youweremycrown's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
wasn’t a fan of the whole like “needing a whole man to save her” deal at the end but it was goodashnight's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed the mystery to this novel. And the twist that made the story one that was hard to put down.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
The Anatomist's Wife
4.5 Stars
Lady Kiera Darby is a social outcast due to the revelation that she assisted her deceased husband in his anatomical dissections. Thus, when Lady Godwin is found murdered during a house party at the ancestral home of Kiera’s brother-in-law, suspicion naturally falls on her and she must make use of her knowledge of the human body to clear her name.
A well-paced mystery with an engaging protagonist and some intriguing hints at a romance to come.
Kiera is a particularly likable heroine as she is highly intelligent and in possession of a quiet strength and resilience that is very appealing. The manner in which she deals with society’s ignorant prejudices and hypocrisy, with honor and dignity, makes it impossible not to empathize with her predicament. She also grows in confidence as the story progresses and approaches every situation in a practical manner with no TSTL moments.
Kiera’s investigative partner, Sebastian Gage, is slightly more ambiguous with his rakish ways, and as the narrative is in the first person, it is never clear what his thoughts and feelings for Kiera are. Nevertheless, there is some intense sexual tension between the two and it will be interesting to see where this goes in future installments.
The mystery is well developed albeit a bit more detailed in the gruesome description department than other historical mysteries such as the Bess Crawford and Lady Julia series. The investigation unfolds at a solid pace (which is actually better than in the Lady Julia books) and the climax and resolution are exciting. While there is an abundance of suspects, it is rather easy to spot the culprit although the motive is more complex and diabolical.
Heather Wilds narration is very good. Her reading pace is more rapid than many other narrators, but she speaks clearly and there is no need to slow the speed. Nevertheless, her voices are not as distinct as they could have been, especially for the men but that's not a deal breaker.
Highly recommended for fans of the Lady Julia series by Deanna Raybourn.
4.5 Stars
Lady Kiera Darby is a social outcast due to the revelation that she assisted her deceased husband in his anatomical dissections. Thus, when Lady Godwin is found murdered during a house party at the ancestral home of Kiera’s brother-in-law, suspicion naturally falls on her and she must make use of her knowledge of the human body to clear her name.
A well-paced mystery with an engaging protagonist and some intriguing hints at a romance to come.
Kiera is a particularly likable heroine as she is highly intelligent and in possession of a quiet strength and resilience that is very appealing. The manner in which she deals with society’s ignorant prejudices and hypocrisy, with honor and dignity, makes it impossible not to empathize with her predicament. She also grows in confidence as the story progresses and approaches every situation in a practical manner with no TSTL moments.
Kiera’s investigative partner, Sebastian Gage, is slightly more ambiguous with his rakish ways, and as the narrative is in the first person, it is never clear what his thoughts and feelings for Kiera are. Nevertheless, there is some intense sexual tension between the two and it will be interesting to see where this goes in future installments.
The mystery is well developed albeit a bit more detailed in the gruesome description department than other historical mysteries such as the Bess Crawford and Lady Julia series. The investigation unfolds at a solid pace (which is actually better than in the Lady Julia books) and the climax and resolution are exciting. While there is an abundance of suspects, it is rather easy to spot the culprit although the motive is more complex and diabolical.
Heather Wilds narration is very good. Her reading pace is more rapid than many other narrators, but she speaks clearly and there is no need to slow the speed. Nevertheless, her voices are not as distinct as they could have been, especially for the men but that's not a deal breaker.
Highly recommended for fans of the Lady Julia series by Deanna Raybourn.
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
I found this to be an excellent opener for a mystery series. Keira is a solid protagonist, with an interesting backstory and a solid reason to be invited into an investigation. The supporting players are fleshed our just enough to be interesting but not overshadowing, and they behave in generally believable ways. The mystery itself is twisty enough to keep you guessing but not confusing. There are a few quibbles—aside from the clothing descriptions, there really isn’t much to keep you in the era, and the fact that they’re in Scotland plays in very little; Keira has some moments of stereotypically feminine behavior that are particularly annoying because she so often isn’t that way—but for the most part, a solid story.
holl3640's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
nakedsushi's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty standard period-mystery. Once the a-ha! moment happened, the book felt kinda long. Especially once the evil villain started to explain their entire plan.
islandkate763's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. Pegged the murderer halfway through. Based on the premise I was hoping for something along the lines of Ariana Franklin's series, sadly it does not compare.
writerbarbie92's review against another edition
5.0
everything a good historical mystery needs! Amazing characters!
aliciagoeser's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75