The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap is about a slippery slope of difficult choices in front of a young medical student, set in 1820s Scotland.

James Willoughby is already fighting family expectations when he ends up facing some unexpected financial constraints after a pivot to studying medicine and surgery. Trying to juggle this with the need to get hands-on surgical practice, he finds himself caught up in grave robbing to fill the demand for cadavers. Amongst the dissection and death, love blossoms for him.

This felt like a well-paced and engaging read, with some genuine moments of tension. James’ gradual understanding of what he's committing himself to is a great example of how willing people can be to convince themselves of what they want to believe. There’s lots of grey morality and “at least we're not as bad as those other guys who are doing the same thing for the wrong reasons!”.

The book weaves in elements of true crime. I'd heard of Burke and Hare before, but wasn't very familiar with the case, so you definitely don’t need to know much going in. This isn’t a book for people who are squeamish about some gruesome descriptions of bodies (alive and dead).

There’s a romantic subplot, which I found really compelling. Especially that ‘a-ha’ moment of “oh that's why I find him so captivating”. It would have been really interesting to see more from Nye’s perspective as he clearly has a fascinating backstory, that we only get a few tantalising glimpses of. Overall, strongly recommend for people who enjoy historical dark academia vibes with a slow-burn satisfying romance strand weaving through.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing for giving me an ARC through NetGalley!

What a fun and dark debut! I had a hard time with choosing categories for this book because while there are horror elements, namely body horror, it isn't a true horror. There is a mystery, but it isn't quite a true mystery. The only genres I could confidently list it under is lgbtq, romance, and historical fiction, but if you like historical romance you are probably not looking for a book like this, even if I think you should be.

The book follows James Willoughby, a man from a well off family whose love of medicine takes him away to Edinburgh from the life his family wants him to have in London and quickly finds himself in financial straits leading to a job with the resurrectionists, or body snatchers. Dunlop clearly took great care with the world building and historical parts of the novel, using real world crimes and fictionalizing them for the book which adds an extra layer to the story.

Nye was a fun character and brought levity to the dark story which appreciated and I loved the romance between him and James develop throughout the book. I would have liked a little more time with some of the side characters but there are only so many words you can fit in a book and I feel like if the book was considerably longer I would not have liked it as much.

If you like a plot heavy book with great world building, science, a dash of mystery and horror, and a quippy romance, you'll love this one.

Rated 4.5 rounded up.

The writing style and the humor was good and even though the pacing was slightly off in a few chapters I would def recommend this to someone looking for a slightly gothic dark read

*Rating is actually 3.5 stars but rounded down to 3 in places where half ratings aren’t available*

The Resurrectionist follows James as he enters the world of surgical schools and body snatching in this dark academia/historical gothic novel (with a side of romance)!

Atmospheric in its depictions of 19th century Scotland! The writing style/language also adds to the story and makes the characters feel more realistic. This was an interesting look at the body snatching industry for the purposes of advancing medical/scientific knowledge, and the moral questions that come along with the industry!

It started off well but the last 50% was a total slog 🙃 The novel’s pacing was all over the place, the first 30% or so was great and the last 15% exciting, but the middle slumped and the main action is at the beginning and end of the novel only.

The seriousness of the plot mixed with the funny, loveable moments between the characters was a great balance! But at times it felt like we were missing things as we got long slow burn depictions of the events throughout the book but then we’d skip weeks at a time, coming into a new chapter at what felt like mid scene. While I loved the cast of characters and the main romance, I felt like I was missing pieces of the puzzle for their relationship.

The synopsis talks about Burke and Hare but we don’t see them until towards the end so it led to feeling rushed in that respect of the plot and I feel like the execution could have been better if the novel stuck to the body snatching industry and anatomy schools’ rivalries as opposed to shoehorning in these serial killers into the mix.

Finally, the chapters were too long for my taste so despite how interesting the story was, I often times set it aside because I didn’t want to sit through another 30 minute chapter 😭 Even if the previous chapter ended on a cliffhanger I was preferring to scroll on my phone than continue the book.

Overall it was entertaining and has made me want to research Burke and Hare, as well as 19th century body snatching further, but it fell flat in some areas as well making it a slower read than I anticipated.

I really enjoyed this story. It was beautifully written.

It follows two young men in Scotland in the 1800s. James is a medical student at a university who comes from money, and the Aneurin is a medical assistant at an anatomy school who does not. They form a relationship based on their financial need for one another, but it grows into a real friendship as the story progresses.

There was a lot of development of both characters throughout the story. I enjoyed getting to know the side characters as well. I think they played a pivotal role in the growth of James and Aneurin.

The world was easily imaginable with descriptive writing. It was very macabre, which I absolutely loved.

There were moments of laughter, joy, pure shock, and even sadness. Like my mouth was wide open at one point, and my eyes were watering at another.

Reading The Resurrectionist has led to me a new obsession with this type of story. Truly phenomenal.

