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The Coroner's Daughter
Dublin, 1816. A young nursemaid conceals a pregnancy and then murders her new-born in the home of the Neshams, a prominent family in a radical Christian sect known as the Brethren. Rumours swirl about the identity of the child’s father, but before an inquest can be held, the maid is found dead after an apparent suicide. When Abigail Lawless, the eighteen-year-old daughter of the coroner, by chance discovers a message from the maid’s seducer, she sets out to discover the truth.
It’s the year without a summer. A climatic event has brought frost to mid-July, hunger and unrest, and a lingering fog casts a pall over the city. An only child, Abigail has been raised amid the books and instruments of her father’s grim profession, and he in turn indulges her curious and critical mind. Now she must push against the restrictions society places on a girl her age to pursue an increasingly dangerous investigation.
Two groups have come to dominate the city: the Brethren, founded by Mr Darby, a charismatic preacher and evangelical, and opposed to them, a burgeoning rationalist community led by the Royal Astronomer, Professor Reeves. Abigail’s searches begin to uncover the well-guarded secrets of both factions, drawing the attention of a sinister figure who emerges in fleeting glimpses and second-hand reports: the man with the lazy eye.
Abigail leads us through dissection rooms and hospital wards, austere churches and graceful salons, and to the equatorial room of the Saggart Observatory; and we see her interact with a wide assortment of characters: the family and staff of her Rutland Square home; her friends, peers and rivals; zealots, both religious and rationalist, while always shadowed by a seemingly pitiless sociopath, whom she believes has killed twice already, and will no doubt kill again . . .
Determined, resourceful and intuitive, and more than just a dutiful daughter or society debutant, Abigail Lawless emerges as a young lady sleuth operating at the dawn of forensic science.
It’s the year without a summer. A climatic event has brought frost to mid-July, hunger and unrest, and a lingering fog casts a pall over the city. An only child, Abigail has been raised amid the books and instruments of her father’s grim profession, and he in turn indulges her curious and critical mind. Now she must push against the restrictions society places on a girl her age to pursue an increasingly dangerous investigation.
Two groups have come to dominate the city: the Brethren, founded by Mr Darby, a charismatic preacher and evangelical, and opposed to them, a burgeoning rationalist community led by the Royal Astronomer, Professor Reeves. Abigail’s searches begin to uncover the well-guarded secrets of both factions, drawing the attention of a sinister figure who emerges in fleeting glimpses and second-hand reports: the man with the lazy eye.
Abigail leads us through dissection rooms and hospital wards, austere churches and graceful salons, and to the equatorial room of the Saggart Observatory; and we see her interact with a wide assortment of characters: the family and staff of her Rutland Square home; her friends, peers and rivals; zealots, both religious and rationalist, while always shadowed by a seemingly pitiless sociopath, whom she believes has killed twice already, and will no doubt kill again . . .
Determined, resourceful and intuitive, and more than just a dutiful daughter or society debutant, Abigail Lawless emerges as a young lady sleuth operating at the dawn of forensic science.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2015
100 people are currently reading
2486 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Hughes
6 books76 followersBorn in Co. Wexford, ANDREW HUGHES was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. A qualified archivist, he worked for RTE before going freelance. It was while researching his acclaimed social history of Fitzwilliam Square – 'Lives Less Ordinary: Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Square, 1798-1922' – that he first came across the true story of John Delahunt that inspired his debut novel, THE CONVICTIONS OF JOHN DELAHUNT.
Andrew Hughes lives in Dublin.
Andrew Hughes lives in Dublin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 1, 2019
This historical mystery novel, about a coroner's daughter, by the author, Andrew Hughes, has been a joyful revelation to me, for this story kept me captivated from start to finish.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, all characters come wonderfully to life within this thrilling tale, and the place Dublin, Ireland, and its surroundings are beautifully pictured in this very entertaining book.
The story is situated in Dublin, Ireland, in the year AD 1816, and it tells the story of Abigail Lawless, the daughter of a Dublin coroner.
What I like to mention first is, that this tale starts with one of the best lines I've ever read in my life, and it goes like this: "For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar".
The story begins when the lungs of a new-born baby are examined by Abigail's father, Mr Lawless, coroner of Dublin North, and coming to the conclusion that the baby lived and was murdered, supposedly by her natural mother, the maid from the Nesham household, Emilie Casey, and then hidden away in the Blessington Street Basin.
While visiting Mr Nesham with her father, in who's household Emilie was working, Abigail Lawless finds a note in a bible and takes it home, and from that point on her investigation, into the death of the baby and somewhat later on also Emilie's death, will enter turbulent and hectic murderous times.
What will follow is a determined, self-conscious and inquisitive Abigail, in a time, for this is the 19th century, where the Irish and Dublin are ruled and suppressed by the British, and also where in this environment men are supposedly superior to women, but still Abigail sets out to start to investigate more connected murders, with the professional help from her father and his assistant Ewan, until more secrets will unveil about these murders, when finally she's to witness a deadly encounter before the culprit(s) will be exposed and an unexpected act of sacrifice will end this eventful murder mystery.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful standalone book, but one that could be turned into a formidable series, something I hope the author will think about, and what this book is concerned I like to call it: "Ingenious Clever Sleuthing By Wonderful Abigail Lawless"!
