Just What the Doctor Ordered

With Anatomy of Death Young proved that she could compose a well-researched and utterly absorbing historical suspense novel that holds the promise of a series worth reading. This, her second in the Dr. Dody McCleland series, has affirmed that the promise of this author's first success is more than capable of carrying itself through. Antidote to Murder continues with the realistic tone of its predecessor and draws us into the social mores of Edwardian London once more. Again, a serious aspect of the time period is brought forth for examination: the difficult - and sometimes impossible - choice of women who faced an unwanted pregnancy, families that became too expensively large, and the life-threatening options available to the desperate.

Dody's career and life are both at stake as a botched illegal abortion outrages society and anonymous letters point the incriminating finger at her. An easy and vulnerable target, Dody refuses to throw in the towel and allow a murderer to get away with this bloody business ... especially as more unwanted pregnancies lead young women to unwittingly seek his assistance. As the body count rises so does the tension as our leading lady struggles to prove her innocence to the unforgiving and unbelieving masculine superiors to whom she has been working to prove her capability in the "beastly science." Simultaneously, the dashing Chief Inspector Pike works to uncover a German spy operating under the cover of a risque theater troupe. (We all get to appreciate the cameo appearance of none other than the infamous historical figure of Mata Hari ... though the makings of her fame do not actually take place in this book, but later on in history) While Dody and Pike begin the story fighting their separate battles the clues eventually lead them together once more, finding a common foe in the one leaving the bodies of reluctant mothers-to-be behind.

Once again, Young has delved into the murkier waters of this particular period of English history and spun us a fascinating tale. The main characters continue to be presented as strong and realistic individuals living in a time of great change, and the supporting cast (particularly the wonderful Florence!) are a treat. The blossoming relationship between Dody and Pike is well crafted and sweet. I can't wait to see what Young pulls out of the hat next. Bravo!