This is a well written and well researched historical mystery that will keep the pages turning. Isobel Tait is a single mother struggling to care for her son as he recovers from a bout of scarlet fever. She spends her days teaching piano to be able to afford doctors’ treatments, so when a client gifts her an appointment with the top surgeon everyone in town is talking about, she feels blessed. Dr. Burnett diagnoses her son with damage to the Mitral Valve of his heart and gives him a few months to live. Determined to make his last few months the best she can, she takes her son out for walks to the park to fly kites, but she notices a man with a “melted” face who seems to be paying too much attention to her child. When her son goes missing a few days later, she can’t help but feel that this man is responsible. Isobel gets the police involved and even convinces the wealthy secret father of the boy to put up a reward. After months of no leads on the case or sightings of the strange man, the people in Isobel’s life try to encourage her to continue living. On an unexpected visit to Dr. Burnett’s collection of medical oddities and specimens, Isobel hears a beating heart that draws her to a jar. The jar happens to contain a juvenile heart with the same condition as her son. Convinced that this heart belongs to her missing child, she makes a scene that ends up getting the media and police involved. The surgeons quickly rallied behind Dr. Burnett because in 1820 Edinburgh grave robbing was a main source of bodies for the medical schools and to preserve this illegal practice they must keep the faith of the common people. Left with no options for justice and the return of her son’s heart, Isobel goes under cover as Dr. Burnetts housekeeper to find out the truth that the police are unable to find. This is a dark tale that is loosely based on the true crimes of Burke and Hale. The unlikely detective trope is incredibly well done with this story. It’s believable that a mother would stop at nothing to have closure and everything she accomplishes seems well within her scope. The prose of this book is a perfect blend of easy to understand and flowy so that you will feel transported back in time to for a glimpse of a world that has passed.

What a heart wrenching story with the most satisfying revenge plot! The relief I felt when justice was served ! when I put the book down I truly felt like I could breath. Each character ended up in the place that they deserved to be (excluding the innocent casualties).

It was also devastating to see the role of reputation and public perception can shield you from criticism and cause your life to flourish and also how it can stripp you of your freedom and autonomy.

A beautiful example of a slow-paced but thrilling Gothic novel and I don't like slow OR gothic! As a mother, I often think about the lengths I would go to for my kids (because anxiety) and this is a perfect portrayal of a mother's love set in a gruesome and spooky setting filled with interesting characters and historical tidbits. Such a great read and a beautiful cover!

Female power and Female range, It's not to be messed with!

The Specimen is set in 1826 Edinburgh and follows Isobel Tait, who has a seven-year-old son Thomas. We learn that Thomas is sick, he is frail and is becoming increasingly weak. Isobel takes Thomas to see Dr. Conall Burnett, a famous surgeon who diagnoses a rare condition, that Thomas has. Specifically, he has a damaged mitral valve in his heart. Dr. Burnett tells her there is no treatment and that her son will likely die within a few years. Heatbroken Isobel is determined to make the most of the time she has left with Thomas. However, soon after his, diagnosis Thomas goes missing and is never found.

A year after Thomas’ disappearance, Isobel is attempting to return to normal life. Her friend invites her to visit Dr. Burnett’s famous private museum of unusual medical specimens. When she sees a preserved heart with the same rare defect as Thomas, she faints. Isobel is fixated on the need for answers. With that lack of police support, Isobel infiltrates Dr. Burnett’s household to uncover the truth behind his collection.

I highly recommend everyone pick this up. I'm definitely going to follow Jaima Fixsen for more stories.

Thank You to Jaima Fixsen, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Specimen is a masterfully crafted tale that sweeps readers into a gothic, atmospheric world brimming with suspense and heartbreak. This thrilling story unravels the dark intricacies of love, loss, and the boundless power of a mother’s devotion. The vivid Edinburgh setting and chilling twists kept me spellbound, while the protagonist’s relentless pursuit of justice struck a deep emotional chord. Haunting and deeply moving, this novel beautifully explores how far a mother will go for her child. And for justice! An unforgettable read for fans of dark, suspenseful, and emotionally rich stories

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

As a fan of dark, atmospheric novels, I was immediately drawn to The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen—a gripping Gothic thriller inspired by the notorious Burke and Hare murders of the 1800s. Fixsen takes this chilling historical backdrop and adds her own twist, creating a story of heartbreak, determination, and justice.

Set in 1826 Edinburgh, The Specimen follows Isobel Tait, a single mother who is still reeling from the mysterious disappearance of her young son, Thomas. When she discovers a preserved heart with the same rare defect as her son’s in Dr. Burnett’s collection of medical specimens, Isobel is devastated and consumed by the need for answers. Driven by her love for her child, she infiltrates Dr. Burnett’s household to uncover the horrifying truth behind his "oddities" collection.

