Cover Image: Murder by Lamplight

Murder by Lamplight

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough
Dr. Julia Lewis #1

Excellent story that had me guessing till the end ~ Great introduction to a new series!

What I liked:
* Dr. Julia Lewis: physician, trained in Pennsylvania, raised by her grandparents, strong, dedicated, professional, intelligent, compassionate, skilled, haunted by a past experience, willing to do what it takes, and it often takes more due to her gender, her future may not be quite as she expected
* Detective Inspector Richard Tennant: employed by Scotland Yard, Crimean War Veteran wounded in battle, had difficulties to deal with when he returned from battle, dedicated, intelligent, from a good background, good leader, strategist, rather taken with Julia
* Dr. Andrew Lewis: Julia’s grandfather, had an “episode” that will see him retiring soon, loves Julia and worries about her
* Aunt Caroline’s wisdom shared with her niece, Julia
* O’Malley: constable, works with Tennant, Irish, good at his job, hope to see more of him in the future
* The supporting characters I hope to see more of: Kate who is Julia’s lady’s maid, John Bingham – retired Quartermaster Sergeant and philanthropist with a mission, Johnny Osborne – journalist who is at times annoying but also intriguing
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Thinking about the first female physicians and what they had to contend with
* That it felt true to the era, drew me in, and made me feel and care about the characters
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the horrors of workhouses, cholera rampaging through communities, and the disparity between the lives of the haves and the havenots

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

This should have been right up my alley but I wonder if I prefer movies during this era. I always struggle with historical fiction because a lot of it feels aloof and this was no exception.

Was this review helpful?

In this thrilling historical mystery, Patrice Mcdonough introduces readers to Julia Lewis, one of the few lady doctors in late nineteenth century London, and the story about how she gets involved in a serial killer case with Scotland Yard and DI Richard Tennant, a grumpy Crimean War vet who the killer keeps directly mentioning in his notes to Scotland Yard. As the plot thickens and the bodies pile up, Julia and Tennant have to work together across various seedy parts of London to capture the killer before they become victims too. Mcdonough’s characters are brilliant, complex, and difficult, and the relationship between Julia and Tennant, as well as the other Scotland Yard police officers on the case, is particularly enjoyable to follow as the case grows. Julia is a strong and competent heroine, determined to prove herself and make her own place in the world as a female doctor in 1866, and her stubbornness causes her to butt heads with Tennant as she becomes more involved in the case. With some twisted parallels to Jack the Ripper, this occasionally gory mystery brings readers into the London underworld and draws out narrative threads which have been forgotten by both history and fiction.

Was this review helpful?

MURDER BY LAMPLIGHT (A Dr. Lewis Mystery Book #!) by Patrice McDonough is an intriguing historical crime mystery that pulls you into a world of poverty and depravity in Victorian London. One of England’s first female physicians and a taciturn Detective Inspector find themselves working together to solve a series of heinous murders. This is the first book in the series and a realistic look at society in 1866.
Dr. Julia Lewis has always wanted to study medicine and become a physician like her father and grandfather, but to achieve that goal she had to travel to relatives in the United States to attend medical college. She returns to live with and practice with her grandfather in Victorian London.

While her grandfather is on another call, Julia responds to the request of the police to study a corpse at a murder scene. Detective Inspector Richard Tennant of Scotland Yard is shocked when a female doctor arrives, but Julia is used to the skepticism and goes on to prove her professionalism with the lurid scene. When another body is found with similar clues, Tennant reaches out to Julia to inspect the body once again. The killer is having a laugh at Tennant and the authorities with written clues and misdirection but when Julia is targeted, there is a new urgency to find this killer.

I loved this introduction to these new well-developed main characters and am very happy this will be a series. Julia is a strong, independent female lead who lives outside the norms of the society of her times and I always enjoy reading about and following these types of characters. Richard is her perfect foil. He seems to be a man of his times, but he has demons from his past and yet he finds something about this female doctor not only aggravating, but intriguing. I am looking forward to reading about how the author moves this hint of a relationship forward in future books.

