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Dr Dody McCleland #3
The Scent of Murder
'If a black dog appears along the old corpse way, the route a funeral procession takes to the churchyard, it is thought to be escorting the dead soul to the afterlife. A black dog sighting without a funeral procession, however, is supposed to foreshadow death.'
For Doctor Dody McCleland, the unearthing of an ancient skeleton in a dry riverbed is a welcome break from the monotony of chaperoning her younger sister at a country house near the isolated hamlet of Piltdown. But when she begins her analysis of the bones, Britain's first female autopsy surgeon discovers they are much more recent - and they are the result of murder.
With Chief Inspector Matthew Pike's help Dody begins to investigate. Soon she finds herself pitted against ugly traditionalism, exploitation, spectral dogs, a ghostly hunt and a series of events that not only threaten her belief in scientific rationalism, but threaten her life itself.
For Doctor Dody McCleland, the unearthing of an ancient skeleton in a dry riverbed is a welcome break from the monotony of chaperoning her younger sister at a country house near the isolated hamlet of Piltdown. But when she begins her analysis of the bones, Britain's first female autopsy surgeon discovers they are much more recent - and they are the result of murder.
With Chief Inspector Matthew Pike's help Dody begins to investigate. Soon she finds herself pitted against ugly traditionalism, exploitation, spectral dogs, a ghostly hunt and a series of events that not only threaten her belief in scientific rationalism, but threaten her life itself.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
58 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Felicity Young
16 books94 followersI was born in Germany and educated at an English boarding school while my parents travelled the world with the British army. I think the long boring plane trips home played an important part in helping me to develop my creative imagination.
I settled with my parents in Western Australia in 1976, became a nurse, married young and had three children. Not surprisingly, it took ten years to complete an Arts degree (English lit) at UWA.
In 1990 my family and I moved to a small farm 40 kilometers NE of Perth (Western Australia) where I established a Suffolk sheep stud, reared orphan kangaroos and embarked upon a life of crime writing.
I settled with my parents in Western Australia in 1976, became a nurse, married young and had three children. Not surprisingly, it took ten years to complete an Arts degree (English lit) at UWA.
In 1990 my family and I moved to a small farm 40 kilometers NE of Perth (Western Australia) where I established a Suffolk sheep stud, reared orphan kangaroos and embarked upon a life of crime writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 26, 2016
This is number three in a series which keeps getting better with each book. In this one Dody and Pike continue their excellent relationship, despite many obstacles, and even Florence is tolerable
Each book of the series seems to deal with a different social issue of the day and this time it is the workhouse. For a change events take place outside the city where Dody and Florence are visiting a country house. Consequently we also get a chance to see fox hunting and feudalism in action. The author presents her historical information in an enjoyable and easy to read way.
One fun aspect of this series is the way we see forensic science developing both in the mortuary for Dody and police work for Pike. They really had so little to base their decisions on in those days and I am sure a lot of people went to prison based more on guess work than fact.
I am looking forward to the next book.
Each book of the series seems to deal with a different social issue of the day and this time it is the workhouse. For a change events take place outside the city where Dody and Florence are visiting a country house. Consequently we also get a chance to see fox hunting and feudalism in action. The author presents her historical information in an enjoyable and easy to read way.
One fun aspect of this series is the way we see forensic science developing both in the mortuary for Dody and police work for Pike. They really had so little to base their decisions on in those days and I am sure a lot of people went to prison based more on guess work than fact.
I am looking forward to the next book.
September 4, 2016
4.5★s
Doctor Dody McCleland and her sister Florence were residing at a country house near Piltdown when bones were discovered by Tristram, young master of the house and Florence’s beau. At first thought to be ancient, Dody’s autopsy discovered they were instead the bones of a young woman, whose death would have occurred within the past ten years – but it was the discovery that the death was murder which set in motion the events of the following weeks.
With Chief Inspector Matthew Pike by her side, Dody began the investigation. Their resultant discoveries shocked them both – from ghostly hauntings, black dogs and superstitions that were rife in the area, to the inclusion of the workhouse, orphans and corruption within the local constabulary, the danger to Dody, Pike and Florence was immediate…
The Scent of Murder by Aussie author Felicity Young is the third in the Dr Dody McCleland series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The deepening relationship between Dody and Pike continued; and Florence, with the sisters being out of London, is seen in a different light in this episode. The Scent of Murder is a great historical mystery which I loved and highly recommend.
