Instruments of Darkness - Tapa dura

'[An] extremely impressive debut...a story, told by Robertson with great panache, of jealousy, greed and unkindness among the upper classes. She has a light touch and, best of all, does not burden the reader with a surfeit of dry research' (The Times)

'An irresistible debut - stylish, enigmatic and wonderfully atmospheric. Imogen Robertson's murder mystery evokes the squalor and grandeur of Georgian England, from dingy Soho rooms to sinister Sussex mansions, so vividly and compellingly that I half-wondered if this was really fiction or hidden history. It's a story of secrecy and shame, reason and passion, that resonates long after you reach the final page' (Francis Wheen)

'Poetic, enchanting, and chillingly memorable. Imogen Robertson is an exquisite writer, and this is an extraordinary thriller' (Tess Gerritsen)

'Wit and energy make it an enjoyable read' (Literary Review)

'Makes you want to read every word...the plot is serpentine and satisfying, with enough false trails and distractions to create a genuine mystery' (Telegraph)

'The doings of her characters may be darker than pitch but my lady's craftsmanship is beyond doubt' (Time Out)

'A well-written and multilayered story, which kept me engaged from the first to the last page' (Historical Novels Review)