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18th out of 128 books
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142 voters
The Devil's Grin (Kronberg Crimes #1)
by
Annelie Wendeberg (Goodreads Author)
In Victorian London's cesspool of crime and disease, a series of murders remains undiscovered until a cholera victim is found floating in the city's drinking water supply. Dr Anton Kronberg, England's best bacteriologist, is called upon to investigate and finds evidence of abduction and medical
maltreatment. While Scotland Yard has little interest in pursuing the case, Kron...more
maltreatment. While Scotland Yard has little interest in pursuing the case, Kron...more
Kindle Edition, 250 pages
Published
December 20th 2012
by Amazon Digital Services
(first published September 16th 2012)
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Dear Ruben,
here is my suggestion: Your email from this morning was so nice and everyone reading it will notice the joy you had writing it. So why not post this one as your review? All I'll do is to replace the quotes from the older draft with quotes from the final draft and put a note at the end (from me, explaining how this all happened). Here it is, tell me what you think:
Oh, Annelie!, you mean that I got a Samizdat Wikileaks copy of Devil's Grin? I'm so lucky!, I should rush to buy a lottery...more
here is my suggestion: Your email from this morning was so nice and everyone reading it will notice the joy you had writing it. So why not post this one as your review? All I'll do is to replace the quotes from the older draft with quotes from the final draft and put a note at the end (from me, explaining how this all happened). Here it is, tell me what you think:
Oh, Annelie!, you mean that I got a Samizdat Wikileaks copy of Devil's Grin? I'm so lucky!, I should rush to buy a lottery...more
The Devil's Grin is a fabulous foray into the world of Sherlock Holmes from a new and unexpected direction.
When a cholera victim is found floating in London's primary water source, pioneer bacteriologist Dr. Anton Kronberg and Sherlock Holmes join forces to determine who he is, how he arrived there and, most importantly, how he was infected with the diseases from which he died. Needless to say, the answers are not simple.
I am quite pleased to have chosen this book to read. As a Holmes fan from...more
When a cholera victim is found floating in London's primary water source, pioneer bacteriologist Dr. Anton Kronberg and Sherlock Holmes join forces to determine who he is, how he arrived there and, most importantly, how he was infected with the diseases from which he died. Needless to say, the answers are not simple.
I am quite pleased to have chosen this book to read. As a Holmes fan from...more
Awsome start. As a Sherlock Holmes fan I was unsure what to expect; however I need not have been concerned. This has got to be one of the most exciting things to happen within The Sherlock Holmes writing community in years.
I suspect Hollywood will come a knocking soon.
A.E.'s knowledge in the Sciences oozies out the pages, just as much as the late great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did.
Great reading.
David Reynolds
I suspect Hollywood will come a knocking soon.
A.E.'s knowledge in the Sciences oozies out the pages, just as much as the late great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did.
Great reading.
David Reynolds
A good strong book. The crime aspect is kept in the foreground and not made secondary to the personal life of the narrator. The writing is very good- a nice period feel, but none of the common flaw of overloading a narrative with fussy period detail.
I do have a few problems- they are all minor. It isn't always made very clear when Anna is Anton, particularly when out of the hospital. Some of the language and idioms are more 20th than 19th C. (was "Blown away" used in the way we use it?)and in a...more
I do have a few problems- they are all minor. It isn't always made very clear when Anna is Anton, particularly when out of the hospital. Some of the language and idioms are more 20th than 19th C. (was "Blown away" used in the way we use it?)and in a...more
The Devil's Grin by Annelie Wendeberg is the first book in the 'Kronberg Crimes' series.
Set in Victorian England, this book is a mix of fiction and historical facts. Disease coats the streets and Jack the Ripper haunts the alleys. People will do anything to survive.
The year is 1889 and Doctor Anton Kronberg has been asked for assistance in identifying a possible cholera victim at the Hampton Water Treatment Works by Scotland Yard's Inspector Gibson. Anton works at Guy's Hospital in London in th...more
Set in Victorian England, this book is a mix of fiction and historical facts. Disease coats the streets and Jack the Ripper haunts the alleys. People will do anything to survive.
The year is 1889 and Doctor Anton Kronberg has been asked for assistance in identifying a possible cholera victim at the Hampton Water Treatment Works by Scotland Yard's Inspector Gibson. Anton works at Guy's Hospital in London in th...more
1 like · like · see review
WOW! I was really impressed with this version of Sherlock Holmes, especially since it was really more about a female version of Holmes.
Wow - I love stories that take place in London around the time of the Ripper murders. Add in Sherlock Holmes to the mix and I'm really hooked.
This is the first of a series of books featuring Dr. Anton Kronberg, who is really Anna Kronberg impersonating a male so she can practice medicine. If found out she could actually be imprisoned for practicing medicine as a female. Hard for us to imagine these days, but quite usual for the times.
