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Gabriel Taverner Mystery #5
The Cargo From Neira
What do a desperate woman with a secret, a dead man in a drainage ditch and a dark figure in the night have in common? Physician-sleuth Dr Gabriel Taverner has to connect the dots before time runs out in this thrilling historical mystery.
February, 1605. A series of killings shake the quiet life of Devon's Tavy valley. Country doctor Gabriel Taverner, summoned by the coroner to examine the bodies, believes that the murders are somehow connected to the mysterious woman recently discovered in shocking circumstances.
Gabriel is determined to solve the mystery, and soon uncovers clues that link his unexpected patient to the brutal killings. Prominent among them is the strange and recurring theme of nutmegs. A precious spice from far-flung islands in a distant sea and already in demand, its high cost is increasing daily since the rumour has spread that it is a cure for the plague . . .
Gabriel finds himself caught in a deadly rivalry involving a greater prize and more ruthless players than he could have imagined. Fighting to protect his family and friends from dangerous involvement in this savage race, will he be able to emerge alive?
February, 1605. A series of killings shake the quiet life of Devon's Tavy valley. Country doctor Gabriel Taverner, summoned by the coroner to examine the bodies, believes that the murders are somehow connected to the mysterious woman recently discovered in shocking circumstances.
Gabriel is determined to solve the mystery, and soon uncovers clues that link his unexpected patient to the brutal killings. Prominent among them is the strange and recurring theme of nutmegs. A precious spice from far-flung islands in a distant sea and already in demand, its high cost is increasing daily since the rumour has spread that it is a cure for the plague . . .
Gabriel finds himself caught in a deadly rivalry involving a greater prize and more ruthless players than he could have imagined. Fighting to protect his family and friends from dangerous involvement in this savage race, will he be able to emerge alive?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
14 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Alys Clare
46 books222 followersAlys Clare is the pen name used by Elizabeth Harris for the Hawkenlye series of historical mysteries.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 15, 2023
It’s 1605, and Devon’s Tavy valley is where sleuth and country doctor, Gabriel Taverner puts himself and his household in danger, when he takes in and cares for a young woman who has attempted suicide in a nearby lake. Suicide is illegal, and if it were discovered that Gabriel had tried to hide that fact he would be in serious trouble. Additionally, the woman appears to have been terrified of something and was trying to escape from that something or someone, which in itself brings danger to this quiet idyllic spot.
The woman appears to be connected to a man found dead in a drainage ditch and a mysterious figure who is seen in the middle of the night peering through the window of Gabriel’s home.
Gabriel begins to uncover clues to these links, and finds that the spice nutmeg seems to be a recurring and connecting theme. Nutmeg is becoming more valuable by the day, not least because it’s thought to be a cure for the plague.
Further clues lead Gabriel into much danger when other murders appear to be connected with the man in the drainage ditch, and therefore the woman he has nursed back to health.
With authentic period detail, skilful writing, and characters who compliment the plot, ‘The Cargo from Neira’ engrossed me right from the start.
*Thank you to Severn House for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
The woman appears to be connected to a man found dead in a drainage ditch and a mysterious figure who is seen in the middle of the night peering through the window of Gabriel’s home.
Gabriel begins to uncover clues to these links, and finds that the spice nutmeg seems to be a recurring and connecting theme. Nutmeg is becoming more valuable by the day, not least because it’s thought to be a cure for the plague.
Further clues lead Gabriel into much danger when other murders appear to be connected with the man in the drainage ditch, and therefore the woman he has nursed back to health.
With authentic period detail, skilful writing, and characters who compliment the plot, ‘The Cargo from Neira’ engrossed me right from the start.
*Thank you to Severn House for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
July 4, 2023
Alys Clare is the prolific author of several historical mystery series. They cover differing time periods but share the elements of strongly delineated characters, historical accuracy, and well developed plots connected to political concerns in each era.” The Cargo from Neira,” the fifth in the Gabriel Taverner offerings, combines a dash of skulking and skulduggery with strong historical underpinnings.
Gabriel Taverner is a country doctor who lives in Devon in 1605. He was a ship’s surgeon until an illness consigned him to a land based practice. His seafaring background has broadened his outlook in both scientific endeavor and worldwide overview.The Jacobean era was a time of literary and scientific awakening that intersected with older religious traditions and political paranoia surfacing during the reign of the recently crowned King.Gabriel’s personality is an amalgam of these conflicting political and social currents. His responses and solutions to events provide a snapshot of the tensions swirling during that unsettled era.
Gabriel is summoned at dawn to a riverbank on a snowy day to examine the body of a young woman who might have committed suicide. Fortuitously, the woman is resuscitated and Gabriel brings her to his home to monitor her recovery. The woman’s presence in Gabriel’s household and her closely guarded bag of nutmegs plummets Gabriel into a maelstrom of deceit rooted in the struggle for commercial and naval hegemony among European powers.
