The Anatomist's Apprentice: a gripping mystery that combines the intrigue of CSI with 18th-century history (Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries) - Softcover

Tessa Harris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472118634 ISBN 13: 9781472118639

Publisher: Constable, 2015

Synopsis

The death of Lord Edward Crick has unleashed a torrent of gossip through the seedy taverns and elegant ballrooms of Oxfordshire. Few mourn the dissolute young man-except his sister, the beautiful Lady Lydia Farrell. When her husband comes under suspicion of murder, she seeks expert help from Dr. Thomas Silkstone, a young anatomist and pioneering forensic detective from Philadelphia.

Thomas arrived in England to study under its foremost surgeon, the aging Dr. Carruthers, and finds his unconventional methods and dedication to the grisly study of anatomy only add to his outsider status. Against his better judgment he agrees to examine Sir Edward's decomposing corpse, examining his internal and external state, as well as the unusual behavior of those still living in the Crick household.
Thomas soon learns that it is not only the dead but also the living to whom he must apply the keen blade of his intellect. And the deeper the doctor's investigations go, the greater the risk that he will be consigned to the ranks of the corpses he studies.

About this title

From the Author

When I was five years old, I visited the dungeons of an old castle with my parents. The guide was telling us about the oubliette, the place where they threw prisoners and literally forgot about them. Without warning he turned the light off, plunging the space into darkness. We were blind for a few moments. But instead of terrifying me, the experience had the opposite effect. I wanted to know more about people, lives, events from the past. So,from a very early age, I loved history: buildings, books, stories.

I went on to read History at Oxford University and qualified as a journalist and editor, contributing to several national publications such as The Times and The Telegraph. I also acted as a literary publicist for the English TV presenter and novelist Pam Rhodes.

Winning a European-wide screenplay writing competition led to the optioning of a screenplay. (Here's where the history comes in.) Set in 18th century England, it highlighted what has to be one of the most fascinating periods of England's past. The screenplay languished in what's known as development hell, but I was determined to tell some of the stories I'd discovered during my researches into the period. The result is "The Anatomist's Apprentice," the first of a series of Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries - stories from late 18th century England that are based on true stories.

Until last December I was editor of a regional glossy magazine and was regularly heard on BBC local radio. As well interviewing dozens of celebrities, I interviewed writers at literary events in front of audiences. My most recent interviews were with Oscar winner Julian Fellowes (screenplay for Gosford Park), Barbara Taylor Bradford and Hollywood legend Leslie Caron.

From the Back Cover

"From dissection table to drawing room, this visit to late eighteenth-century England is chock full of intriguing twists and turns."
--Kate Emerson

'"A deftly plotted debut. Just when you think the puzzle is solved, [Harris] reveals yet another surprising twist which leaves you marveling...."
         --Carol Carr, author of India Black

  "CSI meets The Age of Reason with a well-drawn, intriguing cast of characters...
Vivid details pulled me right into the world of early forensic sleuthing. A page turner!"
--Karen Harper
 
"Tessa Harris takes us on a fascinating journey."
 -Victoria Thompson, author of Murder on Sisters' Row

Edition details

• Publisher: Constable
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1472118634
• ISBN 13: 9781472118639
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320