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

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

I enjoy a story with a female lead. Especially one who has to work the odds to get the recognition she deserves. Very often in the past centuries such women have been relegated to the dimmer parts of history and not acknowledged for the trail blazers they were.

Dr Julia Lewis a qualified doctor is one such woman. Grand daughter of a doctor she qualified in America because women were not allowed to study medicine in 1866 England. Now called upon to assist in a gory crime scene, she has to face derision not just from the coppers, but also from Detective Tennant who thinks she is incapable of handling the case.

When murder after murder occurs and clues point to numerous people first those connected to the theatre and especially the drag clubs of the day, the Doctor starts her own investigation of trying to follow sequence and logic. When the suspicions fall on the workhouse, it finds many people linked to the murder, all who are perfectly good suspects.

How it all pans out is ingenious. Not just solving the crime, but the social commentary on the times was very, very good. It gives a setting to the story which enhances the read.

ovember 1866. Detective Inspector Richard Tennant is investigating the death of the Rev. Tobias Atwater. Dr Julia Lewis is called to the scene of crime as the medical examiner. Then another murder occurs. Both murders seem to have connections to a previous murder some years ago where it now seems an innocent man was hanged. Between them can they discover the motive and the killer.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting and likeable characters. A good start to hopefully a new series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Dr. Julia Lewis had an unusual occupation for this time, that of a medical doctor. She often has to prove to others how capable she is of doing her work. Detective Inspector Richard Tennant comes into contact with Julia due to a murder investigation. Richard also has an interesting background. At first, they don’t get on but as they work together so their feelings change. The murder mystery had me guessing throughout and I had a real surprise at the end. I will certainly look out for the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book: 4 Stars
Narrator: 4 Stars

GREAT. GOOGLY. MOOGLY.
Well, that was a huge surprise and quite the ride. I have had such a hit or miss time lately with ANY sort of mysteries and then to read 2 in a row that were just fantastic was such a balm to this mystery-loving soul! :-)

This was an excellent read that keeps ones guessing right up until the end [I had made a guess early on at who the killer was, never dreaming I was correct, so that when the reveal started, I actually GASPED out loud and then laughed] and then you are not sure if you should be relieved, or angry, or crying, or all three.

I am not really going to write much more about this, because one should experience this with little knowledge of the story because the writer unfolds it in such a way that any pre-knowledge is not needed and you are sucked in from page one [and any more from me would result in spoilers and I don't do that] and if you love a good historical mystery, featuring a strong, independent woman doctor, who doesn't give a FIG about what society thinks about her, along with really excellent side characters, then this is the [new] book for you!!

Very well done.

I was grateful to receive an audiobook ARC for this book and it helped me get into the story a lot faster than I expected.
I often struggle with this narrator in the beginning of the books she narrates, as she has an odd staccato way of speaking, but once I settle in, I really enjoy how she narrates [she does male voices really well] and I love how she brought Dr. Julia Lewis and Detective Inspector Tenant to life [as well as all the side characters] and she helped me keep all the characters straight by infusing such interesting life and accents into each one of them and it made it really a lovely [if not slightly terrifying] book to listen to. Keeping in mind her unique way of speaking, I highly recommend listening to this audiobook should you decide to pick it up to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Patrice McDonough, Henrietta Meire - Narrator, Kensington Books, and RB Media for providing both the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

While Covid is still present and acquiring victims, it is not the first virus to overtake a population. In this historical, British mystery, cholera is the illness that is claiming many victims. And, just as life did not stop for Covid, in this story murder and detection still occur.

I enjoyed the team that were following the clues and trying to find out who was murdering those in London, starting with a member of the clergy. There is a woman, Julia, who is a physician (one of few at that time) and, of course, her counterpart in the police.

The killer needs to be found and before a protagonist is killed. Along the way, readers see much of London life in its period, including places such as the dance halls that were popular.

This book is not a cozy and there is some rather messy killing. However, those who enjoy an atmospheric story with a case to solve may well enjoy this novel. It is the first by this author. I hope that there will be a second before long.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

In her debut novel, Patrice McDonough creates an engaging murder mystery. I couldn’t guess the murderer at all, but I thought the characters could have been more robust. Overall, I give the book a 3.5-star rating, but the mystery a 5-star.

Bucking rules, laws, and expectations, Dr. Julia Lewis, through a loophole, is licensed to actively practice medicine in England. While covering her grandfather’s practice after his illness, she hasn’t managed to gain many clients – who’d trust a woman to treat them?/s However, she’s given the chance to consult as a public service when her grandfather is called to examine a body for the police and is still too weak to go.

Mistrustful of her at first, Detective Inspector Richard Tennant is reluctant to use her services, but needs must. He soon finds her a competent professional and a keen observer. As more bodies appear, both the doctor and inspector become convinced that they are linked. The pursuit of the culprit is top priority, but the police seem to be stonewalled wherever they turn. When the killer seems like he’s added the doctor to his list, the inspector must move quickly to save her life.

Let’s talk plot first: it was awesome. I never guessed the murderer, and the twist at the end was fantastic. The plot didn’t move along very quickly; there was a lot of investigative detail, which I appreciated. It was nice to not have the inspector get attacked physically in any way. I also liked following the red herrings and more mundane processes. It was more realistic than dramatic, and that was nice for a change.

