A Case of Life and Limb (The Trials of Gabriel Ward)
This is an exciting historical whodunit set in 1901-1902, at the Inner Temple, one of the Inns of Court, in London. It is the second book in the trials of Gabriel Ward historical mystery series. I have not read the first book in the series, A Case of Mice and Murder, but I certainly will now; its sequel, A Case of Life and Limb is very enjoyable as a standalone read.
The novel follows Sir Gabriel Ward, KC (Kings Counsel), a highly respected barrister and reluctant detective. Sir Gabriel has to balance his trial case load, with investigating the arrival of a grisly Christmas parcel containing a mummified hand, sent to the Temple Treasurer. More grim packages follow. Someone with a grudge is set on destroying the peace of the Inner Temple. Sir Gabriel has to work out where the macabre specimens are coming from and whether there is a link to the defamation case of a star actress that he is currently working on.
I loved Sir Gabriel as a detective. He is kind, smart and honourable. It is positive to see a detective who would nowadays be recognised as neurodiverse, beating the baddies and doing so with charm and poise in Edwardian Britain. Police Constable Wright as Sir Gabriel’s sidekick is an excellent foil. They are the Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson of the Inner Temple. This novel is perfectly paced with lots of twists and turns and an intellectually satisfying denouement. I knew nothing about the history of the Inns of Court, so the author has inspired me to read around the subject.
I would highly recommend this novel for all historical murder mystery fans looking to buy their summer holiday reading and I sincerely hope the author continues with this series.