The depiction of Jacobean geopolitics folded into a well plotted mystery has produced a satisfying read for aficionados of this genre.
Gabriel Taverner is a country doctor who lives in Devon in 1605. He was a ship’s surgeon until an illness consigned him to a land based practice. His seafaring background has broadened his outlook in both scientific endeavor and worldwide overview.The Jacobean era was a time of literary and scientific awakening that intersected with older religious traditions and political paranoia surfacing during the reign of the recently crowned King.Gabriel’s personality is an amalgam of these conflicting political and social currents. His responses and solutions to events provide a snapshot of the tensions swirling during that unsettled era.
Gabriel is summoned at dawn to a riverbank on a snowy day to examine the body of a young woman who might have committed suicide. Fortuitously, the woman is resuscitated and Gabriel brings her to his home to monitor her recovery. The woman’s presence in Gabriel’s household and her closely guarded bag of nutmegs plummets Gabriel into a maelstrom of deceit rooted in the struggle for commercial and naval hegemony among European powers.
The depiction of Jacobean geopolitics folded into a well plotted mystery has produced a satisfying read for aficionados of this genre.
May 7, 2023
4.5 stars
This is one of my favorite historical mystery series, so I was delighted to read this latest installment. And I was not disappointed at all.
The story opens in February 1605 with the coroner's chief investigator, Jarman Hodge, dragging our good doctor Gabriel Taverner out of bed at the crack of dawn to embark on a very clandestine mission. Hodge had discovered the body of a young woman who had apparently taken her own life. A verdict of suicide would lead to dire fates for both victim and victim's family. Hodge wanted Gabe's help in covering up the crime. The suicide concerns become moot when they that the young woman is alive and Gabe is determined to help her stay that way.
Before Gabe can confess all to the coroner,Theo Davey, he's called to examine the body of an unknown man found dead in a cesspool. The cause of death was a blow to the head, but why were several nutmegs stuffed into his mouth? What connection did the very rare and costly spice have to do with murder?
The death of another man and threats against the mysterious young woman lead Gabe into a world of national shipping companies vying for trade in the distant East Indies--the source islands for nutmeg and other rare spices. The profits to be made would be immense, thus the cutthroat competition.
I found the mystery to be quite satisfying, with no trace of the other-worldly that drove the previous two books. I loved being around Gabe, his clever sister Celia, and their friends--vicar Jonathan Carew, and midwife Judyth Penwarden. And Sallie, housekeeper/cook extraordinaire, whom I would hire in a heartbeat.
The story takes a turn towards the end that I did not foresee at all, leaving me very curious about how the author will carry the series forward. (Not a spoiler--she doesn't kill off any of our main characters). I guess I'll just have to wait and see...
This is one of my favorite historical mystery series, so I was delighted to read this latest installment. And I was not disappointed at all.
The story opens in February 1605 with the coroner's chief investigator, Jarman Hodge, dragging our good doctor Gabriel Taverner out of bed at the crack of dawn to embark on a very clandestine mission. Hodge had discovered the body of a young woman who had apparently taken her own life. A verdict of suicide would lead to dire fates for both victim and victim's family. Hodge wanted Gabe's help in covering up the crime. The suicide concerns become moot when they that the young woman is alive and Gabe is determined to help her stay that way.
Before Gabe can confess all to the coroner,Theo Davey, he's called to examine the body of an unknown man found dead in a cesspool. The cause of death was a blow to the head, but why were several nutmegs stuffed into his mouth? What connection did the very rare and costly spice have to do with murder?
The death of another man and threats against the mysterious young woman lead Gabe into a world of national shipping companies vying for trade in the distant East Indies--the source islands for nutmeg and other rare spices. The profits to be made would be immense, thus the cutthroat competition.
I found the mystery to be quite satisfying, with no trace of the other-worldly that drove the previous two books. I loved being around Gabe, his clever sister Celia, and their friends--vicar Jonathan Carew, and midwife Judyth Penwarden. And Sallie, housekeeper/cook extraordinaire, whom I would hire in a heartbeat.
The story takes a turn towards the end that I did not foresee at all, leaving me very curious about how the author will carry the series forward. (Not a spoiler--she doesn't kill off any of our main characters). I guess I'll just have to wait and see...
April 16, 2023
Alys Clare's Gabriel Taverner historical mystery series is one of my go-to choices when I'm wanting some light, entertaining reading. The series has been running long enough that all the characters have well developed back stories, and Clare generally provides context in non-heavy-handed ways, so those new to the series can begin with whatever volume they find first. At this point the stories are set in the Jacobean era, but at moments look back to the reign of Elizabeth I.
