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Dr. Genevieve Summerford Mystery #1
A Deadly Affection
In 1907 New York, a psychiatrist must prove her patient's innocence...or risk being implicated in a shocking murder
As one of the first women practicing in an advanced new field of psychology, Dr. Genevieve Summerford is used to forging her own path. But when one of her patients is arrested for murder-a murder Genevieve fears she may have unwittingly provoked-she is forced to seek help from an old acquaintance.
Desperate to clear her patient's name and relieve her own guilty conscience, Genevieve finds herself breaking all the rules she's tried so hard to live by. In her search for answers, Genevieve uncovers an astonishing secret that, should she reveal it, could spell disaster for those she cares about most. But if she lets her discovery remain hidden, she will almost certainly condemn her patient to the electric chair.
As one of the first women practicing in an advanced new field of psychology, Dr. Genevieve Summerford is used to forging her own path. But when one of her patients is arrested for murder-a murder Genevieve fears she may have unwittingly provoked-she is forced to seek help from an old acquaintance.
Desperate to clear her patient's name and relieve her own guilty conscience, Genevieve finds herself breaking all the rules she's tried so hard to live by. In her search for answers, Genevieve uncovers an astonishing secret that, should she reveal it, could spell disaster for those she cares about most. But if she lets her discovery remain hidden, she will almost certainly condemn her patient to the electric chair.
445 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
176 people are currently reading
3864 people want to read
About the author
Cuyler Overholt
2 books146 followersCuyler Overholt worked as a lawyer and a freelance business writer before turning to fiction. A Deadly Affection, her debut novel and the first book in the Dr. Genevieve Summerford mystery series, won the ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award for best mystery and was shortlisted for the Strand Critics Award for best first novel. A Promise of Ruin is the second book in the series.
Cuyler shares a keen interest in human motivation and behavior with her husband, a psychologist, who is still working on perfecting her. When she isn’t reading or writing she can usually be found on a bike, in the cobra pose, or enjoying a good movie.
Cuyler shares a keen interest in human motivation and behavior with her husband, a psychologist, who is still working on perfecting her. When she isn’t reading or writing she can usually be found on a bike, in the cobra pose, or enjoying a good movie.
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June 30, 2017With sincere appreciation to Edelweiss, publisher Sourcebooks and Author, Cuylor Overholt for providing this e-galley for my enjoyment and review.
Published September 6, 2016
The Hook - In my life before the library I was an LPN, leaving me with a natural interest in books with medical themes. Early exploration of psychiatry, the field of women in medicine were certainly factors in choosing A Deadly Affection. The clincher in the end is that the author, Cuylor Overholt is a Connecticut Author. How could I resist?
The Line(s) - ”I’d tell her that I never wanted to let her go, that I wanted to be her mother more than anything in the world. I’d tell her that from the minute I felt her moving inside me, I knew she was a gift from God.”
The Sinker - A Deadly Affection is being promoted as many things. Originally self published, it is A Next Generation Indie Award Winner for Best Mystery. It is being marketed to that audience as well as to fans of Caleb Carr’s The Alienist. Early reviews called it atmospheric, a whodunit, a historical mystery, and a suspenseful romance. Author Susan Elia MacNeal describes the protagonist. Dr. Genevieve Summerford as “a heroine with brains, compassion and grit”. All of this is true, and the praise is deserved.
This debut defies the peg in a hole mystery genre classification. It easily crosses over into crime fiction, literary novel, medical drama, suspense, women’s fiction, historical fiction or what have you. Mix and match, call it what you will, just be certain to read A Deadly Affection.
Take a step back in time to the early 1900’s roads and alleys, the upper wealthy and lower seamier neighborhoods of New York City. Psychiatrist Dr. Genevieve (Genna) Summerford initiates a unique new program to help heal ”injuries of the mind”. Her determination to practice a different kind of psychiatry puts her at odds with many, particularly her father who feels she should be content to practice general medicine.
Genna plans to meet with a group of women suffering a loss, and through a weekly series of lectures and mental exercises she believes that each will be helped to suppress ”self-defeating thinking and develop a more hopeful outlook”, referred to as persuasion approach. At the first meeting held at St. Christopher House, she is met with wariness, suspicion and skepticism by the women. Genna explains:
”You see, we’ve recently discovered that brain cell activity can be altered by painful life events. When a person has suffered a shocking loss, as each of you has, alterations in the brain can produce physical symptoms—things like dyspepsia or headache or rash. Just the sorts of things”, I added Pointedly, “that have been plaguing all of you”>
By meeting’s end, Genna wonders if she has lost them already. Yet one woman, Eliza, remains behind. Eliza, single, shares the sadness and despair she feels at the loss of her daughter almost eighteen years ago, who was taken immediately after delivery for placement with “better parents”. She named her Joy and didn’t even get to say good-bye. Eliza would like to know where and with whom Joy was placed. Due to their discussion, Eliza decides she must confront the doctor the very next day and ask where her daughter is. The next day comes and the doctor is found brutally murdered, Eliza being the last to see him and the main subject with cause.
This all happens in the first few pages setting the mystery promised. Who killed the doctor? Genna becomes not only a physician but also a detective as she tries to prove her patient’s innocence.
Many aspects of this story appealed to me. Dr. Summerford is a strong female character making her way in a predominately male field, where she is testing new ideas in therapy. Genna’s character comes to life vividly in both her thought process and general demeanor due to the author's skill. She is complex, with secrets and flaws of her own, yet determined not to let these hinder her goals. Though I got a good picture of who she is, I certainly won’t mind another book to continue our relationship. In addition there are burgeoning theories on mental illness, the brain, and other diseases that I won’t mention as they may be spoilers. Not since Time and Time Again by Jack Finney have I enjoyed walking the streets of the big city as much as in this book. Cuyler Overholt has a love for New York’s history that is obvious in her detailed description.
Highly recommended.
Published September 6, 2016
The Hook - In my life before the library I was an LPN, leaving me with a natural interest in books with medical themes. Early exploration of psychiatry, the field of women in medicine were certainly factors in choosing A Deadly Affection. The clincher in the end is that the author, Cuylor Overholt is a Connecticut Author. How could I resist?
The Line(s) - ”I’d tell her that I never wanted to let her go, that I wanted to be her mother more than anything in the world. I’d tell her that from the minute I felt her moving inside me, I knew she was a gift from God.”
The Sinker - A Deadly Affection is being promoted as many things. Originally self published, it is A Next Generation Indie Award Winner for Best Mystery. It is being marketed to that audience as well as to fans of Caleb Carr’s The Alienist. Early reviews called it atmospheric, a whodunit, a historical mystery, and a suspenseful romance. Author Susan Elia MacNeal describes the protagonist. Dr. Genevieve Summerford as “a heroine with brains, compassion and grit”. All of this is true, and the praise is deserved.
This debut defies the peg in a hole mystery genre classification. It easily crosses over into crime fiction, literary novel, medical drama, suspense, women’s fiction, historical fiction or what have you. Mix and match, call it what you will, just be certain to read A Deadly Affection.
Take a step back in time to the early 1900’s roads and alleys, the upper wealthy and lower seamier neighborhoods of New York City. Psychiatrist Dr. Genevieve (Genna) Summerford initiates a unique new program to help heal ”injuries of the mind”. Her determination to practice a different kind of psychiatry puts her at odds with many, particularly her father who feels she should be content to practice general medicine.
Genna plans to meet with a group of women suffering a loss, and through a weekly series of lectures and mental exercises she believes that each will be helped to suppress ”self-defeating thinking and develop a more hopeful outlook”, referred to as persuasion approach. At the first meeting held at St. Christopher House, she is met with wariness, suspicion and skepticism by the women. Genna explains:
”You see, we’ve recently discovered that brain cell activity can be altered by painful life events. When a person has suffered a shocking loss, as each of you has, alterations in the brain can produce physical symptoms—things like dyspepsia or headache or rash. Just the sorts of things”, I added Pointedly, “that have been plaguing all of you”>
By meeting’s end, Genna wonders if she has lost them already. Yet one woman, Eliza, remains behind. Eliza, single, shares the sadness and despair she feels at the loss of her daughter almost eighteen years ago, who was taken immediately after delivery for placement with “better parents”. She named her Joy and didn’t even get to say good-bye. Eliza would like to know where and with whom Joy was placed. Due to their discussion, Eliza decides she must confront the doctor the very next day and ask where her daughter is. The next day comes and the doctor is found brutally murdered, Eliza being the last to see him and the main subject with cause.
This all happens in the first few pages setting the mystery promised. Who killed the doctor? Genna becomes not only a physician but also a detective as she tries to prove her patient’s innocence.
Many aspects of this story appealed to me. Dr. Summerford is a strong female character making her way in a predominately male field, where she is testing new ideas in therapy. Genna’s character comes to life vividly in both her thought process and general demeanor due to the author's skill. She is complex, with secrets and flaws of her own, yet determined not to let these hinder her goals. Though I got a good picture of who she is, I certainly won’t mind another book to continue our relationship. In addition there are burgeoning theories on mental illness, the brain, and other diseases that I won’t mention as they may be spoilers. Not since Time and Time Again by Jack Finney have I enjoyed walking the streets of the big city as much as in this book. Cuyler Overholt has a love for New York’s history that is obvious in her detailed description.
Highly recommended.
July 8, 2016
I received a copy of A Deadly Affection through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and to Cuyler Overholt for the opportunity.
"Higher education enlarged the brain and stunted the bodies of female students."
This certainly was the general thinking of the masses in January of 1907. Breaking through these walls of faulty thinking, especially dominated by males, was a daunting task by the females of the day. It took a strong intellect, a will of iron, and a feisty disposition to prove otherwise.
Enter: Genevieve Summerford, a newly educated and certified doctor in the field of psychotherapy which was a groundbreaking new field in the use of mental therapy. Genevieve, "Genna", visits St. Christopher House in New York City where she makes every effort to treat women's disorders linked to emotional shocks of the past. Her sessions are met with uncertainty even by the women themselves. Psychic pain has its difficulties in treatment even in today's world.
Genna is especially touched by Eliza, who was forced to give up her baby girl years ago. Eliza questions the tactics of the doctor who delivered her child. Genna encourages her to seek out this doctor and to find answers. When Dr. Hauptfuhrer ends up dead on the floor of his office, Eliza is arrested and charged with the crime.
Genna ratchets it up to the next gear and begins her own inquest into what really happened on the day of the murder. Her findings reflect an analytical mind and a deep sense of justice for women who have been wronged by the system. I enjoyed how Genna kicked in the door of male-dominated professions in the medical and the police systems of the time period. It proves that high heels carry as much weight as clunky boots. It's all in the turn of the heel and the momentum behind it.
I really enjoyed A Deadly Affection and hope that it will be the beginning of a series with the lead female character of Dr. Summerford. The historical time period and setting were ripe for the entrance of such a determined character. Overholt does a fine job of setting the stage and has done remarkable research. We have a riveting plot with high-interest subplots here with emphasis on the investigative police work and the new breakthroughs in the medical field.
I'm certainly looking forward to the next offering by Cuyler Overholt and encourage Overholt to not make us wait too long. Soon, Overholt, soon.
"Higher education enlarged the brain and stunted the bodies of female students."
This certainly was the general thinking of the masses in January of 1907. Breaking through these walls of faulty thinking, especially dominated by males, was a daunting task by the females of the day. It took a strong intellect, a will of iron, and a feisty disposition to prove otherwise.
Enter: Genevieve Summerford, a newly educated and certified doctor in the field of psychotherapy which was a groundbreaking new field in the use of mental therapy. Genevieve, "Genna", visits St. Christopher House in New York City where she makes every effort to treat women's disorders linked to emotional shocks of the past. Her sessions are met with uncertainty even by the women themselves. Psychic pain has its difficulties in treatment even in today's world.
Genna is especially touched by Eliza, who was forced to give up her baby girl years ago. Eliza questions the tactics of the doctor who delivered her child. Genna encourages her to seek out this doctor and to find answers. When Dr. Hauptfuhrer ends up dead on the floor of his office, Eliza is arrested and charged with the crime.
Genna ratchets it up to the next gear and begins her own inquest into what really happened on the day of the murder. Her findings reflect an analytical mind and a deep sense of justice for women who have been wronged by the system. I enjoyed how Genna kicked in the door of male-dominated professions in the medical and the police systems of the time period. It proves that high heels carry as much weight as clunky boots. It's all in the turn of the heel and the momentum behind it.
I really enjoyed A Deadly Affection and hope that it will be the beginning of a series with the lead female character of Dr. Summerford. The historical time period and setting were ripe for the entrance of such a determined character. Overholt does a fine job of setting the stage and has done remarkable research. We have a riveting plot with high-interest subplots here with emphasis on the investigative police work and the new breakthroughs in the medical field.
I'm certainly looking forward to the next offering by Cuyler Overholt and encourage Overholt to not make us wait too long. Soon, Overholt, soon.
July 15, 2017
I'm not going to finish this. I find it gratingly unbelievable.
Beware: this is a thoroughly curmudgeonly review. I wouldn't usually review a book I left pretty early, but I wish someone had warned me before I got this far. If this helps another picky, cantankerous reader, that's my intent. If you're a more generous reader, or one more easily immersed in light storytelling despite what might to some be superficial shortcomings, no need to read on.
The setting is 1907 NYC. The protagonist is a female psychotherapist, which presumes higher social class and highest levels of education, and surely an experience of hard-won dignity, maturity, and professionalism in a period when women were not even near the right to vote, much less acceptance in professional classes.
Yes, pioneering women doctors and psychoanalysts were emerging at the time. But imagine what they went through to gain their stripes, to practice in the everyday world, to move in the circles of their peers, and to succeed against these odds. I see none of this reflected in this character.
At the time of this setting, the profession itself is still very young, with the language and development of its theoretical and philosophical foundations in its early stages, and certainly not commonly understood or respected outside the small group of practitioners of the time. Yet I felt like I could be listening to contemporary thinkers and practitioners as the protagonist spouted her professional thoughts at laypeople of the time.
The language of the novel reads almost purely contemporary. It's not just syntax, word choice, and modern turns of phrase. It's the ways of thinking, of interacting in context. It's the mores of the time.
I'm not reading to pick apart small details of historical accuracy. I'm just trying to achieve some level of immersion in the time and situation but unable to do so because for me it just reeks of wrong on all levels. It may be that it's more historically accurate in many respects than I give it credit for, but as a reader the feel is so far off I can't even get close to the time and situation the author attempts to portray.
