Antidote to Murder

Dr Dody McCleland #2

by Felicity Young

In the scorching summer of 1911, London is a hotbed of political activity as women fight for their equality and Germany starts to pose a dangerous threat. But Dody McCleland, England’s first female autopsy surgeon, has more immediate concerns—such as finding out who’s trying to frame her for murder…

A distraught scullery maid appears at Dody’s Women’s Clinic begging for an abortion. It turns out she has a case of lead poisoning, which Dody believes she took to induce a miscarriage. Instead of reporting the girl to the authorities, Dody decides to council her and prescribes an antidote. But days later, the maid is found dead from a bungled criminal abortion—and the coroner receives a series of anonymous letters accusing Dody of the crime.

Now, Dody has to find out who has framed her for the maid’s murder—or else she’ll be embroiled in a criminal trial. Chief Inspector Pike is working undercover on another case, playing the piano for an exotic dancer who may be spying for the Germans, but when he hears Dody’s in trouble, he insists on lending a hand. But as Pike and Dody are about to discover, she’s not only fighting for her career, but for her life, too…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Crime, British Literature, Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

I was born in Germany and educated at an English boarding school while my parents travelled the world with the British army. I think the long boring plane trips home played an important part in helping me to develop my creative imagination.

I settled with my parents in Western Australia in 1976, became a nurse, married young and had three children. Not surprisingly, it took ten years to complete an Arts degree (English lit) at UWA.

In 1990 my family and I moved to a small farm 40 kilometers NE of Perth (Western Australia) where I established a Suffolk sheep stud, reared orphan kangaroos and embarked upon a life of crime writing.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dr Dody McCleland series and it was just as good as the first. It is definitely a series for people who like history with their mystery. The first book was largely about votes for women and this one revolves around the lack of contraception available (and acceptable) at that time. Dody is a delightful character as is her love interest Pike. Her sister Florence is one of the most annoying characters known to man but I try to overlook that because I enjoy the books so much. I found this to be an easy and pleasurable read with a nice dose of history thrown in. I will certainly be continuing with the series especially to find out where Dody and Pike are headed:)

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dody McCleland is a female autopsy surgeon who assists pathologist Bernard Spilsbury in carrying out autopsies in suspicious deaths in Edwardian London. She also works at a free women's clinic in the East end where she deals with the problems of poor hygiene, infant malnutrition and infanticide as well as unwanted pregnancies. Her two worlds intersect when a pregnant woman who attended her clinic seeking an abortion but was instead given advice on where to seek help with having her baby, later turns up dead from a botched abortion. Someone is trying to frame Dody for the murder so she must discover who is carrying out these illegal abortions and manufacturing illegal drugs at the same time. Her friend, police inspector Matthew Pike is busy working undercover investigating Mata Hari, who is performing her provocative dance style in England, and he suspects is harbouring a nest of spies passing secrets to Germany.

This is an interesting time in British history with technological advances such as electricity, the car and the telephone starting to rapidly modernise society and views on class and women being challenged.Through her main character, Dody who is an intelligent, educated young woman from an unconventional family, Felicity Young is able to use her to cross class boundaries and explore all these issues and does so in a well researched historical background. A very enjoyable historical mystery with a bit of social commentary and romance thrown in.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In early 1900s England, the appointment of a female autopsy surgeon was unheard of – Dr Dody McCleland was fighting a battle every day in the job she loved. But she was proud and strong; the men who were against her wouldn’t beat her down. Her other job at the women’s clinic frustrated her as well – contraception was not allowed; hence the number of children born in circumstances of poverty. And the young women who found themselves pregnant and searched for backyard abortions was on the rise.

When a young woman Dody had seen at the clinic was found dead from a botched abortion, circumstantial evidence pointed to Dody being the abortionist. Before she knew it, she was heading for a trial with the possible outcome of hanging for her offence. What could she do to prove her innocence? And where was Chief Inspector Matthew Pike, her friend and someone who would be able to help her?

With Dody’s sister, Florence one of the suffragettes fighting for their rights in London plus their parents away from the city because of the strikes, Dody felt she had no support. But as she searched for answers; searched for a rogue doctor who was murdering innocent girls, she had no idea of the danger she was in. Would she survive? Could the truth be found before it was too late?