These mysteries are more about the people engaged in solving them, rather than the complexity of the mystery itself. Clare doesn't include a lot of red herrings. Instead she leaves us to walk along her characters as they sort the puzzle out.
The Cargo from Neira opens with the discovery of the body of a woman, a suicide, along a riverbank in deep, snowy winter. The sheriff's assistant arrives shortly before dawn at Taverner's home, asking the physician to accompany him back to the body. Something odd is going on—and it turns out that he has decided to hide the evidence of the attempted suicide, given the harsh penalties, both economic and religious, for suicides and those they leave behind. Hiding the suicide attempt means that both men put themselves at risk of criminal persecution.
Unexpectedly, the supposedly dead woman is revived and taken to Taverner's home for care, where she is revealed to be pregnant. On the one hand, this may dispel some of the risk involved in concealing the suicide, since it was an attempted, but not successful, act. On the other hand, the woman's pregnancy means that she could be considered guilty of attempted murder, since her unborn child would surely have died if she had succeeded. This dilemma gives the book some interesting weight and ethical questions.
The woman is terrified. Unusual murders begin to occur in the area. And the mystery is somehow connected to nutmeg, a spice being newly imported into England. The price of nutmeg was already high because of its rarity. Now unscrupulous quacks are claiming nutmeg will cure the plague, so the price skyrockets even higher. Of course, nutmeg reaches England via ship, and that leads Taverner to wax nostalgic over his years spent as a ship's surgeon...
That's the set-up. As I've indicated, the plot works more because of the developing relationships among the book's characters than because of a complex whodunnit—but it works. My selfish worry as this novel ended was whether Taverner would return to work as a ship's doctor. For whatever reason, I find shipboard mysteries much less compelling than land-based ones, so I'm worried that upcoming volumes may engage me less, but I trust Clare to keep delivering well developed characters and solid plotting.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the published via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
These mysteries are more about the people engaged in solving them, rather than the complexity of the mystery itself. Clare doesn't include a lot of red herrings. Instead she leaves us to walk along her characters as they sort the puzzle out.
The Cargo from Neira opens with the discovery of the body of a woman, a suicide, along a riverbank in deep, snowy winter. The sheriff's assistant arrives shortly before dawn at Taverner's home, asking the physician to accompany him back to the body. Something odd is going on—and it turns out that he has decided to hide the evidence of the attempted suicide, given the harsh penalties, both economic and religious, for suicides and those they leave behind. Hiding the suicide attempt means that both men put themselves at risk of criminal persecution.
Unexpectedly, the supposedly dead woman is revived and taken to Taverner's home for care, where she is revealed to be pregnant. On the one hand, this may dispel some of the risk involved in concealing the suicide, since it was an attempted, but not successful, act. On the other hand, the woman's pregnancy means that she could be considered guilty of attempted murder, since her unborn child would surely have died if she had succeeded. This dilemma gives the book some interesting weight and ethical questions.
The woman is terrified. Unusual murders begin to occur in the area. And the mystery is somehow connected to nutmeg, a spice being newly imported into England. The price of nutmeg was already high because of its rarity. Now unscrupulous quacks are claiming nutmeg will cure the plague, so the price skyrockets even higher. Of course, nutmeg reaches England via ship, and that leads Taverner to wax nostalgic over his years spent as a ship's surgeon...
That's the set-up. As I've indicated, the plot works more because of the developing relationships among the book's characters than because of a complex whodunnit—but it works. My selfish worry as this novel ended was whether Taverner would return to work as a ship's doctor. For whatever reason, I find shipboard mysteries much less compelling than land-based ones, so I'm worried that upcoming volumes may engage me less, but I trust Clare to keep delivering well developed characters and solid plotting.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the published via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
February 11, 2024
3.5 stars - Could have been higher, but often there are many words strung across the page that could have been pared down for a more satisfying reading experience.
This adventure of a ship's surgeon who tries to live on land with family and friends points to a challenging decision for the doctor in the end. Land or Sea...what will it be? Nutmeg and other treasures are one of the focuses that causes dangerous conflict, but then there is also the safety of the pregnant young woman helped by the doctor but then kidnapped.
This author has a number of series going. This is the third one from the Taverner series I have read.
Library Loan
This adventure of a ship's surgeon who tries to live on land with family and friends points to a challenging decision for the doctor in the end. Land or Sea...what will it be? Nutmeg and other treasures are one of the focuses that causes dangerous conflict, but then there is also the safety of the pregnant young woman helped by the doctor but then kidnapped.
This author has a number of series going. This is the third one from the Taverner series I have read.
Library Loan
April 13, 2023
All that glitters!______4 1/2 stars
Gabriel Tavernier, ex-ship’s surgeon turned country doctor who also conducts autopsies for the local Coroner, Theo Davey is called out by Jarman Hodge. The coroner’s assistant, wants Gabe to aid him with a drowned woman, a suicide. He hasn’t notified the coroner but instead comes to Gabe. Why? A moment of compassion? The treatment of suicides and their families subsequently is barbaric at this time. For some reason, and we never quite know why, Hodge wants to avoid this. Disquieted, Gabe agrees, although against his better judgement. He’s troubled at the thought of not fully revealing the situation to the coroner. He’s uncomfortable that this might strain their relationship. Only as they are moving the woman she coughs up water! She’s alive! Now it’s a race to save a woman who wishes to die.
When Gabe takes the woman into his home for care, he unknowingly brings danger and intrigue into the household. A break-in that night is narrowly thwarted. He worries for his sister Celia and the midwife Judyth whom he’s become fond of.
Another two men are murdered in the next few days. One man has had objects forced down his throat. It turns out to be nutmeg! At this time nutmeg is worth more than gold. A missing map is found. Everything’s pointing to the murders somehow being involved with riches beyond dreams.
Gabe follows leads and finds murmurs of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the London Company supported by powerful merchants. Both ruthless in their pursuit of the treasure the spice market is. It’s 1605. The international politics of the time are fascinating, as are the church and its doctrines.
The ending is surprising, and yet not so much. What the future holds for Gabe left me on edge.
Nicely paced, a gripping tale that has it all—danger, intrigue, seemingly mystical / magical influences, indeed the stuff of dreams, both good and bad!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Gabriel Tavernier, ex-ship’s surgeon turned country doctor who also conducts autopsies for the local Coroner, Theo Davey is called out by Jarman Hodge. The coroner’s assistant, wants Gabe to aid him with a drowned woman, a suicide. He hasn’t notified the coroner but instead comes to Gabe. Why? A moment of compassion? The treatment of suicides and their families subsequently is barbaric at this time. For some reason, and we never quite know why, Hodge wants to avoid this. Disquieted, Gabe agrees, although against his better judgement. He’s troubled at the thought of not fully revealing the situation to the coroner. He’s uncomfortable that this might strain their relationship. Only as they are moving the woman she coughs up water! She’s alive! Now it’s a race to save a woman who wishes to die.
When Gabe takes the woman into his home for care, he unknowingly brings danger and intrigue into the household. A break-in that night is narrowly thwarted. He worries for his sister Celia and the midwife Judyth whom he’s become fond of.
Another two men are murdered in the next few days. One man has had objects forced down his throat. It turns out to be nutmeg! At this time nutmeg is worth more than gold. A missing map is found. Everything’s pointing to the murders somehow being involved with riches beyond dreams.
Gabe follows leads and finds murmurs of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the London Company supported by powerful merchants. Both ruthless in their pursuit of the treasure the spice market is. It’s 1605. The international politics of the time are fascinating, as are the church and its doctrines.
The ending is surprising, and yet not so much. What the future holds for Gabe left me on edge.
Nicely paced, a gripping tale that has it all—danger, intrigue, seemingly mystical / magical influences, indeed the stuff of dreams, both good and bad!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
January 22, 2023
I did not know this book was part of a series when I first started reading. The cozy care and interaction between the characters in the household of Dr. Tavernor reeled me in. Murders, maps, and a houseguest who needs protection propel you into this historically detailed and credible 1600’s era mystery in a coastal English country town. And then you find out the doctor was forced to leave his position as a ship’s doctor by an injury, and cannot help but dream of going back out to sea…A comfort read if you like history, mystery, and the spirit of adventure. The rest of the Dr. Tavernor books are now on my want to read list!
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC to be published 5/2/23
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC to be published 5/2/23
April 19, 2024
This wasn’t my favourite story in the series. Usually I devour these in just one or two sittings, but this book took me longer to get into. I enjoyed the trade angle, bringing new spices such as mace and nutmeg from the east, and even tea makes an appearance as a brand new commodity. But the characters seem stuck. We didn’t get much of Sallie in this book, and I love her. What is going on with Jonathon and Celia? And don’t even get me started on Gabe and Judith. The very last chapter at least hints that if there is another book, it might be quite a different one.
April 21, 2023
Nutmeg. How does nutmeg unite an attempted suicide and several murders in what has otherwise been a quiet seaside town? It's 1605 and Gabriel Taverner, a ships surgeon now ashore, is called to attend to a woman who tried to commit suicide- a crime- and who, it turns out is pregnant - making it a potential double crime. She's got a story to tell but then the bodies start turning up and Taverner finds himself following a trail of competition between shipping companies and greed. Fans of the series will be pleased with this latest installment but new readers should know that this will be just fine on its own. I admit to spending a bit of time on additional research (I got interested in, well, nutmeg), which added to my enjoyment of the novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.
