The Cargo From Neira by Alys Clare

The Cargo From Neira (A Gabriel Taverner Mystery)

by Alys Clare

What do a desperate woman with a secret, a dead man in a drainage ditch and a dark figure in the night have in common? Physician-sleuth Dr Gabriel Taverner has to connect the dots before time runs out in this thrilling historical mystery.

February, 1605. A series of killings shake the quiet life of Devon's Tavy valley. Country doctor Gabriel Taverner, summoned by the coroner to examine the bodies, believes that the murders are somehow connected to the mysterious woman recently discovered in shocking circumstances.

Gabriel is determined to solve the mystery, and soon uncovers clues that link his unexpected patient to the brutal killings. Prominent among them is the strange and recurring theme of nutmegs. A precious spice from far-flung islands in a distant sea and already in demand, its high cost is increasing daily since the rumour has spread that it is a cure for the plague . . .

Gabriel finds himself caught in a deadly rivalry involving a greater prize and more ruthless players than he could have imagined. Fighting to protect his family and friends from dangerous involvement in this savage race, will he be able to emerge alive?

This is the fifth book in the Gabriel Taverner mystery series and will appeal to readers who enjoy rural settings, head-scratching puzzles and nautical adventures.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

4.5 of 5 stars

Share

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Cargo From Neira is the 5th Gabriel Taverner historical mystery by Alys Clare. Released 2nd May 2023 by Severn House, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. (Paperback format due out in 2nd quarter 2024 from the same publisher). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

Set during the reign of James I, a spate of killings and a desperate woman fleeing for her life soon involve Dr. Gabriel Taverner and his household in skullduggery and larger machinations.

The plot is well paced and constructed and I was engaged from the beginning. The characterizations are top notch, the dialogue is accessible and the author manages to suffuse the speech with verisimilitude without sacrificing clarity for modern readers.

Since it's the 5th book in a continuing series, some of the interrelationships and character backgrounds will be spoiled by being read out of order, but the mystery and denouement are (mostly) self contained in this volume and could be read as a standalone. 

With a well established series like this one, it would make a great choice for a binge/buddy read, or a mystery bookclub selection. 

Four and a half stars. A very well crafted mystery. Fans of Andrea Penrose, Candace Robb, et. al. will be delighted with this author.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • 25 November, 2023: Started reading
  • 25 November, 2023: Finished reading
  • 25 November, 2023: Reviewed