'Gripping . . . Vividly evokes 17th-century Devon' Publishers Weekly

'An engaging cast and plenty of genuine suspense' Booklist Starred Review

Devon, 1607. Gabriel Taverner, former ship's surgeon turned country physician, is called to examine a rotting body found impaled on a blade. Identifying the corpse seems a hopeless task and the death is declared a suicide.

But Gabriel is not satisfied and re-examines the body - making the first of a series of shocking discoveries that will lead him deep into the dark underbelly of the lucrative silk trade. As he investigates, Gabriel realises that not only was the death a murder - but even worse, he had a personal connection with the corpse.

"Vividly imagined... Clare assembles a strong cast of characters." - * The Herald *

"Gripping . . . Vividly evokes 17th-century Devon. Characters who are complex individuals complement the well-paced and pleasantly twisty plot" - * Publishers Weekly *

"An engaging cast and plenty of genuine suspense will keep historical mystery devotees firmly in Clare's corner" - * Booklist Starred Review *