The Specimen completely captivated me from the start. The fact that it’s based on a true story, set during a time when medicine was full of biases against women, adds so much depth to the narrative. It highlights the way society often labeled women as "hysterical" to discredit them—an issue that, sadly, still lingers today.

I especially adored the main character, a grieving mother who lost her son. Her journey, filled with heartbreak and resilience, was beautifully portrayed and gave the story a powerful emotional core. The plot itself is thick with mystery and suspense, keeping me on edge the whole time.

The production was impeccable, with the narrator perfectly capturing the mood and creating a suspenseful yet almost mystical atmosphere that transported me to another era. This audiobook is a must for anyone who loves historical fiction with gripping twists, emotional depth, and an eerie sense of suspense.

The Specimen is a captivating gothic thriller that hooks readers from the very beginning and refuses to let go. Set in 1826, the story follows Isobel, a mother whose son, Thomas, is left with a damaged heart after surviving scarlet fever. Desperation grips her as a doctor informs her that Thomas only has months to live. But her world truly unravels when Thomas mysteriously disappears, and a year later, she discovers what she believes to be his heart on display at a macabre oddities exhibit.

Jaima Fixsen weaves a tense and emotionally charged narrative, mixing historical medical practices with just a touch of the supernatural. Isobel’s journey, as she faces disbelief and the unraveling of her life, pulls readers into a shadowy world where stolen bodies for medical study are not uncommon. The darkness that permeates the story is made even more intense by the stakes of a mother trying to reclaim what remains of her child.

The audiobook, narrated by Cathleen McCarron, truly brings Isobel to life. McCarron’s performance is emotional and gripping, enhancing the believability of Isobel’s despair and determination. Her narration guides listeners through each twist and turn with a voice full of depth and conviction.

While the plot leans heavily into the gothic elements, Fixsen’s characters are well-developed, especially Isobel, whose resilience is inspiring despite the crushing weight of her circumstances. The chilling premise and magical undertones add layers of intrigue, keeping the suspense taut throughout. For fans of gothic thrillers with a historical twist, The Specimen is a memorable and haunting read.

Thank you NetGalley, RBMedia, and the amazing Jaima Fixsen for the opportunity to read and review The Specimen.

Gripping from the beginning, this novel has really great characters, a complex plot that is thoughtfully developed. The ingenuity of the main character was fantastic and coupled with the great mystery made a really exciting and interesting book. The historical aspect was also great, showing how class and lack of technology led to many crimes that could easily have gone unsolved. Definitely recommended!

I thoroughly enjoyed *The Specimen*. The mix of historical fiction and a touch of magical realism creates an engaging and immersive atmosphere. However, I'd say the book leans more toward historical fiction, which felt balanced and authentic. If you're familiar with the period, you'll find that the terminology and societal setting enhance the depth of the story.

The pacing was a bit slow for me, especially in the middle, but it eventually picked up as the plotlines began to converge. The third act was especially strong, tying everything together in a satisfying way.

One of the standout aspects was the narrative voice—it brought Isobel Tait's determination and vulnerability to life. Her struggle against the corrupt medical world of Edinburgh, combined with the eerie tone set by the Burke and Hare-inspired backdrop, kept me invested throughout.

Isobel's young son, Thomas, is very sick. He survived scarlet fever, but it left him with a damaged heart. She takes him to a special doctor, who tells her he has months left to live. She is devastated. They resume their lives, and when Isobel is teaching piano lessons, Thomas disappears. His caregiver seems to have been drugged. But the police really don't do anything. Around a year later, she is trying to move on with her life. She goes to an oddities exhibit with her friends- where she sees one of the jarred specimens is a damaged heart. The curator of the oddities exhibit is the same doctor that examined him. She knows instantly that it is Thomas's heart. Not only do the police not believe her, but the doctor is well supported and her reputation is quickly ruined. Her clients all fire her. She becomes determined to retrieve Thomas's heart, no matter what it requires.

I was intrigued by the synopsis, but also worried. I tend to dislike horror- mostly because it often leans towards the supernatural. It isn't the gory details that deter me- I can read some really twisted thrillers without batting an eye. I've just never enjoyed reading any type of fantasy book. I am glad I took the chance. While there are tiny hints of supernatural, it is very very minor.

While the first couple of chapters started slow, once she found the heart, I couldn't put this down. Not only did I like the dynamic of Isobel's search, I also loved that she sort of collected a group of supportive people. The doctor's staff, the detective and Nan, etc... It kept the book from being too dark and heavy.

Cathleen McCarron narrates the audiobook and does a fantastic job.

I received an advance audio book in exchange for an honest review.

A story of a woman who has a child with a rare heart disease goes missing. Ironically, after a year of the child missing a new exhibit has arrived at a local doctor's collection of human organs with the same defect as her child. After the doctor publicly shames the woman for her accusations she then goes undercover as a house maid. It turns out that the dirty rink of Doctors were hunting and harvesting humans. However, it turns into a tale of Money vs. truth.

This book was OK, I was really into. However, it got so boring. There was so much that could have been left out. This book would have been 5 stars if the author would have stuck to the point.

Such a great gothic style tale. Great for Halloween

In early 19th century Scotland, Isabel is trying to make the most of the time her young son Thomas has left. Since being stricken with yellow fever, it’s only been a matter of time before the disease would take him from her forever. Still, she doesn’t give up hope and contacts a specialist to see if he can provide any help. It would appear he can do nothing for her son, but Isabel stumbles upon some gory and horrific displays in the good doctors laboratory. This is a creepy story of 19th century medicine and the terrible lengths that doctors went to, to understand disease and the human body