A Slash of Emerald (Dr. Julia Lewis #2) by Patrice McDonough is an engaging mystery set in the fog-laden streets of 1867 London. Dr. Julia Lewis, Scotland Yard's first female medical examiner, with her sharp intellect and unwavering determination, is brought in to examine a troubled young woman who has been arrested. Detective Richard Tennant and Dr. Lewis unravel a complex web of connections between this young woman, a daring break-in, a series of malicious poison pen letters, and a suspicious death.

The mystery unfolded at a satisfying pace, with clues sprinkled throughout the narrative. The clever twists and turns led to a genuinely surprising reveal, showcasing the author's skill in crafting a compelling mystery.

I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and mysteries who appreciate strong female characters and rich historical references. A Slash of Emerald is a worthy follow-up to The Murder by Lamplight series, leaving me eagerly anticipating Dr. Lewis's next intriguing case!

Thank you to Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BOOK: A SLASH OF EMERALD
AUTHOR: PATRICE MCDONOUGH
PUB DATE: 25 FEB 2025
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This book was worth every second I spent on it because of the unexpected ending. I was totally distracted, and I was expecting something completely different. I loved the twist.
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The book started off with a simple, not so simple murder case, but it leads to a vibrant art world of painting, artists and models, and even human trafficking. The detective just kept uncovering new evidence. Even Julia, the FMC, the coroner, was able to uncover clues apart from her main duty. The storyline was perfectly paced, and I loved reading it. I'm still shaken by the plot twist. I should have suspected the person, but I just didn't see it in them.
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Apart from the cases being solved, we also got insight into the MC's lives. Although, I still don't know much about Tennant. I want the author yo focus on his past more in the next book. I have enough of Julia's personal life, even her private practice. She's a phenomenal woman. I also like the way the author portrays the issues of gender inequality present at that time.
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I loved reading this book and I can't wait to see more of Julia and Tennant and a improvement in their relationship. A wonderful read. it's the second in the series, but you don't have to read the first one to understand this.
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Painting is an acceptable pastime among the ladies of London society in the 1860s, but no one considers it more than just a hobby. The women who sit for these painters are held in even lower regard, so when they start disappearing, nobody really seems to care. But when one of these women turns up dead and someone else commits suicide, Inspector Richard Tennant, with more than a little nudge from Dr. Julia Lewis, begins to dig deeper. They more they learn, the more they uncover deception and depravity – and a killer.

I have been waiting for the second book in this series almost from the moment I finished the first one. Julia is an amazing woman, especially for her time, and doesn’t hesitate to prod people around her to do the right thing, regardless of society’s mores. I like that Richard takes her suggestions and comments seriously rather than simply brushing them under the rug, and Sgt. O’Malley is coming around as well.

There were several murders in this book, and it seemed obvious that they were all committed by the same person. I thought I had it all worked out, but once again, I was wrong. I wasn’t entirely surprised when the culprit was identified, but that character was not very high up on my list.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what Richard, Julia and Sgt. O’Malley have to figure out next.

I thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance reader copy of “A Slash of Emerald.” All opinions and comments are my own.

What starts out as a seemingly straightforward attack on female artists turns into something oh so much more sordid in “A Slash of Emerald,” the second in the Dr. Julia Lewis Victorian mystery series by Patrice McDonough. The author takes the dark underpinnings of society, in this case human trafficking, and deftly uses the subject in a way that illustrates the moral failings of the practice while providing a book that keeps readers turning the pages.

Dr. Julia Lewis, after the traumatic happenings of the first book (“Murder by Lamplight”), is recovering and ruminating on her relationship with police inspector Richard Tennant -- or perhaps it’s the other way around. In any event, she soon becomes involved in this case, especially now that she is officially one of Scotland Yard’s medical examiners. And when the bodies of shop girls and models and young Asian women start to turn up, and a husband suicides, it’s apparent that there are dark dealings afoot.

This is a story with many plot strings to follow along with, and you will have plenty to capture your attention. When I say that even James McNeil Whistler (yes, he of “Whistler’s Mother” fame) has a (small) part to play, I’m not kidding. Some may find the middle a bit slow going, but author McDonough has a lot to say and she needs you to pay attention. One crime has a tragic solution; others, what justice there is is justice delayed, true to the times, with an ending that bodes well for a future book.

An Author’s Note references the real people used in the novel. “A Slash of Emerald” will entertain and anger you in equal measure in its telling of the treatment of certain young woman at this time in England. It is always good to be reminded.

As with the first book in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The mystery was well-constructed - unlike others I've read recently, I didn't solve it several chapters before the characters. I really enjoyed the character development and appreciated how McDonough handled the disturbing subject matter of the crimes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Detective Inspector Richard Tennant of Scotland Yard and Dr. Julia Lewis find themselves once again investigating all sorts of crime-including murder- in this second in the series which will also be fine as a standalone. It's 1867 London and women artists are experiencing problems which are being generally brushed off until there's a killing. Know that many of the artists mentioned were real people (I found myself looking everyone up) and that this is nicely heavy on atmospherics. This second installment sees the pair more developed as characters and working better together. The mystery is good with nice red herrings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.

On the dark streets of London, 1867, Inspector Richard Tennant & Dr. Julia Lewis are once again pulled together to solve a growing case involving the rich and poor alike. If you enjoy clever historical mysteries then look no further.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Tennant and Lewis as they expertly navigate another case together. Lewis is compassionate and diligent in her work as a doctor, especially in a time not prone to accepting women who choose their careers over all else. Tennant is a hound when it comes to sniffing out dishonesty and pursuing all avenues, even when they appear to be a dead end. Together they're an evenly matched team.

Patrice McDonough is an expert at writing mystery novels that immerse the reader in the intricacies and politics of Victorian England. She doesn't romanticize London. She lays it out plainly as a playground for depravity. No one is safe, and as the case unfolds it becomes clear that there are no limits to what people are willing to do to get what they want.

If you're looking for a mystery novel that has an abundance of history meshed in, then a Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery is for you. A Slash of Emerald is dark, dry, and all business.

London, 1867: Dr. Julia Lewis is familiar with the disrespect afforded women in untraditional careers, is hardly surprised when Scotland Yard shows little interest in complaints made by her friend, Mary Allingham, about a break-in at her art studio. Mary is just one of many “lady painters” being targeted by vandals. Painters’ sitters are vanishing, too. Inspector Richard Tennant, however, takes the attacks seriously, suspecting they’re linked to the poison-pen letters received by additional members of the Allingham family.
But when someone close to them commits suicide and a young woman turns up dead, the case can no longer be so easily ignored by ‘respectable’ society.
The second book in the series & another well written very enjoyable murder mystery. I really like Julia who is a strong intelligent woman who is constantly fighting prejudice as she’s a woman doctor in a man’s world. I also really like Richard who is gradually accepting Julia more & more & of course I like their slow burn romance. The case is intriguing with twists & turns I wasn’t expecting, I thoroughly enjoyed the book & look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

I enjoyed this one more than I did the first one in the series. Dr. Julia Lewis is growing in her abilities and Inspector Richard Tennant is starting to see her as a collogue and not some women. I'm looking forward to more books in the series.

This is book 2 in the series and while could be read as a standalone as far as the mystery is concerned it is best read in order for the full character growth and development. There are two plotlines involved in this book which makes for a twisty and absorbing story that is atmospheric and felt true to the times including cultural, societal, and political some of which we still deal with today. I found out at the end that some of the painters mentioned in the novel were real people which added a nice touch to the story, I cant wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a new author to me and I have to say I TRULY enjoyed this mystery! All the characters were well formed, the plot was well timed and only a little over- description at the end of the book made this story a thrilling one. The real villain is well hidden and the subject material , though touchy, was well written. The tiny little cliff-hanger will definitely bring me back to read #3 and I will have to find #1 as well. I could feel the chemistry between Julia and the detective and the ending was a tad heartwrenching. Well worth the time to read- clear your calendar, you wont want to put it down!

I received this story for free and these are my own views

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough, the second book in the Dr. Julia Lewis historical mystery series, picks up soon after the first book in the series. Set in Victorian London in 1867, it features Detective Inspector Richard Tennant of Scotland Yard and Dr. Julia Lewis, one of Britain’s first female physicians. Julia has recently been named Scotland Yard’s first female medical examiner, which adds to her workload running a medical clinic.

