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Theft of Life Imogen Robertson Health Personal Care

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Theft of Life Imogen Robertson Health Personal Care

Crowther and Westerman wade into the treacherous waters of the growing slavery debate in this excellent mystery, dark even by the standards of this stellar series. Author Robertson has never hesitated to face the difficult issues of her 18th century setting (1780s Britain) and treats the horrors of slavery with all the unflinching honesty and sensitivity I would expect, although I admit I am grateful to her for sparing the reader the worst of what she discovered in her extensive research, as she tells us in the Historical Note at the end.

This book opens with the discovery of the staked-out body of a former West Indies planter near St. Paul's Cathedral; suspicion at first falls on former slaves living in London. Gabriel Crowther and Harriet Westerman are deeply conflicted about investigating the death, knowing they will be drawn into the murky world of powerful, well-connected slave owners, traders and planters who will do anything to protect the source of their fortunes and influence; Britain's great wealth has been built largely on slave-based trade but it is a painful truth few want to face. Robertson personalizes the issue deftly through the varied experiences of Harriet's own senior footman William Geddings, freed slave turned bookseller Francis Glass, and successful fencing school owner Tobias Christopher.

I always anticipate the next book in this, one of my favorite historical mystery series, and I certainly hope Robertson adds Francis and Tobias to the ever-increasing circle of many-layered, fascinating recurring characters; since Harriet asked William to be her new steward I know we will meet him again - and he and his love, Dido the maid, will probably be married by then. Whether Harriet will come to her senses and marry Gabriel Crowther I have no idea, but hopefully sister Rachel's annoying matchmaking will finally take it's toll and Harriet will finally wise up!


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Theft of Life Imogen Robertson Health Personal Care Reviews

Imogen Robertson knows how to write and Theft of Life doesn't disappoint. The author creates a strong sense of mystery and suspense, with characters that are compelling and compassionate. This is the 5th in her Crowther and Westerman historical mysteries, set in the late 1700's, and it's promising to be the best so far. Each book is a stand-alone but to get a sense of the continuing characters and how they grow and develop it helps to begin with her first, Instrument of Darkness. Each book has a neatly packaged plot so try them all!
This entry covers slavery in Britain in a wonderful way. Our crime solving duo is in London when a slave owner from the Indies is killed in a churchyard after being treated like a punished slave with a metal mask and whip being used. The other slave traders want it to be a former slave and the former slaves are fearful they will be blamed. Several actual abolitionists are mentioned giving great historical flavor. A complicated series of events intertwines the death of a lady shopkeeper. The stories merge pretty early in this entry but only via the characters meeting early on. Great development of the children as well. Really enjoyed this entry in a great series
First Sentence The body was staked out in the north-east corner of the churchyard.

The murder of a former West Indies planter causes suspicion to fall on a runaway slave who is now working as a bookseller in London. It also has an emotional impact on Harriet Westerman’s senior footman, William Geddings. As Harriet and her friend, anatomist Gabriel Crowther, become more involved in the murder, they become more aware of how much of Britain’s wealth is built on the shameful trade of human lives.

It is an excellent touch that the book opens from the perspective of a character rarely the focus of historical mysteries. We also know we are in for a story that is difference, and possibly uncomfortable as Robertson gives us a perspective and insight into the English involvement in the slave trade.

The quality of an author’s dialogue makes such a difference to a story. Robertson writes excellent dialogue with enough sense of the period to make it realistic. But it also tells us a lot about the characters. …”You were doing better when you were praising my talents, Crowther, rather than taking the chance to insult my husband and my intelligence. I told you, as a friend, what William said about my husband. Please do not use it to try and play on me like a cheap fiddle!” The repartee between Harriet and Crowther is always a delight.

As for characters, they are fully-developed and very memorable. Harriet and Crowther come to life and each holds their own. Theirs is a relationship of friendship and respect. Jane Austin would definitely have approved, although she might have been a bit intimidated by Harriet. She is very much in the style of Mrs. Croft from “Persuasion,” while Crowther has slight shades of Colonel Brandon, as played by Alan Rickman, from “Sense and Sensibility.” One knows that the characters, and the series, truly speaks to readers when one imagines who would be cast in their roles. There is also a very good introduction to those who surround Harriet and how they all fit together.

Robertson has a wonderful voice and ability to convey emotions. Through them you not only get to know the character, but you feel the pique of Harriet, the sorrow of a young boy, and the apprehension of a free black man. You truly feel what the characters feel. Yet Robertson also paints visual descriptions…”The hedgerows were thick with the stars of Queen Anne’s Lace, and the hawthorn bushes heavy with blossom—and the quiet cut through him.”

“Theft of Life” is wonderful in so many aspects; not the least of which is an excellent mystery with well-done twists and a suspenseful climax. It is a remarkable book and one which should be read.

THEFT OF LIFE (Hist mys-Harriet Westerman/Gabriel Crother-England-1785/Georgian) – Ex
Robertson, Imogen – 5th in series
Headline – 2014
They just keep getting better; I do hope the stories continue to be forthcoming. This one was a real hassle to come by...not available in the states originally, but worth the wait. I found it via a used bookseller. If possible I'd suggest using one stateside because this purchase was my second attempt. My first purchase was from Great Britain and after waiting several weeks, it was mutually concluded that the book had been lost enroute.
A very entertaining read; I'm getting quite enamored with Westerman and Crowther. Ms. Robertson is adept at storytelling; she has (so far) been able to craft an excellent tale without bowing to the clamoring tastes that suggest tawdriness as a viable substitute for substance and depth.
Crowther and Westerman wade into the treacherous waters of the growing slavery debate in this excellent mystery, dark even by the standards of this stellar series. Author Robertson has never hesitated to face the difficult issues of her 18th century setting (1780s Britain) and treats the horrors of slavery with all the unflinching honesty and sensitivity I would expect, although I admit I am grateful to her for sparing the reader the worst of what she discovered in her extensive research, as she tells us in the Historical Note at the end.

This book opens with the discovery of the staked-out body of a former West Indies planter near St. Paul's Cathedral; suspicion at first falls on former slaves living in London. Gabriel Crowther and Harriet Westerman are deeply conflicted about investigating the death, knowing they will be drawn into the murky world of powerful, well-connected slave owners, traders and planters who will do anything to protect the source of their fortunes and influence; Britain's great wealth has been built largely on slave-based trade but it is a painful truth few want to face. Robertson personalizes the issue deftly through the varied experiences of Harriet's own senior footman William Geddings, freed slave turned bookseller Francis Glass, and successful fencing school owner Tobias Christopher.

I always anticipate the next book in this, one of my favorite historical mystery series, and I certainly hope Robertson adds Francis and Tobias to the ever-increasing circle of many-layered, fascinating recurring characters; since Harriet asked William to be her new steward I know we will meet him again - and he and his love, Dido the maid, will probably be married by then. Whether Harriet will come to her senses and marry Gabriel Crowther I have no idea, but hopefully sister Rachel's annoying matchmaking will finally take it's toll and Harriet will finally wise up!