So, I know I'm jumping the gun here...but the name Rose Connolly was also in The Surgeon. About half way, I saw the name- spelled differently (and not the same person as in The Bone Garden), but I thought it was neat...

D

Hi Dawn!

I didn't even notice that! Tess has other characters that weave their way though several of her books such as Dr. Maura Isles and Detective Jane Rizzola.

It's so nice to see you hear and glad you are enjoying Tess's books. Hope you can come to the Oct. 9th conference to hear Tess speak!!

Mary

Yes...Rose Connolly is Detective Moore's mother-in-law. She is mentioned just briefly about halfway through the book.

What book is Detective Jane Rizzola in?

I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I thought it would be more "heavy" on the science, but found it was mostly a good read with interesting facts from the era and the medical profession of the era. The character development throughout the generations was done very well, and I liked the way that Tess Garrison brought you back in time through a present day person researching details of her house. I thought it was odd how the idea was the main character was reading letters, but the letters weren't included for us to read (more than one or two). I would have liked that addition. I never new the story behind how the discovery was made about germs being spread through doctors...it seems incredible that so many women died due to lack of what we know of as simple knowledge of washing hands! I'm hoping to read gravity now (in backwards order). thanks for the suggestion.

If you want a book that's heavy on the science but a great read, I'm currently reading Hydrogen: Hot Stuff/Cool Science by Rex A. Ewing. It's a great read too.
Carey

Hi Carey!

Speaking of "washing hands"- here's an interesting link with information on Joseph Lister and his work on the need for cleanliness in the operating room: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1867lister.html

Also here's a link on Louis Pasteur and The Germ Theory: http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Louis_Pasteur.php

PS - Dawn - Detective Jane Rizzola is in a few of Tess's books; actually there is a series of Jane Rizzola books. You will meet her in The Surgeon. But also in that series of books in which she is in are The Apprentice, The Sinner, Body Double, Vanish, and The Mephisto Club.

Here's an interesting article on some Boston medical history about a lad named Phineas Gage: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/22/newly_discovered_image_offers_fresh_insights_about_1848_medical_miracle/ Have you ever heard of him? Fascinating - he was around in the mid 1800's and his case baffled medical doctors. Read about this amazing case study.

One reason I enjoyed this book so much was that it took place in Boston. If you've spent any time around the Common in Boston you may find that you enjoy reading about this area that you are familiar with.