Shadow of the Raven

Dr. Thomas Silkstone has been refused the opportunity to see Lady Lydia Farrell at Bethlem Hospital, better known as Bedlam, where she has been forcefully confined by her late brother’s guardian, Sir Montagu Malthus.  Before he can do anything about it he is called to Oxford to investigate a murder at Boughton Estate.

In Oxford, Silkstone learns that Malthus has requested an Act of Enclosure for Boughton Estate.  The surveyor working on the survey has been shot.  Malthus has enforced a curfew on those living on the estate until the killer is found.  Sir Theodisius Pettigrew wants Silkstone to perform an autopsy on the victim.  Silkstone discovers that the victim had been shot by a small calibre pistol, not the usual weapon of brigands.

Silkstone decides that it is important that he visit the sight of the killing in Raven’s Wood.  He is warned off, however proceeds ahead anyway. 

Back in London, he is shocked at what has become of Lydia in Bedlam.  He is told that he is the one who signed her into the hospital, however he knows that Malthus ordered a forgery of his signature.

Meanwhile in Brandwick, the village associated with Boughton, things are starting to get out of hand, and in London Lydia has been transferred out of Bedlam, but Silkstone has no idea where.  Then news arrives that Lydia has died.

Is Silkstone’s life now also at an end now that his beloved is dead?  Author Tessa Harris’ novel about the times of the Act of Enclosure is intense, and revealing.  The wealthy had the power, and the government behind them.  The weak and disenfranchised had nothing but their faith and belief on their side.  Some things never change.  A thoroughly enjoyable read, and hard to put down.  I immediately ordered the next and last book in the series from the library.