Murder by Moonrise
Dr. Julia Lewis #3
By Patrice McDonough
ISBN 9781496746429
Author’s website: patricemcdonough1789.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
London’s first woman doctor and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective find their holidays sidelined by a murderer threatening the royal family in this historically rich, gritty mystery set in Victorian London.
1867: For commoners and nobility alike, the Isle of Wight is an ideal holiday destination. Queen Victoria and her family frequently spend time at Osborne House, their stunning coastal residence. For the next few days, the island will also be home to Dr. Julia Lewis, who is traveling with her grandfather and her great-aunt. But despite the pleasant surroundings, Julia is beset by worries.
Julia and Inspector Richard Tennant grew close during their last investigation, but he abruptly left England on a dangerous chase. She has heard nothing from him in weeks; meanwhile her maid, Kate, is nervous about rising anti-Irish sentiment. Editorials call for harsh retaliation against those determined to rid Ireland of British rule.
When Julia is called to perform an autopsy on drowning victim Lizzie Dowling, a young, Irish-born servant at Osborne House and a favorite of Princess Louise, she discovers that the girl was pregnant. Was her death a suicide? The distraught princess is eager for answers, and as Julia digs deeper, a second tragedy points to murder and perhaps a political scandal. There are rumors of smugglers funneling weapons to Ireland—and assassins who would target the Queen herself.
Motives abound but time is in short supply—and every day brings deeper urgency and threats that neither riches nor royalty may withstand . . . (from Goodreads)
Review:
Indeed, it is as the Goodreads synopsis states, “historically rich, gritty”. Intense. And so much more. Julia was one of the first woman doctor practicing in London, but many were unwilling to acknowledge her as a doctor. She attended medical school in America to earn the degree required to practice in England. Many fascinating historical events and cultural standards are included that enrich the reader’s experience without overwhelming the story.
Julia’s priorities were her clinic and her private practice, and had not sought romantic relationships. Few men in 1867 would want their wife to work, much less as a doctor. She and the detective inspector she helped with cases, Richard, had grown close over time, and he wanted her to consider a future with him. Then, he left without a word. He took a six month leave from Scotland Yard to pursue a criminal from a past case. She was concerned for his well-being and whether he had given up on a future with her.
Julia met her beloved grandfather and great aunt for a much-needed break on the Isle of Wight. She was delighted to spend time with Dr. Andrew Lewis and his sister, Caroline. It was October, the end of the yachting season. The Prince of Wales and some of the royal family and staff were there.
The first full day of her vacation, Julia was asked to perform the autopsy of a young woman by Sir Charles, a med school classmate of her grandfather. The doctor who usually did them was unavailable, and Sir Charles no longer could see well enough to do so.
Lizzie, a young Irish housemaid for the royal household and a favorite of Princess Louise, had been found at the ruins of an abbey where she often went on her half-day off. Lizzie was pregnant. She had drowned in a well, leaving evidence of trying to save herself. Accident? Murder? It was impossible to tell if she fell or was pushed.
Lizzie’s death was the first. Others soon followed, several that could be associated with Lizzie’s that were proven murders. A friend of the princesses was shot, and it appeared as if Princess Louise was the target.
The Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood (IRB) was active, fighting to separate Ireland from British rule. Those with Irish and Catholic ancestry were in danger from the English, due to the many targeted British victims. A huge shipment of rifles from France was missing, suspected to have been somehow re-routed to the IRB. Threats, and actual attempts had been made to assassinate Queen Victoria, then other royal family members.
There was a core group of women that included Julia, two princesses, and their friends. I learned a bit about titles and that even ladies-in-waiting had ranks. The first person who died, Lizzie, was a sweet young woman that one of the princesses loved as a close friend. Most of the women were likable and engaging. I was not fond of the men who clustered with Bertie, the Prince of Wales. Several, even those married, were reckless womanizers, caring not for the feelings of their wives. Women’s lives in those days were already challenging, but that of an unmarried princess was far too complicated! For example, being daughter of the queen meant that the queen chose one’s husband, often a royal in another country. Some characters provided comic relief, while others were serious or duplicitous. Julia, Lady Susan, and Princess Louise were among my favorites.
At every step, the mastermind behind the murders played games with the inspectors and coppers. Some involved in the crimes deceived co-workers and family as they hid their traitorous or murderous plots. There was a bit of romance and more than one surprise. This is not a mystery one can hurry through – it almost demands time to savor. I wouldn’t have missed a page of it! Especially as the bad guys began to be revealed. I highly recommend this mystery, and series, especially to those who like mysteries set in Victorian England, with a mixture of societal layers, a little bit of romance, and a lot of suspense.
