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Andrew Hughes

The Coroner`s Daughter – A Novel Hardcover – 25 April 2018

by Andrew Hughes (Author)

47 ratings

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An only child, Abigail has been raised amid the books and instruments of her father's grim profession, and he in turn indulges her curious and critical mind. Now she must push against the restrictions society places on a girl her age to pursue an increasingly dangerous investigation. Abigail's searches begin to uncover the well-guarded secrets of two factions--the Christian Brethren and a burgeoning rationalist community--drawing the attention of a sinister figure who emerges in fleeting glimpses and second-hand reports: the man with the lazy eye.

Determined, resourceful, and intuitive, Abigail Lawless emerges as a young lady sleuth operating at the dawn of forensic science.

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Product details

Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1681774119
ISBN-13 : 978-1681774114
Dimensions : 16.26 x 3.05 x 23.62 cm
Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company (25 April 2018)
Language: : English

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47 ratings

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A remarkable first novel...at once a close character study and a sweeping panorama of the era, this fascinating book is a stirring work of fiction and a perceptive chapter in Ireland's social history.--Marilyn Stasio

Andrew Hughes is a wonderfully talented author, bringing Dublin and its surroundings to life with deft characterizations, detailed but never labored descriptions, and a plot which will have readers racing through the pages. An utterly transporting book and highly recommended.

Historian Hughes puts his knowledge of mid-19th-century Ireland to masterly use in his chilling first novel...This beautifully written tale of cruelty and redemption is as unforgettable as it is harrowing.

Hughes takes great relish in describing the occupational hazards of being a smart woman in restrictive times. Although social class, religious fanaticism and early forensic medical procedures are all duly explored, I confess to being more thrilled by the spectacle of a life-size animatronic doll--with rotating glass eyes!--entertaining the guests at that society ball.--Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

In this Dublin-set Victorian drama a convicted murderer awaiting the gallows unspools his ghastly, riveting tale.

About the Author

Andrew Hughes was born in Ireland and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. It was while researching his acclaimed social history of Fitzwilliam Square--Lives Less Ordinary: Dublin's Fitzwilliam Square, 1798-1922--that he first came across the true story of John Delahunt that inspired his debut novel, The Convictions of John Delahunt. Andrew lives in Dublin.

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5 star		57%
4 star		23%
3 star		12%
2 star		5%
1 star		3%

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Ms. K. Johnston

An early 19th century Miss Marple

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 March 2020

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This is Andrew Hughes' second novel and I have yet to read his debut novel which had excellent reviews.

Abigail Lawless is an unusual young woman, an only child of the Dublin Coroner, and she has an unusual fascination with the natural sciences and also anatomy, whereas her friends and acquaintances are more interested in who is attending the latest levee at Dublin Castle or who has the nicest gowns. This however does not make Abigail an oddity among her friends but she is highly intelligent and asks a lot of questions. The novel is a slow burn, so persevere with it.

There is a religious group called The Brethren (possibly the Plymouth Brethren as their followers wear sombre clothing) who are active in Dublin and the surrounding area and its leader is a man called Darby. Darby is not all he appears to be - he is something of a zealot and his followers are in total thrall to him - and Abigail become suspicious of him and he of her. A young nursemaid in a pious household is found dead only days after killing her own child and the plot thickens from there on.

The writing style of Hughes is atmospheric and he had a close eye for period detail - the time frame is 1816. I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading more of Miss Lawless's adventures.

One person found this helpful

Terry Rickard

Death and mystery in early 1800s Dublin.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 March 2017

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I really enjoyed this book by Andrew Hughes. The protagonist Abigail Lawless is a young woman inured to death and it's unpleasant effects because of her father's profession as Dublin's coroner. She is steely and strong minded and challenges many of the anti feminist mores of the era.
This story encompasses multiple murders, infanticide, intrigue, mystery, religious fanaticism and a great surprise twist at the end.
However, where this book really stands apart is in it's description of the life and culture of the time, bringing it alive and tangible. Although most of the characters are members of the gentry, we also get insight into the position of servants and the poorer classes. We learn of the scientific developments of the time and even a look at the trending fashions.
I look forward to Abigail Lawless having further adventures

3 people found this helpful

starmutley

Enjoyable easy(ish) read.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2018

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Enjoying the book so far. However in spite of the excellent quality of this second hand book I must point out that whoever physically designed and put the whole thing together really should have made it easier to hold! The spine is so stiff you can't place the book on a flat surface or hold it with the pages splayed open sufficiently enough to read in comfort!! Slightly tiring on arthritic hands.

Donna Cross

Big hit for historical

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2019

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Absolutely fantastic female protagonist. Hopefully will see a sequel as the characters are so fully rounded and their backstory is fabulously created. This is an amazing story that any historical fiction fan will enjoy.

Amazon Customer

No point to this novel

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 June 2018

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I dont understand the purpose of this novel. I thought it was going to be about an intelligent girl suppressed by society. instead it is about an intelligent nosey parker. It moves from one pointless non eventful scene to a another without any links. Long pointless descriptions of society balls and visits to orbservatories bored me to tears. The sub plot I belived to be the central story is thrown in or mentioned randomly.

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