The Anatomy of Death
4 Stars

One of the first female pathologists, Dr. Dorothy “Dody” McCleland is called in to autopsy the body of a suffragette killed during a riot. Upon learning that the victim is a friend of her rebellious sister, Dody is determined to uncover the truth about her death even if it means trusting Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Pike, the man assigned by the police to investigate or perhaps cover up the crime …

An entertaining mix of historical fiction, mystery and romance.

The social and historical background on the suffragette movement is well-researched and expertly detailed. Unfortunately, the characters, both real and fictitious, are not as fully fleshed out and come across as one dimensional whether they be feminist extremists, militant Irish, or corrupt police officials.

The burgeoning relationship between Dody and Pike has definite potential despite its rocky start, and it is refreshing when the couple in question is older, wiser and more practical in their realistic perceptions of the world and each other.

The mystery is good although it does take a back seat to the characterization and portrayal of the political issues of the time. The investigation moves along at a strong pace and the climax and resolution are exciting albeit a little predictable.

All in all, a satisfying read and I look forward to reading more about Dody and Pike. ( )

This is the first book in the Dr. Dody McCleland series. I had inadvertently read the second one first, so wanted to read this now, After the two books, I've decided not to continue with this series. My main complaint is that the main characters in the series are not likeable. Dody is too sanctimonious and her sister Florence too ditzy. And as I had noticed in the book I read first, there is too much emphasis on social issues and women's rights. I like to read a book for enjoyment, not for unending propiganda with a little story mixed in. That is what I feel like after I read these books. I cannot recommend them. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of fascinating (if disturbing) historical content about the suffragettes in England in the early 1900s but also a great yarn about interesting characters. Would highly recommend for a good read. ( )

I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to read this book! At least a couple of years. It's one of those that publisher priced ridiculously high in e-format, and it took them that long to put it on offer which reduced it from £9 to under £4.


Anyway, I knew when I read the synopsis that I'd like it, and in this regard Felicity Young did not disappoint. It's a mild murder mystery, and you don't have to strain your brain too hard to understand who is the villain, but it's a curious take on the radical suffragettes in the beginning of 20th century, and here they are not painted in an inspiring light like it was in A Mad, Wicked Folly. Instead the women are portrayed as reckless fanatics.


Dr. McCleland herself is a fantastic character. She is a first female forensic pathologist in London, simply because as a woman she was not allowed into her chosen field of surgery, and she had found a different way to practise her skills and put her education to use. She supports mild suffragettes and simply believe that women should strive to change the world by example, not by loud and violent rallies. Unfortunately her younger, hotheaded sister doesn't agree, and keeps getting into trouble.


While working on a case involving murders of three suffragettes both Dody McCleland and inspector Pike find evidence indicating that there were high ranking officials involved and it all gets messy really quickly. Dr. McCleland also can't stop worrying about her younger sis.


Pike is an interesting character as well. Stoic, acerbic, observant and non-judgemental, he is a mild mannered guy with a tragic past and a grievous injury. Overall, it's an understated, quiet book, but I enjoyed the atmosphere very much and looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Recommended! ( )

Women have come a long way since the beginning of the twentieth century and this book does a good job of reminding one of that. Women couldn’t vote and were barred from many professions; marriage in most cases meant giving up control of decision-making but not getting married was construed as unnatural.
In this book Dody McCleland has just qualified as a pathologist in Edinburgh and returned to England. Her sister, Florence, is an ardent supporter of the suffragette cause. Just the day before Dody’s return hundreds of women, including Florence, had marched on the Houses of Parliament to demand votes for women. Police and bystanders had attacked the women and three died in the melee. Dody was requested to attend the autopsy by the Home Office but when the third body was revealed Dody realized she knew her as a friend of her sister’s. Dody felt it would be improper for her to do the autopsy and left. Later she reconsidered as the doctor who did the autopsy was incompetent. She asked the police for permission to examine the body but the Superintendant refused. Dody figured out a way to get into the mortuary and at least take some measurements of the injuries. She determined that the blows could have been caused by a police truncheon or by a belaying pin used by dock workers. She told DCI Pike, the detective in charge of the murder investigation, of her conclusions because he had seemed supportive of her mission to re-examine the body. Pike was also investigating the policemen who had attacked the women but none of them admitted to killing the suffragette. Dr. McCleland and DCI Pike came to trust each other and work together. Perhaps something more will come of their working relationship?
Dr. McCleland comes from a wealthy family but they are socialists so it makes sense that the two daughters would be unconventional. It seems most of the suffragettes were also independently wealthy although there were a few from the working class. Maybe only the well-off women had the time to devote to causes; the working class women were too busy earning a living.
Interesting book. I would read more by this author. ( )