Overall I adored this gothic novel set in 19th century Edinburgh. It is the perfect blend of historical fiction, true crime and dark academia. The writing is highly descriptive and made me genuinely forget I was reading. I really loved the characters and thought they all had clearly defined individual personalities. My one criticism was that Burke and Hare were introduced too late, leading to the ending seeming a bit rushed.

It was clear that the author had done plenty of research prior to writing this book, and I though the fictional elements were perfectly interwoven amongst the true setting and characters. I must admit I hadn’t heard of the Burke and Hare murders before reading this book, but I was inspired to do further research upon completion.

I loved the side romance between James and Nye which provided an extra layer of complexity but didn’t overshadow the exciting plot.

The main characters are studying anatomy and medicine at university and I thought the detailed medical descriptions were done well. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper or to anyone who likes historical fiction, dark academia or true crime.

4.5/5. Well written and enjoyable historical fiction blended with an unexpected queer love story. Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was a lot of fun which blends some real life crime history and an amazing love story. I don't usually read historical fiction, but the cover was so good that I decided to read it, and I am so glad I did. The main character is the right mix of initially naive but competent and the love story is really engaging. I honestly hope that the author continues this story, I would read many more stories featuring James and Aneurin!

"The Resurrectionist" by A. Rae Dunlap is a chaotic and thrilling dive into the world of body snatching in 19th century Scotland, and I absolutely loved every moment of it. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh in 1828, during the terror reign of real-life serial killers Burke and Hare, this decadently macabre, dark, and twisty gothic debut intertwines historical fiction, true crime, and dark academia in a harrowing tale of murder, greed, and the grisly origins of modern medicine.

James Willoughby, the main character, has an infectious passion for medicine that reminded me of my own love for diving into textbooks and continuously learning. Naïve but determined, James abandons his posh, sheltered life at Oxford to pursue his dream of studying surgery in Edinburgh. His desperation to gain surgical experience leads him to strike a deal with Aneurin “Nye” MacKinnon, a dashing young dissectionist with a reckless passion for knowledge. However, it doesn't take long for James to realize he's made a devil's bargain—Nye is a body snatcher, and James has unwittingly become his accomplice.

Aneurin, a funny and mysterious character, quickly became a favourite of mine as the story unfolded. The blend of historical fiction and true crime is masterfully done, reminiscent of the captivating tales from the podcast Lore, especially the infamous story of Burke and Hare, Scotland's most notorious serial killers who never actually robbed graves. The society depicted in "The Resurrectionist" is both fascinating and disturbing, making it one of the most engaging reads I've had this year.

The characters, the intricacies of medical school, the macabre world of grave robbing, and the development of the Resurrectionists all come together to create an unforgettable narrative. As James rapidly descends into the underground ranks of the Resurrectionists, he's caught up in a life-or-death scheme as rival gangs of snatchers compete in a morbid race for power and prestige. James and Nye find themselves in the cross hairs of Burke and Hare, unscrupulous opportunists dead set on cornering the market for bodies, even if it means cold-blooded murder.

I loved everything about this book—the characters, the society, the love that blossoms as they grow and learn more about themselves. "The Resurrectionist" is one of my favourite reads this year, and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. This book is a shining gem in my collection, and I can't wait to read this again.

Thank you to Netgalley for an eArc of this amazing book.

Is it too bold for me to say this? If it is, I do not care: This is likely to be the best book I've read this year. It had everything: from the atmospheric historical setting and exhilarating plot, to the wonderful, charming characters we had the pleasure to meet.

We follow James Willoughby, a young man from a noble family who's trying to find purpose in life, after failing to fulfil the expectations his family forced upon him. His curiosity and love for the sciences lead him to Edinburgh to pursue a career as a physician. Despite successfully entering university, James soon realises that the only way to truly learn about the human body is if he can practise on a real one—something that only surgical schools offer. And it's here where he meets Aneurin "Nye" MacKinnon, Malstrom's smart, enigmatic assistant. Desperate to earn money for his tuition fees, James approaches Nye in hopes of getting a scholarship, and the man offers him a deal that he cannot decline. But James will soon discover that the job he signed up for is nothing like what he thought. It is something far more intricate, and more dangerous, than he expected.
In spite of his first assumptions, James swiftly submerges into this underground world, unveiling its secrets, making friends, falling in love and, most importantly, finding his own purpose in life.

