Voto complessivo: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trama: 👍👍👍👍
Personaggi: 👦👦👦👦
Page turner: 📖📖📖📖
Suspense: 😱😱😱😱.5
Plot twist: 💡💡💡

Ringrazio Jaima Fixsen, la Poisoned Pen Press e NetGalley per l’eARC in anteprima in cambio della mia onesta opinione.

A quanto pare, Edimburgo negli anni ‘20 del XIX secolo, tra scuole di Anatomia e trafugatori di salme, fa proprio al caso mio, come dimostrato da Anatomy di Dana Schwartz e The Resurrectionist di A. Rae Dunlap. Anche in The Specimen la vicenda è legata al traffico di corpi, e, sebbene non vengano mai esplicitamente citati, è difficile non pensare a figure come quelle di Burke e Hare, i più famigerati Resurrectionist dell’epoca, nonché a Knox, il medico per cui lavorarono ma che non fu mai messo sotto inchiesta. Stavolta ad indagare è una madre, Isobel Tait, che ha perso suo figlio, già condannato da una rara condizione cardiaca, scomparso improvvisamente nel nulla, non molto tempo dopo essere stato visitato dal dr. Butnett, medico, ma anche collezionista di stravaganze anatomiche. È proprio nel suo studio, aperto al pubblico per visite guidate, che Isobel ritrova un cuore con la stessa rara malformazione del piccolo Thomas…
Gothic vibes e murder mystery si intrecciano alla perfezione in un romanzo che vorrete divorare dalla prima all’ultima pagina.
La prima parte, introduttiva, è un po’ lenta, ma necessaria per presentare personaggi e situazioni, però, una volta ingranato, si procede speditamente. La prosa è scarna, ma sicuramente la trama riesce ad incollare il lettore alla pagina, senza la necessità di particolari virtuosismi.
La pubblicazione è prevista per il 15/10/2024.

I don't like Gothic tales or period pieces, but something about the plot of this book drew me in and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. This is a superb thriller, a heartbreaking story of a mothers grief, and a disturbing tale based on true crimes.

Isobel Tait's son Thomas has a heart defect that is quite rare. Dr. Barnett, an accomplished anatomy instructor and physician. collects medical specimens that he displays in his home for public viewing. When Isobel's son goes missing not long after a consultation with Dr. Barrett, one where the boy was given a prognosis of only three years to live, Isobel sees a specimen with the same rare condition in this doctors collection and sets out to prove he is responsible for her son's disappearance.

This was a rather well crafted and emotional read. There are many characters here that you will grown to hate as the story unfolds. Many victims stories that will tear at your heart. This is a fascinating and beautiful story of how far some people will go to obtain notoriety for their own greed and selfish gains and how far others will go get justice.

Thanks immensely to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication. It was absolutely enthralling and I can see this story haunting me for quite a long time.

"Walk carefully, lest you become a part of Dr. Burnett's collection...

1826. Isobel Tait finds herself, by chance, staring at a tiny human heart floating in a jar. It should be of little consequence; Dr. Burnett is renowned for his collection of oddities and medical specimens, and this, a juvenile heart with a damaged mitral valve, is not the strangest thing on display. Except that the condition is rare, and that Isobel's young son, who has been missing for months, suffered from the ailment.

A phantom pulse beats in Isobel's ears. She knows something here isn't right.

Missing persons cases are all too common in Edinburgh, where people simply vanish like mist. But Burnett is obsessed with his specimens - how far would he go to acquire a new one? Determined to investigate, Isobel joins his staff as the keeper of his collection. What she'll unearth, though, is far worse than any of her nightmares...

Based on true crimes, The Specimen is a mesmerizing story about one woman's search for truth and vengeance in the darkest of places - where the deadliest secrets lie hidden in plain sight, on a freshly dusted shelf."

YES! Finally a book with resurrection men in the correct era. You have NO idea how annoyed I am by later day resurrection men supposedly making money after the Anatomy Act of 1832.

I was hooked on this book as soon as I read the description. A mystery and a mom who will stop at nothing for her child, sign me up. Isobel is such a relatable character and her fight to bring down a beloved doctor is inspiring.

What a beautiful and terrible book. Not terrible in the sense of quality, because in truth, I don’t think I have ever read anything so successful in instilling the profound sense of anxiety and grief strictly reserved for maternal figures. But terrible in that it is so successful.
Months after her dying son suddenly disappears, Isobel finds a perfectly preserved juvenile heart in the specimen collection of one of his former physicians. A heart that strangely has the exact same rare defect that was killing her child.
I am usually not someone overly moved by narratives centred around motherhood. As someone who has chosen not to procreate, I often find that the hyperfocus around and self sacrifice required to rear children in books—as well in life, I suppose—is not something I find I am easily engaged by. Like a foreign concept that I don’t wish to understand, even if I respect it. However, what sets The Specimen apart is that it is not concerned with martyring its mother protagonist, Isobel, as someone willing to do or give anything for the sake of her child. No, none of that matters, because this isn’t a story about her love, but rather what happens in the wake of it. What she does when her life’s purpose vanishes and how far she goes to find closure as to what happened.
For me, this was the perfect Autumnal read. It's mysterious and macabre, but also moving and terrifying in a way I did not expect it to be. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to bulk out their Fall TBR.