March 8, 2023
1605 near Portsmouth, England.
It began with a woman's failed attempt at suicide and progressed through all the issues of the catholic church, the intense rivalry of the shipping industries, and the horrors that greed and the spice trade could do.
I learned a lot about the time period as well as the personal history of the doctor himself.
As a historical cozy mystery, I thought it was a real winner! All the important elements plus lessons in a time of history I am only minimally acquainted with, and realistic characters with interesting backgrounds and presence.
This is the first I've read in series but that did not decrease my enjoyment at all!
I requested and received an EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
It began with a woman's failed attempt at suicide and progressed through all the issues of the catholic church, the intense rivalry of the shipping industries, and the horrors that greed and the spice trade could do.
I learned a lot about the time period as well as the personal history of the doctor himself.
As a historical cozy mystery, I thought it was a real winner! All the important elements plus lessons in a time of history I am only minimally acquainted with, and realistic characters with interesting backgrounds and presence.
This is the first I've read in series but that did not decrease my enjoyment at all!
I requested and received an EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 21, 2023
Called out on a cold February night, physician Gabriel Taverner is shocked when the supposed suicide turns out to be alive. The woman is terrified and in her possession is a bag full of nutmegs, a prized commodity in early 17th century. However when men start getting murdered Taverner realises there is a bigger plot here, one that involves rich merchants and the rival London and Dutch Companies keen to exploit the wealth in spices from far away.
I haven't read any of Clare's books before and approached this one thinking it was going to be a bit lightweight and probably mildly entertaining. I was completely wrong! This is a fast-paced story with huge political plots. Yes, the sense of time is weak but the sense of place is strong and the characters actually quite well-rounded. To say this is the 5th book in a series I didn't feel that I'd come late to a party, just that I really liked the book.
I haven't read any of Clare's books before and approached this one thinking it was going to be a bit lightweight and probably mildly entertaining. I was completely wrong! This is a fast-paced story with huge political plots. Yes, the sense of time is weak but the sense of place is strong and the characters actually quite well-rounded. To say this is the 5th book in a series I didn't feel that I'd come late to a party, just that I really liked the book.
May 12, 2023
Another intriguing and well plotted mystery featuring Gabriel Taverner, a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me guessing till the end.
Fleshed out and interesting characters, a vivid and well researched historical backgroun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Fleshed out and interesting characters, a vivid and well researched historical backgroun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
March 27, 2023
This is the next book in the brilliant Gabriel Taverner series and it does not disappoint. One is always guaranteed an interesting and tangled mystery with this author, in each of these books, I learn something new and here Gabe becomes immersed in murder which he unravels with the usual list of characters we have come to love. In this book we discover the rare and precious commodity that is the nutmeg , the animosity between the countries trying to gain footholds in far flung lands and further the wealth of the merchants.. This is a series which gives a bit more insight into the push for Empire against the Spanish, Portugese and Dutch. Brilliant writing and I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review The Cargo from Neira. Highly recommended
May 3, 2023
1605 An attempted suicide is saved and taken to Doctor Gabriel Taverner's home. But Artemis Brownyng is pregnant and unmarried. But she can pay with nutmegs, a rare commodity. Is there a connection to the body of Malin Piltbone who's mouth was full of nutmegs. But this will not be the last of the killings. Can Taverner find the motives and solve the mysteries. But what is the real plan.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of The Cargo from Neira, the fifth novel to feature Dr. Gabriel Taverner, set in the Plymouth area in 1605.
Gabriel wonders if the recent murders he and coroner, Theo Davy, are investigating are linked to the young woman he found in distressing circumstances. He soon finds links to the lucrative trade in nutmeg and the deadly hunt among various factions for a missing cargo.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cargo from Neira, which has an exciting plot and a wealth of detail on trade in 17th century. The thought of trade detail may put some readers off, but it’s integral to the plot and very informative. I was aware of how valuable nutmeg was at the time and the hazards of procuring it, but this puts flesh on the bones and offers relevancy. I was impressed by how the author builds a good plot around it.
The plot offers all sorts of excitement including, but not restricted to, murder, skulking strangers and mystery. In fact, the final few chapters are the tensest of all, but I won’t say why. It is told most from Gabriel’s first person point of view, which allows the reader a more intimate look at events and gets them more immersed in the story. And what a story it is, so I was engrossed, wondering what would come next and crossing my fingers for a good outcome.
I like Gabriel Taverner, who is a man of science in a superstitious and religious age. He doesn’t have much to work with in terms of medical tools, but he’s smart enough to use traditional medicine to bolster what he does have. He’s dedicated to healing his patients but also determined to solve the murders that come his way as the coroner’s medical consultant.
