The Surgeon’s House is, seemingly, a historical mystery revolving around the residents of Evergreen House, a refuge and safe space for women and children to start over. Primarily following the proprietor of the house, Rebecca Harris, Cooksley attempts to represent the struggles that women faced in the 1880s while also laying down vague lines for a mystery to unfold. However, I was severely let down by this book, and eventually chose not to complete it on page 199 of 320. With weak pacing, bland characters, and a frustrating narrative, I simply couldn’t find anything about this story that I actually enjoyed, and so I decided that it was better to leave it unfinished than attempt to push through the last ~100 pages.

The only compliment I can give to the character writing is how utterly awful the men were, as that seemed to be the one purpose they served - every man that interacted with Rebecca and her wards was rude and cruel and disrespectful, to the point that it took away from the book for me. I respect that Cooksley wanted to showcase the mistreatment of women in the 1880s, however, it felt entirely without purpose, as if it was done simply to upset readers rather than create any sort of commentary or worthwhile narrative impact.

This story started strong for me, as it immediately kicks off with the event that I thought would set the plot into motion. I discovered very quickly, however, that the plot was simply “women suffer,” which was just annoying to me. So, the narrative lost me by the time I reached the fifth chapter, but I was determined to read as much as possible in the hopes that things would improve.

I’m a huge fan of stories set in 1880s England, because it's such an interesting and revolutionary time in that country’s history. Admittedly, I felt like nothing about this story - aside from the way men treated women - even alluded to the era that it was set in. I recognize that the setting should be important, and yet the only time it seems to come into play is when Cooksley wants to emphasize that the women are suffering because of cruel men.

There was so much promise in the plot of this story, but it felt like it was simply doing nothing and going nowhere. I know that I missed out on the last third of the book, but the quality of the first 200 pages was so lackluster that I just couldn’t keep going. Nothing about this felt like the mystery that I thought it would be. Maybe that’s on me for misunderstanding the description and assuming this would actually be a mystery novel, but it's so not. Though there were brief moments of intrigue, the chapters always cut off just before things had the chance to get interesting, leaving this pacing and story utterly dull.

Cooksley's writing style isn’t bad, but unfortunately it's just not interesting. She clearly shows an understanding of structure (and upon researching her, she certainly has the experience to show as much), and yet this story was so dull and somewhat vague to me. It felt as if there was never enough detail to create an immersive world or interesting characters, and so the plot suffered from lacking those elements. It's just not clear to me what the goal of this book was, because all aspects of the writing were simply underwhelming for me.

I loved the authors first book and this was also excellent. I couldn’t put this gothic mystery down for two days. It was dark, mysterious and tense with wonderfully written characters and plot. The pacing was great and kept me turning the pages to the conclusion

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

A good Gothic read. If you want to know what slow burn tension is, this book is the perfect example. The characters are great. I would definitely recommend.

Possible spoilers

I picked this up without reading the blurb, as I'd previously enjoyed one of the authors other books.
So I was pleasantly surprised to find it was a continuation of the story set out in that book, some eight years on.
So very good to catch up with the characters again.
This time Rebecca takes centre stage, and it opens with a murder.
It was a decent read, plenty of stuff going on, but I never rushed back to it, and I wonder if my expectations were just too high.
There was a good sense of time , place and circumstances for the characters, and I did enjoy the mad rantings of Grace in the asylum very much.

The Surgeon’s House by Jody Cooksley is a chilling, atmospheric thriller that grips you from the very first page. The story is steeped in mystery and suspense, with a dark, eerie undertone that keeps you on edge throughout. Cooksley has crafted a haunting tale that explores the complexities of human nature, fear, and the secrets that hide behind closed doors.

The plot revolves around a house with a sinister past, and the way Cooksley slowly unravels the history of the place—along with its chilling connections to the characters—creates an overwhelming sense of dread. The house itself is almost a character in its own right, with its unsettling atmosphere and hidden corners that seem to hold more than just memories.

What really drew me in was the psychological tension that builds between the characters. The main protagonist is complex, dealing with personal demons while trying to uncover the truth about the house. As the story unfolds, the characters’ motivations and secrets come to light, and you begin to question who you can trust and what’s really happening. The way Cooksley blends character development with mystery is masterful, and it kept me hooked until the very end.

The pacing of the book is perfect, never too fast but always keeping you on your toes. There’s a slow burn to the suspense that allows the tension to build naturally, culminating in a conclusion that is both satisfying and unsettling. The twists and revelations are cleverly done, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew about the story.

By the end, The Surgeon’s House left me feeling both disturbed and intrigued, a rare combination that speaks to Cooksley’s skill as a storyteller. If you enjoy thrillers with rich character development, a haunting atmosphere, and a deep sense of mystery, this book is definitely worth the read.

