Dr. Julia Lewis

Patrice McDonough: A Slash of Emerald

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Dr. Julia Lewis #2

This new series featuring a female doctor in Victorian England is one to enjoy.   Protagonist Dr. Julia Lewis began the first book called out on a criminal case, and by this one, the second,  the police have quickly learned that although she may be female, she can help them solve difficult problems.  Of course she also has a regular practice,  but the focus of the books is her work with the authorities, specifically one very attractive yet damaged Inspector.

While I loved the first installment, it was jam packed, as are many scene setting series debuts,  while this sequel benefits greatly from a more focused plot.  As the story opens, Dr. Julia is called in to perform a pelvic exam on a woman who was assaulted while walking close to an army barracks.  Under British law at the time, the woman was required to be examined for infectious disease, while the man was not, and Inspector Tennant asks Julia to perform this exam, thinking it will be easier for the victim when conducted by a member of the same sex. She agrees. read more

Patrice McDonough: Murder by Lamplight

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Debut

If I were a magic eight ball, I’d say that all signs point to this satisfying and enjoyable debut setting up a series with a long, long run.  Set in London in 1866, the central character is Dr. Julia Lewis, an American educated physician (it was not possible for women to get a degree in England at the time) who is running her grandfather’s practice. But because he is ill, when the office gets the order to attend to a murder victim, it’s Julia who must take the call.

The dead man is a priest, found mutilated and naked, and though the police on the scene are initially a bit shocked at Julia’s gender, they eventually accept her expertise.  Inspector Tennant is controlled and quiet, and he and the doctor begin awkwardly, but gradually smooth things out. read more