Death of a Princess

Summer 1880.

Lipetsk, a spa town in Russia.

The elderly and cantankerous Princess Belskaya suffers a violent reaction while taking a mud bath at the famous Lipetsk Sanatorium. Soon after, she dies.

Dr Roldugin, the medical director of the sanatorium, is at a loss to explain the sudden and shocking death.

He points the finger at Anna Zhdanova, a medical assistant who was supervising the princess’s treatment.

Suspicion also falls on the princess’s nephew Belsky, who appears far from grief-stricken at his aunt’s death.

Meanwhile, investigating magistrate Pavel Pavlovich Virginsky arrives in Lipetsk from St Petersburg, seeking treatment after a nervous breakdown.

Against his better judgement, Virginsky is drawn in to the investigation. But is he getting closer to the truth or walking straight into a deadly trap?

What the critics say

“A novel that vibrates with atmosphere and intrigue; imperial Russia is brought to life once more, and in all its grim and magnificent glory.” Steven Veerapen, author of The Queen’s Gold

“Morris has outdone himself with this riveting thriller. Parts of it were so gripping I had to stop reading so I could catch my breath… Characters, setting, plotting and pacing are immaculate. I cannot recommend this engrossing book too highly.” Peter Tonkin, author of Shadow of Poison