Rumor has it madness is for sale in London. Dr. Ezra Talbot isn't buying, not when his was free. As an affiliate physician with the Thames Police Court, Ezra has one job- to sort the sane from the mad. But somehow, he's ended up on the wrong side, for Ezra has a disorder of his own. While his disorder doesn't have a name in 1848, he knows full well what happens when you trust the wrong person. One misstep and his secrets will crumble.
For Magdalena Trudeau, fate isn't a fairytale. She can almost hear it speaking¿ or perhaps it's the water. Aunt Salomé taught her every name matters and secrets unravel themselves, but these secrets are quite tangled. When she meets Dr. Talbot, he awakens in her not only a longing for more, but also a desire to help him- and possibly herself in the process.
Dr. Talbot thinks he killed his dreams long ago. Magdalena can wake those dreams up, but first,she'll have to walk through the dark.
Together they embark on a journey of pain, madness, and hope.
A historical mystery set in Victorian England, Wednesdays Were for Dying is written from a dual perspective and explores the relationship between mental health and neurodivergence at a time before either was understood.
“Hate me, he wanted to demand. Hate me so I can leave you be.”
“The secret is, Ezra, that you are the only one who can decide that you are tired of living in the dark. Light the match, darling. I’ll still be here no matter what the light shows.”
I don’t think there is a way for my review of Wednesdays Were For Dying to do it any justice but I’m certainly going to try. This book is so special in so many ways. It was like looking into a mirror and finding validation in the fact that no matter who you are, and whatever circumstances you face, you matter and there is hope.
Ezra is the romantic hero I didn’t expect and Magdelena the girl who is adamant that hope is for everyone even when she finds herself struggling with her own melancholy. I loved the insight into Ezra’s mind and how he endures his struggles throughout his profession to help others to “have life” even though he is struggling everyday with a disorder that doesn’t have a name in 1848.
When Magdelena appears like a whirlwind, Ezra is immediately appalled that he can’t stop thinking about her. They band together as an unlikely pair, the physician and his apprentice.
This book has so many twists and turns, a precious golden retriever trope best friend in the likes of Dr. Thaddeus Cain, and a mystery that involves just a touch of madness. There is laughter, tears, hope, romance, and a plot that will keep you up late at night reading. August Keller wrote an absolutely beautiful story.
I loved this book and it was so much more than I expected! I love anything dark and Victorian, and the fact that this deals with neurodivergence and mental health made it that much more interesting! AND it was a little bloody with the 19th century surgeries and autopsies. The surprise was that it kind of became a mystery novel as well.
The characters are amazing and Ezra’s point of view makes it easier to understand why he is the way he is and how someone who has gone through something similar in real life may feel. Magdalena reminds me a lot of myself with her inability to stop talking or seemingly take anything seriously.
In a critical note, the only thing I have is that there were a few times when it seemed something was skipped or dialogue didn’t quite make sense in context. This didn’t detract from the story or readability.
I've never been one to enjoy anything dealing with history, but this historical fiction is a masterpiece. It caught my attention and kept it until I finished the book. The story line was unpredictable and kept me guessing and engaged the whole time. Beautifully written, and I can't wait for the next book!
Oh, this book, this book. I pledge my undying love to this book, every day of the week. I loved seeing an autistic MC in the 1800s. He knows there's something different about him, but doesn't have a word for it. And the mental health rep in the FMC was so sensitively and meaningfully handled. It was wonderful. <3 Also, there was plenty of humor and mystery to offset what could have been a very depressing story. Including a subversion of the one bed trope that was just hysterical. Usually not a fan of said trope, but I loved this take on it. My one complaint? THE CLIFFHANGER. GUYS THE CLIFFHANGER. I CAN'T HANDLE IT. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. I AM INCONSOLABLE.
Wednesdays Were for Dying is a book that deserves all the hype. I don't think I could write a review that does it justice. This is genuinely one of the best books I have EVER read.
Keller approaches mental health with an authenticity and fearlessness that I have never seen before in a work of fiction. The characters with struggles similar to mine were achingly familiar. It forcibly brought to mind the C.S. Lewis quote, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’" Which begs the question, can a book become a friend? Because if so, consider this one a new and dear friend of mine. And the characters that were different from me gave me a beautifully authentic window to understand others better.
The author has a way with darkness that makes it... sparkle? She certainly doesn't shy away from pain, nor is this an overtly "Christian" book, but her faith in clear throughout the entire story, because every dark cloud is gilded with a silver lining of light and hope.
The characters are hilariously witty and complex. The "good guys" fail gloriously, and even the "bad guys" have redeeming qualities. In short, they felt utterly REAL.
The romance was was swoony and incredibly unique. (Did you know there can be romantic tension over an autopsy? Because there TOTALLY CAN.)
The mystery element was intoxicating, and I was itching right along with Ezra and Mags for answers. When they solved it in the end, it was delicious to see how much foreshadowing the author used throughout the story.
I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning two nights in a row devouring this book, then I spent the next few days raving about it to my friends. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2. August Keller is an auto-buy author for me; if it's got her name on it, I'll be reading it.
This book is amazing. Magdalena and Ezra are the main characters. They both go through different hardships in life. This book is a reminder that we all grieve differently and it's okay. We need to be there for each other to help each other alone our broken path.
Their paths cross in their lives and you see what life throws at them while they are in each other's life.
Let me tell though, there are some nail biting parts. I was sitting on the edge of my reading chair like "what's about to happen!"
Now it based in the 1800s but that's my kind of book. I have always been interested in that time frame.
I highly recommend this book. Take your time reading it. Enjoy each page. Really think about the words your reading.
This author wrote this from her heart and you can tell.
Thank you for the reminder that I'm not alone in grief and that there is still the shining light.
This book made me bawl on page 90. On that virture along, WWFD gets 5 stars.
HOWEVER, its other virtues include....
- a stellar, memorable cast with fabulous characterization (I can't get enough of Ezra and Magdalena!!!!!)
- the dark side of the Victorian era.
- autopsies and "fun" medical facts (this virture may gross some out, but I am so interested, and it's done very tastefully)
- the title isn't just cool. It's important.
- the sense of humour is dark, sarcastic, and had me rolling at times 🤣
My only "warning" for readers (aside from the one virtue above!) is that I'd recommend actively reading it. If you aren't paying attention, it's easy to miss something important/something that is implied but not outright said, which might send you back to the top of the page trying to figure out how we got here haha. (Me staying up past midnight through bleary eyes to find out how it ended MAY have been my demise in this regard. However, I have no regrets hahah)
Overall.....just go read this book. If the title intrigues you enough to read this review...just go read it. You won't be sorry.
I loved this book and it was so much more than I expected! I love anything dark and Victorian, and the fact that this deals with neurodivergence and mental health made it that much more interesting! AND it was a little bloody with the 19th century surgeries and autopsies. The surprise was that it kind of became a mystery novel as well.
The characters are amazing and Ezra’s point of view makes it easier to understand why he is the way he is and how someone who has gone through something similar in real life may feel. Magdalena reminds me a lot of myself with her inability to stop talking or seemingly take anything seriously.
In a critical note, the only thing I have is that there were a few times when it seemed something was skipped or dialogue didn’t quite make sense in context. This didn’t detract from the story or readability.
This book is not something I would typically pick out to read but I am so glad I did. There are books that you read, enjoy, and move on…then there are books that live in your head rent free. This is one of those books.
I’ve never felt the need to write a review for a book until this one. I absolutely loved this story, it has everything I love in a book. Charming characters, unforeseen twists, laugh out loud moments, and heartfelt ones too. August Keller is really on to something with this incredibly niche topic. Very well written story of hope and humanity. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. This is a story I wish I could read again for the first time ❤️
August Keller's debut novel about a neurodivergent doctor and an unlikely apprentice in London during the 1800s was unlike any novel that I have read before, in the best way possible. I laughed, I held my breath, I cried. Read. This. Book.
“A neurodivergent physician in the 1800’s navigates his world- which is more painful than enjoyable.” That tells me all I need to know- this is my kind of book.
I became deeply emotionally attached to Ezra and Magdalena. Their personalities both somehow perfectly personified both sides of mine.
This story is sad yet hopeful. Science driven yet emotional. Traumatizing yet romantic.
I loved the twists and turns, the development of the characters and the fleeting moments of romance.
I’ve never read a book like Wednesdays Were For Dying and thats a huge compliment.
Upon first entering the pages of Wednesdays Were For Dying the sense that I’d uncovered a cherished, but overlooked classic hit me.
August Keller’s heart and humor show up in just the right places throughout this book. It’s the first murder mystery (not my typical genre preference) I’ve ever wanted to finish. That impulse had more to do with Ezra and Magdalena sorting through the challenges they face, than the who-done-it pull of the genre; but that part was really well done, too.
Ezra stands out as the most unique character I’ve seen in a Victorian-era novel. He’s right up there with Heathcliff. Ezra holds himself in check for several reasons. They touch upon the physical, emotional, and mental abuses he’s suffered under a neurological disorder. Breaking free of the self-imposed patterns he’s formed to function is only possible when his love for Magdalena outruns the reason they exist.
That’s why we find ourselves caring and rooting for Team Ezra and Magdalena. They’re both wounded souls with big hearts and much to offer. When it comes to the mutual attraction they feel for each other, they’re incapable of hurrying the process for the sake of reaching some finish line. It’s not how either is wired.
This line exposes Magdalena’s heart early on: If only he didn’t feel like fate wrapped in flesh, perhaps then she’d be capable of caring for him a little less.
The one criticism I have of this work involves aspects of its dialogue. At one point it slowed down with ‘detective’ explorations, and at other times, the world which holds a reader in its space and time breaks down. “Are you serious right now?” for example, is out-of-place in a Victorian period novel, but perfect for one written after 2020.
Still, with all the positives and warm vibes within this debut novel, those minor breaks should not keep readers away. (My favorite chapter is thirty-six, and worth the wait. No, it's not THE kiss. There is no kissing in this novel. How refreshing is that! But, their story is not over.)
I don’t recall exactly how God put this book in my path but I am ever so thankful that he did. I was absolutely intrigued by the title & the cover & couldn’t get it out of my head. I’m kind of a big baby when it comes to anything gruesome but August made reading about dismemberment & autopsies just bloody enjoyable. So, please don’t let a weak stomach keep you from this fantastic story. (It’s really not that bad - you’ll be okay ☺️)
Ezra - bless his heart. While I don’t know his struggles on the level that he has to endure I relate to them way more than I’ve ever admitted. Seeing neurodivergent characters in stories is such a blessing - there definitely needs to be more of it! Ezra’s heart to help even though he hurts so much is a healing balm for the soul. His journey towards hope is so beautifully broken & I love him for it.
Magdalena - her sweet soul deserves all the hope in the world. She wants to help the broken live fully & be seen even though she struggles with living herself. What she ought to do & whats she does are often very different things ☺️ She is beautifully bold in the pursuit of helping others heal & feel like they matter. We could use a few more Magdalena’s in the world.
I will never be able to describe how much I love this book. I’ll never be able to describe the genre of this book either - it doesn’t just fit into one - it fits into a million in its on perfect way. August Keller is this a masterpiece- thank you! You are shining light into the darkness. Neurodivergent people will feel seen. Anyone who has dealt with mental illness will see a glimmer of hope. I think we could all use a little of that.
This book is a slow burn romance and slow burn mystery. The first maybe 85% of it is character development and backstory wrapping up at the very end with a solid whodunit. There are heavy themes of survival, trauma, and death with some deliciously dark humor woven through. The story stays with you long after the ending has been reached and the book put down. A few scene transitions felt a bit awkward as the reader, but I’ve seen that with books by veteran authors and it didn’t diminish my overall satisfaction. I’d have loved the addition of a character glossary to help keep everyone straight. Regardless, if this is the product of a debut author, then I truly can’t wait to see the stories produced by practice and experience. Looking forward to the next.
Historical fiction isn’t my usual genre, and for that reason alone, it took me a solid 25% of the novel to become invested in the story, but the characters had me hooked immediately. August Keller’s voice is magnetic, and the main characters, Ezra and Magdalena, have captured my heart. Wednesdays Were For Dying portrays the complexities of mental illness in a beautifully profound story that will live rent-free in my head for years. I cannot wait to continue this series.
We need more books like Wednesdays Were for Dying; as the author, August Keller, put it, “They wanted mental health representation in literature - just not like this,” and I want you to take that as a personal challenge to read and share word of this new indie-authored book. August Keller’s debut offers deep emotional profundity and meaningful sociocultural value, in the form of a Gothic Victorian mystery with romantic tension. Its complex and troubled protagonists, a doctor and the woman whose life he saved, live in a time when their mental conditions didn’t have official names. The stigma and lack of understanding they face remain all too relatable to neurodivergent readers today, over 175 years into the protagonists’ future. Beyond the notable value for mental health representation, Wednesdays Were for Dying has a gripping plot and a delightful peppering of dark humor. This book may change you, and leave you begging to know what will happen next.
This book was absolutely amazing. It was supposed to be boring.
A historical fiction book about a Doctor, in 1800’s London, with severe mental health issues, his (female, gasp!) apprentice with “melancholy,” and their clean, slow-burn romance. Yawn.
Except I couldn’t put it down. Ms. Keller has a gift for making me fall absolutely in love with the characters from the very beginning. I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. What REALLY happened in their past? And why am I suddenly reading a mystery? Y’all. So good.
I am finished now and I still have questions.
I cannot wait for her next novel and to (hopefully?) read more about these characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WEDNESDAYS WERE FOR DYING by August Keller
If you love mystery, no-spice slow burn romance, neurodivergent characters, Sherlock Holmes vibes, and gritty stories, this is your new favorite book.
WWFD is by debut author August Keller and will keep you turning the pages. It follows a physician in 19th century London who is unraveling secrets at a local asylum, while trying to keep his own secrets tightly held - until he meets Magdalena, a woman with a stubborn streak and witty tongue, who "was made of two parts, logic and an insurmountable heart."
Full of twists that keep you reading fast, deep thoughts and realizations that make you slow down to soak it in, and enough hilarious one-liners that you'll break out laughing at the most inopportune times, you will never want to put this one down. 😉
Like me. I stayed up until midnight reading it. 🫣😂 And this reel is proof that I could ramble on about it all day and didn't plan what I was going to say before hitting record 🤣🤣
Go get your copy now! You won't regret it! 🩵
(content warnings, so you know before you go: death/m*rder, grief, PTSD, mentions of non-s*xual abuse & strained father-son relationship, su!cide, autopsies) (yes, autopsies 😆)