Shadow of the Raven

A Dr. Thomas Silkstone Mystery, Book 5

By: Tessa Harris

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

"CSI meets the Age of Reason with a well-drawn, intriguing cast of characters" (Karen Harper) in Tessa Harris' superbly plotted historical mystery series, featuring 18th-century anatomist and pioneering sleuth Dr. Thomas Silkstone.

In the notorious mental hospital known as Bedlam, Dr. Thomas Silkstone seeks out a patient with whom he is on intimate terms. But he is unprepared for the state in which he finds Lady Lydia Farrell. Shocked into action, Thomas vows to help free Lydia by appealing to the custodian of her affairs, Mr. Nicholas Lupton.

But when Silkstone arrives at the Boughton Estate to speak to Lupton, he finds that sweeping changes threaten to leave many villagers destitute. After a man dies in the woods, it appears that someone has turned to murder to avenge their cause. But for Thomas, a postmortem raises more questions than answers, and a second murder warns him of his potentially fatal situation. Soon he discovers a conspiracy far more sinister than anything he has ever faced.

©2015 Tessa Harris (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

10 hours of frustration coming to a ludicrous end

I have read all of the other Dr Silkstone novels , I got hooked on the first one and so kept reading. While the quality declined I kept on reading. The cliff hanger at the end of the fourth book was frustrating but little did I know what frustration was until this fifth book.
I kept wondering why this doctor who is credited with being a brilliant practitioner kept doing stupid things. He blunders through three months of trying to get his lover released. From a mental hos

Superior historical fiction

I appreciate the author's presentation of the actual details of historical events on record for the setting of this series. Especially the postscript follow up that brings real issues used in the fictitious plot up to date. This technique has done more to enlighten my understanding of the changes to daily life brought on by unstoppable world trends and events including natural disasters than the dry dates memorized in history classes. Each novel has left me pondering current events that have been invigorated by the richness of a living history.

A let down

Would you try another book from Tessa Harris and/or Simon Vance?

I doubt it, which is a pity. After reading The Lazarus Curse, I had high hopes for this novel. Harris does her historical research and chooses cutting edge topics -- the slave trade in the UK, enclosures. Unlike the first Thomas Silkstone mystery, however, this one asks the reader to believe in a protagonist who is smart enough to solve mysteries but naive enough not to see the obvious deceptions in characters around him. Over and over Silkstone enters into a scene with a villain only to be hoodwinked again. Tedious stuff; maybe his naivete is supposed to signify a "hero." It doesn't work. The ending was a drag and tedious as well; I could have predicted it from a mile off.

I think Harris got tired of him, as did I.

Would you recommend Shadow of the Raven to your friends? Why or why not?

No.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

Vance does a good job with all the male characters; his ventriloquized female voice is a little too breathy and high pitched to be believed. I ended up wishing Lydia would just be quiet (not his fault so much as the author's, who gives us a giddy fool for a heroine who is, like her lover, hoodwinked at every turn).

Was Shadow of the Raven worth the listening time?

I'd say no, though I was interested to hear more about the enclosures. In the end I stuck it out, but not quite sure why -- the black and white good vs. evil is a bit much to take. In retrospect there was some of that in The Lazarus Curse, but not so heavy-handed and the plot / historical flavor was much better done.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend The Lazarus Curse -- interesting historical moment at any rate.

one of the best so far

Although my preferred book setting is between 12 & 1600 a.d., I have enjoyed each of Harris's Silkstone novels. I would have to say that this has been my favorite by far. The plots many twists kept me on edge for much of the book. As for the narrator is concerned, I think Simon Vance was exquisite as always in his performance.

Thoroughly enjoying this series

I’ve read every book so far in the series & love them. It’s obvious the author has done her research for a rich historical fiction series. Tapping into true historical events and painting fantastic word pictures (okay I love historical mysteries and medicine - since the MC is an Anatomist there are some “sights and smells”). I appreciate addressing of issues pertinent to history and today. In this book we have “ancient rights”, landlords, industrialization, the plight of women under subjection and how easy it was to put them aside.

The Narration is very good and adds to the majority of the story. I’ve gotten used to the female voices which aren’t done as pitch perfect as the male ones. The narrator really hits the mark with men in both tone, emotion and accents. Great read and listen both.

The series keeps getting bwtter

I love this series. I do have to say I am disappointed that the female lead is quite weak and pathetic, but the stories are fantastic. So much little known history in the stories and never a dull moment.

excellent

wonderful story based on, unfortunately, historical reality. I have hearing difficulties and the narator 's words remained very clear to my pathetic ears.

Lydia and Thomas are weak characters

I finally have had enough of the sniveling weak Lydia and the gullible Dr. Silkstone! I ended this book a quarter way through because I can’t stand another second of these 2 lovers who can’t seem to get their -ish together when it comes to their love for each other. Too many scenarios are competing for their attention causing them to steer clear of one another. I don’t mind being left on tender hooks a little, but it’s like book 5 and neither of them can see the charlatans right in front of their eyes! I’m not about to waste another moment on this series. Narrator does a pretty good job. But his voice for Lydia makes me dislike her character even more. Girl, bye.

One of my favorites in the series

I absolutely loved this book in the series. I was so sucked in and invested in what was going on. All the characters were so good and interesting. And I love, love, love the undercurrent story about lady Lydia and Dr Thomas Silkstone. I am so excited to listed you the next book.

Narrator is wonderful too.

Interesting

Like this series, but does Lydia always have to be such an idiot. Way too easily manipulated. I will finish the series but have found her too weak a heroine.