Instruments of Darkness: A Novel Audiobook

" A reasonable mystery novel, with a bit of a CSI in the 18th Century twist. The problem with this novel is that it is a period piece that gives no real feel of the time it is set in. It is almost like the author read Jane Austen and thought "Well, everyone knows about all that society stuff, so I'll just include some historical references and people will get it". As a result, if it weren't for the mention of the American War Of Independence and other key events this novel could have been set at any time from 1770-1914. But of a failure in its aim really. That said the characters are dark and different, and apparently the author is realising a sequel, so maybe no-one else cares about historical accuracy! (except me and Hilary Mantel!) "

" Murder mystery in 1780 English countryside. A fun visit to the time and place... The mystery isn't all that complex, but halfway through it picks up an impressive pace - a fine ride. "

" Very good... The plot was somewhat easy to predict, but it was an enjoyable and well-written story. "

" Escapism - the plot is really only one step above a romance novel, but the writing is alright and I am on vacation. "

" Excellent first historical mystery set during a week in Georgian England during the Gordon Riots. Fast moving, gripping very enjoyable first read. "

" Just terrific! review to follow. "

" An OK cross between historical fiction and crime fiction. Settings good but plot rather predictable. "

" I really liked the idea of the story and it was well written. I just wish the story had more momentum - I enjoyed the book while I was reading it, but kept forgetting to pick it back up. Still, it was worth my time. "

" A good historical forensic mystery. Interesting characters and plot. "

" Looking forward to reading more of her books. "

" Quite well-done. I'm looking forward to reading the next one. My two complaints were that the language at times seemed incongruous with the setting and the ending was a bit sensational. "

" A great mystery and well written characters. "

" Loved this. Like the historical detail and the characters. Couldn't work out how it was going to end. "

" Not great but not bad British historical mystery. There are some interesting characters but the mystery itself is predictably resolved and there is a lot of clunky language and not much suspense. Just blah, kind of like this review. "

" Interesting characters keep you intrigued throughout this book. Will definitely look for the next books in the series. "

" Just love historical English mysteries and this first novel is a worthy addition to that genre. "

" I didn't finish- in fact I didn't get much past about 40-50 pages. Not sure why I couldn't get into it but I know the action was a little slow for me in the place I am right now. I might try it again later as it seems like something I would usually like to read. "

" Just that great right to the end! "

" It was ok. I think I would have liked it better if I had more time to read and didn't stretch it out over 2 weeks in half hour increments. It is set in the late 1700s which isn't my thing but the story was good. "

" The author tells this story from 3 points of view, 3 locations, and 2 different time periods. And she pulls it off. "

" Looking forward to reading more of her books. "

" good period mystery - classic English mystery with lots of detail about living in the 1780s. good beach read-looking forward to the next in the series "

" Crime drama and historial fiction: my favorite kind of reading. Set in Sussex in 1780, a body is found near an estate. The story involves family loyalty, an estranged heir, aftermath of the American Revolution, science, and (in a way) women's rights. "

" Loved it! Definitely looking forward to more books by this author! "

" An OK cross between historical fiction and crime fiction. Settings good but plot rather predictable. "

" This is one of the best historical mysteries I have read in a long time. Loved the setting and the quirky characters. Looking forward to more adventures. "

" Very good Georgian set mystery. First book by this author, looking for more. "

" Excellent, suspenseful but had a good pace. Stories woven together well as the plot at the center becomes clearer. A great debut novel and set of sleuths. "

" I really loved this mystery about the wife of a Captain Wentworth-ish naval man who teams up with a reclusive anatomist in 1780 England to solve a string of gruesome mysteries. The interesting thing is that I had a good idea of who and why, but it was still so compelling! "