The Specimen is a chilling and atmospheric tale set in 1826 Edinburgh, where Isobel Tait’s discovery of a human heart in a jar sparks a terrifying journey of suspicion and vengeance. The heart’s connection to her missing son—who suffered from a rare condition—draws Isobel deep into the macabre world of Dr. Burnett, a man obsessed with his grotesque collection of medical oddities. As missing persons continue to disappear like mist in the city, Isobel’s suspicions grow, leading her to infiltrate Burnett’s world as a keeper of his collection. What unfolds is a haunting investigation into how far someone might go to acquire their "specimens"—and the dark truth behind the doctor's collection is even more horrifying than her worst fears.

Based on true crimes, The Specimen brilliantly blends historical intrigue with gothic horror, pulling readers into Isobel's relentless search for answers amidst the eerie, unsettling atmosphere of 19th-century Edinburgh. The story’s slow-burn suspense, vivid details, and Isobel’s tenacity make this a captivating and disturbing read, perfect for those who love stories where secrets lie hidden in plain sight.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a gothic historical fiction thriller based on true crime.

The author has done remarkably well blending true crime with fiction. The writing is fast paced and well thought out. The main female character is one of the strongest depiction of a woman and mother I have read in recent times.

This book brings to light the age old question of ethics in the medical profession. While we all benefit from advancements in medicine, the question remains, what cost is too great to pay for said advancements.

A lot of unbelievably crazy stuff happens in the course of this book. I know that this book will stay with me for a very very long time.

Thankyou NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Specimen was a fascinating story about the 1800s medical world. I could not get enough of this book!!! Loved the authors note as well.

I remember going to a hospital in a city over from us and walking down a hallway that has specimens in the way of multiple different organs. Caught me off guard at first but super interesting at the same time.

The characters were done well and I had hopes of a love story at the end but…

Def a book I’ll think of for years.

A compelling story that, while exploring dark topics, never feels gratuitous or grisly. This book will appeal to fans of horror and the supernatural, but it's subdued enough that it's also suitable for more sensitive readers. The writing style is accessible without being too casual, with multiple points of view to heighten the suspense. I love the inclusion of suggested reading at the end of the book, since I definitely wanted to learn more about the historical inspirations for the story. No explicit sexual content, and limited swearing -- I feel comfortable recommending this book to my more conservative patrons. Perfect for an October display!

Wow..
So historical fiction is a new genre for me. This is only because I had not found on that made me want to jump in. This one was that for me.
The cover pulled me too this and the topic got me to stay.

in the 1800s a Dr has a great collections a specimens and people keep going missing.

The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen is a historical novel set in Edinburgh in 1826, it’s a terrifying gothic mystery based on true stories. Isobel’s son has gone missing and she discovers that a doctor who collects unusual specimens may be responsible for his disappearance. She devises a plan to infiltrate his household and find out what happened to her son. The truth is scarier than she could ever imagine and more people are involved in his scheme. This book explores how resurrectionists in the 18th and 19th century dug up bodies to sell to anatomists or physicians to dissect for study, but this story takes a turn for an even more macabre twist.

I would recommend this book for historical fiction and thriller readers. I exclaimed several times while reading because it was so creepy and the twists are so unexpected. It unfolds in a slow build and then a frantic pace to reach the truth. You need to be prepared to tuck in and read it without interruptions. The author’s note describes the true stories behind her novel, that has to be the most terrifying part of the story. The historical details are well researched including the practice of medicine in the 19th century and the descriptions of Edinburgh.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

How far would a grieving mother go to get justice for her child's disappearance? The Specimen is a chilling historical fiction that is morbidly fascinating. Set in the time of grave robbing for medical progress, The Specimen is a haunting and compelling story. I highly enjoyed the lengths the main character, Isobel, went to right the worst wrong a mother could experience. With well planned twists and a rich characters, The Specimen is a thrilling mystery and enjoyable read.

This novel has to be one of the best I've read this year. It's horrific and is set in a time period that I just cannot get enough of. The characters made me fall in love, made cry and root for them. The story is quite bleak and dark but it has a lot of heart. I hope it gets all the love and hype upon its release. Jaima Fixsen is truly an author to look out for.

This book was very well written. I loved how the characters were fleshed out and the historical aspect of it. However, I felt that it dragged a lot before finally getting into the meat and potatoes of the book and even then, I felt that it dragged. I do enjoy historical fiction, so that wasn't the problem. I just would find myself getting bored and not wanting to continue to the next chapter.

Thank you Poisoned Press for another incredible opportunity to read an ARC.

This was a sad, gruesome but beautiful story, and almost unbelievably based on true events. Written so well. Would’ve liked to read more about the “life after” for other victims’ families.

I will proudly say that I have finally read my first historical fiction novel and I really loved it! This is a historical fiction mystery story that is done really well. Plus, isn’t this cover just GORGEOUS! One of the best of the year!

