Series: Dr. Julia Lewis #1
Author: Patrice McDonough
Genre: Historical Fiction; Mystery; Thriller
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Kensington
Rating
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Author: Patrice McDonough
Genre: Historical Fiction; Mystery; Thriller
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Kensington
In the twilight streets of Victorian London, a gruesome series of murders unfolds, and Dr. Julia Lewis—one of Britain’s first female physicians—along with the aloof Detective Inspector Tennant of Scotland Yard reluctantly team up to investigate in this atmospheric, vividly authentic historical mystery series debut.
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 skepticism. But Dr. Julia Lewis is accustomed to such condescension . . .
To study medicine, Julia had to leave Britain, where universities still bar their doors to women, and travel to America. She returned home to work in her grandfather’s practice—and to find London in the grip of a devastating cholera epidemic. 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, from London’s music halls to its grim workhouses and dank sewers. Lewis and Tennant struggle to understand the killer’s dark obsessions and motivations. But there is new urgency, for the doctor’s role appears to have shifted from expert to target. And this killer is no impulsive monster, but a fiendishly calculating opponent, determined to see his plan through to its terrifying conclusion . . .
Rating
Hello Fellow Reader,
This gritty historical mystery was exactly what I needed to get over my most recent reading slump. The gripping plot is filled with twists and turns that had me turning page after page. Dr. Julia Lewis is a smart and logical heroine who teams up with an abrasive and stern detective to solve gruesome murders. McDonough certainly had her characters well thought out, they felt real and raw, which I think really shines in this genre of mysteries. I'm no historian but the worldbuilding was great and seemed to stem from McDonough spending her time with research. I also enjoyed the chapters that took place from the killer's perspective, it gave much-needed insight into the murders that we committed. Murder by Lamplight does have a couple of flaws; spotty narrative and rambling prose, but it was an otherwise enjoyable mystery.
Overall, perfect for those who enjoy dark historical mysteries.
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