, but the epilogue is one of the most satisfying and clever I've come across.
June 30, 2017
The mystery and murder were refreshingly unique, and it kept me turning the pages to find out who the murderer was. The courtroom drama and scenes are really well written as well.
March 20, 2024
I read this book when it first came out back in 2015. I really enjoyed the hunt for the murderer. Plus the famous prostitute, that is married to a man who agreed to never touch her, now groceries of light skirts for his needs. They both have much to loose I also enjoyed the court drama. I love this author. I am glad I own all the original books, because the books have taken on new stories, but both are brilliant. Five stars.
December 6, 2018
until the last minute
the dogged work that i missed in the previous book was well evident in this one! excellent mystery, well figured. the relationships are wonderful. i will miss an important character but the death works. cannot wait for the next one.
the dogged work that i missed in the previous book was well evident in this one! excellent mystery, well figured. the relationships are wonderful. i will miss an important character but the death works. cannot wait for the next one.
June 30, 2017
You can depend on Annelie Wendeberg to deliver a awesome, exciting, nail-biting mystery. I'm thrilled this series will continue with another book in 2018.
December 30, 2017
Excellent!
Wendeberg has done it again! The complexities and unpredictability of the plot are addictive; I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. This author has an uncanny ability to bring every character alive...the character development was steady and well explained, but not overly so. Not only was I entertained by the story, I was dialed in to the feelings and emotions of each character... Wendeberg wrote with such skill that I couldn't stop myself from feeling empathetic towards the main characters.
Wendeberg has done it again! The complexities and unpredictability of the plot are addictive; I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. This author has an uncanny ability to bring every character alive...the character development was steady and well explained, but not overly so. Not only was I entertained by the story, I was dialed in to the feelings and emotions of each character... Wendeberg wrote with such skill that I couldn't stop myself from feeling empathetic towards the main characters.
September 3, 2019
Excellent! Where is book 3 in this series.
I think I have now read every book by this author, except Collapse. Only the first book is out and I would like to start with at least two.
Ms. Wendeberg brings her characters alive. We can see them, hear them, smell them. This is very gifted writing.
So about the book, Spider Silk, in which a 16 year old girl living in a brothel, abducted and raped at age nine and not able to find a way out. Miss Mary has turned into Olivia and has formed an agreement in writing with Coroner Severe. With the accents above his name it took me until this book to figure out how it is pronounced. I think. It is French and Google was helpful in explaining to my American English brain how each accent acts on the name. I've come to "Say Vehr." If anyone has another interpretation I am completely open to hear.
Spoilers to follow:
So this agreement is good for both Olivia and Gavriel Severe. (With accents on his last name as mentioned). The agreement includes her being his detective researcher, since his long ago battle with Infantile paralysis (Otherwise known as polio) has returned, weakening his leg so he know he is losing his mobility and will soon need a "wheeling chair." Olivia get to marry this man who is well respected as the coroner. She changes her name to her birth name, gets new clothes, establishes herself as Coroner Severe's Detective investigator researcher. And basically his eyes and ears and legs.
The agreement is that he will never have sex with her, unless she seeks him out. But she insists on a last minute new rule. They must consummate their marriage on their wedding night so it cannot be annulled or not considered legitimate.
Oh, and Olivia can bring Rose along.
They become very good at working together and by the way, that wedding night they spent together was not something either can forget.
So what can go wrong here? There is a series of murders of infants. There is a poisoning, then another
Coroner Sever may be in trouble.
It is a very fascinating story. I have read all the Victorian mysteries and the sci fi one, which I read first, and I cannot get enough. Victorian mysteries are about as far from my usual genre as I can get. I am so glad I read these books and cannot wait for Annelie Wendeberg to produce another book in any of the series the is writing. If you like strong female characters don't let the historical fiction part scare you away. Both Anna and Olivia are kick ass females. If you haven't tried these yet, do yourself a favor, give yourself an hour and you will be hooked.
I think I have now read every book by this author, except Collapse. Only the first book is out and I would like to start with at least two.
Ms. Wendeberg brings her characters alive. We can see them, hear them, smell them. This is very gifted writing.
So about the book, Spider Silk, in which a 16 year old girl living in a brothel, abducted and raped at age nine and not able to find a way out. Miss Mary has turned into Olivia and has formed an agreement in writing with Coroner Severe. With the accents above his name it took me until this book to figure out how it is pronounced. I think. It is French and Google was helpful in explaining to my American English brain how each accent acts on the name. I've come to "Say Vehr." If anyone has another interpretation I am completely open to hear.
