A Rustle of Silk

By: Alys Clare

Narrated by: Richard Attlee

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

1603. Former ship's surgeon Gabriel Taverner is attempting to re-establish himself as a physician in rural Devon but it's not easy to gain the locals' trust and a series of disturbing incidents convinces him that at least one person does not welcome his presence.

Called out to examine a partially decomposed body found beside the river, Gabriel discovers he has a personal connection to the dead man. Teaming up with coroner Theophilus Davey to find out how the man died, Gabriel uncovers some darker aspects of the lucrative silk trade which operates from nearby Plymouth. It soon becomes frighteningly apparent that the people closest to him have been keeping dangerous secrets.

©2017 Katie Hickman (P)2017 Oakhill Publishing

Good but not great

The characters and setting are interesting but I wish the time period were brought to life better. I kept thinking we were in the Regency period rather than 1603, because the main characters expressed beliefs that were more modern. Also there is a cover up that seemed unnecessary when simply blaming it on a Catholic foreigner would have been credible enough.m, given the sentiments of the time. (And much more likely to occur to the characters.) I did really like the possibilities and character of a former ship’s doctor, and I hope Clare develops him better in book two. So. One to try but not to pay full price for.

Solid

This book is solid in all the best ways.

Alys Clare delivers a plot that hits the perfect balance of detail and pace. The storyline is light on suspense, but still has room for the listener to conjecture about the perpetrator. There are a couple plot points that feel a little far fetched, but, hey, it is fiction. The character development is well thought out with Ms. Clare seamlessly tying together the individuals in this book and prospective personalities for future writings. The historical detail is accurate without being heavy handed. Last, the narrator’s skills make this an easy listening experience: no distractions or annoyances (unless you are very particular about Italian accents).

I’ve listened to this book twice in a year, and I’m hopeful more of Ms. Clare’s works will be produced in audio.