The Gardens Of The Dead

Father Anselm, a former barrister turned monk, is drawn into a web of secrets when Elizabeth Glendinning, disillusioned with the legal system, leaves him a key that unravels a dark mystery.

The Gardens of the Dead continues the story of Father Anselm, a former barrister turned monk, who previously navigated the complexities of occupied Paris in The Sixth Lamentation. In this installment, Father Anselm is drawn back into his own history as well as the hidden truths of others. The narrative unfolds around Elizabeth Glendinning QC, a disillusioned attorney who has lost faith in the legal system. In a bold move to restore her belief, she devises a plan to bring Graham Riley, a man she once defended and who is guilty of a crime, back to trial.

Elizabeth leaves a key to a safety deposit box with Father Anselm, instructing him to open it only in the event of her death. Tragically, three weeks later, she is found dead in London’s East End. The opening of the box sets off a series of events that seem to echo Elizabeth’s intentions from beyond the grave. Father Anselm finds himself in a race against time, unraveling the threads of Elizabeth’s plan while confronting his own past and the moral dilemmas it presents.

Through a gripping narrative, The Gardens of the Dead paints a vivid picture of London’s darker corners while exploring themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. William Brodrick skillfully intertwines suspense with deep character development, solidifying his reputation as a compelling storyteller. As Father Anselm embarks on this journey, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of guilt and the lengths one might go to seek justice.