Murder by Moonrise - (A Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery) by Patrice McDonough (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

London's first woman doctor and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective find their holidays sidelined by a murderer threatening the royal family in this historically rich, gritty mystery set in Victorian London.

1867 For commoners and nobility alike, the Isle of Wight is an ideal holiday destination. Queen Victoria and her family frequently spend time at Osborne House, their stunning coastal residence. For the next few days the island will also be home to Dr. Julia Lewis, who is traveling with her grandfather and her great-aunt. But despite the pleasant surroundings, Julia is beset by worries.

Julia and Inspector Richard Tennant grew close during their last investigation, but he abruptly left England on a dangerous chase. She has heard nothing from him in weeks; meanwhile her maid, Kate, is nervous about rising anti-Irish sentiment. Editorials call for harsh retaliation against those determined to rid Ireland of British rule.

When Julia is called to perform an autopsy on drowning victim Lizzie Dowling, a young, Irish-born servant at Osborne House and a favorite of Princess Louise, she discovers that the girl was pregnant. Was her death a suicide? The distraught princess is eager for answers, and as Julia digs deeper, a second tragedy points to murder and perhaps a political scandal. There are rumors of smugglers funneling weapons to Ireland--and assassins who would target the Queen herself.

Motives abound but time is in short supply--and every day brings deeper urgency and threats that neither riches nor royalty may withstand . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery Series by Patrice McDonough:

"This atmospheric, strong debut features two intriguing lead characters...Fans of Victorian mysteries, medical mysteries, and detective duos will appreciate this historical suspense. Suggest for fans of Andrea Penrose or Ritu Mukerji's debut." --Library Journal STARRED REVIEW for A Murder by Lamplight

"These books are the total package, with an evocative setting, tight plot, and two winning and intriguing central characters strong enough to support a long running series." --Aunt Agatha's on A Slash of Emerald

"A stellar mystery, balancing the step-by-step collection of evidence and clues with the ruminations of the observant letter writer and leading to the gasp-inducing yet wholly believable identification of the perpetrator." --Historical Novel Society on A Murder by Lamplight

"Historical fiction fans will delight in this moody Victorian mystery that will transport them back in time. Suggest to readers of Irina Shapiro." --Library Journal on A Slash of Emerald

"[A] spine-tingling new whodunit." --New Jersey Patch on A Slash of Emerald

"An unusually violent and methodical killer terrorizes 1866 London in McDonough's debut...The spree of period murders, capped by a welcome surprise, provides the perfect backdrop for debates about gender politics." --Kirkus Reviews on A Murder by Lamplight

"A promising start to a new series with a gritty, engaging plot and intriguing characters." --Mystery & Suspense Magazine on A Murder by Lamplight

"All signs point to this satisfying and enjoyable debut setting up a series with a long, long run." --Deadly Pleasures Magazine on A Murder by Lamplight

"Quite refreshing... a very enjoyable read." --Historical Novel Society on A Slash of Emerald

"This enthralling debut is deftly plotted and utterly absorbing...McDonough's meticulous research and attention to detail transport the reader to the dark shadows and danger lurking on the gaslit streets." --Mary Jane Clark, New York Times bestselling author on A Murder by Lamplight

"Engrossing characters, a gritty, gaslit setting, and a compellingly twisty mystery. Fans of 'Miss Scarlet and the Duke' will devour this book!" --Colleen Cambridge, Bestselling Author of Mastering the Art of French Murder and Murder by Invitation Only on A Murder by Lamplight

"A Scotland Yard detective and woman doctor who both harbor painful secrets from the past become reluctant allies in the hunt for a diabolically clever killer with his own score to settle . . . Crafted with evocative prose and a keen eye for detail, Murder By Lamplight is a riveting mystery that brings the gritty world of the Victorian era roaring to life." --Andrea Penrose, Nationally Bestselling Author of The Diamond of London and Murder at the Merton Library on A Murder by Lamplight

About the Author

Patrice McDonough is a former educator who taught history for more than three decades. A member of the Historical Writers of America, the Mystery Writers of America, and the Historical Novel Society, she splits her time between New Jersey and the Florida Gulf Coast. Please visit her online at PatriceMcDonough1789.com.