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Carlyle & West Victorian Mystery #1
Interviewing The Dead
David Field is back with a brand new Victorian mystery series! Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Emily Organ, Anne Perry and Robin Paige…
Should you be afraid of the dead – or the living?
London, 1892
.
Over two hundred years ago, in 1665, a mass grave was dug to house the hundreds of corpses who fell victim to the Black Death. When Aldgate Underground station was extended, the workmen discovered the grave and unceremoniously dumped the bones, to make way for the new track.
Now, a renowned spiritualist is claiming the dead are rising to punish Londoners.
Strange encounters start to be reported in London’s East End with some people dying from unexplained causes.
People start to panic, and distressed parishioners consult local preacher, Matthew West, looking for reassurance.
Matthew is at a loss and turns to local doctor, James Carlyle, for answers.
Carlyle and West have very different views on science and religion, but they decide to work together to get the bottom of the mysterious deaths.
Has a curse really been put on London? Have the dead risen from their graves?
Or could a serial killer be loose in the city…?
INTERVIEWING THE DEAD is the first crime thriller in an exciting new historical crime series, the Carlyle & West Victorian Mysteries, private investigations set in Victorian London and packed full of suspense.
Should you be afraid of the dead – or the living?
London, 1892
.
Over two hundred years ago, in 1665, a mass grave was dug to house the hundreds of corpses who fell victim to the Black Death. When Aldgate Underground station was extended, the workmen discovered the grave and unceremoniously dumped the bones, to make way for the new track.
Now, a renowned spiritualist is claiming the dead are rising to punish Londoners.
Strange encounters start to be reported in London’s East End with some people dying from unexplained causes.
People start to panic, and distressed parishioners consult local preacher, Matthew West, looking for reassurance.
Matthew is at a loss and turns to local doctor, James Carlyle, for answers.
Carlyle and West have very different views on science and religion, but they decide to work together to get the bottom of the mysterious deaths.
Has a curse really been put on London? Have the dead risen from their graves?
Or could a serial killer be loose in the city…?
INTERVIEWING THE DEAD is the first crime thriller in an exciting new historical crime series, the Carlyle & West Victorian Mysteries, private investigations set in Victorian London and packed full of suspense.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2020
269 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
David Field
59 books92 followersDavid was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 27, 2020
3.5★
“However, in fairness to yourself, you endeavour to be of assistance to others in this life, if only to inoculate them with your optimism.’”
. . . said the doctor to the preacher during one of their many conversations comparing their worth as do-gooders in the community.
Matthew West is an earnest, slightly naïve young Wesleyan minister, hardly a stirring speaker, but he does take himself to the lowest parts of late 19th century London to ease the minds and souls of the poor, the drunk, the despairing. They come to his Bible classes for the free meal at the end.
Matthew’s area of London has been alive with rumours about souls rising from the dead, from the bones of 17th century plague victims, disturbed by work on the Aldgate Underground station. People are seeing terrifying visions of ghosts and spectres “coming up from the gates of ‘Ell”.
His Bible class wants to know why Matthew, a man of God, can’t speak to the dead like the medium does who claims to communicate with the souls of the plague victims. Matthew is confronted by a local doctor who wants to hear what the church’s position will be on the rising of the dead.
“The man withdrew a business card from his waistcoat pocket and handed it over. It read ‘Professor James A Carlyle, Surgeon’, with addresses at both the London Hospital up the road in Whitechapel and Victoria Park Road in fashionable Hackney.
Matthew looked back at Dr Carlyle with a puzzled expression. ‘What brings you here today?’ he asked.
Dr Carlyle gave him the benefit of a superior smile. ‘Like those in your congregation, I was curious to learn if those who promote God over science had any reassuring explanation for the ramblings of that mad woman in Leman Street yesterday evening.’”
Not the most auspicious start for a pair who join forces to investigate the strange goings-on in the district. People are beginning to run amok, being chased by ghosts, seeing the dead.
Next, Matthew is introduced to Detective Inspector John Jennings of Scotland Yard, and most importantly, the doctor’s daughter, the beautiful, headstrong Adelaide, who works with her father in the mortuary.
The four of them work to figure out what’s going on while developing their relationships with each other. The atmosphere is good and the writing style is smooth. There are lapses into phonetic dialogue, but only now and then for effect.
“‘But I ’ave, honest I ’ave. Leastways, till last night, anyroad. I’ve given up the tottin’, honest I ’ave, an’ most o’ the time I don’t touch the Devil’s Brew.’
The author has used it reasonably sparingly. [Thank you.]
This was an entertaining, fairly predictable read that I think would suit young readers very well. It’s not too grisly or too sexy, and while it does get a bit message-laden from time to time, it probably wouldn’t hurt them to pick up a bit of history. Women’s rights, poverty, that sort of thing. They are not new issues.
Thanks to Sapere Books for the copy for review. On to the next in the series!
“However, in fairness to yourself, you endeavour to be of assistance to others in this life, if only to inoculate them with your optimism.’”
. . . said the doctor to the preacher during one of their many conversations comparing their worth as do-gooders in the community.
Matthew West is an earnest, slightly naïve young Wesleyan minister, hardly a stirring speaker, but he does take himself to the lowest parts of late 19th century London to ease the minds and souls of the poor, the drunk, the despairing. They come to his Bible classes for the free meal at the end.
Matthew’s area of London has been alive with rumours about souls rising from the dead, from the bones of 17th century plague victims, disturbed by work on the Aldgate Underground station. People are seeing terrifying visions of ghosts and spectres “coming up from the gates of ‘Ell”.
His Bible class wants to know why Matthew, a man of God, can’t speak to the dead like the medium does who claims to communicate with the souls of the plague victims. Matthew is confronted by a local doctor who wants to hear what the church’s position will be on the rising of the dead.
“The man withdrew a business card from his waistcoat pocket and handed it over. It read ‘Professor James A Carlyle, Surgeon’, with addresses at both the London Hospital up the road in Whitechapel and Victoria Park Road in fashionable Hackney.
