Murder by Lamplight

By: Patrice McDonough

Narrated by: 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

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 mystery books in 1866 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.

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.

First Installment. Has Potential

I enjoy stories like this set in London during the 1800’s….that said, this story seemed to struggle to establish characters for the series. There were a few chapters that went off on a tangent and really did not contribute to the main story. Narration was good and the twist on the culprit was well done…but the characters need more development. That could have been done in the tangent chapters. Will see what the next installment brings.

One of the best listens in recent memory.

Well written, engaging plot line, historical period appropriate and overall enjoyable. Hope there's a sequel.

Great narration!

The solution to the mystery came out of left field, but the story and characters were very engaging.

If you like Anne Perry

This book started out more graphic and gory than I expected, with a murder victim who'd been sexually mutilated. There are more victims and a female doctor and several cops collaborate on investigating. I love books in this time period-Inspector Monk series and The Alienist are favorites. There are lots of POVs, lots of characters and complex plot threads. I found the ending satisfactory and the narration excellent.

Murder mystery with captivating historical fiction backdrop.

Fast paced thriller which I found even more fascinating with historical fiction of the time period of London. Excellent narration.

Great Story

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