whitefloweryraven's review against another edition
4.0
Skrevet i typisk Kaaberbøl stil. Meget flot skrevet, hvor der er en tilbagevenden til detaljer og en fin beskrivelse af karakterer, tidsperioden, samfundets opbygninger, og lignende. Bogen er skrevet ud fra Madeleines perspektiv og man følger hendes udfordringer ved at være kvinde i et samfund der er paterikalsk, og og styret af meget bestemte normer for hvad der forventes af mænd og kvinder.
Madeleines far er den såkaldte kadaverdoktor, og hun selv er meget interisseret i videnskab. Ved en række mystiske mord i området for hun mulighed for at assisterer sin far i arbejdet, og bryder med normerne. Samtidig med finder hun sig tilrette i sin rolle som kvinde, og begynder at finde ud af hvordan disse to ellers uforenelige ting forenes
Madeleines far er den såkaldte kadaverdoktor, og hun selv er meget interisseret i videnskab. Ved en række mystiske mord i området for hun mulighed for at assisterer sin far i arbejdet, og bryder med normerne. Samtidig med finder hun sig tilrette i sin rolle som kvinde, og begynder at finde ud af hvordan disse to ellers uforenelige ting forenes
jennahidalgo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dorohedoro's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Medical content, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Violence, Murder, and Animal death
Moderate: Police brutality, Incest, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Grief, Confinement, and Excrement
shelleyrae's review against another edition
3.0
Set in provincial France during the late 1800's, Doctor Death is the first book in a new historical mystery series from Lene Kaaberbøl, featuring Madeleine Karno.
"My father was reluctant to let me assist when he examined the dead. He said it could only hurt my reputation and my future – by which he meant my chances of marriage. For the most part, my father was a man of progress, absorbed by the newest ideas and the latest technology. But he was incomprehensibly old-fashioned on this particular point."
The daughter of a widowed surgeon/coroner, Madeleine dreams of one day following in his footsteps but for now must be content with those rare times when her father allows her to assist him. Intelligent, rational and ambitious, Madeleine is an admirable character who chafes at the expectations of the era though rarely in an overt way. When her father is injured she seizes the opportunity to become more involved in his current case that begins with a dead girl, scarred with human bites, found on her snow covered doorstep.
Solving the complex mystery involves a combination of common investigation techniques led by Madeleine's father's colleague, the Commisioner, and the fledgling science of forensics utilised by Madeleine and her father. It is a strange case that involves an unidentified parasite, a missing boy, a pack of wolves, a murdered priest and it becomes increasingly unsettling as Madeleine gets closer to unmasking a killer. There are red herrings and twists that keep the reader guessing as Kaaberbøl explores the conflicts of human and beast, science and faith.
"Illness is not necessarily a punishment from God.... Sometimes it just comes to us. If we are lucky, it is a trial from which we can learn. Other times, we must just accept that we humans do not understand everything."
The tone is quite dark overall and there are elements of the story which readers may find disturbing. There is a touch of unconventional romance which will be interesting to see develop in further installments. The pace is good but the narrative does feel a little dry and formal at times, perhaps a consequence of the translation as much as a reflection of the period.
I did enjoy Doctor Death, the mystery was intriguing and Madeleine is an interesting lead but I have to admit I wasn't as engaged as I hoped to have been. I do hope to continue with the series though to see how it develops.
dmchurch's review against another edition
This first book in the series sets up the heroine's story: daughter of the coroner. When a young woman is found dead on her family's doorstep Dr. Karno begins to investigate, but Madeleine becomes more involved as the mystery takes them to a cloister where she has access the men don't.
This book took a bit of a supernatural turn that I wasn't expecting, but I am looking forward to seeing where the next volume goes. This series reminded me a bit of the Lady Darby mysteries by Anna Lee Huber.
This book took a bit of a supernatural turn that I wasn't expecting, but I am looking forward to seeing where the next volume goes. This series reminded me a bit of the Lady Darby mysteries by Anna Lee Huber.
asylumteaparty's review against another edition
3.0
I grew up reading the childrens books and young adult books by Lene Kaaberbøl, and I found it interesting to read a book meant for adults. I listen to crime quite often, even though I often find it repetitive and a bit boring. This book was not like that. I think the most important reason I liked this book, is because it was set in the eighteen hundreds. It didn't feel like "just another book about a murder". I also liked that even though the main character in the book puts science over god, the book had some sides to it that could possibly be read like there was something magical at works. I liked that image the wolf represented.
naomi_branham's review against another edition
3.0
Strong female MC. Madeleine Karno, is the daughter of the Dr. Death and she takes a fancy to the sciences and assists him on his cases which is very uncommon for the times. Story with many twists and turns. Many questions are answered in the end, but I found this story to be more on the lines of paranormal fantasy by the end. Overall I would say this story was just ok.
amandainpa's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This was an interesting story set in France during the late 19th century. The plot is complex but wasn't confusing or difficult to follow. I really liked the main character, Madeleine, who refused to conform to the expectations placed on women at that time. I took a star off of my rating because the ending was a bit fuzzy in the descriptions of why things occurred and how everything worked together. Overall a great story, perfect for anyone who loves medical thrillers, crime fiction, and historical fiction.
This was an interesting story set in France during the late 19th century. The plot is complex but wasn't confusing or difficult to follow. I really liked the main character, Madeleine, who refused to conform to the expectations placed on women at that time. I took a star off of my rating because the ending was a bit fuzzy in the descriptions of why things occurred and how everything worked together. Overall a great story, perfect for anyone who loves medical thrillers, crime fiction, and historical fiction.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent historical thriller, with a scientific twist and an almost paranormal plot. I'm not sure what I liked most -- that the characters are so appealing, that the scenes are so well set, or that the scientific inquiry sits so believably in its historical setting. Compelling and difficult to put down, without forgetting humanity and compassion.