This was a really interesting medical mystery. Set in the 1800s, I liked that the main character in this book was one of the few women doctors of the time and taught at the new Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania (which I learned while reading this book, was the first medical school for women in America). Dr. Lidia Weston becomes involved in an investigation when a student of hers is found dead from apparent suicide. To me it was obvious how much research went into this book, as Mukerji really dives into the medical aspect and what medical technology was present during that time. The murder mystery developed a little slowly, and the pacing became my only reason for pause while reading. I really liked how Dr. Weston's character is developed. Prior to reading this I had read a lot of thrillers/mysteries where the unreliable narrator trope was used and so this book was a refreshing change of pace. Overall, this was a solid mystery and I flew through reading it! I would definitely read more from the author and I think the premise lends itself to a potential medical mystery series that I would read.

This book was interesting, and a lot different than what I would normally read, which is ultimately I think why I did enjoy it so much.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc of this book!

I received the ebook Murder by Degrees to read from #NetGalley. I was interested in the topic as it took place in Philadelphia in the 1800's. It is a murder mystery but she also writes about Philadelphia and the Women's College of Medicine. I did not finish the book but it is not because of the book or the writer. I find myself very distracted while reading. I liked her descriptions and I would suggest it to our patrons who like historical fiction mysteries.

A read set in the year 1875, in Philadelphia.
Our main protagonist, Lydia Weston, is a woman doctor, one of the first in the field. A large emphasis was placed on this, and on her struggles to become respected in her career.

A point on this.....sometimes, the medical jargon was too much to follow. For those of us not in the medical field, terminology could have been broken down a bit more.

A young patient of Lydia's is missing, and through her diary, Lydia learns about her life. As much as possible anyway because the diary is cryptic.

As Lydia gets closer to the truth, she is threatened and learns a lot about some of the prominent families of Philadelphia.

This was a slow read, but enjoyable. It really picked up the last 30% I would say. Prior to that, it was dragging on and on.

Not quite enough action.

It's labeled as historical mystery, something between a cozy and a thriller I think. If this were a series, I don't think I'd continue it, but I did enjoy the end.

This one hit home for me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Being an educated woman and not being taken seriously is something that most female presenting people can relate to. A doctor in the 1800s feels that a drowning is not a suicide, then teams up with a detective to try to help prove the case. This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat; I hope there is a part two or possibly a whole series with this duo.

This was a solid historical mystery set in Philadelphia in 1875. Dr Lydia Weston’s patient, Anna, fails to show up for several weeks . When a body is found in the river, Lydia becomes involved in the search for her killers. There is a lot of social commentary about life for the poor in industrial America as well as a little too many graphic details about surgery and autopsies. Plot twists keep the reader guessing until the end.
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley- my opinions are my own.
3.5 stars

This book was not for me. I appreciate the publishers and netgalley giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Ritu Mukerji's debut novel, "Murder by Degrees," is a captivating historical mystery that delves into the complexities of women's lives in 1875 London. Set against the backdrop of a working-class servant's death, the story follows Lydia Montfort, a spirited and empathetic heroine who tackles the mystery using her keen wit and determination.
Mukerji's writing is atmospheric and engaging, drawing the reader into the intricate web of secrets and social issues that underpin the narrative. The author skillfully examines the conditions faced by women in Victorian England, using the mystery as a lens to explore themes of class, gender, and societal expectations.
One of the novel's strengths is its well-developed characters. Lydia Montfort is a compelling protagonist, a woman ahead of her time who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. The supporting cast, including the victim's family and the investigating officers, are equally complex and multifaceted, each with their own agendas and secrets that add depth to the story.
The plot is intricately woven, with Mukerji expertly balancing the mystery elements with the social commentary. The pacing is impeccable, with the narrative building in intensity and suspense until the final, satisfying conclusion. The author's use of a diary filled with cryptic poetry adds an extra layer of intrigue and symbolism to the story.
Overall, "Murder by Degrees" is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, thought-provoking narrative. Ritu Mukerji's debut heralds the arrival of a talented new writer and an unforgettable heroine.

This piece of historical fiction/mystery follows the rare female doctor in the late 19th century as she uses her skills to solve the murder of a patient she was close to. Dr. Weston is a sympathetic character who is consistently underestimated by her colleagues and the police whose investigation she inserts herself into. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end!

It was great to see the lead character not only get descriptive when doing medical tasks but to also have outside interests like poetry and going to dinner parties. It's a small detail that is sometimes overlooked. My only critique would be that the poetry found in the journal used in the investigation could have been a bit more explicitly tied in. I thought it was a unique bit and felt like it was going to be some type of code, but by the end of the book, it felt more like a tangent that wasn't fully explained. Or I may have just overlooked it.