The protagonist is a naive, fluffy, earnest, idealistic, save-the-world-myself young thing. This might have been a tiny bit believable if the picture was painted in the language and thinking of the time, though as I've already said, it wasn't.
What is really unbelievable is that the class, education, and strenuous experience of becoming a pioneering female psychiatrist would have left intact this more-girl-than-woman character who on one hand seems so sure of her knowledge and convictions, and on the other hand is so lacking in wisdom, discernment, worldly experience, and the hardened edges of achievement in unlikely times.
Part of the draw of the book is the unusual, trailblazing circumstance of a female psychiatrist at the turn of the last century. If she's more contemporary caricature than historical hero, I don't see the point.
Of note, I listened to the audio version. The reader's girlish voice and narration enhanced the effect that the character didn't fit the historical situation. The cover art should have been a give-away: a young woman in somber garb of the Edwardian time period, grasping a medical bag, but with her long hair cascading over her chest in perfectly curling-ironed tresses. It screams "huh?" and "wink-wink-don't-take-me-seriously". My bad for not taking THAT seriously.
Anyway, I don't see a strong, well developed character here. I see a headstrong pulled-from-the-pages-of-contemporary-pulp figure who is going to break my skull if I continue to beat my head against these anachronisms and the melodrama of the jerkily -developing plot.
The premise was intriguing. The ratings are good. My experience is utter disappointment.
There's no one here I care about and nothing here that intrigues me. I don't feel transported to a true time or engaged with real people. I don't care what happens.
If all that develops more positively over the course of the book, that's promising for the continuing series. But I'm bailing at the point that it doesn't feel worth finding out. I've had too many highly disappointing reads lately, so it feels a bit masochist to continue this one.
Beware: this is a thoroughly curmudgeonly review. I wouldn't usually review a book I left pretty early, but I wish someone had warned me before I got this far. If this helps another picky, cantankerous reader, that's my intent. If you're a more generous reader, or one more easily immersed in light storytelling despite what might to some be superficial shortcomings, no need to read on.
The setting is 1907 NYC. The protagonist is a female psychotherapist, which presumes higher social class and highest levels of education, and surely an experience of hard-won dignity, maturity, and professionalism in a period when women were not even near the right to vote, much less acceptance in professional classes.
Yes, pioneering women doctors and psychoanalysts were emerging at the time. But imagine what they went through to gain their stripes, to practice in the everyday world, to move in the circles of their peers, and to succeed against these odds. I see none of this reflected in this character.
At the time of this setting, the profession itself is still very young, with the language and development of its theoretical and philosophical foundations in its early stages, and certainly not commonly understood or respected outside the small group of practitioners of the time. Yet I felt like I could be listening to contemporary thinkers and practitioners as the protagonist spouted her professional thoughts at laypeople of the time.
The language of the novel reads almost purely contemporary. It's not just syntax, word choice, and modern turns of phrase. It's the ways of thinking, of interacting in context. It's the mores of the time.
I'm not reading to pick apart small details of historical accuracy. I'm just trying to achieve some level of immersion in the time and situation but unable to do so because for me it just reeks of wrong on all levels. It may be that it's more historically accurate in many respects than I give it credit for, but as a reader the feel is so far off I can't even get close to the time and situation the author attempts to portray.
The protagonist is a naive, fluffy, earnest, idealistic, save-the-world-myself young thing. This might have been a tiny bit believable if the picture was painted in the language and thinking of the time, though as I've already said, it wasn't.
What is really unbelievable is that the class, education, and strenuous experience of becoming a pioneering female psychiatrist would have left intact this more-girl-than-woman character who on one hand seems so sure of her knowledge and convictions, and on the other hand is so lacking in wisdom, discernment, worldly experience, and the hardened edges of achievement in unlikely times.
Part of the draw of the book is the unusual, trailblazing circumstance of a female psychiatrist at the turn of the last century. If she's more contemporary caricature than historical hero, I don't see the point.
Of note, I listened to the audio version. The reader's girlish voice and narration enhanced the effect that the character didn't fit the historical situation. The cover art should have been a give-away: a young woman in somber garb of the Edwardian time period, grasping a medical bag, but with her long hair cascading over her chest in perfectly curling-ironed tresses. It screams "huh?" and "wink-wink-don't-take-me-seriously". My bad for not taking THAT seriously.
Anyway, I don't see a strong, well developed character here. I see a headstrong pulled-from-the-pages-of-contemporary-pulp figure who is going to break my skull if I continue to beat my head against these anachronisms and the melodrama of the jerkily -developing plot.
The premise was intriguing. The ratings are good. My experience is utter disappointment.
There's no one here I care about and nothing here that intrigues me. I don't feel transported to a true time or engaged with real people. I don't care what happens.
If all that develops more positively over the course of the book, that's promising for the continuing series. But I'm bailing at the point that it doesn't feel worth finding out. I've had too many highly disappointing reads lately, so it feels a bit masochist to continue this one.
December 30, 2016
I was very pleased to discover that A Deadly Affection did cross so many genres and was such a comfortably entertaining reading experience, as promised by my reliable GR sources. Featuring Dr. Genevieve Summerford as a psychotherapist in this brand new field of medicine in 1907, author Cuyler Overholt's debut mystery launches the determined young doctor in her quest to save her patient from a murder charge.
Overholt cleverly fictionalizes the grand pretentiousness of the New York elite, during the "Gilded Age", when American tycoons exchanged their money and daughters to impoverished British gentry, for the sake of a title. The severe divides between those who have money and those who made it for them become a conflict that the previously sheltered Genevieve faces, as she begins to interpret life for herself, balking against her parents, that era's societal constraints and the demeaning status of women.
The novel flows very well, aside from a few draggy mid-point moments when Genevieve is stricken with a bit too much introspective "navel-gazing", waffling between the actions she might take rather than letting the reader see her figure out her choice by acting, but fortunately that bit of a dead zone is the only major flaw in an otherwise really good mystery. The medical conditions and psychology introduced were fascinating; the hypnosis scene could have done with some editing but there was plenty of suspense, derring-do and an ending that I didn't see coming.
Recommended - easy historical fiction, good general fiction with strong character development, a satisfying mystery and a wee hint of romance. 4.5 stars.
Overholt cleverly fictionalizes the grand pretentiousness of the New York elite, during the "Gilded Age", when American tycoons exchanged their money and daughters to impoverished British gentry, for the sake of a title. The severe divides between those who have money and those who made it for them become a conflict that the previously sheltered Genevieve faces, as she begins to interpret life for herself, balking against her parents, that era's societal constraints and the demeaning status of women.
The novel flows very well, aside from a few draggy mid-point moments when Genevieve is stricken with a bit too much introspective "navel-gazing", waffling between the actions she might take rather than letting the reader see her figure out her choice by acting, but fortunately that bit of a dead zone is the only major flaw in an otherwise really good mystery. The medical conditions and psychology introduced were fascinating; the hypnosis scene could have done with some editing but there was plenty of suspense, derring-do and an ending that I didn't see coming.
Recommended - easy historical fiction, good general fiction with strong character development, a satisfying mystery and a wee hint of romance. 4.5 stars.
January 26, 2013
A great read for anyone who likes historical mysteries. The city and the people come to life in the pages of the book. I was hooked early on and felt compelled to continue reading as the story developed. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and the outcome of the story. The conflict between the classes during the early 1900's along with the twist of a woman in medicine (psychology) was a fascinating new look at the time period. I am looking forward to a series as I was left wanting more. This is a story and characters that you will not soon forget.
May 7, 2018
3.5 stars
An interesting start to a new series featuring single, 26 year old (I think) Genevieve Summerford who is just starting out in her practice as a psychotherapist in 1906 New York. Having worked hard to succeed in school in what was a mostly male dominated field, Genevieve is certain she has what it takes to help those suffering from emotional and psychic pains. When one of Genevieve's new patients is arrested for murder hard on the heels of a heartfelt discussion with her, she begins to question her abilities as a therapist. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Genevieve sets about trying to find out what really happened.
The use of the fledgling field of psychotherapy, particularly in a group setting, provided a new and unique avenue of approach to this mystery series. Having worked in the mental health field for over ten years, however, there were several times when Genevieve's choices took me out of the story because they were things a professional therapist would not do. That aside, she was a likeable protagonist...even if she was prone to the usual amateur sleuth tendency to want to make all the facts fit her personal theory.
There is also a subtle romantic subplot going on that involves Simon Shaw, a past stable boy for Genevieve's well-off family who has since grown up to become an influential Alderman and district captain for Tammany Hall. While I liked Simon, I'm not sure I'm completely sold on the potential romance. It seemed to me that Genevieve was always quick to think the worst of Simon.
My few nitpicks aside, I enjoyed the medical angle of the case and there was enough here to make me curious to see if things firm up a bit more in the next book.
An interesting start to a new series featuring single, 26 year old (I think) Genevieve Summerford who is just starting out in her practice as a psychotherapist in 1906 New York. Having worked hard to succeed in school in what was a mostly male dominated field, Genevieve is certain she has what it takes to help those suffering from emotional and psychic pains. When one of Genevieve's new patients is arrested for murder hard on the heels of a heartfelt discussion with her, she begins to question her abilities as a therapist. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Genevieve sets about trying to find out what really happened.
The use of the fledgling field of psychotherapy, particularly in a group setting, provided a new and unique avenue of approach to this mystery series. Having worked in the mental health field for over ten years, however, there were several times when Genevieve's choices took me out of the story because they were things a professional therapist would not do. That aside, she was a likeable protagonist...even if she was prone to the usual amateur sleuth tendency to want to make all the facts fit her personal theory.
There is also a subtle romantic subplot going on that involves Simon Shaw, a past stable boy for Genevieve's well-off family who has since grown up to become an influential Alderman and district captain for Tammany Hall. While I liked Simon, I'm not sure I'm completely sold on the potential romance. It seemed to me that Genevieve was always quick to think the worst of Simon.
My few nitpicks aside, I enjoyed the medical angle of the case and there was enough here to make me curious to see if things firm up a bit more in the next book.
April 29, 2018
A traditional "who done it" without all the traditional trappings. I was stunned at the big reveal. (I never saw it coming) This was very well written, complex and held my interests. I finished it in a day and half and am anxious to start the next installment of the series; a rarity for me when it comes to mysteries. I usually read the first and never move onto the second.
I have only one minor quibble. I felt it dragged a bit in the middle, but the ending more than made up for it.
I have only one minor quibble. I felt it dragged a bit in the middle, but the ending more than made up for it.
March 21, 2020
I'd give this 3 1/2 stars and think it could have been a little shorter. There is a lot of discussion about different medical situations and while some of it was necessary to the story, some of the medical details could have been edited out. It did take me some time to get into the story but it really flies at the end.
That said, I did enjoy reading this book and life in the early 1900s especially when it came to medical treatment and the beginnings of group therapy. There is discussion about Huntington's Disease and the traits of the disease which was fascinating.
Genevieve may have been sheltered growing up but she isn't afraid to get in there and help people and solve a murder or two. I was surprised to learn who the murderer was but as more details unfolded about Eliza and her "stolen" child, it wasn't too surprising and a bit sad too.
There is a tiny bit of romance at the end, just a hint of what might be to come in future books.
That said, I did enjoy reading this book and life in the early 1900s especially when it came to medical treatment and the beginnings of group therapy. There is discussion about Huntington's Disease and the traits of the disease which was fascinating.
Genevieve may have been sheltered growing up but she isn't afraid to get in there and help people and solve a murder or two. I was surprised to learn who the murderer was but as more details unfolded about Eliza and her "stolen" child, it wasn't too surprising and a bit sad too.
There is a tiny bit of romance at the end, just a hint of what might be to come in future books.
May 14, 2013
Rarely do I read books that I enjoy as much as I enjoyed this one. Dr. Genevieve Summerford is a doctor of scientific psychotherapy. She has just begun a new program where she will be working with women who are suffering physical maladies with no known cause, all of whom have suffered traumatic emotional losses. Genna has made it her goal to assist them in becoming functional and maybe even happy again. Her sponsor Professor Dr. Bogard believes her program presents an exciting new opportunity, while her father questions her judgment and makes it clear he thinks she's wasting her time.
One of the women in the program has followed Genna's advice in confronting her own doctor and it seems she may have taken things a bit too far. She was found at the scene of the crime and has been arrested for the murder of Dr. Hauptfuhrer. While Genna feels sure that this woman, Elizabeth Miner, isn't capable of such a violent attack, doubts about her judgment nag at her conscience.
However she is certain that the police investigating the crime are happy to convict Elizabeth despite evidence that someone else committed the crime. As Genevieve dedicates herself to discovering who killed Dr. Hauptfuhrer, she finds herself in conflict over situations that arise during her investigation and realizes she's striving to earn the respect of her father as a confident and skilled woman, rather than the child she used to be. There are things in her past that have made their relationship difficult and she struggles with her feelings about them. The Summerfords are wealthy and mingle with the prominent families of New York City including the Astors and Vanderbilts. Genevieve suspects another powerful family has ties to the murder and becomes anxious about what her involvement in the case may mean for her future.
I loved the main character, Dr. Genevieve Summerford and her struggle to discover the truth as to why the doctor was murdered. I loved all of the characters Cuyler Overholt created in this story, they're all very human, flawed and fallible, yet realistic. The pacing was excellent and the back story was well done and involved something that interested me. I did think Genevieve was a bit ahead of her time, even for a progressive woman working in a male dominated field at the turn of the century. She spoke very candidly and had a modern sensibility that some readers might find anachronistic, I loved her.
I fervently wish that Cuyler Overholt is busy at work writing the next installment in the Dr. Summerford series, I can't wait to read it if she is. I highly recommend this to fans of historical mysteries. If you've read and enjoyed this you might also like 'Mistress of My Fate' by Hallie Rubenhold.
One of the women in the program has followed Genna's advice in confronting her own doctor and it seems she may have taken things a bit too far. She was found at the scene of the crime and has been arrested for the murder of Dr. Hauptfuhrer. While Genna feels sure that this woman, Elizabeth Miner, isn't capable of such a violent attack, doubts about her judgment nag at her conscience.
However she is certain that the police investigating the crime are happy to convict Elizabeth despite evidence that someone else committed the crime. As Genevieve dedicates herself to discovering who killed Dr. Hauptfuhrer, she finds herself in conflict over situations that arise during her investigation and realizes she's striving to earn the respect of her father as a confident and skilled woman, rather than the child she used to be. There are things in her past that have made their relationship difficult and she struggles with her feelings about them. The Summerfords are wealthy and mingle with the prominent families of New York City including the Astors and Vanderbilts. Genevieve suspects another powerful family has ties to the murder and becomes anxious about what her involvement in the case may mean for her future.
I loved the main character, Dr. Genevieve Summerford and her struggle to discover the truth as to why the doctor was murdered. I loved all of the characters Cuyler Overholt created in this story, they're all very human, flawed and fallible, yet realistic. The pacing was excellent and the back story was well done and involved something that interested me. I did think Genevieve was a bit ahead of her time, even for a progressive woman working in a male dominated field at the turn of the century. She spoke very candidly and had a modern sensibility that some readers might find anachronistic, I loved her.
I fervently wish that Cuyler Overholt is busy at work writing the next installment in the Dr. Summerford series, I can't wait to read it if she is. I highly recommend this to fans of historical mysteries. If you've read and enjoyed this you might also like 'Mistress of My Fate' by Hallie Rubenhold.
August 1, 2016
I enjoyed this turn-of-the-century mystery novel featuring a spunky female Doctor as our heroine. At this point in history, this was rare and females weren't afforded the same respect and privileges as male doctors.
Dr Genevieve Summerford specializes in "psychotherapy" or what will later be the mental health field. She herself lived through a traumatic family event as a child, and feels she might help other women who have endured tragedy and emotional loss in their own families. She begins rudimentary group therapy, or counseling, which is a new train of thought at this time. Through this she meets a troubled young woman, Eliza, who later finds herself in deep trouble. Genna wants to help her, and puts herself in harms way and a lot more to try to get to the truth. She champions Eliza, and believes in her innocence in spite of the circumstantial evidence that begins mounting.
Go along for the ride and see if Dr Summerford has misplaced her confidence as the mystery unravels!! I have to admit that the last part of the novel took me by complete surprise. I didn't see it coming, and I loved that!! I'm hopeful that this will be the start of a series...
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and review!**
Dr Genevieve Summerford specializes in "psychotherapy" or what will later be the mental health field. She herself lived through a traumatic family event as a child, and feels she might help other women who have endured tragedy and emotional loss in their own families. She begins rudimentary group therapy, or counseling, which is a new train of thought at this time. Through this she meets a troubled young woman, Eliza, who later finds herself in deep trouble. Genna wants to help her, and puts herself in harms way and a lot more to try to get to the truth. She champions Eliza, and believes in her innocence in spite of the circumstantial evidence that begins mounting.
Go along for the ride and see if Dr Summerford has misplaced her confidence as the mystery unravels!! I have to admit that the last part of the novel took me by complete surprise. I didn't see it coming, and I loved that!! I'm hopeful that this will be the start of a series...
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and review!**
July 13, 2017
One of the best mysteries I have read this year. I loved the early twentieth century New York setting of the book - if you love Edith Wharton's New York, you'll enjoy the atmosphere. The story does not shy away from complexity in the characters and plot and it showcases both the progress and lack thereof that we have made in medical science over the past century. Highly recommend this for lovers of historical fiction.
September 6, 2016
I'm always game for a great historical fiction mystery so I was eager to read author Cuyler Overholt's debut novel set in early 1900's New York City. The story follows a young female psychologist, Miss Genevieve Summerford, as she tries to prove the innocence of one of her patients following a brutal murder.
NYC in 1907 is brought to life with vivid detail which includes the conflict between the social classes and the restrictions placed on women, especially within the field of medicine. As a female in medicine and with sexism being the norm, Genna has an uphill battle to gain recognition from her colleagues and the general population in the relatively new discipline of psychology. But Genna is a force to be reckoned with - she's smart, spunky, stubborn and has her patients' best interests at heart. She is compelled to help other women overcome their issues after having suffered a great tragedy early in her own life.
Overholt has written a fairly intricate mystery and left the door open for many characters to be the culprit. Red herrings abound and while I can say that I predicted the ending I have to admit that along the way I predicted several other characters to be the villain so perhaps I'm not quite the sleuth I thought I was.
Along with a great, twisty mystery there is also some occasional humour, some familial turmoil and wee bit of romance. I liked that there was some history and chemistry between Genevieve and another character as well as conflict between Genna and her father but that the focus firmly remained on the mystery.
I only have two wee criticisms. First, while the various plots all have their own sense of conclusion some of the issues felt like they were too easily remedied. And secondly, while I have a Psych degree I admit that sometimes when the focus was on psychological aspects the story line got a little too heavy and slowed down the pace of the book. While I was mainly interested in this book for the mystery I also quite enjoyed seeing the beginnings of the group therapy dynamics and how psychology was portrayed in that era.
With a dash of humour, multiple red herrings and a spunky and smart young psychologist with a penchant for standing up for the underdog this was an impressive debut. Yes, I enjoyed this historical mystery very much.
Favourite Quotes:
"You can't keep someone completely safe," I said.
"You only keep them from living if you try."
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to SourceBooks Landmark and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary ebook copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
NYC in 1907 is brought to life with vivid detail which includes the conflict between the social classes and the restrictions placed on women, especially within the field of medicine. As a female in medicine and with sexism being the norm, Genna has an uphill battle to gain recognition from her colleagues and the general population in the relatively new discipline of psychology. But Genna is a force to be reckoned with - she's smart, spunky, stubborn and has her patients' best interests at heart. She is compelled to help other women overcome their issues after having suffered a great tragedy early in her own life.
Overholt has written a fairly intricate mystery and left the door open for many characters to be the culprit. Red herrings abound and while I can say that I predicted the ending I have to admit that along the way I predicted several other characters to be the villain so perhaps I'm not quite the sleuth I thought I was.
Along with a great, twisty mystery there is also some occasional humour, some familial turmoil and wee bit of romance. I liked that there was some history and chemistry between Genevieve and another character as well as conflict between Genna and her father but that the focus firmly remained on the mystery.
I only have two wee criticisms. First, while the various plots all have their own sense of conclusion some of the issues felt like they were too easily remedied. And secondly, while I have a Psych degree I admit that sometimes when the focus was on psychological aspects the story line got a little too heavy and slowed down the pace of the book. While I was mainly interested in this book for the mystery I also quite enjoyed seeing the beginnings of the group therapy dynamics and how psychology was portrayed in that era.
With a dash of humour, multiple red herrings and a spunky and smart young psychologist with a penchant for standing up for the underdog this was an impressive debut. Yes, I enjoyed this historical mystery very much.
Favourite Quotes:
"You can't keep someone completely safe," I said.
"You only keep them from living if you try."
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to SourceBooks Landmark and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary ebook copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2016
Genevieve Summerford was such an interesting character, and her past pulled at my heartstrings. She is passionate and truly ahead of her time. She has been granted permission to meet with a group of women who suffer from illnesses that Genevieve believes are a manifestation of their emotional state. All have suffered a significant loss. During her first meeting, she advises a young woman. Said woman is arrested the next morning for the murder of her doctor. Genevieve worries her advice provoked her patient but upon speaking to the accused, she is convinced of her innocence. Talks with the police soon have her convinced they believe they have their murderer. She decides to help, and the tale that unfolds was excellent and fully developed.
The book is rich with information as Genevieve sets out to investigate. We learn about diseases and get a sense of the political climate as we cross through different social classes. Overholt fleshed out the characters and highlighted obstacles Genevieve faced as a woman in 1900's. I found all of these tidbits fascinating and admittedly love this period.
The good doctor was refreshing, tenacious but level-headed. She is quite bright and while she makes assumptions she always follows up with hard facts. Her past and the need for her father's approval hinder her, but we see her transform in this first novel. There is a second chance romance, and while it weaves its way throughout the tale allowing us to connect, it never hinders the investigation.
There were many "ah-ha" moments and things that happened that correlate to the way we do things today. I won't say as I abhor spoilers, but I can honestly say each made me smile and felt genuine. The mystery concluded after some climatic scenes and we even get a little follow-up. I was delighted that each thread and storyline was addressed leaving no loose ends. I am quite anxious to read more of this mystery series featuring our heroine.
Carly Robins narrated, and she did a terrific job with Genevieve. From her dialect to mannerisms she enhanced my enjoyment. I am hoping she continues to read this series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The book is rich with information as Genevieve sets out to investigate. We learn about diseases and get a sense of the political climate as we cross through different social classes. Overholt fleshed out the characters and highlighted obstacles Genevieve faced as a woman in 1900's. I found all of these tidbits fascinating and admittedly love this period.
The good doctor was refreshing, tenacious but level-headed. She is quite bright and while she makes assumptions she always follows up with hard facts. Her past and the need for her father's approval hinder her, but we see her transform in this first novel. There is a second chance romance, and while it weaves its way throughout the tale allowing us to connect, it never hinders the investigation.
There were many "ah-ha" moments and things that happened that correlate to the way we do things today. I won't say as I abhor spoilers, but I can honestly say each made me smile and felt genuine. The mystery concluded after some climatic scenes and we even get a little follow-up. I was delighted that each thread and storyline was addressed leaving no loose ends. I am quite anxious to read more of this mystery series featuring our heroine.
Carly Robins narrated, and she did a terrific job with Genevieve. From her dialect to mannerisms she enhanced my enjoyment. I am hoping she continues to read this series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 7, 2017
I would like to thank Edelweiss, Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing, and Culyer Overholt for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This book falls into many genre groups. Medical, crime, historical mystery, and even suspenseful romance. New York City-1900's and psychiatrist Dr. Genna Summerford initiates a new medical program-"injuries of the mind" in hopes to help heal woman who have suffered a terrible loss. This tale has a similar feel as to The Knick television show. Fascinating, engaging, and thorough.
September 9, 2012
I love historical fiction and this author really did an amazing job of bringing 1900's NYC to life. For those who know the city well, it feels like a precious experience for those places we pass by and take for granted every day.
February 17, 2012
I really loved it! NYC 1900s, medicine, women's rights, mystery, humor, a good read with lots to learn about that era.
November 8, 2021
Dieses Buch war ziemlich genial!
Die detailreiche Darstellung der Zeit allein war sehr überzeugend. Während es wohl eine geringe Kunst ist, die Figuren so sexistisch zu gestalten, wie es die Zeit verlangt, ist es bewundernswert, wie liebevoll die kleinen, alltäglichen Charakteristiken der Zeit in den Text gewoben wurden. All das ohne die Spannung der Story zu kompromittieren!
Die detailreiche Darstellung der Zeit allein war sehr überzeugend. Während es wohl eine geringe Kunst ist, die Figuren so sexistisch zu gestalten, wie es die Zeit verlangt, ist es bewundernswert, wie liebevoll die kleinen, alltäglichen Charakteristiken der Zeit in den Text gewoben wurden. All das ohne die Spannung der Story zu kompromittieren!
September 14, 2016
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Most of you don’t know that but I always wanted to become a psychiatrist and I even tried two years of medicine for it. The competition being what it is in France, I was not able to complete this course and I finally did chemistry (not great similarities, I know). But when I saw that the story staged a psychiatrist, a time in the early twentieth century and of course an investigation at the same time, I admit that I could not resist and I am very happy!
Genevieve is a young woman marked by her past but who is determined to achieve her objectives, that is to say, to create a career as a psychiatrist although few believe in her. It must be said that the period is not necessarily suitable in relation to this but it does not change her desire to help others. It is in fact during the first group session she manages to prepare to help persons to handle grief that she meets with Eliza. This young woman has lost a child, drowned, but she also carries the grief of the little girl taken from her when she was 15. But now she would like to find her. For this, Geneviève advises her to confront the doctor and to demand to know what happened to her. Alas, this view will prove to have disastrous consequences when her patient is found near the doctor’s body the next day …. Two possibilities are then offered to our psychiatrist: Eliza killed the man and she therefore would be partly responsible (as she wouldn’t have realized the psychological fragility of the young woman) or what Eliza says is true and another person was present that day and would have struck the fatal blow. Although Genevieve is convinced of the innocence of her patient, a doubt remains and our heroine will be determined to understand what is really going on.
I found this was a really fascinating investigation, a mixture of money, ethics, and pending investigation which completely takes us throughout the chapters. We easily manage to understand Genevieve, her desire to help Eliza, even though nobody seems to notice her, to evolve as she wishes even if her father would rather see something else. She will do everything to help the young woman to the point to put herself in danger. Yet she surely did not expect to discover an ancient network of adoptions, and to draw attention from dangerous people. But all this is only the beginning of something much more terrible and I found that the author brought her revelations perfectly, leaving us guessing before confirming gradually our assumptions. There are many surprises and it is true that the story is well mastered, surprising by many sides and I admit that I really did not expect all this.
In any case, I can tell you that I had a great time. I’m happy to hear that this book is part of a series because I’m really curious to read more. I was really blown away by the whirlwind of her life and I was delighted to have discovered all these ideas. A very good surprise!
My English review
Most of you don’t know that but I always wanted to become a psychiatrist and I even tried two years of medicine for it. The competition being what it is in France, I was not able to complete this course and I finally did chemistry (not great similarities, I know). But when I saw that the story staged a psychiatrist, a time in the early twentieth century and of course an investigation at the same time, I admit that I could not resist and I am very happy!
Genevieve is a young woman marked by her past but who is determined to achieve her objectives, that is to say, to create a career as a psychiatrist although few believe in her. It must be said that the period is not necessarily suitable in relation to this but it does not change her desire to help others. It is in fact during the first group session she manages to prepare to help persons to handle grief that she meets with Eliza. This young woman has lost a child, drowned, but she also carries the grief of the little girl taken from her when she was 15. But now she would like to find her. For this, Geneviève advises her to confront the doctor and to demand to know what happened to her. Alas, this view will prove to have disastrous consequences when her patient is found near the doctor’s body the next day …. Two possibilities are then offered to our psychiatrist: Eliza killed the man and she therefore would be partly responsible (as she wouldn’t have realized the psychological fragility of the young woman) or what Eliza says is true and another person was present that day and would have struck the fatal blow. Although Genevieve is convinced of the innocence of her patient, a doubt remains and our heroine will be determined to understand what is really going on.
I found this was a really fascinating investigation, a mixture of money, ethics, and pending investigation which completely takes us throughout the chapters. We easily manage to understand Genevieve, her desire to help Eliza, even though nobody seems to notice her, to evolve as she wishes even if her father would rather see something else. She will do everything to help the young woman to the point to put herself in danger. Yet she surely did not expect to discover an ancient network of adoptions, and to draw attention from dangerous people. But all this is only the beginning of something much more terrible and I found that the author brought her revelations perfectly, leaving us guessing before confirming gradually our assumptions. There are many surprises and it is true that the story is well mastered, surprising by many sides and I admit that I really did not expect all this.
In any case, I can tell you that I had a great time. I’m happy to hear that this book is part of a series because I’m really curious to read more. I was really blown away by the whirlwind of her life and I was delighted to have discovered all these ideas. A very good surprise!
September 10, 2017
"Do no harm is easier said than done."
This book is my first giveaway win ever! And boy I loved every word of it! I devoured it in just 2 days but was occupied and couldn't sit down to write a review the book deserves. But I am here now so let's get down to business shall we?
Our protagonist Dr.Summerford, is a psychiatrist in the early 1907's where women are still considered the frail sex. I instantly fell in love with doctor. Her courage, knowledge and kindness is commendable.
In the early stages of the book the doctor is marred by the feelings of not being good enough. she lacks self confidence and is afraid to disappoint her father one too many times.
But by the end of the book you'll not only see her character blooming into the confident young woman she is.
The story was fairly suspenseful. The writer is a master-mind!Applause!
At one point of time I suspected the murderer but the writer was intelligent enough to deviate my suspicions and I was believing what she was showcasing.
The element of psychology in the book is beyond perfection! I sort of regret not taking it up as my major. (I am a finance major by the way)
when the real reason for the murder and the real convict was revealed I exclaimed! I screamed out loud in the night!
And did I mention how I adore doctor's house keeper Katie?! She's a sweetheart!
last;y coming to the romantic aspect I personally love Mr Shaw and I can't wait to see the chemistry developing between our beautiful doctor and Mr Shaw!
An extraordinary tale will leave you wanting more!
This book is my first giveaway win ever! And boy I loved every word of it! I devoured it in just 2 days but was occupied and couldn't sit down to write a review the book deserves. But I am here now so let's get down to business shall we?
Our protagonist Dr.Summerford, is a psychiatrist in the early 1907's where women are still considered the frail sex. I instantly fell in love with doctor. Her courage, knowledge and kindness is commendable.
In the early stages of the book the doctor is marred by the feelings of not being good enough. she lacks self confidence and is afraid to disappoint her father one too many times.
But by the end of the book you'll not only see her character blooming into the confident young woman she is.
The story was fairly suspenseful. The writer is a master-mind!Applause!
At one point of time I suspected the murderer but the writer was intelligent enough to deviate my suspicions and I was believing what she was showcasing.
The element of psychology in the book is beyond perfection! I sort of regret not taking it up as my major. (I am a finance major by the way)
when the real reason for the murder and the real convict was revealed I exclaimed! I screamed out loud in the night!
And did I mention how I adore doctor's house keeper Katie?! She's a sweetheart!
last;y coming to the romantic aspect I personally love Mr Shaw and I can't wait to see the chemistry developing between our beautiful doctor and Mr Shaw!
An extraordinary tale will leave you wanting more!
June 9, 2013
I found this novel just OK. In all fairness, I was reading it at a time when I wasn't really focused on my reading, and perhaps at a different time I would have liked it more. Form the synopsis I would have predicted that I'd enjoy the book, but the heroine wasn't quite believable and I wasn't at all drawn into the story by the time I was half-way through. I didn't finish the novel in time for a scheduled book club discussion, and felt no compulsion to complete it when it was no longer "required" reading. It wasn't bad, but I have so many better books on my to-read list that I doubt I will pick it up and finish it.
March 5, 2017
Historical mysteries are usually my favorite, but this one was unnecessarily descriptive, especially with inner dialogue. It could have/should have been 100 pages shorter.
February 6, 2021
Oof. I finished it but I was rolling my eyes constantly. The premise was intriguing but the execution was poor and anachronistic.
May 6, 2019
A Deadly Affection isn't the best historical mystery I've read. See Anna Lee Huber, C. S. Harris, or Lyndsay Faye for better examples of the genre. Yet, this was still enjoyable despite a lean toward anachronism with huge coincidences and leaps in logic used to solve the mystery. Set in 1907, Overholt takes the reader into the world of turn of the century New York and Dr. Genevieve Summerford, a female licensed medical doctor who is choosing to practice in the emerging field of psychology, specifically the emergence of group and talk therapy for the treatment of mental illness that has physical implications, i.e. melancholia accompanied by gastric problems. When one of her patients is charged with murder of another doctor, Dr. Summerford begins her own investigation to try and keep her patient, Eliza, from being wrongly convicted. I should have loved this, but it had issues as mentioned above, along with some info dumping and editing issues. However, I liked it enough I'll definitely give the next book of the series a try to see if this one was just first book problems or systemic throughout the series.
October 12, 2019
When I began this book I expected it to be fairly light reading, but found there is a great deal to digest. The protagonist, Dr. Genevieve Summerford, lives I. Her family home, but she is strong as manifested by the fact that she became a medical doctor—not that common for women of her day. She grows in her Indepependence as she defends a woman accused of murder and puts herself in danger. What intrigued me was the depth of information on psychology. From the brief bio on Goodreads there isn’t any indication that the author has ay background in the field. That means she did a great deal of research. Her husband is a psychologist so may be one source. There are only two books by the author, but I intend to read the other and hope more may be coming.
October 10, 2016
https://lynns-books.com/2016/10/10/a-...
A Deadly Affection is the first instalment in what I hope will turn into a series starring the rather forward thinking Dr Genevieve Summerford. The year is 1907, the setting is New York, and whilst many women during that period suffered a deplorable lack of choice Genevieve is fortunate enough to have graduated as a Doctor. One of the few (if not the only) female doctor of the era. At the start of the story as we meet Genevieve we are made familiar with her desire to move into the progressive branch of psychology. She longs to help women with mental disorders that she believes are connected with traumas they have suffered. No stranger to loss herself this is an ambition very close to Genevieve’s heart and although she meets with objections all along the line she is determined to succeed.
Having been introduced to a number of women deemed appropriate to become potential patients Genevieve takes her first therapy class. Disappointingly this first session doesn’t go as well as Genevieve hoped, it seems everyone is a sceptic, that is until the end when one of the women stays behind to speak with her and seek advice. And this is where the murder mystery begins! The young woman in question is Eliza. A young woman unhappy about an event in her past. Genevieve advises her to confront her doctor and so the next day when the doctor in question turns up dead with Eliza on the scene covered in blood things don’t really look to promising.
From here, Genevieve becomes involved in the murder case, determined to prove Eliza’s innocence and also, to be honest, feeling not just a little guilty for having provoked the visit by Eliza to her doctor in the first place
Why did I like this? Well, firstly it’s a very easy to read story. The writing style is enjoyable and the author finds a good mix of plot versus attention to detail. I enjoyed the time period and I think that the author does a good job of recreating the feel of the time and place. On top of this it’s a very interesting period to read about, a time of innovation and invention and one in which women, such as Genevieve, were finally taking steps to have a voice. Alongside this I think the overall story art and conclusion were very intriguing and I’m hoping that this book will lay the tracks for Genevieve to become involved in future murder mysteries. I’m hopeful that her insights into the psychological aspects that make a person tick together with her medical knowledge could become a valuable asset to the police at a time when investigative techniques were just starting to evolve.
In terms of characters. Well, Genevieve’s parents are part of the well to do set, whilst not quite top notch they are fortunate enough to enjoy their position of privilege and wealth mingling with the most prominent members of New York’s elite society. The family suffered a shocking loss a few year’s earlier when Genevieve’s brother died in a tragic accident. Genevieve has always blamed herself and relationships between her and her father are a little strained. On top of this, as a young adult Genevieve became romantically involved with a man deemed totally inappropriate by her parents and she was hastily packed off to Europe. These issues are all examined during the course of the story and help to give a good feel for the family dynamic.
In terms of criticisms – not a great deal to speak of. I would like to spend a little more time with Genevieve to get to know her better. She’s not perfect – she makes mistakes and then probably makes even more mistakes as she stumbles around trying to rectify things and she can be a little bit clueless in terms of her own personal safety – but I like imperfection in my protagonists. More realistic that way. I also thought the conclusion was a little bit more convoluted than I ever anticipated but I certainly never had an inkling of what was to come which was certainly a bonus.
I don’t have a lot of opportunity to read historical dramas any more as I predominantly focus on SFF so this was a very welcome interlude for me. I thought the story was well paced and intriguing and I would definitely pick up future works in this series.
Thanks to the publishers for approving me for a copy of A Deadly Affection, courtesy of Netgalley. The above is my own opinion.
A Deadly Affection is the first instalment in what I hope will turn into a series starring the rather forward thinking Dr Genevieve Summerford. The year is 1907, the setting is New York, and whilst many women during that period suffered a deplorable lack of choice Genevieve is fortunate enough to have graduated as a Doctor. One of the few (if not the only) female doctor of the era. At the start of the story as we meet Genevieve we are made familiar with her desire to move into the progressive branch of psychology. She longs to help women with mental disorders that she believes are connected with traumas they have suffered. No stranger to loss herself this is an ambition very close to Genevieve’s heart and although she meets with objections all along the line she is determined to succeed.
Having been introduced to a number of women deemed appropriate to become potential patients Genevieve takes her first therapy class. Disappointingly this first session doesn’t go as well as Genevieve hoped, it seems everyone is a sceptic, that is until the end when one of the women stays behind to speak with her and seek advice. And this is where the murder mystery begins! The young woman in question is Eliza. A young woman unhappy about an event in her past. Genevieve advises her to confront her doctor and so the next day when the doctor in question turns up dead with Eliza on the scene covered in blood things don’t really look to promising.
From here, Genevieve becomes involved in the murder case, determined to prove Eliza’s innocence and also, to be honest, feeling not just a little guilty for having provoked the visit by Eliza to her doctor in the first place
Why did I like this? Well, firstly it’s a very easy to read story. The writing style is enjoyable and the author finds a good mix of plot versus attention to detail. I enjoyed the time period and I think that the author does a good job of recreating the feel of the time and place. On top of this it’s a very interesting period to read about, a time of innovation and invention and one in which women, such as Genevieve, were finally taking steps to have a voice. Alongside this I think the overall story art and conclusion were very intriguing and I’m hoping that this book will lay the tracks for Genevieve to become involved in future murder mysteries. I’m hopeful that her insights into the psychological aspects that make a person tick together with her medical knowledge could become a valuable asset to the police at a time when investigative techniques were just starting to evolve.
In terms of characters. Well, Genevieve’s parents are part of the well to do set, whilst not quite top notch they are fortunate enough to enjoy their position of privilege and wealth mingling with the most prominent members of New York’s elite society. The family suffered a shocking loss a few year’s earlier when Genevieve’s brother died in a tragic accident. Genevieve has always blamed herself and relationships between her and her father are a little strained. On top of this, as a young adult Genevieve became romantically involved with a man deemed totally inappropriate by her parents and she was hastily packed off to Europe. These issues are all examined during the course of the story and help to give a good feel for the family dynamic.
In terms of criticisms – not a great deal to speak of. I would like to spend a little more time with Genevieve to get to know her better. She’s not perfect – she makes mistakes and then probably makes even more mistakes as she stumbles around trying to rectify things and she can be a little bit clueless in terms of her own personal safety – but I like imperfection in my protagonists. More realistic that way. I also thought the conclusion was a little bit more convoluted than I ever anticipated but I certainly never had an inkling of what was to come which was certainly a bonus.
I don’t have a lot of opportunity to read historical dramas any more as I predominantly focus on SFF so this was a very welcome interlude for me. I thought the story was well paced and intriguing and I would definitely pick up future works in this series.
Thanks to the publishers for approving me for a copy of A Deadly Affection, courtesy of Netgalley. The above is my own opinion.
August 19, 2021
The book is interesting in so far as it gives the reader a true glance into what life was like for women in that era. The mystery part was honestly just okay but in the end it was a good read! I’m about to read the second in the series and so it was definitely good enough for me to want to continue my relationship with the characters.
October 15, 2013
If you read a lot, sometimes the end of a book just isn't that exciting. The odds, quite frankly, are stacked against it, aren't they? It can be a little hard to get wrapped up in a climax - more often it seems to me that the pleasure is in the journey, the characters, the turn of phrase, etc. A book can only end so many differemt ways, right? Well, don't get me wrong - I am not suggesting that the ending of this novel was some sort of shocking surprise, but it was really, really pleasant. The various plot lines each had their own distinct wrap-up, not a one size fits all denoument in a blender. As I do with all of my reviews, I leave the plot summaries to other reviewers, and will just tell you that if you like a good mystery, if you especially like psychology, a strong woman making her way in a man's world, the historical setting of the Tammany Hall days of NYC, and yes, and handsome Irishman, you will find this book worth the read.
September 9, 2016
New York, 1907 and Genevieve is lucky enough to have the means, and progressive parents, that enable her to come a Doctor. Specifically, a psychiatrist who is trialling out a new form of therapy which we now know as cognitive therapy. When one of her patients is accused of murder, she is convinced of her innocence and so tries to track down the real killer.
I liked the time period and the writing, and most of the characters were well developed. I didn't really warm to Genevieve though, and I found some of her actions quite frustrating. Also, the mystery became a little comical in how convoluted it was, and even despite this it wasn't too hard to guess.
In summary, I thought this was a pretty good book and would suit Historical Fiction fans that don't mind a mystery, but I didn't really "love" it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the time period and the writing, and most of the characters were well developed. I didn't really warm to Genevieve though, and I found some of her actions quite frustrating. Also, the mystery became a little comical in how convoluted it was, and even despite this it wasn't too hard to guess.
In summary, I thought this was a pretty good book and would suit Historical Fiction fans that don't mind a mystery, but I didn't really "love" it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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April 13, 2021I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway & it was a nice surprise! It obviously sounded interesting from the description (hence, my entry in the giveaway), and it lived up to my expectations. I liked the characters and the topic was very intriguing. Though the answer to the whodunnit part of the story was fairly easy to guess early on, that didn't take anything away from the story--as soon as you think the story is going one way, the author adds another thin layer of intrigue to the plot. Nicely developed and looking forward to reading more by Overholt.
February 15, 2014
A very good effort that falls short. Well written and well paced. The heroine's attitude is a bit more 2007 than 1907. My main beef is the ending which I found unrealistically happy - EVERYONE in the plot has their problems solved - even the poor girl dying of Huntington's Disease is going to die with all the comforts money can buy. It was just too much for me. The period atmosphere just led to a fairy tale romance. I hope the author can do better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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