Sonia Wilson is a scientific illustrator who worked with her father until his death. It's 1899, and there aren't many prospects for women, especially with Sonia's talent. Unhappy as a teacher, she is in luck when a scientist offers her a position illustrating his forthcoming book on insects. When she arrives at his manor house, she finds that the scientist, Dr. Matthias Halder, is not very personable, and the locals and Halder's staff are keeping secrets about her predecessor and a mysterious building in the woods. What is more upsetting is Sonia's suspicions about how Halder is conducting his research. Are his scientific principles warped and methods unlawful? A determined Sonia is willing to put herself in danger to find the answers to her questions.
I admit that I skimmed some of the more graphic descriptions of the effects of the parasitic insects on both animals and humans. While the writing and pacing are good, the subject matter is off-putting. If you are squeamish, this is probably not a good read for you.
3.5/5 stars.
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