Anyway, Anna is actually a bacteriologist, a rather new sub-di...more
This is the first of a series of books featuring Dr. Anton Kronberg, who is really Anna Kronberg impersonating a male so she can practice medicine. If found out she could actually be imprisoned for practicing medicine as a female. Hard for us to imagine these days, but quite usual for the times.
Anyway, Anna is actually a bacteriologist, a rather new sub-di...more
Feb 09, 2013
Douglas Cook
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mysteries-detective,
mysteries-british
Sherlock Holmes is a major character. Similar to Laurie King's Mary Russell series.
First paragraphs
Part One - Anna History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. E. Gibbon I finally found the peace to write down what must be revealed. At the age of twenty-seven, I witnessed a crime so outrageous that no one dared to tell the public. In fact, it has never been put in ink on paper - not by the police, journalists, nor historians. The general...more
First paragraphs
Part One - Anna History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. E. Gibbon I finally found the peace to write down what must be revealed. At the age of twenty-seven, I witnessed a crime so outrageous that no one dared to tell the public. In fact, it has never been put in ink on paper - not by the police, journalists, nor historians. The general...more
The only negative thing I have to say about this book is how long we have to wait before the second Kronberg book is released. I love my books to be creepy and though-provoking with well-developed characters and this delivered on all counts. I will even go so far as to say that Wendeberg's Holmes was slightly more interesting that Doyle's. This book was purchased while it was being offered for free off of Amazon but after reading it multiple times, I would have gladly paid for it and it would ha...more
I quite liked this book. Anna was a believable, smart, and sympathetic heroine and Holmes was smart, slightly snarky, and had the right amount of condescension. I felt the other characters were well described and had specific voices and characteristics that made them distinctive. I also liked the plot - medical testing done on the less fortunate and a secret club performing the tests. Anna and Sherlock are on the case and trying to figure out who's doing what and why. Unfortunately, this isn't a...more
Great fun and genuinely interesting. I'm glad this is the start of a series and there will be more to look forward to.
For those who enjoy a well written Sherlock Holmes story, this is it. Wendeberg adds a new character to the world of Holmes that while far fetched, is laid out well enough to make it believable. As the first book in what I hope is a long series, it grabs you fairly quickly, and stays true to what I believe is the essence of Holmes. Perhaps it's because Wendeberg does so well with creating an intriguing multi layered character such as Dr. Kronberg that's as layered as the Great Detective.
Finally...more
Finally...more
Apr 09, 2013
consulting_blogger
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
sherlock-holmes
click to read the review on my blog
If I loved this book so much it has almost everything to do with its main character : Dr A. Kronberg. Anna is an extraordinary character and it’s no wonder Sherlock fell for her. I must say that I am a bit in love with her myself. I very rarely like female characters in the novels I read but Anna Kronberg really is the exception because she is smart and witty, a brilliant scientist as well as an affirmed woman. It is absolutely impossible not to like her.
Her sh...more
If I loved this book so much it has almost everything to do with its main character : Dr A. Kronberg. Anna is an extraordinary character and it’s no wonder Sherlock fell for her. I must say that I am a bit in love with her myself. I very rarely like female characters in the novels I read but Anna Kronberg really is the exception because she is smart and witty, a brilliant scientist as well as an affirmed woman. It is absolutely impossible not to like her.
Her sh...more
I would like to thank the author for sending me her book and sharing this story! Keep an eye out for my interview with her! If you like mysteries and Sherlock Holmes, you will want to read this book!
What would you do if you lived in a time where women were not allowed to have certain jobs? This story is a bout such a woman that crosses the law to be what she dreams of, Dr Anton Kronberg, England’s best bacteriologist. She disguise herself as a man and doctor, if caught, she could end up in priso...more
What would you do if you lived in a time where women were not allowed to have certain jobs? This story is a bout such a woman that crosses the law to be what she dreams of, Dr Anton Kronberg, England’s best bacteriologist. She disguise herself as a man and doctor, if caught, she could end up in priso...more
I really enjoyed this book. It was an intelligent whodunnit, complete with a macabre look at early medicine and some of the chilling measures that were taken in order to advance science. I found the protagonist to be insightful and compelling. It is astounding to see how far women's rights have come in just over a century. I also liked the connection with Sherlock Holmes. She offers an interesting - female - perspective of this famous character. I look forward to the next in the series.
Anton is a bacteriologist for Guy's Hospital, Anna is a nurse working the London slums. Assisted by Mr. Sherlock Holmes they unravel the scam that threatens to kill innocent paupers in the most dreadfull living quarters. Working on the right side of the medical field myself, this is a story close to my heart. Throw in a murder mystery and heaps of historical London and I'm sold! I read this in one setting, highlighting lots, just couldn't put it down, it really is that good. Can't wait for part...more
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this Sherlock Holmes story this weekend. I found it as a freebie on Kindle and didn't know if it would be any good. It had me hooked right from the beginning and kept me interested the whole time. I am a Conan Doyle fan having watched, read and listened to the stories over the years and this works really well. I liked the main character a lot and could imagine all the situations that were going on in the story. I definitely want to read the next one.
An interesting twist to the character of Watson creates a world of "new" possibilities in the Sherlock Holmes saga. Have only read one chapter so far but I do hope that the author is able to sustain the tension and intrigue. The language and style (true to the Victorian era) quite transports the reader back to England in the 19th century. A great appetizer so far - has one out with a bowl, asking like another Victorian character "Please Ma'am, can I have some more?"
The Devil's Grin is a fun story. The main character is a woman who is very clever and intelligent. She manages to outwit the medical profession (which is open only to men) by taking on a male persona. She is quickly embroiled in a medical mystery working with none other than Sherlock Holmes. The writer's style is appropriate to the period except for an occasional "modern" slang usage. The book is a quick, satisfying read. I look forward to the next in the series.
I was looking forward to this book based on the reviews. The mystery in this mystery was lacking. I could not stand the main character and never knew which character it was, he or she. The sex scenes that came out of no where served no purpose. There were so many events that happened to the character that did not contribute to the story line. Holmes' character was distant and it was difficult to determine why his character was even a part of the story.
Anneile Wendeberg drops us into the middle of Victorian London with a splash as Doctor Anton Kronberg is called upon to investigate a body that has floated into the London water reservoir. She creates a rich background using Victorian English with a light hand to give us a feel for the expressions of the time. It is a mystery, a romance, and a social commentary role neatly into a fast paced novel with a unique hero; a cross-dressing Doctor who has an astounding secret. I enjoyed the book immense...more
Well,this book turned out really good for how I was wondering if I could endure it about 1/4 through. It was short read it seemed and that I did not care for. There was a couple instances of words I do not like added to it.and flippancy towards sex in a spot or two.it is why this book is not getting a 4 star. The take on germ study was extremely interesting. Even though fiction I am thinking this author knew quite a bit on that subject. So we have a 3 here, 2 taken off for the above mentioned un...more
I really enjoyed this book. The central character and narrator is quite the unusual character as a woman masquerading as a man. The premise was unique and quite effective in my opinion. Anna's interactions with Sherlock Holmes were well written as her intellect is equal to that of Holmes'. Well written, interesting characters, good character development, engaging plot. I eagerly await the sequel.
This is a very promising first chapter! It's clear that Annelie has done her research--she evokes the time period and setting while still making the story very accessible to the modern reader. The narrator is witty and compelling, and I enjoyed the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes. Very interested to see how the story turns out.
This was an interesting book, and I got it cheap! The story is told from the perspective of a doctor/bacteriologist who works with Sherlock Holmes to solve a string of mysteries. It was very easy to read, I felt it was well-written, and I enjoyed the story. It was not long, but worth the quick read.
15 Mar 2013 2/2973 Grin sounds like a tad like new TV Ripper Street (finale just broadcast) and Sherlock Holmes combined, in Victorian London, what could be better? I read all the fine print on the side "Conditions" -- having my review public property? Better again. Fun all round and scary too.
I loved this book. It had enough twists and turns to keep my interest which is unusual in this genre of book. I liked the main character and I thought the whole thing fitted in well with the inclusion of Holmes.
Well worth a read. I am looking forward to this author's next book.
Well worth a read. I am looking forward to this author's next book.
Speaking as a clinical microbiologist and a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I love this book. Ms. Wendeberg did a great job keeping Holmes true to the Doyle template. And when I saw bacteriologist in the B&N description, that was all I needed. Eagerly awaiting THE FALL.
Ms Wendeberg has given us a memorable character in Anna. She is witty, confident and irrepressible in an era when these attributes were not encouraged or admired in the female gender. Such an engaging voice! I am looking forward to hearing more from this author.
Well done thriller. Set in 1889 London, the main character is Dr. Anton Kronberg, the leading bacteriologist in England. However, Anton is really Anna, a female forced to masquerade as a male to pursue her chosen profession. Kronberg is called in by Scotland Yard when a body of a cholera victim is found floating in the lake supplying London's water supply. There he meets Sherlock Holmes, the first person to actually see through Anna's male disguise, but vows to keep her secret. The mismatched pa...more
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Annelie Wendeberg writes stuff all the time. Some of it reads rather boring, for example her science papers.
She's an adjunct professor in environmental microbiology and occasionally makes her students weep.
When she doesn't publish science papers, she blogs. For example for a large German newspaper.
What most people don't know is that her head is full with fictional characters. Often, the poor sods...more
More about Annelie Wendeberg...
She's an adjunct professor in environmental microbiology and occasionally makes her students weep.
When she doesn't publish science papers, she blogs. For example for a large German newspaper.
What most people don't know is that her head is full with fictional characters. Often, the poor sods...more
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Just wanted to say thanks for your great review of my (first!) book. The edition you read was before i could afford a line editor. Now the "...more
Feb 15, 2013 01:24am