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Dr. Alexandra Gladstone cannot explain why several of her patients are cured while another survives, only to be murdered. Her patients infected with infectious carbuncles are treated but die. Only one survives, but is found murdered with his heart removed. The citizens of Newton-Upon-Sea are convinced the murderer is Lucas Pendennis, a simpleton, especially when the heart of the dead man is found in his possession. Alexandra, with the help of her maid and sometime nurse, Nancy, tries to find the real killer who has removed the heart with a surgical skill of which Lucas is not capable. Nancy befriends Polly Cobbs, once the local pharmacist's aid, who lost her position when he died. She is now working as a maid in the local tavern. When another murder occurs while Lucas is in jail attention turns to who the real murderer is. Leaving Nancy with Polly's help in the surgery, Alexandra goes to London to attend a lecture by Dr.Lister. There she meets again Nicholas Forsythe,a lawyer who is interested in Alexandra, and who becomes involved in the case. Alexandra is forced to hurry back home when Nancy becomes missing and feared to be the victim of the heart murderer. This is a fast moving cozy mystery with colorful characters and a picture of Victorian society. The role of women in society and particularly medicine is excellently portrayed. Florence Nightingale makes a brief appearance with her views on society noted. The treatment of various diseases (anthrax and whopping cough) is discussed in detail with its medical progress noted. The budding romance between Alexandra and Nicholas is lightly treated. An enjoyable quick read...
Reviewed by Barbara Buhrer, November 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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