I’ll be honest, this one took me a minute to get into it. But once I was there, I was in.
The book had an interesting opening, setting up James’s relationships, past, and desires while introducing us to his tone of voice. As narrators go, I enjoyed his unique perspective. He was someone that I wanted to follow along as he came to terms with the ideals instilled in him from his upbringing, and how that changed through his immersion in the medical field and the scientific advancements that came from body snatching and dissection. The relationship here was sweet, and yet another way that James came into his own. Once Burke and Hare were introduced, the excitement really kicked up a notch and would lot me go until I finished the book. Definitely recommend.

I absolutely loved this book! Maybe it says something about me, but a story about body-snatching in 1800s Edinburgh turned out to be such a fun, oddly beautiful read. By the time I picked it up, I’d forgotten most of the description, so I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I got pulled into this historical setting—and the tie-ins with real people from 1800s Edinburgh were such a nice touch. Now I’m half-planning a trip just to see Surgeon’s Square in person!

The writing was really approachable, which is rare for historical fiction—usually, it can feel a bit heavy, but here, everything from the world-building to the mischievous characters was just so well done and felt spot-on for the time period. I did wish for a little more closure on where Nye and James ended up, but I also get why the ending was left a bit open. I just got so attached to them and really wanted the best for them 🥰

A darkly atmospheric and gripping historical novel set in 19th century Scotland. The story of body snatching combines historical fiction, true crime and dark academia. It is a perfect blend of fact and fiction, offering a stunning glimpse into the grisly origins of modern medicine.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.7 / 5.0

The Resurrectionist by Rae Dunlap is an historical fiction with dark vibes, queer romance, and a slow-burn murder mystery. It was immersive, intriguing, and intensely consumable. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with other players, the environment, and especially one another. This book is a fantastic debut and I am excited to have another author to add to my list of preferred reads.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC.

3.97 ★ — anatomy: a love story but yaoi. pretty quick after you get through the first couple chapters. the mc was likable from the first sentence he uttered, which is insane coming from me, because he's a man, and i never like male characters. how the author managed to portray a 20 year old (i'm assuming? since he's in his second or so year of college.) male in first person without being corny is beyond me. he's witty, intriguing, and full of personality. the plot is interesting too, but i honestly stayed mostly for james and the writing style. i didn't even remember there was supposed to be a murder mystery until like 75%, so there's that.

(there's a couple of instances of jimmy boy doing casual misogyny, which made me hate him for a while, but then i remembered this is set in the 1800s, so of course. duh. but he's not that awful. silver linings.)

thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.

Body snatchers in 19th century Scotland and a sheltered queer gentleman getting his world turned upside-down!! “The Resurrectionist” is a riveting tale of dark academia and true crime. The romance and humor are well-written and cohesive with the book’s macabre themes.

The coolest place I visited this year was the Surgeon’s Hall Museum in Edinburgh. It’s really gruesome and educational - people have done some shocking things for the sake of medical science!? So, when I stumbled across “The Resurrectionist” on NetGalley (thank you to NG and Kensington for the eARC), I was eager to try it out. I went in with the expectation to feel immersed in that same kind of fascinatingly morbid setting, and this book expertly delivered on that.

Our protagonist, James, is naive and bit of a snob at the start (in a way I found comically endearing at times). But he is driven to learn, grow, and prove himself. He’s putting himself out there to study medicine in a new city (despite financial troubles) and break free from the confines of his upbringing. That fierce drive, along with him feeling drawn to the roguish and charismatic Aneurin, is how he winds up in a crew of body snatchers that dig up corpses for surgical dissection. It’s a high-stakes adventure that had me completely captivated.

The comedy throughout is superb and feels natural. They really had me giggling while they’re decapitating dead bodies?!? My guy Nye has ijbolitis fr (yes, that is the best way I can describe it!) Also, the romance had me swooning. ‘Be gay, do crimes’, as they say.

I only have two caveats, one about syntax and one about the story. There’s an excessive use of italics. I think it could be toned down, but maybe that’s just a personal vexation. The other thing is a big spoiler [idk how to hide spoilers on NetGalley so check out my Goodreads review to see it]. But ultimately, the story and characters were great, so I really recommend this book.

This book gave me Jack the Ripper times as a vibe. It’s sci-fi love mystery and murder all in one. I did really enjoy the read it kept me captivated and interested. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this for my honest review.

Imagine a Venn diagram with a circle for mystery; another for history of medicine; another for gay love; another for "resurrectionists," who at one time supplied medical schools with cadavers by digging up the recently buried; and then one more for notorious killers Burke and Hare (because, if you just kill people and immediately sell the bodies to medical schools, you don't have to do all that laborious digging). That little spot where all five circles overlap? That's where A. Rae Dunlap's The Resurrectionist fits in.

Dunlap deftly weaves together these disparate elements, mixing historical accuracy with vivid imaginings. As the plot progresses the reader gets pulled in more and more deeply. Really, the only thing I have to say is "dive in!"

I received a free electronic review copy of this title via the publisher; the opinions are my own.

I was immediately pulled into the vibrant historical setting of this novel. I loved following the tales of James and learning more about a sordid time in Edinburgh’s history. James and Nye were wonderful characters and I adored reading their story. This is a great read for anyone who loves true crime and history!

I wish that I had not waited so long to read this book as it was amazing. Having just returned from a trip to Edinburgh, it felt just the right time to read this book. Having explored the graveyards of the Scottish capital ,on guided walks, added such depth the the understanding of this wonderful book. I saw the cages built around the graves in Greyfriars cemetery to protect the bodies from resurrectionists such as James and Nye. This book came alive for me and filled the days I read it with such wonder. But this book and read it in Edinburgh, it's just like time travel.

From the moment I laid eyes on the cover and read the synopsis, I knew The Resurrectionist was going to be an extraordinary read. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much this debut novel would captivate me. A. Rae Dunlap’s work is nothing short of phenomenal—a blend of the macabre, dark academia, and the gothic that sets an exceptionally high standard for debut novels.

Dunlap’s writing is poetic and polished, vividly evoking the moody, shadowed world of 19th century Scotland. The author intertwines historical truth and fiction, drawing on the grim reality of the Resurrectionist movement and the infamous tale of Burke and Hare. This seamless merging of fact and storytelling creates a rich, immersive narrative. The pacing is well crafted, pulling readers—much like the protagonist, James Willoughby—into the dark and seductive realm of body snatching and medical progress.

James Willoughby is an endearing and complex protagonist. The first-person narrative allows readers deep access into his thoughts, making his struggles and ambitions all the more relatable. His character is defined by the tension between his privileged background and the harsh realities he encounters as he navigates this morally grey world. This class dynamic is a subtle yet powerful backbone of his development, showcasing his resilience and determination as he seeks freedom from his stifling family and strives for his own ambitions, even if it means crossing ethical lines.

The supporting characters are equally compelling, but Aneurin stands out with his razor-sharp wit, unbridled passion, and single-minded pursuit of medical advancement. Aneurin’s willingness to flout societal norms in favour of progress, his charm, and his cunning make him unforgettable.

The romance in the novel is delicately woven into the plot, enhancing the story without overpowering it. It feels natural and adds depth to the characters and their interactions. Dunlap’s balanced storytelling ensures that every element ties together cohesively.

In conclusion, The Resurrectionist is an exceptional read that has firmly earned its place as my favorite book of the year. Dunlap’s writing promises even more exciting works to come, and I will be eagerly awaiting future releases. For lovers of gothic, historical fiction with a touch of the macabre, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore when it becomes available.

Bodysnatching, human dissection, forbidden romance, and a big dose of old timey true crime….. what more could a reader want?! Well, if that reader is me, nothing. 5 stars - no notes! I was fully immersed from the first paragraph to the last. I will be reading/listening to the books and podcasts the author recommended on this subject at the end of the book.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

My interest was piqued for this novel for several reasons. The first, simply the title and the cover art. The cover is gorgeous and practically enough to make me want to read it without knowing what the book was about. The second, the concept of queer, gothic, and historical fiction colliding into one masterpiece of a debut. And, lastly, though not a notion that I was aware of at the start, is its true crime and real history elements. I was not aware of Burke and Hare prior to reading this, but upon its conclusion, I apprised my own knowledge banks of the two individuals, and it has only heightened my enjoyment and appreciation for The Resurrectionist.

In, The Resurrectionist we begin by following James, a former Oxford boy who has recently arrived in Scotland with aspirations set on becoming a Man of Science. Edinburgh, following a period of industrialization and scientific enlightenment, has become a hotspot for the field and James is eager to embark on his path to being a physician. But, as one might expect in 1828, the separation of classes was tantamount to the societal structure of the time, and when James’ own financial woes are nearly put on the forefront before he’s ever set foot in a physician’s gallery, he must learn new methodologies of procuring funds to support himself lest he find himself on the brink of social and economic ruin.

Enter, Nye, our love interest and a charming dissectionist who brings James into the fold of body snatching, procuring cadavers for several schools in the area, and otherwise skirting the coattails of something taboo in the underbelly of Edinburgh.

This novel was a dream to read, honestly. The prose was like butter, and the passages were so well-crafted, with the subject matter handled in a delicate and precise way. With ease, A. Rae Dunlap could have relied heavily in the shock value and gore of the time and field, but she instead focused on the cool precision of medical students in a field of survival, and that made the story all the more impactful for me.

The character exposition and growth, too, is something to be admired, as each character felt real and tangible with confliction emotions and morals surrounding necessity, desire and the overall drive to succeed and make something of them self. The romance was a guiding light against an otherwise dreary and dark time, and though the focus on romance was grander than I anticipated, it didn’t detract from the overall story.

As a debut, I think Dunlap has hit the nail on the head with The Resurrectionist as it truly is a fantastic blend of real-world events crafted and molded into digestible and enjoyable bites.

Five out of five moons, no question.

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 | 5/5

☠️

<b>”How could anything be unnatural when our coupling felt as easy as breathing air? How could the life I’d found with Nye be anything other than a benediction, full of grace? How could Nye ever be less than everything? For he was everything.”</b>

I loved this book! It was the perfect mix of historical, funny, poignant and action! While the things in the synopsis don’t start happening until the last half of the book, it still never feels dull, and when I got into a reading session, I would read 20-30% at a time!

The characters are lovable, the plot is intriguing, and the writing is playful and light. My one complaint would be the ending- no spoilers, but it left me a little unsatisfied.

Other than that, I highly recommend!

What if we dreamily looked into each other's eyes while digging up a grave?

Although this book didn’t make me go as feral as I was hoping I still had a really fun time with it. The Resurrectionist follows our main character James as he gets wrapped up in the grave robbing business in order to earn some money. I liked the way the story explored the medical field in the academic setting, making me aware of the lack of resources during this era. The crime aspect of the graveyard/grave robbing scenes were so disgusting and nerve wracking!

For the characters I really liked how the author honed in on James’s naivety making him easy to manipulate. Nye was also such an interesting character and I wasn’t fully convinced of his intentions till the very end. I would’ve loved it if the characters were a bit more unhinged, which is crazy to say because they are literal grave robbers, but I was ready for some crazy dissections and potential killings.

I think the romance was really well done and a nice touch to the story. It was more of a light romance aiding in adding additional stakes to the mystery and grave robbing business. Both James and Nye had such great chemistry and I really enjoyed the way they bounced off each other.

The story leaves off in a good place but I definitely would not be opposed to a potential expansion of their story in a sequel! Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for providing me with this ARC.

The ressurectionist by A. Rae Dunlap
Rating: 4/5 🌙's

Overview: all around the medical school in Eidenburg graves are being dug up and the bodies are missing. But they leave the clothes and possesions in the grave. James knows that Edinburg has to top medical school. He leaves his posh Oxford life to become something he didn't even know existed.

Thoughts: This book was one that I kept reading to uncover more and more of the plot as it built. Missing bodies. And elusive classes for the highest price under the wing of two rival schools. Dr. Knox and maelstrom. Once James meets Nye his world is flipped on its head. The truth on why Edinburgh and the private schools are so sought after. To me this book was full of revelations. The moral dilemmas kept my attention. The romance being so unheard of in year 1828. The posh family that James has back home all clashes together and test our love story. It's filled with mystery and challenges that keep the reader wrapped into this dark acedima story.

I would definitely recommend this book to members of the LGBTQ community. This book also touches a little on the tabooness and fear that people that were gay felt so many years ago and to a degree still worry about today

Thank you so much for the review copy. ❤️

I absolutely loved it, I dont know what it says about me as a person but I thought that a book about body snatching in 1800s Edinburg was fun and beautiful read.
By the time I started reading it I honestly had forgotten the description for the most part so i was really pleasantly suprised by the overall story and how easy it was to get into this historical novel that also had some great tie in's with actual people who lived in Edinburgh on 1800s and I knew nothing about but now am planning a trip to Edinburgh in my head and want to see the Surgeon's Square with my own eyes.
I think it was very well written and easy to read as often i find more historical ficton books be overwhelming but here it gave good context of the world the story was taking part in, great character building that was also fun and mischevious and every part it felt accurate for the point in time this story took in.
I would have love to get littlebit more at the end to know where the main characters ended up but i also see why the somewhat of a open ending really works here, i just want them happiness because i really grew fond on Nye and James.

4.25 ⭐
historical fiction and true crime in one novel? weird premise but it got me hooked! this was quite a fun and enjoyable weekend read i didnt expect. i was not familiar with the true story and characters but the writing worked effectively in making them come alive (pun intended!)
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc and congratulations to the author for this excellent debut!

Set in 1828 Scotland, The Resurrectionist follows James Willoughby, the posh third son of a nobleman who’d gambled his estate into bankruptcy, as he starts off on his third attempt at education at the medical school at the University of Edinburgh. In dire financial straits, unable to afford tuition at the separate medical and surgical schools on top of his room and board, he finds employment in a group of diggers for his surgical school—body-snatchers who sell corpses and parts for medical study at the schools throughout the city. In this work, he falls in love and into trouble as a gang descends upon the city and monopolizes the corpse trade, and finds the latter putting his life at risk.

The Resurrectionist was a joy to read, both for its craft and its content. The writing is rich in detail and the dialogue appropriately historically accurate, if a little sesquipedalian at times, but that can be attributed to the characters’ educations. James charmed me for being totally unaware of his own naivety, and Nye for his charming of James. I appreciated the author’s handling of James and Nye’s relationship: I spent the first half wondering if the punch would be pulled and was overjoyed when it wasn’t. I’ll admit I went into The Resurrectionist completely ignorant of the saga surrounding serial killers Burke and Hare—I was in it for the historical medical practice and morally questionable characters. But the integration of the real-life figures seemed, to me, seamless. At no point did I feel like I was missing information or assumed to have knowledge of these people, nor did I feel like their inclusion took away from the fictional element of the story. Between the setting, the romance, and the engaging plot, The Resurrectionist has become one of my favorite standalone reads this year, and the gorgeous cover is just icing on the cake. I’d recommend it to fans of dark academia (with less emphasis on the academia portion), true crime, and medical history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Goodness gracious. THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL?!?!? I love the medical field and historical fiction and this was like a special treat and the added LGBT romance woven in was done exceptionally well.