Monster

MONSTER. The word evokes images of fairy tales and horror. But once, in 1850 Philadelphia, it was actually the term commonly used in physician’s case notes for the victims of fire.

Conflagrations were common in this period—clothing, especially women’s lace, was highly flammable. Once the flesh was destroyed, there was no cure. These unfortunate souls lived out their lives as MONSTERS, secluded away by family. Once burned flesh gives way to contractures, disfigurements to rival even Bram Stoker’s imagination were born. And the hearts of the people inside the shell perished.

Lorelei is one such MONSTER. Born to a wealthy family, disfigured by fire, she fake’s her own death, leaving the world she knows behind—because in her mind…freedom, even if it is a workhouse, is preferable than the life of a shut-in, a burden on her family's name.

!850’s Philadelphia is an epi-center of medicine. Rival medical schools search in desperation for bodies—cadavers to teach the art and science of anatomy to their medical students. Corpses become so rare, a new profession evolves. Resurrection Men, or body snatchers, dig up the graves of the newly decreased for high pay.

Rory Henry is one of the Resurrection Men. A Scots-Irish Immigrant, he has fought his way off the streets, and into medical school by whatever means necessary. He is not above digging up corpses—he cuts them by day, and searches them out by night.

These two lives intersect in an explosion of personality-Rory is designated as Lorelei’s surgeon. Entrusted with performing the new operation called, The Mutter Flap. Once he sees her face, will the unrequited love die, or ignite?

People are disappearing. Someone has discovered that murder is far more lucrative than grave robbing. And many of the bodies are from Lorelei’s workhouse. Will she be next?

PRAISE FOR BRYNN CHAPMAN (other titles)

“Dark twists and turns abound in this fast-paced and riveting gothic

thriller. I consumed it in one sitting!”

~Lea Nolan, USA Today Bestselling Author

"Exquisitely written! Requiem Red is a haunting tale of monsters,

music, insanity, and the power of love where one least expects to find

it.Brava, Ms. Chapman! This book will remain forever in my heart!"

--NY Times Bestselling Author Darynda Jones ~Darynda Jones~

NYTimes/USAToday Bestselling Author The Charley Davidson Series

"A rollicking ride of a story, with a tender heart -- A Circle of Crows

is a thrilling adventure where the impossible comes to happen; where

past meets present; and where a reader can't help but realize that some

2 MONSTER

bonds can't be broken by time or distance." Jodi Picoult, author of

The Tenth Circle, Vanishing Acts, and My Sister's Keeper.

"Creative, meticulously researched, and terri~c fun!" Grace Burrowes NY Times Best Selling Author

 "The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and

relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful

story that I completely adored." B5est 5ooks Ever 5log

"The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make

you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and

damp. That is rare in so many books! 5oneseeker is a book I highly

recommend, and I give it 3 stars!" B Christy's Cozy Corners blog