I really enjoyed this book! The book follows a girl named Molly, whose friend kitty was found drowned in the river. Her tail, found missing. After Kitty’s death, someone claiming to be Molly’s aunt requests she comes to live with her in Philadelphia. But this aunt isn’t just anyone, she is the notorious Corpse Queen and wants to help Molly procure bodies for a medical school. This is an ominous, and dark YA book that is a perfect fall read! The setting of the book was definitely one of the highlights. I really enjoyed how vividly it was portrayed. Also Tom, is such a fun character and I loved getting to know him. He’s sweet, but definitely a little bit spicy. If you’re a fan of burden falls I feel like it has a similar vibe!

Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC of Corpse Queen in exchange for an honest review!

Molly's friend, Kitty, was found drowned in the river, her tail missing. Following her death, someone claiming to be her aunt requests she stay with her in Philadelphia. Her aunt isn't just anyone, though, she is the notorious Corpse Queen, and she wants Molly to help procure bodies for a private medical school.

This was a fantastic, creepy and dark YA historical! I loved the setting and the mystery behind her aunt and the school. Molly spends much of the book looking for Kitty's murderer, but also gaining a passion for medicine. I also loved the small romantic sub plot with Tom. He's sassy, but a total cinammon roll who looks out for Molly and his family.

Overall a great read and fantastic for the Fall!

CW: bodies, dog death

This spooky mystery/horror novel is perfect for those who love strong female characters in worlds that are full of gruesome detail and terror. I did have some issues with the romance in this as I felt it did not add much to the story, but I fell in love with the character Molly. I did think she acted too predictably at times, but I enjoyed the narrative and story enough that it did not bother me all too much. If you've read and enjoyed MAGIC DARK AND STRANGE I think you will easily find this one a breath of fresh (read: hot, humid, and rotten) air. Thank you for the e-arc.