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The Specimen
The Specimen | Jaima Fixsen
1 post | 1 read | 1 to read
"An absorbing and expanding mystery... ripe for a bookclub discussion" First Clue "Propulsive and lush, Fixsen weaves an exquisitely gothic tale." Jess Armstrong, USA Today bestselling author of The Curse of Penryth Hall Walk carefully, lest you become a part of Dr. Burnett's collection... 1826. Isobel Tait finds herself, by chance, staring at a tiny human heart floating in a jar. It should be of little consequence; Dr. Burnett is renowned for his collection of oddities and medical specimens, and this, a juvenile heart with a damaged mitral valve, is not the strangest thing on display. Except that the condition is rare, and that Isobel's young son, who has been missing for months, suffered from the ailment. A phantom pulse beats in Isobel's ears. She knows something here isn't right. Missing persons cases are all too common in Edinburgh, where people simply vanish like mist. But Burnett is obsessed with his specimens how far would he go to acquire a new one? Determined to investigate, Isobel joins his staff as the keeper of his collection. What she'll unearth, though, is far worse than any of her nightmares... Based on true crimes, The Specimen is a mesmerizing story about one woman's search for truth and vengeance in the darkest of placeswhere the deadliest secrets lie hidden in plain sight, on a freshly dusted shelf. "The Specimen is a fantastic read! Tense, gripping and full of fabulous characters you grow to love or hate! I devoured it in two sittings." Gareth Brown, bestselling author of The Book of Doors
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OutsmartYourShelf
The Specimen | Jaima Fixsen
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Edinburgh, 1826 & single mother, Isobel Tait is worried about her son Thomas. Ever since an earlier bout of illness Thomas has had health complications & the usual treatments aren't working. Isobel is directed to a new doctor, a specialist called Dr Burnett, who diagnoses Thomas with a rare heart complaint. Shortly following the appointment, Isobel begins to suspect that they are being followed by a man with a scarred face, (continued)

OutsmartYourShelf & a week or so later when Thomas disappears, Isobel reports him to the police. The senior detective is abrupt & dismissive whilst the younger detective, Adam Kerr, seems sympathetic but there is little he can do. Months later, Isobel is coaxed out for an afternoon out by a neighbour & finds herself at an exhibition of rare cases by Dr Burnett, & in one glass case is a small heart with the exact same issue as Thomas. Coincidence? Or murder?
3w
OutsmartYourShelf This is a really great read. The author uses the history of Edinburgh & its links with the 'Resurrectionists' (body snatchers) to weave a tale that grabs the attention & never lets go. The narrative is told from two points of view: Isobel. & Adam Kerr - the detective who has his own battles as he is of Native American descent which in the early 19th century would have seriously limited his career. 3w
OutsmartYourShelf We see another side to him with his dealings with a young orphan whose mother has also gone missing. If I had any criticism it would probably be that the ending went on slightly too long but it's a very minor quibble. If you like historical fiction with a darker gothic edge, you may like this one. 4.5🌟

My thanks to #NetGalley & publishers, Sourcebooks UK/Poisoned Pen Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
3w
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Texreader Excellent review! And stacked!! 3w
Catsandbooks 👏🏼👻🧡 3w
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