I simply loved this book. Its premise captivated me from the very beginning. Being inside James's mind was an absolute delight on its own. It was beautiful to see his character development as an uptight guy full of determination trying to prove his worth, completely by himself, for the first time. His eagerness was contagious to the point that his happiness became mine as well. He was beautiful in a way that it was just impossible not to wish him well, not to suffer when he suffered, not to smile when he was happy. The book focuses on a lot of aspects, but it never loses track of what's important: James's journey to self-discovery. I loved that he had his own dreams and aspirations, which were deeply explored in the story, and that he was able to figure out his queer identity naturally, as the author stated in their notes, as "part of his coming-of-age story; a piece of the puzzle, not the whole of it". We are shown his talent and passion for medicine time and time again, which was so fun and interesting. He's a fully fleshed-out character, which is exactly the sort of main character I want to read about.

Nye was just as intricate. He had an intriguing background, the wits and the charisma of a perfect hero. He was also so, so funny. His crazy ventures allowed the story many exciting and thrilling scenes, moments where I could laugh out loud and smile widely, but also worry and feel nervous. His backstory broke my heart, so obviously I cheered for him twice as much when I learnt it—but even if there hadn't been such background, I still would've loved him as much. He also has his own hobbies and aspirations that made him unique, along with his endearing personality. And the way he slowly started showing his feelings for James was the cutest thing in the world. The yearning was feral.

James's love story with Nye was exquisite. Their romance was beautifully executed, and so passionate and pure and real. Their connection and chemistry was like no other. I loved that they were friends first, and that they falling for each other was so natural and not forced at all. It felt right. Reading them together, I could feel their feelings slowly blooming as they spent more time together, how their friendship lead to admiration which lead to adoration. And I loved that their romance played such an important part of the story, but was never its only moving force. I find it extremely dull when books get lost in the romance and forget about the actual plot, but this book had none of that. It was the perfect combo of all the ingredients I love.

I truly feel like this piece of literature was made for me, and I'm thankful beyond words that I was able to read this jewel. I will treasure it and recommend it, and think about it (and die a little and resurrect again) for years to come.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly sending me a copy of this book to review.

My review will be published today on Goodreads which I will link!

First, a big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this e-arc--I absolutely LOVED this story.

<i>The Resurrectionist</i> by A. Rae Dunlap is a delightfully macabre story of a man traversing a morbid yet exciting new world he never knew existed. This story follows James--a man with a passion for medicine and an unfortunate knack for finding himself in dubious circumstances--along with a myriad of colorful side characters.

To be frank, when I first requested this book, I was not sure what I would think about it; dark academia is very hit or miss for me, and I haven't read a ton of stories with historical fiction. I am very pleased to say this book <b>absolutely</b> lived up to and surpassed my expectations. Dunlap's ability to convey humor, love, and self-discovery organically within a story based around body snatching is honestly astounding to me (and all in just over 300 pages)!

Overall, I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a bloody, dark-academia story with lots of mystery and intrigue, as well as a touch of romance.

This reminded me a lot of the TV series "Penny Dreadful"... not necessarily in content but in the "vibe". Scotland in the 1800s finds the main character, James in search of an education as a medical practitioner. He has travelled to Edinburgh and passed up on an Oxford education because he wants a more visceral education.

While hanging out with friends in his program he finds out about an underground way that students get to see deceased bodies and are sometimes even taken in to a place that gives a hands on education. When he meets Nye - the plot thickens and becomes more adventure!

There are competing folks who "snatch" fresh bodies from cemeteries and James ends up stumbling into the middle of it.

Really enjoyed this - loved the world building

In my public presentations about historical novels, I always say that the perfect historical novel is one that, on top of a historically solid framework, based on rigorous research, inserts a fictional story as naturally as possible, mixing real and fictional characters in such a way that the reader cannot tell which are which, even if he or she knows the events perfectly. The attitudes and dialogue, then, must perfectly reflect the characters and the era. This learned introduction is to say that Dunlap's is a virtually perfect historical novel, which is also an intriguing thriller, a sweeping love story and an examination of religious and class prejudices. There isn't a character who isn't in the round, not even the most insignificant ones or even those who appear in the form of corpses, and this guarantees a reading pleasure that is only extinguished on the last page, leaving the reader with a burning desire to know what the protagonists will do in the next adventure (because there will be a next adventure, won't there?

