Books Like...

'A Beautiful Poison' by Lydia Kang is a historical mystery set in 1910s New York, revolving around three childhood friends who reunite to solve a murder mystery involving poison, radium, and the Spanish Influenza. The story delves into the lives of the characters - Allene, Jasper, and Birdie - as they navigate through dark themes of murder, class differences, and the harsh realities of the time period. The author seamlessly weaves together real history with fictional events, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and educational in terms of forensics, chemistry, and medicine.

'The Impossible Girl' by Lydia Kang is a historical fiction novel set in late 19th century New York, following the protagonist Cora, who has the unique characteristic of being born with two hearts. The story revolves around Cora's double life as a grave robber known as Jacob, her involvement in selling bodies to medical schools, and the mysteries surrounding unusual deaths of people on her watch list. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of New York City at that time, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and a touch of fantasy.

The writing style of 'The Impossible Girl' has been described as colorful, atmospheric, and filled with interesting historical and anatomical facts. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged in a dark and intriguing narrative that explores themes of love, betrayal, survival, and the societal issues of the Victorian era.

The Gilded Hour is a historical novel set in 1880s New York City, focusing on the lives of two female doctors, Anna and Sophie Savard, as they navigate the challenges of practicing medicine in a male-dominated society. The story delves into various social issues of the time, such as women's reproductive health, orphan crises, racial complexities, and the struggles of immigrants. The plot weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and social commentary, creating a rich and engaging narrative that touches on the historical context of the Gilded Age.

The author, Sara Donati, presents a well-researched and meticulously crafted story that immerses readers in the world of 19th-century New York. Through vivid characterizations and detailed descriptions, Donati brings to life the bustling city with its stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, highlighting the societal norms and challenges faced by women during that era. The narrative unfolds through multiple storylines, including the central focus on the Savard cousins' medical practice and their involvement in solving a mystery surrounding missing children, all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society.

Blanche, a French burlesque dancer living in San Francisco in the 1870s, finds her life turned upside down when she befriends Jenny Bonnet, a frog-catching woman who challenges her values and choices. As the city swelters under a heatwave and smallpox epidemic, a murder mystery unfolds, leading Blanche to question her relationships and uncover hidden truths about herself and those around her. Emma Donoghue's storytelling weaves together historical accuracy, complex characters, and suspenseful plot twists that keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.

Set in 1880s New York City, "The Witches of New York" by Ami McKay follows the story of three women - Eleanor, Adelaide, and Beatrice - who run a tea shop and herbal apothecary. The narrative intertwines themes of magic, witchcraft, herbalism, and spiritualism as the characters navigate their abilities and encounter ghosts and spirits. The book delves into the histories of these women, exploring their individual journeys and the challenges they face in a society that views them as witches. Despite some pacing issues and the introduction of multiple perspectives, the story gradually gains momentum, weaving together a tale of empowerment and sisterhood in a magical setting.

Set in the early 1900s, "Wakenhyrst" by Michelle Paver is a gothic tale centered around Edmund Stearne and his daughter Maud. The story unfolds in an ivy shrouded English manor at the edge of a wild, marshy fen, where family secrets, folklore, and medieval history intertwine. As Maud navigates the repressive environment created by her father's obsessions and deteriorating mental state, she uncovers hidden truths and unravels her father's madness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between Maud's perspective and Edmund's diaries, building towards a climax that reveals the dark forces at play in the house and the fen.

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas is a gender-bent retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story, featuring Charlotte Holmes as the brilliant detective. Set in Victorian London, the book follows Charlotte as she navigates society's expectations, solves mysteries, and forms unexpected alliances. The plot intertwines multiple murders, female friendships, and the challenges faced by women in the 19th century, all while paying homage to the original Sherlock Holmes stories with a fresh perspective and creative character development.

Maggie Holt returns to Baneberry Hall, a house her family fled in terror when she was five years old. Her father wrote a bestselling memoir about their haunting experience, but Maggie has no memories of it and believes it to be lies. After inheriting the house upon her father's death, she decides to uncover the truth behind the horrors of the house, alternating between present-day experiences and excerpts from her father's book. The book weaves a thrilling horror story filled with suspense, false clues, and red herrings, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.

The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.

'Stalking Jack the Ripper' by Kerri Maniscalco is a historical fiction mystery set in Victorian London, following the story of Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a young woman fascinated with forensic medicine and determined to uncover the identity of Jack the Ripper. The book combines elements of true crime with fiction, weaving a thrilling tale of murder, mystery, and female empowerment. The writing style is dark, atmospheric, and addictive, with a subtle yet highly entertaining romance and plenty of twists and turns surrounding the infamous Jack the Ripper case.