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A Marshall House Mystery #1
Chorus of the Dead
1867 - Morgue surgeon at one of London's most prestigious hospitals, Dr. Peter Ainsley is familiar with the smells of the dead and the dying but when the brilliant, young doctor is summoned to a small English town in the north his ability to keep his patients at a cold, comfortable distance is put to the test.
Convinced the untimely death of a twelve year old girl, Josephine Lloyd was an act of poison, Ainsley and the local physician Dr. Bennett must battle the wealthy and stubborn Lloyd family to gain access to the body of the girl, knowing an autopsy is their only chance to detect what ended the young girl's life. Even as her older sister, Lillian, languishes in bed fearing the poison will take her as well, the family remains obstinate. When Dr. Bennett is found dead in his own house, the rebellious Ainsley has no choice but to take matters into his own hands if he is to save the life of the beautiful Lillian Lloyd.
The love-struck surgeon soon finds himself tangled in a web of deceit and betrayal ultimately leading him to the murderer he never suspected.
Convinced the untimely death of a twelve year old girl, Josephine Lloyd was an act of poison, Ainsley and the local physician Dr. Bennett must battle the wealthy and stubborn Lloyd family to gain access to the body of the girl, knowing an autopsy is their only chance to detect what ended the young girl's life. Even as her older sister, Lillian, languishes in bed fearing the poison will take her as well, the family remains obstinate. When Dr. Bennett is found dead in his own house, the rebellious Ainsley has no choice but to take matters into his own hands if he is to save the life of the beautiful Lillian Lloyd.
The love-struck surgeon soon finds himself tangled in a web of deceit and betrayal ultimately leading him to the murderer he never suspected.
290 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2012
18 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Tracy L. Ward
13 books83 followersA former journalist and graduate from Humber College's School for Writers, Tracy Ward has been hard at work developing her favourite protagonist, Peter Ainsley, and chronicling his adventures as a young surgeon in Victorian England. Her first book featuring Peter Ainsley, titled CHORUS OF THE DEAD, was released in 2012. Since then the series has grown to include six books with a seventh, a Christmas mystery, set for release in Fall 2018.
Her website can be found at www.gothicmysterywriter.blogspot.com. Tracy Ward is currently working on a new Victorian series set in Toronto. She lives near Barrie, Ontario with her husband and two teenagers.
Her website can be found at www.gothicmysterywriter.blogspot.com. Tracy Ward is currently working on a new Victorian series set in Toronto. She lives near Barrie, Ontario with her husband and two teenagers.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 8, 2023
I am feeling generous. The book starts out as one thing and ends as a completely different book.
November 18, 2014
I hate being a book critic
I am required to tell you that I received this book free from the author in return for an honest review. That being said, how honest do you think people who receive free books really are? Not that honest if they want to continue getting free books (authors gossip worse then fish-wives). I am always afraid that people won't trust the review, because it's a free book. And I would hate to discourage a potentially good future writer, just because one book didn't hit the mark. I mean really- even Mr. King has had a not so great story. (although for the life of me I can't think of one).
This book really deserves a 3 1/2 star review but since there are no half stars. And since this has been told to Amazon by just about every book critic who posts on Amazon and they refuse to change the scoring system, some authors just get a little less than what they deserve. Also I have to add that the editing, grammar, and punctuation, in this book -not so good. And that counts, and poor grammar skills are the main reason I read books instead of writing them.
