No Cure for the Dead

May 1, 2018

In 1853, when Florence Nightingale becomes the new superintendent at the Establishment for Gentlewomen During Temporary Illness in London, she's appalled at the hospital conditions and the quality of nurses employed there. During her first week, she finds one of the nurses hanging in the library. The police call it suicide, but Florence decides to investigate further. When she's pushed down the stairs, and a ten-year-old errand boy has an accident, she knows she's scared someone. After another death occurs, Florence realizes her entire career and current employment hinge on her ability to unmask a murderer. This first book in a new character-based historical mystery series delves into the personal and professional life of a brave woman who left a privileged life to help others. The story is well researched and richly detailed in describing the hospitals of the time and Nightingale's plans for reform. VERDICT Skillfully blending the stories of actual people with fictional characters, including several from her "Lady of Ashes" series, Trent weaves a serious tale with a sobering tone that will appeal to fans of Nancy Herriman's British-born nurse Celia Davies.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 26, 2018
In 1853, soon after Florence Nightingale, the heroine of this disappointing series launch from Trent (Lady of Ashes), becomes the superintendent of the Establishment for Gentlewomen during Temporary Illness in London, she stumbles on the body of nurse Caroline Bellamy hanging in the library. Although Caroline appears to have committed suicide, Florence has her doubts. As Florence works to bring her often insolent and slovenly staff into line and establish proper nursing procedures, she faces demanding administrators; eccentric patients and their challenging relatives; and attacks on herself, an errand boy, and the facility’s librarian. When a prominent member of one of the Establishment’s governing committees turns up dead, Florence is under increasing pressure to discover details about Caroline’s secret life, unmask the perpetrator, preserve her position, and save the Establishment’s reputation. Anachronisms, stilted presentation, awkward introductions of historical information, and a disorganized plot fail to convince. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary.