"Propulsive and lush, Fixsen weaves an exquisitely gothic tale that explores the power of a mother's love to transcend all things, even the grave. From the first to the very last page, this novel kept me riveted, needing to know that Isobel would prevail against all odds. Fans of Hester Fox and Paulette Kennedy will adore this one." -- Jess Armstrong, the USA Today bestselling author of The Curse of Penryth Hall

"The Specimen is a dark delight! Jaima Fixsen has crafted a dynamic cast of characters with real heart and set them against a riveting backdrop of science, witchcraft, and scandal. I couldn't put this book down!" -- Emily Ruth Verona, author of Midnight on Beacon Street

"The Specimen is a fantastic read! Tense, gripping and full of fabulous characters you grow to love or hate! I devoured it in two sittings." -- Gareth Brown, bestselling author of The Book of Doors

"The Specimen unfolds a haunting tale of secrets, sacrifice, and obsession. This is a brilliant story that delves into the darkest corners of the human soul, where the quest for knowledge collides with the primal instinct to protect what matters most." -- Kim Taylor Blakemore, author of After Alice Fell and The Companion

"The Specimen offers a fascinating glimpse into the shadowy world of 19th century medicine, full of historical detail. A vivid and atmospheric read!" -- Ritu Mukerji, author of Murder by Degrees

"Part gothic horror, part detective tale, Fixsen's smart narrative peels back the surface of respectable doctors seeking knowledge from anatomical studies to reveal an underbelly of theft, murder and questionable medical collections, sending the reader along the path of the woman at its center, Isobel Tait, who determined to reveal the truth and seek vengeance, both for herself and for the innocent victims... A compelling gem of a novel!" -- Amiee Gibbs, author of The Carnivale of Curiosities

"Fixsen's ghost story is the most haunting of all: a tale of the real-life evil that shapes our world and the heroines who dare name these men monsters. With a meticulous hand, Fixsen conjures Edinburgh and its history of music, immigration, murder, ghosts, and above all, love." -- J.R. Dawson, author of The First Bright Thing

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Pub date: 2024-10-15

Length: 416 pages