Murder by Lamplight

De: Patrice McDonough

Narrado por: Henrietta Meire

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. 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 . . .

©2024 Patrice McDonough (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Too Political - but eventually calms down.

If you want to preached to this is the book for you. They push all the 2020 news talking points. Not very many people turn to historical mystery books taking place in 1866 to delve further into the politics of today. Horrible book I had enough at 2 hours. The book had potential if all the time wasn't wasted on politics. Very disappointed.

Went back after a couple week break and apparently 2 hour in was the same point where the rants calm down to a tolerable level. It was a good book, but not sure I would spend money on a second book by this author.

In the edit left my original post and added. The stars moved up from 1 star except performance which I left where it was. .

Struggles of a women Dr in 1800.

Wasn’t the subject matter I was expecting. Too much of the seedy side of murder and life choices.

I never saw it coming!

This was a fantastic book! The characters are richly displayed and I could hardly put it down.

excellent characters and narration

While this certainly fits a certain genre, I thought the characters, the medical profession details and the narration all elevated it above other Victorian historical mysteries with a male/female protagonist set. I certainly look forward to future installments.

Good New Mystery

I enjoyed the story and the relationships of the main characters. This was a thoughtful portrayal of complex characters. It showed the good and bad of both the man who was the murderer and those who tried to put a stop to his crimes. I feel sure we will be reading more stories featuring this lady doctor and police detective team. I know I will be glad to read more.

Great Story

Story and character development was amazing. I loved all the twists and turn. Most of all I loved the ending!

Great mystery, great story, strong woman protagonist

This mystery kept me guessing, and it is full of interesting historical details. Really like Julia, the female doctor and medical examiner. Didn’t guess who the murderer is! There’s even a bit of romance. Recommended.

well done

the narration was a bit challenging to start with, seemingly impersonal , but as it went on, it worked well for this story. as a tale, this is unique in having both main characters fully believable in their roles and fully professional as well. the heroine isn't absurdly rich, beautiful, smart or dumb, her actions are well within reality. The hero is neither absurdly dashing, nor broody, again, not dumb and not Mr genius. I hope to hear more from this author and the narrator

Great mystery

This was a solid police procedural taking place in London in 1866. Problems of the lack of women’s rights are woven in, along with some history of the horrible treatment of the poor and the workhouses. I was skeptical at first since it was a sale book, but it held my attention throughout. And the budding incongruous romance was an added joy.

It was okay

I’m not sure why but I found this book a little boring. The ending was good but I struggled somewhat to pay attention.