What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wrong Sort To Die
June 1910.Fighting her corner in a man’s world, Dr Margaret Demeray works as a pathologist in a London hospital for the poor. Suppressing her worry that she’s breaching confidentiality, Margaret gives a stranger called Fox information about a dead down-and-out, in the hope he’ll use it to raise awareness of bad working conditions.But when a second man appears to die the same way, Margaret starts to wonder why the enigmatic Fox keeps turning up to ask ever more complex questions.She decides to work alone, uncertain of his motives and wary of her attraction to him. Once she starts investigating however, her home is burgled, she’s attacked in broad daylight and a close friend becomes distant. Fox offers the chance to forge an alliance, saying he knows why the men have died but needs her to find out what is killing them and who is behind it. Yet how come the closer she gets to him the more danger she faces? And how can a memory she’d buried possibly be linked to the deaths?Margaret must discover the truth before someone - known or unknown - silences her for good.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2020
210 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Paula Harmon
49 books69 followersPaula Harmon was born in north London but her life as a country girl began at eighteen months when the family started moving westwards from small town to village before settling in South Wales when she was eight.
Graduating from Chichester University (Bishop Otter College) with a BA in English Literature and despite a determination not to, she ended up with a career in the civil service.
She wrote prolifically until adult life and children, got in the way. It was not until 2015 that she started writing seriously again.
Writing is probably the best therapy she could have had and believes it’s never too late to follow your dream.
Her short stories may be contemporary and real or include dragons, angst ridden teenagers, portals and civil servants (though not all in the same story - yet).
She lives in Dorset with her husband and two teenage children.
Graduating from Chichester University (Bishop Otter College) with a BA in English Literature and despite a determination not to, she ended up with a career in the civil service.
She wrote prolifically until adult life and children, got in the way. It was not until 2015 that she started writing seriously again.
Writing is probably the best therapy she could have had and believes it’s never too late to follow your dream.
Her short stories may be contemporary and real or include dragons, angst ridden teenagers, portals and civil servants (though not all in the same story - yet).
She lives in Dorset with her husband and two teenage children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 20, 2021
☠️ The Wrong Sort To Die ☠️
Historical mystery set in the lead up to World War 1
Dr Margaret Demeray series #1
✒️ Paula Harmon
https://www.facebook.com/paulaharmonw...
Release Date 06/30/2020
Publisher January Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PSKWC5/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
June 1910. Fighting her corner in a man’s world, Dr Margaret Demeray works as a pathologist in a London hospital for the poor. Suppressing her worry that she’s breaching confidentiality, Margaret gives a stranger called Fox information about a dead down-and-out, in the hope he’ll use it to raise awareness of bad working conditions. But when a second man appears to die the same way, Margaret starts to wonder why the enigmatic Fox keeps turning up to ask ever more complex questions. She decides to work alone, uncertain of his motives and wary of her attraction to him. Once she starts investigating however, her home is burgled, she’s attacked in broad daylight and a close friend becomes distant. Fox offers the chance to forge an alliance, saying he knows why the men have died but needs her to find out what is killing them and who is behind it. Yet how come the closer she gets to him the more danger she faces? And how can a memory she’d buried possibly be linked to the deaths? Margaret must discover the truth before someone - known or unknown - silences her for good.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she understand in time what is at stake …
When I first saw the advertising for the next book, as it was only book 2, I decided to read the first so I would not be lost about the characters.
I since learned this new series is a sequel of The Caster and Fleet mystery series, starring the older sister of the present heroine.
So I hope one day to find the time to read Katherine and their friend Connie’s stories.
Margaret is one of the few woman pathologist, a suffragist, a woman focused on her career, understandable as her one try at matrimony turned into a fiasco, from which she is still grieving. Why she goes out only with men she sees only as friends, she refuses to let her heart once more being engaged and maybe damaged more than it is already.
She is far away from a perfect heroine, she is in some way self-centered, she is quite flicker with her friends and family. So at time, I was disappointed with her, for only thinking about herself, for not looking for her friend, as a smart woman for not putting the clues together and seeing much late what was right in front of her, for a doctor she is blind to many symptoms, and so on. Yet she is only human, and even full of empathy people think about themselves first.
Fox is the first enigma of this story, friend or foe.
It was Margaret’s own doubts which slowed her acknowledgment of who his is to be for her.
The case is a much complex one, with a woman who has the habits to examine clues but from the pathological side, why she probably took longer to add one plus one when those signs came from a different nature or from others deeds. Luckily for her, she has next to her a man who can help her to sort fact from fiction.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWf-AD4o...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Historical mystery set in the lead up to World War 1
Dr Margaret Demeray series #1
✒️ Paula Harmon
https://www.facebook.com/paulaharmonw...
Release Date 06/30/2020
Publisher January Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PSKWC5/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
June 1910. Fighting her corner in a man’s world, Dr Margaret Demeray works as a pathologist in a London hospital for the poor. Suppressing her worry that she’s breaching confidentiality, Margaret gives a stranger called Fox information about a dead down-and-out, in the hope he’ll use it to raise awareness of bad working conditions. But when a second man appears to die the same way, Margaret starts to wonder why the enigmatic Fox keeps turning up to ask ever more complex questions. She decides to work alone, uncertain of his motives and wary of her attraction to him. Once she starts investigating however, her home is burgled, she’s attacked in broad daylight and a close friend becomes distant. Fox offers the chance to forge an alliance, saying he knows why the men have died but needs her to find out what is killing them and who is behind it. Yet how come the closer she gets to him the more danger she faces? And how can a memory she’d buried possibly be linked to the deaths? Margaret must discover the truth before someone - known or unknown - silences her for good.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she understand in time what is at stake …
When I first saw the advertising for the next book, as it was only book 2, I decided to read the first so I would not be lost about the characters.
