Molly Green, an orphan who lost her only friend at the hands of a murderer finds herself thrust into the world of high society and secrecy. After being claimed by an unknown aunt Molly begins earning her keep working in the seedy underbelly of 1850's Philadelphia as a grave robber. Haunted by the loss of her friend and seeking revenge, she finds herself embroiled in the mystery of the Knifeman, a serial killer whose hunting grounds are the very streets that Molly now works.
I just want to put a disclaimer that this book touches on some pretty heavy stuff, I will not go into any of the heavy here in my review but wanted everyone to be aware should you decide to pick up your own copy. This book is marketed to ages 12 and up, but I would not suggest it for those under 15 due to depictions of death/dismemberment.
I have heard about this book for months. I had even applied for an arc of it but was sadly denied. As soon as it was released, it was on my kindle. It took me 2 days to read it, but only because I have been feeling under the weather and can't focus on much for long.
When I started the book, my initial thoughts were "WTF am I reading and WHY is this suggested for 12 and up?" But, Heather M Herrman had me. Holy crap did she have me. From the first time I read the blurb and saw the cover image for The Corpse Queen I knew I was going to love this book and I wasn't wrong. I loved every crazy moment of it. I loved Molly's strength and resilience. Her fierce loyalty toward those she cared about, something that she even bled into her life as a grave robber. Molly showed respect for the dead. It seems like all the other people, besides Tom, that dealt with the dead, had forgotten that they were once people too. Humans. Molly never forgot.
"Im only seventeen, and I've killed a man...."
The thing I loved the most about this book, the unexpected. This entire book should have been marketed as a macabre expect the unexpected. There aren't little hints or tidbits that are weaved and sewn within the pages to give clues as to what's to come, it's just suddenly there and that, is a beautiful thing. The story is wrapped up quite nicely, and there is no cliffhanger or thread left untied. I really enjoyed this book and will 100% be looking out for future books by Heather M. Herrman.
I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 15 who isn't put off by talk of corpses, death, or dying. I wouldn't suggest reading this is you have thanatophobia or take issue with any inconsistencies (these are addressed in the author's note) in historical novels/period pieces.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for this macabre masterpiece
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