audbod's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ablotial's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this! But if you are looking for a book where you'll really get the feel of 1830s Scotland, you'll be disappointed. First off the main character is "Kiera" and her sister is "Alana" -- not exactly 1800s names, although the rest of the characters are named appropriately. The setting was convenient for this murder mystery due to lack of cell phones, lack of medical knowledge, use of servants, extra propriety leading to lack of knowledge about people... but I didn't feel steeped in it. The language didn't always feel period appropriate, and some of the actions of the people as well (funny how books always include people who are "ahead of their time"). There were not long descriptions of clothing, customs, scenery, etc to add to the feeling. Hard to explain, really, but I think hard-core historic fiction fans will be disappointed.
Additionally, the relationship between Lady Darby and Mr. Gage left me a little confused. Actually, I really enjoyed the interactions between them. But she kept referring to him as exasperating or frustrating, and for a paragraph or two before he was introduced she went on about his bad character and taking advantage of ladies and reputation. But none of that ever seemed to play out in the book. I saw no basis for these beliefs, no other characters gossiped about him (a few ladies fawned over him, but it's not _his_ fault he's handsome, and he did nothing to encourage them as far as I could tell). He did admit to being a rakehell but .. meh. Anyway, I think they were cute regardless... but I feel like the author could have done a better job of making him actually frustrate her somehow, or show his character flaws. Especially in this first book, since it seems like the romance will continue throughout the series.
But yeah, I liked the mystery and the conclusion. Even got the tears coming at one point. I already got the second book from the library.
Additionally, the relationship between Lady Darby and Mr. Gage left me a little confused. Actually, I really enjoyed the interactions between them. But she kept referring to him as exasperating or frustrating, and for a paragraph or two before he was introduced she went on about his bad character and taking advantage of ladies and reputation. But none of that ever seemed to play out in the book. I saw no basis for these beliefs, no other characters gossiped about him (a few ladies fawned over him, but it's not _his_ fault he's handsome, and he did nothing to encourage them as far as I could tell). He did admit to being a rakehell but .. meh. Anyway, I think they were cute regardless... but I feel like the author could have done a better job of making him actually frustrate her somehow, or show his character flaws. Especially in this first book, since it seems like the romance will continue throughout the series.
But yeah, I liked the mystery and the conclusion. Even got the tears coming at one point. I already got the second book from the library.
alliepeduto's review against another edition
4.0
I really like character driven stories, and I thought Kiera was a very easy character to root for. It helped (for me) that there was a bit of an angsty romance with Gage, a la Regency era, so even though the story was a bit light on mystery, I was very invested in how it all panned out. It veered more toward romantic suspense for some of it, but with a more clear cut mystery than most of that genre, so I would still count this firmly as “historical mystery.” Also, shout out to Alana and Philip, they were excellent supporting characters!
The murder was much more gruesome than I expected. For how romance-y it was, I expected more of a cozy vibe and it was NOT COZY. AT ALL. I was very bothered by the whole anatomy scene at the start of the book, and the tone was very dark. I actually guessed the first major suspect and like Kiera started doubting myself, but in retrospect the killer is kind of obvious. Still, I like how the investigation progressed, and I liked that it was a locked room murder situation.
This was very good and I’m excited to read more from the series!
The murder was much more gruesome than I expected. For how romance-y it was, I expected more of a cozy vibe and it was NOT COZY. AT ALL. I was very bothered by the whole anatomy scene at the start of the book, and the tone was very dark. I actually guessed the first major suspect and like Kiera started doubting myself, but in retrospect the killer is kind of obvious. Still, I like how the investigation progressed, and I liked that it was a locked room murder situation.
This was very good and I’m excited to read more from the series!
tsenko2's review against another edition
4.0
Satisfying 19th century mystery/romance. Written with modern sensibilities, which some will not like, but good entertainment if you don’t take it as serious scholarship. Excellent character development.
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
ashnight'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