I since learned this new series is a sequel of The Caster and Fleet mystery series, starring the older sister of the present heroine.
So I hope one day to find the time to read Katherine and their friend Connie’s stories.
Margaret is one of the few woman pathologist, a suffragist, a woman focused on her career, understandable as her one try at matrimony turned into a fiasco, from which she is still grieving. Why she goes out only with men she sees only as friends, she refuses to let her heart once more being engaged and maybe damaged more than it is already.
She is far away from a perfect heroine, she is in some way self-centered, she is quite flicker with her friends and family. So at time, I was disappointed with her, for only thinking about herself, for not looking for her friend, as a smart woman for not putting the clues together and seeing much late what was right in front of her, for a doctor she is blind to many symptoms, and so on. Yet she is only human, and even full of empathy people think about themselves first.
Fox is the first enigma of this story, friend or foe.
It was Margaret’s own doubts which slowed her acknowledgment of who his is to be for her.
The case is a much complex one, with a woman who has the habits to examine clues but from the pathological side, why she probably took longer to add one plus one when those signs came from a different nature or from others deeds. Luckily for her, she has next to her a man who can help her to sort fact from fiction.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWf-AD4o...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
June 11, 2020
I was fortunate enough to be offered an ARC of “The Wrong Sort To Die”, and I’m glad I read it.
The book revolves around Dr Margaret Demeray, Pathologist at St Julia’s in London, and her adventures after investigating a death that can’t quite be written off as tuberculosis. The mysterious Fox, and her undeniable attraction to the man she knows so little off, certainly adds a piquancy to the events. It also raises the question, can he save her despite her best efforts and in the presumption he can save himself.
Set in 1910, the book explores the chasm between the rich and poor of London, the attitudes of worth prevalent at the time and the inevitable sexism. The lead characters exemplify the refrained gentility of the era even in their acceptance of the things that are never quite said.
The author has done a wonderful job of making all the characters rounded enough to be believable. I was in love with Fox by the second time he appeared on the page. I felt Margaret’s anger at being treated like a second-class citizen just because she was female.
The main plot kept me intrigued and reading, even offering a twist at the end that I wasn’t quite expecting. There is one subplot that was obvious to me from the first flagging of it, and though it is eluded to several times, the reveal in the last couple of chapters simply brings a smile the face.
I was so involved with these characters I read the whole book in 3 working days, and I’ve not been that caught up in a book for a very long time.
Given the time setting, I half expected something cosy, but it’s too real to fit well into that category for me. Though the narrative is genteel, it doesn’t shy away from the reality of what a pathologist would have to do. It’s not full-on gory either, not gritty, don’t worry, but it doesn’t shy away from the medical, as a pathologist wouldn’t. For me, this story had just the right punch to be thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved this book from start to finish, and would highly recommend it. I hope to read more of Margaret and Fox in the future.
The book revolves around Dr Margaret Demeray, Pathologist at St Julia’s in London, and her adventures after investigating a death that can’t quite be written off as tuberculosis. The mysterious Fox, and her undeniable attraction to the man she knows so little off, certainly adds a piquancy to the events. It also raises the question, can he save her despite her best efforts and in the presumption he can save himself.
Set in 1910, the book explores the chasm between the rich and poor of London, the attitudes of worth prevalent at the time and the inevitable sexism. The lead characters exemplify the refrained gentility of the era even in their acceptance of the things that are never quite said.
The author has done a wonderful job of making all the characters rounded enough to be believable. I was in love with Fox by the second time he appeared on the page. I felt Margaret’s anger at being treated like a second-class citizen just because she was female.
The main plot kept me intrigued and reading, even offering a twist at the end that I wasn’t quite expecting. There is one subplot that was obvious to me from the first flagging of it, and though it is eluded to several times, the reveal in the last couple of chapters simply brings a smile the face.
I was so involved with these characters I read the whole book in 3 working days, and I’ve not been that caught up in a book for a very long time.
Given the time setting, I half expected something cosy, but it’s too real to fit well into that category for me. Though the narrative is genteel, it doesn’t shy away from the reality of what a pathologist would have to do. It’s not full-on gory either, not gritty, don’t worry, but it doesn’t shy away from the medical, as a pathologist wouldn’t. For me, this story had just the right punch to be thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved this book from start to finish, and would highly recommend it. I hope to read more of Margaret and Fox in the future.
June 16, 2022
An excellent and very atmospheric tale.
Margaret Demeray is a doctor in Edwardian England, but not just any doctor. She’s a pathologist, as well as being a woman in a man’s world. It’s not the best situation but she doesn’t let that stop her. There’s a mystery to solve and it involves some things that are very close to home.
There’s a danger in writing about the past that you use modern language and social attitudes, I’m very pleased to report that Paula Harmon avoids these pitfalls and has produced an authentic tale of the period. It oozes the sense of the times, the casual misogyny, the poverty and the sense of hopelessness and exploitation of the general populace.
When Margaret performs an autopsy on a nobody, she finds evidence of unusual demise. As she looks for answers, she finds out a lot more than she expected. She’s a person who cares for the plight of the poor, in a world where they are seen as dispensable, which makes her even more of an oddity.
She has to deal with threats against her, the machinations of her peers, and the mysterious Fox. Never quite sure who is on her side, she proves herself more than capable of holding her own, even when physical violence is necessary.
This is a very cleverly written story, with a fantastic ending, paving the way for a sequel, which I’m looking forward to reading.
Margaret Demeray is a doctor in Edwardian England, but not just any doctor. She’s a pathologist, as well as being a woman in a man’s world. It’s not the best situation but she doesn’t let that stop her. There’s a mystery to solve and it involves some things that are very close to home.