Doctor Dody McCleland and her sister Florence were residing at a country house near Piltdown when bones were discovered by Tristram, young master of the house and Florence’s beau. At first thought to be ancient, Dody’s autopsy discovered they were instead the bones of a young woman, whose death would have occurred within the past ten years – but it was the discovery that the death was murder which set in motion the events of the following weeks.
With Chief Inspector Matthew Pike by her side, Dody began the investigation. Their resultant discoveries shocked them both – from ghostly hauntings, black dogs and superstitions that were rife in the area, to the inclusion of the workhouse, orphans and corruption within the local constabulary, the danger to Dody, Pike and Florence was immediate…
The Scent of Murder by Aussie author Felicity Young is the third in the Dr Dody McCleland series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The deepening relationship between Dody and Pike continued; and Florence, with the sisters being out of London, is seen in a different light in this episode. The Scent of Murder is a great historical mystery which I loved and highly recommend.
July 18, 2015
This third installment in the excellent series featuring Edwardian autopsy surgeon Dody McCleland is just as good as the first two. Dody accompanies her suffragette sister Florence and her new beau Tristam to a long weekend at his family's country estate. Tristam is very excited about Dody's presence as he wants her to examine some bones he found in a clay bed on the estate as he believes they might be even older that the bones of Piltdown man recently found nearby. However, when Dody discovers that the bones are much more recent the police are called in and Dody's lover, Inspector Matthew Pike becomes involved in the investigation.
Dody and Pike must use all their cleverness to uncover the secrets and corruption hidden amongst the residents of the estate and the small town of Piltdown. There are also strange goings-on at the local poorhouse which come to light and highlight the inequalities of the way society treated women and the poor and homeless at the time. I enjoy the way that the author supports her commentary on Edwardian society with excellent research and use of actual historical figures.
October 13, 2018
I found this book difficult to put down, and rather enjoyable, even if some of the descriptions of nineteenth century medicine did make me blanch a lot. The action picked up from the first page, building up to a lovely climax. I would have preferred more of a resolution, but was delighted with what was written. I will have to continue this series.
May 10, 2014
The Scent of Murder is the third remarkable installment in Felicity Young's historical mystery series featuring Dr Dody McCleland, autopsy surgeon. It follows A Dissection of Murder and Antidote to Murder, both five star reads, which impressed me with their rich historical setting, superb characterisation and intriguing plots.
When, in The Scent of Murder, a human skeleton is discovered buried in a stream bed in the grounds of Fitzgibbon Hall the guests, present for a four day house party, speculate the bones could be thousands of years old. Dody, reluctantly chaperoning her younger sister Florence and her new beau, Tristam, volunteers to examine the remains, glad of the excuse to forgo participation in the fox hunt and avoid their lecherous host, Tristam's uncle, Sir Desmond. With careful analysis, Dody concludes the bones have lain hidden for no more than ten years and the skeleton is that of a young female murdered by gunshot. Evidence found with the body suggests the girl was a resident of the local poorhouse but no one seems interested in identifying her, or hunting for her killer, so Dody calls on the help of her paramour, Chief Detective Inspector Matthew Pike of Scotland Yard. Together their investigation uncovers a conspiracy of greed, ghostly visions, and a predator who will stop at nothing to protect his deviant secrets.
The pace of this mystery is perhaps a little more sedate that previous installments but lacks none of the clever and well crafted plotting I have come to expect from Felicity Young. The 'cold case' is the catalyst for unveiling a cache of secrets in the small hamlet of Piltdown, including murder, corruption, profiteering and perversion. Both Dody and Pike face challenges in their investigation, the local constabulary and magistrate, whose pockets are lined by Sir Desmond Fitzgibbon, resent Pike's presence and are largely uncooperative and Dody is distracted by a frightening attack on her person, Tristam's injury and an outbreak of Scarlet Fever at the neighbouring workhouse.
The novels in this series always reflect the female experience of the social and political milieu at the turn of the century and The Scent of Murder is no exception. In this instance, Young explores the sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children, vulnerable to the desires of those who wield power of them, unable to complain knowing they are likely to disbelieved and probably found at fault. This is particularly true for the girls of the Piltdown Workhouse who are at the mercy of the sadistic Matron and Master in the Scent of Murder, but no woman is immune. When Dody is brutally attacked by Sir Desmond he taunts her with the knowledge that reporting the incident would undoubtedly ruin her reputation and career, while his would remain unscathed.
A fascinating forensic element of Dody and Pike's investigation is Pike's attempt to use the fledgling science of ballistics to identify the gun that fired the fatal shot, and subsequently its owner. It is an interesting process requiring the co-operation of a dentist and blacksmith, and not that different in technique to the method used today.
The Scent of Murder, like its predecessors, offers vivid historical detail, compelling characters and an absorbing story. The Dr Dody McCleland Mysteries are an excellent historical crime series, certainly one of my favourites, and I'm eagerly looking forward to its continuation with The Insanity of Murder in 2015.
January 24, 2016
Dr Dody McClelland certainly gets herself into some tricky situations in the third book in this series. 'The Scent of Murder' takes Dody out of London, which was a bit disappointing for me as I've enjoyed seeing how she navigates her professional career in the previous instalments. I found this book to be engagingly written, but there's ultimately just a bit too much going on, and the ending seems rushed. With so many plot threads, some potentially interesting characters aren't fully explored, and some seem a bit one dimensional. But Dody remains an interesting character, and the historical setting for these books provides intriguing insights into the challenges faced by women of all classes.
February 14, 2014
Somebody, years ago, in "one of those long and philosophical nights around the dinner table" made a comment about history always being written by the victor, and it's stayed with me ever since (even though it's not an original proposition). I'm always reminded of it when a new Dody McCleland book arrives. Although they are fictional books, they speak with a resonance and an authority which draws a vivid picture of the time of the suffragettes, using the point of view of the women, demonstrating the utter stupidity and nastiness of the restrictions placed on women, without turning absolutely all the men into demons. In fact there are demons and good from both sexes.
Whilst there's a lot about THE SCENT OF MURDER that feels instructive, in the way that it draws a picture of life in that period, all of that is woven cleverly into a very solid crime fiction plot. Even with a touch of the cold case about this one.
Newcomers to the series (and you may need to explain why you've not read the two earlier books!) will get enough of the background to Dr McCleland to be able to fill in the blanks, although knowing why she's an autopsy surgeon in particular really fleshes out the pettiness of the restrictions on women. You'll know from this book that Chief Inspector Matthew Pike is a love interest, as well as a colleague. The earlier books will fill in the history to their relationship, and their own personal situations. There's actually a touching and quite clever statement going on with these two - a respectful and equal professional partnership, alongside a loving and supportive, albeit secret, personal partnership. Goes to show that feminism doesn't have to automatically put the feminine and the masculine at odds.
Before you start to think that THE SCENT OF MURDER is some sort of chest thumping treatise ... it most definitely is not. All of this series is written with a careful touch, much of the subtext is exactly that - subtext - and it would not be at all surprising that readers don't notice it / don't care. These are great stories, featuring really good characters, with a particularly strong feeling of both time and place. Needless to say, THE SCENT OF MURDER is an outstanding example of what's really really good about Australian crime writing.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Whilst there's a lot about THE SCENT OF MURDER that feels instructive, in the way that it draws a picture of life in that period, all of that is woven cleverly into a very solid crime fiction plot. Even with a touch of the cold case about this one.
Newcomers to the series (and you may need to explain why you've not read the two earlier books!) will get enough of the background to Dr McCleland to be able to fill in the blanks, although knowing why she's an autopsy surgeon in particular really fleshes out the pettiness of the restrictions on women. You'll know from this book that Chief Inspector Matthew Pike is a love interest, as well as a colleague. The earlier books will fill in the history to their relationship, and their own personal situations. There's actually a touching and quite clever statement going on with these two - a respectful and equal professional partnership, alongside a loving and supportive, albeit secret, personal partnership. Goes to show that feminism doesn't have to automatically put the feminine and the masculine at odds.
Before you start to think that THE SCENT OF MURDER is some sort of chest thumping treatise ... it most definitely is not. All of this series is written with a careful touch, much of the subtext is exactly that - subtext - and it would not be at all surprising that readers don't notice it / don't care. These are great stories, featuring really good characters, with a particularly strong feeling of both time and place. Needless to say, THE SCENT OF MURDER is an outstanding example of what's really really good about Australian crime writing.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
November 5, 2020
Dody is acting as chaperone for her sister, Florence, on a visit to the family home of Florence's beau, Tristam. While there the three conduct an amateur archaeological dig in a riverbed hoping to find ancient human bones. Instead they find a skeleton but only about 10 years old. Dody does a forensic study of the skeleton and determines it's of a young teenage girl. Chief Inspector Pike is heading through the area after closing a case and upon meeting up with Dody takes on the cold case. This is but one of the several intertwining plots in this volume including family secrets, corrupt law enforcement, and a horrible workhouse. I'm really liking this historical series involving a female forensic surgeon in 1912. It also includes the early use of forensics in medicine, ballistics, and fingerprinting. Intriguing part of history.