Spoilers to follow:
So this agreement is good for both Olivia and Gavriel Severe. (With accents on his last name as mentioned). The agreement includes her being his detective researcher, since his long ago battle with Infantile paralysis (Otherwise known as polio) has returned, weakening his leg so he know he is losing his mobility and will soon need a "wheeling chair." Olivia get to marry this man who is well respected as the coroner. She changes her name to her birth name, gets new clothes, establishes herself as Coroner Severe's Detective investigator researcher. And basically his eyes and ears and legs.
The agreement is that he will never have sex with her, unless she seeks him out. But she insists on a last minute new rule. They must consummate their marriage on their wedding night so it cannot be annulled or not considered legitimate.
Oh, and Olivia can bring Rose along.
They become very good at working together and by the way, that wedding night they spent together was not something either can forget.
So what can go wrong here? There is a series of murders of infants. There is a poisoning, then another
Coroner Sever may be in trouble.
It is a very fascinating story. I have read all the Victorian mysteries and the sci fi one, which I read first, and I cannot get enough. Victorian mysteries are about as far from my usual genre as I can get. I am so glad I read these books and cannot wait for Annelie Wendeberg to produce another book in any of the series the is writing. If you like strong female characters don't let the historical fiction part scare you away. Both Anna and Olivia are kick ass females. If you haven't tried these yet, do yourself a favor, give yourself an hour and you will be hooked.
February 19, 2018
When second one of the best reads
This author has the incredible Exquisite Talent of creating a believable the story in a vintage Victorian era. This story picks up where the prior Keeper of Pleas ended with another more challenging investigation which leads to the Coroner's most difficult period in his life. All the while struggling what the Victorian concepts of women and men and what is right. Annelie Wendeberg's female lead character is a woman who experienced the worst experience for a child but determined to overcome any weakness and injustice with inner strength, intelligence , and investigative skills while holding fast to boundaries she set to keep her hard won freedom from the dictates of a male world in a Victorian era.
This author has the incredible Exquisite Talent of creating a believable the story in a vintage Victorian era. This story picks up where the prior Keeper of Pleas ended with another more challenging investigation which leads to the Coroner's most difficult period in his life. All the while struggling what the Victorian concepts of women and men and what is right. Annelie Wendeberg's female lead character is a woman who experienced the worst experience for a child but determined to overcome any weakness and injustice with inner strength, intelligence , and investigative skills while holding fast to boundaries she set to keep her hard won freedom from the dictates of a male world in a Victorian era.
March 23, 2018
Coroner Sévère livilhood is threathened when a friend dies and he is accused of his murder. Can his wife, Olivia, an ex-prostitute and initially his assistant, then working as a private detective help.
Wonderfully written, not just the mystery but the relationship between the Sévères and her portrayal of Victorian England in the 1880's.
Wonderfully written, not just the mystery but the relationship between the Sévères and her portrayal of Victorian England in the 1880's.
November 30, 2018
Whew
I truly had to catch my breath after finishing this exciting and absorbing novel. What a ride! I couldn't put it down. 0livia may be my favorite female character, besides, of course Anna Kronberg. Annelie Wendeberg knows how to deliver strong women. I am waiting anxiously for the next adventure of Olivia and. Severe.
I truly had to catch my breath after finishing this exciting and absorbing novel. What a ride! I couldn't put it down. 0livia may be my favorite female character, besides, of course Anna Kronberg. Annelie Wendeberg knows how to deliver strong women. I am waiting anxiously for the next adventure of Olivia and. Severe.
January 20, 2019
I enjoyed the books immensely. It was very well researched and brought out angles I never thought of. I liked the way the detective evolved from cool, calm and collected to being much more emotional and realistic. Great character development. The heroine was really strong and yet showed her softer side like we all have and seldom show anyone. Great book. I'm going to read more.
January 29, 2024
I read 300 books a year thanks to the Evelyn Wood Speedreading Course. So I am very happy to find another FAVORITE AUTHOR to add to my list. And that favorite author is Annalie Wendeberg. All her books are GREAT!!! And Spider Silk is at the list. Right up there with my favorites of my favorite authors. Read it!!!
March 16, 2018
Single quotes are off putting
I can’t get into the flow of the story with the single quotes for dialogue. What with the girl sticking out her tongue. who is Higgins? He materializes on the paper,
I can’t get into the flow of the story with the single quotes for dialogue. What with the girl sticking out her tongue. who is Higgins? He materializes on the paper,
April 26, 2018
Another great read
This was a great follow up to the first book in this series. The characters are well developed and the plot interest. There are enough twist and turns to keep the pace moving along nicely. I'm looking forward to continuing to read more from this author.
This was a great follow up to the first book in this series. The characters are well developed and the plot interest. There are enough twist and turns to keep the pace moving along nicely. I'm looking forward to continuing to read more from this author.
June 12, 2019
Gutsy Lady gets HER revenge While Proving Her Husband’s Innocence!
