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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Oh, I liked this, Kaite! Sarah is a solid heroine and I appreciate the realism constraints you were working with. Gregory is fine if one MUST have a hetero foil đ and I did not see the actual reveal of the murderer coming.
Wages of Sin follows the trials and tribulations of Sarah Gilchrist, an English medical student at the University of Edinburgh. Kaite Welsh sets her scene with verve and passion, establishing the Auld Reekie atmosphere of Victorian Edinburgh with its dark and dingy closes, Cowgate squalor and apparent moral turpitude, contrasting the whorehouses and tenements of the Old Town with the more refined life of the New Town. Itâs a setting rich with possibility for a historical crime drama and she fills it with familiar characters, from the dour, hot-headed young professor seeking to salve a wounded heart in drink and bare-fist fighting to Sarahâs staid and disapproving family and a shady brothel madam. There is nothing particularly original here but it is both engaging and entertaining all the same.
What does add a fresh edge is Welshâs strong and unabashed feminism. She doesnât shrink at all from laying out all of the stigma, prejudice and restraint that Victorian women laboured under, whether forced into back-breaking char work or prostitution through poverty or struggling to make a mark in a world that refused power, education, profession and self-actualisation she reveals the struggles of all women from the gutter to the townhouse. She has populated her pages with strong female characters, beginning with Sarah who, banished from London for a public âdisgraceâ is determined to complete her studies among the first female medical students admitted to the University of Edinburgh. The obstacles faced by these women are considerable and enraging, from the condescension of the staff (male) to the abuse from their fellow students; vicious pranks, assaults and abuse. But Welsh also addresses the problems within the ranks of the women themselves. There is inevitable competition between the students working so hard to prove themselves worthy and they are not above achieving this through backbiting and rumour. The way these women have internalised the more overt sexism of Victorian society is clear in the way they treat each other, casting doubt on virtue and morality and condescending to the lives of women not as fortunate as themselves.
You may notice that I havenât mentioned the mystery yet and there is a reason for that but some details first. As part of her medical training, and one of the few outside activities allowed by an aunt and uncle watching eagle-eyed over her besmirched virtue, Sarah volunteers at a Cowgate clinic for the poor under the aegis of one of Ediburghâs few female doctors. Here is where the prostitutes and the destitute can find some help and here she meets Lucy, a young prostitute pregnant and desperate not to be. But abortion is illegal and the clinic has troubles enough. Later Lucy turns up at the University, on Sarahâs slab, a body donated for dissection. In the short time she spends with the body Sarah becomes suspicious about the cause of death and as Lucyâs fate preys on her mind she begins to investigate the circumstances of her death, only for her suspicions to fall upon one of her own lecturers, a man who knows her secret and has many of his own and to whom she finds herself reluctantly drawnâŚ
The mystery does get a little lost in all of Sarahâs other preoccupations; her studies, her repressive home life, the threat of a former scandal, the hostility of her fellow students. There a few too many long pauses and rather too few developments to make the crime side of the story particularly strong and the final denouement is a little disappointing and a touch contrary to the strong feminist message throughout. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Welshâs clever us of Edinburghâs dank, seedy atmosphere, her pugnacious tackling of womenâs place in Victorian society and her use of genre tropes while (almost always) staying true to her intent and her characters. There isnât the nuance or subtlety of something like Sarah Mossâs Bodies of Light but there are well-rounded female characters, strong and progressive without losing their connection to their own time. An interesting and enjoyable debut and a character and author I would like to see again.
What does add a fresh edge is Welshâs strong and unabashed feminism. She doesnât shrink at all from laying out all of the stigma, prejudice and restraint that Victorian women laboured under, whether forced into back-breaking char work or prostitution through poverty or struggling to make a mark in a world that refused power, education, profession and self-actualisation she reveals the struggles of all women from the gutter to the townhouse. She has populated her pages with strong female characters, beginning with Sarah who, banished from London for a public âdisgraceâ is determined to complete her studies among the first female medical students admitted to the University of Edinburgh. The obstacles faced by these women are considerable and enraging, from the condescension of the staff (male) to the abuse from their fellow students; vicious pranks, assaults and abuse. But Welsh also addresses the problems within the ranks of the women themselves. There is inevitable competition between the students working so hard to prove themselves worthy and they are not above achieving this through backbiting and rumour. The way these women have internalised the more overt sexism of Victorian society is clear in the way they treat each other, casting doubt on virtue and morality and condescending to the lives of women not as fortunate as themselves.
