Island of Bones

Crowther and Westman, Book 3

By: Imogen Robertson

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

England, 1783: In Island of Bones, Crowther’s haunting past is at last revealed. For years he has pursued his forensic studies - and the occasional murder investigation - far from his family estate. But an ancient tomb there will reveal a wealth of secrets. When laborers discover an extra body inside, the lure of the mystery brings Crowther home at last. Fans of both historical fiction à la Anne Perry and the intricate forensics of Tess Gerritsen will be delighted by Robertson’s latest.

©2011 Imogen Robertson (P)2012 Recorded Books

Post American Revolution England - Mystery Series

This installment -the third in the series allows the reader to learn more about Crowther's hidden past. The mystery was fantastic! This was an audible book and once again the narrator, Jenny Sterlin, did a wonderful job.
The atmosphere is beautifully described by the author. This author has created a series with characters lively and complex. This book goes beyond mystery as it grips the reader in the tangled web of family secrets. I am anxious for the fourth book to come out as an audible book, because I love the listening to this series. I have found listening to this series has been more entertaining that the offerings on television. Imogen Robertson spins a fabulous tale!

Concentrate on the players

Lots of characters to keep straight. A good story. Had to shift from Laurie King's characters in her Mary Russell books because the narrator is the same and sounded similar to her voices, especially for Sherlock Holmes.

The best in the series so far...

One of my favorite series of all times. Ms. Robertson has created some wonderful characters, especially that of the heroine, Harriet Westerman, a thoroughly modern woman living in the England of the 1780s. Her friend and partner in detection is also a great character who probably suffers from a mild form of Asberger's syndrome, or so it seems to me. Each succeeding novel is better than the last. Jenny Sterlin is very good as the narrator, with the exception of her Austrian accent! Highly recommended to listeners who like complicated plots, historical settings, fully developed characters, and a lot of local color. I only wish that Davina Porter will read her next book!

great series

This is a great series. I've listened to all three books. I can't wait for the next one.

Above other mystery writers

If you could sum up Island of Bones in three words, what would they be?

Wonderful Character Development

What did you like best about this story?

Great visual depiction

What three words best describe Jenny Sterlin’s voice?

OK, but limited lower (mens) voices

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

NO. Neither

Any additional comments?

I've read many mysteries taking place from the medieval times to Victorian. Robertson, is one of my top 3...Ariana Franklin, C.J. Sansome.. in their ability to make you feel you are actually with the characters and you experience what they do. The subtle nuances of historical detail...dress, transportation, food, language, etc. are spot on.

You will want more.

Excellent characterization and an excellent story. Invest the time in the series, your only disappointment will be that the US only carries the first three.

This series is now on my favorites list

I like these characters. I appreciate that their relationship isn't predicated on teetering constantly on the edge of romance. I enjoy that they appreciate each other for their skills, for what each one brings to the investigation. I like that they have families and friends that continue to exist even when the story focus moves away from them. The author has created an interesting cast that is rather large, but she handles their numbers rather deftly (although I'm tempted at times to keep notes so I don't get confused - who was that? A trick I have to employ with Dickens.) Emotions ring true. People are imperfect and make mistakes. Even our heroes make mistakes, sometimes awful ones. Villains are seldom complete monsters, more often complex with real hurts and motivations of their own.

The author seems to know a lot about the history of this time, and cares enough about it to be consistent, and to employ elements and events large and small in her story lines. I get an impression of a lot of research, of an encyclopedic command of the details. Characters have conversations studded with topics and terms showing real familiarity with period skills and news of the day, world events are pressing on their minds, they are plagued by the limits of period science and belief, they are completely creatures of the world that Robertson has recreated. It is a treat to spend some time in that world looking around corners, noticing the little treasures and delights scattered in your path all for the sake of atmosphere and immersion in the time period.

I recommend this book without hesitation.

Ever better than the last

I found this story to be greatly enhanced by the narrator who was really able to relate the various aspects of the story line which moved from some parts that were somewhat philosophical and almost poetic to a more complex mystery. I am enjoying the progression of our understanding of the thoughts and motivation of the main characters and their relation.ship with each other. I will read future books in this series with pleasure but I think I will take some notes. Now and then I lost track of who some of the many minor characters were.