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
“Everything a good historical novel needs is here, along with the drama and excitement of a murder mystery. The account of the plotting is riveting, but best of all is the complex and sympathetic main character, Virginsky.“
Fiona Forsyth, author of Poetic Justice
“A cracking read and strongly recommended!“
Battlecat Press Reviews
“This is a great read with characters that feel real, and one that immerses the reader in a fascinating and unusual time and place. Want to escape the humdrum? Then this is highly recommended.”
Deborah Swift, author of The Shadow Network
“An intriguing and cleverly written novel, Death of a Princess captivated my attention from the beginning. The setting, characters, and plot all kept me hooked until the last page. I’ll definitely have to go back and read the first two books of this series!“
Eclectic Ramblings of author Heather Osborne
“This is the work of an historical crime writer on top form.”
Michael Gregorio, author of Critique of Criminal Reason
“Concludes a fabulous trilogy… Morris paints the landscape of Russian society with an assured and steady hand.”
Bookmarked Reviews
“Gripping from the very first page.”
Eliza Graham, author of The Weight of Goodbye
“An engaging read, pulling the reader along with some very tense moments until reaching the grand finale.”
MJ Porter, author of Men of Iron
“I found this an incredibly engaging read, and would highly recommend it, whether you’re a fan of this period and location or not.”
Jennifer C. Wilson, author of The Last Plantagenet?