Matthew looked back at Dr Carlyle with a puzzled expression. ‘What brings you here today?’ he asked.
Dr Carlyle gave him the benefit of a superior smile. ‘Like those in your congregation, I was curious to learn if those who promote God over science had any reassuring explanation for the ramblings of that mad woman in Leman Street yesterday evening.’”
Not the most auspicious start for a pair who join forces to investigate the strange goings-on in the district. People are beginning to run amok, being chased by ghosts, seeing the dead.
Next, Matthew is introduced to Detective Inspector John Jennings of Scotland Yard, and most importantly, the doctor’s daughter, the beautiful, headstrong Adelaide, who works with her father in the mortuary.
The four of them work to figure out what’s going on while developing their relationships with each other. The atmosphere is good and the writing style is smooth. There are lapses into phonetic dialogue, but only now and then for effect.
“‘But I ’ave, honest I ’ave. Leastways, till last night, anyroad. I’ve given up the tottin’, honest I ’ave, an’ most o’ the time I don’t touch the Devil’s Brew.’
The author has used it reasonably sparingly. [Thank you.]
This was an entertaining, fairly predictable read that I think would suit young readers very well. It’s not too grisly or too sexy, and while it does get a bit message-laden from time to time, it probably wouldn’t hurt them to pick up a bit of history. Women’s rights, poverty, that sort of thing. They are not new issues.
Thanks to Sapere Books for the copy for review. On to the next in the series!
June 15, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to David Field and Sapere Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Never one to pass up the opportunity to read anything by David Field, I rushed to get hold of the debut novel in this new Victorian crime series. With a wonderful premise and keen attention to detail, Field keeps the reader’s attention throughout this fast-paced novel. It’s the late Victorian Era and Jack the Ripper is simply a passing memory for the people of London’s East Side. However, after some bones are unearthed during the construction of an underground station, problems arise. A woman arrives on a country-wide junket to tell fortunes and send messages from the dead to the local population, including that two centuries before this very ground was the dumping place during a plague outbreak, including those that were unearthed. This means that there are many unsettled souls angered at being disturbed and they have turned their ire on the locals. Soon thereafter, people begin to die unexpectedly and some are seen to act in very suspicious ways,. The people turn to their local Wesleyan street preacher, Matthew West, but he has no idea what’s going on. He, in turn, seeks the medical advice of Dr. James Carlyle, a surgeon at the local London Hospital. While both men come from completely different perspectives on the subject of spirits, they are united in wanting to find out what’s causing all these deaths. Investigating as best they can, West and Carlyle must seek the assistance of a detective, who serves to fill in some of the gaps. When West finds himself on the wrong side of a murder charge after being attacked outside, Carlyle makes a discovery that could help to explain what’s going on. Someone’s been spiking the beer with a potent drug, one not usually found in the region. It’s up to West and Carlyle to find out who and why before the death toll mounts and talk of the dead haunting the streets of London gets any more out of hand. Well-paced and the perfect book to pull the reader in for a day of reading, David Field shows that he is not one to run out of ideas. Recommended for those who love a good Victorian mystery, as well as the reader who has come to enjoy the work of David Field.
Having cut my teeth on Field’s first Victorian mystery series, I was pleased to see him come back to this era, which gives him the chance to delve deeper into the history, medical advancements, and sociology-economic situation of the time. He paves the way for what is sure to be an exciting series with two strong protagonists. Matthew West is a young man who serves no specific flock as he counsels the homeless and those he encounters on his walks through London’s East Side. Still new to the profession, the reader can see the cracks in his character as he tries to be upstanding without yet being able to ignore some of the baser urges that are tossed before him. He seeks to help, but is still largely naive when it comes to matters of deeper thinking. This contrasts nicely with Dr. James Carlyle, whose medical knowledge and life experience make him the more grounded of the two. Carlyle educates West (and the reader) to some of the medical and psychological know-how as it relates to neuroses and poisoning. He reveals some interesting facts about the case, while also trying to parent his daughter, who seeks to stir up the pot with her women’s rights movement, a great sub-plot. Other characters work well within the confines of the piece, offering a great deal of flavouring to an exciting story. Built on a wonderful premise, Field pulls on some of the sentiments around spirits from the day, as well as the rise in mediums who seek to communicate between the two worlds. With a mixture of chapter lengths, Field pulls the reader in before offering them longer explanations to give the book some depth. The narrative flows really well and is peppered with great cockney slang to add a layer of realism to the banter between characters. I cannot wait to see what else the West-Carlyle duo undertake in upcoming pieces, hoping that Field has many ideas to share with his fan base.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for another winner. I am pleased to see us back in Victorian times, where my appreciation for your writing began. Perhaps the attentive reader may see some crossover mentions from the other series?
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Never one to pass up the opportunity to read anything by David Field, I rushed to get hold of the debut novel in this new Victorian crime series. With a wonderful premise and keen attention to detail, Field keeps the reader’s attention throughout this fast-paced novel. It’s the late Victorian Era and Jack the Ripper is simply a passing memory for the people of London’s East Side. However, after some bones are unearthed during the construction of an underground station, problems arise. A woman arrives on a country-wide junket to tell fortunes and send messages from the dead to the local population, including that two centuries before this very ground was the dumping place during a plague outbreak, including those that were unearthed. This means that there are many unsettled souls angered at being disturbed and they have turned their ire on the locals. Soon thereafter, people begin to die unexpectedly and some are seen to act in very suspicious ways,. The people turn to their local Wesleyan street preacher, Matthew West, but he has no idea what’s going on. He, in turn, seeks the medical advice of Dr. James Carlyle, a surgeon at the local London Hospital. While both men come from completely different perspectives on the subject of spirits, they are united in wanting to find out what’s causing all these deaths. Investigating as best they can, West and Carlyle must seek the assistance of a detective, who serves to fill in some of the gaps. When West finds himself on the wrong side of a murder charge after being attacked outside, Carlyle makes a discovery that could help to explain what’s going on. Someone’s been spiking the beer with a potent drug, one not usually found in the region. It’s up to West and Carlyle to find out who and why before the death toll mounts and talk of the dead haunting the streets of London gets any more out of hand. Well-paced and the perfect book to pull the reader in for a day of reading, David Field shows that he is not one to run out of ideas. Recommended for those who love a good Victorian mystery, as well as the reader who has come to enjoy the work of David Field.
Having cut my teeth on Field’s first Victorian mystery series, I was pleased to see him come back to this era, which gives him the chance to delve deeper into the history, medical advancements, and sociology-economic situation of the time. He paves the way for what is sure to be an exciting series with two strong protagonists. Matthew West is a young man who serves no specific flock as he counsels the homeless and those he encounters on his walks through London’s East Side. Still new to the profession, the reader can see the cracks in his character as he tries to be upstanding without yet being able to ignore some of the baser urges that are tossed before him. He seeks to help, but is still largely naive when it comes to matters of deeper thinking. This contrasts nicely with Dr. James Carlyle, whose medical knowledge and life experience make him the more grounded of the two. Carlyle educates West (and the reader) to some of the medical and psychological know-how as it relates to neuroses and poisoning. He reveals some interesting facts about the case, while also trying to parent his daughter, who seeks to stir up the pot with her women’s rights movement, a great sub-plot. Other characters work well within the confines of the piece, offering a great deal of flavouring to an exciting story. Built on a wonderful premise, Field pulls on some of the sentiments around spirits from the day, as well as the rise in mediums who seek to communicate between the two worlds. With a mixture of chapter lengths, Field pulls the reader in before offering them longer explanations to give the book some depth. The narrative flows really well and is peppered with great cockney slang to add a layer of realism to the banter between characters. I cannot wait to see what else the West-Carlyle duo undertake in upcoming pieces, hoping that Field has many ideas to share with his fan base.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for another winner. I am pleased to see us back in Victorian times, where my appreciation for your writing began. Perhaps the attentive reader may see some crossover mentions from the other series?
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 23, 2020
4.5 stars
An enjoyable story about a surgeon, inspector and preacher solving a crime in Victorian London. The crime plays on the fears of the general public, enamoured of spiritualism and easily convinced of mass haunting S in East London. This was a charming story and available on Kindle Unlimited.
An enjoyable story about a surgeon, inspector and preacher solving a crime in Victorian London. The crime plays on the fears of the general public, enamoured of spiritualism and easily convinced of mass haunting S in East London. This was a charming story and available on Kindle Unlimited.
January 7, 2021
After reviewing the second book in this lovely series (Death comes but twice) I was hooked. This is really a great series with interesting characters and lots of atmosphere.
I quickly bought the whole series - sometimes you just need to treat yourself!
I quickly bought the whole series - sometimes you just need to treat yourself!
June 3, 2024
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded up to 5 🌟.
July 28, 2023
Should you be afraid of the dead – or the living? What in the hell is really happening in London? Are the victims of the Black Death really rising from the grave to seek their vengeance? Is the renowned spiritualist claiming the dead are now rising to punish Londoners to be believed, or is she just some whack job? Or worse is London again at the mercy of a serial killer? There are so many theories, and we have barely even scratched the surface to what's really going on.
Interviewing The Dead is the first book in the Carlyle & West Victorian Mysteries series, and it left me sold and eager to read the upcoming books. Not only was the plot interesting, but the characters were so enjoyable. I absolutely fell in love with "Interviewings" characters and their snarky banter. The writing was straightforward and easy to follow. While the storyline wasn't complex, and I wouldn't categorize as thrilling, it was still full of enough twists and turns to keep me flipping the pages.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Interviewing The Dead is the first book in the Carlyle & West Victorian Mysteries series, and it left me sold and eager to read the upcoming books. Not only was the plot interesting, but the characters were so enjoyable. I absolutely fell in love with "Interviewings" characters and their snarky banter. The writing was straightforward and easy to follow. While the storyline wasn't complex, and I wouldn't categorize as thrilling, it was still full of enough twists and turns to keep me flipping the pages.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2020
I really must stop saying I’ve found a new favourite author. My list of author back catalogues keeps getting longer and now I’m adding David Field to it. I loved this strange tale of what appears to be ghosts rising to kill innocent people & how Carlyle and West (along with Jennings the policeman) go about trying to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of science and religion (and again throwing in policework from Jennings) coming together to solve the mystery. The Victorian era is one of my favorite times in history and I was reading a non-fiction book alongside this and playing spot the historical fact.
I love good strong Victorian women in my fiction and so thrilled with Adelaide Carlyle and her fight to have women given more equal job opportunities is one I’m enjoying. I love that it’s a different fight to Suffragettes and one I’d not come across so I get to learn too. From the blurb at the end her story will continue so another reason to get the next 2 books.
Overall, a quick read (for me), a page turner and I could’t put it down.
I love good strong Victorian women in my fiction and so thrilled with Adelaide Carlyle and her fight to have women given more equal job opportunities is one I’m enjoying. I love that it’s a different fight to Suffragettes and one I’d not come across so I get to learn too. From the blurb at the end her story will continue so another reason to get the next 2 books.
Overall, a quick read (for me), a page turner and I could’t put it down.
June 13, 2020
I really enjoy David Field's books and was excited to discover this new series set in Victorian England. It begins with a wonderful young Wesleyan street preacher, Matthew West, who finds himself meeting Dr. James Carlyle, a surgeon at a local London hospital. I love how these men have completely different perspectives on religion and yet they are united in finding the cause of local deaths that have been occurring. You see, some bones have been unearthed during the construction of an underground station and an alleged clairvoyant tells a group of the local populace that three centuries before, this had been a mass grave site of plague victims. She further goes on to say that the unsettled souls are angered and are out for revenge. Carlyle and West seek assistance from a Scotland Yard detective who offers police backing.They determine that someone has been spiking the beer at particular pubs with a potent hallucinogenic. It's up to Carlyle and West to find out what is going on and stop the hallucinations and deaths.