Fixsen masterfully blends historical accuracy with rich Gothic elements. The damp, shadowy streets of Edinburgh come alive in her writing, and the moral ambiguity of the era’s obsession with anatomical research is explored in fascinating detail. Isobel’s fierce determination to reclaim her son’s heart is both heartbreaking and empowering, while her partnership with Métis detective Adam Kerr adds depth to the narrative. Kerr, an outsider in both race and profession, brings his own unique perspective, offering a poignant critique of the societal prejudices of the time.

While the story took some time to pick up, the tension built steadily, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. The vivid descriptions, complex characters, and moral dilemmas kept me hooked. The audiobook, narrated by Cathleen McCarron, enhanced the experience with her pitch-perfect portrayal of Isobel’s grief and Burnett’s chilling arrogance.

Jaima Fixsen’s deep research into the history of the Resurrection Men and the grim realities of body snatching for medical purposes lends an eerie authenticity to the story. Her notes at the end of the book are a must-read for history buffs.

If you’re a fan of Gothic fiction with strong, driven protagonists and a touch of the macabre, The Specimen is for you. It’s a tale of resilience, justice, and the lengths a mother will go to for her child. Highly recommended—both the novel and the audiobook!

I love the cover art for this book. The story is creepy and wonderfully done, and is based on true events.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Haunting, chilling, and utterly unputdownable, The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen is a gothic historical thriller that will linger in your mind long after the final page. Set against the misty, gaslit streets of 1826 Edinburgh, this story explores the grotesque and the macabre with a deeply emotional core.

The Premise:
When Isobel Tait stumbles upon a tiny human heart preserved in a jar, it feels like more than a grisly oddity in Dr. Burnett's infamous collection. Her son, missing for months, suffered from the same rare heart condition. Coincidence? Isobel doesn't think so. Her journey into Burnett’s unsettling world of "scientific discovery" begins as an act of desperation and hope—but leads her to face horrors she couldn’t have imagined.

What Worked:

The atmosphere. Edinburgh’s eerie, fog-draped streets and the sinister, shadowy corners of Dr. Burnett’s laboratory are described with such vividness you’ll feel the chill in your bones.
Isobel is a fierce and determined heroine, a portrait of maternal love entwined with righteous fury. Her strength grounds the story, making every discovery and danger hit harder.
The story is inspired by real historical crimes, which gives it an unsettling edge. Fixsen handles the historical details with precision, immersing you fully in the grim realities of 19th-century medical practices.
The pacing strikes a perfect balance between slow-building dread and heart-pounding moments of revelation.
Why It’s 4 Stars:
This book is captivating, but at times, the villainy can feel a bit overly theatrical. Dr. Burnett’s monstrousness is chilling but occasionally predictable. Still, the rich prose and emotional depth make it an unforgettable read.

The Cover:
Let’s talk about that cover—it’s absolutely stunning and deserves a prominent spot on your shelf. Poisoned Pen Press has outdone itself!

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Jaima Fixsen for the ARC. This is the kind of book that will haunt you in the best way—perfect for fans of gothic historical fiction with a sharp edge.

Final Thoughts:
The Specimen is a gripping tale of grief, obsession, and justice. It’s dark, atmospheric, and utterly immersive—ideal for a stormy night read. Add this one to your collection, if only to admire that gorgeous cover between nightmares.

Which book cover is your current favorite? Let’s discuss—because yes, we absolutely do judge books by their covers sometimes! 👀✨

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced audio copy of this book for review purposes. The year is 1826, Edinburg. Isobel and her son Tom have a good life. Isobel is a “widow” and cares for them by teaching piano. Tom is a curious child who loves stories. Tom’s heart isn’t working well after contracting a fever. Isobel takes him to see Dr. Burnett who confirms that Tom doesn’t have long to live. One afternoon, Tom, while in the care of the landlady, is gone. Isobel goes to the police day after day but no one can provide any clues except the picture of a man with a burned face. After months of agonizing over the fate of her boy, Isobel goes to a museum of medical curiosities. There she hears Tom’s heart. It is in a jar and Isobel knows that it is his. What follows next is the search through Edinburgh for missing people who are all unique. One blue eye, one brown. A woman with an extra finger on her left hand. Isobel soon realizes that she will have to take matters into her own hands to find out what exactly happened to her son. This book is based on real events of the time. I think this would make a great book for book club. The narrator was wonderful. Read this book and thank me later

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.