There was plenty of suspense, however: the inspector kept receiving threatening notes and McDonough gave us glimpses into the killer’s mind. She did this very well, without giving anything about his identity away. I liked that it was kept a secret until the end. Readers got to see the inspector’s, doctor’s, and killer’s thoughts, which kept them well abreast of the developments, given that the doctor and inspector overlapped so often. She found clues through her observations and clinic work, and he had to ensure her safety. Is it any wonder that a little spark of attraction developed?

I’m not surprised that the inspector was interested in the doctor; competent, professional, opinionated women were not generally created or encouraged in Victorian times. They certainly didn’t work or think for a living. I think the fact that he liked the doctor surprised the inspector, but he adjusted quickly. I’m a little surprised the attraction continued, though, because the doctor was rather haughty. I respected her efforts and the adversities she faced, but didn’t care for her attitude about…anything.

I respect someone who’s fought for where they’ve got to, and the doctor certainly had. She had to go to America to even get her medical degree, and most of her father’s patients wouldn’t see her because she was a woman. However, in every conversation with the inspector, she was challenging and debating him, and I’m not sure he deserved that. Sure, he doubted her when she first appeared, but who wouldn’t for something so out of the norm? After he received her first report he was assured of her competence and never questioned her or her skills.

I felt that acceptance of the doctor’s professionalism was a big enough mark of respect from the inspector, however, the doctor didn’t think so. Every chance she got she was needling him about his/society’s opinion of women – she never bothered to ask his opinion, so why should I make a distinction between them – even though he didn’t lecture her on her inferiority, tell her off for not having a career, or impugn the value of women in any way. It was like she was fighting against accusations and arguments that he hadn’t even made. She wanted him to see past her femaleness to her medical training, but wouldn’t allow him the same courtesy of looking past his maleness to the inspector.

I think the doctor came on much too strongly in this book; the feminist agenda was way too overt and I found it offensive to the inspector, who seemed like a thoroughly decent man. I’m not denying that the doctor should be working to the advantage of women who want careers, but I think she should be speaking to someone who needs convincing. Other than her surety of the feminist cause and her own lack of fallibility, I’m sure she’s quite nice. She certainly seems competent. All in all, I give the mystery plot for Murder By Lamplight five stars, but the pomposity of the doctor and overt feminism brought my overall rating down to 3.5. Other readers may not mind it as much, but this is a bone that irritates me, and that I’ve picked with books in other reviews. Regardless, if you’re looking for a good mystery with a great twist, give this a try!

London 1866

I am addicted to historical mysteries and always excited to find a new author and explore the history included.

A female doctor and an inspector join forces to find a murderer who is viscous and escalating..
But when it seen the killer has his sight on the Dr, it gets really interesting.

Looking forward to more from the author!

November 1866: The grisly murder site in London’s East End is thronged with onlookers. None of them expect the calmly 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 scepticism. But Dr. Julia Lewis is accustomed to such condescension. In four years, however, she has seen nothing quite like this, a local clergyman’s body sexually mutilated and displayed in a manner that she and Tennant both suspect is personal. Days later, another body is found with links to the first, and Tennant calls in Dr. Lewis again. The murderer begins sending the police taunting letters and tantalizing clues though the trail leads in multiple directions
A new author to me & I believe this is her debut. A very well researched book which did get bogged down in detail at times. Overall I enjoyed the book. I liked Julia who had travelled to America to study medicine & then returned to work in her grandfather’s practice. I also liked Richard even though he was dour & a private person. The plot has twists & turns & I found myself drawn into the mystery & my interest was held until the end. I hope there will be more books
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

BOOK: MURDER BY LAMPLIGHT
AUTHOR: PATRICE MCDONOUGH
PUB DATE: FEBRUARY 2023
👩🏼‍⚕️👮🏼‍♂️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👮🏼‍♂️👩🏼‍⚕️
This book had an amazing list of characters from the female doctor, Julia Lewis, to Inspector Tennant. I liked them both and how realistic their situations were. I liked the side characters, too, and the setting.
👩🏼‍⚕️👮🏼‍♂️
I liked the storyline, but it took a long time before I finished the first few chapters. But when I got to 20% of the book, I literally couldn't stop. I just kept turning the pages so I could know what connected the victims and who the culprit was. I was so so surprised to discover who the culprit was. I loved solving the case with the detectives. I liked that Julia's presence added some new flair in the solving of the case.
👮🏼‍♂️👩🏼‍⚕️
The victims definitely deserved what they got, I didn't feel a ounce of pity for them. I just wished the culprit hadn't gone psycho. I liked learning about cholera and its effect on the poor in Britain. It was heartbreaking to read. People were suffering because they couldn't afford better and because those in charge didn't do what they were required to do.
👩🏼‍⚕️👮🏼‍♂️
I liked this book and I'd definitely read the next book in the series. I want more of Julia and Tennant, I can already see some spark flying. This book is worth a read
👮🏼‍♂️👩🏼‍⚕️

A strong, atmospheric and gripping debut of a new historical thriller. There's a sense of dread, there's strong characters and a solid plot that kept me on the edge and guessing.
I can't wait to read the next in this series, this one is very good
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine