A Deadly Affection (Dr. Genevieve Summerford Mystery, #1)

by Cuyler Overholt

"One of the first women practicing in the advanced new field of psychology, Dr. Genevieve Summerford is used to forging her own path. But when one of her patients is arrested for murder--a murder Genevieve fears she may have unwittingly provoked--she is forced to seek help to solve the crime and clear her patient's name ... and her own"--

• ISBN10: 149263736X
• ISBN13: 9781492637363
• Publish Date: 6 September 2016 (first published 1 January 2012)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 29 June 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Sourcebooks, Inc
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 448
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Genevieve Summerford was such an interesting character, and her past pulled at my heartstrings. She is passionate and truly ahead of her time. She has been granted permission to meet with a group of women who suffer from illnesses that Genevieve believes are a manifestation of their emotional state. All have suffered a significant loss. During her first meeting, she advises a young woman. Said woman is arrested the next morning for the murder of her doctor. Genevieve worries her advice provoked her patient but upon speaking to the accused, she is convinced of her innocence. Talks with the police soon have her convinced they believe they have their murderer. She decides to help, and the tale that unfolds was excellent and fully developed.

The book is rich with information as Genevieve sets out to investigate. We learn about diseases and get a sense of the political climate as we cross through different social classes. Overholt fleshed out the characters and highlighted obstacles Genevieve faced as a woman in 1900's. I found all of these tidbits fascinating and admittedly love this period.

The good doctor was refreshing, tenacious but level-headed. She is quite bright and while she makes assumptions she always follows up with hard facts. Her past and the need for her father's approval hinder her, but we see her transform in this first novel. There is a second chance romance, and while it weaves its way throughout the tale allowing us to connect, it never hinders the investigation.

There were many "ah-ha" moments and things that happened that correlate to the way we do things today. I won't say as I abhor spoilers, but I can honestly say each made me smile and felt genuine. The mystery concluded after some climatic scenes and we even get a little follow-up. I was delighted that each thread and storyline was addressed leaving no loose ends. I am quite anxious to read more of this mystery series featuring our heroine.

Carly Robins narrated, and she did a terrific job with Genevieve. From her dialect to mannerisms she enhanced my enjoyment. I am hoping she continues to read this series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

How would I describe A Deadly Affection
by Cuyler Overholt? A Lifetime Movie set in turn of the century NYC, but with a bit more meat on its bones.

Almost immediately I was drawn to the main character, Genevieve Summerford, a recent graduate of medical school looking to make waves in the world of psychiatry via group therapy. Genevieve goes against the modern conventions of her time. She’s an educated woman who balks at the boxes society wishes to place her in which happens to get her into a bit a trouble as she gets more and more involved in the life of one of patients. I identified with Genevieve’s desire to make her mark in the world while trying to remain true to her family. Her discovery that her life in the upper crust of society has protected her from the grittier side of life opens her up and adds dimension and of course, conflict, in her life that she wasn’t expecting. It is at this intersection that A Deadly Affection shines.

Overholt wastes no time throwing the mystery out there in the first chapter—babies of poor women given up for adoption unwillingly. And from there the story is off and running. There are more twists and turns in this novel than I expected. The minute I THOUGHT I had the mystery solved, another twist was thrown into the mix which left me (and Genevieve) a bit flummoxed. For me as a reader, I enjoyed the multiple mysteries (murder and medical) and ethical dilemmas presented throughout the story as there was never a dull moment.

Cuyler Overholt knowns how weave a multi-dimensional mysteries with fully realized relatable characters. Readers who enjoy stories involving strong women and fans of mysteries should definitely check out A Deadly Affection.


This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews