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Hatton and Roumande Mystery #1
Devoured
One of London's first forensic detectives chases a grisly killer in this stunning debut mystery rich in period detail and sinister intrigue.London in 1856 is gripped by a frightening obsession. The specimen-collecting craze is growing, and discoveries in far-off jungles are reshaping the known world in terrible and unimaginable ways. The new theories of evolution threaten to disrupt the fragile balance of power that keeps the chaotic city in order—a disruption that many would do just about anything to prevent.When the glamorous Lady Bessingham is found murdered in her bedroom, surrounded by her vast collection of fossils and tribal masks, Adolphus Hatton and his morgue assistant Albert Roumande are called in to examine the crime scene—and the body. In the new and suspicious world of forensics and autopsy examinations, Hatton and Roumande are the best. But the crime scene is not confined to one room. In their efforts to help Scotland Yard's infamous Inspector Adams track down the Lady's killer, Hatton and Roumande uncover a trail of murders all connected to a packet of seditious letters that, if published, would change the face of society and religion irrevocably.D.E. Meredith's measured prose and eye for exquisite detail moves seamlessly from the filthy docks on the Isle of Dogs to the jungles of Borneo and the drawing rooms of London's upper class. Her slow-burning mystery builds to a shocking conclusion, consuming victims—and Victorian London—as it goes.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2010
24 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
D.E. Meredith
5 books48 followersD. E. Meredith is the author of the HATTON AND ROUMANDE historical crime series: DEVOURED (Book One), THE DEVIL'S RIBBON (Book Two) feature the first forensic scientist, Professor Adolphus Hatton, and his trusty French morgue assistant, Albert Roumande.
After reading English at Cambridge, D. E. Meredith ran the press office at the British Red Cross, where she oversaw media response all international humanitarian disasters, and spearheaded the landmines campaign. She's travelled extensively to humanitarian disasters, including Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia and Afghanistan. She now writes full time and lives with her family in south-west London.
You can contact her via the website or follow her on twitter at @DE_Meredith
After reading English at Cambridge, D. E. Meredith ran the press office at the British Red Cross, where she oversaw media response all international humanitarian disasters, and spearheaded the landmines campaign. She's travelled extensively to humanitarian disasters, including Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia and Afghanistan. She now writes full time and lives with her family in south-west London.
You can contact her via the website or follow her on twitter at @DE_Meredith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 23, 2013
D. E. Meredith's Devoured struck me as an incredibly interesting historical mystery when I started seeing reviews of it strewn about the blogosphere. I felt like everybody but me was reading this novel which features an early Victorian-era forensic detective and his assistant. That being the case, I ordered it up from the library to add to my "Everybody But Me" Book Bingo reading list.
The mystery begins with the death of Lady Katherine Bessingham--a bohemian and a free-thinker, who collects specimens and fossils and who subscribes to the rather dangerous new theories of evolution. Inspector Adams, the well-known hotshot detective from Scotland Yard, calls in Adolphus Hatton and his morgue assistant Albert Roumande--two early forensic practictioners--to examine the crime scene and perform the autopsy. Their investigations will take them from the sewing room work house where fine lady's garments are created by the extreme poor to the well-appointed rooms of the wealthy; from the shop of an out-of-the-way bookseller to the British Museum.
The story alternates between a narrative of current events in London and letters written while one of the main characters was on a specimen-collecting journey in Borneo. It becomes clear that the events which took place in Malaysia are firmly tied to the spate murders that have thinned the ranks of Britain's scientific community. But are the radical views held by these botanists and specimen-collectors really the catalyst? Or is there a more basic motive driving this killer who seems able to stay one step ahead of the police and the forensic investigators?
This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. It is quite obviously a well-researched novel. Lots of excellent detail about the period--particularly the conditions for the working poor. The letters detailing Ben Broderig's trip are quite interesting (if a bit heavy at times with descriptions of various collectors pouncing on specimens and rattling off the Latin names....). The premise is an interesting one...but a bit unevenly told. And I quite liked the motive behind the murders (well...most of the murders...but an explanation of what I mean by that would be a thundering spoiler). BUT I don't like the protagonists much. I particularly don't like Inspector Adams....for such a celebrated detective, he's awful slow on the uptake. It seems evident that he didn't rise in the force based on his skill and the second half of the novel would seem to bear this out. Hatton and Roumande could have been more interesting if their forensic detective work had been given more scope. It seemed to me that most of the time they were just brought along to show how non-effectual Adams really is without moving the investigation along nearly as much as they should. The denouement shows them in their best light--but more as men of action than as men of science.
All in all, a decent debut novel that is solid enough to make me interested in reading the next installment (The Devil's Ribbon). I hope that Meredith builds on the strengths of her debut and I hope to see Hatton and Roumande used more effectively in their chosen profession.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks!
The mystery begins with the death of Lady Katherine Bessingham--a bohemian and a free-thinker, who collects specimens and fossils and who subscribes to the rather dangerous new theories of evolution. Inspector Adams, the well-known hotshot detective from Scotland Yard, calls in Adolphus Hatton and his morgue assistant Albert Roumande--two early forensic practictioners--to examine the crime scene and perform the autopsy. Their investigations will take them from the sewing room work house where fine lady's garments are created by the extreme poor to the well-appointed rooms of the wealthy; from the shop of an out-of-the-way bookseller to the British Museum.
The story alternates between a narrative of current events in London and letters written while one of the main characters was on a specimen-collecting journey in Borneo. It becomes clear that the events which took place in Malaysia are firmly tied to the spate murders that have thinned the ranks of Britain's scientific community. But are the radical views held by these botanists and specimen-collectors really the catalyst? Or is there a more basic motive driving this killer who seems able to stay one step ahead of the police and the forensic investigators?
This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. It is quite obviously a well-researched novel. Lots of excellent detail about the period--particularly the conditions for the working poor. The letters detailing Ben Broderig's trip are quite interesting (if a bit heavy at times with descriptions of various collectors pouncing on specimens and rattling off the Latin names....). The premise is an interesting one...but a bit unevenly told. And I quite liked the motive behind the murders (well...most of the murders...but an explanation of what I mean by that would be a thundering spoiler). BUT I don't like the protagonists much. I particularly don't like Inspector Adams....for such a celebrated detective, he's awful slow on the uptake. It seems evident that he didn't rise in the force based on his skill and the second half of the novel would seem to bear this out. Hatton and Roumande could have been more interesting if their forensic detective work had been given more scope. It seemed to me that most of the time they were just brought along to show how non-effectual Adams really is without moving the investigation along nearly as much as they should. The denouement shows them in their best light--but more as men of action than as men of science.
All in all, a decent debut novel that is solid enough to make me interested in reading the next installment (The Devil's Ribbon). I hope that Meredith builds on the strengths of her debut and I hope to see Hatton and Roumande used more effectively in their chosen profession.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks!
February 26, 2013
I'm never sure what to do with a mystery. Can I just sit back and enjoy it, or am I supposed to be trying to solve it? Not knowing the answer to that plays havoc with my rating. I loved the subject matter of Devoured. It is set in mid nineteenth century London at the time natural sciences are developing and the public are being exposed to all that means. Some are not happy about it. I won't give away more than that.
My problem with rating it is that I loved the subject matter, but would a regular reader of the mystery genre agree that it was a well written mystery? I don't know. Unlike a few that I know I didn't like, it didn't conclude with an unknown outside character being the culprit for some last minute made up reason. I saw a few reviews that were unhappy about how it unfolded, but I thought it was plausible and an enjoyable read.
My problem with rating it is that I loved the subject matter, but would a regular reader of the mystery genre agree that it was a well written mystery? I don't know. Unlike a few that I know I didn't like, it didn't conclude with an unknown outside character being the culprit for some last minute made up reason. I saw a few reviews that were unhappy about how it unfolded, but I thought it was plausible and an enjoyable read.
June 21, 2017
Raymond Chandler meets Arthur Conan Doyle meets Edgar Allen Poe! A Victorian-era murder mystery that's about as noir as it can get. Darkly atmospheric, overcast with scenes of evil, it reeks with the stink of the London docks, beset with wretched poverty and oppression, a corrupt constabulary and an aging aristocracy hell-bent on preserving the status quo while the newly emerging forces of science. intellectualism and social ferment boil below the surface. In such an environment, it seems hardly surprising that a trail of murdered corpses land at the doorstep of the morgue.
Just the stuff to read by the fireside on a gloomy winter night.
Just the stuff to read by the fireside on a gloomy winter night.
October 4, 2012
Historical fiction set in England, early forensics, science versus religion...what's not to like. That's what I thought when I picked up this novel, I SOOO wanted to love it. Sadly, "Devoured" left a lot to be desired.
My main complaint is that the story plodded along at a snail's pace without much character development (especially the main two forensics experts) and the little vignettes from all the different perspectives felt really choppy and not cohesive. The mystery aspect of the plot I felt was weak also. The only thing I did enjoy was the whole science versus religion debate.
Because there is so much potential with the characters, plot and setting of the series, I will give the second book, "The Devil's Ribbon" a try. Hopefully it'll be better.
My main complaint is that the story plodded along at a snail's pace without much character development (especially the main two forensics experts) and the little vignettes from all the different perspectives felt really choppy and not cohesive. The mystery aspect of the plot I felt was weak also. The only thing I did enjoy was the whole science versus religion debate.
Because there is so much potential with the characters, plot and setting of the series, I will give the second book, "The Devil's Ribbon" a try. Hopefully it'll be better.
January 11, 2011
I kept thinking this book would get better and it never did. The characters were poorly drawn - I couldn't have cared less about them. It felt like a poor replication of an Anne Perry.
September 16, 2011
First Line: The door creaked open as the maid stepped into the room.
The year is 1856, and the London elite find themselves gripped by the craze of collecting specimens. Expeditions are being sent to far-off jungles to gather the known and the unknown. Combine this addiction with the new theories of evolution that are changing the ways people think about themselves and the world around them, and a potentially explosive situation is being created.
Glamorous Lady Bessingham prides herself on being ahead of all her friends in anything from fashion to the latest scientific discoveries. She's the recipient of letters from Benjamin Broderig, a young man just recently returned from an expedition to Borneo. When Lady Bessingham is found murdered and those letters stolen, Medical Jurisprudence adviser Adolphus Hatton and his assistant Albert Roumande, are called in to examine the crime scene. The new world of forensics and autopsy examinations are viewed with suspicion, but Scotland Yard has found Hatton and Roumande capable of very useful observations. However, they've barely begun when one murder turns into a series of them-- all with those letters at the heart.
I can always be tempted with a good historical mystery, especially one featuring the beginnings of forensic science. In Devoured, Meredith's setting and time period are extremely well done. I felt as though I were right in the middle of Victorian London, and the author's building tension through a creepy, gloomy atmosphere was quite effective. Unfortunately, too many other elements were uneven and confusing.
Although we're told what marvels Hatton and Roumande are at interpreting crime scenes, we see very little of it. If you're a CSI fan and want to read a book with quite a bit of detail about your favorite science, you're not going to find it here. In addition, Meredith gives just enough information about her two main characters to make them intriguing. Very little about the two, their backgrounds or motivations, is actually shared with us, which made it difficult to empathize with either of them.
As I read, I kept feeling that this book would have benefited from more editing. The narrative often felt very disjointed-- a character would be doing something and I'd wonder "How did we get here?" A secondary thread involving the murders of prepubescent girls really wasn't necessary; it deflected attention away from the "Borneo letters" murders and would have been better used as the focus of a separate book. While I'm on the topic of those letters, people are being murdered left and right because of them, but guess what? The letter writer himself is in London. Why were no attempts made on his life?
Although I did find this book a bit muddled, I can also see that, as a series, it does show considerable promise. It will be interesting to see what Meredith does with the second book in the series, The Devil's Ribbon.
The year is 1856, and the London elite find themselves gripped by the craze of collecting specimens. Expeditions are being sent to far-off jungles to gather the known and the unknown. Combine this addiction with the new theories of evolution that are changing the ways people think about themselves and the world around them, and a potentially explosive situation is being created.
Glamorous Lady Bessingham prides herself on being ahead of all her friends in anything from fashion to the latest scientific discoveries. She's the recipient of letters from Benjamin Broderig, a young man just recently returned from an expedition to Borneo. When Lady Bessingham is found murdered and those letters stolen, Medical Jurisprudence adviser Adolphus Hatton and his assistant Albert Roumande, are called in to examine the crime scene. The new world of forensics and autopsy examinations are viewed with suspicion, but Scotland Yard has found Hatton and Roumande capable of very useful observations. However, they've barely begun when one murder turns into a series of them-- all with those letters at the heart.
I can always be tempted with a good historical mystery, especially one featuring the beginnings of forensic science. In Devoured, Meredith's setting and time period are extremely well done. I felt as though I were right in the middle of Victorian London, and the author's building tension through a creepy, gloomy atmosphere was quite effective. Unfortunately, too many other elements were uneven and confusing.
Although we're told what marvels Hatton and Roumande are at interpreting crime scenes, we see very little of it. If you're a CSI fan and want to read a book with quite a bit of detail about your favorite science, you're not going to find it here. In addition, Meredith gives just enough information about her two main characters to make them intriguing. Very little about the two, their backgrounds or motivations, is actually shared with us, which made it difficult to empathize with either of them.
As I read, I kept feeling that this book would have benefited from more editing. The narrative often felt very disjointed-- a character would be doing something and I'd wonder "How did we get here?" A secondary thread involving the murders of prepubescent girls really wasn't necessary; it deflected attention away from the "Borneo letters" murders and would have been better used as the focus of a separate book. While I'm on the topic of those letters, people are being murdered left and right because of them, but guess what? The letter writer himself is in London. Why were no attempts made on his life?
Although I did find this book a bit muddled, I can also see that, as a series, it does show considerable promise. It will be interesting to see what Meredith does with the second book in the series, The Devil's Ribbon.
January 7, 2023
Devoured delves into the world of forensic pathology when it was in its infancy, although while this is supposed to be historical fiction set in the Victorian era, the underlying theme came across as a bit on the anachronistic side. I did enjoy the scientific aspects concerning the autopsies and the inferences made regarding cause of death based on the principles of forensics. The supposedly main characters, Hatton and Roumande, were likable and as I started out with this book, thought I could enthusiastically read more of these two.
That, however, is about all the positive points I can think of. Unfortunately, the author went on to break so many rules of mystery fiction I am astonished this was even published. It's not avant garde to deviate from basic plot structures; it's confusing, plain and simple. In many instances, Hatton sees clues that were hazy or invisible to the reader. I was left feeling very dimwitted at times, as the explanations towards the end of how Hatton pieced together the puzzle left me scratching my head. Events didn't play out through any actions of the main characters. Things just randomly happened. Hatton and Roumande didn't do much of anything but follow along and watch as plot points occurred. Had they been extricated from the book, it felt as though any replacement character could have stepped in and taken over for them. Which was a shame, being that I loved the scenes they were in and was constantly hoping they would stop being onlookers and start doing.
I think, though, my main gripe with Devoured is how the main characters were anything but. When the letters come into play, Broderig and an entirely extraneous set of characters take center stage. Then at another point, Madame Martineau does, which in turn gives away aspects of the plot that left me asking why I should continue reading when so much of the mystery is exposed mid-way through. Then occasionally Inspector Adams' (who was a laughably overdone "bad good guy" character) POV took the reins, leaving the forensics experts in the background for chapters on end at times. It was annoying. Half the book was filled with unnecessary chapters focused on the introspections of what should have been minor players.
Devoured definitely started out as a decent novel for all its originality and the interesting twists and turns. But the delivery was just so shoddy, poorly crafted, the anachronisms were abundant, and the plot so painfully disjointed, I feel even giving it two stars is being generous. That being said, I think if the next book conforms slightly better to the rules of plotting and gives Hatton and Roumande more on screen time, I'd be happy to give another of her books a try. And for all its flaws, I'd still recommend this one to historical mystery lovers, just don't set your expectations too high when going in.
(Spoiler Alert: I have since read book two, and it's worse. DNF'd a few chapters in...)
That, however, is about all the positive points I can think of. Unfortunately, the author went on to break so many rules of mystery fiction I am astonished this was even published. It's not avant garde to deviate from basic plot structures; it's confusing, plain and simple. In many instances, Hatton sees clues that were hazy or invisible to the reader. I was left feeling very dimwitted at times, as the explanations towards the end of how Hatton pieced together the puzzle left me scratching my head. Events didn't play out through any actions of the main characters. Things just randomly happened. Hatton and Roumande didn't do much of anything but follow along and watch as plot points occurred. Had they been extricated from the book, it felt as though any replacement character could have stepped in and taken over for them. Which was a shame, being that I loved the scenes they were in and was constantly hoping they would stop being onlookers and start doing.
I think, though, my main gripe with Devoured is how the main characters were anything but. When the letters come into play, Broderig and an entirely extraneous set of characters take center stage. Then at another point, Madame Martineau does, which in turn gives away aspects of the plot that left me asking why I should continue reading when so much of the mystery is exposed mid-way through. Then occasionally Inspector Adams' (who was a laughably overdone "bad good guy" character) POV took the reins, leaving the forensics experts in the background for chapters on end at times. It was annoying. Half the book was filled with unnecessary chapters focused on the introspections of what should have been minor players.
Devoured definitely started out as a decent novel for all its originality and the interesting twists and turns. But the delivery was just so shoddy, poorly crafted, the anachronisms were abundant, and the plot so painfully disjointed, I feel even giving it two stars is being generous. That being said, I think if the next book conforms slightly better to the rules of plotting and gives Hatton and Roumande more on screen time, I'd be happy to give another of her books a try. And for all its flaws, I'd still recommend this one to historical mystery lovers, just don't set your expectations too high when going in.
(Spoiler Alert: I have since read book two, and it's worse. DNF'd a few chapters in...)
May 15, 2012
Another excellent book by DE Meredith that kept me guessing and reading, it was hard to put down at times thats for sure. The exotic 'flavor' also really added a little extra the to book, great job!! I'm looking forward to see what you do with the third book :)
Meredith’s thriller, Devoured. In the budding world of Darwinism, botanical study, forensics, and science in general– Hatton is using early forensic science to solve crimes all around Victorian London hoping that this new manner of solving crime will catch fire and blaze a new path of crime fighting.
I recently read the second book in the Hatton series, The Devil’s Ribbon which I thoroughly enjoyed. Meredith and I are friends and she offered to send me a copy of Hatton’s first mystery since she knows I hate reading books out of series order. To my smashing delight, she personally signed my copy, I LOVE IT!
The series in general intrigued me as I love the Victorian era and all the ‘murder by gaslight’ kind of mysteries, and I am also a huge fan of really science-y novels….I love forensic mysteries! One of the things that I especially praised in The Devil’s Ribbon was Meredith’s knowledge of Victorian history, Devoured was equal to the same praise—Meredith really knows her stuff!
See my full review here
Meredith’s thriller, Devoured. In the budding world of Darwinism, botanical study, forensics, and science in general– Hatton is using early forensic science to solve crimes all around Victorian London hoping that this new manner of solving crime will catch fire and blaze a new path of crime fighting.
I recently read the second book in the Hatton series, The Devil’s Ribbon which I thoroughly enjoyed. Meredith and I are friends and she offered to send me a copy of Hatton’s first mystery since she knows I hate reading books out of series order. To my smashing delight, she personally signed my copy, I LOVE IT!
The series in general intrigued me as I love the Victorian era and all the ‘murder by gaslight’ kind of mysteries, and I am also a huge fan of really science-y novels….I love forensic mysteries! One of the things that I especially praised in The Devil’s Ribbon was Meredith’s knowledge of Victorian history, Devoured was equal to the same praise—Meredith really knows her stuff!
See my full review here
April 4, 2014
I had quite high expectations from this book given the great cover and Sherlock-esq write up. However, it fell slightly short of what could have been a good read.
The storyline was intriguing, with a good flurry of characters, but it all seemed to be a bit all over the place in the first half of the book. It was almost deliberately confusing so you wouldn't be able to piece anything together yourself. Also I felt that the characters of Hatton and Roumande could have been built upon more - as much as I like them, I felt somewhat removed, so they did in fact to me appear to be a poor mans Watson and Holmes.
Also, I'm not sure that they actually helped to solve anything. It was more like an observation of acts, than participating towards any of the actual conclusions.
I understand that this is one of a soon to grow crime-type series, but unfortunately I don't think I'll be awaiting the next book with any excitement - I wouldn't exactly hate having to read another, but I just feel that there are crime books with more going for them out there.
The storyline was intriguing, with a good flurry of characters, but it all seemed to be a bit all over the place in the first half of the book. It was almost deliberately confusing so you wouldn't be able to piece anything together yourself. Also I felt that the characters of Hatton and Roumande could have been built upon more - as much as I like them, I felt somewhat removed, so they did in fact to me appear to be a poor mans Watson and Holmes.
Also, I'm not sure that they actually helped to solve anything. It was more like an observation of acts, than participating towards any of the actual conclusions.
I understand that this is one of a soon to grow crime-type series, but unfortunately I don't think I'll be awaiting the next book with any excitement - I wouldn't exactly hate having to read another, but I just feel that there are crime books with more going for them out there.
May 2, 2013
This was a really well written murder mystery, set not in the Ripper years, as so many of the recent Victorian age novels are, but 30 years earlier. Forensic investigation is in its infancy, and is considered to be a lower class of occupation, far below that of surgeon or doctor.
The book revolves around the murder of a wealthy aristocrat, who supported specimen collection, and centres around some missing letters. However, as the tale draws you slowly but surely into its grip, you begin to wonder what else could be behind the increasingly macabre series of murders. The focus seems to drive you towards the theories of evolution that were abounding at the time - but you gradually get the sense that this was not the only reason behind the murders.
Well written, and would look at reading more of this series.
The book revolves around the murder of a wealthy aristocrat, who supported specimen collection, and centres around some missing letters. However, as the tale draws you slowly but surely into its grip, you begin to wonder what else could be behind the increasingly macabre series of murders. The focus seems to drive you towards the theories of evolution that were abounding at the time - but you gradually get the sense that this was not the only reason behind the murders.
Well written, and would look at reading more of this series.
October 20, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed D.E. Meredith's DEVOURED, and cannot resist saying that I did indeed devour it. The author has bravely tackled subjects, which during the mid 19th century, were shocking, even horrifying to some. There are twists and turns in this dark story that surprise and take the reader on a swiftly paced excursion.
The author's resplendent characters make their way through the muck of murder, the enlightening forensics and the new procedure of autopsy. The team of Hatton and Roumande are memorable and very likeable. I was particularly swept away by another character's vivid letters from Borneo, which are beautifully interspersed throughout the book and strikingly showcase the author's sensitivity.
Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
The author's resplendent characters make their way through the muck of murder, the enlightening forensics and the new procedure of autopsy. The team of Hatton and Roumande are memorable and very likeable. I was particularly swept away by another character's vivid letters from Borneo, which are beautifully interspersed throughout the book and strikingly showcase the author's sensitivity.
Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 10, 2011
D E Meredith's Devoured is an engrossing read set in both Victorian London and the jungles of Borneo.
It is a Victorian mystery with a very complex but absorbing plot... an unputdownable read.
I was immediately drawn into the world of Victorian England and felt immersed in the plot from the first page.
I loved the beautiful prose, descriptions and meeting intriguing and likeable characters as well as the wicked and twisted ones.
A gripping, absorbing page turner that I can't recommend enough......Brilliant.
Looking forward to not only more in the series but a television/film adaptation.
It is a Victorian mystery with a very complex but absorbing plot... an unputdownable read.
I was immediately drawn into the world of Victorian England and felt immersed in the plot from the first page.
I loved the beautiful prose, descriptions and meeting intriguing and likeable characters as well as the wicked and twisted ones.
A gripping, absorbing page turner that I can't recommend enough......Brilliant.
Looking forward to not only more in the series but a television/film adaptation.
January 9, 2018
Superb Victorian mystery, encompassing scientific and evolutionary expeditions in Borneo, the glamorous mansions of dukes and the muck and gloom of London's poorest streets. Devoured is an exciting and intelligent thriller which weaves together a thread of trails in an atmospheric and riveting manner. Gory and polished, this is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller and mystery, set at a time when forensics were in their infancy and science was undoing beliefs. Plus lots of twists which I didn't guess.
September 27, 2016
I chose to read this book because it was presented as a mystery which is solved by the early application of forensic science. Although bodies are autopsied and crime scenes scoured for clues, the actual solution of the mystery seemed to be independent of all this activity. The story was more convoluted than necessary and I found it to be somewhat of a slog because of this. So, although I enjoyed it enough for the three star rating, I feel it could have been much better and more informative about the beginnings of forensic science
September 3, 2011
This is pretty superficial stuff. Occasionally slightly interesting but not enough research or period detail to sink your teeth into. It has really stupid plot. This book is supposed to be about the first forensic investigations in the Victorian London- But the characters "solve" the murder by non-forensic means. The structure and the point become null and void. Really don't bother reading this - The writer is a bit stupid and the publishers more so for letting this slip through into print.
January 18, 2013
I did really enjoy this. OK so it wasn't exactly a 'whodunnit' (although there were enough loose ends to keep you interested to the end)and characterisation was a little sketchy - I still have only the vaguest mental picture of the two forensic experts who are the heroes of this series - but it was a good read for a long coach journey back from London and it was an entertaining - if gory - 24 hours of escapism.
April 29, 2013
This is a book with a great premise and backbone but was let down by lack of description and character development. I felt nothing for any of the characters and was so confused by the end of the novel. A lack of description made the story drag and I was so bored trudging through each chapter.
As a novel intended to encapsulate the Victorian world, the world of budding forensic science this novel had so much potential but failed to deliver.
As a novel intended to encapsulate the Victorian world, the world of budding forensic science this novel had so much potential but failed to deliver.
April 2, 2011
I loved this book. Dense with characters, meaty, interesting. The forensic detail from it's inception was really great and I found myself having to slow down or I would miss detail! A great who done it, and really for readers whom enjoy the complex and rich stories with a flavour of Doyle. I look forward to this authors next outing!!
July 19, 2024
I was genuinely super excited to read this book.
I'd just finished a Romantic, Fantasy and Sci-Fi saga, so a murder mystery thriller was all that I needed.
Or so I thought.
I was bored from start to finish.
I genuinely cannot tell you what I liked most about it, because I was just bored.
Some of the characters were intriguing, and I found myself rooting for Hatton and Roumande, but that was it. Everyone else felt rather two dimensional for my taste.
But that was my biggest problem with this book.
Because it got to a point where I thought "Screw it, I'm just going to skim it". But every time I tried to skim through the pages, my eyes would catch something extremely interesting, and I'd find myself reading the whole line, the whole paragraph, the whole page, even, only to be disappointed when it went nowhere.
Because it always went nowhere, and instead of saving myself some time and saving some braincells, I wasted even more of it.
I've never fallen asleep so much during a book. I remember reading the premise of Devoured and being extremely excited for it, but was hugely let down. Meredith writes nicely, I guess, but I just felt like, while a whole story was developing in front of me, nothing really happened.
Not sure if I'll give it another chance in the future, but for now I can only rate it two stars for the interesting premise and somewhat intriguing characters.
I'd just finished a Romantic, Fantasy and Sci-Fi saga, so a murder mystery thriller was all that I needed.
Or so I thought.
I was bored from start to finish.
I genuinely cannot tell you what I liked most about it, because I was just bored.
Some of the characters were intriguing, and I found myself rooting for Hatton and Roumande, but that was it. Everyone else felt rather two dimensional for my taste.
But that was my biggest problem with this book.
Because it got to a point where I thought "Screw it, I'm just going to skim it". But every time I tried to skim through the pages, my eyes would catch something extremely interesting, and I'd find myself reading the whole line, the whole paragraph, the whole page, even, only to be disappointed when it went nowhere.
Because it always went nowhere, and instead of saving myself some time and saving some braincells, I wasted even more of it.
I've never fallen asleep so much during a book. I remember reading the premise of Devoured and being extremely excited for it, but was hugely let down. Meredith writes nicely, I guess, but I just felt like, while a whole story was developing in front of me, nothing really happened.
Not sure if I'll give it another chance in the future, but for now I can only rate it two stars for the interesting premise and somewhat intriguing characters.
August 20, 2022
This is a fascinating story encompassing science, history, religion, politics, bigotry, prostitution, pornography, paedophilia – so something for everyone! However, above all, it is about people fearing change, so, although set in Victorian London just three years before the publication of Darwin’s On The Origin of Species, the message feels just as relevant to today’s society. It is evident throughout the writing that the author comprehensively researched the social and academic history of the period. However, her knowledge has been used lightly and deftly to produce a three-dimensional background to the story, and to create vibrant, unforgettable characters. I found that I was entirely convinced by them, and felt transported to the worlds of Victorian London, the mysterious, eerie fens around Cambridge and to the forests of Borneo. I felt totally engaged with the passionate, caring characters of Hatton and Roumande, whose developing relationship adds an interesting depth to the story.
January 2, 2018
I found this in the donation bin at my library and grabbed it thinking it would be an interesting read. I'm currently in a Cthulu/London/1920s RPG so I thought reading this would help me bone up. Despite the super intriguing murder mystery it felt very heavy handed and lackluster. The conflict between science v. religion came off as very preachy and it was very hard to relate to any of the characters. I liked it enough to qualify it as a "Beach Read" and if I stumbled upon the sequel I would pick it up but I wasn't super invested.
I was hoping for more focus on forensic scientist buddy-buddy team between the two main protagonists as they seemed to be the most interested of the two characters. The rest were uninteresting.
I was hoping for more focus on forensic scientist buddy-buddy team between the two main protagonists as they seemed to be the most interested of the two characters. The rest were uninteresting.
March 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this read not for the faint hearted with some of the more gruesome descriptions but I found it fascinating. It involves Hatton and roumande who become involved in a crime scene of the glamorous lady bessingham who has a vast collection of fossil and there new world of forensics is called in to help. There are lots of avenues to explore with the story I liked the letters that were written to lady bessingham opening up the new way the world was beginning to see science but you also had the world back in the backstreets of London too. It envoked Victorian England wonderfully and I look forward to reading about this new duo again.
April 14, 2018
Started off slow, and not very well written. Got better past midway when the murders became more fascinating and more difficult to link together. Although the writing style was not great, praise has to be given for an original plot and for not writing a murder mystery that was obvious and trite. The book really came into its own in descriptions of travel, murder and Victorian London. Characters are rather forgettable, but feel human, even if the descriptions of them are forced. Read it for its plot, and try to keep going past the midway point because it does get better once the writer stops describing the bloody snow every 4 paragraphs.
March 28, 2019
As a novel, this book does give you a good look at British Victorian society, its social mores as well as ways of thinking. The author writes well; there are not many descriptive passages, but one still gets a good mental picture of London as it was, with its extreme poverty in some classes contrasted with the often entitled privileged behaviour of the the so-called upper classes. This also gives you a good introduction to the fad of that period - the obsession with the natural world, collecting plants, insects, animal specimens and the underlying brutality of that fad. The reader will also get a look at the societal upset caused by Darwin and Lyell, theories taken for granted today.
May 14, 2023
I read this on recommendation from a friend who has a similar taste in books,.but am not sure that I will continue to read further books in the series as I enjoyed it but was not hooked by any of the characters. It is usually that relationship with characters that draws me to a book and somehow it just didn't develop here, although the plot was intriguing and kept me reading on. The setting is quite an unusual one and I was kept guessing quite a long way into the book how it might develop. So fascinating but not enthralling. Well written but not captivating. Original and an enjoyable read but not quite right for me.
June 10, 2018
Its rare I don't finish a book, but half way through this one I decided it just wasn't interesting and life's too short to plough on with books you're not enjoying.
Its like the author wanted to write about the rise of forensic science, and was shoehorning a fictional story into the idea. It was lecturing, it was boring, it was muddled. I didn't identify with any of the characters, nor could I care less about them. Not for me.
Its like the author wanted to write about the rise of forensic science, and was shoehorning a fictional story into the idea. It was lecturing, it was boring, it was muddled. I didn't identify with any of the characters, nor could I care less about them. Not for me.
April 2, 2018
The story is set in 1856 London and involves the British "boom" in exploration
and sample collecting.
The story also addresses the darker topics of Human Trafficking and Pedophilia.
Unlike other mysteries that explore the early history of forensics, Meredith spent
very little time explaining Adolpus Hatton's Technics or practices.
and sample collecting.
The story also addresses the darker topics of Human Trafficking and Pedophilia.
Unlike other mysteries that explore the early history of forensics, Meredith spent
very little time explaining Adolpus Hatton's Technics or practices.
June 12, 2024
When I saw this in my local charity shop , this book cover caught my attention. I then read the back of the book and it sounded an intriguing dark mystery .
Unfortunately it fell flat , a slow and sluggish story .
Unfortunately it fell flat , a slow and sluggish story .
November 4, 2021
The Author really makes one feel that the book is a time machine and that you have been transported back to Victorian England.
August 13, 2024
Unfortunately a very slow start, middle and ending. Had it been a more solid story and interesting characters to follow, I would have considered three stars but still only considered mind you!
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