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 what not. 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 writing hooked me right away! I could feel the distress and pain for Isobel. Rich descriptions of the town of Edinburgh, Scotland and the characters in the story. I loved that technology or social media was not even possible. Just a fleshed out story written really well! My favorite character was the detective and a young named Nan!

The author’s note was phenomenal! Do NOT MISS IT! These things really happened back then! The characters are based on a true story that is highly fascinating yet frightening. Even her husband plays a part in a character.

Thank you so much to Jaima Fixsen, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity!
Release date October 15, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨ Review ✨
The Specimen
Jaima Fixsen
Historical fiction, mystery
Release date: October 15, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Walk carefully, lest you become a part of Dr. Burnett's collection…
Based on true crimes, The Specimen is a mesmerizing story about one woman's search for truth and vengeance in the darkest of places—where the deadliest secrets lie hidden in plain sight, on a freshly dusted shelf.

This story was so beautifully written. I knew when I read the blurb about this story back in April that I HAD to get my hands on it.

We follow Isobel Tait through trying to find her missing son after a child’s heart is displayed in a Drs Oddities collection, matching the condition of her son.

Is that her son’s heart? Was he killed for it?
Who can she trust? Or will she be deemed as a mad woman in Edinburg?

Thank you @netgalley, @poisonedpenpress, & @jaimiafixsen for this ARC
I loved this read. It was suspenseful, gothic, & loosely based on true events.
One of my favorites from this year & I highly recommend the read! 🤍

#review #arc #reviewer #bookish

It's 19th century Edinburgh, and single mother Isobel Tait has just had the fright of her life. On a tour of celebrated doctor Connall Burnett's rare medical specimen collection, in a glass jar, beats a melody only she can hear: a heart with a mitral valve defect, just like the one the doctor diagnosed in her son before his disappearance a year ago.

Without the support of the police, Isobel is on her own to exact justice - and vengeance - and she'll stop at nothing to recover her son's heart and bring his murderer to justice.

This was a visceral, atmospheric read, and I couldn't put it down. The Specimen is based on the real-life case of Edinburgh's resurrection men, who fueled the advancement of anatomical study and medicine by grave robbing and sometimes, worse - with serial killer duo Burke and Hare most notorious among them.

Fixsen's tale of historical fiction and gothic suspense captivated me and kept me turning pages late into the night.

Isobel is fierce, courageous, and clever: all around a heroine to root for. Her adaptability and determination completely engrossed me and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

I also loved Fixsen's author's note, which revealed more about what inspired Isobel's quest for justice, but also shared details about the inspiration for mixed Scottish-Mètis detective Adam Kerr, a kind and clever ally of Isobel's. Kerr was one of my favorite side characters, and I loved learning that his grandmother shared the name of a real Cree elder.

Don't sleep on this perfect fall read! You don't need to go in with a knowledge of the true crime case that inspired this book, though I was fascinated by how Fixsen's interpretation prioritized the perspectives of the resurrection men's forgotten victims. You may particularly enjoy The Specimen if you like dark history, Edgar Allan Poe, and Penny Dreadful.

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Books and Jaima Fixsen for the NetGalley e-ARC! The Specimen publishes October 15th.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Jaima Fixsen’s The Specimen is a masterful blend of historical fiction and true crime, set against the eerie backdrop of 1826 Edinburgh. This novel is a chilling exploration of a mother’s relentless quest for justice and the dark underbelly of medical practices in the 19th century.

The story follows Isobel Tait, a determined mother whose life takes a harrowing turn when her young son, Thomas, goes missing. The narrative begins with Isobel’s discovery of a tiny human heart in a jar, part of Dr. Connall Burnett’s macabre collection. This discovery sets her on a perilous journey into the world of resurrectionists and anatomists, as Isobel goes undercover as a maid in disguise in Burnett's home.

Isobel Tait is a compelling protagonist, driven by a fierce maternal instinct and unwavering resolve. Her transformation from a grieving mother to a cunning investigator is both believable and inspiring. Dr. Burnett, on the other hand, is a complex antagonist whose motivations and actions are shrouded in mystery, adding depth to the story.

Fixsen’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, vividly bringing 19th-century Edinburgh to life. Her meticulous attention to historical detail immerses readers in the period, while her skillful pacing keeps the tension high throughout the novel.

The Specimen delves into themes of loss, justice, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. It raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths one would go to for the sake of knowledge and the moral implications of such pursuits.

Jaima Fixsen has crafted a gripping and unsettling tale that will captivate fans of historical fiction and true crime alike. The Specimen is a haunting reminder of the dark corners of history and the enduring strength of a mother’s love.

This novel is a flawless, and captivating must-read for those who appreciate well-researched historical narratives with a touch of the macabre.

This was so chilling and creepy, I absolutely loved it and the fact it’s based off a true story? Extra chilling! This book just goes to show that a mother will stop at nothing for justice for their child, no matter the time period or circumstances! I would have done the same thing. Very creepy and good read for spooky season, 10/10 never gonna look at specimens the same lol!