I found the research into this period in London very thorough and it brought me right into the dark, gritty slums of Whitechapel and the debates about the cholera outbreaks. The murder mystery plot is full of twists and suspects, and I was shocked with the discovery at the climax. This book is graphic with descriptions of the violence done to the murder victims, sexual assault, male rape, prostitution, and homosexuality. The descriptions of living in the slums of London are also written with the truth of the times and not watered down.

I recommend this historically realistic first crime mystery in the Dr. Lewis Mystery series and I am looking forward to many more.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful debut and an enthralling historical mystery. Set in Victorian London Murder by Lamplight is atmospheric, gripping, and very well written. The author seamlessly incorporates historical details with a vivid and captivating writing style that truly brings the time and place to life.

The central mystery is compelling and well crafted. There are enough red herrings in place to keep you guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the potential romance between Dr. Julia Lewis and Detective Inspector Tennant. Both characters are well developed and likable. Their relationship promises further intrigue as the series continues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough

Rating: 4 stars

Summary:
Set in the atmospheric streets of Victorian London, "Murder by Lamplight" follows the story of Dr. Julia Lewis, one of Britain's first female physicians, and Detective Inspector Tennant as they reluctantly team up to investigate a series of gruesome murders in London's East End. Against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic, the duo unravels a twisted tale of murder, taunting clues, and dark obsessions. As they delve deeper into the case, they realize that the killer is not just a random monster but a cunning adversary with a terrifying plan.

My Review:
"Murder by Lamplight" by Patrice McDonough is a captivating debut historical mystery novel that seamlessly blends vivid historical details with a well-paced narrative. The cover art beautifully captures the moody essence of the story, setting the tone for a gripping read. One of the standout aspects of the book is the meticulous attention to historical accuracy, which brings Victorian London to life. McDonough's descriptive prowess shines through, immersing readers in the gritty streets, music halls, workhouses, and sewers of the era.

The mystery at the heart of the novel is cleverly crafted, with plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing. The revelation of the culprit is genuinely surprising, a testament to McDonough's skill in weaving a complex and engaging plot. The characters, particularly Dr. Julia Lewis and Detective Inspector Tennant, are well-developed and endearing. The subtle hints of a budding romance add another layer of intrigue to the story, promising further depth in future installments.

Overall, "Murder by Lamplight" is a well-executed and thoroughly enjoyable novel that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries. Patrice McDonough's skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this debut a standout addition to the genre. Readers seeking a compelling blend of history, mystery, and suspense, "Murder by Lamplight" is a must-read that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Was this review helpful?

It’s Fall of 1866 in London and there is a violent killer on the loose. Dr. Juila Lewis, one of Britain’s first female physicians, is brought onto this gruesome case as the medical examiner by Detective Inspector Tennant, and rather reluctantly the two of them team up to hunt down a killer. The killer is taunting Tennant and as the case goes on their focus seems to shift to Dr. Lewis so the two must solve the case before one of the ends up a victim.
This was a fantastic historical cozy mystery that had me hooked right from the beginning. This book was definitely written by someone who knows this period in history very well and it showed. Watching the struggles of those thought of as ‘less than’ through the lens of this story was well done and helped the story feel real and thus upped the stakes of the mystery for me. I really enjoyed being able to see events unfold from multiple points of view, especially the short moments we were seeing through the killer’s eyes. Overall a engaging start to what I can only hope will be a series because I need more from Lewis and Tennant.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Synopsis

It’s 1866 in London and no one expects a female doctor to help investigate the grizzliest serial murders, but that is just what Dr. Julia Lewis does. She is a woman who can keep her calm demeaner while facing the aftermath of gruesome violence and take charge of the crime scene. She teams up with Scotland Yard to bring down a serial killer.

My Overall Thoughts

I always love a good female protagonist showing up the men who underestimate her. I think most women can identify with this even if we are certain we would toss our cookies in Dr. Lewis’ shoes. She gave me someone to root for. I was pulled in from the start and could not put the book down.

