Carswell’s First Case: Prequel Novella — Harriet Smart

Edinburgh, in the summer of 1839: Felix Carswell is at the start of a brilliant career, pursuing research into the structure of the heart, and assisting the celebrated Professor Logan. He has sealed his prospects by becoming engaged to Professor Logan's charming daughter, Isabella.

However, when famous painter Benjamin Thurlow is found dead in his Edinburgh house, Felix is thrown into a murder investigation. Was this a natural death, or are there darker forces at work?

At the same time, Lord Rothborough introduces Felix to retired actress Anastasia Dundonald and her gifted granddaughter, Cordelia Wemyss. Beautiful Cordelia, trapped in a loveless marriage and dangerously ill, makes Felix question all his certainties, including his relationship with Isabella Logan, and when he uncovers the shocking truth as to how and why Thurlow died, he realises that his career in Edinburgh may be over forever.

This novella can be read at any point in the Northminster series, or before.