While painting is considered an acceptable pastime for women, it is not viewed as acceptable by most to pursue art as a profession. When Mary Allingham complains about a break-in at her art studio, Scotland Yard doesn’t want to pursue it. However, Mary is just one of the woman painters who are being targeted by vandals. Additionally, painters’ sitters are disappearing. Richard takes the attacks seriously and suspects they’re related to the poison-pen letters received by other members of the Allingham household. Julia and Richard join forces to investigate with help from Sergeant O’Malley.

Julia is candid, self-sufficient, intelligent, curious, and wants to be listened to; not just seen. She doesn’t hold back on her opinions. Richard is dour, aloof, guarded, has a steely resolve, and isn’t easy to know. He’s well-educated and doesn’t like tight spaces. Their characters gain depth as the story progresses. The author created characters with believable relationships that made them come to life.

Two main plotlines make this a twisty and absorbing story that is atmospheric and felt true to the times. I learned something about the Victorian art world. Many of the painters mentioned in the novel were real, not fictional. Imagine meeting Whistler and his contemporaries! It also incorporates some real-world issues into the story that still exist today. This adds depth to the narrative and provides food-for-thought. The worldbuilding was well-done and included cultural, societal, and political aspects for the story. While many parts of the story were wrapped up, a couple of key items were not sufficiently brought to a satisfactory conclusion for me. However, they will hopefully be resolved in book three.

Overall, this dark, gritty, and engaging book has great characterization with likeable main characters, excellent worldbuilding, and a solid mystery. Readers who appreciate historical mystery stories will likely enjoy this novel. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kensington Publishing and Patrice McDonough provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 25, 2025.

"A trailblazing female medical examiner in 1867 London and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective investigate a string of art world murders in this dark, atmospheric, historically rich mystery for readers of Andrea Penrose and Deanna Raynourn.

London, 1867: Among the genteel young ladies of London society, painting is a perfectly acceptable pastime - but a woman who dares to pursue art as a profession is another prospect, indeed. Dr. Julia Lewis, familiar with the disrespect afforded women in untraditional careers, is hardly surprised when Scotland Yard shows little interest in complaints made by her friend, Mary Allingham, about a break-in at her art studio. Mary is just one of many "lady painters" being targeted by vandals.

Painters' sitters are vanishing, too - women viewed by some as dispensable outcasts. Inspector Richard Tennant, however, takes the attacks seriously, suspecting they're linked to the poison-pen letters received by additional members of the Allingham family. For Julia, the issue is complicated by Tennant's previous relationship with Mary's sister-in-law, Louisa, and by her own surprising reaction to that entanglement.

But when someone close to them commits suicide and a young woman turns up dead, the case can no longer be so easily ignored by 'respectable' society. Layer after layer, Julia and Tennant scrape away the facts of the case like paint from a canvas. What emerges is a somber picture of vice, depravity, and deception stretching from London's East End to the Far East - with a killer at its center, determined to get away with one last, grisly murder..."

Two of my loves, art and murder, combine for the perfect read.

This second in series throws DI Tennant and Scotland Yard’s medical examiner, Dr. Julia Lewis, into a complex maelstrom of pornography, prostitution, human trafficking, and murder. In 1867 Julia attends upon the wealthy Charles Allingham after he falls through the ice at a skating event. Both his sister Mary and his wife Louisa agree he’s unusually distant and morose at home, and spending inordinate hours at his club. But the family are nevertheless utterly shocked by his suicide a few days later.

When the body of a missing Cheapside shopgirl is thrown from a carriage, Julia’s postmortem reveals violent sexual assault. And a lot of details point towards the stunningly beautiful artists’ model, Margot Miller, who may be involved in more than she’s willing to reveal. DI Tennant’s investigation broadens as he uncovers what looks like human trafficking along with sexually explicit art copied from local artists’ work with salacious additions using replacement female models. Disappearances, art vandalism, blackmail, assault, and a couple of murders mean Tennant has his work cut out for him.

The cast are all well portrayed, and McDonough takes time and effort to add nuance to her background cameo players —Julia’s sounding board, her grandfather Dr. Andrew Lewis; Aunt Caroline; and the impatient foul-tempered Chief Inspector. A frisson of sexual tension runs beneath the very proper Victorian cordiality exhibited by Tennant and Julia, and a glance or a hand-hold here and there leave the reader pondering whether Julia will one day renounce her independence for love. Tennant and Sergeant O’Malley’s investigation takes readers in a sweep across London from Kensington to Pall Mall, Harley Street, and the stews of St. Giles. The participation of two shrewd police officers who aren’t afraid to use a woman’s powers of observation, is quite refreshing, making this a very enjoyable read.

It was nice catching up with Dr. Julia and Inspector Tennant in this new installment. I enjoy a good historical fiction story every now and then; it’s a nice break from all the police procedurals and crime thrillers that I read so much about. However, this is no cozy mystery, both installments have shown the dark and dangerous and seamy side of London and especially for Dr Julia (who was almost killed in the last book), as the first female doctor in London as well as Scotland Yard. I especially like historical fiction stories that have bold, brave, strong, smart and unconventional FMC’s, like Dr Julia. In other words, the original feminists who fought the battles and paved the way for the feminists of today who are still fighting some of the same battles.

The book summary introduces the primary storyline of women artists being harassed and threatened and their models being killed or “disappearing”. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that some of these women were being targeted for a purpose so horrible, while their deaths and disappearances were being ignored and blamed on the women instead of the rich, evil and despicable men who were behind it all.

There is also a secondary storyline of Dr Julia’s and Inspector Tennant’s growing affections and attraction towards each other. With Dr Julia returning to her family’s clinic after having recuperated from almost being killed in the last installment, she is diving back in full speed ahead. With Inspector Tennant entrenched in the “Yard” as well as dealing with a difficult superior, they both have no time for courting and are so pitifully awkward in the romance department. At this point, I’m thinking if this goes on much longer, it’s going to become painful to watch. Lots of eye-rolling and snickering during these parts.

Most of the story revolves around the threats, murders and disappearances of the female artists and models. As the clues and leads came in along with more dead bodies, my armchair detective was all over the place trying to decide who the real monster was, but did start to zero in on someone after a while. WOW!!! Was I ever wrong! The ending was so shocking, intense and kind of disturbing! However, it was the final scene that had my eyes becoming just a little moist and the whisper of a “oh no” for Dr Julia. I don’t know what’s going on, whether it’s just me being a little too invested in my characters and their fate or if it’s just the last few installments for some of my fave series have all just had sad endings. I’d like to think it’s the latter, but it’s probably a little of both.

The continuing character development for Dr Julia and Inspector Tennant was well done. It will be interesting to see what McDonough has in store for them. The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting. I really enjoyed the Author Notes at the end that included some additional history and info on the art world and artists of that time. The writing was also well done and on par for the series so far. McDonough has definitely done a lot of research and portrays in a realistic manner. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #ASlashofEmerald

I thought this was a good police procedural story.
I was hoping Julia would have been more involved with the investigation. The story just seems to revolve more around Tennant. It was a good mystery and I was surprised by the ending.

We are dropped right into London is 1867 when Dr. Julia Grey is called to a police station to examine a woman who has been arrested for prostitution by her friend Inspector Tennant. Just passing by an Army base is enough for any woman to be arrested. In this case, the young hatter has been on a legitimate errand and is let go. The blatant sexism of the time is something that winds its way throughout the plot of this story.

Not only did Julia get onto the registry of doctors through a loophole but she has to face all sorts of prejudice from most men who can't believe that a woman can be a doctor. When she is instrumental in rescuing a man from ice breaking while skating, he doesn't let her examine him leaving his sister Mary concerned about his welfare.

Mary Allingham is facing prejudice of her own as she is trying to make her name as a female artist. Richard Tennant is concerned about these female artists because there have been blackmail letters and other threatening letters sent to many female artists and many artists' models have been disappearing.

Tennant is looking into the death of a young artists' model whose body was thrown from a speeding carriage. And shortly after, he also has the case of a famous artists' model who has had her throat cut. Margot Miller was frequently the subject of both male and female artists.

Tennant's investigation leads him into the world of pornography and trafficking which is partially wrapped into the art world. Mary's brother who is a wealthy printer and publisher is a suspect in both the trafficking and pornography until he is found dead in an apparent suicide.

