It is 1780 in England. A young man has come from Philadelphia to study anatomy with one of the best anatomists in England. They use cadavers provided to them by grave robbers, but it is this study that will lead to better knowledge of the human body.
Out in Oxford a young nobleman dies an excruciating death and Dr. Silkstone, the anatomist's apprentice is called upon to determine the cause of death. However by the time that he arrives the body is well decomposed. He takes several organs back to London to study. He is unable to find a cause of death, however during the inquest the victim's brother-in-law is made to appear to have poisoned the victim.
Silkstone is fortunately able to prove that this is not the case, but not before the brother-in-law is arrested. Shortly after he is arrested he is found hanging in his cell, an apparent suicide. How will Dr. Silkstone save the man's name?
Author Tessa Harris in this novel presents the first real forensic doctor in a very positive light as he goes about his work without the modern technology now available. A good read.
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