Island of Bones is to historical murder mysteries what Subway is to sandwiches. Sure, it'll do when you're stuck in an airport, its constituent parts are what you'd expect to find in something of its type, and you can't complain that it's anything other than what you expected it to be—but it's largely lacking in substance, flavour, and texture. ( )

While this book had a very interesting story line, the writing bored me and I did not care overly much for the characters (which is important for me)....

The simpering Mrs. Briggs who now owns the former estate/home of the Greta's

Sullen, anti-social Gabriel Crowther (formerly Charles Penhalgion), anatomical scientist

Inquisitive & intelligent Mrs. Harriet Westerman, crime solving partner of Gabriel

Imperious & demanding Vizegrafin Margaret von Bolsenheim, Gabriel's sister & Mrs. Briggs' neighbor

from the inside flap: "Cumbria, England 1783. The tomb of the 1st Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its Island of Bones for three hundred years.When an extra body is discovered in the ancient crypt, however, Gabriel Crowther and forthright Mrs. Harriet Westerman travel to the Lake District to investigate.

Gabriel Crowther's family, marked by its own bloodied legacy, bought the Greta's land years ago. His brother was hanged for murdering their father , the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen the safety of seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years.

Now, Crowther and Mrs. Westerman, who is fleeing her own tragedy, find a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice. In Island of Bones, Crowther discovers that his haunting past will not stay buried and the lure of the mystery--a broken heritage, a secret history--bring him home at last."

This sounds wonderful, does it not? It was all too tediously written for me and the two women; Mrs Briggs & the Vizegrafin distracted me from the mystery. ( )

A decent historical mystery with terrific atmosphere and setting. There were interesting characters, but unfortunately the main ones aren't appealing enough for me to continue with the series. Good blend of old mysteries and new and how they are connected and the resolution of whodunnit was plausible and satisfying, I just won't be reading any more. ( )

An extra body is found in the Earl of Greta’s tomb—who is it and how did the person die?

1783: Gabriel Crowther, once known as Charles Penhaligon, Lord of Keswick, had attempted to cut all ties with his past—that is until his sister summons him to solve the mystery of the extra body in a crypt. Since abandoning his title thirty years before, Gabriel has spent his time studying medicine; cadavers in particular. In the past he teamed up with Mrs. Harriet Westerman to solve mysteries and this time is no different… that is except for a familial connection to the crime scene. Is his sister’s sudden visit to their old home a coincidence or is there more to it? He has not seen her in almost thirty years and is practically a stranger to Gabriel…. Does the apple fall far from the tree?

I did not realize this book was part of a series but was grateful that it could stand alone as well. I found the story intriguing even though I did not connect with the characters right away, which may have been written that way to throw one off. It is a dark gothic tale of murder and mystery, add in a hint of Jacobite rebellion and it is a win-win. As a history buff, I enjoyed the backstory woven into the mystery. I would recommend the book to any historical fiction-murder mystery fan. ( )

ne of my favorites of the newer series, this is only the third book but so far the author is keeping her plots interesting. This one is set in the Lake District, in Cumbria in the late 1700's. AS tan historical note explains the story is based on actual history, though of course all changed around to suit the story. The Jacobites, plots and fortunes made and lost, all the requisites for these very atmospheric mysteries. I am always amazed at how firmly entrenched in the time period and location I become when reading these slower paced but detailed mysteries. The characters and their colorful pasts lend so much to these stories. Highly recommend this series. ( )