Julia and Richard are both involved in the investigation and have different sources of information. I liked the way the mystery unfolded. I also liked the way Julia and Richard's slow-burn romance is progressing. The story had great historical details.

I really enjoy this new series featuring a female doctor in Victorian England. Dr. Julia Lewis began the first book called out on a police case, and now the police have adjusted to the fact that she’s female and tend to call on her with more frequency. She also has a regular practice, of course, but the focus of the books is her work with the police, specifically one very attractive yet damaged Inspector.

While I loved the first book, it was jam packed. This one has a more focused plot, to the benefit of the book. As the story opens, Dr. Julia is called in to perform a pelvic exam on a woman who was walking close to an army barracks and assaulted. Under British law at the time, the woman was required to be examined for infectious disease, not the man. Inspector Tennant asks Julia to perform the exam, thinking it will be a gentler iteration than one performed by a man. She agrees.

The other kick off event is a massive skating accident on a frozen pond as Regent’s Park. Among those who went into the frozen water is a man whose sister is a friend of Julia’s, and being on the scene, she’s pressed into an exam. This draws Julia into the story of the Allingham family. The man who went in the water is an important art critic and publisher; his sister, recently home from Paris, is a painter; and the man’s wife is mourning several miscarriages. When the man dies by his own hand shortly after the accident, apparently having put poisonous green paint in his drink (green paint at the time was loaded with arsenic).

The sister asks Julia to investigate, because of the successful resolution of the last case where she helped the police. As Julia and Inspector Tennant are now friends, she has a smoother path forward. This investigation takes Tennant and Julia through the London art world, an extremely lively one at the time, when artists like Turner and Whistler reigned supreme. As a woman, Mary Allingham, the dead man’s sister, has a bit of a tougher path.

Both books to date have hard a strong theme of women’s agency and place in society. This one looks at the lives of prostitutes as well as the lives of female artists. As Tennant and Julia uncover a nefarious scheme of what we would now call human trafficking, McDonough demonstrates her narrative chops. These books are expertly paced and the characters the series is built upon – Julia and Tennant – are interesting and sturdy, and should easily be able to shoulder a long lived series.
The look at the art world at the time, from small timers to members of the Royal Academy, is also a fascinating one, and there’s an especially vivid scene set as the annual Academy show is about to open and the artists visit the gallery on “varnishing” day to put final touches on their work, which are already hanging on gallery walls. These books are the whole package: setting, tight plot, wonderful characters. Book three really cannot come soon enough.

Another fun outing in this series!

We previously met Dr. Julia Lewis and Inspector Richard Tennant in Murder by Lamplight, and A Slash of Emerald takes place shortly thereafter, with Richard having gotten Julia's name on Scotland Yard's official list of medical examiners. I quite enjoy the burgeoning connection between Julia and Richard, and if there's anyone else out there who, like me, rage-quit Miss Scarlet and the Duke when they wrote the Duke off, this series might help fill that small hole in your heart.

This second book in the series sees Julia and Richard investigating a series of crimes connected to a group of female painters. Why are the female artists receiving nasty poisoned pen letters, and how does it connect to another string of crimes? Once again, this mystery does address some heavy topics, so content warning.

I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and was quite satisfied when we found out who was behind it all. Just like with the first book in the series, I did guess who the killer was, but I was excited about being proven correct. The clues were clever, the motive compelling, and it was satisfying when all came to light in the end. The mystery also features cameos from real Victorian-era artists and the author's note at the end about what was real and what was fictional taught me some interesting facts I didn't know.

There was a whiff of Julia and Richard's growing feelings for each other, and I like their nice slow-burn. I do wish we got a bit more of Richard's backstory in this - I thought his PTSD from Crimea would be explored more than it was, and I don't think it was necessary to make one of the characters in the book, Louisa, his former girlfriend. It didn't have much impact on the story, other than Julia briefly feeling jealous one time.

Overall, enjoyable second entry. I hope there will be a third in the series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Patrice Mcdonough for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Slash of Emerald coming out February 25, 2025. AThe honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was obsessed with the first book, so I was really excited to receive this book. I love Victorian stories. Julia is a really strong character and I love that she’s able to practice medicine. I think she and Richard are fun together. I really like Mary’s character as well. I love the writing and the mystery. I’m definitely excited to check out more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian mysteries!