What I Didn't Love

Dr. Lewis is pretty flat as a character. I was not sure if she was supposed to be a character with little emotion, but I really could have used so more development of her. I wanted her to have every win. I was invested. I just didn’t feel that I knew her very intimately.

Potentially Offensive Content

Graphic Violence

Blood and Gore

What I Loved

I loved reading about a strong, female character in a traditionally male role. The book was very atmospheric. The eeriness was almost too much. I really felt myself transported.

I Would Recommend This Book To

Female readers with a strong stomach and a desire to cheer another strong woman on.

Was this review helpful?

Well written. The style is atmospheric and evocative, transporting readers to the gritty streets of London in 1866. The plot is rich in historical detail and well researched. The characters are intriguing, Dr. Lewis is a strong and determined woman. Overall an enjoyable read. I hope this becomes a series.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I love historical timepiece books, but I do tend to struggle getting through them when there’s too much detail about it. Some of this book read a bit like a history lesson, which don’t get me wrong, I love to be educated, but at times it’s was a bit much. There were many aspects I did enjoy about this book besides that though! I appreciated the female lead, and paving the way for herself. I think the writing was beautifully done in a way that was atmospheric and contained a lot of different “controversial” topics. I would certainly recommend this read if you like timepieces, mysteries and strong female leads.

Thank you Net Galley and Kensington Books for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

While not exactly the author’s first professional writing, this is her first traditional publishing contract, and the first book in a planned trilogy; I hope this book is a solid success, because I really want to read the other two novels.

The characterizations are spot on, the world-building is fantastic, the historical research is impeccable, and the plotting is so very well done, I am tempted to limit this review to inchoate praise. (Not really; as regular readers know, I’m nothing if not verbose.)

Beware: PTSD; claustrophobia; abusive parents; antisemitism; racism; homophobia and queerphobia; sexual abuse of children; suicide; some gore.

One of the joys of this novel is how historical facts are presented to the reader by the characters. For example, as a woman dealing with men in positions of authority in early Victorian times, Julia must justify the legitimacy of her professional credentials to them, thus educating the reader. Tennant’s past involves serving in the in Crimean War, and thus a bit more of Britain’s imperialist history is brought to bear.

A secondary character is a wealthy businessman with racist and antisemitic views, interested in entering the political arena; another is an Irish immigrant, formerly a boxer and currently a police constable; yet another is a journalist, cynically writing for the sensationalist press; and a number of historical figures play peripheral roles, from Florence Nightingale to Sir Richard Mayne (first and longest serving Commissioner of the Metropolitan police), all providing occasion for further exposition that doesn’t feel contrived, as all the facts mentioned are either pertinent to the investigation, or part of the lived experiences of the characters.

The novel is set in a very specific period of British history, as the second industrial revolution was taking hold, and both science and policing were rapidly evolving, while the country struggled with major public health and economic issues, from the cholera and influenza epidemics, to immigration from the Empire’s own colonies and competition from foreign markets.

As the protagonists investigate the murders, the novel shows the whole gamut of social ills of the time; nationalism, racism, antisemitism, sexism, homophobia, and a visceral hatred for the poor that’s rooted in fear. (So many of the issues of the day so closely parallel today’s problems, one can’t help but notice, and realize how much of history we forget and then repeat).

At 330+ pages, and covering a period of several weeks, the story is allowed to breathe, as events unfold and the characters grow and develop in plausible ways. There’s a pervasive sense of urgency, as one by one more people are murdered, but the passage of time is fitting for a period where record keeping was not just spotty but hard to access, and both policing and forensic science were in their infancy.

Both of the main protagonists belong to Britain’s upper classes by birth, yet they both operate in circles far removed from high society: Doctor Julia Lewis, from a very wealthy family and grandniece to an Earl, allowed to practice medicine only through a loophole in the law (which was soon closed to forestalled the horrors of allowing females into the hallowed circle of Victorian professional classes), and Richard Tennant, formerly from Her Majesty’s Grenadiers Guards, and now part of the fairly new Detective Branch of the Metropolitan police.

Over the course of the novel, Julia and Tennant spar more than once about the purported limitations of the female mind, and the perceived fragility of the gender; Tennant can appreciate that Dr Lewis is professionally qualified as well as intelligent and insightful, and still cling to his sexist beliefs on what women should be and behave. For her part, Julia doesn’t much care for empty debate; she tends to prefer proving her point with facts, and action when possible; her drive to practice medicine is equaled by her fierce advocacy for the downtrodden.

For example, when discussing whether or not the poor are morally inferior:

“London is filled with brothels, you know that as well as I, Inspector. They infest the city. And everywhere, streetwalkers and rent boys wait for their customers in dark corners, thousands of them, most of them diseased. … Tell me, Inspector. Who are their clients? Some are the charming young men dressed in fine suits and snowy shirt fronts who ask for my hand at a ball.” (Chapter 4)

At the start of the novel, and in comparison with Julia, Tennant feels slightly wooden; soon, however, the man behind the stoic façade peeks out. Alongside other issues, he suffers from permanent physical injuries and PTSD:

“it had taken him six long months to recover from the physical injuries he’d sustained in the Crimea. He carried other wounds–the sweat-inducing nightmares and the suffocating terror that seized him whenever he found himself in a dark, confined space. … He’d spend hundreds of agonizing hours working to erase the traces of a limp, and he’d learned the tricks of concealing his invisible scars.” (Chapter 3)

Due to the nature of the murders, the investigation takes a close look at rent boys (street boys forced into prostitution out of desperation), molly houses, and cross-dressing, both as a purely artistic endeavor, such as performers in theaters and travelling troupes, and as gender presentation; the queerphobia and rigid morality of the time play an important part of the plot.

“All we want is to live our lives without fear or harassment. You… The police and the world make that impossible.” (minor character at a molly house, Chapter 9)

As the investigation into the murders stalls, due to dearth of witnesses and no obvious connections between the victims, the inspector and the doctor discuss alternative ways to approach the case, including considering the nascent field of psychology as a viable way to both find the necessary link and deduce the identity of the killer.

“The average juryman looking at a man in the dock understands a raving, wild-eyed lunatic, someone beyond reason. But a quiet, well-spoken fellow who calmly explains how he picked up a hatchet and chopped up his wife? How does one decide what to do with him? Is he insane, or is he evil? Should we confine him for life in Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum or send him to Newgate Prison to be hanged?”

“I don’t know, Inspector. Perhaps the unknowable should make us cautious. Hanging is so permanent.” (Chapter 6, DI Tennant, Dr Julia Lewis)

Minor characters have backstories and motivations; Q, the former Sergeant who runs an athletic club and also provides a refuge for street boys; Jackie, the abused street child whom Julia hires as a second porter at her clinic; Paddy O’Malley, the cheerful, careful and insightful Irish constable; Julie’s grandfather, and so on.

The author makes even the most unlikable characters three dimensional by showing the breadth of their humanity. Johnny Osborne, the yellow journalist, helps Julia navigate a tricky situation with a city official during a minor cholera outbreak; Sir Harry Jackson, founding member of the white nationalist Britannia Party (the historical inspiration, a breakaway faction from the National Front, briefly existed in the late 1970s), not only pays the highest wages in East London, but also carries out several acts of charity, discreetly, without seeking acknowledgment or gratitude.

There are some passages from the killer’s point of view, but they are few, brief, and not graphic; in fact, there’s very little gore in the novel, despite the brutal (and sexual) nature of the murders.

The plotting, as I mentioned at the top, is first rate; all that one needs to figure out the identity of the murderer is in the text, with sly misdirection, several viable suspects, and at least one obvious “gotcha!” moment. I particularly appreciated that there is enough page space devoted to the aftermath of the climactic revelations and final confrontation.

"What do you do after you nearly die? She knew the answer. It was both simple and infinitely complicated. You live, but not as you lived before." (Dr Julia Lewis, chapter 17)

Romance between the main characters is hinted at, and may develop further successive books. Julia is twenty eight and Richard in his early to mid-thirties, behaving as adults would in their circumstances. The later, very conscious of the limitations of both is career and personal circumstances, vis-a-vis hers; the former very much aware of the professional advantages of remaining single at a time where women’s property became their husband’s upon marriage–never mind the preponderance of venereal diseases among former military men of a certain age. (Yes, truly.)

Also, did I mention the competence porn?

The author is USian, but the use of language feels properly British and historically accurate (to me, for whom English is a second language).

In sum: this novel was an absolute delight for a mystery reader and a history lover, with enough crumbs that my genre romance heart is hooked.

Murder by Lamplight gets a 9.25 out of 10

Was this review helpful?

I hope this is a series, because I definitely want to know what's going to happen to (and between) Julia Lewis and Richard Tennant. This book had everything: characters, atmosphere, drama, suspense.

As for the mystery, it was a decent whodunit, with some added "complications" because it was set in the late 19th century. Period crime has always been a hit and miss for me, but I enjoyed this one.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

Was this review helpful?

I was instantly hooked when I saw that this story revolves around one of the first female physicians and a detective working together to solve grisly crimes; and the cover reeled me in even more as it revealed a time period that interests me.

Unfortunately, the execution left me wanting more. The story did not flow for me and I found my mind wandering when the author would expound upon historical details. I highly enjoy history, but I was looking for it to be more flawlessly embedded into the setting and not take center stage in lieu of character development.

I think this kind of storytelling might work better for a person who is okay with the structure that I described above-it all depends on your storytelling preferences.

Thank you Kensington Books for the opportunity to respond to this story. All opinions are my own.

2.25✨’s

Was this review helpful?

This is a fantastic historical murder mystery. Fans of Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, or Miss Fisher will thoroughly enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this murder mystery very much but I will say it was a bit gruesome at times. Very much enjoyed learning about the details of every day life and found it fascinating.

Was this review helpful?

A great, but gruesome murder mystery set in Victorian times. I enjoyed the shifts in the plot as the stakes to find the killer grew higher. I also enjoyed the cast of characters, including the leads, lady doctor Julia, and Tennnant, and their banter and dynamic. Though there was no romance, perhaps there might be a hint of one in the future for them if there are more books featuring the two working as a team.

I will say this book is not for the light hearted as the murders are detailed and disturbing in nature. Even more so when the identity of the true killer is discovered, and their story is told. It is a chilling reminder of the darkness in the world and the monsters it can create.

This is my first book by this author but I would read more from her.

Was this review helpful?

Set in Victorian London in 1866, this is the first in a historical mystery series featuring a female doctor, Dr Julia Lewis and a detective inspector, Richard Tennant. Encouraged to travel to Philadelphia to study medicine by her grandfather, Julia joined his practice in on her return to London and has also set up her own clinic.

Julia first meets inspector Richard Tennant when he sends for her grandfather to attend a grisly murder in Whitechapel, but as her grandfather wasrecovering from an illness, Julia arrived at the scene instead. Although Tennant is sceptical that she will be able to view the sexually mutilated body and conduct a thorough post mortem, he is impressed with her skill and no-nonsense attitude and doesn’t hesitate to call on her again when a second body is found.

Tennant believes there is enough evidence to link the murders, although the victims couldn’t be more different, one a clergyman and the other a banker. The killer has left a token at each murder and, as further murders occur, delights in leading the police a merry dance by sending letters to Tennant, taunting him about his inability to solve the case.

The novel has a cast of unconventional and interesting characters. Julia with her practicality, medical training and feminist leanings is not a typical woman for her time, although her family background allows her to feel at home in society as well as venturing into seedy areas of the East End to treat patents or attend crime scenes.

Tennant is also a complex character, taciturn and reserved, who hasn’t quite found his place in the world. After he resigned from his promising career in the army due to a family scandal, his godfather encouraged him to join the police. Although he clearly admires Julia, he is not good at personal relationships, and often gets off on the wrong foot when talking to her. For her part, Julia is determined not to fall in love as marrying would mean giving up her career and financial independence.

