Except the Dying

A Murdoch Mystery, Book 1

By: Maureen Jennings

Narrated by: David Marantz

In the cold Toronto winter of 1895, the naked body of a servant girl is found frozen in a deserted laneway. The young victim was pregnant when she died. Detective William Murdoch soon discovers that many of those connected with the girl's life have secrets to hide. Was her death on attempt to cover up a scandal in one of the city's influential families?

©1997 Maureen Jennings (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A finely flavored plot, credible characters, and detailed atmosphere make this a winner." ( Library Journal)
"Turn-of-the-century Toronto makes an evocative setting for murder in Except the Dying, a skillful first novel that is interesting both for its historical accuracy and its fully realized characters." (Amazon.com review)

Ok but not the best

The story is not the nice story I have enjoyed in the Murdoch Mysteries on the Canadian TV series. I'm more of a PG person. The narrator was choppy at times - not flowing smoothly.

Better than the tv show.

I just started this book series. The tv show got me started on the character. These books are more like I imagine Canada was at the turn of the 19th century. The books are more adult oriented so keep that in mind.

No. 1 in the Detective Murdoch series

Detective William Murdoch is called to a deserted laneway late at night in 1895 Toronto, where the naked corpse of a servant girl was found. The autopsy showed that she was pregnant, and that she was given a shot of morphine. This led to her freezing to death after being hit on the head causing unconsciousness. The girl was soon identified by the family who hired her. She was a modest quiet girl and everyone was shocked that she was pregnant. Who was the father of her baby? Could it be the husband or the son of the household? Was she killed because she was pregnant? And where were her clothes? Then Detective Murdoch finds her clothes hidden in the latrine of the house closest to the site where she was found, and one of the two prostitutes who had stolen her clothing also witnessed a carriage picking her up. Then, that prostitute turns up dead. Detective Murdoch is convinced that the two crimes are connected andf sets out to find out what happened. A very good mystery. This is my first by Jennings but won’t be my last.

good read

An excellent detective story. The narrator made it more interesting. It almost read like a detective's files except for his home life. Good otherwise.

love the Murdoch stories!

I saw the TV series first, and am liking the books as well. a good light read

Fine story, difficult to get into

I love the TV show based on this series so I thought I'd love the books. Instead I started it three different times before I managed to get into it. I think flashing back and forth between present and recent past while obscuring the characters to maintain the mystery for me didn't translate as well to audio. There were times had I been holding a book I'd have flipped back a page or two to clear up confusion.

love Murdoch mysteries

I love David Marantz reading of this book. He gives life to the characters recommend.

Good Who Done It

l enjoyed the plot, would recommend it for anyone who likes a good detective story.

Great mystery

Loved the plot and characters, but it doesn't measure up to the CBC television show.

Just becoming acquainted with William Murdock

I recently discovered Murdock Mysteries, a Canadian TV show based on Jennings novels and the world she has created . This is her first. I enjoyed the story. . a little convoluted.. not crazy about the narrator though. can't decide if I will read or listen to any others .