There’s a danger in writing about the past that you use modern language and social attitudes, I’m very pleased to report that Paula Harmon avoids these pitfalls and has produced an authentic tale of the period. It oozes the sense of the times, the casual misogyny, the poverty and the sense of hopelessness and exploitation of the general populace.
When Margaret performs an autopsy on a nobody, she finds evidence of unusual demise. As she looks for answers, she finds out a lot more than she expected. She’s a person who cares for the plight of the poor, in a world where they are seen as dispensable, which makes her even more of an oddity.
She has to deal with threats against her, the machinations of her peers, and the mysterious Fox. Never quite sure who is on her side, she proves herself more than capable of holding her own, even when physical violence is necessary.
This is a very cleverly written story, with a fantastic ending, paving the way for a sequel, which I’m looking forward to reading.
June 30, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed being transported back to 1910 and puzzling out this mystery through Margaret's eyes. Society is divided over women's rights, advances in science, and attitudes to "the undeserving poor". Margaret is intelligent, principled, compassionate and determined but with strange deaths occurring, people following her and mysterious messages, it's clear she holds the key to a secret which someone would kill to protect. This is a great start to a series with strong, realistic characters and a satisfying conclusion. I haven't read other books by this author but hope to read more in future. I received an advance copy with no obligation to review
January 31, 2021
I chose to receive and read a copy of this book to review as part of this tour. The following is my unbiased honest opinion.
Dr Margaret Demeray is a woman on a mission and in the 1910s this isn't acceptable. I mean her being a pathologist is one thing but to be investigating Tuberculosis in the poor is another thing entirely. Add a couple of odd deaths and her own private investigation and you basically have anarchy in long skirts.
Naturally I loved every second of this read. I have a special connection with books that have a strong female lead even more so in historical fiction. It's probably because those women were rare and documented even less before world war 1 and Margaret is definitely a strong, independent woman. We spend the majority of the book facing the chauvinistic attitude of the times and I love her way of dealing with it.
I felt the story flowed nicely-an short opening chapter describing the mysterious death before we meet Margaret and really start the tale. From there, it doesn't take long for things to get sinister for our good doctor. Nothing too gory from the pathologist side of things but it's not your cosy Edwardian lady novel either. The intrigue is built throughout the book making me read through it even quicker coz I just had to finish it.
It's written in the third person and this style works perfectly as you get further into the tale. It allows for more information to be given from other characters particularly Fox who is charasmatic but keeps his cards to his chest. There's plenty of life in all the characters of the book but Fox is our other key player. The relationship between the two really develops over the course of the tale but they have amazing chemistry from the beginning.
Dr Margaret Demeray is a woman on a mission and in the 1910s this isn't acceptable. I mean her being a pathologist is one thing but to be investigating Tuberculosis in the poor is another thing entirely. Add a couple of odd deaths and her own private investigation and you basically have anarchy in long skirts.
Naturally I loved every second of this read. I have a special connection with books that have a strong female lead even more so in historical fiction. It's probably because those women were rare and documented even less before world war 1 and Margaret is definitely a strong, independent woman. We spend the majority of the book facing the chauvinistic attitude of the times and I love her way of dealing with it.
I felt the story flowed nicely-an short opening chapter describing the mysterious death before we meet Margaret and really start the tale. From there, it doesn't take long for things to get sinister for our good doctor. Nothing too gory from the pathologist side of things but it's not your cosy Edwardian lady novel either. The intrigue is built throughout the book making me read through it even quicker coz I just had to finish it.
It's written in the third person and this style works perfectly as you get further into the tale. It allows for more information to be given from other characters particularly Fox who is charasmatic but keeps his cards to his chest. There's plenty of life in all the characters of the book but Fox is our other key player. The relationship between the two really develops over the course of the tale but they have amazing chemistry from the beginning.
May 6, 2021
Please tell me this will be a series!
Set in the year 1910 in and around London, “The Wrong Sort to Die” completely captivated me from page one, and I found it hard to stop reading until I was all done.
Our main protagonist, Margaret, is a sharp, gutsy, empathetic, independent and determined pathologist, (very unusual for early twentieth century London) who is not afraid to stand up and fight for what she believes in. Margarette is a well-to-do suffragette, a loner, and is constantly at odds with the predominantly male and blatantly sexist culture she lives in. A formerly betrayed wife, and now a widow, Margaret is lonely to her core, suspicious of and too smart for the few male “prospects” who have come her way; in short, Margaret is a complex and beautifully drawn character, and it’s not at all hard to relate to her sometimes despair with her unconventional life and the crushing force of its insulation.
“Was it a little worrying that humans sometimes made more sense when they were dead and on a slab?”
The book is heavily character-based, and the details are immersive - we quickly come to live and breathe Margaret’s world; her friends, her family (especially her wonderful sister, Katherine), her medical colleagues, her suitors, and her “enemies” all come alive on these pages, along with the superbly crafted historical setting - which sharply contrasts the dangerous and de-humanizing streets, hovels, and workhouses teeming with the desperate and poor; against the humming and buzzing of a privileged London, cushioned and unaware, in their carriages, newly emerging motor-cars, fancy clothes and terraced finery.
Margaret’s occupation places her in contact with a mysterious ailment which she comes to recognize is striking young impoverished men in their prime, initiating a sudden and painful lung-related death, that is similar but not the same, as the currently rampant tuberculosis or pneumonia. As she works to get to the bottom of the “how” and then the “why” these deaths are occurring, Margaret finds herself meeting new and dangerous people, including an intriguing character known only as Fox.
No spoilers here. The plot unfolds in interesting and sometimes complex details, that don’t seem to connect at all, until of course they do! All along the way, the dialogue is witty and engaging, and I fully enjoyed the surprises several characters had in store for us, right up to what I found to be a very clever and satisfying finale.
I sincerely hope we will be seeing more of Margaret and her friends in book to come. Until then, all I can say is - they will be missed!
A great big thank you to the author for a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts presented are my own.
Set in the year 1910 in and around London, “The Wrong Sort to Die” completely captivated me from page one, and I found it hard to stop reading until I was all done.
Our main protagonist, Margaret, is a sharp, gutsy, empathetic, independent and determined pathologist, (very unusual for early twentieth century London) who is not afraid to stand up and fight for what she believes in. Margarette is a well-to-do suffragette, a loner, and is constantly at odds with the predominantly male and blatantly sexist culture she lives in. A formerly betrayed wife, and now a widow, Margaret is lonely to her core, suspicious of and too smart for the few male “prospects” who have come her way; in short, Margaret is a complex and beautifully drawn character, and it’s not at all hard to relate to her sometimes despair with her unconventional life and the crushing force of its insulation.
“Was it a little worrying that humans sometimes made more sense when they were dead and on a slab?”
The book is heavily character-based, and the details are immersive - we quickly come to live and breathe Margaret’s world; her friends, her family (especially her wonderful sister, Katherine), her medical colleagues, her suitors, and her “enemies” all come alive on these pages, along with the superbly crafted historical setting - which sharply contrasts the dangerous and de-humanizing streets, hovels, and workhouses teeming with the desperate and poor; against the humming and buzzing of a privileged London, cushioned and unaware, in their carriages, newly emerging motor-cars, fancy clothes and terraced finery.
Margaret’s occupation places her in contact with a mysterious ailment which she comes to recognize is striking young impoverished men in their prime, initiating a sudden and painful lung-related death, that is similar but not the same, as the currently rampant tuberculosis or pneumonia. As she works to get to the bottom of the “how” and then the “why” these deaths are occurring, Margaret finds herself meeting new and dangerous people, including an intriguing character known only as Fox.
No spoilers here. The plot unfolds in interesting and sometimes complex details, that don’t seem to connect at all, until of course they do! All along the way, the dialogue is witty and engaging, and I fully enjoyed the surprises several characters had in store for us, right up to what I found to be a very clever and satisfying finale.
I sincerely hope we will be seeing more of Margaret and her friends in book to come. Until then, all I can say is - they will be missed!
A great big thank you to the author for a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts presented are my own.
June 30, 2020
Had me outFOXed from the start!!!!
This is a fantastic story that kept me reading and guessing from the very first page.
Pathologist, Dr Margaret Demeray, is seeking the truth behind the mysterious cause of death of a John Doe who has been brought to her hospital. Not only is she adamant that she will find the truth, but she also has to convince her male counterparts that the mystery is even worth looking into at all. After all, who cares about the death of a poor nobody?
The story portrays the sexism of the time with Maragaret often ogled by male characters and patronised despite her skill and position, though this never seems to waver her drive and determination. The divide between rich and poor is also portrayed and Margaret has very clear views on the importance of equality and stands up for what is right.
Harmon breathes life into the world of 1910's Britain, the dialogue is authentic and witty and I truly felt that I was there in the coffee shop, workhouse, or walking along the bustling streets with the characters. I think it is important to point out that although the story is very real when it comes to the historical correctness and medical side of things, the narrative is fun and engaging, there is definitely something for everyone. It gave me Arthur Conan Doyle meets Jessica Fletcher vibes!
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy of this book and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a mystery to keep them on their toes.
Punchy. Suspenseful. Engaging.
This is a fantastic story that kept me reading and guessing from the very first page.
Pathologist, Dr Margaret Demeray, is seeking the truth behind the mysterious cause of death of a John Doe who has been brought to her hospital. Not only is she adamant that she will find the truth, but she also has to convince her male counterparts that the mystery is even worth looking into at all. After all, who cares about the death of a poor nobody?
The story portrays the sexism of the time with Maragaret often ogled by male characters and patronised despite her skill and position, though this never seems to waver her drive and determination. The divide between rich and poor is also portrayed and Margaret has very clear views on the importance of equality and stands up for what is right.
Harmon breathes life into the world of 1910's Britain, the dialogue is authentic and witty and I truly felt that I was there in the coffee shop, workhouse, or walking along the bustling streets with the characters. I think it is important to point out that although the story is very real when it comes to the historical correctness and medical side of things, the narrative is fun and engaging, there is definitely something for everyone. It gave me Arthur Conan Doyle meets Jessica Fletcher vibes!
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy of this book and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a mystery to keep them on their toes.
Punchy. Suspenseful. Engaging.
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this mystery and its protagonist. Margaret is not perfect, far from it, but she feels real, raw in a way in which not many characters are. Intelligent, resourceful and capable, she shows us, time and again, that she can take care of herself :P
The historical details are well presented and I was as angered as Margaret was for how she and her ideas were dismissed only because she's a woman. Oh, the paternalism! It reeks so badly!
But I liked Fox; his sense of humour and his willingness to take Margaret at face value is refreshing.
The mystery is very good, with enough red herrings to make solving it adequately difficult.
This is a wonderful first book in a series and I'm more than willing to keep reading it.
The historical details are well presented and I was as angered as Margaret was for how she and her ideas were dismissed only because she's a woman. Oh, the paternalism! It reeks so badly!
But I liked Fox; his sense of humour and his willingness to take Margaret at face value is refreshing.
The mystery is very good, with enough red herrings to make solving it adequately difficult.
This is a wonderful first book in a series and I'm more than willing to keep reading it.
November 15, 2021
June 1910 London
A man is found who might state that he is called Eli Can. But then another body is discovered dying in a similar manner. Who is Fox and is there a connection to Dr Demeray’s dead husband Owen Norbury. Why has she been invited to give a talk at a symposium. Both try to discover the truth.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good start to a new series
A man is found who might state that he is called Eli Can. But then another body is discovered dying in a similar manner. Who is Fox and is there a connection to Dr Demeray’s dead husband Owen Norbury. Why has she been invited to give a talk at a symposium. Both try to discover the truth.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good start to a new series
February 5, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the protoganist in this book. Kept me interested throughout. Highly recommend it
November 13, 2020
In The Wrong Sort to Die, author Paula Harmon brings together a set of ingredients I love to see in a book: a baffling mystery, rich social history, and a brilliant yet nuanced main character.
For Dr Margaret Demeray, pathology isn’t just a job: when a dead man’s lungs show signs not only of tuberculosis, but also a mystery ailment, she’s not willing simply to attribute his death to TB and move on. The case pulls at her not only because she’s conscientious, but because she has a special interest in improving the living and working conditions that too often result in horrible respiratory illnesses and deaths among the poor.
Her curiosity and concern grow further when Fox suddenly appears in her life, a similar death occurs, and she finds herself in danger from individuals who would rather she didn’t uncover the truth. Like Margaret, the reader doesn’t find out what exactly happened to the victims, or who the villain is right until the end of the story - I certainly didn’t manage to guess!
I really enjoyed the social history element of this novel. Harmon brings key issues of the day such as slum and workhouse conditions, the desperation of people in poverty, eugenics, and the women’s suffrage campaigns to life by making them part of the characters’ everyday experiences. Margaret goes out and sees workhouses and the people in them for herself, has to contend with others in her profession who believe the poor are expendable, and is continually frustrated by sexist attitudes.
I felt so enraged on Margaret’s behalf whenever someone assumed a junior male colleague was her senior, or suggested she should leave the profession she loves to get married, have children and run a household. And with so many awful men around her, it’s easy to suspect the wrong person of having a hand in the mysterious deaths.
Margaret herself is a complex, likeable character. While she’s strong and determined, as evidenced by her success as a socially-conscious female doctor in a highly patriarchal world and her refusal to be cowed by attempts to silence her and stop her investigation, she has a vulnerability at her heart.
Some years previously, she married a man she loved against her family’s wishes, only to find that their suspicions were right and he just wanted her money. Even so, she was shaken by his subsequent death from apparent TB while living in a slum area, and retains some feelings for him, as well as misplaced guilt. For this reason, she’s hesitant to trust Fox, and it’s interesting to see their relationship develop in fits and starts.
On top of this, we get to see a fun side to Margaret when she’s with her family and friends. The love and care between them is heartwarming, the interactions between them are a real balm to the more hostile encounters she experiences, and you get to see that she enjoys a laugh and a joke.
The Wrong Sort to Die is an exciting mystery that brims with social history and features a brilliant, nuanced heroine.
For Dr Margaret Demeray, pathology isn’t just a job: when a dead man’s lungs show signs not only of tuberculosis, but also a mystery ailment, she’s not willing simply to attribute his death to TB and move on. The case pulls at her not only because she’s conscientious, but because she has a special interest in improving the living and working conditions that too often result in horrible respiratory illnesses and deaths among the poor.
Her curiosity and concern grow further when Fox suddenly appears in her life, a similar death occurs, and she finds herself in danger from individuals who would rather she didn’t uncover the truth. Like Margaret, the reader doesn’t find out what exactly happened to the victims, or who the villain is right until the end of the story - I certainly didn’t manage to guess!
I really enjoyed the social history element of this novel. Harmon brings key issues of the day such as slum and workhouse conditions, the desperation of people in poverty, eugenics, and the women’s suffrage campaigns to life by making them part of the characters’ everyday experiences. Margaret goes out and sees workhouses and the people in them for herself, has to contend with others in her profession who believe the poor are expendable, and is continually frustrated by sexist attitudes.
I felt so enraged on Margaret’s behalf whenever someone assumed a junior male colleague was her senior, or suggested she should leave the profession she loves to get married, have children and run a household. And with so many awful men around her, it’s easy to suspect the wrong person of having a hand in the mysterious deaths.
Margaret herself is a complex, likeable character. While she’s strong and determined, as evidenced by her success as a socially-conscious female doctor in a highly patriarchal world and her refusal to be cowed by attempts to silence her and stop her investigation, she has a vulnerability at her heart.
Some years previously, she married a man she loved against her family’s wishes, only to find that their suspicions were right and he just wanted her money. Even so, she was shaken by his subsequent death from apparent TB while living in a slum area, and retains some feelings for him, as well as misplaced guilt. For this reason, she’s hesitant to trust Fox, and it’s interesting to see their relationship develop in fits and starts.
On top of this, we get to see a fun side to Margaret when she’s with her family and friends. The love and care between them is heartwarming, the interactions between them are a real balm to the more hostile encounters she experiences, and you get to see that she enjoys a laugh and a joke.
The Wrong Sort to Die is an exciting mystery that brims with social history and features a brilliant, nuanced heroine.
November 21, 2020
I love a good mystery book. I also love historical fiction. Furthermore, I love a sassy and strong female protagonist, especially those pushing at societal boundaries, so choosing to read this book was a no-brainer for me!
I really loved the character of Dr Margaret Demeray who works as a pathologist in a London hospital for the poor – this was unknown for women at this time and it seemed a regular occurrence in the novel that men visited the hospital expecting to meet a male Doctor – it was frustrating to both Margaret and me that she was often treated as a nurse or some kind of helper!
When the death of what appears to be a rough-sleeper is brought to Margaret’s attention, she investigates his lungs for signs of disease as was common among those suffering poverty in London. However, she is mystified to find signs of another issue, almost a kind of poisoning of the tissue, and worries that it is caused by working conditions.
When another body is discovered with the same signs, Dr Margaret Demeray becomes embroiled in a mystery that proves dangerous to her personally. Her only ally seems to be a man called Fox, about whom she knows nothing other than he helps her out and keeps digging for information.
As Margaret is led into ever-more perilous situations, I couldn’t wait to turn the pages and race through the book to find out what happened. I really liked the fact that – although she faces some real danger – Margaret is a heroine that rarely needs saving by a man! Instead, she is tough and makes considered and thoughtful decisions – and she can see off an attacker if needed!
The plot is well-paced and the clues gradually begin to add up to something that is much beyond Margaret’s expectations. As the events of the novel began to race towards a denouement, I had everything crossed for Margaret! I wasn’t sure how the strands of the story would come together but they do – and well.
I would heartily recommend this to anyone who likes intelligent historical fiction with a crime and mystery element. This is no cosy crime – the diseased lungs and pathology put paid to that idea early on – but it is an engaging and lively novel with a heroine who is to be admired.
Thequickandtheread.net
I really loved the character of Dr Margaret Demeray who works as a pathologist in a London hospital for the poor – this was unknown for women at this time and it seemed a regular occurrence in the novel that men visited the hospital expecting to meet a male Doctor – it was frustrating to both Margaret and me that she was often treated as a nurse or some kind of helper!
When the death of what appears to be a rough-sleeper is brought to Margaret’s attention, she investigates his lungs for signs of disease as was common among those suffering poverty in London. However, she is mystified to find signs of another issue, almost a kind of poisoning of the tissue, and worries that it is caused by working conditions.
When another body is discovered with the same signs, Dr Margaret Demeray becomes embroiled in a mystery that proves dangerous to her personally. Her only ally seems to be a man called Fox, about whom she knows nothing other than he helps her out and keeps digging for information.
As Margaret is led into ever-more perilous situations, I couldn’t wait to turn the pages and race through the book to find out what happened. I really liked the fact that – although she faces some real danger – Margaret is a heroine that rarely needs saving by a man! Instead, she is tough and makes considered and thoughtful decisions – and she can see off an attacker if needed!
The plot is well-paced and the clues gradually begin to add up to something that is much beyond Margaret’s expectations. As the events of the novel began to race towards a denouement, I had everything crossed for Margaret! I wasn’t sure how the strands of the story would come together but they do – and well.
I would heartily recommend this to anyone who likes intelligent historical fiction with a crime and mystery element. This is no cosy crime – the diseased lungs and pathology put paid to that idea early on – but it is an engaging and lively novel with a heroine who is to be admired.
Thequickandtheread.net
November 17, 2020
From the outset, Margaret Demeray's escapades as the only female pathologist in 1910s London had me hooked! I read this book in 3 long sittings as I just couldn't put it down.
Doctor Demeray is conducting a post mortem on a man who has died under mysterious circumstances. At first, it seems like an anomaly until more corpses with similar damage to their respiratory system start turning up in the poorer parts of the East End. When the enigmatic Fox arrives on scene, Margaret finds herself compelled to continue investigating these deaths. I loved the twists and turns this book took, with secrets being uncovered. The book was really pacey, but still gave you enough time to digest the information before shocking you again. Even the chapters without loads of action and lots of dialogue were fantastic as it helped form really in depth characters. I was constantly trying to create different hypotheses in my mind as to what the cause of these mysterious deaths were, and I was totally surprised at the end. I did not see that coming!
There were several themes throughout the novel that I absolutely loved. One being the references to slum living in the Edwardian era, which Demeray is passionnate about, seeing the poor living conditions and wishing to make an improvement. The social justice issues made this historical novel bang up-to-date. I think having recently read The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, I've suddenly got a new interest in the lives of the poor at the turn of the twentieth century, so The Wrong Sort To Die did not disappoint in this regard.
I was also absolutely obsessed with Demeray's feminist stance and the way this was interleaved throughout the book, without being preachy. Her rebuttals of the men refusing to take her seriously, telling her women shouldn't have a profession, let alone one so gruesome as pathology, provided a really humorous, sarcastic aspect which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Another aspect I really loved was the relationship between Margaret and Fox. He was totally an enigma until the very end and I kept second guessing if he was really a good guy or not. I won't say too much more than that! I can't wait to see what's next for Fox and Margaret.
Doctor Demeray is conducting a post mortem on a man who has died under mysterious circumstances. At first, it seems like an anomaly until more corpses with similar damage to their respiratory system start turning up in the poorer parts of the East End. When the enigmatic Fox arrives on scene, Margaret finds herself compelled to continue investigating these deaths. I loved the twists and turns this book took, with secrets being uncovered. The book was really pacey, but still gave you enough time to digest the information before shocking you again. Even the chapters without loads of action and lots of dialogue were fantastic as it helped form really in depth characters. I was constantly trying to create different hypotheses in my mind as to what the cause of these mysterious deaths were, and I was totally surprised at the end. I did not see that coming!
There were several themes throughout the novel that I absolutely loved. One being the references to slum living in the Edwardian era, which Demeray is passionnate about, seeing the poor living conditions and wishing to make an improvement. The social justice issues made this historical novel bang up-to-date. I think having recently read The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, I've suddenly got a new interest in the lives of the poor at the turn of the twentieth century, so The Wrong Sort To Die did not disappoint in this regard.
I was also absolutely obsessed with Demeray's feminist stance and the way this was interleaved throughout the book, without being preachy. Her rebuttals of the men refusing to take her seriously, telling her women shouldn't have a profession, let alone one so gruesome as pathology, provided a really humorous, sarcastic aspect which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Another aspect I really loved was the relationship between Margaret and Fox. He was totally an enigma until the very end and I kept second guessing if he was really a good guy or not. I won't say too much more than that! I can't wait to see what's next for Fox and Margaret.
November 21, 2020
The Wrong Sort to Die by Paula Harmon is a historical mystery/crime thriller and if I enjoy anything its a bit of history mixed in with a dead body or two (or three..depends on the scale of the murdering I guess)!
This story is set in 1910, when women are fighting for any rights and men don't understand the meaning of equality. We meet Dr Margaret Demeray a pathologist who has just discovered a John Doe patient has died and it isn't just Tuberculosis but some type of mysterious illness she can't recognise also. She is determined to discover the truth of his death. Just even attempting to get her male colleagues to take her quite seriously enough or even care because he was a John Doe, is the beginning of an uphill struggle for her.
A story which brings the issues of the 1910s to the fore, we see Margaret is treated as an object and being patronised, despite her position and skills. The men around her in the workplace would rather look her up and down than take her opinions on board. Even against all of this Margaret never gives in, I marvelled at her determination.The class divide, between rich and poor is so apparent and Margaret, as she does in every part of her life, has very firm and clear views on the state of the divide and the unequality in the world she lives.
While reading this I felt like I had stepped back in time. Paula Harmon has recreated the world back then I could have been in that workhouse or wherever Margaret was at the time. A really entertaining, educational and exciting mystery with a brilliant and complex character at the helm. Thank you to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Paula Harmon for the copy of the book so I could write my review today.
This story is set in 1910, when women are fighting for any rights and men don't understand the meaning of equality. We meet Dr Margaret Demeray a pathologist who has just discovered a John Doe patient has died and it isn't just Tuberculosis but some type of mysterious illness she can't recognise also. She is determined to discover the truth of his death. Just even attempting to get her male colleagues to take her quite seriously enough or even care because he was a John Doe, is the beginning of an uphill struggle for her.
A story which brings the issues of the 1910s to the fore, we see Margaret is treated as an object and being patronised, despite her position and skills. The men around her in the workplace would rather look her up and down than take her opinions on board. Even against all of this Margaret never gives in, I marvelled at her determination.The class divide, between rich and poor is so apparent and Margaret, as she does in every part of her life, has very firm and clear views on the state of the divide and the unequality in the world she lives.
While reading this I felt like I had stepped back in time. Paula Harmon has recreated the world back then I could have been in that workhouse or wherever Margaret was at the time. A really entertaining, educational and exciting mystery with a brilliant and complex character at the helm. Thank you to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Paula Harmon for the copy of the book so I could write my review today.
July 8, 2020
Dr Margaret Demeray is a strong, intelligent woman in a not only male dominated profession but also in a male dominated society, it’s this strength of character that drives her to investigate the truth about the strange deaths happening around London, however the more she finds out, the greater the danger she is in.
I was engrossed by the characters, the setting and the storyline from the start, I read this book in four days, and I thoroughly hope there will be more adventures with Margaret and her companions still to come.
I was engrossed by the characters, the setting and the storyline from the start, I read this book in four days, and I thoroughly hope there will be more adventures with Margaret and her companions still to come.
November 15, 2020
"The Wrong Sort to Die" is a truly brilliant book. Full of mystery, humour, and the odd awkward moment, this was a book that I sailed through. Paula Harmon's writing makes you want to keep reading (which is always a good thing - even at 2am!), and the interactions between the characters make this a really solid story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Now I just need to read it all over again!
This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. My thanks to @damppebblesblogtours
This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. My thanks to @damppebblesblogtours
October 26, 2020
Intriguing historical murder mystery
I’m not a fan of so called ‘cosy’ crime or even historical fiction per se, but this pacy and humorous Edwardian set plot has interesting characters and an interesting premise. Dealing with social issues and topics of the day it will draw you in with its warmth. Margaret Demarey has a fan.
I’m not a fan of so called ‘cosy’ crime or even historical fiction per se, but this pacy and humorous Edwardian set plot has interesting characters and an interesting premise. Dealing with social issues and topics of the day it will draw you in with its warmth. Margaret Demarey has a fan.
February 20, 2022
I'm not sure why I didn't like this story a lot more. It had all my favorite elements: a strong female protagonist, an Edwardian London setting, a decent mystery and a bit of romance. Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me. So much so that reading it almost (but not quite) became a chore. It's a fairly well written book, just not for me this time.
July 9, 2020
Very intriguing
I really liked the book. I thought reading it would be short and I liked that it had the other characters from the other book series
I really liked the book. I thought reading it would be short and I liked that it had the other characters from the other book series
August 13, 2020
Not sure what I was expecting, but this felt like it overturned a couple of expectation. Thoroughly enjoyable and I hope to read more from Margaret and Fox.
September 15, 2021
A good read
A good read spoilt by many fluctuations in text size - I cannot believe a publisher would let this slip through - must have occurred during transcription to Kindle
A good read spoilt by many fluctuations in text size - I cannot believe a publisher would let this slip through - must have occurred during transcription to Kindle
February 21, 2023
Initial thoughts:
What a fantastic book. Listened on audiobook and was impressed. Great story, characterisation, (I loved Margaret and how she stood up to all these stuffy men!) And fantastic narration too.
Full review:
Dr Margaret Demeray is a pathologist working in a London hospital for the poor. It is 1910, at a time when it was impossible to be taken seriously as a female in any profession, let alone in a male dominated profession. But Margaret doesn't let this sexism stop her. She battles for acceptance. She is a wonderful character, fearless, caring, and a fantastic female role model.
As the narrative unfolds pathologist Margaret begins to realise there is something untoward happening to the poor fellows who have died. And furthermore what happened to her deceased husband? The more she gets involved, the more she gambles with her own life. Who can she trust? And will anyone believe her?
Is Fox a friend or foe? Can she find love again? And who should she avoid in the romance stakes?
Expect just a touch of romance in this tale. The perfect amount - as this is primarily a historical/mystery with some social commentary about the ill treatment of the poor and women.
A thoroughly immersing read. Well written and engaging.
Highly recommended.
What a fantastic book. Listened on audiobook and was impressed. Great story, characterisation, (I loved Margaret and how she stood up to all these stuffy men!) And fantastic narration too.
Full review:
Dr Margaret Demeray is a pathologist working in a London hospital for the poor. It is 1910, at a time when it was impossible to be taken seriously as a female in any profession, let alone in a male dominated profession. But Margaret doesn't let this sexism stop her. She battles for acceptance. She is a wonderful character, fearless, caring, and a fantastic female role model.
As the narrative unfolds pathologist Margaret begins to realise there is something untoward happening to the poor fellows who have died. And furthermore what happened to her deceased husband? The more she gets involved, the more she gambles with her own life. Who can she trust? And will anyone believe her?
Is Fox a friend or foe? Can she find love again? And who should she avoid in the romance stakes?
Expect just a touch of romance in this tale. The perfect amount - as this is primarily a historical/mystery with some social commentary about the ill treatment of the poor and women.
A thoroughly immersing read. Well written and engaging.
Highly recommended.
May 13, 2025
A mystery revolving around the main character, Dr. Margaret Demeray, set in 1910 London. It’s during the time of the fight for women’s suffrage. Being a woman, Margaret is at a decided disadvantage.
Men that were “the wrong sort to die” are found dead, foaming at the mouth. Dr. Demeray does autopsies and concludes the deaths are extremely strange.
The author has Margaret going over the same thoughts repeatedly. And it was annoying how her boss kept telling her to “take time off.” It didn’t seem like a realistic thing a boss would do in 1910. There were other things too. I wouldn’t recommend this book. It just didn’t land.
Men that were “the wrong sort to die” are found dead, foaming at the mouth. Dr. Demeray does autopsies and concludes the deaths are extremely strange.
The author has Margaret going over the same thoughts repeatedly. And it was annoying how her boss kept telling her to “take time off.” It didn’t seem like a realistic thing a boss would do in 1910. There were other things too. I wouldn’t recommend this book. It just didn’t land.
March 27, 2023
The year is 1910
Europe suspects war is coming. Sufferagists want to vote. Women want options. Men want power and wealth. And Dr. Demerit is trying to figure what has caused the death of this man. As she examines the various parts of the body, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other known factors don't fit with the results of the autopsy. Looking for the how of this death may lead to the who was the cause. But with so many suspects, the answer/s may not come in time. Paula Harmon has started this series with a perfect start in THE WRONG SORT TO DIE.
Europe suspects war is coming. Sufferagists want to vote. Women want options. Men want power and wealth. And Dr. Demerit is trying to figure what has caused the death of this man. As she examines the various parts of the body, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other known factors don't fit with the results of the autopsy. Looking for the how of this death may lead to the who was the cause. But with so many suspects, the answer/s may not come in time. Paula Harmon has started this series with a perfect start in THE WRONG SORT TO DIE.
January 19, 2025
Once again an unputtdownable read from Paula Harmon. The mix of the historical setting and her characters makes for a real and entertaining read. A fascinating read which draws you into the era. You feel as if you can interact with the characters and understand their feelings and predicaments especially as this is one strong woman in a man’s world.
Highly recommended with more stories to come I am sure.
Highly recommended with more stories to come I am sure.
September 1, 2021
A good novel, sometimes witty and always with much action! Set in 1910 in London, the novel deals with the discovery of new symptoms of supposedly tuberculosis. Margaret, a pathologist and fervent feminist will realise at her own expense that danger is much bigger than she could possibly imagine while looking into it....
January 15, 2022
Thrills and fun in equal parts
Memorable characters, a heroine who is smart, resourceful, and fun, and a plot reminiscent of John Buchan’s pre-war spy stories and Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries, this series is off to a thrilling start. The period details add the finishing touch to a superb novel. Pathologist Margaret Demeray and the mysterious Fox are just what the doctor ordered for fans of historical mysteries and political thrillers.
Memorable characters, a heroine who is smart, resourceful, and fun, and a plot reminiscent of John Buchan’s pre-war spy stories and Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries, this series is off to a thrilling start. The period details add the finishing touch to a superb novel. Pathologist Margaret Demeray and the mysterious Fox are just what the doctor ordered for fans of historical mysteries and political thrillers.
December 31, 2024
Wonderful mystery. Great characters.
This was an enthralling read. The characters
are well done. It will keep you guessing till the end. I only wish I could have read about the 'bad guys' getting their day in court. I would like to have seen how that played out. I highly recommend this book.
This was an enthralling read. The characters
are well done. It will keep you guessing till the end. I only wish I could have read about the 'bad guys' getting their day in court. I would like to have seen how that played out. I highly recommend this book.
February 17, 2023
A good story.
This is a "new to me" author and I liked the story. The plot is easily followed, the characters are interesting, and the premise appalling. You as the reader will understand what I mean about that last bit, once you read the book. I do recommend this book.
This is a "new to me" author and I liked the story. The plot is easily followed, the characters are interesting, and the premise appalling. You as the reader will understand what I mean about that last bit, once you read the book. I do recommend this book.
July 14, 2024
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story of a female pathologist in 1910, when very few women had a profession, it is very well written and keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story of a female pathologist in 1910, when very few women had a profession, it is very well written and keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews