19th Century Edinburgh

The plot of the entire novel is set in and around Edinburgh in the early nineteenth century. Part of the novel is set in the wealthier areas such as where Almont House is located. Others are located in Old Town, which is much more run down. It has tall, cramped buildings and bad smells. Hawthornden Castle is not in actual Edinburgh, but Hazel is able to get there easily by horse. It is clear that certain people are only expected in certain areas. This becomes evident when Dr. Straine is surprised to see Hazel outside of the Royal Anatomists' Society.

Hawthornden Castle

Hawthornden Castle is the family home of the Sinnett family. Hazel spends most of the novel alone there with four servants. The home is large and grand, and Hazel has a balcony off of her room where she tries to re-animate a frog. She...