I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Oh how I love love love historical fiction and all of the good, bad and scary elements that are in it. It’s 1826 and Isobel has a seven year old boy that has a heart condition, a heart murmur. She takes him to a doctor and the doctor informs her that he probably only has three more years left to live. Soon, he disappears without a trace.
Isobel becomes deeply depressed and the women invite her out one night. The show? A display of the doctor’s specimens, body parts collected in jars and whatnot. She begins to hear the exact beat of her son’s heart. Freaked out, she becomes determined to get closer to the doctor to find out if he killed him and stole his heart.
The love this mother has for her child is unwavering. This book took me through all of the emotions and I will keep this one on my shelves.

In 1826 in Edinburgh, Isobel Tait’s seven year old son Thomas is frail and is becoming increasingly weak. Concerned at his tiredness and difficulty breathing Isobel takes him to see Dr Conall Burnett, a famous surgeon who diagnoses a rare condition. A damaged mitral valve in his heart. He tells her there is no treatment and her son will likely die within a few years. Isobel is determined to make the most of the time she has left with Thomas, but not long after his diagnosis Thomas goes missing and is never found.

A year after Thomas’ disappearance, Isobel is invited on an outing by a friend, not realising they would be visiting Dr Burnett’s famous private museum of unusual medical specimens. When she sees a child’s tiny heart in a specimen jar with the same defect as Thomas she faints. Convinced that Dr Burnett has somehow acquired Thomas’ heart as one of his specimens, she disguises herself to take on the role of Dr Burnett’s housekeeper looking after his specimens.

This darkly gothic tale is a terrific blend of historical fiction and true crime based on the true accounts of body snatchers and resurrection men in Scotland who supplied the medical profession with cadaver specimens during the early days of anatomical study. After an initial slow build sets the scene and brings the gritty streets of 19th century Edinburgh to life before, the tension rises rapidly as Isobel seeks to find out what happened to her son.

The detective in charge of Thomas’ case is also an unusual character. Detective Adam Kerr is set apart by others in the police force due to his mixed American Indian heritage. However, he’s the only one who continues to care that Thomas is still missing, and together he and Isobel may be able to find some answers.

Well written, with excellent historical research, a touch of magical realism and a gorgeous cover, this tale of a mother’s need for justice for her little boy vividly brings a dark period in Scotland’s history to life. A fascinating and engrossing read, recommended to all fans of historical mysteries.

Depending on my mood, I sometimes masquerade as a Victorian, working in a Victorian vastle helps with the vibes, I also love a bit of body parts am some goth vibes... So this book ticks all the boxes.

With it being loosely based on true historical events, myself being familiar and intrigued by Burke and Hare's antics made this a fantastic read. The amount of research that has gone into making the story feel real is clear to see, I was transported back to a bygone era in 1800s Edinburgh, where I could hear the horse and carts run up and down the streets, women roamed about in period clothing and the smell of chimneys filled the air. The writing itself was wonderful, with the use of language befitting to the time period. The accuracy of household staff was great too.

To begin with the story is a bit slow, but rapidly picks up momentum to the point I couldn't put it down. I couldn't help but feel glad coming back to my own time where such crimes would not be gotten away with. The characters are well develiped, each with a significant role in the story. I did find myself absolutely rooting for Isobel throughout!

Fantastic read of wich I am grateful to @Netgalley, @Poisonedpenpress and @JamiaFixen for the ARC copy.

Really enjoyed this novel. Well written intriguing mystery, historical fiction. This author has a way with words. Look forward to seeing her write much more.

I love books set in Edinburgh, so l jumped at the chance to read The Specimen set in historical Edinburgh. what is your favorite setting ?
The Specimen is a gothic historical true crime thriller that grips readers from the start. Set in 1826, the story follows Isobel, a mother whose son, Thomas, is left with a damaged heart after surviving scarlet fever. Her world shatters when Thomas vanishes, only for her to discover a year later what she believes to be his heart on display at a macabre exhibit.
Based on true crime events of the Burke and Hare murders, Jaima Fixsen crafts an intense narrative blending history, superstition, and supernatural hints.
Though occasionally slow, Isobel's quest to uncover Dr.
Burnett's dark practices is gripping, and the ending is haunting yet satisfying.
With well-developed characters and a dark, immersive atmosphere, The Specimen is a compelling read for fans of gothic thrillers with a historical twist.

The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen
#ninetyseventhbookof2024
#arc #thespecimen #getawayreads #inlovewiththecover

CW: death, murder, dissections and specimens, cadavers, grave robbing, body part removal

In 1826 Edinburgh, Isobel’s son Thomas is dying. He has a rare heart defect from an illness, and is mostly housebound, but he suddenly goes missing while Isobel is at work. Months and months go by and Thomas is not found. And then a specimen with that same heart defect shows up on display in Thomas’ doctor’s office. Isobel knows it belongs to Thomas and she will do anything in her power to prove it.

I adored this book and immediately want another just like it. I am all about the dawning of dissection and grave robbing and the advance of medicine during the Victorian age. Throw in a woman on a mission, disguises, and found families, and I am here for it. Isobel makes her own way in a time and place when she didn’t have any options, and her search for her son’s heart is heartbreaking and inspiring. And that cover—just gorgeous.

Thank you to @poisonedpenpress and @netgalley for the advance copy. (Available now, pub date was 10/15/24)

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks for this copy of "The Specimen."

Set in 1824 Edinburgh, "The Specimen" is based on the true story of Resurrection Men graverobbers who stole bodies for physicians to study.

But what if an unscrupulous doctor treated someone with an abnormality and wanted that body part for their "specimen" collection? And what if a young mother's son who has a heart defect goes missing? And what if she sees a juvenile heart defect specimen in his collection during a public tour?

This gothic book was thrilling, entertaining, and enlightening. Thanks to author Fixsen for the historical references at the end (which I always read first).

This book. Wow.

THE SPECIMEN is historical fiction based on true crimes. The synopsis calls it “mesmerizing,” which is a perfect descriptor.

I was entranced by the writing, the characters, and the plot.

We travel back to 19th century Edinburgh, where single mothers had few options and upper class men quite literally got away with murder. Doctors, back then, were above reproach. And given the times, the medical profession provided the perfect cover for certain proclivities.

The vibe is immersive, emotional, intense, profound, and horrifying. Knowing a version of this story actually happened provides a sort of visceral gut punch.

I loved every single word.

I thought that this was a well-done book. The writing style was really accessible and I thought that the settings were clearly conveyed; the book cultivated a really solid sense of place and gothic atmosphere. Even with all of that, I still just couldn't connect and dig into the story. I felt like the characters could use more depth, especially Isobel, and that the pacing sometimes suffered a bit. Overall, this wasn't a bad book: I can definitely see where people will love this--I just needed a bit more characterization to really feel drawn into the story.

“How did Burnett not understand how easy it was to recognize the pieces of people you loved? They announce themselves in a thousand different ways, in a living voice, in a handwritten word, in the blend of browns in a lock of hair or the precise shape of an ear.”

Isobel Tait’s son has a heart defect, and she is desperate to help him. When the opportunity to see a specialist is offered to her, she leaps at it, little knowing the grief and agony she invites unto herself, little knowing that she has damned her son when she only wanted to save him.

The descriptive scenes in the book are wonderful and atmospheric, and the characters are interesting (at first I was thrown and didn’t love when it jumped from first person (Isobel) perspective to third person for others in the story and back again, but it totally worked and made the tale really tense and gripping. Having read a couple books on the Burke and Hare murders, I appreciated what the author was doing, because I also feel like Knox might have at the very least turned a blind eye knowing that more was going on than simple grave-robbing.

There’s tragedy in this, but hope too, and the strength of a mother determined to find her boy and deliver justice. The found family motif is something I also always enjoy encountering. With the additional bit of spirit assistance guiding Isobel on her path to the truth, it’s the perfect book to curl up with and read at Halloween. It will, however, surely resonate with you long after you’ve finished it.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 20% - not because it's a bad book, I just don't think it's the right book for me. If you like Gothic historical suspense, this would be a great choice. The writing was clear, the settings well-described, the situation intriguing, but I personally did not feel drawn to it.

'The Specimen' hooks you with its eerie atmosphere and historical setting. Isobel Tait's journey through 1826 Edinburgh is both haunting and captivating. The mystery of her missing son leads her into a world of dark medical secrets that reveal more horrors than she bargained for. The pacing sometimes wavers, with some parts dragging while others feel rushed. The characters, especially Isobel, could use more depth, but the chilling discoveries and gothic vibe make up for it. It's a solid read if you like historical thrillers with a dark twist.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I wanna start by saying that the cover for this book is so stunning, so pretty! This was my first historical thriller novel! This book was written so well focusing on the desperation and agony only a mother would feel. I cannot imagine how absolutely devastating it would be to go through something like this with the little advances they had at the time! I caved and purchased the audio version to get accuracy on the pronunciations. Highly Highly recommend I could not put it down! Thank you NetGalley and to Poison Pen Press for the ARC in exchange of my review.

Loved the audio version of this and I made sure to follow along with the arc copy. It was overall a great storyline. I really loved the narration and the characters. I would recommend and I gave this a 4.5 stars.

Jaima Fixsen's "The Specimen" is a captivating gothic novel that immerses readers in a world of shadows, secrets, and suspense.

Following Isobel Tait, a young mother who is invited to view an unusual specimen in an old manor, the story gets more engaging as Isobel becomes more deeply entangled in a web of family secrets, supernatural whispers, and forbidden passions. Fixsen's deliberate and atmospheric narrative guides readers through eerie settings, building tension with each chapter.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is the characterization as Fixsen fills "The Specimen" with richly developed characters, each harboring their own secrets and inner turmoils. Isobel is especially compelling, allowing readers to experience their growing fear and curiosity within the manor's unsettling mysteries through her eyes. Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, with backstories that gradually unfold, adding depth to the intrigue.

Intrigue is something that permeates the novel, from the strange specimen to the dark history of the estate. Fixsen skillfully sustains suspense throughout, with hints of the supernatural that keep readers questioning reality.

Overall, "The Specimen" balances an intricate plot, vivid characters, and a moody atmosphere, making this gothic masterpiece a must-read for fans of dark, atmospheric tales.

In 1826 Edinburgh, Isobel Tait lives with her seven-year-old, very ill son Thomas, and supports herself teaching piano to young gentlewomen in Edinburgh.

After a consultation with Dr. Burnett, on the advice of her doctor, she’s told that Thomas' heart, specifically the mitral valve, is too damaged by the scarlet fever he recovered from for Burnett to heal the boy. Soon after the appointment, Thomas goes missing, and despite neighbours’ help, Isobel can find him nowhere. She goes to the police, but Detective Fraser judges her to be not worthy of respect as she’s a single mother, and dismisses her concerns. His partner, Adam Kerr, takes her more seriously, but Thomas is never found.

Over a year later, and still bereft, Isobel is convinced by friends to accompany them to view Dr. Burnett’s medical specimens collection, and it’s there that she sees a preserved small heart with a damaged mitral valve. Isobel hears the familiar sound of Thomas’ labouring heart then, and she loses it. She attempts to rouse interest in the police and the newspapers, but no one takes her claims seriously, as what Isobel is implying is too horrible.

She tells Adam, and even he has a hard time believing that a doctor, especially one so prominent, would harm someone to secure a specimen for his collection, even as Adam is learning about people in the city with unusual physical conditions are disappearing.

Dr. Burnett discredits Isobel, and no other doctor will support her claims, as they are all too dependent on a supply of dead bodies to expand their knowledge. It never pays to delve too deeply into the provenance of their supply, so they close ranks against the supposedly “hysterical woman”, with Isobel losing clients, and feeling increasingly alone. This prompts her to hatch a dangerous and daring plan to find out more about Burnett and take the heart back herself.

Meanwhile, Adam Kerr begins his own quiet investigation into missing people. As a Métis, he has no real support amongst the bigoted officers, and is unlikely to be believed as the missing are generally poor or sex workers.

Author Jaima Fixsen has based this story on the real life Resurrection Men, who secretly exhumed bodies to sell them to doctors. Fixsen has skillfully combined actual history with mystery and a nice sprinkling of the slightly fantastic to create a fascinating and totally engaging story.

I loved the atmosphere of Fixsen's 1820s Edinburgh; it's damp, chilly, with prejudice and small-mindedness combining with the almost scandalous interest evinced by the public for various gentlemen's collections. There is also the lack of interest by police to take missing persons cases seriously, particularly when those missing occupy the lower rungs of society, much as happens today.

In Isobel, Fixsen has created a woman whose love for her son and for justice are powerful motivators. She's unwilling to be ignored or dismissed, and once set on her course, is incredibly determined. Though Isobel sometimes acts without thinking, but she's always driven by her love for Thomas.

Adam Kerr is equally interesting. It's easy to assume that no one from the New World would end up in Europe, but the historical information Fixsen provides in her afterward notes otherwise. He's a good ally for Isobel, as he's got an outsider's perspective on the police, and on Edinburgh Society, allowing him to see problems that the majority don't. He's also a capable detective, persisting in his investigation to the point that he and Isobel's efforts reveal a horrendous situation.

I could not put this down once I started; the concept and the characters kept me hooked right to the end. This book's main character was captivating, and Isobel's and Adam's eventual partnership was a wonderful aspect of the novel.

I highly recommend both the novel and the audiobook; I loved this story and its wonderful heroine.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.

Historical fiction centered around the body-snatching resurrectionist days is a huge interest to me. They’re so atmospheric, gothic and morbid and The Specimen was no exception to that. I loved this book, but oh my God I seriously felt so much rage, I just can’t imagine something like this happening to me, but I’m sure it did in those days. I wanted our main character Isobel to have the retribution she deserved, though it would never be enough. I went into this blind, and in the author’s notes it does mention this was based loosely on a true story which sent me down a rabbit hole. I listened to this one on audio and thought the narration was great. If you’re looking for an atmospheric and devastating revenge story, The Specimen is one to pick up. This one is available now. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and RB Media for my eARC and advanced audiobook.

The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen ticks all the boxes for the perfect creepy-but-not-too-scary fall/Halloween read! It being a historical fiction inspired by a true crime in 19th century Edinburgh is already intriguing. Add to that some unethical and cringe-worthy methods in procuring “teaching materials” for anatomy and physiology then you have a totally captivating and chilling story! I enjoyed reading every bit of the novel and I loved Isobel Tait right from the start! Her character was fascinating and incredibly relatable. She was both fierce and vulnerable and her love for her son shone throughout the story. My heart broke for her but I was also inspired by her unwavering determination to bring justice not only for her son but also for all those people who mysteriously disappeared. I really liked the author’s writing. Needless to say, Jaima Fixsen is now one of my favorite authors! I have @poisonedpenpress to thank for my ARC and for introducing me to her! The Specimen is hands down 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

3.5 stars rounded up. I loved the premise that this was a true crime gothic historical novel, and it definitely brought the desired vibes. I enjoyed reading about the FMC Isobel, who is a single mother with a heart condition who is hellbent on justice. Jaima Fixsen did a great job of enmeshing Isobel in a compelling moral dilemma and making her wrestle with herself and her true values. However, the book was incredibly slow and far too long for me to be as immersed as I would have liked to be.

Overall, however, I did like the book. Those who love historical fiction, gothic horror, true crime, and thrillers would probably enjoy this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Jaima Fixsen for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.