A Slash of Emerald - (A Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery) by Patrice McDonough (Hardcover)

About the Book

"London, 1867: Among the genteel young ladies of London society, painting is a perfectly acceptable pastime--but a woman who dares to pursue art as a profession is another prospect, indeed. Dr. Julia Lewis, familiar with the disrespect afforded women in untraditional careers, is hardly surprised when Scotland Yard shows little interest in complaints made by her friend, Mary Allingham, about a break-in at her art studio. Mary is just one of many 'lady painters' being targeted by vandals. Painters' sitters are vanishing, too--women viewed by some as dispensable outcasts. Inspector Richard Tennant, however, takes the attacks seriously, suspecting they're linked to the poison-pen letters received by additional members of the Allingham family. For Julia, the issue is complicated by Tennant's previous relationship with Mary's sister-in-law, Louisa, and by her own surprising reaction to that entanglement. But when someone close to them commits suicide and a young woman turns up dead, the case can no longer be so easily ignored by 'respectable' society. Layer after layer, Julia and Tennant scrape away the facts of the case like paint from a canvas. What emerges is a somber picture of vice, depravity, and deception stretching from London's East End to the Far East--with a killer at its center, determined to get away with one last, grisly murder..."--

Book Synopsis

A trailblazing female medical examiner in 1867 London and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective investigate a string of art world murders in this dark, atmospheric, historically rich mystery for readers of Andrea Penrose and Deanna Raynourn.

London, 1867: Among the genteel young ladies of London society, painting is a perfectly acceptable pastime--but a woman who dares to pursue art as a profession is another prospect, indeed. Dr. Julia Lewis, familiar with the disrespect afforded women in untraditional careers, is hardly surprised when Scotland Yard shows little interest in complaints made by her friend, Mary Allingham, about a break-in at her art studio. Mary is just one of many "lady painters" being targeted by vandals.

Painters' sitters are vanishing, too--women viewed by some as dispensable outcasts. Inspector Richard Tennant, however, takes the attacks seriously, suspecting they're linked to the poison-pen letters received by additional members of the Allingham family. For Julia, the issue is complicated by Tennant's previous relationship with Mary's sister-in-law, Louisa, and by her own surprising reaction to that entanglement.

But when someone close to them commits suicide and a young woman turns up dead, the case can no longer be so easily ignored by 'respectable' society. Layer after layer, Julia and Tennant scrape away the facts of the case like paint from a canvas. What emerges is a somber picture of vice, depravity, and deception stretching from London's East End to the Far East--with a killer at its center, determined to get away with one last, grisly murder . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery Series by Patrice McDonough:

"This atmospheric, strong debut features two intriguing lead characters...Fans of Victorian mysteries, medical mysteries, and detective duos will appreciate this historical suspense. Suggest for fans of Andrea Penrose or Ritu Mukerji's debut." --Library Journal STARRED REVIEW for A Murder by Lamplight

"These books are the total package, with an evocative setting, tight plot, and two winning and intriguing central characters strong enough to support a long running series." --Aunt Agatha's on A Slash of Emerald

"A stellar mystery, balancing the step-by-step collection of evidence and clues with the ruminations of the observant letter writer and leading to the gasp-inducing yet wholly believable identification of the perpetrator." --Historical Novel Society on A Murder by Lamplight

"Historical fiction fans will delight in this moody Victorian mystery that will transport them back in time. Suggest to readers of Irina Shapiro." --Library Journal on A Slash of Emerald

"[A] spine-tingling new whodunit." --New Jersey Patch on A Slash of Emerald

"An unusually violent and methodical killer terrorizes 1866 London in McDonough's debut...The spree of period murders, capped by a welcome surprise, provides the perfect backdrop for debates about gender politics." --Kirkus Reviews on A Murder by Lamplight

"A promising start to a new series with a gritty, engaging plot and intriguing characters." --Mystery & Suspense Magazine on A Murder by Lamplight

"All signs point to this satisfying and enjoyable debut setting up a series with a long, long run." --Deadly Pleasures Magazine on A Murder by Lamplight

"Quite refreshing... a very enjoyable read." --Historical Novel Society on A Slash of Emerald

"This enthralling debut is deftly plotted and utterly absorbing...McDonough's meticulous research and attention to detail transport the reader to the dark shadows and danger lurking on the gaslit streets." --Mary Jane Clark, New York Times bestselling author on A Murder by Lamplight

"Engrossing characters, a gritty, gaslit setting, and a compellingly twisty mystery. Fans of 'Miss Scarlet and the Duke' will devour this book!" --Colleen Cambridge, Bestselling Author of Mastering the Art of French Murder and Murder by Invitation Only on A Murder by Lamplight

"A Scotland Yard detective and woman doctor who both harbor painful secrets from the past become reluctant allies in the hunt for a diabolically clever killer with his own score to settle . . . Crafted with evocative prose and a keen eye for detail, Murder By Lamplight is a riveting mystery that brings the gritty world of the Victorian era roaring to life." --Andrea Penrose, Nationally Bestselling Author of The Diamond of London and Murder at the Merton Library on A Murder by Lamplight

About the Author

Patrice McDonough is a former educator who taught history for more than three decades. A member of the Historical Writers of America, the Mystery Writers of America, and the Historical Novel Society, she splits her time between New Jersey and the Florida Gulf Coast. Please visit her online at PatriceMcDonough1789.com.