This cute little book started out terrific and ended - not so much. The story began in foggy, creepy London ( don't we all love that). And ended up neatly tied in a predictable bow at the end. (And I really hate that). The main characters had potential, but to much foreshadowing and the presence of to much alcohol and vomiting and then no romance at all, even where it's necessary turns this book into a Hardy Boys mystery at the end. Don't get me wrong, romance isn't my genre either but pick a side, either there's some romance or there isn't. What saves this book is the potential that the author has since she has written two more books in this series, giving her a chance to redeem herself. I have enough money (luckily) to spend buying the next two books, to see if the author gets it together, so I did. Back in my younger days when every book purchase meant less food money, I wouldn't have done so. So buy at your own level of money and risk. If the next two books get better, I'll let you know. Until then, ok read, ok plot, good characters, and we all love a charade - so get rid of the adds-no-meaning to the plot line ghost-girl and I will see you other readers soon, for the remaining two books. As far as purchasing THIS particular book. It was good for free, but probably just ok if you have to buy it. Let your stomach do the answering for you. See you soon
I am required to tell you that I received this book free from the author in return for an honest review. That being said, how honest do you think people who receive free books really are? Not that honest if they want to continue getting free books (authors gossip worse then fish-wives). I am always afraid that people won't trust the review, because it's a free book. And I would hate to discourage a potentially good future writer, just because one book didn't hit the mark. I mean really- even Mr. King has had a not so great story. (although for the life of me I can't think of one).
This book really deserves a 3 1/2 star review but since there are no half stars. And since this has been told to Amazon by just about every book critic who posts on Amazon and they refuse to change the scoring system, some authors just get a little less than what they deserve. Also I have to add that the editing, grammar, and punctuation, in this book -not so good. And that counts, and poor grammar skills are the main reason I read books instead of writing them.
This cute little book started out terrific and ended - not so much. The story began in foggy, creepy London ( don't we all love that). And ended up neatly tied in a predictable bow at the end. (And I really hate that). The main characters had potential, but to much foreshadowing and the presence of to much alcohol and vomiting and then no romance at all, even where it's necessary turns this book into a Hardy Boys mystery at the end. Don't get me wrong, romance isn't my genre either but pick a side, either there's some romance or there isn't. What saves this book is the potential that the author has since she has written two more books in this series, giving her a chance to redeem herself. I have enough money (luckily) to spend buying the next two books, to see if the author gets it together, so I did. Back in my younger days when every book purchase meant less food money, I wouldn't have done so. So buy at your own level of money and risk. If the next two books get better, I'll let you know. Until then, ok read, ok plot, good characters, and we all love a charade - so get rid of the adds-no-meaning to the plot line ghost-girl and I will see you other readers soon, for the remaining two books. As far as purchasing THIS particular book. It was good for free, but probably just ok if you have to buy it. Let your stomach do the answering for you. See you soon
November 4, 2014
This is book one of the Peter Ainsley Mystery Books. I was asked to read and review this book. I would have read this book anyway, because it did attract my attention. Dr. Ainsley is told to go to a neighboring town and help Dr. Bennett. Dr Bennett has a young girl that has died a horrible and painful death. Her sister Lillian, is also very ill with the same symptoms. The oldest sister has not yet shown any signs of illness. Dr. Bennett fears that the cause of the illness and death may be poisoning. He hopes the very wealthy family Lloyd will let his colleague, Dr. Ainsley perform an autopsy. The two doctors find out that Mr. Lloyd has also died of a strange illness. two deaths in one family that seem to be poisoning? That is strange indeed. Then to make matters worse, Dr. Bennett is struck ill with what seems like the same sickness the same day after the young Josephine' s funeral. You have to read this book. it is full of twists and turns and keeps you guessing till the very end. Highly recommended!!!
July 28, 2014
A solid start to a compelling Victorian Gothic mystery series! I read all 3 books in the series in 5 days-- devoured them!! I was reminded of PB Ryan's Nell Sweeney series- a favorite of mine. Love the setting, adore the characters and the mystery, as well as the process, was well-executed.
September 20, 2018
Suspenseful medical mystery. Very well done.
-It’s November of 1867 in London, England. Dr. Peter Ainsley, a 26 year old surgeon, is in a hospital conducting an autopsy of a deceased woman, trying to discover a reason why this young, attractive and single woman took her own life by drowning. He needed some explanation to give to the family as her death made no sense. His superior felt he was wasting hospital time on this as they only had to note cause of death, which was by drowning, but Dr. Ainsley has to go further and ultimately discovered she had been pregnant.
