The Dead Hand

While hosting a group of academics at Thorncroft House, Harriet and Matthew Rowsley find themselves confronted with bigger - and bloodier! - issues than unruly guests . . . The fifth instalment of the Harriet and Matthew Rowsley Victorian mystery series sets in England during the great Victorian era.
June 1861, Victorian England. A house full of academics should imply calm and quiet, but much to housekeeper Harriet Rowsley's dismay some of the guests seem to have problems with the estate's unconventional practices and aren't afraid of voicing their concerns. Having Harriet and her husband and interim estate manager Matthew as the hosts of Thorncroft House, while his lordship is ill and the trustees are seeking for his heir, is obviously not to everyone's taste!
But Harriet won't let their patronising opinions get in the way of running the household as it was entrusted to her. She and her husband seem to have things under control until a series of unusual accidents occur around them. To make matters worse and more pressing, one of these accidents proves fatal . . .
With a house now full of suspects, Harriet and Matthew have to find out who is causing chaos and why. While everyone is focused on drawing out the culprit and searching for a motive, Harriet has her own theory as to why these incidents happen and decides to follow her hunch - after all, every aspect should be considered, just in case!
For fans of Downton Abbey who love a thrilling murder mystery twist and authentic depictions of the Victorian period. This is a compelling upstairs-downstairs mystery featuring a husband and wife detective duo.

Judith Cutler has been shortlisted for the CWA Dagger and the Barry Award. Her prize-winning short stories appear regularly in anthologies and leading crime fiction magazines. Known as Birmingham's Queen of Crime, she is married to fellow crime-writer Edward Marston.