Investigative Tales: 8 Gripping Historical Novels featuring Morbid Medicinal Motifs
In the realm of atmospheric mysteries, Susan Stokes-Chapman's novel, "The Shadow Key," transports readers to an isolated estate in Wales, where the chilling unknown awaits.
Meanwhile, Rae Dunlap's debut offering, "The Resurrectionist: A Twisty Gothic Mystery of Dark Scottish History," takes us back to 1828 Edinburgh, Scotland, where the protagonist, James Willoughby, finds himself entangled with Edinburgh's notorious body snatchers, Burke and Hare, in his quest for a human cadaver for his medical studies.
Johanna van Veen's "Blood on Her Tongue" offers a haunting narrative revolving around a character named Sarah, who is diagnosed with temporary insanity. This gripping tale is a finalist for the Edgar Award.
"The Silence Factory" by an unspecified author presents a speculative tale with a wholly original premise about spider silk imbued with unusual powers. The story also delves into dark family secrets, corruption, and odd magic, as Dr. Henry arrives at Carthmute House to treat Philomel of her deafness.
In a different setting, "The Darlings of the Asylum" is a wild ride of good versus evil, madness, and sanity, set within the confines of an asylum. The novel also features a character named Josephine who is committed to the Salpêtrière asylum.
Sarah's twin sister, Lucy, finds herself embroiled in a mystery in "The Beauty Doctor," a fast-paced thriller set in 1907. Lucy becomes obsessed with finding the cause of her sister's condition and becomes involved with an ancient corpse found in a bog near their property. The story revolves around Dr. Rome, who performs surgery with his young aide, Abigail, but faces challenges from superstitious villagers and a locked-up lady of the house.
The protagonist, Dr. Henry Talbot, investigates the mysterious death of his predecessor in this novel, but his investigation is not without its own set of challenges.
In the realm of historical figures, it's interesting to note the medical professionals who have left their mark on history. Felix Platter was medically active during the time in which his works are set, serving as city physician and professor of practical medicine in Basel from 1571 onward. Oliver Sacks was medically active in the 20th century until his death in 2015, practicing and writing about neurological patients. Sigmund Freud studied medicine and was medically active as a pediatric doctor and researcher in Vienna through the 1920s and 30s. Karl Leonhard was a medical professional and psychotherapist active in the mid-20th century. However, Friedrich Nietzsche, although extensively studied later, was not medically active as a physician himself.
Sharon Lynn Fisher's novel, "Grimm Curiosities," offers a narrative that, while intriguing, does not provide enough detail for a factual summary. Lastly, in Violet Pring's story, set in Hillwood Grange Lunatic Asylum, the protagonist finds herself in a world of madness and mystery.
These novels, each with their unique settings and characters, promise an immersive journey into the realms of mystery, suspense, and the human psyche.