The novel takes us into many areas of East London, some dark and seamy, including its workhouses, music halls, sewerage treatment works, and breweries. The author includes a lot of interesting facts about these in the novel, although perhaps some of this would have been better included as a note at the end of the book, to allow the narrative to flow more naturally. However, the overall plot is certainly intriguing as Tennant and his officers, Sergeant Graves and Constable O’Malley find it difficult to work out the killer’s motives and choice of victims and in the end his identity turns out to be quite unexpected. This is a promising start to a new series with a gritty, engaging plot and intriguing characters I hope to get know better.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book in the doctor Julia Lewis mysteries by Patricia McDonough. It’s called Murder By LampLight, it’s set in the 1800s during a very busy time. The Cholera epidemic is ending but the argument about whether it comes from water or the air is ramping up. Dr. Lewis has been very busy she not only has the clinic she shares with her grandfather but works as a main doctor at the Work house and now helping ScotlandYard more specifically she is helping DSI Richard tenet who at first is very critical but thanks to policeman O’Malley not everyone at the yard doubt a females ability to deal with the strange murders they keep finding. They fine what they believe is the first murder but there is many more to come will the doctor drop dead from exhaustion before they find the killer or will she drop dead for more direct means? I love historical mystery… Actually I love historical anything but especially historical mystery and it is such a special treat when I cannot figure out the ending and when I say this book had a twist and store it certainly did throughout the book we get hints of the mind of the killer and hear from his voice but I was not prepared for who the killer Wass I thought I knew but I had no clue and OMG if this book wasn’t good I can honestly say I will be reading the second book in the series whenever it comes out I’ve never read a book by Author before but I will definitely read another. I got almost halfway through the book and then requested the audio which I think was a much better experience the narrator did a great job and really set an awesome tone for an awesome book. I want to think Kensington Books and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Was this review helpful?

Rated 3.5 stars!

TWs: child sa, child abuse, assault, violent crimes, and murder

November 1866: The grisly murder site in London’s East End is thronged with onlookers. None of them expect the calm efficient young woman among them to be a medical doctor, arrived to examine the corpse. Inspector Richard Tennant, overseeing the investigation, at first makes no effort to disguise his skepticism. But Dr. Julia Lewis is accustomed to such condescension.

After earning her medical degree in America, Julia returns to London with cholera gripping over the city. More and more cases are coming, but she’s unprepared for the most grisly one of all - the recent mutilated murder victim. A very personal attack.

Days later, another body is found with links to the first, and Tennant calls in Dr. Lewis again in what is now beginning to be a methodical killing spree. Can both of them work together in order to solve this case before it’s too late?

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝:
▫️it has three pov’s, Dr. Julia Lewis, Inspector Richard Tennant, and the serial murderer
▫️i didn’t guess the killer 😳
▫️Julia and Richard’s relationship development

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤:
▫️the writing itself. The author goes into way too much detail about the mid-1800’s sewer systems several times (why???) 😅
▫️Julia was severely irritating because she always brought everything back to gender inequality. It’s important, obviously, but it was everyyy conversation she has with Tennant

Was this review helpful?

This debut novel lands us squarely in the middle of London in 1866 and it’s not pretty. The city is filthy, with streets filled with muck, so much so that youngsters with brooms earn a living by clearing a path for the well-to-do to cross the street without getting too dirty. Julia Lewis is a female doctor, something rather unusual in those days. She is the granddaughter of a doctor and was educated at the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the only way for an English woman to get a medical degree at that time.

Because her grandfather is ill, Julia takes his place when he is called on by Scotland Yard to check on a dead body. Thus begins a partnership of sorts with Inspector Tennant. Over the course of the book, they try to find the connection that links a number of deaths, all of whom have a popped balloon in their pockets and all of whom are mutilated in some gruesome way. The details are not for the faint-hearted, but the story is fascinating and pulled me in quickly.

Every time I read a book about London in the nineteenth century, I shudder at the lack of sanitary conditions (unless you were rich, of course), the lack of opportunity and freedom for women, and the suffocating fog. The book also highlights the plight of men who preferred the company of other men; it was totally illegal and very dangerous. I am thankful for our current times, even with all the issues we are facing!

The mystery was excellent. The perpetrator surprised me, for sure.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read. The audiobook was well narrated by Henrietta Meire.

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?