October 4, 2020
I admit to skimming through the latter half of this to see if I was right about who the killer was (I was, but there was another twist I didn't see coming). The reason? When Dody decided that someone else's pain and trauma negated her own, because there are "worse" things than sexual assault. I recognize that the book is set in 1912 when attitudes were different, but it was written much more contemporarily and this idea, that Dody just needs to buck up because at least she's not ______, just sits badly with me. Historical fiction is no excuse for this and I am done with this series.
September 26, 2017
A bit slow to begin but good after that.
August 14, 2018
I just adore this series ☺
May 27, 2014
Yet another awesome installment in this series. I liked this one even more than the last. In this story, my favorite historical medical examiner is on a vacation that goes terribly awry…in the form of a set of bones, a lord up to no good with the ladies, and a workhouse where bad things are happening to poor children. It’s Dr. Dody to the rescue.
And we mustn’t forget about Pike. Her love interest, the inspector, is back, and with him he brings the early days of gun forensics/ballistics. It’s obvious to me that the author did a massive amount of research for this story and I appreciate it. I love to learn new things while being entertained and this book did not disappoint. I not only learned the early method of ballistics, but also got an eye-opening look at life in the workhouse for unprotected children.
Ms. Young doesn’t stop there though. In this installment she also tackles sexual assault and its aftereffects on the victims.
It’s history, mystery, a pinch of romance, and a dash of education in one exciting novel. And at the heart of it is an incredibly strong and admirable heroine.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
And we mustn’t forget about Pike. Her love interest, the inspector, is back, and with him he brings the early days of gun forensics/ballistics. It’s obvious to me that the author did a massive amount of research for this story and I appreciate it. I love to learn new things while being entertained and this book did not disappoint. I not only learned the early method of ballistics, but also got an eye-opening look at life in the workhouse for unprotected children.
Ms. Young doesn’t stop there though. In this installment she also tackles sexual assault and its aftereffects on the victims.
It’s history, mystery, a pinch of romance, and a dash of education in one exciting novel. And at the heart of it is an incredibly strong and admirable heroine.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
February 7, 2014
I loved everything about The Scent of Murder, from the endearing, quirky-edged forensic surgeon Doctor Dody Mc Cleland, to the poor heart-of-gold workhouse girl, Edie. Felicity Young is truly a conjurer, a magician with words, who manages to weave a exceptional mystery, and also has the reader, right there — at Fitzgibbon Hall, England, 1912. So much so, that at times I felt like an intruder looking over Dody’s shoulder as she diligently begins to unravel a murder, or two. To read this novel is be transform back in time, to an era of superstition and gross inequality, of wealth and dire poverty, of the loved and unloved. A great read.
April 22, 2014
Felicity Young's Dody McCleland series brings together historical fiction and the crime genre—–and does it so very well. There is so much going on in The Scent of Murder—–ghostly witch hounds, archaeology, mysterious death, (often inexplicable) class divisions, the workhouses of the Poor Law era and the exploitation of children, attempted rape and gender issues, power and corruption. The characters are flawed in interesting ways, and a love story threads through the (genuinely intriguing) whodunnit elements. I loved this third book in the series.
May 17, 2014
In the latest instalment of Dodi's adventures the suspense increases as do the plots and intrigue. I found myself totally immersed in these lives from nearly a century ago. The attention to detail and fact both historical and medical is amazing. A thoroughly unputdownable book. Plus of course the subtle romantic intrigue, how different to be a thoroughly modern young woman in those times. As always we are left with tantalising tastes of what might be yet to come. Awaiting the next book. Soon please.
November 3, 2015
Mystery set in early 20th century England (I couldn't really figure out when, but I assume before WWI). Good characters, especially of Dorothy and Florence McCleland and Chief Inspector Pike. However, this really isn't much of a mystery in the classical sense, which is what I was expecting. It's more just a story with possibly multiple criminal things going on.
This is the third in a series, but the only one I've read, and it doesn't require that you've read the others, but I think it might have helped, as most readers found the story more engaging than I did.
This is the third in a series, but the only one I've read, and it doesn't require that you've read the others, but I think it might have helped, as most readers found the story more engaging than I did.
