Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerj

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5

Whew, I am so so freaking happy I was allowed to read this book because it really is one of the best I have read in some time. As a Dr. myself I wa drawn to the character of Dr. Lydia Weston and her ability to multi task many things from running a women’s medical college, she also works in the clinic. It is there where she befriends a patient whose name is Anna. Unfortunately, Anna is found deceased and Dr. Weston decides she will investigate the murder. This of course is when the magic occurs. The twists and turns are what kept my attention and the author makes way through the book at a slower pace to help bring the reader closer. I certainly want Ed to know how the story would end and the author leaves bread crumbs behind for the reader. It is in no way predictable though. Just an amazing way of weaving a tale of mystery and suspense in a time when misogyny was the way of medicine. I was so enthralled and intrigued that my life became this book. The characters are well developed, likable, complex and driven for the truth. I was absolutely blown away by the authors writing skills and how they can take a story and make it a puzzle with so many pieces to put together in order to figure out the mystery. I want to read more from this author. It is definitely a 5/5 stars.

Release Date October 17, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

"Murder by Degrees" by Ritu Mukerji is a gripping and intricately plotted murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With its complex characters, atmospheric setting, and skillful storytelling, this book offers a compelling and thrilling reading experience.

One of the book's notable strengths is its well-crafted plot. Mukerji weaves a web of suspense and intrigue, expertly layering clues and twists throughout the narrative. The mystery unfolds gradually, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind the puzzling murders. The author's attention to detail and careful plotting create a sense of anticipation, ensuring that each revelation adds to the overall suspense.

The characters in "Murder by Degrees" are multifaceted and realistic, adding depth to the story. From the determined detective on the case to the various suspects and witnesses, Mukerji breathes life into each character, providing glimpses into their motives, fears, and secrets. The interactions between the characters are skillfully crafted, contributing to the complexity of the mystery and keeping readers guessing about the true culprits.

The book's atmospheric setting also deserves praise. Mukerji paints a vivid picture of the surroundings, whether it's the dark alleyways of the city or the eerie landscapes of the countryside. The rich descriptions and attention to sensory details enhance the reader's immersion in the story, creating a palpable sense of place that adds to the overall tension and suspense.

However, some readers may find that the pacing of the book fluctuates, with certain sections feeling slower compared to others. While this variation can contribute to the overall suspense, it may require patience from readers who prefer a consistently brisk pace.

In conclusion, "Murder by Degrees" is a compelling murder mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. Mukerji's skillful plotting, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric writing create a captivating reading experience. If you enjoy immersive mysteries that keep you guessing until the final page, this book is sure to satisfy your craving for suspense and intrigue.

I am completely hooked on this! I really hope there will be more of these books! This is a great victorian murder mystery. The MFC is a female Dr and Professor. These is so much that could be done with this!! I'm excited to read more!! 5 stars.
I just reviewed Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji. #NetGalley
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I really enjoyed this debut mystery novel from Ritu Mukerji! The story held many twists and turns and kept me guessing throughout, and I really loved the main character of Dr. Lydia Weston as a pioneering doctor of her time in 1875 Philadelphia who assists the police in an investigation of the murder of a patient of hers. At times the medical terminology and descriptions of autopsy procedures threw me off and the story got a bit meandering for me in the middle, but it finished strong and kept me interested the entire time. 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC!

I have been enamored of the city of Philadelphia ever since I attended medical school there. I also love mysteries and historical fiction, so when I saw the blur.b for Murder by Degrees, I had to read it.

Written by a physician, Murder by Degrees is an absolutely wonderful book. The main character, Dr. Lydia Weston, teaches at Women’s Medical College. She also runs their clinic where she befriends one of her patients, Anna. When Anna is found murdered, she becomes involved in the investigation.

I just loved Lydia’s character. She’s so well drawn and so real. Her encounter with a chauvinistic male physician was so well written that I couldn’t stop chuckling. Actually, all the characters are well done. The plotting is deft and with lots of twists and turns. Philadelphia in 1875 is well portrayed, and is almost its own character.

I just loved Murder by Degrees, and highly recommend it.

My thanks to Simon and Schuster, and to Netgalley, for providing an ARC of this very enjoyable mystery.

This book immediately draws you in. There are many homages to 1800s murder mysteries, but this one does the genre superbly.

If you like Sherry Thomas, you will love this book.

The only downside is that there aren’t more yet!

A mystery series set in the 1870s with a female physician as the main character is a fascinating premise in and of itself. Knowing that the author is a physician who went to medical school in the city where the book is set explains the sensitivity of the main character when she's working with patients and, sadly, the body of a former patient. The main character deals with a significant amount of misogamy, as you'd expect for the time period. It's almost a secondary plot line and it's very satisfying to watch her handle an adversary, a male physician from UPenn.

The secondary characters are well developed and with the main character working at a medical school, there's always room for new characters to arrive as this series [hopefully] continues.