Overview

Sarah Gilchrist has fled London and a troubled past to join the University of Edinburgh's medical school in 1882, the first year it admits women. Determined to become a doctor despite the misgivings of her family and society, Sarah quickly finds plenty of barriers at school itself: professors who refuse to teach their new pupils, male students determined to force out their female counterparts, and female peers who will do anything to avoid being associated with a fallen woman. Desperate for a proper education, Sarah turns to one of the city's ramshackle charitable hospitals for additional training. The St Giles' Infirmary for Women ministers to the downtrodden and drunk, the thieves and whores with nowhere else to go. She learns a great deal there, but when one of Sarah's patients turns up in the university dissecting room as a battered corpse, Sarah finds herself drawn into a murky underworld of bribery, brothels, and body snatchers. Sarah is determined to find out what happened to Lucy and bring those responsible for her death to justice. But as she searches for answers in Edinburgh's dank alleyways, bawdy houses and fight clubs, Sarah comes closer and closer to uncovering one of Edinburgh's most lucrative trades, and, in doing so, puts her own life at risk...

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9781681776668

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Reviews

Welsh's deeply feminist novel is an engaging, fast-paced tale full of twists and turns. The novel puts on full display the various struggles of women entering academia, as well as women's class struggles. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that incorporates mystery and female empowerment will love this. A moving, nuanced first novel. Superior characterizations and convincing period detail. It's rare to find a truly fresh new voice in fiction. Welsh's writing is intense, passionate, and dramatic. She turns phrases until they're exquisitely wrought, and fashions from the raw material of language something beautiful and unique.--Emma Rees, author of 'The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History' A top-class crime thriller, a riveting social documentary, and a fascinating historical novel. Brilliant writing. A total gem. Sarah is a spunky but historically accurate heroine, bucking the most restrictive traditions in order to comment on them. The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age. Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail. A gripping story [and] a great central character. Full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail.--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat With a strong plot and sharply drawn characters, the author effectively portrays the attitudes and prejudices of Victorians towards women and their role in society along with a dark tale of murder. With a nod to Conan Doyle, and a satisfying and surprising conclusion, this is a readable and welcome addition to the genre. An excellent debut novel that is both entertaining and educational. This debut mystery has an engrossing setting and an engaging heroine. It's good fun and the characters are vivid. Gripping. An exhilarating and atmospheric mystery set mostly in the gas-lit streets of Edinburgh. Welsh balances her protagonist's progressive inclinations with a self-awareness that enables her to play the roles that the era demands. The result is a layered, provocative and riveting mystery about Victorian dynamics and womanhood. This gripping, thought-provoking historical mystery will open teens' eyes to the reality of life for independent women in the 1800s. For readers interested in women's history or those who enjoy delving into Victorian society. The Wages of Sin has three critical things going for it. First, it's a strong series debut. Second, Welsh is based in the city in which her story transpires, rendering her supporting research spot on. Third, and most important, she is a good writer who has figured out how to plot a fine mystery. Any fan of Victorian-era mysteries who picks up this one will eagerly await the next in Welsh's series.

Welsh's deeply feminist novel is an engaging, fast-paced tale full of twists and turns. The novel puts on full display the various struggles of women entering academia, as well as women's class struggles. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that incorporates mystery and female empowerment will love this. A top-class crime thriller, a riveting social documentary, and a fascinating historical novel. Brilliant writing. A total gem. Sarah is a spunky but historically accurate heroine, bucking the most restrictive traditions in order to comment on them. The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age. Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail. A moving, nuanced first novel. Superior characterizations and convincing period detail. It's rare to find a truly fresh new voice in fiction. Welsh's writing is intense, passionate, and dramatic. She turns phrases until they're exquisitely wrought, and fashions from the raw material of language something beautiful and unique.--Emma Rees, author of 'The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History' A gripping story [and] a great central character. Full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail.--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat With a strong plot and sharply drawn characters, the author effectively portrays the attitudes and prejudices of Victorians towards women and their role in society along with a dark tale of murder. With a nod to Conan Doyle, and a satisfying and surprising conclusion, this is a readable and welcome addition to the genre. Gripping. An exhilarating and atmospheric mystery set mostly in the gas-lit streets of Edinburgh. Welsh balances her protagonist's progressive inclinations with a self-awareness that enables her to play the roles that the era demands. The result is a layered, provocative and riveting mystery about Victorian dynamics and womanhood. An excellent debut novel that is both entertaining and educational. This gripping, thought-provoking historical mystery will open teens' eyes to the reality of life for independent women in the 1800s. For readers interested in women's history or those who enjoy delving into Victorian society. This debut mystery has an engrossing setting and an engaging heroine. It's good fun and the characters are vivid. The Wages of Sin has three critical things going for it. First, it's a strong series debut. Second, Welsh is based in the city in which her story transpires, rendering her supporting research spot on. Third, and most important, she is a good writer who has figured out how to plot a fine mystery. Any fan of Victorian-era mysteries who picks up this one will eagerly await the next in Welsh's series.

Welsh's deeply feminist novel is an engaging, fast-paced tale full of twists and turns. The novel puts on full display the various struggles of women entering academia, as well as women's class struggles. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that incorporates mystery and female empowerment will love this. A top-class crime thriller, a riveting social documentary, and a fascinating historical novel. Brilliant writing. A total gem. Sarah is a spunky but historically accurate heroine, bucking the most restrictive traditions in order to comment on them. The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age. Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail. A moving, nuanced first novel. Superior characterizations and convincing period detail. It's rare to find a truly fresh new voice in fiction. Welsh's writing is intense, passionate, and dramatic. She turns phrases until they're exquisitely wrought, and fashions from the raw material of language something beautiful and unique.--Emma Rees, author of 'The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History' A gripping story [and] a great central character. Full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail.--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat Gripping. An exhilarating and atmospheric mystery set mostly in the gas-lit streets of Edinburgh. Welsh balances her protagonist''''s progressive inclinations with a self-awareness that enables her to play the roles that the era demands. The result is a layered, provocative and riveting mystery about Victorian dynamics and womanhood. This debut mystery has an engrossing setting and an engaging heroine. It''''s good fun and the characters are vivid.

A gripping story [and] a great central character. Full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail.--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat A moving, nuanced first novel. Superior characterizations and convincing period detail. A top-class crime thriller, a riveting social documentary, and a fascinating historical novel. Brilliant writing. A total gem. An excellent debut novel that is both entertaining and educational. Gripping. An exhilarating and atmospheric mystery set mostly in the gas-lit streets of Edinburgh. Welsh balances her protagonist's progressive inclinations with a self-awareness that enables her to play the roles that the era demands. The result is a layered, provocative and riveting mystery about Victorian dynamics and womanhood. It's rare to find a truly fresh new voice in fiction. Welsh's writing is intense, passionate, and dramatic. She turns phrases until they're exquisitely wrought, and fashions from the raw material of language something beautiful and unique.--Emma Rees, author of 'The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History' Sarah is a spunky but historically accurate heroine, bucking the most restrictive traditions in order to comment on them. The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age. This debut mystery has an engrossing setting and an engaging heroine. It's good fun and the characters are vivid. This gripping, thought-provoking historical mystery will open teens' eyes to the reality of life for independent women in the 1800s. For readers interested in women's history or those who enjoy delving into Victorian society. Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail. Welsh's deeply feminist novel is an engaging, fast-paced tale full of twists and turns. The novel puts on full display the various struggles of women entering academia, as well as women's class struggles. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that incorporates mystery and female empowerment will love this. With a strong plot and sharply drawn characters, the author effectively portrays the attitudes and prejudices of Victorians towards women and their role in society along with a dark tale of murder. With a nod to Conan Doyle, and a satisfying and surprising conclusion, this is a readable and welcome addition to the genre. The Wages of Sin has three critical things going for it. First, it's a strong series debut. Second, Welsh is based in the city in which her story transpires, rendering her supporting research spot on. Third, and most important, she is a good writer who has figured out how to plot a fine mystery. Any fan of Victorian-era mysteries who picks up this one will eagerly await the next in Welsh's series.

Welsh's deeply feminist novel is an engaging, fast-paced tale full of twists and turns. The novel puts on full display the various struggles of women entering academia, as well as women's class struggles. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that incorporates mystery and female empowerment will love this. A top-class crime thriller, a riveting social documentary, and a fascinating historical novel. Brilliant writing. A total gem. Sarah is a spunky but historically accurate heroine, bucking the most restrictive traditions in order to comment on them. The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age. Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail. A moving, nuanced first novel. Superior characterizations and convincing period detail. It's rare to find a truly fresh new voice in fiction. Welsh's writing is intense, passionate, and dramatic. She turns phrases until they're exquisitely wrought, and fashions from the raw material of language something beautiful and unique.--Emma Rees, author of 'The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History' A gripping story [and] a great central character. Full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail.--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat With a strong plot and sharply drawn characters, the author effectively portrays the attitudes and prejudices of Victorians towards women and their role in society along with a dark tale of murder. With a nod to Conan Doyle, and a satisfying and surprising conclusion, this is a readable and welcome addition to the genre. Gripping. An exhilarating and atmospheric mystery set mostly in the gas-lit streets of Edinburgh. Welsh balances her protagonist's progressive inclinations with a self-awareness that enables her to play the roles that the era demands. The result is a layered, provocative and riveting mystery about Victorian dynamics and womanhood. An excellent debut novel that is both entertaining and educational. This gripping, thought-provoking historical mystery will open teens' eyes to the reality of life for independent women in the 1800s. For readers interested in women's history or those who enjoy delving into Victorian society. This debut mystery has an engrossing setting and an engaging heroine. It's good fun and the characters are vivid.

Welsh's deeply feminist novel is an engaging, fast-paced tale full of twists and turns. The novel puts on full display the various struggles of women entering academia, as well as women's class struggles. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that incorporates mystery and female empowerment will love this. A top-class crime thriller, a riveting social documentary, and a fascinating historical novel. Brilliant writing. A total gem. Sarah is a spunky but historically accurate heroine, bucking the most restrictive traditions in order to comment on them. The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age. Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail. Gripping. An exhilarating and atmospheric mystery set mostly in the gas-lit streets of Edinburgh. Welsh balances her protagonist''''''''s progressive inclinations with a self-awareness that enables her to play the roles that the era demands. The result is a layered, provocative and riveting mystery about Victorian dynamics and womanhood. A moving, nuanced first novel. Superior characterizations and convincing period detail. This debut mystery has an engrossing setting and an engaging heroine. It''''''''s good fun and the characters are vivid. It's rare to find a truly fresh new voice in fiction. Welsh's writing is intense, passionate, and dramatic. She turns phrases until they're exquisitely wrought, and fashions from the raw material of language something beautiful and unique.--Emma Rees, author of 'The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History' A gripping story [and] a great central character. Full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail.--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat

Author Information

Kaite Welsh is an Edinburgh-based journalist, critic, and the Literature Officer at Creative Scotland. She writes a weekly column for the Daily Telegraph.

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