Some anachronisms - well, to be honest, the whole premise is anachronistic. The vanishingly few female doctors in Great Britain at the time wouldn’t have been allowed to work with the police for certain. That said, and in spite of the few other little nickel-dime anachronisms I noted, this mystery really worked for me. Nicely gritty, with wonderful characters and an atmosphere that evoked the time period very effectively. I’ll be waiting eagerly for the next installment.

Readers should do into this book aware that it is VERY graphic and dark. I did not realize this going into it. I expected something closer to a Charles Todd level of violence and darkness, which is to say quite mild. It was clear within the first few pages where the book was going and I really did not want to go down that path, but I had requested to review the ARC so I did read the book. It is well written and the story definitely moves along at a good pace. I did, however, find the main characters very flat. There was an excellent twist that I did not see coming. That said, I found the premise itself deeply disturbing and do not enjoy when certain levels of savagery and inhumanity are sensationalized for entertainment. I will not be reading more of the series.
That said, if you do enjoy a dark, graphic mystery, this is probably worth a read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I'm a big fan of historical murder mysteries, they are some of my all-time favourite books, so I was really keen to read Murder by Lamplight. This is a really well-researched book, which is usually something that I find essential when it comes to a good historical book. But there were a few things with this read that stopped it from reaching a favourite read status.
Although there is a murder mystery contained within the pages of this story, it seems to come secondary to the historic setting. This book is very well researched, but in that, the author has lost track of what they were supposed to be writing. There's too much in here, clearly the author has a passion for history, but that shouldn't mean that every single thing needs to find its way here. In many ways this book is a history book, with a murder thrown in on top.
The other thing I struggled with a little relates to this research. It's clear that the author knows a lot, but the way that it's presented in the course of the story is really unnatural. Often things are explained to other characters that they would already know. Some things are just things that someone in London at this time would know already and others any British person (then or today) would know. There's lots of world-building in this way and it's clear that the author knows this stuff, but not in a familiar way that our characters would and it makes it a clunky and unrealistic read. This is also apparent in the occasional use of cockney rhyming slang. Not only are we told that the words are rhyming slang, but the whole phrase is used (for example rabbit and pork; talk) the whole point of rhyming slang is that the non-rhyming portion was the bit that was spoken, to hide what they were really saying. By putting the whole thing in there, and worse pointing out that it is rhyming slang, just ruins the whole effect. It's much better if an author just slips it in naturally and then adds a glossary at the end for anyone who doesn't know.
There was so much potential here, and it wasn't a bad read, I'm just a bit disappointed because I felt it let itself down a bit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Dr. Julia Lewis is a medical doctor in 1860s England, a profession not typically held by a female, but one that Julia was ushered into by her doctor grandfather who supported her degree earned in America.

When ugly, sexually targeted murders start occurring, it's Julia who's called in and forms a relationship with Inspector Tennant. The two start off rocky, but their attraction is undeniable; although, it maintains a back seat to the heinous crimes that continue to occur around them and force their repeated encounters.

An interesting look at the history of the time period--rising feminism, class divides, workhouses, epidemics--I felt like those moments of interest were buried a bit in the weight of the story. There's very little levity throughout the plot, and the heaviness of such a rough time slowed down my reading a bit. Nonetheless, still a worthwhile read.

Overall: 4 stars

I'll tell my students about: language, child abuse, sodomy, graphic descriptions, trauma, stalking, murder, homosexuality/voyeurism, STDs

**Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

5 stars

Female doctor trained in America, returns to London to help her garndfather's practice. As he used to do autopsies for the Police she is asked to attend a body. Inspector Tennant is irritated by her but she has lots of incite. He is being goaded by letters and pressurised by his boss and the local journalist. Lots of background information about the Cholera epidemic in London over which Julia's grandfather feels guilt and the atrocious treatment of poor people in the workhouses.

Probably should have warnings because the content off screen is dark and involves child abuse. I wonder if there will be a series? IMO perhaps the next one should have a few lighter moments. Good descriptions of Tennant's team.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the winter of 1866, Inspector Tennant calls Dr. Lewis to examine a murder victim. Dr. Julia Lewis surprised the officers at Scotland Yard when she joined the investigation instead of her grandfather, Dr. Andrew Lewis, but later impressed them with her skills.. Especially lead investigator Inspector Richard Tennant. Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough is an excellent debut mystery and is likely to be the start of a new historical mystery series set in Victorian England.