You may notice that I havenât mentioned the mystery yet and there is a reason for that but some details first. As part of her medical training, and one of the few outside activities allowed by an aunt and uncle watching eagle-eyed over her besmirched virtue, Sarah volunteers at a Cowgate clinic for the poor under the aegis of one of Ediburghâs few female doctors. Here is where the prostitutes and the destitute can find some help and here she meets Lucy, a young prostitute pregnant and desperate not to be. But abortion is illegal and the clinic has troubles enough. Later Lucy turns up at the University, on Sarahâs slab, a body donated for dissection. In the short time she spends with the body Sarah becomes suspicious about the cause of death and as Lucyâs fate preys on her mind she begins to investigate the circumstances of her death, only for her suspicions to fall upon one of her own lecturers, a man who knows her secret and has many of his own and to whom she finds herself reluctantly drawnâŚ
The mystery does get a little lost in all of Sarahâs other preoccupations; her studies, her repressive home life, the threat of a former scandal, the hostility of her fellow students. There a few too many long pauses and rather too few developments to make the crime side of the story particularly strong and the final denouement is a little disappointing and a touch contrary to the strong feminist message throughout. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Welshâs clever us of Edinburghâs dank, seedy atmosphere, her pugnacious tackling of womenâs place in Victorian society and her use of genre tropes while (almost always) staying true to her intent and her characters. There isnât the nuance or subtlety of something like Sarah Mossâs Bodies of Light but there are well-rounded female characters, strong and progressive without losing their connection to their own time. An interesting and enjoyable debut and a character and author I would like to see again.
For sheer escapism I find it hard to beat an atmospheric historical crime novel. The Wages of Sin is a gripping and involving read and I was very resentful of the world for interfering with my reading time!
The only reason I noticed this book originally was when it was returned to the library where I work, and I wondered if the author's first name, Kaite, was a data entry error on the catalogue as I read the screen. I picked up the book, read the blurb and realised it was right up my street and I had to borrow it.
Sarah Gilchrist is rejected from polite society, banished to Edinburgh to well meaning but puritanical relatives after an event that, to modern eyes, makes her a victim, not a transgressor. Determined to forge a career for herself as a doctor, she studies at the university, facing the negativity of her fellow female students as well as the resentment of the wider world. Working in a local infirmary gives her practical experience as well as allowing her an escape from her relatives, but when a prostitute she has treated is found dead, then hitherto unknown detective instincts are roused...
I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
The only reason I noticed this book originally was when it was returned to the library where I work, and I wondered if the author's first name, Kaite, was a data entry error on the catalogue as I read the screen. I picked up the book, read the blurb and realised it was right up my street and I had to borrow it.
Sarah Gilchrist is rejected from polite society, banished to Edinburgh to well meaning but puritanical relatives after an event that, to modern eyes, makes her a victim, not a transgressor. Determined to forge a career for herself as a doctor, she studies at the university, facing the negativity of her fellow female students as well as the resentment of the wider world. Working in a local infirmary gives her practical experience as well as allowing her an escape from her relatives, but when a prostitute she has treated is found dead, then hitherto unknown detective instincts are roused...
I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It seems like everything is against Sarah Gilchrist in The Wages of Sin, by Kaite Welsh. Sheâs enrolled in one of the first classes of women in the University of Edinburghâs medical school, so she faces harassment by the male students and staff. Because of an incident in her past, she is shunned by several of the female students. Her aunt and uncleâthe only members of her family currently speaking to herâare pious, traditional people who want to marry Sarah off as quickly as possible. As if this wasnât enough to cope with, a patient Sarah sees at the clinic where she volunteers turns up dead in the Universityâs anatomy lab the next day. Sarah, being the determined young woman she is, dives right into the mystery...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss for review consideration.
4.5 stars.
This book has everything I love: Victorian, women doctors fighting their way through medical school to prove they belong, Scotland, and a mystery. Half a star knocked off because the mystery itself wasnât very mysterious (I figured it out whodunnit fairly early on) and I found myself not liking how the reason WHY the murderer murdered was characterized - it was almost too glib for such an important topic. I donât want to say anything further as it might spoil it.
If you are a fan of tv shows such as âThe Alienistâor âRipper Streetâ (especially Ripper Street) or âDr. Quinn, Medicine Womanâ, youâll probably enjoy this title. A sequel is slated for publication next month (May 2019) and, even though Iâve hit my limits on the amount of holds I can have at the library, you bet your biscuits I just rearranged my holds list to make room.
This book has everything I love: Victorian, women doctors fighting their way through medical school to prove they belong, Scotland, and a mystery. Half a star knocked off because the mystery itself wasnât very mysterious (I figured it out whodunnit fairly early on) and I found myself not liking how the reason WHY the murderer murdered was characterized - it was almost too glib for such an important topic. I donât want to say anything further as it might spoil it.
If you are a fan of tv shows such as âThe Alienistâor âRipper Streetâ (especially Ripper Street) or âDr. Quinn, Medicine Womanâ, youâll probably enjoy this title. A sequel is slated for publication next month (May 2019) and, even though Iâve hit my limits on the amount of holds I can have at the library, you bet your biscuits I just rearranged my holds list to make room.
The Wages of Sin by Kaite Welsh is a 2017 Pegasus publication.
I love historical mysteries, especially those set in the Victorian era, so Iâm always on the lookout for a new series that fits that bill.
Thankfully, I stumbled across this little gem, which shows a great deal of promise.
Sarah Gilchrist is a character I instantly admired and respected. Sheâs suffered much as a woman in 1892 who has been cast out by her parents, who treat her as though she is the one who should be ashamed, and then is practically tortured before finally being allowed to join the University of Edinburghâs medical school.
While her relatives continue their quest to marry her off, Sarah works hard at her studies, enduring abuse from male peers, but when she learns a prostitute, named Lucy, she helped treat in the hospital has been murdered, she is determined to discover what happened and why.
This is a compelling mystery with well drawn characterizations and a strong portrait of the underbelly of Scotland in a historical setting, creating a tense and often lurid atmosphere. The story spotlights the fragility of a woman's good standing, the lack of options or opportunities for someone who has fallen on hard times, blamed for crimes against their person, or who doesn't conform to society's norms.
Sarah is brave, pragmatic, and after her life experiences, a little jaded. But, sheâs compassionate, smart, and due to her own circumstances, is able to avoid passing judgment, which is a kindness her patients need. The story is one that is all too familiar and one that could easily fit into a modern setting, just as easily. Yet, the mystery was surprising and I was genuinely surprised by the outcome.
This series is off to a solid start and do hope to follow Sarah on her future adventures and hope to see her character and the supporting cast again very soon!!
4 stars
I love historical mysteries, especially those set in the Victorian era, so Iâm always on the lookout for a new series that fits that bill.
Thankfully, I stumbled across this little gem, which shows a great deal of promise.
Sarah Gilchrist is a character I instantly admired and respected. Sheâs suffered much as a woman in 1892 who has been cast out by her parents, who treat her as though she is the one who should be ashamed, and then is practically tortured before finally being allowed to join the University of Edinburghâs medical school.
While her relatives continue their quest to marry her off, Sarah works hard at her studies, enduring abuse from male peers, but when she learns a prostitute, named Lucy, she helped treat in the hospital has been murdered, she is determined to discover what happened and why.
This is a compelling mystery with well drawn characterizations and a strong portrait of the underbelly of Scotland in a historical setting, creating a tense and often lurid atmosphere. The story spotlights the fragility of a woman's good standing, the lack of options or opportunities for someone who has fallen on hard times, blamed for crimes against their person, or who doesn't conform to society's norms.
Sarah is brave, pragmatic, and after her life experiences, a little jaded. But, sheâs compassionate, smart, and due to her own circumstances, is able to avoid passing judgment, which is a kindness her patients need. The story is one that is all too familiar and one that could easily fit into a modern setting, just as easily. Yet, the mystery was surprising and I was genuinely surprised by the outcome.
This series is off to a solid start and do hope to follow Sarah on her future adventures and hope to see her character and the supporting cast again very soon!!
4 stars
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I very rarely read books in one day, but this book blew me away!! It was absolutely fabulous and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book via Net Galley.
A London socialite is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Edinburgh following a scandal. Sarah is allowed to study at Medical School and is determined to become a doctor, but her efforts are thwarted by the Medical School's male students and professors alike who do not think that ladies should be allowed to study medicine. Even the dozen or so other ladies studying with her make Sarah's life difficult, particularly regarding the gossip that has followed her from London. The only place Sarah finds some solace is at a local Infirmary for the poor and unfortunate members of society where she helps out a couple of times a week.
This a fantastic and atmospheric piece of historical fiction, set in the late 19th century. The descriptions of the squalor and general grimness of the more unsavoury parts of Edinburgh's poorer districts is very well done. A very good read.
A London socialite is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Edinburgh following a scandal. Sarah is allowed to study at Medical School and is determined to become a doctor, but her efforts are thwarted by the Medical School's male students and professors alike who do not think that ladies should be allowed to study medicine. Even the dozen or so other ladies studying with her make Sarah's life difficult, particularly regarding the gossip that has followed her from London. The only place Sarah finds some solace is at a local Infirmary for the poor and unfortunate members of society where she helps out a couple of times a week.
This a fantastic and atmospheric piece of historical fiction, set in the late 19th century. The descriptions of the squalor and general grimness of the more unsavoury parts of Edinburgh's poorer districts is very well done. A very good read.