Picture a British storyteller who spins tales of murder and mystery in the candlelit world of Georgian England—meet Imogen Robertson! This Darlington-born author has enchanted readers with her Crowther & Westerman series, blending sharp historical detail with gripping detective plots. With a knack for bringing the 18th century to life, Robertson’s novels have traveled the globe in over ten languages, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
Robertson’s unique path to writing, from directing TV to crafting poetry, infuses her work with a cinematic flair and lyrical depth. Her fascination with Georgian society’s quirks and shadows makes her mysteries more than just whodunits—they’re windows into a world of powdered wigs, secret societies, and social upheaval. Ready to dive into her story?
The Making of Imogen Robertson
Born and raised in Darlington, England, Imogen Robertson’s early life was steeped in curiosity and creativity. She studied Russian and German at Cambridge, a nod to her love for language and culture, and later worked as a director for TV, film, and radio. This eclectic background shaped her storytelling, giving her a keen eye for visual detail and narrative pacing. In 2007, her writing career took off when she won the Telegraph’s ‘First Thousand Words of a Novel’ competition with the opening of her debut, Instruments of Darkness, proving she was destined for the page.
Influenced by the social history of the 18th century and authors like Dorothy L. Sayers and Bernard Cornwell, Robertson found her niche in historical mysteries. Her shift from directing to writing wasn’t just a career change—it was a chance to explore the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary times, a theme that pulses through her work.
Imogen Robertson’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Robertson’s bibliography is the Crowther & Westerman series, a five-book saga set in the 1780s. The series kicks off with Instruments of Darkness (2009), where Harriet Westerman, a bold navy widow, teams up with Gabriel Crowther, a reclusive anatomist, to solve a murder in Sussex. Their chemistry—her impulsiveness, his cool logic—drives the story, blending forensic intrigue with Georgian drama. Anatomy of Murder (2011) takes them to London’s murky Thames, unraveling a spy-filled conspiracy, while Island of Bones (2011), shortlisted for the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award, digs into Crowther’s haunting past in the Lake District.
Circle of Shadows (2012) ventures to Germany’s Duchy of Maulberg, weaving secret societies and alchemical mysteries, and Theft of Life (2014) confronts the grim realities of the slave trade. Beyond the series, The Paris Winter (2014), a standalone novel set in Belle Époque Paris, showcases Robertson’s versatility, inspired by her grandmother’s adventurous spirit. Her style is vivid and immersive, with serpentine plots, rich historical textures, and characters who defy their era’s norms—especially Harriet, a proto-feminist who challenges 18th-century expectations.
Robertson’s love for Georgian England shines through in her meticulous research, from the era’s justice system to its social hierarchies. Her prose, often compared to Tess Gerritsen’s in period dress, balances suspense with emotional depth, making her mysteries as thought-provoking as they are thrilling.
Why Imogen Robertson Matters
Imogen Robertson’s impact lies in her ability to make history pulse with relevance. By focusing on marginalized voices—women, outsiders, and the enslaved—she sheds light on the untold stories of Georgian England. Her novels, translated into languages like Japanese and Czech, have resonated globally, proving the universal appeal of a good mystery. Twice shortlisted for the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award, she’s earned praise for her “perfect prose” and intricate plots, cementing her place among historical fiction’s finest.
Her work also inspires readers to see the past through fresh eyes, blending the thrill of detection with social commentary. For fans of Anne Perry or C.S. Harris, Robertson’s stories are a masterclass in blending atmosphere, character, and history—a legacy that continues to grow with each book.
- Born: Darlington, England
- Key Works: Crowther & Westerman series, The Paris Winter
- Awards: Shortlisted for CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger (2011, 2012), CWA Dagger in the Library (2012)
- Fun Fact: She plays the cello and speaks four languages!
About Imogen Robertson
Snag Instruments of Darkness and dive into Imogen Robertson’s thrilling world of Georgian mysteries! Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, her stories will keep you hooked till the last page.