If you're in the mood for an atmospheric Victorian gothic, then step inside The Surgeon's House by Jody Cooksley. Evergreen House, former ancestral home of the sinister Everly family is now a refuge for women fallen from society 's grace and a school for their children run by Rebecca Harris and her husband George and staffed by the mysterious alienist Dr. Threllfall. When their lovable cook, Ruth is murdered while walking home after her evening off down the pub our sinister story is set in motion. Grace Everly, former mistress of Evergreen House and current madhouse resident begins to receive visits from our Dr. Threllfall. And just what is he up to in the basement of Evergreen House? Ruth's surly and silent replacement has dubious references. One of the women is found dead in the garden. One of the children sickens and dies. The charity board is on Rebecca 's case, threatening to shut her doors. Will she unmask the killer and save her home or will she be the next to leave in a hearse? I enjoyed every page of this genteel yet dark gothic. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review contains my honest opinion

Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the eARC.
Since I hadn't read the previous book, I was a little lost at first, it would have been better if I had read it, but I enjoyed it.
It was fascinating to read about the way women were treated those days ... We've come a long way for sure.
The year is 1883 and Rebecca Harris, the proprietor of Evergreen House, a refuge for women and children, is broken hearted by the murder of her cook.
There are more murders, the mystery of which is intense, Rebecca is a courageous and sympathetic character and the ending very satisfying.
Definitely recommended!

London, 1883.

The brutal murder of Rose Parmiter seems, at first glance, to be a random and senseless act. Rose was the beloved cook at Evergreen House, a place of refuge for women and children, a place from which they can start their lives afresh. Proprietor Rebecca Harris, is profoundly shocked by the death of her dear friend and alarmed at the mysterious events which begin to unfold shortly afterwards. Could the past be casting a shadow on the present? The malign legacy of the Everley family who called Evergreen home, cannot be ignored.

After two further deaths it becomes clear there is an evil presence infecting their sanctuary, and Rebecca must draw out the poison of the past so the Evergreen residents can finally make peace with the darkness in their lives.


I love a book with a haunted house setting

The Surgeon’s House by Jody Cooksley is a richly atmospheric historical mystery that continues the haunting legacy begun in The Small Museum. Set in 1881, eight years after the punishment of Grace and Lucius Everly, Evergreen House still bears the stain of its dark past. Rebecca Harris, now the house’s guardian and protector, is faced with rising unease as mysterious deaths mount, and the return of Edward Threlfall, Grace’s husband, brings renewed threat.

What unfolds is a tense and layered story of suspicion, trauma, and resistance. Rebecca is a compelling and compassionate lead, and her unwavering commitment to the women and children under her care anchors the story. Surrounded by a society rigid with patriarchal control and moral judgement, Rebecca’s struggle feels not only historically rooted but also painfully relevant to today’s world. She faces pressure from all sides—untrustworthy authorities, men in power, and the literal and metaphorical ghosts of the Everly family’s past.

Cooksley’s writing is evocative, with an excellent sense of time and place. The creeping dread that pervades Evergreen House makes the setting feel almost sentient, as if it too is holding onto secrets it cannot bear to release. The murder of Rose Parmiter, the house’s cook, serves as a catalyst for the mystery, but the deeper narrative revolves around legacy, repression, and resilience in the face of institutional cruelty.

Although the pacing dips in places and certain threads could have been tied off more clearly, the story remains engaging throughout. It is both a gripping historical tale and a quietly powerful reflection on the endurance of women in a world that seeks to silence them.

The Surgeon’s House is a thoughtful, unsettling read that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for those drawn to stories steeped in gothic atmosphere, historical tension, and emotional depth.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

"London, 1883.
The brutal murder of Rose Parmiter seems, at first glance, to be a random and senseless act. Rose was the beloved cook at Evergreen House, a place of refuge for women and children, a place from which they can start their lives afresh. Proprietor Rebecca Harris, is profoundly shocked by the death of her dear friend and alarmed at the mysterious events which begin to unfold shortly afterwards. Could the past be casting a shadow on the present? The malign legacy of the Everley family who called Evergreen home, cannot be ignored.

After two further deaths it becomes clear there is an evil presence infecting their sanctuary, and Rebecca must draw out the poison of the past so the Evergreen residents can finally make peace with the darkness in their lives."

Oh, houses haunted by the dark pasts are my jam.

I read The Small Museum last year and loved it I was elated when asked to read the sequel The Surgeon's House on Netgalley.Told from two points of view Rebecca who runs Evergreen House with her husband George she is doing her best to move on from the events of the past then we have Grace Everley who is incarcerated in an Asylum.

I'm so happy Jody brought these characters back. I loved the setting that had been created in Evergreen House with the women and the children trying to create a safety net for them. While it doesnt feel as dark as the first book it still has this creeping feeling of the Everley past in it. Another fantastic book from Jody Cooksley!

A sequel to The Small Museum and I would definitely recommend that you read the first one before this one to fully understand the nuances of this. It's a brilliantly written novel - gothic and menacing. The fact that the main characters are all part of a refuge for women is significant as it builds up the fear factor from the off. You would think it would be safe there but then there's a murder.

Creepy and with a keen sense of foreboding from the start, this is one creepy read.

Set in Victorian London, The Surgeon's House by Jody Cooksley is a historical mystery that combines themes of morality, science, and societal norms. The story follows Rebecca Harris, the resilient owner of Evergreen House—a safe haven for women and children. When Rose Parmiter, the house's cook, is brutally murdered, Rebecca is pulled into a terrifying investigation. With mysterious deaths piling up and ghosts from the past reappearing, Rebecca must confront external dangers as well as the dark history of the Everly family.

Rebecca is an engaging lead character whose compassion and determination drive the story. Her journey involves both external conflicts and internal struggles against societal biases and personal insecurities. The other characters, including the mysterious Edward Threlfall and various members of Victorian society, add depth and intrigue to the plot. Their layered motives keep readers engaged and curious about their secrets.

The novel's themes resonate strongly with contemporary issues despite its historical setting. The exploration of patriarchal oppression, the tension between scientific progress and morality, and the enduring impact of trauma are handled with nuance. These ideas invite readers to reflect on how far society has come—or not—in addressing such challenges.

Cooksley's writing is evocative and detailed, bringing the eerie atmosphere of Evergreen House to life. The story moves smoothly between tense moments and introspection, balancing suspense with emotion. The house itself feels like a character with a strong sense of foreboding.

The book's standout feature is its ability to evoke various emotions—sadness, hope—while maintaining suspense. However, the pacing slows down at times, and some subplots could have been resolved more clearly.

What makes The Surgeon's House special is its combination of historical accuracy and timeless human experiences. It stands out in its genre by offering more than just a mystery; it's also a reflection on resilience and redemption. The themes will stick with readers long after they finish the book. This novel is entertaining and encourages us to consider how we face our past and create safe spaces for those who need them.

The Surgeon’s House is a gothic historical mystery and a continuation of The Small Museum, Jody Cooksley's previous book. Set in early 1880s London, it follows Rebecca, the sister of The Small Museum’s protagonist, who runs a home for vulnerable and fallen women in Evergreen House. In the basement, Edward Threrfall—the alienist from the first book—maintains his office, continuing his ambiguous research. Even though Lucius and Grace, the siblings responsible for the crimes in The Small Museum, have been punished, the shadow of those events still lingers—especially when the house’s cook is murdered.

I enjoyed this book even more than The Small Museum, not just because I was already familiar with many of the characters, making it easy to dive back into their story. While the first book centered on a deeply disturbed sibling duo committing horrific acts, this installment, though it continues some of those themes, presents a more layered and intricate narrative. By introducing new characters and expanding on familiar ones, the author paints a broader portrait of a society shaped by rigid Victorian morality—one that left little room for empathy, particularly toward women. As a result, many characters in this book emerge as villains, wholly capable of inflicting suffering on defenseless women, even to the point of murder.

The mystery itself is well-constructed and convincing, seamlessly linking elements from the first book with new developments. While much of the resolution unfolds in the final chapters, the fact that nearly anyone could be a suspect keeps the tension high and the pages turning from the very beginning.

Beyond the mystery, the book is also a triumph of historical immersion. The author once again demonstrates her expertise in the Victorian era, weaving her knowledge into the narrative effortlessly. The result is an atmospheric and vividly realized setting that enhances the story at every turn.

Technically, one could read The Surgeon’s House without having finished The Small Museum, but I’d strongly recommend treating it as a sequel rather than a companion novel. The events of the first book provide crucial context, and not knowing them would mean missing out on much of the story’s depth.

Ultimately, The Surgeon’s House pulled me in, delivering everything I hope for in historical mystery fiction—a fast-paced plot, compelling characters, an authentic sense of time and place, and a well-crafted, satisfying intrigue. Highly recommended!.

A Gothic tale of crime, punishment, superstition and Victorian attitudes to women. It starts with the murder of the cook who works in a house for unmarried mothers and their children, founded by Rebecca Harris and her husband. They aim to give the residents a happy, peaceful life, but is all as it seems? Dr Threlfell is their physician.

There’s a real sense of the prevailing attitude to deviance from the expected rules of society, especially by women. This was a time when trepanning, drilling a hole in a the skull , was a fashionable cure for madness and women had few rights.

Although this book is a companion to The Small Museum it works well as a standalone.