Author Patrice McDonough is a historian and her background may be one reason this book not only tells a compelling story but also shares facts from Victorian England between 1830 to the mid-1860s. We learn about London’s cholera epidemics, life in Britain’s workhouses, STIs in an age before penicillin, the Crimean War, and the lives and rights of women and the LGBTQ community in Victorian England — even members of the upper classes.

Donough’s Dr. Julia Lewis is a heroine in the tradition of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and Dr. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. Fighting for her right to practice medicine as a female doctor as much as her right to be her own person even though she’s ‘just’ a woman, she sees this case as another chance to prove that women are just as capable as men. Especially to uptight Inspector Tennant.

Seeming all professional and distant on the outside, Richard Tennant faces his own demons. Coming from an upper-class family that lost some privileges, after serving in the military and the Crimean War, he returns home and joins Scotland Yard to make a living.

As the first part in a possible new series, the author establishes the main characters and sets the tone for upcoming novels. With Julia and Richard both feeling torn between their interest in the other and their chosen life of solitude, it will be interesting to see what the author has in store for them.

I’m a fan of cozy and historical mysteries, and while this book was most definitely not a cozy, it was an intriguing historical mystery and the promising start of a new series. I appreciate the thorough research and the in-depth depiction of the characters. Having enjoyed reading this novel, I recommend it to fellow lovers of historical mysteries set in Victorian London in all its grimy glory.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

When Inspector Tennant sends for a doctor to examine the body of a murdered man, the last person he expects to see is Dr. Julia Lewis, MD. Inspector Tennant is reluctantly impressed with Dr Lewis' calm competency, and when the murderer strikes again he enlists her aid to find the killer wreaking havoc in London's East End.
Moody and atmospheric, "Murder by Lamplight" transports the reader back to 19th century London, the land of Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper. The story bends and curves like the Thames, bringing a shocking conclusion to the mystery at hand. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who enjoys historical mysteries, Sherlock Holmes, and Jack the Ripper stories,

If you like Dora the Explorer but feel like you're too old for it, try this book. You will learn a lot and, since it’s a version for older kids, there are dicks getting chopped off left and right, so you stay awake.

This book has been written by a history teacher. Do you know how do I know that? Because there’s a history lesson on every. Single. Page. There’s Florence Nightingale and Joseph Paxton, there is syphilis, cholera and teenagers dying in labor. There’s even a whole lecture about the history of sewerage in London. Sadly the storyline gets lost in all the lessons.

Don't get me wrong, I like and appreciate well researched books. I even enjoy details inspired by true events, but a historical background should be just that, a background. Unfortunately the plot-background balance in this book is off and it’s really annoying when you’re trying to solve a mystery and instead you keep getting irrelevant historical tidbits.

However if you read between the lines you <i>will</i> find a murder mystery and even a subtle hint of a romance.

The mystery started off well but went downhill pretty quickly and it had some very disturbing sides so I’m currently busy forgetting it. I’ll focus on all the new things I learned about Victorian England instead.

Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Murder By Lamplight is a cosy murder mystery, with a cleverly constructed plot, engaging characters and an immersive setting- perfect for an autumn read.

I loved the humorous dialogue, and the clever incorporation of real historical figures alongside the author’s creation of the fiery and admirable Dr Julia Lewis. Reading this as a young woman in medical school I definitely felt that some of the attitudes she faced are unfortunately still prevalent in today’s medical field!

Whilst being an enjoyable and addictive mystery (I read this in about a day, couldn’t put it down..) this novel also raises salient points about the roles of women, the poor, sex workers, and gender non-conforming people in Victorian society, and their relationship with the police and public health authorities. Although set in the 19th century there are definitely some points made that still apply to modern day.

Overall, a well-written and engaging novel, with some thought-provoking aspects as well as a page-turning mystery.

Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC. I was very impressed with this book. Storytelling and pace were great. Really hoping there will be a sequel.

Dr. Julia Lewis is a rarity as a female physician in Victorian London and becomes involved in a murder investigation when she is called in by Inspector Detective Richard Tennant to examine a dead body.
The book started off a bit slow and the direction of the case wasn’t clear to me at first. However the characters, especially Julia, really grew on me, and I ended up really liking this book. Julia is a strong, intelligent woman in a male-dominated era and although she is firm on her own place in it, she also understands her limitations. There were no ill-conceived actions on her part, as it is often the case in other books where the heroine is desperate to prove herself. This really stood out to me and is the reason I liked her character so much.
The historical setting is described in detail, effectively transporting me to that era. Julia’s interactions with Tennant were always great and I look forward to the two of them continuing to work together.
I really hope to read more of Dr. Julia Lewis and Richard Tennant in the future!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author Patrice Mcdonough for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Growing up in 19th century England, Julie Lewis has experienced the discrimination against females. Just like her grandfather, she desires to become a doctor. But in the 1860's, women aren't allowed to go to medical school in England. But she can do so in the US. So, she goes to Philadelphia, where she gets her medical degree, and returns to England to practice with her grandfather.