Storytelling is of a superb quality, all characters come wonderfully to life within this thrilling tale, and the place Dublin, Ireland, and its surroundings are beautifully pictured in this very entertaining book.
The story is situated in Dublin, Ireland, in the year AD 1816, and it tells the story of Abigail Lawless, the daughter of a Dublin coroner.
What I like to mention first is, that this tale starts with one of the best lines I've ever read in my life, and it goes like this: "For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar".
The story begins when the lungs of a new-born baby are examined by Abigail's father, Mr Lawless, coroner of Dublin North, and coming to the conclusion that the baby lived and was murdered, supposedly by her natural mother, the maid from the Nesham household, Emilie Casey, and then hidden away in the Blessington Street Basin.
While visiting Mr Nesham with her father, in who's household Emilie was working, Abigail Lawless finds a note in a bible and takes it home, and from that point on her investigation, into the death of the baby and somewhat later on also Emilie's death, will enter turbulent and hectic murderous times.
What will follow is a determined, self-conscious and inquisitive Abigail, in a time, for this is the 19th century, where the Irish and Dublin are ruled and suppressed by the British, and also where in this environment men are supposedly superior to women, but still Abigail sets out to start to investigate more connected murders, with the professional help from her father and his assistant Ewan, until more secrets will unveil about these murders, when finally she's to witness a deadly encounter before the culprit(s) will be exposed and an unexpected act of sacrifice will end this eventful murder mystery.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful standalone book, but one that could be turned into a formidable series, something I hope the author will think about, and what this book is concerned I like to call it: "Ingenious Clever Sleuthing By Wonderful Abigail Lawless"!
November 17, 2019
Excellent historical mystery set in 1816 Dublin. You read that correctly--we're not in England anymore. Hooray!
Our heroine, Abigail Lawless, is bright, curious, and determined to get to the bottom of several cases her father has been involved with. Her investigations put her in harm's way, as well as worry her father. When her father's assistant, Ewan Weir, asks her why she feels she must do everything alone, she replies, "Because no one offers help. They insist that I stay where I belong."
Her father alternates between being quite proud of her interest in his work (isn't she clever?) and being appalled that she is interested (it isn't ladylike!).
The mystery of who killed disgraced housemaid Emilie is quite twisty. I was surprised at the identity of the big baddie; I did not see that coming.
In addition to the good mystery and the well-defined main characters, the author also gives us a vivid picture of the 'year with no summer'. He presents us with several of the arguments circulating in scientific journals re: the cause of the strange weather. Sunspots? Volcanic eruption? We get informal weather reports as Abigail and her friend Clarissa stroll through the parks; as Abigail and Ewan watch the fall of colored snow; as the fireplaces are kept lit in August.
Right now this appears to be a stand-alone novel. Which is certainly fine--all the various mystery threads are neatly tied up at the end of the book. But I want to see more of Abigail, Ewan and her father, the coroner. I liked them a lot.
Our heroine, Abigail Lawless, is bright, curious, and determined to get to the bottom of several cases her father has been involved with. Her investigations put her in harm's way, as well as worry her father. When her father's assistant, Ewan Weir, asks her why she feels she must do everything alone, she replies, "Because no one offers help. They insist that I stay where I belong."
Her father alternates between being quite proud of her interest in his work (isn't she clever?) and being appalled that she is interested (it isn't ladylike!).
The mystery of who killed disgraced housemaid Emilie is quite twisty. I was surprised at the identity of the big baddie; I did not see that coming.
In addition to the good mystery and the well-defined main characters, the author also gives us a vivid picture of the 'year with no summer'. He presents us with several of the arguments circulating in scientific journals re: the cause of the strange weather. Sunspots? Volcanic eruption? We get informal weather reports as Abigail and her friend Clarissa stroll through the parks; as Abigail and Ewan watch the fall of colored snow; as the fireplaces are kept lit in August.
Right now this appears to be a stand-alone novel. Which is certainly fine--all the various mystery threads are neatly tied up at the end of the book. But I want to see more of Abigail, Ewan and her father, the coroner. I liked them a lot.
June 6, 2018
I am afraid I cannot join in the chorus of praise with which this book seems to have been met.
There is some fine writing, but there are also lots of very clunky passages. There is some fine historical detail but there are lots of areas which seem to me very unauthentic.
I feel the author could not make up his mind whether he was writing straight historical fiction or simply having fun and playing with the genre.There were too many strands, to none of which was full justice given. Would this have been better as two shorter books or is the author laying the groundwork for a series?
The heroine was a "Lizzie Bennet" with a scientific bent and a very annoying habit of getting into potentially very dangerous situations without thinking things through. Just as well there are always people around to rescue her.
There is a flavour of the Science v Religion debate and the early forensic science is also interesting.
Some may find the depiction of "The Brethren" a trifle hard on Protestant sects- they are a version of the later followers of John Nelson Darby- but I have met people who share their somewhat chillingly elitist view of Christianity.
There was lots of potential here but ultimately I found the heroine and the book irritating.
There is some fine writing, but there are also lots of very clunky passages. There is some fine historical detail but there are lots of areas which seem to me very unauthentic.
I feel the author could not make up his mind whether he was writing straight historical fiction or simply having fun and playing with the genre.There were too many strands, to none of which was full justice given. Would this have been better as two shorter books or is the author laying the groundwork for a series?
The heroine was a "Lizzie Bennet" with a scientific bent and a very annoying habit of getting into potentially very dangerous situations without thinking things through. Just as well there are always people around to rescue her.
There is a flavour of the Science v Religion debate and the early forensic science is also interesting.
Some may find the depiction of "The Brethren" a trifle hard on Protestant sects- they are a version of the later followers of John Nelson Darby- but I have met people who share their somewhat chillingly elitist view of Christianity.
There was lots of potential here but ultimately I found the heroine and the book irritating.
September 18, 2017
Spunky and bright Abigail Lawless, uncovers evidence that a recent suicide may have been murder in 1816 Dublin.
I was immediately drawn to the first line, the first page of THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER (Pegasus Books, May 2017), "For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar."
And so it begins, a lovely relationship between Abby Lawless and her father, the town's coroner. Abby is a spunky, slightly quirky young woman with an adventuresome spirit; I was taken with her almost immediately. Plus, she loves science.
But it's 1816 in Dublin and young women just don't run around with their academic fathers who teach at Trinity College dissecting the dead. At one point in the story, Abby says [and I'm paraphrasing], "Well, if I were a man and had this interest, it would be considered a fascination but I'm a woman and so it's a macabre fixation."
When a young nursemaid in a distinguished family is found with a dead infant, it's assumed she killed her newborn. But that's not exactly the case, and Abby wants to get to the bottom of it. And then that woman is brought to her father's dissection room--death by suicide.
I'll be honest, this is the macabre and gruesome thing that piqued my interest in THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER.
But. The narrative drifts considerably from that instigating plot. I became a bit impatient as we trudged through the gloomy streets of Dublin following leads that focused on a religious sect known as the Brethren. It's all there for good reason as it establishes the conspiracy theory involved. I kept reading because I loved Abigail and her fight for justice.
There are a few twists and turns in THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER, some good action scenes, and a little romantic relief as well. Hughes does a considerable job of 'laying the ground,' and setting a compelling scene of brooding Irish landscape which I enjoyed immensely. His research is evident, too and accurately displays a historical tale of murder, suicide, and forensic science.
For all my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
Special thanks to Pegasus Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.
I was immediately drawn to the first line, the first page of THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER (Pegasus Books, May 2017), "For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar."
And so it begins, a lovely relationship between Abby Lawless and her father, the town's coroner. Abby is a spunky, slightly quirky young woman with an adventuresome spirit; I was taken with her almost immediately. Plus, she loves science.
But it's 1816 in Dublin and young women just don't run around with their academic fathers who teach at Trinity College dissecting the dead. At one point in the story, Abby says [and I'm paraphrasing], "Well, if I were a man and had this interest, it would be considered a fascination but I'm a woman and so it's a macabre fixation."
When a young nursemaid in a distinguished family is found with a dead infant, it's assumed she killed her newborn. But that's not exactly the case, and Abby wants to get to the bottom of it. And then that woman is brought to her father's dissection room--death by suicide.
I'll be honest, this is the macabre and gruesome thing that piqued my interest in THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER.
But. The narrative drifts considerably from that instigating plot. I became a bit impatient as we trudged through the gloomy streets of Dublin following leads that focused on a religious sect known as the Brethren. It's all there for good reason as it establishes the conspiracy theory involved. I kept reading because I loved Abigail and her fight for justice.
There are a few twists and turns in THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER, some good action scenes, and a little romantic relief as well. Hughes does a considerable job of 'laying the ground,' and setting a compelling scene of brooding Irish landscape which I enjoyed immensely. His research is evident, too and accurately displays a historical tale of murder, suicide, and forensic science.
For all my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
Special thanks to Pegasus Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 29, 2017
The Year Without a Summer, 1816, attributed to the eruption of a volcano in the Dutch East Indies, provides a properly gloomy and unusual weather setting for Andrew Hughes' brilliant The Coroner's Daughter.
Abigail Lawless, the coroner's precocious daughter, early on in the novel becomes curious about a young nursemaid accused of murdering her newborn baby. Her curiosity reveals the identity of the child's father, leads to the murder of the servant (initially adjudged a suicide) and sets in motion a chain of events which put Abby and Ewan, her father's assistant, in mortal danger. Overall hangs the brooding presence of the Brethren, a strict new religious sect.
Aside from the mystery, which is paramount to the story, I enjoyed Abigail's interest in science, her theory about the cause of the dismal weather which upsets both staid scientists and dour religious types, her humor, her adventuresome nature and her equal delight in ordinary feminine pursuits. Her growing relationship with Ewan provides a bit of romance to relieve the more grim aspects of the tale.
Hughes presents a canvas with likeable, realistic characters; a glimpse into early 19th century Dublin, a gripping plot that kept me turning pages and a satisfying conclusion.
Abigail Lawless, the coroner's precocious daughter, early on in the novel becomes curious about a young nursemaid accused of murdering her newborn baby. Her curiosity reveals the identity of the child's father, leads to the murder of the servant (initially adjudged a suicide) and sets in motion a chain of events which put Abby and Ewan, her father's assistant, in mortal danger. Overall hangs the brooding presence of the Brethren, a strict new religious sect.
Aside from the mystery, which is paramount to the story, I enjoyed Abigail's interest in science, her theory about the cause of the dismal weather which upsets both staid scientists and dour religious types, her humor, her adventuresome nature and her equal delight in ordinary feminine pursuits. Her growing relationship with Ewan provides a bit of romance to relieve the more grim aspects of the tale.
Hughes presents a canvas with likeable, realistic characters; a glimpse into early 19th century Dublin, a gripping plot that kept me turning pages and a satisfying conclusion.
July 7, 2023
Could have been a great book, only I listened to it instead of reading it.
Unfortunately I didn’t get on with the narrator, who seems to have a problem with vowels.
Every vowel was extremely over emphasised,
Particularly the word “father” this word became an extremely over exaggerated “Foooother” and became like nails on a black board throughout.
The next irritation came with the approach of every male line being carried out in a singsong voice.
So, the book didn’t get a fair chance.
What was good?
The story seemed pretty solid.
Dublin and the fate of women in the early 1800’s was very well depicted.
Wish I’d read it …..
Unfortunately I didn’t get on with the narrator, who seems to have a problem with vowels.
Every vowel was extremely over emphasised,
Particularly the word “father” this word became an extremely over exaggerated “Foooother” and became like nails on a black board throughout.
The next irritation came with the approach of every male line being carried out in a singsong voice.
So, the book didn’t get a fair chance.
What was good?
The story seemed pretty solid.
Dublin and the fate of women in the early 1800’s was very well depicted.
Wish I’d read it …..
August 15, 2023
I might have enjoyed this story more if I knew I was reading a series. I know that sounds like a funny statement, but Abigail was still living at home and just ten and eight years of age. Granted, she had more education than most and was a bit gutsy for a female living in 1816.
The initial crime took me aback. Thankfully, Abigail soon stumbled on more pressing issues.
I thought The Coroner's Daughter story read like a debut. It contained some interesting characters, but I found I wanted more. I guess that is the reason I wanted it to be a series.
The initial crime took me aback. Thankfully, Abigail soon stumbled on more pressing issues.
I thought The Coroner's Daughter story read like a debut. It contained some interesting characters, but I found I wanted more. I guess that is the reason I wanted it to be a series.
May 19, 2023
3.5 stars
CW: Child death, suicide, dead body descriptions, animal cruelty & death.
This book takes place in 1813, Dublin, and we follow Abigail Lawless, a very bright young woman who is fascinated by all things science and worldly, encouraged by her father who is a city coroner in North Dublin. When a maid from a young family nearby kills her newborn baby and herself, Abigail is attracted to the mystery of what would make the young woman commit such a crime and she is drawn into the darker world of religious group 'The Brethren' with every step uncovered in the potential crime bringing Abigail further into danger.
This book was an interesting and engaging read on audiobook, and I enjoyed hearing a story set in the 1800s in Dublin as I don't think I've read enough books during this particular time period. We are following a group of upper middle class people with Abigail a lady of leisure, finished her schooling and available for luncheons, dances and all sorts (but prefers to be studying or writing scientific articles). I'm always happy to read a character like Abigail who is very much a blue-stocking and ahead of her times in the way she thinks and acts - she was extremely clever but also empathetic to her friends and acquaintances, yet at the same time she was still a young woman who liked to go to a dance, and look well in her dress - and be disappointed when a young man didn't dance with her.
I think the initial story/plot became lost a little bit near the middle as we delved more into Abigail's world of science and professors, as well as dances and dinners, and while I didn't mind the author straddling two genres (crime/mystery and straight historical fiction), I think there could have been a firmer grip on the two to mesh it together better. Abigail did get a little annoying at some parts when she consistently walked straight into danger without thinking about it (following Devlin straight into the house for example). I also could have done without a pretty upsetting death of a horse in the last part of the book (dragged by a carriage off a cliff to a miserable, slow death).
This book is well written and researched though - and it was fun with some scenes taking place in areas I'm in all the time and I love imagining what it must have been like back then when the houses in Fitzwillam Square were homes and not offices. I think this would be a great first book in a series following Abigail and her father's assistant Ewan investigating suspicious deaths, and it would be a shame if the author didn't take the opportunity to continue.
CW: Child death, suicide, dead body descriptions, animal cruelty & death.
This book takes place in 1813, Dublin, and we follow Abigail Lawless, a very bright young woman who is fascinated by all things science and worldly, encouraged by her father who is a city coroner in North Dublin. When a maid from a young family nearby kills her newborn baby and herself, Abigail is attracted to the mystery of what would make the young woman commit such a crime and she is drawn into the darker world of religious group 'The Brethren' with every step uncovered in the potential crime bringing Abigail further into danger.
This book was an interesting and engaging read on audiobook, and I enjoyed hearing a story set in the 1800s in Dublin as I don't think I've read enough books during this particular time period. We are following a group of upper middle class people with Abigail a lady of leisure, finished her schooling and available for luncheons, dances and all sorts (but prefers to be studying or writing scientific articles). I'm always happy to read a character like Abigail who is very much a blue-stocking and ahead of her times in the way she thinks and acts - she was extremely clever but also empathetic to her friends and acquaintances, yet at the same time she was still a young woman who liked to go to a dance, and look well in her dress - and be disappointed when a young man didn't dance with her.
I think the initial story/plot became lost a little bit near the middle as we delved more into Abigail's world of science and professors, as well as dances and dinners, and while I didn't mind the author straddling two genres (crime/mystery and straight historical fiction), I think there could have been a firmer grip on the two to mesh it together better. Abigail did get a little annoying at some parts when she consistently walked straight into danger without thinking about it (following Devlin straight into the house for example). I also could have done without a pretty upsetting death of a horse in the last part of the book (dragged by a carriage off a cliff to a miserable, slow death).
This book is well written and researched though - and it was fun with some scenes taking place in areas I'm in all the time and I love imagining what it must have been like back then when the houses in Fitzwillam Square were homes and not offices. I think this would be a great first book in a series following Abigail and her father's assistant Ewan investigating suspicious deaths, and it would be a shame if the author didn't take the opportunity to continue.
June 1, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this wonderful book! So atmospheric and full of character. Abigail was such a gutsy girl, one of my favourite heroines of all time!
January 29, 2018
It didn't take long at all for me to become attached to Abigail's character I couldn't help but admire her determination to discover the truth. Even if at times she managed to get herself into some pretty tricky situations. Especially as a woman of that time wouldn't have been usually doing the things Abby did. Abby is curious, independent and eager to learn which I loved, due to her father's work she has a first hand knowledge of medical and scientific facts. Which is definitely where her curiosity comes from along with making sure the truth will be revealed. The addition of science and medicine to the story was perfect and made the story even more enjoyable for me.
Andrew Hughes has a lovely descriptive writing style that made me feel as if I was right there experiencing everything with the characters. The scene was set perfectly along with giving the reader an interesting mystery to solve and an intriguing religious aspect too. I really enjoyed the friendship between Abby and Ewan it was a lovely addition providing some lighter moments to balance out with the mystery. The story moves at a good pace and kept my interest throughout with clues and secrets being revealed at just the right moment to keep the me invested in discovering the truth.
A wonderful story that just cements my love of historical fiction.
Five stars from me!
With thanks to Thomas at Transworld for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Andrew Hughes has a lovely descriptive writing style that made me feel as if I was right there experiencing everything with the characters. The scene was set perfectly along with giving the reader an interesting mystery to solve and an intriguing religious aspect too. I really enjoyed the friendship between Abby and Ewan it was a lovely addition providing some lighter moments to balance out with the mystery. The story moves at a good pace and kept my interest throughout with clues and secrets being revealed at just the right moment to keep the me invested in discovering the truth.
A wonderful story that just cements my love of historical fiction.
Five stars from me!
With thanks to Thomas at Transworld for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 8, 2022
Abigail looks into the death of a maid in Dublin 1816
3.5 stars - this was a fairly interesting book. I liked Abigail, who wants to know more about the work of a coroner and autopsies, but is mostly shut out of this because she's a woman. She did some dumb things that risked her life (and others) but she never reached the 'too stupid to live' level. It's a fairly slow-moving book that I had to push myself occasionally to pick up. If you're a fan of historical mysteries you'll probably like it.
3.5 stars - this was a fairly interesting book. I liked Abigail, who wants to know more about the work of a coroner and autopsies, but is mostly shut out of this because she's a woman. She did some dumb things that risked her life (and others) but she never reached the 'too stupid to live' level. It's a fairly slow-moving book that I had to push myself occasionally to pick up. If you're a fan of historical mysteries you'll probably like it.
September 14, 2017
This was a wild, wild ride, and I loved it. Abigail is seemingly so calm and collected, but never boring. I can only hope this is the first in a series because the teeny tiny hint of romance begs for more.
February 27, 2017
Awesome historical fiction! I loved Abigail, her courage, humor, and empathy make her unforgettable. Hope Andrew Hughes brings her back for a sequel.
November 18, 2019
Four and a half stars.
I picked this one up on the recommendation of a strong review from Smart B*tches, and had to agree--this atmospheric mystery totally worked for me.
Abigail Lawless is the only child of the city coroner. She's grown up around her father's tools of the trade, and he has mostly indulged her curiosity, treating her as a person, not as merely female. When a young nursemaid murders her baby and then is found dead shortly after, Abigail senses all is not as it might seem and determines to get to the truth.
An interestingly plotted story, The Coroner's Daughter kept me eagerly turning its pages. Abigail is an imperfect heroine in an imperfect world, but her determination and sense of justice are a delight to behold. I would absolutely read more adventures about Ms Lawless.
I picked this one up on the recommendation of a strong review from Smart B*tches, and had to agree--this atmospheric mystery totally worked for me.
Abigail Lawless is the only child of the city coroner. She's grown up around her father's tools of the trade, and he has mostly indulged her curiosity, treating her as a person, not as merely female. When a young nursemaid murders her baby and then is found dead shortly after, Abigail senses all is not as it might seem and determines to get to the truth.
An interestingly plotted story, The Coroner's Daughter kept me eagerly turning its pages. Abigail is an imperfect heroine in an imperfect world, but her determination and sense of justice are a delight to behold. I would absolutely read more adventures about Ms Lawless.
November 2, 2023
This was a tough slog to finish. I read another review and mentioned it was ‘irritating’ and I think this sums it up well.
The main character finds herself in dangerous situations, constantly rebelling against her father, and this gets endless.
The ending was abrupt. The main character got herself out of a situation with no explanation as to how she got there. The story moves on months in the next chapter.
It goes back and forward, lots of loose ends and threads with no development.
The main character finds herself in dangerous situations, constantly rebelling against her father, and this gets endless.
The ending was abrupt. The main character got herself out of a situation with no explanation as to how she got there. The story moves on months in the next chapter.
It goes back and forward, lots of loose ends and threads with no development.
August 30, 2023
This is a historical fiction novel, set in Dublin. At first, I found it boring, then I liked it for a while, but by the end I found it quite silly. The author writes well, and it has a brilliant and catchy opening line: "For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar." 😊
It gives a good sense of the early 1800’s, the descriptions are lengthy and rather dour. The dances or the balls sound boring and are full of gossip and judgement. Not sure I would have liked to have lived in these times! The story centers around Abigail, the smart, determined, and inquisitive daughter of the coroner, who goes full sherlock, looking to solve murders masked as suicides. She presents as a woman beyond her time and is often reminded of her place. Her stance to the brethren is a nice analogy of the battle of science versus religions during these centuries, but that’s where it gets a little silly; it’s unlikely a young lone girl can successfully stand up to hugely powerful male dominated forces in this era. I also found the ending greatly far-fetched.
Their horses are called Newton and Boyle and their cat is Kepler, which was a nice touch for a scientific household!
This book is potentially set up for more adventures for this family, but I am not sure I would read on.
It gives a good sense of the early 1800’s, the descriptions are lengthy and rather dour. The dances or the balls sound boring and are full of gossip and judgement. Not sure I would have liked to have lived in these times! The story centers around Abigail, the smart, determined, and inquisitive daughter of the coroner, who goes full sherlock, looking to solve murders masked as suicides. She presents as a woman beyond her time and is often reminded of her place. Her stance to the brethren is a nice analogy of the battle of science versus religions during these centuries, but that’s where it gets a little silly; it’s unlikely a young lone girl can successfully stand up to hugely powerful male dominated forces in this era. I also found the ending greatly far-fetched.
Their horses are called Newton and Boyle and their cat is Kepler, which was a nice touch for a scientific household!
This book is potentially set up for more adventures for this family, but I am not sure I would read on.
November 16, 2018
I found it on the library shelf and am glad I did. It was fascinating. Abigail was exasperating at times and got herself into tons of trouble with her headstrong and naive (inexperienced?) ways. I am very glad that I did read it, however, and found it a book that was very hard to put down!
February 1, 2019
This is the first novel for this year chosen because the cover and the title caught my attention. It was worth the risk to read as I found Abigail to be an engaging character who did not fit the mould of a young woman in the 1800’s.
May 5, 2023
[SPOILERS]
A bit confused about the ending. Are we actually told who did the murderer in, in the end? Can anyone shed some light on it?
A bit confused about the ending. Are we actually told who did the murderer in, in the end? Can anyone shed some light on it?
June 4, 2023
4.5⭐️
April 4, 2023
Very enjoyable read.
Historical crime fiction set in 1816 in Dublin with a young woman Abigail investigating a murder.
Must read the author’s first book and he could easily make a series out of the spunky brave inquisitive Abigail.
Historical crime fiction set in 1816 in Dublin with a young woman Abigail investigating a murder.
Must read the author’s first book and he could easily make a series out of the spunky brave inquisitive Abigail.
August 12, 2023
This is a book about a clever young woman. That's about it. Her character, like all the characters, is paper thin. She is a young woman and she is clever. She is supposed to be 18 but comes across as being about 12, and the book overall feels like YA masquerading has history. I read it as part of the 'One Dublin, One Book' campaign and while I can sort of see why they chose it, I can also say that this story could have been set anywhere in Europe, it was so pedestrian and anodyne. All you need to do is change the street names.
December 29, 2024
Read for York Irish Book group, I think it will be a good fiscussion. Abigail, the coroners daughter takes festive work into her own hands. Gripping, but at times frustrating as she was constantly ignoring consequences. It did have its creepy moments and some plot twists.
July 31, 2023
This was an audio book for me; It was nice historical story but very dragged out I thought but perhaps that was because it was a struggle for me to listen to it; the narrator wasn't great. However its a murder mystery with not very clear ending, I feel I don't have the answers if that makes sense?
October 3, 2017
I really liked this historical crime novel once it got going, which was about a third of the way through. It takes place in 1816 Dublin in The Year without a Summer, a global catastrophe which is now thought to have been caused by a volcanic eruption in Indonesia in 1815. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_Wi...
A young housekeeper to a wealthy family kills her illegitimate child and then dies while incarcerated in the hospital, a death that is deemed a suicide. Our heroine, 18-year-old Abigail Lawless, daughter of the city coroner, thinks she has found evidence that the woman was murdered. She is determined to clear the young woman's name, sure that she had a relationship with the son in the family she worked for. Abby is warned off getting involved by her father, but more murders pile up and there's no stopping her even though it means putting herself in mortal danger. She is smart as a whip and knowledgeable about medicine and forensics, having been raised by her father after her mother died when she was younger.
In addition to the most unbearable weather in August (rain, hail, snow) there are lots of other aspects of 1816 Dublin woven into the mix. Young women, for example, were never to be out and about unaccompanied so Abigail had to be very careful if she went out by herself and often she asked her father's assistant to go with her. (There's a little romantic interest here too.) There is a religious sect challenging the Catholic church - The Brethren. They are all fire and brimstone and the family the deceased housekeeper worked for belongs to and promotes this new religion. They are a righteous bunch, but much shady business brews under the surface.
All these things contributed to making this an interesting read. This and the author's previous novel, spring from research he did on a particular area of north Dublin, published in his non-fiction book Lives Less Ordinary: Dublin's Fitzwilliam Square 1798-1922. Most of the action takes place in this area of Dublin in The Coroner's Daughter and the map included at the front of the book, made the story much more real. I plan to explore more of Hugh's books!
A young housekeeper to a wealthy family kills her illegitimate child and then dies while incarcerated in the hospital, a death that is deemed a suicide. Our heroine, 18-year-old Abigail Lawless, daughter of the city coroner, thinks she has found evidence that the woman was murdered. She is determined to clear the young woman's name, sure that she had a relationship with the son in the family she worked for. Abby is warned off getting involved by her father, but more murders pile up and there's no stopping her even though it means putting herself in mortal danger. She is smart as a whip and knowledgeable about medicine and forensics, having been raised by her father after her mother died when she was younger.
In addition to the most unbearable weather in August (rain, hail, snow) there are lots of other aspects of 1816 Dublin woven into the mix. Young women, for example, were never to be out and about unaccompanied so Abigail had to be very careful if she went out by herself and often she asked her father's assistant to go with her. (There's a little romantic interest here too.) There is a religious sect challenging the Catholic church - The Brethren. They are all fire and brimstone and the family the deceased housekeeper worked for belongs to and promotes this new religion. They are a righteous bunch, but much shady business brews under the surface.
All these things contributed to making this an interesting read. This and the author's previous novel, spring from research he did on a particular area of north Dublin, published in his non-fiction book Lives Less Ordinary: Dublin's Fitzwilliam Square 1798-1922. Most of the action takes place in this area of Dublin in The Coroner's Daughter and the map included at the front of the book, made the story much more real. I plan to explore more of Hugh's books!
March 4, 2018
When news of a maid’s sudden death falls upon Abigail Lawless’ ears, her intrigue is instantly piqued. Especially as Emilie Casey, just days before taking her own life, murdered her newborn baby. And yet before the birth, she knitted the boy a collection of clothes with care and dedication. Why would a mother toil for the comfort of her child only to do something as terrible as murder? Surely Emilie wouldn’t do something like that on a whim alone. Mired in confusion and uncertainty, the case of Emilie and her baby ricochet through Abigail’s life and inspire a thirst for the truth, a way of proving that the young mother was innocent despite the evidence. But her investigation is proving to stir many ripples in Dublin. Attracting the attention of an unnerving sect, she comes to realise that the danger that threatened Emelie, also now threatens her.
I loved the portrait of the father/daughter relationship in this book. Mutual love, respect and understanding, threaded through with a shared passion for the anatomy and forensic science. Frequently outspoken and overlooked, eighteen-year-old Abigail is a staunch, open-minded and spirited young woman who, despite being questioned and frowned upon by so many, is supported by her father and his assistant Ewan whole-heartedly. She is determined to show that not all things should be taken as a given, some things should be explored, investigated, questioned. Abigail, with her curious mind and vivacious character, is determined to find out what happened that stormy night and in the face of consternated peers, reveal the truth. It took only moments for me to fall under her spell. She’s a fantastic character!
Travelling the warren of streets in 1819 Dublin, with the rattle of carriages and sweep of hypocrisy, Andrew Hughes has crafted an intense yet uplifting novel, whose protagonist will be ingrained on the mind of its readers. His writing is authentic of that era and absolutely gripping. I really, really enjoyed this fabulous book!
I fully recommend The Coroner’s Daughter! It’s an exciting, thrilling foray into a young woman’s plight for the truth! Filled with deceit, deception and hypocrisy, this is a mystery at its crux, and it is fabulous! It went by too fast. I really hope that Andrew Hughes will write a sequel – I’d love read more of The Coroner’s Daughter!
Dark. Thrilling. Intruging.
I loved the portrait of the father/daughter relationship in this book. Mutual love, respect and understanding, threaded through with a shared passion for the anatomy and forensic science. Frequently outspoken and overlooked, eighteen-year-old Abigail is a staunch, open-minded and spirited young woman who, despite being questioned and frowned upon by so many, is supported by her father and his assistant Ewan whole-heartedly. She is determined to show that not all things should be taken as a given, some things should be explored, investigated, questioned. Abigail, with her curious mind and vivacious character, is determined to find out what happened that stormy night and in the face of consternated peers, reveal the truth. It took only moments for me to fall under her spell. She’s a fantastic character!
Travelling the warren of streets in 1819 Dublin, with the rattle of carriages and sweep of hypocrisy, Andrew Hughes has crafted an intense yet uplifting novel, whose protagonist will be ingrained on the mind of its readers. His writing is authentic of that era and absolutely gripping. I really, really enjoyed this fabulous book!
I fully recommend The Coroner’s Daughter! It’s an exciting, thrilling foray into a young woman’s plight for the truth! Filled with deceit, deception and hypocrisy, this is a mystery at its crux, and it is fabulous! It went by too fast. I really hope that Andrew Hughes will write a sequel – I’d love read more of The Coroner’s Daughter!
Dark. Thrilling. Intruging.
July 6, 2023
I struggled to finish this. The narrator of the audiobook put me off straight away with her accents and irritated me throughout. Aside from this, the story is so slow and dragged out.
The main character was immature, and the situations she got herself in and more importantly her reactions to those situations were very hard to believe. It gets 2 stars due to the medical side of things which I find interesting.
The main character was immature, and the situations she got herself in and more importantly her reactions to those situations were very hard to believe. It gets 2 stars due to the medical side of things which I find interesting.
June 18, 2018
3.5 stars
"For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar." What a start!
The premise of the book is so interesting. Abby is the daughter of the town coroner in Dublin, 1816. Strong female voice with a love for science and the macabre. The stage is set with the case of an unwed maid who seemingly murders her own infant. Abby sets out to find out the truth, often putting herself in danger and her father at odds with the society around them. The best part of the story is this dynamic, the love between father and daughter and his encouragement of her scientific curiosity.
This book is out of my comfort zone, and for that reason, I'm glad I read it. It was hard for me to stay focused on the story. I found myself wanting to skim over descriptions and I got lost in so many characters. It's a bit stuffy, if that makes sense, for a novel about such a spunky female protagonist.
"For my eighteenth birthday, Father promised me the hand of a handsome young man, which he duly delivered mounted in a glass bell-jar." What a start!
The premise of the book is so interesting. Abby is the daughter of the town coroner in Dublin, 1816. Strong female voice with a love for science and the macabre. The stage is set with the case of an unwed maid who seemingly murders her own infant. Abby sets out to find out the truth, often putting herself in danger and her father at odds with the society around them. The best part of the story is this dynamic, the love between father and daughter and his encouragement of her scientific curiosity.
This book is out of my comfort zone, and for that reason, I'm glad I read it. It was hard for me to stay focused on the story. I found myself wanting to skim over descriptions and I got lost in so many characters. It's a bit stuffy, if that makes sense, for a novel about such a spunky female protagonist.
September 3, 2019
Overall I enjoyed this story and I certainly liked Abigail who helped her father in an area not open to women, that is, the profession of the coroner. I thought her an excellent heroine showing not only a great deal of skill, but also compassion and common sense as she pursued the case of several suspicious deaths.
I did have a few problems with the era in which the story is set. Sometimes I felt I was in the Regency period and sometimes it seemed to be the end of the nineteenth century. I was very uncertain about letterboxes in front doors, since I believe they appeared a lot later than 1816. Also the police seemed to be a well organised force when they weren't actually established until 1829; before that there were parish constables and watchmen sometimes of dubious character.
However, except for these suspected anomalies, I'm happy to give four stars for a well written and intriguing story.
I did have a few problems with the era in which the story is set. Sometimes I felt I was in the Regency period and sometimes it seemed to be the end of the nineteenth century. I was very uncertain about letterboxes in front doors, since I believe they appeared a lot later than 1816. Also the police seemed to be a well organised force when they weren't actually established until 1829; before that there were parish constables and watchmen sometimes of dubious character.
However, except for these suspected anomalies, I'm happy to give four stars for a well written and intriguing story.
February 8, 2019
3.5 stars. A quick read with a story set in the early 1800s in Dublin, with a heroine perhaps a little out of her time. I did have a little bit of a hard time pinpointing the time frame initially, but it didn’t detract from the story.
I found the writing a little simple, and some of the characters seemed like caricatures, so I would have appreciated a little more character development. But, thay may come with later books which I may pick up, if they ever come (it did sort if imply there might be more to the story — we’ll see).
I found the writing a little simple, and some of the characters seemed like caricatures, so I would have appreciated a little more character development. But, thay may come with later books which I may pick up, if they ever come (it did sort if imply there might be more to the story — we’ll see).
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