I adored this book. I really enjoyed the writing, the gothic atmosphere, the setting, the distinctive voice of the main character and the romance. The story was really interesting and until I read the author's note I had no idea that a lot of the background characters were actually real people! That made it even more interesting.
One thing I will say though, is that I found the ending a little bit rushed and anticlimactic. I liked the happy ending, but the epilogue wrapped things up a little bit to well, so much so that I found it a tad unrealistic.
(Also I noticed a blatant lack of female characters in this book, which could be blamed on the all male college setting, but it bothered me anyway.)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

3.75/5. This was very entertaining and a change for me. James and Nye's chemistry drives the narrative forward and makes James' dive into the world of the Resurrectionists all the more intriguing. That being said, I found James to be a bit too naive for my liking. I understand that he's been sheltered and privileged and that that makes him easy for shaky plans and clearly shoddy plots to evade him, but at times it was hard for me to believe he couldn't see the shaky foundations of others', his as well, logic. The climax could've used a bit more drama, in my opinion, but it fit the way the story had been told until that point. I would like to think that this isn't the end of the story because the loose ends are a little too lose for my liking without a sequel in mond and there's certainly grounds for more if the author so chooses.

Overall, it's a quick, fast-paced read that will keep you interested if not for the banter for the dark and alluring ambiance.

I’m really excited to buy this for friends over the holidays! This was a really enjoyable read and I felt engaged the entire time.

The Resurrectionist is a well-written, enthralling historical fiction that takes us into the lives of medical professionals who get caught up in the art of body snatching. These body snatchers do not see themselves as grave robbers but as resurrectionists, working towards advancements in medical science for the benefit of all mankind. In this book we follow James Willoughby, a newer resurrectionist stemming from a well-off family, and his story of how he came into body snatching, his love for medical science, and of course, him finding love and himself along the way. Throughout the read, we touch on topics of medical science and its advancements, moral ambiguity, self-discovery, and, of course, romance (same sex, which was taboo and illegal at the time). The author has done a wonderful job creating an atmospheric setting, making the reader feel like we were in 19th century Edinburgh. As far as the writing, it was impeccable and gave a poetic feel, and it also flowed nicely with a steady, even pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and would highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and A. Rae Dunlap for this captivating ARC!

This was such an interesting and enjoyable read, I can't say I was well informed in the art of body snatching before but now I've definitely learnt a few tips and tricks 😂
I imagine if you knew more about the history of grave diggers and body snatchers in the 1800's, you would have more of an appreciation for the real historical figures' names that were scattered throughout the book. Even without prior knowledge, this was still a great story with enjoyable characters involved in some pretty gruesome tasks and hijinks. As far as historical fiction goes, definitely one of the best I've read in a while and would happily recommend to anyone who wants to take a trip to Edinborough to do some digging. 🦴

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"Say something"
"Tha gaol agam ort, mò chridhe."
"Pretty. What's the meaning?"
"Your forehead would make a lovely pocketbook."
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Big thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for review

As someone whose favorite YA novel of all time is "Anatomy: A Love Story", I was desperately looking for an adult book about 19th-century Edinburgh resurrectionists, where the themes of medicine, romance, and crime would weave together. After seeing the synopsis of "The Resurrectionist" by A. Rae Dunlap, I knew I had to read it. I'm so glad I requested an ARC because this book turned out to be everything I was looking for.

The main character and narrator of "The Resurrectionist" is James Willoughby, the third son of an impoverished gentry family who arrives in Edinburgh to study medicine in 1828. At the time, the city was the leading center for medical training in the British Isles, but due to legal restrictions, there was a shortage of bodies on which future surgeons could practice their skills. This led to the huge problem of body snatching, or stealing bodies from cemeteries. Enrolling in one of the private schools offering additional medical courses, James meets Aneurin "Nye" MacKinnon, a young dissectionist and after-hours resurrectionist who obtains bodies from cemeteries for medical purposes. Pressed by financial problems, James agrees to become Nye's partner. Over time, the relationship between the two protagonists deepens into true affection. Unfortunately, the situation in Edinburgh becomes more dangerous for those in the resurrectionist business, as James's group crosses paths with Burke and Hare, historical figures who would stop at nothing in "procuring specimens."

A. Rae Dunlap skillfully blends fiction with true crime elements, delivering a fantastic, albeit somewhat gory, novel set in a gothic atmosphere. Adding to this is a sweet yet non-dominant romance, making The Resurrectionist almost a perfect book for me - one I would like to write myself. I really enjoyed the author's attention to historical detail, as the book devotes a great deal of space to the specifics of resurrectionists' work and medical education in early 19th-century Edinburgh. For those familiar with the history of Burke and Hare, the plot may be a bit predictable, but that doesn't detract from the experience because the fantastic atmosphere, attention to detail, and character relationships drive the book.

Writing a compelling first-person narrative is not easy, but the author succeeds here. James is not only an insightful observer through whom we are exposed to the world of resurrectionists but also an interesting character whose coming-of-age process unfolds throughout the novel. Aneurin, on the other hand, is a gem of a character. Initially poised and distant, he reveals himself to be a complex figure, with life experiences that shape his goals and methods despite the adversities of his background, sexual orientation, or social class. I love the dynamic between James and Nye, and I think the author made a great decision in crafting the story as a tale of two people motivated by love.

I am aware that my enthusiastic review is partly because I found exactly the book I wanted to read. I am sure that for those interested in the history of medicine and Scottish grave snatchers, this novel will also be perfect. I heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys gothic atmosphere and historical novels set in the 19th century.

The novel plunges readers into the dark underbelly of the medical advancement of surgery, where the sinister practice of body snatching taints the quest for knowledge. James Willoughby is a determined young man who leaves his comfortable life at Oxford to chase his dream of studying surgery in Edinburgh. The city, known for its leading medical university, offers everything in terms of educational knowledge except the opportunity to practice cadavers. A friend of James' promises to help him gain the surgical experience he craves. Not knowing his friend is a body snatcher, he is thrust into the dangerous world of the Resurrectionists.

The author portrays James's moral descent and is caught up in the allure of his friend's noble yet reckless mission. James goes through a significant transformation from a noble and sheltered young man to a student and a willing participant in grave robbing. It reflects the lengths to which someone would go in pursuing knowledge.

The author's depiction of 19th-century Edinburgh brings the world to life for the reader. When James first gets to his boarding house, he speaks of the windows' grimness and the door handle's oiliness. One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of ethical dilemmas: the moral complexities of humanity, the cost of progress, and the ethics of medical research. It is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, the macabre beginnings of surgical advancement, and suspenseful storylines.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing.

I was a little biased about the subject matter of this book (because honestly the concept of resurrectionists is horribly macabre and interesting) but the story was funny! There was a lot of dark humor and funny situational moments. James is a delightful narrator maneuvering the seedy underbelly of the Enlightenment era Edinburgh with the guidance of Aneurin. It was a delightful, macabre, funny, and good story with a lot of heart…and other stolen body parts.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

“The resurrectionist” is a historical fiction that deep dives into the true crime surrounding the murderous duo Burke and Hare. I sincerely hope that another book will come in the future, as I’m not ready to say goodbye to James and Nye, nor to how well Dunlop has set the scene of their story.

What a great read!
Historical fiction is not something | usually read. However this book was such an a great fun read! It is consistently fitting to the time period, which, in my experience is not always the case. So excited to see where this takes A.Rae Dunlap!

If you’re into
-Dark Academia
-True crime
-Forbidden Romance
-Historical Fiction
-LGBTQ+
-Body Snatching/Grave Robbers
This book is for you!

"The Resurrectionist" is a gothic, historical novel which takes place in Edimburgh, between the Underworld inhabited by crews of body-snatchers and the University where James, the protagonist, in enrolled as a medical student. Soon he will find himself involved with the darker underbelly of the city, in the name of Science and Progress.

The prose is exquisite, and the pace kept me glued to these pages, not so fast that I felt I was being rished trough the story but not so slow that I felt like nothing was happening. This was a great read for every fan of the gothic genre, and the spooky and athmospheric vibe, which was what really drew me in at first, is so beautifully mastered here.

I will definitely purchase this book once it's out, and in the meantime I thank Netgalley for the digital arc.

The spooky, atmospheric setting with academic cadavers and grave-robbing is wonderfully balanced with charming characters and a sweet little romance.

The plot sometimes missed the connecting tissue (is that a pun here?) to make it completely believable, but the characters and atmosphere kept me invested anyways.

I’d be very happy to hear more from James and Nye’s next intrigues!

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