Regardless, this was a really fun read, and I would recommend it to any mystery lover but especially the ones who like historical fiction!

I really enjoyed reading this historical cozy mystery. The book takes place in Philadelphia just after the Civil War. Dr. Lydia Weston is a professor and doctor at the Women’s College. When the body of one of her patients is found she sets out to solve her murder. I liked the characters and the setting. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects. The solution made sense. I look forward to reading the next book.

Set in the 19th century in Philadelphia with a female doctor whose patient has disappeared and found drowned. Dr. Weston is uses her skills both as a doctor and detective she is bound to discover what happened.

This give Murdoch Mystery vibes and I love the turn of both science and social justice set in the book

This is a book I wanted to love, and I don’t think it’s the book but me. I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction but I figured Philly and mystery would help. Alas, I just struggled.

ji)

Those who enjoy historical mysteries that are atmospheric with a well evoked time period will want to give this 1870s, Philadelphia set book a look. It opens up the interesting world of female physicians at that time while also offering an intriguing murder mystery.

Lydia Weston studied to become a physician and now is practicing. She has a commitment to her female patients, many of whom are from the working classes. Dr. Weston becomes interested in one of her patients named Anna Ward. She knows something about Anna’s life and responsibilities and is concerned when Anna misses an appointment. Tragically, Anna was killed (not a spoiler as this happens early in the book).

Lydia wants to know what happened to her. She works with a police officer to find justice for her patient. Readers will want to be by her side as she figures everything out.

This is the author’s first mystery and it is a highly accomplished one. It is my hope that this is the beginning of a series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

DNF after about 100 pages.

I’m sorry, but I was just so bored. The characters lack depth and development. In fact, they lack personality in general.

Pacing is oh so slow. We’re given a ton of unnecessary medical information, such as the detailed appearance of a dead body, medical lingo for unrelated case studies, and a step-by-step autopsy. I appreciate that the author is a doctor herself, but I felt like I was reading a medical journal instead of a novel.

We also have a whole lot of backstory on just about everyone and everything, with a barrage of irrelevant details that detracted from rather than enhanced the plot.

There’s a spark of a great story here, but for me, the plot needed to be tightened up and the characters fleshed out.

Working as a female doctor in 1870s America is not an easy task. But Dr. Lydia Weston takes it in stride, enjoying her teaching and the patients she meets on a daily basis. Even the occasional autopsy. But one of her young patients has gone missing. Anna is a servant in a wealthy household. She had definitely seemed stressed the last time Lydia had seen her - but now she has disappeared. And the body of a young woman has been found in the river - apparently a suicide. But Dr. Weston is not so sure - and she convinces Detectives Volcker and Davies that there is more to investigate.
I enjoyed this and hope Rita Mukerji lets us learn more about Dr. Weston. Murder at the Centennial Exposition? In an attempt to discredit the women's medical school? Hmmm.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.

In 1875, Dr. Lydia Weston sees patients but also is a professor at a women's medical college. When the body of her patient, Anna Ward, is found in a river, Lydia helps with the police investigation.

The time period allowed the author to explore topics like gender roles, social class, etc. which gave the story depth. While the actual mystery is decent, Lydia herself is just as much of a reason to give this book a chance. A woman who is not afraid to speak her mind during a time when it certainly wasn't popular to do so.

Murder by Degrees is a unique historical mystery that takes place in 19th Century Philadelphia, centering around a pioneering female doctor who becomes embroiled in the investigation of a young patient's disappearance, presumed dead, Set in 1875 at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, the story follows Dr. Lydia Weston, a dedicated professor and anatomist, rare indeed in 1975, as she navigates the challenges of teaching and practicing medicine. When the body of her patient, Anna Ward, is discovered in the Schuylkill River, the mystery deepens, taking her with it, the reader is drawn in with a compelling narrative filled with intrigue and suspense. I was enamored with the addition of the male detectives, who were willing to listen to a lady doctor during this time period!
Thank you #Netgalley #Simon&Shuster
carolintallahassee

A medical historical murder medical mystery. Doctor Lydia struggles to prove her talents and her worth in a post civil war Philadelphia. When one of the maids who visits her clinic disappears suddenly, Lydia fears that there is more going on than meets the eye.

The book starts out a bit slow but just when I was bout to give up, the pace picked up. The second half of the books is a perfectly enjoyable . The book is ok and but you love a historical romance mystery with a good female lead you will love this one. The book is set in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. I likes that the author has a medical degree so I know the medical parts of the book should be rather accurate. I will be keeping an eye this author’s next book as I think she has the potential to be a really good writer.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Great historical mystery. I was able to predict the end but I still enjoyed it. I also loved the time setting and the place since I don’t live far from Philadelphia
Author did a great job on the historical accuracy.