A Case of Life and Limb: a charming and immersive historical mystery perfect for summer reading

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Sally Smith

A Case of Life and Limb

a charming and immersive historical mystery perfect for summer reading

Sally Smith

$42.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Raven Books
17 July 2025

Historical mysteries; Gender & the law

Series: The Trials of Gabriel Ward

'As brilliant a cosy crime novel as you'll ever read' JANICE HALLETT 'A masterful voice in the mystery world' S. J. BENNETT

1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a thorny libel case involving London's most famous music hall star and its most notorious tabloid newspaper, but the Inner Temple remains as quiet and calm as ever. Quiet, that is, until the mummified hand arrives in the post...

While the hand's recipient, Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring, is rightfully shaken, Gabriel is filled with curiosity. Who would want to send such a thing? And why? But as more parcels arrive - one with fatal consequences - Gabriel realises that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.

Someone is holding a grudge that has already led to at least one death. Now it's up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the City of London Police, to find out who, before an old death leads to a new murder.

By: Sally Smith
Imprint: Raven Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 168mm, Spine: 48mm
Weight: 520g
ISBN: 9781526668776
ISBN 10: 1526668777
Series: The Trials of Gabriel Ward
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 17 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Sally Smith spent all her working life as a barrister and later KC in the Inner Temple. After writing a biography of the Edwardian barrister Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, she retired from the bar to write full time. A Case of Mice and Murder, her first novel, was inspired by the historic surroundings of the Inner Temple in which she still lives and works and is the first in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC. A Case of Mice and Murder was longlisted for the 2025 CWA Whodunnit and Historical Daggers.

Reviews for A Case of Life and Limb: a charming and immersive historical mystery perfect for summer reading

A masterful voice in the mystery world. As you’d expect from an ex-King’s Counsel, her language is as rich as it is precise ... Topsy Tillotson is a heroine I thoroughly enjoyed rooting for, and the court scenes are a heart-in-mouth highlight. I’m a big fan of the series and I’m already looking forward to Gabriel’s next adventure -- S. J. Bennett, bestselling author of Death in Diamonds Absolutely exquisite and a total charm. It reminds me of Dickens at his best. An utterly joyous read that sends you back in time with effortless skill -- Imran Mahmood, author of Finding Sophie Praise for A Case of Mice and Murder: 'A delight from start to finish' * Sunday Times * A triumph of ingenuity * Daily Mail * A cunning and delightful mystery with rich, wonderful characters and period detail so vivid, you can touch it -- Ian Moore, bestselling author of Death and Croissants A total delight! ... Intelligent, insightful mystery ... all skillfully woven together with a poignant, human story. I devoured it in one sitting! -- Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows Intriguing, engaging, and thoroughly satisfying -- T. E. Kinsey, bestselling author of A Quiet Life In The Country