The Dead Shall Not Rest

A Dr. Thomas Silkstone Mystery, Book 2

By: Tessa Harris

Narrated by: Simon Vance

The brilliant anatomist Dr. Thomas Silkstone returns in the second installment of Tessa Harris' vivid and compelling mystery series set in 1780s London.

It is not just the living who are prey to London's criminals and cutpurses. Corpses, too, are fair game - dug up from fresh graves and sold to unscrupulous men of science. Dr. Thomas Silkstone abhors such methods, but his leading rival, Dr. John Hunter, has learned of the imminent death of eight-foot-tall Charles Byrne - known as the "Irish Giant" - and will go to any lengths to obtain the body for his research.

Thomas intends to see that Byrne is allowed to rest in peace, but his efforts are complicated when his betrothed, Lady Lydia Farrell, breaks off their engagement without explanation. When Dr. Hunter is implicated in the horrific murder of a young castrato, Thomas must determine how far the increasingly erratic surgeon will go in the name of knowledge. For as Thomas knows too well, the blackest hearts sometimes go undetected - and even an unblemished façade can hide terrifying secrets.

Tessa Harris, an English author with a history degree from Oxford University, spent years working for women’s magazines. She is regularly heard on local BBC radio and over the years has interviewed such people as Margaret Thatcher, Jeffrey Archer, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Hampshire, Alan Titchmarsh, Jackie Stewart, Boris Johnson, and Uri Geller.

©2013 Tessa Harris (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Critic reviews

"Outstanding…. Well-rounded characters, cleverly concealed evidence, and an assured prose style point to a long run for this historical series." ( Publishers Weekly)

Not your avg mystery

There's a review by another titled " I cried". IF you're like me and hate unnoted spoilers don't read that one. About the Book: This story is a mixed bag of emotions and mystery. In a rollercoaster way 😊 Slight undetailed spoiler: I like my stories to end all rainbows and kittens 😄 ( end of spoiler ) Good story, kept me interested and entertained. Narrator, as always very good.

Narrator needs some help

It would be great if he knew how to pronounce “flaccid” since the author seems to LOVE this word for some reason.

Actually learned something

This book made me google a bunch of things from history to learn more about the time. Easy to follow but not too “light” it has a good balance. The reader is wonderful and did a great job.

upsetting

This book is well written but it is disturbing, disgusting, and morbid, not for me.

Great Read in Hisorical Fiction

If you love historical fiction and have interest in early medical thrillers this is your series. Simon Vance is a gifted reader and really portrays each character with his own voice. The research is impeccable about early anatomists and this book includes actual people interacting with Dr. Silkstone in 18th century England. Loved it!

The Dead Shall Not Rest

The story line is clever and well paced.
The relationship between Thomas and Lydia is annoying. I find it difficult to believe. She behaves in some ways like a woman of her day; trying to protect him from “harm”. Yet she sleeps with him in a house with guests. And don’t for one moment think the servants don’t know!!! Of course he allows it, but is supposed to be a gentleman! Posh! I do t buy it.

Plot twist!

I love the constant twists in the thought of "who done it". Can't wait to start the next book! The narration is fantastic!

Wonderful series, excellent narration

Truly glad to have stumbled upon this series. Historical fiction is hit or miss - these are a definite hit with intriguing storylines. And the narrator is en pointe, one of my favorites.

enjoyed every minute of it

What made the experience of listening to The Dead Shall Not Rest the most enjoyable?

As an anatomist and a person who loves medical history, I loved it.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I really like John Hunter historical facts.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

engaging

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

get ready to be surprised.

Engaging

Lots of twists and turns. Keeps you guessing as a good who done it should.