1867. In the female artist world, the painters are receiving threatening letters demanding money, and their sitters are disappearing. Then bodies are discovered, and a suicide occurs. But this is just the beginning. Is there a link between the two. Inspector Tennant and doctor Julia Lewis investigate. But what will they uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Julia Lewis once more finds herself embroiled in murder.

Inspector Richard Tennant, of Scotland Yard, calls on Julia where he can to act as the coroner In his inquiries
This time he does it out of deference to a young woman’s feelings who’s been brought in under the Contagious Diseases Act, as she’d been walking home from her work via St James’s Park, a dodgy part of London at night, and near to the barracks. Annie O’Neil is a hat maker who’s also been working as an artist’s model. However neither the Act nor the constabulary in this time of 1867 discern between everyday workers and prostitutes.
A doctor is needed to examine Annie to determine if she’s a prostitute. Julia is livid with the law. Her opinion is that, “forced examinations are medical rape.”
This is just the opening barrage in the murder of some respected members of society, apparently united until now, the puzzling disappearance and murder of young and respectable working women, threats being made against women painters who are holding a major exhibition, and the recovery of traumatized young Chinese girls who’d thought they were being sent to North America as brides, but ended up in London in brothels.
There’s more than one thread of occurrences but are they in anyway linked?
Another intriguing mystery from Mcdonough, one to get your teeth into!

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough
Dr. Julia Lewis #2

Excellent addition to the series and seamless return to a wonderful series ~ Couldn’t put it down.

What I liked:
* Dr. Julia Lewis: physician, trained in Pennsylvania, raised by her grandparents, strong, dedicated, professional, intelligent, compassionate, skilled, observant, feels something for Richard
* Inspector Richard Tennant: employed by Scotland Yard, retired Army captain, wounded at war, PTSD, intelligent, from a good background, good leader, strategist, rather taken with Julia
* Sergeant Paddy O’Malley: constable, works with Tennant, Irish, ex-boxer, family oriented, honorable, strong, good at his job, hope to see more of him in the future
* The supporting characters I hope to see more of: Dr. Andrew Lewis – Julia’s grandfather, Lady Aldridge – Julia’s Aunt Caroline, Julia’s head nurse – Clemmie, Dr. Gregory Barnes – part-time physician at the clinic, Reverend Owen Lloyd – handsome, charming, kind missionary who returned from China due to illness
* Returning to Julia’s world with her work and interactions with Richard and his work – and the potential budding romance that may eventually come to fruition
* The supporting characters
* The Allingham family dynamics and where they led – was happy that the Miss Allingham found her future partner
* The glimpse of the disparity in how male and female artists were treated
* The police investigations dealing with crimes of murder, human trafficking, “French” postcards and volumes of similar images
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* All of it except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult it was to live then – for so many reasons
* Having to wait for the next book

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

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

5 Stars

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice Mcdonough is Historical Mystery Fiction. The author McDonough is new to me. Her characters are not the norm for the mid 19th century and lead intriguing lives. Women not at home but rather have unusual careers, murder, mystery, and a lady medical examiner. What could be a more interesting read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4 Stars

A Slash of Emerald (Dr. Julia Lewis #2) by Patrice McDonough is an engaging mystery set in the fog-laden streets of 1867 London. Dr. Julia Lewis, Scotland Yard's first female medical examiner, with her sharp intellect and unwavering determination, is brought in to examine a troubled young woman who has been arrested. Detective Richard Tennant and Dr. Lewis unravel a complex web of connections between this young woman, a daring break-in, a series of malicious poison pen letters, and a suspicious death.

The mystery unfolded at a satisfying pace, with clues sprinkled throughout the narrative. The clever twists and turns led to a genuinely surprising reveal, showcasing the author's skill in crafting a compelling mystery.

I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and mysteries who appreciate strong female characters and rich historical references. A Slash of Emerald is a worthy follow-up to The Murder by Lamplight series, leaving me eagerly anticipating Dr. Lewis's next intriguing case!

