(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

In 1780s London, American anatomist Dr. Thomas Silkstone is plunged into a swirling cauldron of sorcery, slavery, and cold-blooded murder . . .
When the sole survivor of an ill-fated scientific expedition to Jamaica goes missing upon his return to London, Dr. Thomas Silkstone--entrusted with cataloging the expedition's New World specimens--feels compelled to investigate. There are rumors of a potion that has the power to raise the dead--and the formula is suspected to be in the private journal that has disappeared along with the young botanist.
As Dr. Silkstone searches for clues to the man's whereabouts, he is drawn deeper into a dark and dangerous world of vengeance, infidelity, murder, and the trafficking of corpses for profit. Without the support of his beloved Lady Lydia Farrell--from whom he has been forcibly separated by law--he must confront the horrors of slavery, as well the very depths of human wickedness. And after a headless corpse is discovered, Dr. Silkstone begins to uncover the sinister motives of those in power who would stop at nothing to possess the Lazarus potion...

This was, as it turns out, the fourth book in the Silkstone mystery series. I was unaware when I started that this was the case. And it is pretty important to know...

We pick up the story with some well-established characters and relationships, which makes it hard from the outset to get into. Thomas and Lydia are good characters but, without knowing their backstories, it is hard to gauge how their characters have developed over the course of this series, as well as how they grow in this book.

The mystery of the dead scientists is quite intriguing - however, I didn't go much on the plot revolving around the slavery. I just found it not to my tastes. I don't see the point of making it a plot point.

Overall, a decent enough read but I do recommend finding book 1 and starting there - it may make this one more enjoyable when you get to it.


Paul
ARH

Excellent mystery set in 1780's London. Great characterization, well plotted and a fast moving plot. This book has a paranormal twist and is a fun read.