-Admonished by Dr. Crawford, his superior, for spending the extra time on the case, he was nonetheless ordered to go on an assignment for a week. In the country, there was a Doctor Bennett who was an acquaintance of Ainsley’s boss who needed help in determining the cause of an ailment that was afflicting a family.
-Dr. Ainsley lived about a half hour walk from the hospital and we now find out that his name is not Dr. Peter Ainsley but Peter Marshall, second son of one of the wealthiest men of England. Peter’s father is a tyrant and the relationship between father is son is exceedingly strained, especially because of the vocation that Peter chose. A surgeon was considered a laborer and it was beneath the social station of their family for Peter to engage in it, which was the reason Peter took on the pseudonym of Peter Ainsley.
-Peter’s mother had separated from his father and lived in one of the country estates. Peter’s younger sister was very close to Peter, and was very interested in the work he was doing. His older brother, who was heir to the estate, was a drunk and a womanizer, like the father, so that the two brothers had very little in common.
-Peter, being trained as a surgeon, finds himself out of his element when he meets Dr. Bennett. Peter was originally called in to assist in the examination of the body of Josephine Lloyd, a 12 year old girl who had succumbed quickly to an unknown illness that seemed to have attached itself to her older sister, Lillian. Where Peter’s talents lay in examining a corpse to determine cause of death, those talents would be of no use here. Dr. Bennett explained that Mrs. Lloyd, Josephine’s mother, has refused to grant permission to conduct an autopsy.
-The situation gets complicated as certain family secrets are uncovered by Peter’s sister Margaret, and she travels to meet Peter, accompanied, fortunately, by Peter’s friend and former schoolmate, Jonas. The illness of Lillian leads them to believe that poison was involved, but before they have a chance to confirm it, Dr. Bennett is struck down with a malady and dies within hours.
-Peter, along with Jonas, unite to conduct an autopsy of Dr. Bennett, and are assisted by Margaret, who proves herself to be of a strong constitution and very capable at performing an autopsy alongside the men. The results reveal that the doctor was poisoned, and it’s now up to the group to determine which of the eccentric household could have been the murderer, while being on their guard with the fear that any of them could also be the next victim.
-This is a tightly written story, with believable characters who are each flawed in their own way. Very interesting, with many side plots which converge at the end and the suspense is maintained throughout.
-It’s November of 1867 in London, England. Dr. Peter Ainsley, a 26 year old surgeon, is in a hospital conducting an autopsy of a deceased woman, trying to discover a reason why this young, attractive and single woman took her own life by drowning. He needed some explanation to give to the family as her death made no sense. His superior felt he was wasting hospital time on this as they only had to note cause of death, which was by drowning, but Dr. Ainsley has to go further and ultimately discovered she had been pregnant.
-Admonished by Dr. Crawford, his superior, for spending the extra time on the case, he was nonetheless ordered to go on an assignment for a week. In the country, there was a Doctor Bennett who was an acquaintance of Ainsley’s boss who needed help in determining the cause of an ailment that was afflicting a family.
-Dr. Ainsley lived about a half hour walk from the hospital and we now find out that his name is not Dr. Peter Ainsley but Peter Marshall, second son of one of the wealthiest men of England. Peter’s father is a tyrant and the relationship between father is son is exceedingly strained, especially because of the vocation that Peter chose. A surgeon was considered a laborer and it was beneath the social station of their family for Peter to engage in it, which was the reason Peter took on the pseudonym of Peter Ainsley.
-Peter’s mother had separated from his father and lived in one of the country estates. Peter’s younger sister was very close to Peter, and was very interested in the work he was doing. His older brother, who was heir to the estate, was a drunk and a womanizer, like the father, so that the two brothers had very little in common.
-Peter, being trained as a surgeon, finds himself out of his element when he meets Dr. Bennett. Peter was originally called in to assist in the examination of the body of Josephine Lloyd, a 12 year old girl who had succumbed quickly to an unknown illness that seemed to have attached itself to her older sister, Lillian. Where Peter’s talents lay in examining a corpse to determine cause of death, those talents would be of no use here. Dr. Bennett explained that Mrs. Lloyd, Josephine’s mother, has refused to grant permission to conduct an autopsy.
-The situation gets complicated as certain family secrets are uncovered by Peter’s sister Margaret, and she travels to meet Peter, accompanied, fortunately, by Peter’s friend and former schoolmate, Jonas. The illness of Lillian leads them to believe that poison was involved, but before they have a chance to confirm it, Dr. Bennett is struck down with a malady and dies within hours.
-Peter, along with Jonas, unite to conduct an autopsy of Dr. Bennett, and are assisted by Margaret, who proves herself to be of a strong constitution and very capable at performing an autopsy alongside the men. The results reveal that the doctor was poisoned, and it’s now up to the group to determine which of the eccentric household could have been the murderer, while being on their guard with the fear that any of them could also be the next victim.
-This is a tightly written story, with believable characters who are each flawed in their own way. Very interesting, with many side plots which converge at the end and the suspense is maintained throughout.
October 27, 2019
I can't put my finger on if but I didn't particularly like this book. I didn't really like the characters and most of them acted like spoiled teenagers rather than adults.
I expected a little more drama and mystery but there was the icky infatuation of the doctor, the whole bit about the mother & the ghost.. It just didn't seem to go together somehow. Is it a mystery or a romance or a ghost story.? I don't know but it wasn't the book for me.
I expected a little more drama and mystery but there was the icky infatuation of the doctor, the whole bit about the mother & the ghost.. It just didn't seem to go together somehow. Is it a mystery or a romance or a ghost story.? I don't know but it wasn't the book for me.
November 3, 2019
Loved this series.
February 16, 2025
The ending won me over.
August 21, 2017
I really, really hate a badly researched book. The constant use of the word "okay" in Victorian England hit that button hard. The rest of it wasn't all that great, either.
June 11, 2016
I liked this book well enough that I fully intend to read the second book in the series at some point, however I wasn’t so enamored with it that I feel compelled to binge read the series.
Good points of this book include:
• The author has done an admirable job creating characters that should sustain a series. I’m particularly fond of Jonas and Margret.
• It’s very well plotted.
• If you like grisly reads, there’s plenty of bodily fluids and dissections
• There’s lots of creepy foreshadowing.
• Flawed characters that aren’t always likeable
• The author is clearly fond of and familiar with the Victorian Era
• The story is very well plotted
Things that irritated me about the story include:
• The characters aren’t consistent (which I realize mirror real life, but in this case it sometimes felt like I was getting whiplash while reading)
• The author tends to be heavy handed with her injection of historical data
• She failed to give the suspense time to really build
• Some of her foreshadowing, which should have been pertinent to this story led nowhere.
Good points of this book include:
• The author has done an admirable job creating characters that should sustain a series. I’m particularly fond of Jonas and Margret.
• It’s very well plotted.
• If you like grisly reads, there’s plenty of bodily fluids and dissections
• There’s lots of creepy foreshadowing.
• Flawed characters that aren’t always likeable
• The author is clearly fond of and familiar with the Victorian Era
• The story is very well plotted
Things that irritated me about the story include:
• The characters aren’t consistent (which I realize mirror real life, but in this case it sometimes felt like I was getting whiplash while reading)
• The author tends to be heavy handed with her injection of historical data
• She failed to give the suspense time to really build
• Some of her foreshadowing, which should have been pertinent to this story led nowhere.
November 25, 2016
This was a very good introduction to the series. I cannot wait to read the other 4 in the 5 book series. I have bought them for my Kindle for Christmas.
In this story we are introduced to morgue surgeon Dr. Peter Ainsley of 1867. There is very little respect for his chosen profession but when it is needed there are many who demand his help.
A poisoning brings the good doctor to the attention of a family that is caught by society's strings and their own secrets. In order to save the lovely Lillian Dr. Ainsley must put every ounce of his knowledge to the case.
How awful the ending is, but so very satisfying!
In this story we are introduced to morgue surgeon Dr. Peter Ainsley of 1867. There is very little respect for his chosen profession but when it is needed there are many who demand his help.
A poisoning brings the good doctor to the attention of a family that is caught by society's strings and their own secrets. In order to save the lovely Lillian Dr. Ainsley must put every ounce of his knowledge to the case.
How awful the ending is, but so very satisfying!
November 18, 2014
I received this book for free for writing a honest review.
Dr. Peter Ainsley is familiar with the dead, it is his living but sick patients that he has trouble with. He is sent to to assist a local physician with the untimely death of a young girl. Dr. Ainsley believes that poison is the method that killed the young girl, but receives no assistance from the girl's family. Fantastic book that will surprise you in the end.
Dr. Peter Ainsley is familiar with the dead, it is his living but sick patients that he has trouble with. He is sent to to assist a local physician with the untimely death of a young girl. Dr. Ainsley believes that poison is the method that killed the young girl, but receives no assistance from the girl's family. Fantastic book that will surprise you in the end.
December 10, 2014
I initially started this book with a great deal of enthusiasm. Intriguing characters and setting. However, the numerous grammatical and editing errors provided a distraction. The last half of the book really dragged but I kept plugging along hoping it would get better. I had figured out the culprit about 75% of the way in but decided to finish the book hoping there would be a twist. I will not be continuing with this series.
January 23, 2015
I am sorry to say that this book just didn't do it for me. I wanted to like it, but after about 50 pages I found I was forcing myself to finish it because I didn't want an unfinished book on my shelf already. It was a lot like a couple of other books I have read. I like more of the grit and grime and suspense-- this was truly like the movie Gosford Park (which was a terrific movie) -- more about society and the upper class and less about the mystery and suspense.
September 18, 2014
A very solid 3.5 stars. This was a fast read because it kept me reading. I agree with Casey's reveiw that they also reminded me of the Nell Sweeney mysteries that I also loved. I really enjoyed meeting the new characters in this book. I am holding back my fourth star because I felt like the motive of the murderer wasn't fully fleshed out. I have already moved on to the second in this series!
January 26, 2017
November 1867, London - and Dr. Peter Ainsley is asked to visit Picklow, in Norfolk to help a Dr. Bennett to explain the death of Josephine Lloyd, and help in the diagnosis of another daughter Lillian. Can Ainsley stop the deaths and who is the guilty party.
An entertaining tale with some interesting characters which I look forward to read about in the next book.
An entertaining tale with some interesting characters which I look forward to read about in the next book.
November 3, 2014
This book reeled me in from the first page. I received it free in exchange for an honest review. Found it fantastic. Love the time period and the hero, Peter Ainsley, is superb. Definitely going to read the other books in this series.
November 9, 2014
Enjoyable read!
I like medical mysteries and especially historical mysteries. This book kept my attention throughout. I also enjoyed the side stories that contributed to the characters.
I like medical mysteries and especially historical mysteries. This book kept my attention throughout. I also enjoyed the side stories that contributed to the characters.
November 20, 2014
Definitely a great read.
Solid characters and well developed story line. I would recommend to all who enjoy thrillers. I received this book free for giving a fair and honest review.
Solid characters and well developed story line. I would recommend to all who enjoy thrillers. I received this book free for giving a fair and honest review.
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July 31, 2015Loved it. I like that it is a period piece but does not go on and on with descriptions of everything to make you believe the author knows about that time period. It gives enough description to explain the time and scene but doesn't make you want to skip pages. Very interesting main character.
December 30, 2013
Rife with historical inaccuracies and an aggressively obvious mystery, Chorus of the Dead, by Tracy L. Ward, still manages to entertain. A guilty pleasure.
August 5, 2014
It was a little gruesome for me. However, it is well written and excellent research went into the book.
February 19, 2015
3.5 stars.
April 24, 2015
Very slow and somewhat disjointed
September 24, 2016
A very nice beginning to an interesting series.
March 29, 2017
I got this on Amazon as a freebie and it's okay. I don't hate it, I don't love it enough to want to read more in the series. I could kind of take it or leave it. I did pick up on the plot twist within the last few chapters and I do have to admit the author got me there.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews