[NOVEL] Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough

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 . . .

Dr. Julia Lewis. Book 1

#: fiction, historical, mystery, thriller

Actually, it was a fine read. It will go into my collection of mysteries with couples (although the series is named after FMC). I've been interested in this genre and the premise of having FMC and MMC of the book instead of just having a single "sleuth/detective" personality.

I'm not going to touch upon spoilers, I just want to talk about few things that appealed to me.

First of all, this sounds like a historical book (it's all in the language). There is enough attention to details to how people speak and what they say. To make things richer author touches upon several real incidents that happened in those years in London - mentioning John Snow as the one who tracked down the cholera outbreak to the water source and the outbreak itself, it will be a big deal in the novel.

Edit: After reading that author was teaching history for years the puzzle was solved.

Our main characters are Julia Lewis herself, a practicing doctor who happened to be a forensic at the site instead of her grandfather. She used a loophole in the law and became one of very few female doctors. She is quite pushy I think, especially with Tennant, she likes to rile him up on the subject of men and women.

MMC - Inspector Richard Tennant, quite stoic and unsmiling person, was a bit off with Julia at first, but he didn't act out of his way. Comes from a nobler background if it wasn't for his father's scandal which ended his military career. A man with a past.

Also the story, despite having such a progressive FMC (as they usually do) does not coddle on many things. And it is okay. Because it basically showcases the reality more than a fancy fantasy. For example the reporter Johnny Osborne which I'm sure will be the constant resident is quite racist to immigrants. Sir Harry is not only a wealthy businessman who is involved in this case but tries to lead a new party which doesn't sound great for a modern person.

There is not much to say about the mysoginy, it's not blunt at all. I'd say it's more of a prejudice. Especially the MMC Richard Tennant. You might ask why include such MMC then, but the guy changes with time. If you reach the end you will know that both of them are not so edgy as a result.

The interesting part is that our characters do not start from some good or bad part, they always feel layered and living with the consequences of what life had to offer. Especially after this case.

Also another aspect that the novel showcases plenty of times - how truly horrid the poor part of London lived. The filth, the disease, the outdated infrastructure, the poverty, the malice. Maybe someone will find the emphasis on those things too strong.

This tragedy gave birth to the murderer.

As for the mystery itself and investigation. The book is actually quite fast-paced, the way it was written. Investigation itself does not progress well. But actually it made me think of how hard it would be to investigate a case when you don't have a lot of modern knowledge. There are many limitations and obstructions.

I'm not the person who likes to guess, but I admit I had few instances that something bothers you at the back of your head. Later I knew what it was and I knew I didn't follow the lead (although author kindly repeated the info several times on multiple occasions). me a silly goose was simply careless, like always 😄

As for the "romantic" part. Don't wait for anything grand. Actually the development is quite subtle but it is there and I found it on the level of attraction with possible progress in consequent parts? I also quite liked the approach of this subtlety. Once Julia discusses the prospects of matrimony with her aunt and I must say, she gave more details than simply protesting to matrimony and saying that women are oppresses, they are indeed, but she talked about it as if she's not so opposed to it but with the right partner, because her life will take a turn. She explained it more from the point of a) law - like what belonged to whom after marriage and where is her protection (for example she can protect her rights or finances, but it still needs to be supervised because she's a woman) and b) sex, because the book discusses a lot about veneral diseases and their spread among people and Tennant having a military background does not make it sound better (we as readers know he has a clean background and had a single partner for years). At least she's honest. I feel they have a way to go, wish them best of luck. Tennant that chap is actually thinking about it too, he had some sort of resolve about it, but (spoilers) the book has open ending on their relationship, so it feels they have more room to develop.

And this is only the first book. The second book is already published, it's called "A Slash of Emerald". With third book on its' way.

RATE: 4,75/5. Out of my good heart, it was interesting.