A Slash of Emerald

In 1867, Julia Lewis is one of the few female doctors registered to practice in Britain. Trained in medicine in Philadelphia, she was able to register as a foreign doctor in England through a loophole that didn’t specify doctors must be male.

Living in London and working at her grandfather’s medical practice, she also dedicates herself to a clinic she has set up for the poor in Whitechapel. After assisting Scotland Yard Inspector Richard Tennant with autopsies of several murder victims (in the first book of the series, Murder by Lamplight), she is now a medical examiner for Scotland Yard.

This atmospheric historical mystery immerses readers in the world of Victorian artists and their models, with many real painters making an appearance. At this time, women were not considered capable of being serious painters, but Mary Allingham is one of a small number of women striving to have their work accepted by the Royal Academy. This year, a few paintings by women have been accepted for display in the Academy’s annual exhibition—much to the disdain of many male protesters who see this as a travesty.

Inspector Tennant has been investigating the disappearance of several young women, mostly respectable shop girls, discovering that some may have also earned extra money posing as artists’ models. He also learns that Mary Allingham’s art studio was broken into, her household has been receiving poison pen letters, and she has now reported a suspicious death. Eventually, with the help of Julia and the ever-trusty Sergeant O’Malley, Tennant will peel back the layers of respectable society to uncover a shocking underworld of male depravity at its worst.

The world of Victorian art is richly depicted in this rigorously researched novel, with an authentic portrayal of the galleries, studios, and lives of the people—particularly the women who are fighting to be seen and heard, unwilling to be confined solely to the roles of wives and mothers. Julia’s own struggles to be taken seriously as a physician continue, though she is gradually gaining recognition for the efficacy of her treatments at her clinic. Meanwhile, her relationship with Tennant is progressing slowly. While both acknowledge their growing attraction, they are too busy—and too socially awkward—to act on it.

With its clever twists and revelations, this compelling and engaging historical murder mystery is sure to please fans of the genre. Ending on something of a cliffhanger, it will also leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

With thanks to Kensington Publishing for a copy to read.