When her grandfather isn't able to come to the site of a murder, she goes in his place. The inspector and his men are concerned, but she turns out to be quite competent at what she does. And the inspector is falling in love.

A seemingly unconnected series of murders is connected only by balloons found on the victims. The doctor and the inspector set out to solve the crime.

This book gives a wonderful, description view on what life, and death, were like in the London of 1866. It is very well written. The characters are very well developed. The final solution is jarring and unsuspected. I highly recommend this book for mystery fans.

I enjoy reading mystery thrillers set way back in the earliest days. Makes you also experience how life was before - and in this story, sexism is one big hurdle for our main, Julia. Also, thought-provoking on a person's sanity & morality. Definitely recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

I truly wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I love historical mystery with a sprinkle of romance, and I'm surprised I wasn't more enamored with it.

There is much to love here - the writing is strong, and the author has clearly done her research on the time period. Every aspect of the characters and dialogue felt genuine and authentic, and the plot was decently complex.

Truthfully, I struggled with the multiple POVs, and just when I got in the groove with one narrator, it switched to a different one. Had the book been written entirely from the perspective of Dr. Julia Lewis, I believe I'd have enjoyed it more, but overall, this series is one to watch and was well done!

medical-doctor, women-sleuths, medical-examiner, murder-investigation, 1860s, local-law-enforcement, family, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, historical-setting, politics, ptsd, yellow-journalism, mutilation, serial-murder, xenophobia, misogyny, greed, stalker, contagion, London, suspense, injured-veteran, injustice, class-consciousness, entitled-attitude*****

Spectacular research into the time and place! The story is well crafted and insightful as well as full of suspense and mildly graphic descriptions. The characters are clearly drawn and I hope that there will be more detection by Dr. Julia Lewis and DI Richard Tennant as they work well together, have each been disregarded by the upper classes, and suffer similar nightmares. Some of the injustices suffered by the general population are very clearly highlighted by being personalized. Excellent read!
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

4.5 stars rounded up. An excellent book, and the first in what should be a great series. Murder mysteries aren’t usually my thing, but the premise was intriguing and the creepiness was real! This was dark and disturbing, and incredibly atmospheric. Would make a wonderful film. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!

Murder by Lamplight is an intriguing first in a new historical mystery series featuring feminist Doctor Julia Lewis and Crimean War veteran turned Scotland Yard Inspector Richard Tennant. Set in London a few years before the Jack the Ripper murder series, Lewis and Tennant are brought together when she is called in to examine a man's corpse at the scene, acting on behalf of her grandfather, also a doctor, while he is recuperating from an apparent heart attack. A second murder soon follows, necessitating that Lewis, as being most familiar with the condition of the first corpse is determined the most qualified to decide if the same killer cause both deaths, be called in again. Tennant begins to receive taunting messages from the killer, and while clues are sparse, suspects become plentiful. While initially reluctant to listen to any theories from Lewis, Tennant eventually comes to respect her observations and deductions, but in a time before computers, and most types of forensic science, how will they track down the killer? It's a good read, and I fully intend to read the next installment if I get the chance.

I was provided an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This book is very well written. The characters are interesting and they feel realistic, The plot for this story was super interesting. The only downside for my was the pacing. For a book, that was a thriller, it felt slower than expected which took me out of the story. I kept with it because of the characters and the written was beautiful.
the dialogue feels genuine, and the flow of the book is consistent. It is very well put together.

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.

I was provided an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. I’ve been hesitant to review this book, as I am unsure how to rate it.

This book is wonderfully written. The characters are good, the dialogue feels genuine, and the flow of the book is consistent. It is very well put together.

That being said, I did DNF at 50% because the pace was too slow for me. I wholly believe this is just personal preference, as the book was just not for me. I think the author did a phenomenal job, especially for a debut novel.

I definitely think the book is worth giving a go. I love the title and love the premise. Unfortunately, the pacing was too slow for me.

Review also posted on Goodreads and Instagram

A wonderful, atmospheric, dark, feminist historical mystery. Quite gruesome, with good character development, a smidge of romantic tension, and an excellent ending. I literally gasped out loud in shock at the big reveal. Well plotted, intense, unputdownable.

Fans of Kerrigan Byrne’s Fiona mysteries will enjoy this, as may fans of The Lady Sherlock series as long as you’re up for a grittier & darker take.