Thank you to Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BOOK: A SLASH OF EMERALD
AUTHOR: PATRICE MCDONOUGH
PUB DATE: 25 FEB 2025
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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.
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This book was worth every second I spent on it because of the unexpected ending. I was totally distracted, and I was expecting something completely different. I loved the twist.
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The book started off with a simple, not so simple murder case, but it leads to a vibrant art world of painting, artists and models, and even human trafficking. The detective just kept uncovering new evidence. Even Julia, the FMC, the coroner, was able to uncover clues apart from her main duty. The storyline was perfectly paced, and I loved reading it. I'm still shaken by the plot twist. I should have suspected the person, but I just didn't see it in them.
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Apart from the cases being solved, we also got insight into the MC's lives. Although, I still don't know much about Tennant. I want the author yo focus on his past more in the next book. I have enough of Julia's personal life, even her private practice. She's a phenomenal woman. I also like the way the author portrays the issues of gender inequality present at that time.
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I loved reading this book and I can't wait to see more of Julia and Tennant and a improvement in their relationship. A wonderful read. it's the second in the series, but you don't have to read the first one to understand this.
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Painting is an acceptable pastime among the ladies of London society in the 1860s, but no one considers it more than just a hobby. The women who sit for these painters are held in even lower regard, so when they start disappearing, nobody really seems to care. But when one of these women turns up dead and someone else commits suicide, Inspector Richard Tennant, with more than a little nudge from Dr. Julia Lewis, begins to dig deeper. They more they learn, the more they uncover deception and depravity – and a killer.

I have been waiting for the second book in this series almost from the moment I finished the first one. Julia is an amazing woman, especially for her time, and doesn’t hesitate to prod people around her to do the right thing, regardless of society’s mores. I like that Richard takes her suggestions and comments seriously rather than simply brushing them under the rug, and Sgt. O’Malley is coming around as well.

There were several murders in this book, and it seemed obvious that they were all committed by the same person. I thought I had it all worked out, but once again, I was wrong. I wasn’t entirely surprised when the culprit was identified, but that character was not very high up on my list.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what Richard, Julia and Sgt. O’Malley have to figure out next.

I thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance reader copy of “A Slash of Emerald.” All opinions and comments are my own.

What starts out as a seemingly straightforward attack on female artists turns into something oh so much more sordid in “A Slash of Emerald,” the second in the Dr. Julia Lewis Victorian mystery series by Patrice McDonough. The author takes the dark underpinnings of society, in this case human trafficking, and deftly uses the subject in a way that illustrates the moral failings of the practice while providing a book that keeps readers turning the pages.

Dr. Julia Lewis, after the traumatic happenings of the first book (“Murder by Lamplight”), is recovering and ruminating on her relationship with police inspector Richard Tennant -- or perhaps it’s the other way around. In any event, she soon becomes involved in this case, especially now that she is officially one of Scotland Yard’s medical examiners. And when the bodies of shop girls and models and young Asian women start to turn up, and a husband suicides, it’s apparent that there are dark dealings afoot.

This is a story with many plot strings to follow along with, and you will have plenty to capture your attention. When I say that even James McNeil Whistler (yes, he of “Whistler’s Mother” fame) has a (small) part to play, I’m not kidding. Some may find the middle a bit slow going, but author McDonough has a lot to say and she needs you to pay attention. One crime has a tragic solution; others, what justice there is is justice delayed, true to the times, with an ending that bodes well for a future book.

An Author’s Note references the real people used in the novel. “A Slash of Emerald” will entertain and anger you in equal measure in its telling of the treatment of certain young woman at this time in England. It is always good to be reminded.

As with the first book in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The mystery was well-constructed - unlike others I've read recently, I didn't solve it several chapters before the characters. I really enjoyed the character development and appreciated how McDonough handled the disturbing subject matter of the crimes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Detective Inspector Richard Tennant of Scotland Yard and Dr. Julia Lewis find themselves once again investigating all sorts of crime-including murder- in this second in the series which will also be fine as a standalone. It's 1867 London and women artists are experiencing problems which are being generally brushed off until there's a killing. Know that many of the artists mentioned were real people (I found myself looking everyone up) and that this is nicely heavy on atmospherics. This second installment sees the pair more developed as characters and working better together. The mystery is good with nice red herrings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.

On the dark streets of London, 1867, Inspector Richard Tennant & Dr. Julia Lewis are once again pulled together to solve a growing case involving the rich and poor alike. If you enjoy clever historical mysteries then look no further.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Tennant and Lewis as they expertly navigate another case together. Lewis is compassionate and diligent in her work as a doctor, especially in a time not prone to accepting women who choose their careers over all else. Tennant is a hound when it comes to sniffing out dishonesty and pursuing all avenues, even when they appear to be a dead end. Together they're an evenly matched team.

Patrice McDonough is an expert at writing mystery novels that immerse the reader in the intricacies and politics of Victorian England. She doesn't romanticize London. She lays it out plainly as a playground for depravity. No one is safe, and as the case unfolds it becomes clear that there are no limits to what people are willing to do to get what they want.

If you're looking for a mystery novel that has an abundance of history meshed in, then a Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery is for you. A Slash of Emerald is dark, dry, and all business.

London, 1867: Dr. Julia Lewis is familiar with the disrespect afforded women in untraditional careers, is hardly surprised when Scotland Yard shows little interest in complaints made by her friend, Mary Allingham, about a break-in at her art studio. Mary is just one of many “lady painters” being targeted by vandals. Painters’ sitters are vanishing, too. Inspector Richard Tennant, however, takes the attacks seriously, suspecting they’re linked to the poison-pen letters received by additional members of the Allingham family.
But when someone close to them commits suicide and a young woman turns up dead, the case can no longer be so easily ignored by ‘respectable’ society.
The second book in the series & another well written very enjoyable murder mystery. I really like Julia who is a strong intelligent woman who is constantly fighting prejudice as she’s a woman doctor in a man’s world. I also really like Richard who is gradually accepting Julia more & more & of course I like their slow burn romance. The case is intriguing with twists & turns I wasn’t expecting, I thoroughly enjoyed the book & look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

I enjoyed this one more than I did the first one in the series. Dr. Julia Lewis is growing in her abilities and Inspector Richard Tennant is starting to see her as a collogue and not some women. I'm looking forward to more books in the series.

This is book 2 in the series and while could be read as a standalone as far as the mystery is concerned it is best read in order for the full character growth and development. There are two plotlines involved in this book which makes for a twisty and absorbing story that is atmospheric and felt true to the times including cultural, societal, and political some of which we still deal with today. I found out at the end that some of the painters mentioned in the novel were real people which added a nice touch to the story, I cant wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a new author to me and I have to say I TRULY enjoyed this mystery! All the characters were well formed, the plot was well timed and only a little over- description at the end of the book made this story a thrilling one. The real villain is well hidden and the subject material , though touchy, was well written. The tiny little cliff-hanger will definitely bring me back to read #3 and I will have to find #1 as well. I could feel the chemistry between Julia and the detective and the ending was a tad heartwrenching. Well worth the time to read- clear your calendar, you wont want to put it down!

I received this story for free and these are my own views

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough, the second book in the Dr. Julia Lewis historical mystery series, picks up soon after the first book in the series. Set in Victorian London in 1867, it features Detective Inspector Richard Tennant of Scotland Yard and Dr. Julia Lewis, one of Britain’s first female physicians. Julia has recently been named Scotland Yard’s first female medical examiner, which adds to her workload running a medical clinic.

While painting is considered an acceptable pastime for women, it is not viewed as acceptable by most to pursue art as a profession. When Mary Allingham complains about a break-in at her art studio, Scotland Yard doesn’t want to pursue it. However, Mary is just one of the woman painters who are being targeted by vandals. Additionally, painters’ sitters are disappearing. Richard takes the attacks seriously and suspects they’re related to the poison-pen letters received by other members of the Allingham household. Julia and Richard join forces to investigate with help from Sergeant O’Malley.

Julia is candid, self-sufficient, intelligent, curious, and wants to be listened to; not just seen. She doesn’t hold back on her opinions. Richard is dour, aloof, guarded, has a steely resolve, and isn’t easy to know. He’s well-educated and doesn’t like tight spaces. Their characters gain depth as the story progresses. The author created characters with believable relationships that made them come to life.

Two main plotlines make this a twisty and absorbing story that is atmospheric and felt true to the times. I learned something about the Victorian art world. Many of the painters mentioned in the novel were real, not fictional. Imagine meeting Whistler and his contemporaries! It also incorporates some real-world issues into the story that still exist today. This adds depth to the narrative and provides food-for-thought. The worldbuilding was well-done and included cultural, societal, and political aspects for the story. While many parts of the story were wrapped up, a couple of key items were not sufficiently brought to a satisfactory conclusion for me. However, they will hopefully be resolved in book three.

Overall, this dark, gritty, and engaging book has great characterization with likeable main characters, excellent worldbuilding, and a solid mystery. Readers who appreciate historical mystery stories will likely enjoy this novel. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kensington Publishing and Patrice McDonough provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 25, 2025.

"A trailblazing female medical examiner in 1867 London and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective investigate a string of art world murders in this dark, atmospheric, historically rich mystery for readers of Andrea Penrose and Deanna Raynourn.

London, 1867: Among the genteel young ladies of London society, painting is a perfectly acceptable pastime - but a woman who dares to pursue art as a profession is another prospect, indeed. Dr. Julia Lewis, familiar with the disrespect afforded women in untraditional careers, is hardly surprised when Scotland Yard shows little interest in complaints made by her friend, Mary Allingham, about a break-in at her art studio. Mary is just one of many "lady painters" being targeted by vandals.

Painters' sitters are vanishing, too - women viewed by some as dispensable outcasts. Inspector Richard Tennant, however, takes the attacks seriously, suspecting they're linked to the poison-pen letters received by additional members of the Allingham family. For Julia, the issue is complicated by Tennant's previous relationship with Mary's sister-in-law, Louisa, and by her own surprising reaction to that entanglement.

But when someone close to them commits suicide and a young woman turns up dead, the case can no longer be so easily ignored by 'respectable' society. Layer after layer, Julia and Tennant scrape away the facts of the case like paint from a canvas. What emerges is a somber picture of vice, depravity, and deception stretching from London's East End to the Far East - with a killer at its center, determined to get away with one last, grisly murder..."

Two of my loves, art and murder, combine for the perfect read.

This second in series throws DI Tennant and Scotland Yard’s medical examiner, Dr. Julia Lewis, into a complex maelstrom of pornography, prostitution, human trafficking, and murder. In 1867 Julia attends upon the wealthy Charles Allingham after he falls through the ice at a skating event. Both his sister Mary and his wife Louisa agree he’s unusually distant and morose at home, and spending inordinate hours at his club. But the family are nevertheless utterly shocked by his suicide a few days later.

When the body of a missing Cheapside shopgirl is thrown from a carriage, Julia’s postmortem reveals violent sexual assault. And a lot of details point towards the stunningly beautiful artists’ model, Margot Miller, who may be involved in more than she’s willing to reveal. DI Tennant’s investigation broadens as he uncovers what looks like human trafficking along with sexually explicit art copied from local artists’ work with salacious additions using replacement female models. Disappearances, art vandalism, blackmail, assault, and a couple of murders mean Tennant has his work cut out for him.

The cast are all well portrayed, and McDonough takes time and effort to add nuance to her background cameo players —Julia’s sounding board, her grandfather Dr. Andrew Lewis; Aunt Caroline; and the impatient foul-tempered Chief Inspector. A frisson of sexual tension runs beneath the very proper Victorian cordiality exhibited by Tennant and Julia, and a glance or a hand-hold here and there leave the reader pondering whether Julia will one day renounce her independence for love. Tennant and Sergeant O’Malley’s investigation takes readers in a sweep across London from Kensington to Pall Mall, Harley Street, and the stews of St. Giles. The participation of two shrewd police officers who aren’t afraid to use a woman’s powers of observation, is quite refreshing, making this a very enjoyable read.

It was nice catching up with Dr. Julia and Inspector Tennant in this new installment. I enjoy a good historical fiction story every now and then; it’s a nice break from all the police procedurals and crime thrillers that I read so much about. However, this is no cozy mystery, both installments have shown the dark and dangerous and seamy side of London and especially for Dr Julia (who was almost killed in the last book), as the first female doctor in London as well as Scotland Yard. I especially like historical fiction stories that have bold, brave, strong, smart and unconventional FMC’s, like Dr Julia. In other words, the original feminists who fought the battles and paved the way for the feminists of today who are still fighting some of the same battles.

The book summary introduces the primary storyline of women artists being harassed and threatened and their models being killed or “disappearing”. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that some of these women were being targeted for a purpose so horrible, while their deaths and disappearances were being ignored and blamed on the women instead of the rich, evil and despicable men who were behind it all.

There is also a secondary storyline of Dr Julia’s and Inspector Tennant’s growing affections and attraction towards each other. With Dr Julia returning to her family’s clinic after having recuperated from almost being killed in the last installment, she is diving back in full speed ahead. With Inspector Tennant entrenched in the “Yard” as well as dealing with a difficult superior, they both have no time for courting and are so pitifully awkward in the romance department. At this point, I’m thinking if this goes on much longer, it’s going to become painful to watch. Lots of eye-rolling and snickering during these parts.

Most of the story revolves around the threats, murders and disappearances of the female artists and models. As the clues and leads came in along with more dead bodies, my armchair detective was all over the place trying to decide who the real monster was, but did start to zero in on someone after a while. WOW!!! Was I ever wrong! The ending was so shocking, intense and kind of disturbing! However, it was the final scene that had my eyes becoming just a little moist and the whisper of a “oh no” for Dr Julia. I don’t know what’s going on, whether it’s just me being a little too invested in my characters and their fate or if it’s just the last few installments for some of my fave series have all just had sad endings. I’d like to think it’s the latter, but it’s probably a little of both.

The continuing character development for Dr Julia and Inspector Tennant was well done. It will be interesting to see what McDonough has in store for them. The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting. I really enjoyed the Author Notes at the end that included some additional history and info on the art world and artists of that time. The writing was also well done and on par for the series so far. McDonough has definitely done a lot of research and portrays in a realistic manner. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #ASlashofEmerald

I thought this was a good police procedural story.
I was hoping Julia would have been more involved with the investigation. The story just seems to revolve more around Tennant. It was a good mystery and I was surprised by the ending.