MURDER BY DEGREES by Ritu Mukerji will be released on October 17, 2023 by Simon & Schuster.
Dr. Lydia Weston has her hands full with teaching at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania and doing her rounds at the hospital, but when the body of one of her patients is found floating in the Schuylkill River, Lydia dedicates herself to finding out what happened. Despite Anna Ward’s death being deemed a suicide, Lydia is convinced there is something more sinister behind the young chambermaid’s death. Working along with the Philadelphia police, Lydia delves into Anna’s life and puts her own life at risk as she uncovers the secrets of the chambermaid’s employers.
MURDER BY DEGREES is a fascinating historical mystery, and Dr. Lydia Weston is a top-notch protagonist. As a woman making her way in the male-dominated medical field, she faces a lot of chauvinism from some of the male characters. It was heartwarming to see her encouraging her female students as they faced prejudice from the male doctors, medical students, and patients. Lydia’s duties at the medical college, hospital, and clinic provided a solid secondary plotline to the murder investigation. While Lydia does do some investigating on her own, she also works alongside the two police officers who were tasked with looking into Anna Ward’s unusual death. The novel’s point of view switches between Lydia’s perspective as well as the perspectives of the two officers, allowing the reader a well-rounded look at the investigation. Overall, an enjoyable novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.