March 25, 2014
I enjoyed this third story in this series. The story developed well - I had to keep reading to find out the ending (to the detriment of my housework). Dody seems to be more comfortable in her role of autopsy surgeon and her relationship with Inspector Pike. Felicity gives the reader an insight into what life was like and the development of forensic science. This time we discover ballistics.
January 11, 2015
Yet another great book in this series. The balance of mystery, suspense and romance set against an early 20th Century backdrop makes this a captivating combination that is hard to put down. Looking forward to the release of another book in the future.
May 15, 2015
This is a great read when you need something light, yet still with a bit of substance. A bit of forensic science, a bit of detective work, a bit of romance and set in the early part of the 20th Century.
March 14, 2014
Another great mystery for Dody and Pike to solve. Started off a little slow, but then raced along to the climatic end. Really enjoying this series and look forward to more.
August 16, 2014
A wonderful mix of history, mystery and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 27, 2014
My new favourite series, and, dammit, I've just finished the last one!
April 6, 2015
A great series can't wait for the next one
December 22, 2015
fun! A good read with a surprising and captivating climax.
May 7, 2017
The more I read of this historical crime fiction series featuring autopsy surgeon Dodi McCleland, the more I enjoy the sheer brilliance of the author carefully weaving historical details and behaviours into a well-plotted crime novel.
In this episode, Dodi is chaperoning her younger sister Florence to a weekend stay at Fitzgibbon Hall a country house near the hamlet of Piltdown. Also at the house is Florence’s love interest Tristram and his ghastly uncle Desmond. When a set of bones is found on a dried out waterbed in the grounds, Tristram hopes that this find will rival those of the Piltdown Man. With hunting with hounds not really Dodi’s idea of a good time she offers to take a look and it soon becomes clear the bones are of a young female, possibly a resident of the nearby workhouse.
The mystery is who is the girl and why was she shot in the back of the head and of course, who shot her? There really is only one way to proceed and that is to call on a detective to complement her medical knowledge. Yes, followers of the series will be delighted to hear that Inspector Matthew Pike makes an appearance even though Dodi is not at home. The pair’s relationship has matured although the sensibilities of the times means that it is still one of a clandestine nature. This lends a somewhat farcical scene when they come to meet in public yet are unable to act with anything beyond the professional façade.
The Scent of Murder is jam-packed with characters of all descriptions which means that some of them are pretty awful, some of them do awful things and some of them are outright baddies, oh and there are a few wise and kind souls but you have to look harder for them! In all seriousness I really do admire the way Felicity Young balances the fairly unlikeable characters with small gestures of kindness whilst never stooping to sentimentalise the realities of life at this time, particularly if you were a girl from the workhouse hoping for a permanent job as an under maid.
This series of books feel a lot more measured than contemporary crime fiction, but that doesn’t mean that they are without action, in each of the three books I’ve read there is plenty to keep you biting your nails as danger stalks the victims of this tale from all directions as the multiple strands pull together to expose all the dastardly goings on.
As in the other books in the series the victims are those that you would naturally choose from this era of history, women, children and the poor but the author is careful not to overdo the issues she is addressing. The focus in this book is the poor, particularly those who inhabit the nearby workhouse run by the Master and Mistress, who are as vile as any you might meet in a Dickens novel. This in contrast the opulent Fitzgibbon Hall with its hunting and well-stocked kitchen says all that needs to be said about the divide between rich and poor at this time.
The Scent of Murder is another book rich with detail for any lover of historical crime fiction.
The Scent of Murder was my twelfth read in my Mount TBR Challenge 2017, so I’m still on target to hit 36 books purchased before 1 January 2017. I purchased this book in September 2015.
In this episode, Dodi is chaperoning her younger sister Florence to a weekend stay at Fitzgibbon Hall a country house near the hamlet of Piltdown. Also at the house is Florence’s love interest Tristram and his ghastly uncle Desmond. When a set of bones is found on a dried out waterbed in the grounds, Tristram hopes that this find will rival those of the Piltdown Man. With hunting with hounds not really Dodi’s idea of a good time she offers to take a look and it soon becomes clear the bones are of a young female, possibly a resident of the nearby workhouse.
The mystery is who is the girl and why was she shot in the back of the head and of course, who shot her? There really is only one way to proceed and that is to call on a detective to complement her medical knowledge. Yes, followers of the series will be delighted to hear that Inspector Matthew Pike makes an appearance even though Dodi is not at home. The pair’s relationship has matured although the sensibilities of the times means that it is still one of a clandestine nature. This lends a somewhat farcical scene when they come to meet in public yet are unable to act with anything beyond the professional façade.
