The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber - This debut novel seemed to have everything I would personally be looking for in a good read. It's set in the 1800s, in Scotland. There is a mystery to solve. The lead character is a woman who doesn't quite fit the norms of her society. For the most part, the story delivered on its promises. The story is told by its title character, Lady Kiera Darby, who is the widow of an anatomist. Her background is given a bit at a time - at the outset, all we know is that she is in attendance at a house party when the murder is discovered. Along the way, we find out about her widowed state, and that hers had been a loveless marriage. Further, we find that she was an eccentric artist, and that had been the reason for her marriage - her late husband had been an anatomist and had been working on producing an illustrated book of human anatomy, using the drawings he had her make as he performed dissections.
The author doesn't waste any time getting started with the plot, as the murder victim is discovered in the very first paragraph. Without any clear indication of who the murderer is, all the guests are confined to the estate until the procurator fiscal can arrive, and while a guest with some background in investigation tries to find answers. Sebastian Gage is the investigator, and Kiera is called upon to assist because of her familiarity with anatomy and autopsies. She is also subjected to the spite and suspicion of many of her fellow guests because of her unusual past. As she and Mr Gage hunt for clues to solve the murder, there are hints that there may be a romance between them in the offing, and Kiera's narration refers to her own conflicting emotions and impressions of Mr Gage. I found that Mr Gage's character was not very well-developed, and I suppose that is partially because of the first person narrative that sees him only through Kiera's eyes.
Overall, the mystery and investigation was skillfully told, and the sense of suspense kept me turning pages and trying to guess the next development. The final solution and climax was perhaps over-dramatic and a bit far-fetched, but after all, the murderer is a madman. Despite the few places where I felt that the story was missing a bit of background or character development, I really enjoyed the reading and look forward to the next book in this series.
The author doesn't waste any time getting started with the plot, as the murder victim is discovered in the very first paragraph. Without any clear indication of who the murderer is, all the guests are confined to the estate until the procurator fiscal can arrive, and while a guest with some background in investigation tries to find answers. Sebastian Gage is the investigator, and Kiera is called upon to assist because of her familiarity with anatomy and autopsies. She is also subjected to the spite and suspicion of many of her fellow guests because of her unusual past. As she and Mr Gage hunt for clues to solve the murder, there are hints that there may be a romance between them in the offing, and Kiera's narration refers to her own conflicting emotions and impressions of Mr Gage. I found that Mr Gage's character was not very well-developed, and I suppose that is partially because of the first person narrative that sees him only through Kiera's eyes.
Overall, the mystery and investigation was skillfully told, and the sense of suspense kept me turning pages and trying to guess the next development. The final solution and climax was perhaps over-dramatic and a bit far-fetched, but after all, the murderer is a madman. Despite the few places where I felt that the story was missing a bit of background or character development, I really enjoyed the reading and look forward to the next book in this series.
(Book #7 in the 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge)
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Like the sounds of this one. Adding to my wishlist.
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