Murder at the Dunwich Asylum

Dr. Hamish Hart #1

by Karen Thurecht

It is 1884 and the eager young Doctor Hamish Hart is drawn from his research to investigate the hanging deaths of a female inmate and her lover at the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum on Stradbroke Island. The Superintendent insists the deaths are suicide, the sad fate of star-crossed lovers. However, Hamish suspects murder. Driven by a passionate interest in social justice, Hamish and his friend Rita, realise there is a view of the asylum that has been obscured from the authorities.

Genres: Australia, Historical Mystery

223 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2020

About the author

Dr Karen Thurecht has a PhD in medical anthropology and a lifelong interest in cultural belief systems relating to health and medicine.

Karen has taught cultural history at the University of Queensland Medical School and the Griffith University Medical School, and supervised Masters and PhD students in Public Health across the country.

Karen has previously published two non-fiction books, one relating to women's health and the other about our need to understand our lives through story. Karen lives on North Stradbroke Island with her husband and is working on a murder mystery series set in Queensland in the 1880's, involving an eager young doctor, Hamish Hart.

Reviews

[Malvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a compelling book! I had no idea about the history of Stradbroke Island and the Benevolent Society Asylum there. Isn't it amazing what you learn from fiction?! Dr Hamish Hart was a terrific young hero/sleuth - sort of forced into that situation when he comes to investigate and report on Dunwich Asylum. The first morning he's there a young woman, Emily, is found hanging from a tree. With everyone assuming it's a suicide, Hamish discovers on examining the body that she was murdered. There is huge resistance to declaring this, as it just seems unbelievable, even when her lover is discovered the next morning hanging from the same tree. Is his death also suicide? Or another murder? Hamish is no top-shot detective, he just sort of stumbles around, trying to figure things out in the hostile environment. The asylum is described in stomach-turning detail, and some of the wards are extremely neglected; appalling environments with no medical care for these unfortunates. It's a miracle some of the people are still alive, to be honest. With Hamish also reporting on this, it becomes almost a no-brainer to realise he's going to be targeted for disclosing these dreadful truths - and for disclosing the murders?! When his friend Rita, herself qualified as a doctor, arrives on the island, they both become exposed to mortal danger. The sad mystery of the hanged girl and her lover is so compelling you just want to keep on reading. Are Hamish and Rita going to figure out the truth of the matter? And what's going to happen to the conditions of those poor inmates at the asylum? All in all a very satisfying mystery to read - and the end indicates there might even be another mystery to come. Hurrah!
Thanks to Beauty&Lace and Shawline Publishing Group for the chance to read this book.

[Mandy Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Murder at the Dunwich Asylum" paints a vivid picture of Stradbroke Island soon after the arrival of the first European settlers. Karen Thurecht is a local writer with deep knowledge of Stradbroke Island or Minjerribah, as it is known to the Indigenous people of the Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) area. The book follows Doctor Hamish Hart, sent to research the Asylum, who recognises a hanging as murder. He investigates the murder of young patient Emily Baker, and comes to understand the delicate social balance between the Asylum patients, disabled, insane, alcoholic or just old, and the Aborigines of Myora. Readers can trace the footsteps of Doctor Hart across the island, where the murderer tries to silence the investigator. A well-researched historical mystery.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Good pace for a murder mystery and the historical elements woven in helped to create a sense of realism to the story. Looking forward to picking up book two.

[Melissa Trevelion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Dunwich Asylum, first book in the series by Australian author Karen Thurecht is a poignant dark murder mystery.

1884, Dunwich Asylum located on North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay a young woman by the name of Emily May Baker is found hanging from a tree. Superintendent Holloway declares her death as a suicide. When her lover is found hanging from the same tree suspicion arises.

Doctor Hamish Hart arrives with his comrade Rita to investigate the hangings, he rules out suicide and declares it a murder. The unravelling of the asylum begins and the hunt for the killer.
The characters, whether side or main, have certain unique attributes that make them memorable. They are exceptionally well developed, making it easy for me to imagine each scene and feel their emotions.

Karen Thurecht has created a fascinating mystery that grabs you with its unique plot. There is a lot of suspense that begins in the first chapter and continues to the conclusion. I loved how the story was based around Dunwich Asylum, which added an unsettling image of the place that holds the story together.

There were plenty of twists and turns, but nothing is left unsolved, all the pieces of the jigsaw fall nicely into place which made it an enjoyable read. It is one of those books that makes you turn the pages, wanting to know what is going to happen next. I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down.

I can only describe the story as enthralling, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one.

Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Shawline Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.

[S.C. Karakaltsas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently visited North Stradbroke Island during their annual Arts Trail which I followed to the hall which was once the Dunwich Asylum. There I met author Karen Thurecht who has written a book series about Dr Hamish Hart. Murder at the Dunwich Asylum is the first in the series of mysteries and I couldn’t resist picking it up.

The setting is 1884 when Hamish Hart visits the island to undertake an assessment of the asylum but becomes embroiled in the deaths of two people, one of which is an inmate. The superintendant, keen to downplay the death insists it is suicide. Dissatisfied, Hart begins an investigation and finds evidence that the inmate, Emily Baker was murdered. His friend Rita comes from the mainland and together they begin digging into areas where they shouldn't and put their own lives at risk.

I loved the island’s description particularly as I could visualise it exactly. I was keenly interested in the historical context woven by the author into the narrative snippets from the newspapers of the time for each chapter heading. I also appreciated the themes around the social problems such as alcoholism, abuse of women and mental health issues and how this was dealt with in the day. Being sent to an institution for being a disobedient wife is just one way.

Hart's character develops he begins investigating and I particularly liked Wesley Wallace who is introduced in the first chapter. We never really know if he good or bad but his story takes a surprising turn.

If you're after a bit of a mystery and some fantastic island history then read this one.

[Sharyn P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamish, a medical doctor, travels to Dunwich Asylum to review the management of the residents, specifically relating to their medical care and well being. He travels there with the Superintendent at his routine visit, unbeknownst to the manager of the asylum Holloway. His presence is not entirely welcomed, more seen as a challenge of Holloway's ability to manage his domain.
Emily is found hanging from a tree along a well trodden path. Wallace, the asylum cook, came across her on his way in to work. Suicide is presumed, tragic as it may be. However when Hamish inspects the body it has a different tale to tell. There is a second line around the neck in the bruising separate to that the rope would make, and she is with child.
Being as this is in the 1800s the resources for scientific discovery and autopsy are limited, however Hamish believes whole heartedly that this was murder, not suicide.
A good book that draws you in with diverse characters and intrigue. Thank you to Beauty & Lace for the chance to read and Karen Thurecht for providing an escape in time to a place of mystery and intrigue. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Bec Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A carefully crafted murder mystery that will keep you guessing 'til the end.

Karen Thurecht weaves together the lives of her protagonists with empathy and compassion, drawing the reader into the intrigue of Dunwich Asylum. Building on Stradbroke Island's (Minjerribah's) history as an asylum, without ignoring its Traditional Owners, Murder at the Dunwich Asylum is hard to put down. A perfect anytime read.

This book takes you on a whirlwind journey of a brief moment in the life of Dr. Hamish Hart and his wonderful wing-woman Rita. I'm looking forward to future works from this author.

[Bella Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Did you know there was an Asylum at Stradbroke Island in the late 1800's? Neither did I until I came across this book and boy is this a story inside. As long as you don't mind the occasional curse word, it's a thrilling read that makes you want to keep turning the pages to discover the mystery of the 'Murder at Dunwich Asylum'.
Follow Hamish and Rita as they search the island and question the people to discover the truth of two young lives that were taken too soon.

Looking forward to reading the next murder mystery that Karen brings to life.'

[Minelle Rodenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! If you don’t usually have time to read this is a good book to read in a weekend! I also just couldn’t put it down! It felt like I was there in the scenery and I could feel what the characters were feeling! You’re kept on your toes the whole time just when you think you know! There are characters you really hate and characters you really love. Set up for book two now I cannot wait to see what’s next! 10/10

[Trish Purnell-Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good plot

Suicide or homicide. Young Dr Hamish Hart has a somewhat tortuous task in figuring this out. As a first novel it has a lot to recommend it. Good plot, nicely incorporated historical detail, a likeable hero and a cast of interesting support characters. The pace through the middle of the book was a little slow and drawn out. The resolution was a bit too contrived and failed to allow our hero to really shine at the end. A reasonable read for a rainy seaside holiday.

[Sarah Cole]

The setting of this book, straight out is creepy creepsville! Set in 1884 in a fully operational asylum in Australia a young woman, Emily Baker is found dead.

Then in comes Dr Hamish Hart who is actually there checking out the hideous place but while he's there starts to investigate her death and concludes that she was murdered.

Heaps of other stuff goes down as the lies and secrets unfold from inside the asylum walls as Hamish and his friend Rita uncover the truth. The story flicks back and forth into the past so you find out more about Emily and her death, uncovering her story little by little.

There are some seedy gross characters in this and also some fabulous ones like Hamish and Rita with Hamish giving off some cool Sherlock Holmes vibes!

Thurecht's writing is descriptive and vivid as you are transported into the dirty, horrifying and sad confines of Dunwich Asylum a place even as a reader you really don't want to be!

Well done! This was sent to me by Shawline Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Karly Newitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book. Had not heard of this author before and found the book on a shelf at a community library in a Cafe, same with book two. It's a nice easy read, not a long book, but enjoyable, the storyline didn't try too hard, and flowed easily.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good plot with an interesting, historical setting, but spoilt for me by the clunky writing and very annoying vocabulary errors. As I bought the first three Dr Hart mysteries in one go, I hope the next two get better

[Stef O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book, the historical aspects were well researched and enriched the story. I just wish the ending had have had more detail, for me it ended too quickly with no storyline on how the ending came to be. I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s books

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters and the setting. I felt the book gave an accurate portrayal of the mindset of the people of that era.

I found the alternate chapters with Emily’s stories effective. I connected with her more because of them.

[Karen Thurecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and intriguing. A great opener to a new mystery series. Hungry for the next one. Caroline - Indiebooks reviewer.

[Shannon Rodenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well developed characters and captivating scenery! Can't wait to read the next mystery in this series.

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked after the first 2 pages! I couldn’t stop reading and excited for the 2nd book of the series.

[Marianne Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad little read, 3.5 but bumped up to 4. Looking forward to book 2 😊

[AmyJayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable! Have bought the next two books!

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but found it slow going at times

[Sally Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read can't wait to find the next book

[Mandy Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Murder at the Dunwich Asylum" paints a vivid picture of Stradbroke Island soon after the arrival of the first European settlers. Karen Thurecht is a local writer with deep knowledge of Stradbroke Island or Minjerribah, as it is known to the Indigenous people of the Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) area. The book follows Doctor Hamish Hart, sent to research the Asylum, who recognises a hanging as murder. He investigates the murder of young patient Emily Baker, and comes to understand the delicate social balance between the Asylum patients, disabled, insane, alcoholic or just old, and the Aborigines of Myora. Readers can trace the footsteps of Doctor Hart across the island, where the murderer tries to silence the investigator. A well-researched historical mystery.

[Henk Dogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. I enjoyed the historical details and scenery descriptions. I almost believed that I was there on that island. The story is very believable and I mostly liked the characters. The ones I liked, I really liked, and the ones I didn't like were the villans and I seriously didn't like them. But even a villan can be liked, sometimes. Well written.

[Elouise Tynan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous read! Dr Hamish Hart is a great character to follow and his offsider Rita is such a strong support character. I loved watching the mystery of the case unravel, it was plotted to perfection.
I can absolutely see this as a Netflix series!
And I can't wait for the next book!

[Melissa Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Karen Thurecht and I as not disappointed.
Hamish Hart is a very smart man and this book kept me on my toes.