The author gives us an excellent plot, and well fleshed out characters. It's perfectly paced and I enjoy that it's set in the Victorian era, a perfect time for this type of mystery.
I would like to thank David Field, Sapere Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The author gives us an excellent plot, and well fleshed out characters. It's perfectly paced and I enjoy that it's set in the Victorian era, a perfect time for this type of mystery.
I would like to thank David Field, Sapere Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 24, 2020
This was Such an enjoyable read. After a spirutalist convinces the people that ghosts from plague victims have come to take revenge, panic arises. It doesn’t take long for the first sightings… and deaths. It is up to a clergyman and a surgeon (with some help from the police) to find out what is going on.
When Doyle studied medicine at Edinburgh University, he fell under the spell of a Doctor Joseph Bell and gave his character Holmes the same penchant for careful observation and logical deduction that Bell had demonstrated to his students. It was no great stretch of the imagination to reason that an entire generation of medical men would have received the same training from this very real medical pioneer and Dr James Carlyle was born.
Yes, the surgeon in this story is a lot like Holmes, and the clergyman is basically Watson. And they go So well together. It is a joy to see their relationship develop, to read their interesting discussions and their banter. Added to this is Carlyle’s daughter who fights for women’s representation and rights, who is funny and clever but also very firm in her beliefs and easily offended. Together with the police inspector they form a great team with diverse points of views, perfect to solve this mystery.
The mystery itself is somewhat simple, but with this being a short book (200 pages), that was okay. It was certainly interesting and unique and kept me reading well into the night. The writing isn’t anything special, but very readable.
Everything together made this a really fun read, and after only the first chapter I was already loving it so much I instantly requested (and received, jeey) the second book in this series. And I cannot wait to find out what will happen next…
When Doyle studied medicine at Edinburgh University, he fell under the spell of a Doctor Joseph Bell and gave his character Holmes the same penchant for careful observation and logical deduction that Bell had demonstrated to his students. It was no great stretch of the imagination to reason that an entire generation of medical men would have received the same training from this very real medical pioneer and Dr James Carlyle was born.
Yes, the surgeon in this story is a lot like Holmes, and the clergyman is basically Watson. And they go So well together. It is a joy to see their relationship develop, to read their interesting discussions and their banter. Added to this is Carlyle’s daughter who fights for women’s representation and rights, who is funny and clever but also very firm in her beliefs and easily offended. Together with the police inspector they form a great team with diverse points of views, perfect to solve this mystery.
The mystery itself is somewhat simple, but with this being a short book (200 pages), that was okay. It was certainly interesting and unique and kept me reading well into the night. The writing isn’t anything special, but very readable.
Everything together made this a really fun read, and after only the first chapter I was already loving it so much I instantly requested (and received, jeey) the second book in this series. And I cannot wait to find out what will happen next…
June 12, 2020
I read this book as far as i could go. Th story had an interesting plot. I was intrigued and exited to read the book. However, when James and Mathew where at the cafe going into full detail about religion and medical science and how they are different, you lost me. First I thought that the writer gave to much detail into the subject, which may I add had no relation to what was happening to the people. Another thing, all these deaths that where happening all over London, the writer didn’t give any details to that. That would of been helpful. The book has this solid flat line that doesn’t move. No excitement and no action.
January 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book in a new series. It was a fast read for me with plenty of interesting characters. It’s a bit like some British books, it felt a bit stiff at the start but got better as I read on. It wove some real historical events into the story. I liked Adelaide and her quest to beat female repression.
I definitely will be looking for the next one in the series. Thanks to Sapere for the early copy.
I definitely will be looking for the next one in the series. Thanks to Sapere for the early copy.
June 17, 2020
1892 London is a place of progress, with crowded, bustling streets and the new Underground lines helping to ease the congestion. But then, as now, development can lead to controversy. When excavations for Aldgate Station lead to the removal of bones of many people who died in the Great Plague, apparitions start to appear to people in the area, said to be the ghosts of those whose bones have been disturbed. These apparitions are so terrible that some of the people seeing them die of heart attacks, or are injured in accidents sustained while trying to escape.
Wesleyan preacher Matthew West pairs with doctor James Carlyle, his skilled daughter and assistant Adelaide, and Detective Inspector John Jennings to try to seek out the real cause of these apparitions; West to calm and reassure people that according to his theological knowledge such spectres cannot exist, Carlyle to show that the spectres were somehow created in the minds of the victims, and Jennings to find out who is responsible for causing people to believe they have seen such terrible sights and how they have managed it. Although a very strident feminist, Adelaide has a talent for baking which proves very useful as the story progresses.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The setting of late Victorian London with its class distinctions and poverty came across so well you could almost hear and smell the life in the streets and bars. The characters were excellent – I particularly enjoyed the friendship that develops between West and Carlyle, one a devout Christian and the other an equally committed atheist yet both with the same hopes and ideals, and the sparks that fly between West and Adelaide.
I felt sorry to finish this book as it meant saying goodbye to the characters, and look forward to reading more about them in future stories. Many thanks to Sapere books for providing me with an ARC.
Wesleyan preacher Matthew West pairs with doctor James Carlyle, his skilled daughter and assistant Adelaide, and Detective Inspector John Jennings to try to seek out the real cause of these apparitions; West to calm and reassure people that according to his theological knowledge such spectres cannot exist, Carlyle to show that the spectres were somehow created in the minds of the victims, and Jennings to find out who is responsible for causing people to believe they have seen such terrible sights and how they have managed it. Although a very strident feminist, Adelaide has a talent for baking which proves very useful as the story progresses.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The setting of late Victorian London with its class distinctions and poverty came across so well you could almost hear and smell the life in the streets and bars. The characters were excellent – I particularly enjoyed the friendship that develops between West and Carlyle, one a devout Christian and the other an equally committed atheist yet both with the same hopes and ideals, and the sparks that fly between West and Adelaide.
I felt sorry to finish this book as it meant saying goodbye to the characters, and look forward to reading more about them in future stories. Many thanks to Sapere books for providing me with an ARC.
June 10, 2021
You definitely get the sense that this is the first book in a series, meaning expect more questions than answers - if the cliffhanger and the 'turn in next time' at the end didn't clue you in, nothing will.
I was really excited about this book. Jack the Ripper has struck, People are dying. I think where it goes awry is that because the book is billed as potentially a horror.
Now after reading it, the fact that I thought it was a horror, was completely my fault.
I really should have liked this, with Suffragettes, seances. spiritualism, and this historical era. But...something didn’t click with me. I’m not sure if it was that it seemed like everything was ‘mashed together’ but Mr. Field definitely did his work. It’s a well researched first book, giving insight into the Victorian era.
Really liked the little touches he gave like, adding in and the popularity of
Spiritualism, along with the historical characters of Joseph Merrick, James Carlyle, and Franz Mesmer.
Where he lost me was when James and Mathew went into full detail about religion and medical science and how they are different, you lost me. Completely. I get that science versus religion in the Victorian era, I just think that he could be a lot less subtle with it. It felt like I was lectured at, most of the book., to be honest by those characters.
I was really excited about this book. Jack the Ripper has struck, People are dying. I think where it goes awry is that because the book is billed as potentially a horror.
Now after reading it, the fact that I thought it was a horror, was completely my fault.
I really should have liked this, with Suffragettes, seances. spiritualism, and this historical era. But...something didn’t click with me. I’m not sure if it was that it seemed like everything was ‘mashed together’ but Mr. Field definitely did his work. It’s a well researched first book, giving insight into the Victorian era.
Really liked the little touches he gave like, adding in and the popularity of
Spiritualism, along with the historical characters of Joseph Merrick, James Carlyle, and Franz Mesmer.
Where he lost me was when James and Mathew went into full detail about religion and medical science and how they are different, you lost me. Completely. I get that science versus religion in the Victorian era, I just think that he could be a lot less subtle with it. It felt like I was lectured at, most of the book., to be honest by those characters.
June 15, 2020
The story takes place in London in 1892 & a renowned spiritualist is claiming the dead are rising to punish Londoners. Over two hundred years ago, in 1665, a mass grave was dug to house the hundreds of corpses who fell victim to the Black Death. When Aldgate Underground station was extended, the workmen discovered the grave and unceremoniously dumped the bones, to make way for the new track. Strange encounters start to be reported in London’s East End with some people dying from unexplained causes. People start to panic, and distressed parishioners consult local preacher, Matthew West, looking for reassurance. Matthew is at a loss and turns to local doctor, James Carlyle, for answers. So an unusual team is formed they have very different views on science and religion, but they decide to work together to get the bottom of the mysterious deaths.
An interesting start to a new series & I look forward to more. A well written book which is very well researched & the author builds a vivid picture of London in late Victorian times. An engrossing read with plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. Strong characters & the unlikely team all added to my enjoyment
My thanks to Sapere for a special copy I voluntarily read
An interesting start to a new series & I look forward to more. A well written book which is very well researched & the author builds a vivid picture of London in late Victorian times. An engrossing read with plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. Strong characters & the unlikely team all added to my enjoyment
My thanks to Sapere for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 15, 2020
1892 London According to medium Sarah Higgins, because the plague victims bones have been removed to make way for the Aldgate Underground Station, the dead will arrive on earth. Soon four deaths are attributed to these supernatural beings, But then survivors of encounters started to appear.
DI John Jennings of Scotland Yard joins with Professor James Carlyle, surgeon and preacher Matthew West to determine the how, why, and who behind these activities.
An entertaining well-written historical VIctorian mystery, with a cast of interesting and likeable characters. A good start to a new series.
DI John Jennings of Scotland Yard joins with Professor James Carlyle, surgeon and preacher Matthew West to determine the how, why, and who behind these activities.
An entertaining well-written historical VIctorian mystery, with a cast of interesting and likeable characters. A good start to a new series.
June 14, 2020
I love this book, the first in a new series, and I couldn't put it down.
The plot is interesting, full of twists and turns, and it kept me hooked till the last page.
I loved the vivid and well researched historical background and the mix of historical fiction and mystery.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing, the cast of characters well thought and likeable.
I can't wait for the next instalment because I want to know what will happen in the character's life.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The plot is interesting, full of twists and turns, and it kept me hooked till the last page.
I loved the vivid and well researched historical background and the mix of historical fiction and mystery.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing, the cast of characters well thought and likeable.
I can't wait for the next instalment because I want to know what will happen in the character's life.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
July 15, 2021
Matthew West is a gentle and unassuming curate. However, when people start seeing bodies rising from the plague pit around Aldwych station, leading to a number of deaths, he meets Robert Carlyle, a surgeon and anatomist, and together they begin to try to resolve the mystery of what is happening.
The solution is clever and interesting, and quite unusual. Based around facts of the time, but with full poetic licence, it makes for an interesting story.
The solution is clever and interesting, and quite unusual. Based around facts of the time, but with full poetic licence, it makes for an interesting story.
August 21, 2020
Interviewing the Dead is a book I would recommend to all those who love depictions of late Victorian London, who shiver delightedly at being showered with details about everyday life in an era where the world stood with one foot still rooted in the past while the other was firmly set on the path towards the beckoning future.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds (Historical Novel Reviews)
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds (Historical Novel Reviews)
April 26, 2022
A lot better than I expected it to be - a fun, enjoyable read. 3.5
September 5, 2023
PEDANTIC AND TRITE
I struggled with the language and prose of this story for two days before I finally gave it up as totally unreadable. It isn't the stuffy and dull colloquial speech but the absurd and ludicrous story arc that just bored me to tears. Matthew is a rather Simple and stuffy young man who, we are repeatedly informed, has chosen the rather poverty laden career choice of a Wesleyan preacher, rather than join his father and brother in the more established and profitable business of printing as a trade.
Oddly though he remains living a rather comfortable life within his fathers home a substantial home in a fashionable district of London. And loudly and vehemently criticizes anyone who dares to disagree with his boorish opinions. He's a snob. And lazy. Entitled. Vacuous and stupid
The time frame is apparently mid 1800's and of course he simply must live an established and comfortable lifestyle while engaging in his career which will never permit him to grow up and become a successful person.
In short Matthew is a hypocrite. And it seems he is quite content to never have to emerge as a self sustaining member of society. He believes he is qualified beyond the pale to opine about the offensive nature of independent women who would argue they should enjoy equality in not only society but also in education and professional success.
And that's where and when I'd had enough.
The writing is juvenile and tiring. The idea of.performing a medical experiment on a human being in ridiculously dangerous situations is ludicrous.
This is nothing more than pulp fiction and I admit I found it just stupid and rather offensive.
I quit about halfway through. The conversations are repeatedly ignorant and petulant. Childish, actually. I think I could have had more fun washing dishes. I'm a retired woman with a medical degree. I just can't waste my time on this sort of tedious and dated fiction.
Boring. Find something else to entertain yourself.
I struggled with the language and prose of this story for two days before I finally gave it up as totally unreadable. It isn't the stuffy and dull colloquial speech but the absurd and ludicrous story arc that just bored me to tears. Matthew is a rather Simple and stuffy young man who, we are repeatedly informed, has chosen the rather poverty laden career choice of a Wesleyan preacher, rather than join his father and brother in the more established and profitable business of printing as a trade.
Oddly though he remains living a rather comfortable life within his fathers home a substantial home in a fashionable district of London. And loudly and vehemently criticizes anyone who dares to disagree with his boorish opinions. He's a snob. And lazy. Entitled. Vacuous and stupid
The time frame is apparently mid 1800's and of course he simply must live an established and comfortable lifestyle while engaging in his career which will never permit him to grow up and become a successful person.
In short Matthew is a hypocrite. And it seems he is quite content to never have to emerge as a self sustaining member of society. He believes he is qualified beyond the pale to opine about the offensive nature of independent women who would argue they should enjoy equality in not only society but also in education and professional success.
And that's where and when I'd had enough.
The writing is juvenile and tiring. The idea of.performing a medical experiment on a human being in ridiculously dangerous situations is ludicrous.
This is nothing more than pulp fiction and I admit I found it just stupid and rather offensive.
I quit about halfway through. The conversations are repeatedly ignorant and petulant. Childish, actually. I think I could have had more fun washing dishes. I'm a retired woman with a medical degree. I just can't waste my time on this sort of tedious and dated fiction.
Boring. Find something else to entertain yourself.
December 24, 2024
Brilliant story
This was a brilliant story as always by David Field. The feminist stance was interesting, as was the mind-altering drug, peyote. A great choice of characters too with a clergyman and a surgeon not only debating on religion which was interesting, but also to make them the amateur sleuths. I shall definitely be reading the next in the series.
This was a brilliant story as always by David Field. The feminist stance was interesting, as was the mind-altering drug, peyote. A great choice of characters too with a clergyman and a surgeon not only debating on religion which was interesting, but also to make them the amateur sleuths. I shall definitely be reading the next in the series.
April 20, 2024
Loved it.
January 30, 2021
London, 1892. After a popular spiritualist predicts revenge upon the city for disturbing a 1665 mass grave, people begin seeing vengeful spirits appear at night. Hysteria spreads quickly through London’s East End as its residents begin dying from mysterious causes. Wesleyan minister Matthew West and surgeon Dr. James Carlyle, though at odds religiously, will find themselves working together to determine the cause of these supernatural incidents. It’s going to take both their realms of expertise to stop the curse before it’s too late for the citizens of London.
The author is comfortable bringing to life Victorian-era society and its nuances. It’s easy to slip into the narration. There are captivating Sherlock-esque examinations of the victims, too. However, this is a dialogue-heavy read that approaches the plot very clinically. It’s light emotionally with little character development. Dr. Carlyle’s daughter, Adelaide Carlyle, wants to carve a place for women in a man’s world, but she’s constantly spewing vitriol at everyone. Some subtle wit and careful thought to her arguments would have given her credibility. Instead, she comes across as hot-headed, always on the defensive, and showing little compassion for those around her. I didn’t buy into the potential romance between her and Matthew, either. In terms of mystery elements, the characters are often far removed from the incidents, so the stakes are low. The mentalist aspects are quite intriguing, but key solutions came about more by accident than from investigative work. While I’m not sure if I’d continue with the series, there’s a lot of potential here for future sleuthing adventures, with Field’s differing character viewpoints and well-defined setting.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
The author is comfortable bringing to life Victorian-era society and its nuances. It’s easy to slip into the narration. There are captivating Sherlock-esque examinations of the victims, too. However, this is a dialogue-heavy read that approaches the plot very clinically. It’s light emotionally with little character development. Dr. Carlyle’s daughter, Adelaide Carlyle, wants to carve a place for women in a man’s world, but she’s constantly spewing vitriol at everyone. Some subtle wit and careful thought to her arguments would have given her credibility. Instead, she comes across as hot-headed, always on the defensive, and showing little compassion for those around her. I didn’t buy into the potential romance between her and Matthew, either. In terms of mystery elements, the characters are often far removed from the incidents, so the stakes are low. The mentalist aspects are quite intriguing, but key solutions came about more by accident than from investigative work. While I’m not sure if I’d continue with the series, there’s a lot of potential here for future sleuthing adventures, with Field’s differing character viewpoints and well-defined setting.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
July 7, 2020
Thank you to David Field and the publishers for this copy.
Interviewing the Dead is the first in a new series by David Field. It sets up the age old questions around God and Science in Victorian England a few years after the end of the Jack the Ripper murders.
When the dead begin to rise from a plague pit and terrorise East London we meet Matthew who is a Wesleyan minister and a firm non believer that the plague victims are seeking revenge on the public. The bodies are piling up when he crosses paths with Dr Carlyle, practising in a new field of anatomising the dead, he uses his talents to gleam information from the victims, much in the manor of the Kathy Reichs character Bones. The doctor is accompanied by his daughter Adelaide, a fiesty, smart, young woman fighting for her place in a man's world. Adelaide was such an interesting character to me as a woman in science before the suffrage movement really takes off, before women win the vote and any semblance of rights, she is fighting to be heard. Throughout the book she continues to fight the patriarchal society she lives in, giving Matthew no doubt what she thinks as their relationship bubbles along in the background. I liked that there wasn't a strong romantic element to the story, it would have detracted from the themes of the book. We follow West and Carlyle, along with Inspector Jennings as the discover whether God or Science is behind the crimes and apparitions, working together to represent their fields but not held back by them. As the debut for this series I think the characters were well set up and has definitely made me want to read Book 2. I liked the discussions between the characters, that neither opinion was ridiculed and it took all of their fields to solve the mystery. It is an enjoyable read, with plenty of potential for expanding the series.
Interviewing the Dead is the first in a new series by David Field. It sets up the age old questions around God and Science in Victorian England a few years after the end of the Jack the Ripper murders.
When the dead begin to rise from a plague pit and terrorise East London we meet Matthew who is a Wesleyan minister and a firm non believer that the plague victims are seeking revenge on the public. The bodies are piling up when he crosses paths with Dr Carlyle, practising in a new field of anatomising the dead, he uses his talents to gleam information from the victims, much in the manor of the Kathy Reichs character Bones. The doctor is accompanied by his daughter Adelaide, a fiesty, smart, young woman fighting for her place in a man's world. Adelaide was such an interesting character to me as a woman in science before the suffrage movement really takes off, before women win the vote and any semblance of rights, she is fighting to be heard. Throughout the book she continues to fight the patriarchal society she lives in, giving Matthew no doubt what she thinks as their relationship bubbles along in the background. I liked that there wasn't a strong romantic element to the story, it would have detracted from the themes of the book. We follow West and Carlyle, along with Inspector Jennings as the discover whether God or Science is behind the crimes and apparitions, working together to represent their fields but not held back by them. As the debut for this series I think the characters were well set up and has definitely made me want to read Book 2. I liked the discussions between the characters, that neither opinion was ridiculed and it took all of their fields to solve the mystery. It is an enjoyable read, with plenty of potential for expanding the series.
June 27, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a corker of a mystery set five years after Jack The Ripper killed his final victim. The East End is still reeling so when people claim to see ghosts of plague pit victims attack them from the bowels of Aldgate Station, hysteria is rampant and those who do not die are injured. But there are those who do not believe the sources are spectral but something nefarious and human.
It will take the combined efforts and talents of four very dissimilar people to solve the question. A famous and well respect doctor, his rebellious and brilliant daughter who works with him in the morgue, a young street preacher and a police inspector are unusual allies but they first deal with the source of the hysteria before they discover who is the brains behind the scare and how and why he is doing it. In fact, when West, the preacher, is confronted by the villain, it is he who provides the final links to getting to the bottom of it and spreading the news that it is over.
Carlyle, the doctor and West, the preacher are a great team. Add in Adelaide, the daughter with a scathing wit and a hot temper, and you have the makings of a highly entertaining and elegant story. I found I could not put it down easily and was disappointed when it ended- albeit leaving much speculation of where this trio will go in the future. I, for one, will wait with anticipation.
Five purrs and two paws up.
It will take the combined efforts and talents of four very dissimilar people to solve the question. A famous and well respect doctor, his rebellious and brilliant daughter who works with him in the morgue, a young street preacher and a police inspector are unusual allies but they first deal with the source of the hysteria before they discover who is the brains behind the scare and how and why he is doing it. In fact, when West, the preacher, is confronted by the villain, it is he who provides the final links to getting to the bottom of it and spreading the news that it is over.
Carlyle, the doctor and West, the preacher are a great team. Add in Adelaide, the daughter with a scathing wit and a hot temper, and you have the makings of a highly entertaining and elegant story. I found I could not put it down easily and was disappointed when it ended- albeit leaving much speculation of where this trio will go in the future. I, for one, will wait with anticipation.
Five purrs and two paws up.
August 21, 2020
I received a free electronic ARC of this excellent British Victorian novel from Caoimhe O’Brien of Sapere Books and David Field. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and the review reflects my honest opinion of this work. David Field is always high on my to-read list. He writes a tight story, a well-defined, accurately portrayed background, and his protagonists are sympathetic - except the bad guys, who are more one-dimensional and easy to hate.
Interviewing the Dead is the first in a series of three Victorian novels taking place in London, 1892. People are afraid, and there are many sightings of the 1665 victims of a deadly plague that swept through London. Many people died, and their corpses were rapidly covered in a mass grave. Rumor has it that those graves were disturbed to make way for Aldgate Underground expanded train station, and the ghosts are restless and angry. This excellent mystery is featuring Matthew West, a young Wesleyan minister solicited to soothe emotional and religious fears, and James Carlyle, an anatomist/physician presenting the scientific viewpoint. James' daughter, Adelaide, a fire-brand red-head with strong suffragette tendencies, adds an interesting viewpoint to the mystery.
Pub date June 20, 2020
Reviewed on August 21, 2020, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile. Not available for review at B&N, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
Interviewing the Dead is the first in a series of three Victorian novels taking place in London, 1892. People are afraid, and there are many sightings of the 1665 victims of a deadly plague that swept through London. Many people died, and their corpses were rapidly covered in a mass grave. Rumor has it that those graves were disturbed to make way for Aldgate Underground expanded train station, and the ghosts are restless and angry. This excellent mystery is featuring Matthew West, a young Wesleyan minister solicited to soothe emotional and religious fears, and James Carlyle, an anatomist/physician presenting the scientific viewpoint. James' daughter, Adelaide, a fire-brand red-head with strong suffragette tendencies, adds an interesting viewpoint to the mystery.
Pub date June 20, 2020
Reviewed on August 21, 2020, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile. Not available for review at B&N, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed the premise of this novel; the investigation and how it was conducted was interesting to read. I could tell part way through that there was nothing paranormal happening but I couldn't figure out what actually was going on. I was surprised and intrigued when it was revealed.
However, I did not like the characters. They felt one-dimensional and I disagreed with how they carried/conducted themselves. I did not read the last couple chapters, I stopped once the investigation was solved, but I could tell the female and young male leads would get together. The two of them are not people that would work in a relationship as their morals are too different. One is religious and one is outright not a believer in religion. I can't see that working out well.
At some points, I found the writing was lacking, but not always. David Field is an adequate writer, there was a lot of repetition that could have been edited. For example, the characters say "indeed" in response to things a lot, when another options could include "absolutely" and "yes" to make the writing feel more versatile.
All-in-all, I wouldn't personally recommend this novel but I can see why other people enjoy it. I do still plan to read other works by David Field, if he has any. His writing was easy to understand, which I appreciated.
However, I did not like the characters. They felt one-dimensional and I disagreed with how they carried/conducted themselves. I did not read the last couple chapters, I stopped once the investigation was solved, but I could tell the female and young male leads would get together. The two of them are not people that would work in a relationship as their morals are too different. One is religious and one is outright not a believer in religion. I can't see that working out well.
At some points, I found the writing was lacking, but not always. David Field is an adequate writer, there was a lot of repetition that could have been edited. For example, the characters say "indeed" in response to things a lot, when another options could include "absolutely" and "yes" to make the writing feel more versatile.
All-in-all, I wouldn't personally recommend this novel but I can see why other people enjoy it. I do still plan to read other works by David Field, if he has any. His writing was easy to understand, which I appreciated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a digital copy of this novel.
Actual rate: 3.50 stars
This book was a very enjoyable read. I have always had an interest in the paranormal, and I watch a lot of paranormal documentaries, but I'm also quite skeptical of too popular beliefs about ghosts and such, so finding a book that deals with investiganting a phenomena that may or may not be related to the paranormal made me very happy.
The story is, nevertheless, narrated through skeptical eyes: both the main character and the other major ones were looking for a "normal" and realistic solution to the mystery, and it was still pleasant to read. The characters were also quite interesting, their personalities were much deeper than I expected from such a short book.
I think that's what penalized this book to me: the shortness. The events and the scenes felt a bit disconnected from each other sometimes, and they could have been developed and described more deeply. Also for being a mystery/thriller with a historical setting it lacked atmosphere, More descriptions of London, its population and its places could have definitely helped the story to seem more complete.
Overall this was a pleasant read, and I may check out the sequel one day.
Actual rate: 3.50 stars
This book was a very enjoyable read. I have always had an interest in the paranormal, and I watch a lot of paranormal documentaries, but I'm also quite skeptical of too popular beliefs about ghosts and such, so finding a book that deals with investiganting a phenomena that may or may not be related to the paranormal made me very happy.
The story is, nevertheless, narrated through skeptical eyes: both the main character and the other major ones were looking for a "normal" and realistic solution to the mystery, and it was still pleasant to read. The characters were also quite interesting, their personalities were much deeper than I expected from such a short book.
I think that's what penalized this book to me: the shortness. The events and the scenes felt a bit disconnected from each other sometimes, and they could have been developed and described more deeply. Also for being a mystery/thriller with a historical setting it lacked atmosphere, More descriptions of London, its population and its places could have definitely helped the story to seem more complete.
Overall this was a pleasant read, and I may check out the sequel one day.
June 12, 2020
David Field's Interviewing the Dead had some interesting possibilities in terms of interactions among the central characters: a young Wesleyan minister and an anatomist/physician. The two meet one another because they are both engaging in "do good" work, and when it's reported that ancient plague victims being disinterred during the building of an underground station are stalking and killing Londoners, they find themselves working together to unearth what's really going on. This provides an opportunity for all kinds of wonderful tensions between rationalism and faith, and the author tries to explore these, but never gets very far.
The central mystery is not that complex—and is solved by happenstance as much as by deliberate investigation. So again, there's potential there, but the author doesn't take full advantage of it.
This title is billed as #1 in a series, so perhaps the characters and plotting will get more interesting in the future, but I found this book to be a disappointment.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NatGalley. The opinions are my own.
The central mystery is not that complex—and is solved by happenstance as much as by deliberate investigation. So again, there's potential there, but the author doesn't take full advantage of it.
This title is billed as #1 in a series, so perhaps the characters and plotting will get more interesting in the future, but I found this book to be a disappointment.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NatGalley. The opinions are my own.
June 21, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sapere Books in exchange for an honest review. As always, I try to provide a review with no spoilers so you can check the book out for yourself.
I like a good mystery and, with more time to read in the summer, I'm able to actually be pulled in and continue reading on my schedule without work interfering. This was my first David Field book, and I liked the way he developed the characters. The characters of the doctor and the fledgling pastor are foils for each other, one as a man of science and one as a man of God. What they can agree on is that the deaths are not related to supernatural events. In the Victorian era, there was that juxtaposition of science and religion and conflict over how the two would coincide. I felt this book was true to the time period with the characters' discussions and actions.
The mystery itself was good and the methods of convincing the public a little unethical by today's standards. The pastor was in the dark and quite upset when he found out, so Field does stay true to character.
Carlyle's daughter Adelaide presents some potential for future books and I hope she features in them.
I like a good mystery and, with more time to read in the summer, I'm able to actually be pulled in and continue reading on my schedule without work interfering. This was my first David Field book, and I liked the way he developed the characters. The characters of the doctor and the fledgling pastor are foils for each other, one as a man of science and one as a man of God. What they can agree on is that the deaths are not related to supernatural events. In the Victorian era, there was that juxtaposition of science and religion and conflict over how the two would coincide. I felt this book was true to the time period with the characters' discussions and actions.
The mystery itself was good and the methods of convincing the public a little unethical by today's standards. The pastor was in the dark and quite upset when he found out, so Field does stay true to character.
Carlyle's daughter Adelaide presents some potential for future books and I hope she features in them.
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