The Scent of Murder is jam-packed with characters of all descriptions which means that some of them are pretty awful, some of them do awful things and some of them are outright baddies, oh and there are a few wise and kind souls but you have to look harder for them! In all seriousness I really do admire the way Felicity Young balances the fairly unlikeable characters with small gestures of kindness whilst never stooping to sentimentalise the realities of life at this time, particularly if you were a girl from the workhouse hoping for a permanent job as an under maid.
This series of books feel a lot more measured than contemporary crime fiction, but that doesn’t mean that they are without action, in each of the three books I’ve read there is plenty to keep you biting your nails as danger stalks the victims of this tale from all directions as the multiple strands pull together to expose all the dastardly goings on.
As in the other books in the series the victims are those that you would naturally choose from this era of history, women, children and the poor but the author is careful not to overdo the issues she is addressing. The focus in this book is the poor, particularly those who inhabit the nearby workhouse run by the Master and Mistress, who are as vile as any you might meet in a Dickens novel. This in contrast the opulent Fitzgibbon Hall with its hunting and well-stocked kitchen says all that needs to be said about the divide between rich and poor at this time.
The Scent of Murder is another book rich with detail for any lover of historical crime fiction.
The Scent of Murder was my twelfth read in my Mount TBR Challenge 2017, so I’m still on target to hit 36 books purchased before 1 January 2017. I purchased this book in September 2015.
March 11, 2017
This is the second of Young's novels that I've attempted to read (and then abandoned), and I'm hoping not to make the mistake of trying another. The beginning of the story had a lot of promise, with a sympathetic introduction to the characters, and a subtle yet detailed introduction to the setting. The expected identification of a set of bones not as archeological specimens but a recent problematic death is handled well. But some of the characters are just plain nasty, and the way that things play out get too horrible, too fast, and the story devolves into a macabre farce.
The story could do with some significant content warnings, and I wish I'd known how horrid it was going to get. Sexual violence and nasty threats were pretty much the point at which I noped out. Not recommended.
The story could do with some significant content warnings, and I wish I'd known how horrid it was going to get. Sexual violence and nasty threats were pretty much the point at which I noped out. Not recommended.
January 12, 2018
The third book in the Dody McCleland series. Set in 1911 Dody is an autopsy surgeon in England.
It is an interesting time for women politically and Dody finds that she is not taken seriously as a Doctor due to her sex.
This novel takes place on estate, as Dody chaperones her younger sister Florence who is love with the nephew of the estate.
Bones are discovered on the estate and Dody needs to work out there age, and if the person was murdered.
Another novel full of intrigue, murder, and glimpses of harrowing lives lived by the poor during this time.
This is a historical novel with murder mysteries to solve, and great character development.
Bring on book four!
It is an interesting time for women politically and Dody finds that she is not taken seriously as a Doctor due to her sex.
This novel takes place on estate, as Dody chaperones her younger sister Florence who is love with the nephew of the estate.
Bones are discovered on the estate and Dody needs to work out there age, and if the person was murdered.
Another novel full of intrigue, murder, and glimpses of harrowing lives lived by the poor during this time.
This is a historical novel with murder mysteries to solve, and great character development.
Bring on book four!
November 27, 2019
1913 East Sussex. Bones discovered in a dried out river bed are determined by Dr Dody McCleland to be less than ten years old, of a female and one that was murdered. Unfortunaely for Tristram Slater, finder of the bones, not what he was hoping for. Dody persuades Chief Inspector Matthew Pike to investigate.
For me not enough of a mystery, too much social welfare diatribe.
For me not enough of a mystery, too much social welfare diatribe.
March 25, 2018
A Little Dark
I’m enjoying the series and this mystery was fabulous. With its themes of rape and abuse, the story is darker than the others but it is tempered by the sweetness of Pike and Dody’s relationship. I look forward to the next two books.
I’m enjoying the series and this mystery was fabulous. With its themes of rape and abuse, the story is darker than the others but it is tempered by the sweetness of Pike and Dody’s relationship. I look forward to the next two books.
November 14, 2018
Dr Dody McClelan
Well written with good plot and good characters. I was surprised a little at the ending but it was well done.
Well written with good plot and good characters. I was surprised a little at the ending but it was well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews