A Dark Victorian Crime Novel (Anna Kronberg Mysteries Book 2)

The book was well written and had believable characters. The plot was fast paced. I very much enjoyed the book, I want to read the other books in the series. I am very interested in what happens next.

Purchased the complete series. Satisfying, and informative. Her description of the plight of London's poverty was vividly and heartbreaking.
The plot is are imaginative and fast paced. I'm pretty astute at guessing the outcome of a book and I certainly not successful. I'm hopeful that she will continue writing these excellent books.

A big seller in many countries, and an award winner, the author’s debut thriller has a great deal going for it. The author is a trained biologist, knows her science. Her research into Nineteenth Century England and her handling of Sherlock Holmes is deft and principled. Her ability to craft a cleanly structured logically progressed crime novel is not well in evidence.
The story rambles. There are astounding surprises which are vastly unsettling. There are oddities of language and construction. Some of the important scenes seem devoid of emotion. The conclusion is ephemeral and we are left looking for an additional chapter which doesn’t exist.
Yet, in spite of that, the author points a laser light at the conditions in London in some horridly accurate detail which drives motives. One might think of the city as a giant slum and some of the activities of members of the medical profession as appallingly criminal. And that raises the one central ponderable moral issue. In the face of plague conditions, threat of massive loss of life, is the deliberate killing, merciful though it may be, of an innocent woman justifiable. Her death helps one of the principal characters to make astounding progress in protecting the lives of thousands of British citizens. Yet, there it is. Read the novel and decide for yourself. You may indeed discover a devil grinning over your shoulder at the conclusion.

Thankfully, I did not listen to the reviews posted previously. The author obviously did listen, and has changed the errors noted by other reviewers. The ending is a bit frustrating because you really need to read the next book, but don't most authors want you to buy their next book?!

Really quite outstanding! A Victorian medical mystery set in 1890's in London. The central character is Anna who masquerades as Anton and is a medical doctor which requires the disguise since women could not be doctors in that era. She becomes acquainted with Sherlock Holmes at the scene of a death and they become friends, colleagues, antagonists - the whole gamut of relationships. The writing above average and the editing is very good. Some previous comments about the ending but I felt it wrapped up the current situation with a gentle push into the next volume. The look at Victorian London is very good with portrayals of the slums, medical practices, street life and general social situations of that era well done. Have had this on my Kindle quite awhile and am glad I finally got around to reading it!

I think this Victorian mystery would have been better without trying to include Sherlock Holmes. He is most certainly not the Holmes that I have admired since I was a young lad. The author should have simply set her tale in the London of the late Victorian era she despises so much, utilizing some Scotland Yard detective she can set up as a straw man, as she does to numerous other characters in the book. I did not find this work interesting, but I did find it amazingly anachronistic in attitude. Essentially our heroine is a soul from the late twentieth century somehow transmigrated to Victoria's England (by way of Imperial Germany and America). Everything about her is superior to the benighted Victorians surrounding her. It is a tribute to her heroism that she can force herself to go day after day in the H*ll that is 1890 London. The mystery is not particularly enthralling or even mysterious and serves mostly as a soapbox for our modern character to pontificate. I thought the writing juvenile, but I have to admit part of that might be the translation, rather than the author, so I did give two stars instead of one. I cannot recommend this for fans of Sherlock Holmes or Victorian Era Mysteries.

I really enjoyed reading this book and will look forward to reading more from Annelie. The story was captivating and easy to follow and believe. The characters were very believable and fit my beliefs of the mystery. And I am definitely a Sherlock Holmes fan. I loved it!

A really good mystery. I love the unique twist on the main protagonist, but be warned, it ends very suddenly. It is not exactly open-ended, but the mystery does continue into the second book. It is very well written, and I will probably buy the second book. Definitely worth the time.

I enjoyed the play between Dr Kronberg and Sherlock Holmes. I especially enjoyed how she was able to fool everyone by pretending to be a man. I have ordered book #2 and a prequel to the Kronberg series. I want to see what happens next.

If you love blends of historical fact and fiction, The Devil's Grin is for you. It's a fascinating and compelling story of a woman forced to live as a man in order to study medicine in London at the end of the 19th century. Although she is one of the most brilliant minds of her day, she would be humiliated and ignored if her colleagues discovered her true identity. In order to maintain her sanity and her sense of self, she maintains an elaborate and time-consuming daily system of changing from man to woman and back again, spending her days as the renowned and respected Dr. Anton Kronberg, and her nights as Anna Kronberg, living in one of the worst slums of London.
When Dr. Anton Kronberg is called in to consult on a cholera death, she meets Sherlock Holmes, who immediately realizes her disguise. Rather than "out" her, he quickly realizes her incredibly adept and agile intellect is a match for his own, and treats her as a peer in his investigation. As they dig deeper into the suspicious aspects of the victim's death, both are placed in great danger, even as a discreet and unspoken attraction grows between them.
This fascinating mystery unfolds against a backdrop of London in 1895 and the inherent dangers of the city.
Anna is a fascinating creature. Encouraged by her poor father in her academic studies, she somehow has the intestinal fortitude to live as a man in order to go to medical school, and then to practice as a professor and scientist. She's in constant danger as a woman living in the slums, and also as her male alter ego, because if she's discovered she risks jail. Her unflagging mental vigilance, combined with her complicated twice daily gender switches is exhausting, and yet she has such a strong moral compass that she is able to stay the course.
I loved this book, and can't wait to read the next one.

The advertising for this book is a little misleading as I wondered if there were a series of books on an Anna Kronberg character and that this would be one of those cross over novels. I am glad I investigated further as this is
definitely a Sherlock Holmes novel coupled with a new partner who of course is the lead character. A woman doctor forced to pose as a male due to the prejudice of the times. Not too many authors have been able to come up with a female lead who would be the equal of the great detective and who would help carry the character. Laurie King has done an excellent job with her Mary Russell series and eventually has Mary and Sherlock married. Carole Douglas has brought back Irene Adler, as many have tried, though in this case Sherlock and Irene are far from a couple, just detectives working sometimes independently and sometimes as a team on the same case. Irene is happily married to another man. The King series is definitely superior to the Douglas series. Now a close rival to all is Annelie Wendeberg who proves you do not have to be English or American to turn out a top Sherlock Holmes adventure. There is a great deal of science in this, perhaps more than is needed, however it is fast moving. I actually read it in two sittings in one day. Now I'm anxious for a sequel and there definitely is one.

Very good medical mystery, set in London ca. 1890, with physical danger and a couple of gruesome autopsies thrown in for good measure. Just to prove it's up to date, there is some sex, and just to capitalize on others' successes, Sherlock Holmes is in the cast.

Wow. Totally (pleasantly!) surprised by this book. I didn't know how I would feel about it at first, but it didn't take long before I was in love with the characters and story. I stayed up way too late many nights, unable to put it down. Upon finishing it, I immediately downloaded #2 and #3 in the series. Very well written, a great first-person narrative.

I enjoyed the play between Dr Kronberg and Sherlock Holmes. I especially enjoyed how she was able to fool everyone by pretending to be a man. I have ordered book #2 and a prequel to the Kronberg series. I want to see what happens next.

If you love blends of historical fact and fiction, The Devil's Grin is for you. It's a fascinating and compelling story of a woman forced to live as a man in order to study medicine in London at the end of the 19th century. Although she is one of the most brilliant minds of her day, she would be humiliated and ignored if her colleagues discovered her true identity. In order to maintain her sanity and her sense of self, she maintains an elaborate and time-consuming daily system of changing from man to woman and back again, spending her days as the renowned and respected Dr. Anton Kronberg, and her nights as Anna Kronberg, living in one of the worst slums of London.
When Dr. Anton Kronberg is called in to consult on a cholera death, she meets Sherlock Holmes, who immediately realizes her disguise. Rather than "out" her, he quickly realizes her incredibly adept and agile intellect is a match for his own, and treats her as a peer in his investigation. As they dig deeper into the suspicious aspects of the victim's death, both are placed in great danger, even as a discreet and unspoken attraction grows between them.
This fascinating mystery unfolds against a backdrop of London in 1895 and the inherent dangers of the city.
Anna is a fascinating creature. Encouraged by her poor father in her academic studies, she somehow has the intestinal fortitude to live as a man in order to go to medical school, and then to practice as a professor and scientist. She's in constant danger as a woman living in the slums, and also as her male alter ego, because if she's discovered she risks jail. Her unflagging mental vigilance, combined with her complicated twice daily gender switches is exhausting, and yet she has such a strong moral compass that she is able to stay the course.
I loved this book, and can't wait to read the next one.

The advertising for this book is a little misleading as I wondered if there were a series of books on an Anna Kronberg character and that this would be one of those cross over novels. I am glad I investigated further as this is
definitely a Sherlock Holmes novel coupled with a new partner who of course is the lead character. A woman doctor forced to pose as a male due to the prejudice of the times. Not too many authors have been able to come up with a female lead who would be the equal of the great detective and who would help carry the character. Laurie King has done an excellent job with her Mary Russell series and eventually has Mary and Sherlock married. Carole Douglas has brought back Irene Adler, as many have tried, though in this case Sherlock and Irene are far from a couple, just detectives working sometimes independently and sometimes as a team on the same case. Irene is happily married to another man. The King series is definitely superior to the Douglas series. Now a close rival to all is Annelie Wendeberg who proves you do not have to be English or American to turn out a top Sherlock Holmes adventure. There is a great deal of science in this, perhaps more than is needed, however it is fast moving. I actually read it in two sittings in one day. Now I'm anxious for a sequel and there definitely is one.

Very good medical mystery, set in London ca. 1890, with physical danger and a couple of gruesome autopsies thrown in for good measure. Just to prove it's up to date, there is some sex, and just to capitalize on others' successes, Sherlock Holmes is in the cast.

Wow. Totally (pleasantly!) surprised by this book. I didn't know how I would feel about it at first, but it didn't take long before I was in love with the characters and story. I stayed up way too late many nights, unable to put it down. Upon finishing it, I immediately downloaded #2 and #3 in the series. Very well written, a great first-person narrative.

I was tootling along thinking how interesting and amazingly well-written it was when the most unexpected and totally inconsistent error jumped off the page at me. Turned out it appears several times when she has the characters saying, if I/he "would have known", etc. Bear in mind this takes place in England during the time of Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper. Feature Sir Arthur saying "would have known". For the unenlightened, it's had known or had I/he known. May seem like a small thing but it stuck out like a sore thumb. Another little problem I had was Sherlock exclaiming "Jesus Christ!" several times. Not hardly. This is the man who was wont to say things like, "quick, Watson, the game's afoot." But what I really disliked was the Laurie King wannabe spinoff of Holmes the frustrated lover. Puhlease, King managed to sell it because she did it extraordinarily well and this writer does a passable job--if it hadn't already been done better--but, please people, Holmes was the greatest and most famous misogynist of all time; it's what made him who he was. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, please! Still, I might read the next one if the opportunity arises because, for the most part, she is a very good writer albeit focused on the worst aspects of English history for which there are no parallels in the known universe.

Dr. Anna Kronberg with the help of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes must stop an evil cabal of medical minds determined to find vaccines for deadly diseases at any costs, including those of innocent people. Well written and worth your time.

I love Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, and did not expect a story about Sherlock Holmes by any other person would be even remotely as good to read and so, it was an unexpected, but very refreshing surprise to find this story to be so good. I am looking forward to reading the next books by this author.

This is a book based on Victorian era crime. Sherlock Holmes is very much an important part of the story though the main protagonist is Dr. Kronberg. Fate gets them together to solve a series of crimes in London. No fancy CSI gizmos to aid them .... just pure brains and gusto .... or should I say using 'the science of deduction' :)

Should you have read Arthur Conan Doyle's stories before reading this one ? -- Nope... it's absolutely not necessary for anyone to have read the Sherlock Holmes series to appreciate this book .... though you need to be aware of the quirks of Sherlock Holmes, who Dr. Watson is (he barely makes a small appearances). There is one chapter in which the protagonist reads and remarks on the first chapter in the book ... but its something minor and doesn't take anything away from the story even if you don't understand or appreciate that part.

As for the ending ... remember that this is the first book in a series ... so no grand finale ! Yes bad guys are caught & potential lives saved... but you are left with an inkling that there is something more to come. If you want to avoid getting sucked into a series ... stay away from this one ... coz once you are in ... there is no way you won't be waiting for the next book to come !

If you are a Sherlock Holmes afficinado then The Kronberg Crimes series books are for you. Another reader stated in the comment section of this book that it was "boring" however, I can only surmise that he/she was not a Sherlock Holmes fan, as I experienced nothing of the sort while reading this book and enjoyed it very much.

I've read other attempts at Holmes stories before, but never one so cleverly nor convincingly done. One could almost imagine a VERY ancient Sir Author Conan Doyle, deep lines carving his craggy, leather worn facial features, sitting dustily somewhere in a secluded study, still writing Holmes stories laboriously in longhand with a quill and inkwell by the light of a gas lantern (his joints crepitusly creaking & popping) for his current generation of fans. I LOVED it! Plus, the whole concept of Holmes meeting his match - in a woman impersonating a man that is impersonating a woman ... (no, wait... that's another story!) a woman impersonating a man AND a medical doctor in the Victorian era - whom manages to to steal the heart of the impervious and great Sherlock Holmes too? Add to that excellent writing skills, and - I'm hooked ...

What a unique and interesting twist to the Homes genre. Annelie Wendeberg in "The Devil's Grin" creates a genuinely new "Watson-like" character, and then she creates a world of "new adventures" for both "Watson" and Holmes. With a unique plot and some clever twists, the story starts off on a familiar note - murder? If you enjoy a well crafted and very original Sherlock Holmes mystery, go no further - this is it! The book is fast-paced, engaging, atmospheric, and I'm really fascinated with Anna's character.

In Victorian London, a series of murders remains undiscovered until a cholera victim is found floating in the city's drinking water supply. Dr Anton Kronberg, England's best bacteriologist, is called upon to investigate and finds evidence of abduction and medical maltreatment. While Scotland Yard has little interest in pursuing the case, Kronberg pushes on and crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes, and a new "Watson-like" character is born.

"The Devil's Grin" is a well crafted mystery. The language is true to the Victorian era, and the atmosphere which Wendeberg creates transports the reader back to foggy England in the 19th century. The new protagonist Anna has deductive talents that equal those of Holmes. That along with the feminist slant and a strong female protagonist makes this story reminiscent of Laurie King's Mary Russell series. Although not quite as strong as King's writing, the "Devil's Grin" still is a must read for Sherlock and mystery fans alike. I strongly recommend it with the following minor reservations. Warning: This book does contain some scenes that are disturbing: some language, non-explicit sex, and some graphic dissection scenes.

I really enjoyed this book. Historically correct. Completely interesting perspective on Sherlock Holmes. Great main character in Anna Kronberg. I would definitely love to read more books in this series.

The quick thinking and wit are worthy of Sherlock Holmes and a heroine of such mental sharpness as a female doctor would possess to successfully practice in London at such a time in history. Well-written and enjoyable from

I found the premise very intriguing. A woman disguised as a man so she can practice medicine joining forces with Sherlock Holmes to solve a mystery. The ending definitely sets up the next book in the series.