Antidote to Murder is the second instalment in the Dr Dody McCleland series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dody has a great strength of character – as I guess you’d have to have back in Edwardian England and working in a man’s world. An excellent Historical Mystery series, and one I’ll be continuing soon. Highly recommended.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antidote to Murder is the second enthralling book in Felicity Young's historical mystery series featuring Dr Dody McCleland. Set at the turn of the 19th century in England this story plays out against a backdrop of political and social unrest as suffragettes demand the vote, labour strikes cripple London and German spies seek British intelligence in preparation for war. In Antidote to Murder, Dody's pursuit of her medical career makes her the target of unscrupulous colleagues and ambitious misogynists. Framed for the death of a scullery maid who was the victim of a botched criminal abortion, and with Dr Benard Spillsbury away and Chief Inspector Pike missing, Dody is forced to face her accusers alone while trying to unmask the real culprit butchering desperate young women.

In my thoughts about A Dissection of Murder I lauded Young's fascinating balance of political and social commentary with crime and mystery and the author has achieved that same balance here.
With Dody accused of committing a criminal abortion resulting in death, a large part of this story explores attitudes to family planning in the early 1900's. With contraception prohibitively expensive, abortion criminal and unwed pregnancy resulting in social ostracism, women shouldered both the blame and the responsibility for pregnancy. Uniformed about their own bodies and often seduced by loving promises, young women sought desperate means to end burgeoning pregnancies namely 'backyard' abortions procured by knitting needles, poisons and other dubious means.

Though Dody is not a militant feminist, and is against abortion, she does feel strongly that women should be informed about birth control methods, including contraception. Already in defiance of social convention as a part time assistant forensic surgeon for London's Home Office, the coroner's court is willing to accept the flimsy circumstantial accusations against her with the view that a woman doctor is 'unnatural' and therefore an acceptable scapegoat.

The execution of the plot and the way each element fits is quite brilliant. The search for the real abortionist has plenty of twists and turns as suspicion is cast about. A doctor obsessed with Mata Hari presents as a likely suspect as does one of Dody's jealous colleagues. Dody's sister, Florence, involves herself in the search inadvertently forcing the killer to act.
Detective Inspector Mathew Pike is absent through much of this struggle, on special assignment for the Home Office investigating an exotic dance troupe, but returns to defend her once he is aware of what she is facing. He and Dody have not yet acknowledged their affection for one another but as they grow closer, Dody is forced to confront her conflicting desires.

Antidote to Murder combines a fascinating setting with superb characterisation and an intriguing plot. Along with A Dissection of Murder, this is a spectacular series I can't praise highly enough and recommend without reservation.

[Angela Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antidote to Murder is the second Edwardian era crime novel by Felicity Young to feature autopsy surgeon Dr Dody McCleland and police Chief Inspector Matthew Pike. I was a fan of the first, A Dissection of Murder, and the sequel is a worthy successor. Antidote to Murder offers insights into early twentieth century detection, medicine, class and gender issues in the context of a thrilling read.

Dr Dody McCleland divides her time between the Home Office, where she assists Dr Bernard Spilsbury in the 'Beastly Science' of autopsy surgery, and a women's health clinic. Her two worlds collide when a scullery maid, who unsuccessfully seeks Dody's help to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, turns up dead, the victim of a criminal abortion. Someone is clearly trying to frame Dody and she is ordered by the coroner to stand trial for the crime.

With so many candidates from among her disapproving and jealous detractors, it is a challenge to figure out who is behind the slander--especially when Chief Inspector Pike is unavailable to help, working undercover for Special Branch to identify Dutch and German spies.

Antidote to Murder is historical crime fiction of the not-so-cosy kind, taking the reader deep inside the slums of London's East End as the city is caught in the grip of the 1911 Dock Strike. Young poignantly evokes the limited choices available to English women in the early twentieth century and the real dilemmas they faced--not only for women of Dody's class, choosing between marriage and a career, but for women living in poverty, whose ghastly options in response to unwanted pregnancy included criminal abortion and infanticide.

The suffragette movement, which was a major feature of the plot in A Dissection of Murder, simmers away in the background to Antidote to Murder, while the romance between Dody and Pike, which simmered in the first book, moves to a new level. The way this subplot unfolds is, for me, one of the most compelling aspects of the book: Young allows her characters to act with integrity in the face of difficult decisions, remaining consistent with the values of the time while avoiding cliché and neat solutions. Brilliantly done.

Young notes in an afterword that the book was inspired by her reading of the real Dr Bernard Spilsbury's autopsy notes at London's Wellcome Library. 'The poignancy of each death recorded solely on a single, yellowing palm card struck me deeply,' Young writes. 'Many of the deaths were attributed to causes rarely seen today; for example, death by criminal abortion.'

Young's novel reminds us that women's reproductive rights were hard won, as was the right to a professional career--battles that continue today in many parts of the world.

But more than a history lesson, Antidote to Murder is a cracking good crime read. I can't wait to see what Dody does next.

[Melisende · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Wish I had read the first in this series to get the background on the characters, however the author generously provides this at the end.

The star is the heroine - an Edwardian females assistant coroner - but dont think "Quincy" think "Body of Proof" - complete with police sidekick.

I was not overly familiar with the period but author Felicity Young makes you feel quite at home in the back streets of Whitechapel or the elegant promenades of London.

A wonderfully exciting read with enough sexual tension between our two leads to keep readers suitably engrossed.

Highly recommended.

[Amy Heap · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not, in general, a great reader of crime fiction. Historical fiction, though, is right up my alley, and the historical nature of this book sucked me right in. Dody McCleland (whose name reminds me, delightfully, of David Copperfield) is England's first female autopsy surgeon, a hard won position, not well accepted in 1911. The crime aspect is someone botching criminal abortions. Suffragettes, Fabians, detectives, intrigue and romance, this book is a lot of fun.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book difficult to get into. The time period makes it hard for me to get into -- electricity is still very localised, street gas lamps are still a thing, and I don't really want to think about what passed for medical knowledge at the time. However, the story very quickly picked up, and drew me in. The climax was rather delicious, and also I did not guess who the actual perpetrator was, which was rather excellent. If I can get over my fear of the time period, I am looking forward to reading more of the series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is incredibly interesting, historically. This particular book looks at contraception, abortion and even early pharmacy laws as well as the prejudices against female doctors. There's even a minor German spy story thrown in. Plus, the characters are intelligent and enjoyable. I'm sad my library doesn't have the three other books in the series so must start looking for them elsewhere.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series with the difficulties of being a female Doctor in the early 1900s. I also like the relationship with the Policeman.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANTIDOTE TO MURDER is the second Dr Dody McCleland book from WA based author Felicity Young. If this is a series that you are yet to catch up with, then all I can say is get to it. Immediately.

Set in Edwardian London, McCleland is a qualified doctor, fighting a society that has some very confronting attitudes towards women, in particular. To remain working as a doctor, McCleland has to battle daily against mindless prejudice and power games. To simply survive many more women are fighting a similar battle. Particularly any poor woman who is unlucky enough to be single, poor (or both) and pregnant. In a world where contraceptives are expensive and frowned upon, the attitude of people to young women in very difficult circumstances is portrayed starkly by Young.

One of the great strengths of this series (THE DISSECTION OF MURDER is the first book) is the way that they illustrate the nature of the society in which Dody McCleland must find a way to live her life. There is a very realistic tussle between her desire to stay working as a doctor, and her attraction to Matthew Pike, and the inevitable loss of work and position that marriage imposed in those days. Alongside McCleland's professional life, her sister and friends continue their suffragette activities, and it is within the spectrum of the fight for overall rights, that the spectre of illegal abortion arises. Somehow the blaming of the deaths of young women, at the hands of a criminal abortionist, on the only female doctor within sight, seems inevitable.

In a delicate balancing act, the resolution of who actually killed those women and why, is part of a wider exploration, looking at the nature of women's lives in that time period. The balance maintained is done cleverly, subtly, it's a crime story undoubtedly, but along with that, it's a look at a way of life that should remain well behind us. Although there are days when I do wonder if that's going to always be the case. Perhaps the reading of history wrapped up in proper, good old storytelling should become mandatory - for both men and women, because this, most definitely, is not women's fiction. It's informative, it's interesting, and it's very very revealing. It's most definitely not a world I want to return to, and I'm really grateful that Young takes the time to write this series. It's well worth reading, even if you don't think you're a fan of historical crime fiction.

http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Anatomy of Death Young proved that she could compose a well-researched and utterly absorbing historical suspense novel that holds the promise of a series worth reading. This, her second in the Dr. Dody McCleland series, has affirmed that the promise of this author's first success is more than capable of carrying itself through. Antidote to Murder continues with the realistic tone of its predecessor and draws us into the social mores of Edwardian London once more. Again, a serious aspect of the time period is brought forth for examination: the difficult - and sometimes impossible - choice of women who faced an unwanted pregnancy, families that became too expensively large, and the life-threatening options available to the desperate.

Dody's career and life are both at stake as a botched illegal abortion outrages society and anonymous letters point the incriminating finger at her. An easy and vulnerable target, Dody refuses to throw in the towel and allow a murderer to get away with this bloody business ... especially as more unwanted pregnancies lead young women to unwittingly seek his assistance. As the body count rises so does the tension as our leading lady struggles to prove her innocence to the unforgiving and unbelieving masculine superiors to whom she has been working to prove her capability in the "beastly science." Simultaneously, the dashing Chief Inspector Pike works to uncover a German spy operating under the cover of a risque theater troupe. (We all get to appreciate the cameo appearance of none other than the infamous historical figure of Mata Hari ... though the makings of her fame do not actually take place in this book, but later on in history) While Dody and Pike begin the story fighting their separate battles the clues eventually lead them together once more, finding a common foe in the one leaving the bodies of reluctant mothers-to-be behind.

Once again, Young has delved into the murkier waters of this particular period of English history and spun us a fascinating tale. The main characters continue to be presented as strong and realistic individuals living in a time of great change, and the supporting cast (particularly the wonderful Florence!) are a treat. The blossoming relationship between Dody and Pike is well crafted and sweet. I can't wait to see what Young pulls out of the hat next. Bravo!

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite historical series featuring an amazingly strong heroine. Dody not only is a doctor at a women’s clinic, but also works with the coroner, and this occurs in a time when this was just not acceptable by society’s standards, Victorian England.

Book two has a new mystery and this time it includes a personal and professional attack on Dody herself. Lead poisoning, arsenic, illegal drugs, women dying from illegal abortions, and a big arrow in the form of accusatory letters and pointing fingers and paid-off lying witnesses says Dody is the culprit. If she doesn’t find the one behind these horrid activities, she’ll go down for the crime. It’s not only the end of her career, which was hard to start in the first place due to prejudices against women, but she’ll be in jail.

The romance between her and Pike continues, but is shaky. There’s a side story involving Pike and Mata Hari and spies. This has to be my only disappointment with the story. I feel so much more could have been done with a character such as Mata Hari. Part of me feels as if I’ve been teased.

I appreciate all the themes in this, skillfully and artfully entwined with the mystery. Remember, this was a time when a woman could not have a career and a marriage both. Marriage often meant job loss. What is a woman to do when she is offered something she desires, yet knows it will mean the end to all she’s worked for? As in book one, Dody faces a lot of extreme prejudice and I felt her frustration and moments of indecision. When is enough enough? To speak her mind usually leads to a man declaring her too emotional. Urgh. I wanted to jump in the book and smack a few people.

Also appreciated the birth control theme and Dody’s desire to educate the classes on pregnancy prevention. This was a hot topic back then and it made an interesting side story.

Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

ANTIDOTE TO MURDER by Felicity Young is an interesting Edwardian London Historical Mystery set in 1911 England. #2 of the "A Dody McCleland Mystery" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"A Dissection of Murder",buyer beware The Anatomy of Death and A Dissection of Murder are the same book".
Follow Dody McCleland and Chief Inspector Pike on a journey of with a German spy,murder,criminal abortions,illicit drug trade,erotic dancers,and the life of a female coroner. Dody is the first British female autopsy surgeon. With a bit of romance and lots of murder,for someone is butchering pregnant women,using illicit drugs and implicating Dody for the murders. From government to the slums of London,you will find you are not only intrigued but transported to a time when woman had to fight for their rights. Ms. Young's story will draw the reader in,hold you there until the very end while transporting you to a different era. Dody and Inspector Pike must find the truth about the murders,find a rogue doctor, and stop a spy all before Dody loses not only her career but her very life. All of this while Dody ad Pike's love is blossoming or trying too. Fast paced and filled with action with a cast of characters that will keep you turning pages from the first sentence to the last. Don't let the first sentence derail you,"Antidote to Murder" is not written in first person. I would recommend "Antidote to Murder" to historical readers as well as readers of mystery,medical mysteries,and those who enjoy a great read. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: Sweet
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series just as much as I did the first.

I love the character of Dody. A female doctor and autopsy surgeon in an era when women were just beginning to make progress toward equality, Dody is a pioneer for her time, and therefore dealt with ridiculous prejudice, ignorance and condescension by the men in her world. She is an intelligent, determined and very plucky woman, and a lot of fun to read about.

The murder investigation was also well done here, dealing with other issues of the time: contraception, abortion, war and the horrible after-effects for those who come home, as well as the vastly divergent class issues of the times.

Engaging characters, a well-written story, and lots of well-described flavour of the time period. The author does a great job of making the reader feel they are there through the descriptions, but it never feels excessive or intrudes on the plot itself, rather just adds to and fills out the story.

Recommended for readers who like the early 1900's period, women's rights stories, strong female characters, or just a fast, easy, enjoyable historical fiction read.

[Maryanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.
This is a good enjoyable read - set in Edwardian England, with feminist themes, suffragette characters, interesting historical detail and atmosphere. The protagonist is an early female registered doctor, who must work as a forensic pathologist as it is so difficult for a woman to gain work as a doctor (with live patients) in Edwardian England. The culture and social atmosphere are vividly brought to life, especially with regard to medical/ moral/ issues for women at the time, and problems faced by men who experienced the Boer War. A small flaw is that some of the character development is a little unlikely and inconsistent, but in general Young's writing is energetic, atmospheric and interesting.

Recommended, especially after reading something a bit grisly or dark - this is a 'cosy' murder mystery.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This murder mystery set in Edwardian London featuring the unusual protagonist of female autopsy surgeon Dr Dody McCleland is an excellent read. Besides being well plotted and expertly written, it gives a fascinating insight into life in London in the early 20th century.

As a writer myself, I can appreciate how much research must have been involved to get all the details correct, especially the medical procedures, that create such an authentic setting - I could almost smell the garbage in the streets!

The characters are excellently drawn - believable and sympathetic, yet each with his or her flaws, and the romance between Dody and Inspector Pike is handled with a deft touch - it's moving without being mawkish or sentimental.

Thoroughly recommended if you like crime with a difference - I'll be reading more of these books.

[Amanda Curtin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in Felicity Young's Dr Dody McClelland series (A Dissection of Murder) but this one, the second, hooked me even more. I especially liked the growing, but tense, relationship between Dody and Chief Inspector Pike, and a greater sense of the McClelland family dynamic. Women's struggle for rights (the focus, this time, is on abortion) again features, with the suffragette movement a background to the story and Dody's world. The combination of historical and crime fiction is a winner for me.

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting historical insight into the issues facing young women of the early 1900. The book highlights the sacrifices many women of the period had to make on issues we are still debating or take for granted. It also provides a gripping tale of one women's endeavour to succeed in the medical profession while being framed for murder. Definitely an exciting read containing every element craved in a good book!

[Marlish · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Antidote to Murder by crime writer Felicity Young, the world of early twentieth century London is beautifully recreated, and it makes for fascinating reading. More so when the protagonist of this gripping novel, Doctor Dody McCleland, Britain’s first female autopsy surgeon, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. This is historical crime at its best.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Just as good as the first (Dissection of murder). Well written, engaging characters and a joy to read.

[Helene Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully crafted story from Felicity Young (and no, we're not related!).

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felicity Young always delivers. A wonderful, exciting read. i couldn't put it down.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one did not work as well as the first book. It seemed to drag in spots. However I still plan on reading the rest of the series!

[Ruby Bibi · Rating 3 out of 5]

-This is the second of two novels concerning events in the life of Dr. Dody McCleland, a woman doctor in England in 1910. In that time period, women were considered inadequately suited to be doctors, and despite the efforts of the few women who persevered to obtain that title, were still not given the chance to show their talents. Dr. McCleland, who was now close to 30 years old and single, found herself in that situation.
-She had managed to get a position in a respectable hospital under Dr. Bernard Spilsbury, who was a famous pathologist and he felt highly about her. She was an assistant, but, because she was a woman, she was not often given the right to take over an autopsy, unless under the guidance of another doctor. Despite this, Doctor Spilsbury knew and respected her talent.
-Her position in the hospital was only part time. The balance of her time was spent in a clinic, where she tended to the needs of those less wealthy residents of the city. It was there that she came across a young woman by the name of Esther Craddock, who was hoping that Dody would be able to give her medication to abort a pregnancy, which would have resulted in immediate termination of Esther’s position as a servant in a well to do household. Dody knew that there were certain doctors, and those involved in black market dealings, who were giving out dangerous medication to abort a pregnancy, and arranging for abortions if the medications didn’t work, but the abortions were not always successful and sometimes resulted in the deaths of the young pregnant women..
-Dody refused to comply, but gave her something calming instead. Some tablets fell out of Esther’s pocket wrapped in a napkin, and they appeared to be lead tablets, which were one of the medications to induce a miscarriage, and Dody knew that she had to find the source of those tablets in order to prevent other women from being able to obtain them.
-It was not until a few days later that Esther’s dead body was discovered in the Thames with the cause of death appearing to be a botched abortion. During the autopsy, an accusation was leveled at Dody herself as being the doctor who performed the abortion because of phony evidence against her.
-At the same time that this is happening, we follow Captain Mathew Pike of Scotland Yard, who has a deep affection for Dody, which is mutual. He’s working undercover to ferret out a spy. In order to do so, he takes a job as a pianist for a show featuring a woman whose finale is her as a belly dancer performing the Dance of the 7 Veils. Though for the most part, the two stories have very little connection, the case does lead into the predicament of Dody.
-Dody’s case evolves into something bigger, as the phony evidence brings up public opinion against her, but it also brings out the attempts of a killer to take Dody’s life. She has nowhere to turn. The fortuitous entry of Pike into Dody’s troubles ends up preventing the killer from succeeding and helps Dody and Pike uncover the source of the harmful medication that is being sold, as well as the identity of the abortionist, who has now gone on to kill multiple women who had come to him in desperation with the hope that their pregnancy would be terminated.
-This book, like the first novel, had good story lines, but the books are hard to recommend as the suspense and fine writing are lacking.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A maid trying to get an abortion comes to Dr. Dody McClelland for help, but Dody will not do an abortion but suspecting the girl of having taken lead to cause a miscarriage gives her an antidote for the lead. Later when the girl's body is discovered as a result of a botched abortion, letters sent to the police accuse Dody of the deed. Chief Inspector Matthew Pike comes to her aid and together they investigate leading to threats and attempts on Dody's life. This continues to be a good series which looks into the early struggles of women surgeons to be accepted and allowed to practice, the issue of contraception, along with the struggles of the Suffragettes in England and the fears around German spying just prior to the breakout of WWI.

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5

I was quiet dissapointed coming off the last book only to have Dody and Pike seperated for the first half of this novel as one of the things I enjoyed greatly about the first was how the two characters bounced off each other nicely and I loved their interactions.

That being said the book really picked up nin the second half and as I stuggled in the first 150 pages or so the last half was hard to put down.

[Oanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. I have bought all that was available at my local post office, and will have to try to not read them all at once.

Felt that this second novel was better than the first.

Dody, Florence and Pike are all excellently drawn characters, and each story (so far) follows a plot arch but it is neither predictable nor boring. I also very much enjoy the historical details.

[Linda Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read n this series, #2 instead of #1 due to availability from the library. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The struggle of educated career minded women trying to fit into the turn of the century society was a real one. We are still over 100 years later trying to come to terms between the balance of family and work. Will read more.

[Mary Kay Kare]

NOT amused by strong anti-abortion messages in this book. Possibly, probably, a less touch subject in UK, where the book was set, but I think American readers should be warned. Much less fun than the 1st, but since I've already bought them, I'll read that later ones. Taking a break though.