The Cargo from Neira is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Gabriel wonders if the recent murders he and coroner, Theo Davy, are investigating are linked to the young woman he found in distressing circumstances. He soon finds links to the lucrative trade in nutmeg and the deadly hunt among various factions for a missing cargo.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cargo from Neira, which has an exciting plot and a wealth of detail on trade in 17th century. The thought of trade detail may put some readers off, but it’s integral to the plot and very informative. I was aware of how valuable nutmeg was at the time and the hazards of procuring it, but this puts flesh on the bones and offers relevancy. I was impressed by how the author builds a good plot around it.
The plot offers all sorts of excitement including, but not restricted to, murder, skulking strangers and mystery. In fact, the final few chapters are the tensest of all, but I won’t say why. It is told most from Gabriel’s first person point of view, which allows the reader a more intimate look at events and gets them more immersed in the story. And what a story it is, so I was engrossed, wondering what would come next and crossing my fingers for a good outcome.
I like Gabriel Taverner, who is a man of science in a superstitious and religious age. He doesn’t have much to work with in terms of medical tools, but he’s smart enough to use traditional medicine to bolster what he does have. He’s dedicated to healing his patients but also determined to solve the murders that come his way as the coroner’s medical consultant.
The Cargo from Neira is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 25, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Cargo From Neira is the 5th Gabriel Taverner historical mystery by Alys Clare. Released 2nd May 2023 by Severn House, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. (Paperback format due out in 2nd quarter 2024 from the same publisher). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
Set during the reign of James I, a spate of killings and a desperate woman fleeing for her life soon involve Dr. Gabriel Taverner and his household in skullduggery and larger machinations.
The plot is well paced and constructed and I was engaged from the beginning. The characterizations are top notch, the dialogue is accessible and the author manages to suffuse the speech with verisimilitude without sacrificing clarity for modern readers.
Since it's the 5th book in a continuing series, some of the interrelationships and character backgrounds will be spoiled by being read out of order, but the mystery and denoument are (mostly) self contained in this volume and could be read as a standalone.
With a well established series like this one, it would make a great choice for a binge/buddy read, or a mystery bookclub selection.
Four and a half stars. A very well crafted mystery. Fans of Andrea Penrose, Candace Robb, et. al. will be delighted with this author.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Cargo From Neira is the 5th Gabriel Taverner historical mystery by Alys Clare. Released 2nd May 2023 by Severn House, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. (Paperback format due out in 2nd quarter 2024 from the same publisher). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
Set during the reign of James I, a spate of killings and a desperate woman fleeing for her life soon involve Dr. Gabriel Taverner and his household in skullduggery and larger machinations.
The plot is well paced and constructed and I was engaged from the beginning. The characterizations are top notch, the dialogue is accessible and the author manages to suffuse the speech with verisimilitude without sacrificing clarity for modern readers.
Since it's the 5th book in a continuing series, some of the interrelationships and character backgrounds will be spoiled by being read out of order, but the mystery and denoument are (mostly) self contained in this volume and could be read as a standalone.
With a well established series like this one, it would make a great choice for a binge/buddy read, or a mystery bookclub selection.
Four and a half stars. A very well crafted mystery. Fans of Andrea Penrose, Candace Robb, et. al. will be delighted with this author.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 16, 2023
4.5 stars for this wonderful historical mystery, set in 17th century Devon. Former ship’s doctor Gabriel Taverner is a great character, and Alys Clare has created a host of interesting recurring characters in this series.
I’ve learned a lot of interesting information about this period of history from this series, such as the unimaginable wealth to be realized by importing rare spices from the exotic islands of the Far East. Believe it or not, the cargo of the title was nutmeg - now a common baking spice, but back then, available only from the Indonesian Banda Islands, thought to have healing properties. Not to be taken lightly, when the plague still stalked Europe.
This mystery opens with a shocking discovery on a freezing, snowy February morning- a woman in the nearby river. She’s still alive, and Dr. Taverner takes her in, and he and his household make her well. But soon, a dead man is found in a foul sewage canal, with his mouth full of nutmegs. Then another man found beheaded - Gabriel and his friend Theo Davey, the local coroner, think the murder must somehow be connected, but how?
It was a very interesting mystery with the background of the ruthless warring factions of Dutch East India Company vs. British East India Company. It ended with a bit of a cliffhanger- the mystery was solved, all the questions answered, but Gabe Taverner taking a new direction. I hope this isn’t the end of this delightful series.
I’ve learned a lot of interesting information about this period of history from this series, such as the unimaginable wealth to be realized by importing rare spices from the exotic islands of the Far East. Believe it or not, the cargo of the title was nutmeg - now a common baking spice, but back then, available only from the Indonesian Banda Islands, thought to have healing properties. Not to be taken lightly, when the plague still stalked Europe.