Fast moving story, winding through a clever and deadly game of poison and deceit and revenge. I had no idea of Victorian England’s fate for human V( child) trafficking. Horrors but aw revenge is sweet!
Fast moving story, winding through a clever and deadly game of poison and deceit and revenge. I had no idea of Victorian England’s fate for human V( child) trafficking. Horrors but aw revenge is sweet!
October 5, 2019
Brilliant! An astounding piece of both historical fiction and victorian mystery. I already look forward to reading the third book in this keeper of pleas series. Not only the tale, but the settings, the characters, and the pull on your heartstrings, this book has them all in abundance.
December 20, 2019
Excellent
I have read Annelie Wendeberg books before and this lived up to her other books. The characters were unique and most enjoyable and I shall certainly look forward to read more of the series.
I have read Annelie Wendeberg books before and this lived up to her other books. The characters were unique and most enjoyable and I shall certainly look forward to read more of the series.
February 24, 2021
Interesting plot. Love the setting. The relationship between Olivia and Cevere makes it important to find out how that will turn out, plus the murder...many mysteries to unravel. I’m so looking forward to book # 3
February 22, 2018
Wonderful read!
Love kick ass heroines and Annelie Wendeberg never fails to deliver strong, unique female characters. Can't wait for the next installment!
Love kick ass heroines and Annelie Wendeberg never fails to deliver strong, unique female characters. Can't wait for the next installment!
March 25, 2018
A very good read if you are interested in 18th century mystery. Not only do you have the mystery but how life was back then.
April 7, 2018
Gavriel and Olivia return
This time Gavriel is on trial for the murder of Johnson and it is up to Olivia to act as detective and find the facts to prove him innocent.
This time Gavriel is on trial for the murder of Johnson and it is up to Olivia to act as detective and find the facts to prove him innocent.
May 28, 2018
Addictive
I am enjoying the author and her strong kick ass female characters. Bouncing between series but easy as her writing is great.
I am enjoying the author and her strong kick ass female characters. Bouncing between series but easy as her writing is great.
July 6, 2018
A very good story
A story of gripping drama well written by an observant author to the Victorian period. Well worth anybody's time who likes a good read.
A story of gripping drama well written by an observant author to the Victorian period. Well worth anybody's time who likes a good read.
November 29, 2019
A nice read and 100 times better than it's predecessor
August 21, 2025
This one was by far the best book in the series!
April 17, 2021
Wow - another wonderful read and I gobbled it up! This new series is pretty fabulous! I have so many other books to read and yet I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait for #3 of this series. I'm in love with the characters and whole yes, it is a bit unbelievable given it's the 1880s, but who cares? It's just a great mystery and a very good novel!
March 29, 2022
Another great book and still not for the sensitive or faint of heart as it’s still VERY sexually explicit in parts.
Unfortunately it’s littered with Americanisms which set my teeth on edge!! I don’t know if it’s the fault of publisher or author but when you write about English characters IN England then you need to get the words and spellings RIGHT!! Couple of spelling mistakes too but it’s the Americanisms that I really cannot stand!……
These Americanisms aside, a great plot with Severe being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and Olivia as acting lead Detective to free her husband.
You’re on edge until the very last minute when the true killer is revealed.
The relationship between Olivia and Gavriel is still somewhat strained as both fight their true feelings for each other. Sometimes you just want to bang their heads together! They are madly in love but Gavriel won’t tell Olivia as he knows she will push him away as “love” terrifies her……. Olivia won’t admit to herself or anyone else that she’s in love with Gavriel as she thinks it makes her vulnerable and weak. Hopefully the next book will have these two sort it out and stop being so hung up on the past!
If they don’t, then my offer of banging their heads together still stands!
Unfortunately it’s littered with Americanisms which set my teeth on edge!! I don’t know if it’s the fault of publisher or author but when you write about English characters IN England then you need to get the words and spellings RIGHT!! Couple of spelling mistakes too but it’s the Americanisms that I really cannot stand!……
These Americanisms aside, a great plot with Severe being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and Olivia as acting lead Detective to free her husband.
You’re on edge until the very last minute when the true killer is revealed.
The relationship between Olivia and Gavriel is still somewhat strained as both fight their true feelings for each other. Sometimes you just want to bang their heads together! They are madly in love but Gavriel won’t tell Olivia as he knows she will push him away as “love” terrifies her……. Olivia won’t admit to herself or anyone else that she’s in love with Gavriel as she thinks it makes her vulnerable and weak. Hopefully the next book will have these two sort it out and stop being so hung up on the past!
If they don’t, then my offer of banging their heads together still stands!
July 30, 2017
Read number 2 close on the heels of number 1. Ooh boy.. the darkness... but great stuff. Can't wait for number 3. Only in 2018 though. Will have to console myself with some of her other books in the mean time ☺
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