I was looking for something historical when I stumbled upon Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji, narrated by Gabra Zackman. I was intrigued by the 1875 Philadelphia setting and the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. The tale that unfolds offers a murder-mystery with plenty of twists.
by Ritu Mukerji
Narrator: Gabra Zackman
Length: 8 hours and 7 minutes
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
Murder by Degrees is a historical mystery set in 19th century Philadelphia, following a pioneering woman doctor as she investigates the disappearance of a young patient who is presumed dead.
Philadelphia, 1875: It is the start of term at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lydia Weston, professor and anatomist, is immersed in teaching her students in the lecture hall and hospital. When the body of a patient, Anna Ward, is dredged out of the Schuylkill River, the young chambermaid’s death is deemed a suicide. But Lydia is suspicious and she is soon brought into the police investigation.
Aided by a diary filled with cryptic passages of poetry, Lydia discovers more about the young woman she thought she knew. Through her skill at the autopsy table and her clinical acumen, Lydia draws nearer the truth. Soon a terrible secret, long hidden, will be revealed. But Lydia must act quickly, before she becomes the next target of those who wished to silence Anna.
In 1875, Dr. Lydia Weston, a professor and anatomist at the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, becomes distressed when her patient, Anna Ward is found in the Schuylkill River. It seems to be a suicide, but Dr. Weston is suspicious and soon aids in the police investigation.
The story that unfolds was fascinating. The book discussed medical advancements, particularly about women. I enjoyed the author’s extensive research and intriguing facts. As Dr. Watson looks into the life of chambermaid Anna Ward, she makes some startling discoveries about her patient and the victim.
The book is a mix of scientific innovations, social disparity, infidelity, and gender bias rolled into a police procedural. While I loved all the aspects addressed, it slowed the pacing of the mystery. For me, it was ok because as I stated I loved all the historical details and tidbits.
The mystery led to some secrets, lies and danger. Soon, Dr. Watson is racing against time to solve the mystery before they find another victim. I listened and enjoyed the voices Gabra Zackman gave to the characters, particularly that of Dr. Weston.
Fans of historical mysteries like the Lady Sherlock series will enjoy Murder by Degrees.
About Ritu Mukerji
Ritu Mukerji was born in Kolkata, India and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. She received a BA in history from Columbia University and a medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. After residency training at the University of California, Davis, she has practiced as an internist for fifteen years. She lives in Marin County, CA with her husband and three children, and two rescue beagles and two cats. Murder By Degrees is her first novel.
About Gabra Zackman
Gabra Zackman is the award-winning narrator of over 300 audiobooks and has been in the business since 2004, when she started recording for the National Library Service for the Blind (a program she still participates in). She is a classically trained actress who has been seen all over the country in theaters and occasionally on film or TV. Gabra is also an author and has penned the Bod Squad series, a funny and romantic spy caper series. She is based in New York City.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I haven’t heard of this book but it sounds like one I’d really enjoy! I love historical mysteries and this sounds really unique. Definitely adding to my TBR!
Kimberly
Yeah, I was glad to stumble upon it.
Laurel-Rain Snow
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Kimberly
Thanks Laurel-Rain
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Sounds like an intriguing mystery!
Kimberly
Thanks Rachel
Anne - Books of My Heart
I take it this is a stand alone? I like this sort of historical mystery and I’m a big fan of Gabra Zackman
Kimberly
I have not heard differently Anne.
Nadene
This sounds like it was an exciting read.
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
Sounds like an interesting read! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Sophia Rose
Oh wow, this sounds great. I’m so glad you came across it, Kimberly.
DEBBIE HAUPT
Well I could get into this one too. Thanks Kimberly
ShootingStarsMag
ooh this sounds really good. I’m sure the facts concerning the time period, etc. were fascinating.