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The Anatomist’s Apprentice
- The Dr. Thomas Silkstone Mysteries, Book 1
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
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The Anatomist’s Apprentice
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Publisher's Summary
In the first in a stunning mystery series set in eighteenth-century England, Tessa Harris introduces Dr. Thomas Silkstone, anatomist and pioneering forensic detective.
The death of Lord Edward Crick has unleashed a torrent of gossip through the seedy taverns and elegant ballrooms of Oxfordshire. Few mourn the dissolute young man - except his sister, the beautiful Lady Lydia Farrell. When her husband comes under suspicion of murder, she seeks expert help from Dr. Thomas Silkstone, a young anatomist from Philadelphia.
Thomas arrived in England to study under its foremost surgeon, where his unconventional methods only add to his outsider status. Against his better judgment, he agrees to examine Lord Edward’s corpse. But it is not only the dead but also the living to whom he must apply the keen blade of his intellect. And the deeper the doctor’s investigations go, the greater the risk that he will be consigned to the ranks of the corpses he studies.
Tessa Harris, born in Lincolnshire, holds a history degree from Oxford University, and after four years of working with local newspapers she set her sights on women’s magazines. She is regularly heard on local BBC radio and over the years has interviewed such people as Margaret Thatcher, Jeffrey Archer, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Hampshire, Alan Titchmarsh, Jackie Stewart, Boris Johnson, and Uri Geller. She lives in Berkshire with her husband and their two children.
What the critics say
What listeners say about The Anatomist’s Apprentice
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Liz C
- 2023-08-06
Plot twist ending
I wasn't sure about this book at the beginning but the cast of characters quickly gained my attention. The plot twist at the end was unexpected but tied up the loose ends
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Theresa
- 2023-08-17
First Forensics
The story began in a way that suggested there would be more about the early days and ways of forensics applied in murder cases. It was more of a murder mystery, but still, it was a good story!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Langer MD
- 2023-04-11
Creditable Period Mystery
Tessa Harris introduces a most interesting sleuth: American Dr. Thomas Silkstone - transplanted to peri-Revolutionary War London to study the fledgling science of forensics. Silkstone is highly skilled, driven, dedicated, intuitive, and fiercely ethical.. but also undeniably flawed (falling into an affair with a married client in this one).
The vocabulary/prose is praiseworthy, the description is mind's-eye vivid (readers can easily imagine the smells of decomp, for example), and Harris's characterization skills are outstanding (undeniably relatable investigators/suspects populate the story).
Less fortunately, the plot is overwrought & complicated, the drama is often heavy-handed, the romance elements aren't handled well, and the resolution is unsatisfying. Altogether, the book is enjoyable but unimpressive.
As to presentation: I admit to be somewhat disappointed in how truly weak Simon Vance's American accents are (..and the rest of the voice-acting is likewise subpar) - because other aspects of the performance are excellent. Vance's spot-on diction is accompanied by unsurpassed ear-candy timbre & cadence and pitch-perfect tone. Blackstone Audio Inc. cast the project nicely and lend exemplary technical support (controlling volume with skill and seamlessly splicing in re-recorded segments).
Taken in toto, I rate 'The Anatomist's Apprentice' a respectable 7.5/10-stars. If you are asked for a Credit, passing would be defensible - but if you can get it as a 'Plus' selection, don't hesitate to give it a listen. It would be an excellent option for a long drive or a couple of quiet night shifts. In fact, it's good enough for me to download more (also free) books in the 'Thomas Silkstone' series.
[Incidentally: It's very cool that Harris has her protagonist accidentally discover Liquid Chromatography and use it to help solve the crime]
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Cheryl Mcfadden
- 2023-10-28
good book overall
the narrator was very good throughout the book & kept me interested. the book kept the era intact & that includes the ladies.
the ending had a good twist. would recommend.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Marc Manalo
- 2024-03-07
Promising…
This book had so much promise, the early days of forensic science…fighting crime with science. But the last hour of this book was just excruciating. It’s like the Author was hesitant to end the book…just kept piling things…I need a break before the next book.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Aditi Sen
- 2023-07-18
Damsel in distress done to death
It’s all right for a casual listen. Although, way too long. Last 1 hr is unnecessary. The book is poorly written. The author tried to “think” like a man from 18th c. And that’s what ruins the book. Every character is in love with the damsel in distress. The servant girl with big breasts is described as “vulgar wench”. I really dislike writing where servants are written this way. And it was unnecessary. It’s not a pov thing.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- A.H.
- 2023-12-14
great performance
The story was pretty predictable but it did have a few plot twists. The heroine was pretty pathetic. she was so delicate she was downright feeble. I found that really unpleasant and didn't want to continue the story.
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