This mystery opens with a shocking discovery on a freezing, snowy February morning- a woman in the nearby river. She’s still alive, and Dr. Taverner takes her in, and he and his household make her well. But soon, a dead man is found in a foul sewage canal, with his mouth full of nutmegs. Then another man found beheaded - Gabriel and his friend Theo Davey, the local coroner, think the murder must somehow be connected, but how?
It was a very interesting mystery with the background of the ruthless warring factions of Dutch East India Company vs. British East India Company. It ended with a bit of a cliffhanger- the mystery was solved, all the questions answered, but Gabe Taverner taking a new direction. I hope this isn’t the end of this delightful series.
May 5, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Cargo from Neira. All opinions and comments are my own.
The lengths that men will go for a spice touted as a cure against the plague and even as a “weapon of invincibility,” a lesson on what suicides could expect, and the lure of the sea form the backdrop for The Cargo from Neira, the fifth book in the Gabriel Taverner historical mystery series from Alys Clare. And “…there’s more to come,” as Gabe’s friend Theo the coroner tells us. How right he is.
The bodies pile up before Doctor Taverner figures out a complex puzzle involving the near priceless cargo, an unhappy woman used as a bargaining tool and national companies vying for international trade, stopping at nothing -- even murder. Taverner’s in the middle of it all, finishing everything off in what is really a rather abrupt ending; gee, maybe author Clare was late for a bus, I dunno, but everything was brought to a (rather) downbeat finish awfully quickly.
But we’re not quite done; ‘tis time for Gabe’s life to take on a different direction, which he shares with family and friends. All ends are tidied up, and he will soon be off to a new adventure. I’m sure that wherever Gabriel Taverner turns up, Alyse Clare has plans to make it a mystery, which the good doctor will be eager to solve.
The lengths that men will go for a spice touted as a cure against the plague and even as a “weapon of invincibility,” a lesson on what suicides could expect, and the lure of the sea form the backdrop for The Cargo from Neira, the fifth book in the Gabriel Taverner historical mystery series from Alys Clare. And “…there’s more to come,” as Gabe’s friend Theo the coroner tells us. How right he is.
The bodies pile up before Doctor Taverner figures out a complex puzzle involving the near priceless cargo, an unhappy woman used as a bargaining tool and national companies vying for international trade, stopping at nothing -- even murder. Taverner’s in the middle of it all, finishing everything off in what is really a rather abrupt ending; gee, maybe author Clare was late for a bus, I dunno, but everything was brought to a (rather) downbeat finish awfully quickly.
But we’re not quite done; ‘tis time for Gabe’s life to take on a different direction, which he shares with family and friends. All ends are tidied up, and he will soon be off to a new adventure. I’m sure that wherever Gabriel Taverner turns up, Alyse Clare has plans to make it a mystery, which the good doctor will be eager to solve.
July 22, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
This is the latest in the excellent Gabriel Taverner mystery series by Alys Clare.
As is usual for a series whose main character is tasked with helping the local coroner with unexplained deaths, there are a number of dead bodies that lead to a mystery that revolves around nutmegs (which were apparently worth at least their weight in gold in the early 1600s).
There is a damsel in distress, there's a mysterious ship, and a treasure map, all woven into the well-established world of Gabriel and his family and friends.
I'm sure that a lot of research goes into the background of these books - the characters, their lives, and all the details of the world are extremely immersive and realistic.
I do think a reader will get more out of the book if they have read one or two others in the series.
It seems like Gabriel may be thinking about a change in lifestyle - I look foward to future instalments.
This is the latest in the excellent Gabriel Taverner mystery series by Alys Clare.
As is usual for a series whose main character is tasked with helping the local coroner with unexplained deaths, there are a number of dead bodies that lead to a mystery that revolves around nutmegs (which were apparently worth at least their weight in gold in the early 1600s).
There is a damsel in distress, there's a mysterious ship, and a treasure map, all woven into the well-established world of Gabriel and his family and friends.
I'm sure that a lot of research goes into the background of these books - the characters, their lives, and all the details of the world are extremely immersive and realistic.
I do think a reader will get more out of the book if they have read one or two others in the series.
It seems like Gabriel may be thinking about a change in lifestyle - I look foward to future instalments.
January 30, 2023
The latest in the Gabe Taverner series is as well written and the mystery as neat as you would expect from Alys Clare, who has multiple strong series set in a wide array of time periods. Travel, trade, and an attempted suicide form the basis of this entry, which ends in a very dramatic change for Gabe and his friends and family. It will be fascinating to see what happens from here—and where and when whatever it is happens. I like that this series is set in the early 1600s, which I think is a period rather underrepresented in the historical mystery genre. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 6, 2023
Not one of the best in series. Gabriel was front and center but the other regulars never felt truly present this time...just passing through. The case involving trade with the far East sets Gabriel to longing for his earlier life as a world traveling ship's physician -the adventure! The story involves the maneuverings of the new London Merchant Far East Company to corner the trade in nutmegs which are seen as the new wonder drug- a plague preventative and valued spice and worth more than their weight in gold. Several murders are eventually sorted and the ending is intriguing with respect to the direction of the series in future.
March 11, 2024
Dr. Gabriel Taverner agrees to accompany Jarman Hodge to recover the body of an apparent suicide. As suicide was considered a sin, this was no small choice. Only the woman wasn't dead, and, with Gabe's care, recovered. But then two other men are found dead and it seems that they are somehow linked to Artemis, the recovering woman. When Artemis tries to pay Gabe with a bag of nutmeg, he is sure there is a link but just what and how he doesn't know.
Well written and a thoroughly likeable group of regular characters.
Well written and a thoroughly likeable group of regular characters.
November 5, 2024
This book would seem to be the end of Doctor T's life as an enforced landlubber. But before he made the crucial decision to return to sea since he made the delightful discovery that his earlier imposed malady was no longer an issue, he had to be put into some dangerous near~miss situations just because he revived an attempted suicide pregnant unmarried woman from a watery grave. It all began when Jarman, the coroner's wily investigator went to Gabriel first instead of Theo, upon rescuing an apparent suicide. Another GOOD readable mystery adventure.
Read
May 27, 2023Am reading this book (coincidentally) - just as am visiting the very region /islands where the source of intrigue ie nutmegs are grown .
A slowly moving tale sited around the old English pier , Plymouth . A kindly doctor takes care of an unwed pregnant woman and he is thrown into a web of killings as forceful men schemed to get their hands on a cargo of nutmegs - a cargo that is worth its weight in gold .
Wish some of these profits were returned to the islanders of the Banda Straits .
A slowly moving tale sited around the old English pier , Plymouth . A kindly doctor takes care of an unwed pregnant woman and he is thrown into a web of killings as forceful men schemed to get their hands on a cargo of nutmegs - a cargo that is worth its weight in gold .
Wish some of these profits were returned to the islanders of the Banda Straits .
April 11, 2024
A story of the first explorers and trade routes to the far side of the world. The extremely expensive and valuable spices first bought to England and the fights to control these trade routes.
A mystery that came to Dr Taverner’s doorstep and a suicide attempt that would lead to murder.
An exciting and mysterious time in history combines for a thrilling mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
A mystery that came to Dr Taverner’s doorstep and a suicide attempt that would lead to murder.
An exciting and mysterious time in history combines for a thrilling mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2024
The only way this book has a four star plus rating is because of faithful readers of the series who want more of the same and the author delivers. That is the main weak point of the Goodreads rating system. Series tend to get rating more highly than they would as individual books. This book is a poorly written dud. The setting and premise are intriguing but the characters are wooden, the plot is predictable and the author has no real style. It could be so much more.
April 3, 2025
I enjoyed Gabriel Taverner Book 5 but felt the quality of storytelling dropped off from Book 4. Too much of the plot was predicated on Taverner making "moral" decisions at the expense of common sense and one key plot point came about because this apparently very sensible man took an out of character and baffling decision.
Nonetheless an interesting read and I'm looking forward to picking up Book 6.
Nonetheless an interesting read and I'm looking forward to picking up Book 6.
December 25, 2025
This meandered all over the place, until a rather lacklustre denouement, and suddenly Gabriel's boarding a ship with the same people who DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED HIM???!
Make it make sense.
I know he misses the sea, but the abrupt "farewell forever, my friends and family" is hard to swallow in a matter of a few paragraphs. I'm gonna read the latest book and then quit forever. What the actual hell.
Make it make sense.
I know he misses the sea, but the abrupt "farewell forever, my friends and family" is hard to swallow in a matter of a few paragraphs. I'm gonna read the latest book and then quit forever. What the actual hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
Good Characters, but weak plot.
The Artemis character totally not needed, the first murder would have supported the narrative.
The disposition of the professional killer was like, "that's all it took?" not very dangerous.
eh, not sure if this is representative of the series.
Maybe its ending based on how the book ends.
The Artemis character totally not needed, the first murder would have supported the narrative.
The disposition of the professional killer was like, "that's all it took?" not very dangerous.
eh, not sure if this is representative of the series.
Maybe its ending based on how the book ends.
June 16, 2023
I love historical fiction as I learn tidbits of true history buried in the story. I never heard of the trade wars over nutmeg before. With a little further research I learned so much about this spice and it’s great value. Great read! The author has a wonderful literary talent in her writing skill. ❤️
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