I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest opinion in this review

If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars, I would. For the last 10 pages, I had to get up and pace in my parents' basement room I'm currently staying in. This book was PHENOMENAL.

Firstly, I want to say how the author, A. Rae Dunlap, is brilliant. Reading the Author's Note at the end genuinely made me so happy for a variety of reasons. 1. LOVE Lore. Totally forgotten about the episode on the serial killers, but happily so!! I loved the shock when I realized this was based on something that actually happened, largely. 2. I am assuming the actor Nye was based on was Aneurin Barnard, and I have been a MASSIVE fan of his since The Goldfinch movie, where he played Older Boris. I am beyond obsessed if he was the inspiration, easily seeing Nye's mannerisms and characteristics in my mind through him. 3. The section on media with queer storylines. Not going to lie, hit me hard. It feels as if we have been sliding backwards in regards to outwardly making characters queer. As someone who went through the "Klance" debacle in real-time, that's saying a lot. I've repeatedly been seeing shows and movies hint at there being something romantic between two characters, but leaving it "up to interpretation." I don't want interpretation, I want two men kissing on my TV! So reading about Dunlap's insistence on being sure James and Nye are read as romantic meant so, so much to me. And immediately solidified my endearment with this novel, as if it hadn't been the moment James described Nye using a paragraph of lovely adjectives.

Now, the book itself. I will admit, I am one who loves the aesthetic of dark academia. In part because of my love of reading and books and whatnot, but also because it is just so damn cool looking. So already, off the bat, the vibes of this book were immaculate. Plus, seeing how it was tagged as LGBT+ only made me even more excited. This has been on my NetGalley shelf for months now, as it felt due SO far away I wanted to save it for future-me. But then, you see, I started it, fell in love, and continued to put it off because I didn't want it to end. So now, here I am, frantically typing this review at 11:54 p.m. the night before its publication date. And I am, honestly, devastated that it is over, however the end made me lose my mind a little bit (in a good way!!). Won't spoil, but the gift made me put the book down and rant to my cat about how insanely romantic that is.

On to the plot! I apologize, this review is incredibly long. I don't know how the author did this, but James' voice was incredibly written. I was shocked at how well it seemed to sound in comparison with history and the like, it was a perfect rendition. And not for nothing, either, it completely threw me into the setting and time that the book took place, allowing me to easily find myself falling into the story and out of reality many times. Not only that, but everything historical in general. SO well though out and researched, it's clear the author put a lot of time and energy into making this historically accurate, and it paid off. James' character was also very, very well done. Allowing him to become acquainted with his new job easily, but not in a way that seemed wholly unrealistic. The reader could understand his train of thought, his reasons for accepting the position, as well as the rest of the story. His reactions to his family, to learning the truth of his initial job, etc. Also, that of his many connections and acquaintances, it never felt like any character was just a throw away, or an NPC to deliver a line. They all had purpose, and were all written very well!

Nye was a character I, along with James, absolutely fell in love with. I could tell from the start, that somewhat aloof character with a dazzling smile and a lot of knowledge. Dirk Gently, Howl Pendragon, The Doctor, Neil Perry, Jesper Fahey. And it only worsened with each page. His and James' banter and laughs made me outwardly grin at my Kindle. Although he was a bit... I wouldn't say impulsive, as he felt too calculated for that adjective, but something akin to that. It reminded me frighteningly of myself at times, making huge decisions and assuming I can make it work in the end. Definitely made me go "ohh... That's what it looks like from an outsider's perspective." Nye's love for science and for reason and logic was fascinating to read about, as, although I am not on particularly interested in sciences beyond random deep-dives related to whatever I'm fixated on, I can understand him. The need for logic, to know why something is happening. It's a universal need for anyone, really. And seeing it in a more scientific and literal light, finding out how the body works, was incredible. And very well written, not too many technicalities to make it a tad confusing, but enough to let the reader learn something, depending on their level of knowledge on the topic.

I loved this book. Like, made-a-playlist-for-it loved. Although I am incredibly behind on ARCs, I may have to just accept I'll miss a date and reread it anyways as I already miss the familiarity I grew to feel with it. I can not wait to see more of this author's works, their writing is phenomenal at worst and just incredibly pristine, if that makes any sense to describe writing. Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC, I am so thrilled to have had the privilege of reading it

3 out of 5 stars for “The Resurrectionist” by A. Rae Dunlap.

A young man in the 19th century, James wants nothing more than the best medical education money can buy. Unfortunately for him, his father’s passing leaves him with unexpected debt and brand new challenges. He’s already learning to move through the world in a way unfamiliar to him, but now with the introduction of the eccentric Aneurin, even the world itself is being revealed in a whole new light.

I found “The Resurrectionist” to be a difficult book to get into, but I enjoyed it much more after the first few chapters. I’m absolutely glad I stuck with it and I do recommend giving it a try! The gothic, dark atmosphere and fascinating subject matter (along with glorious queer undertones) make for a very interesting journey.

*Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the ARC!

I love historical true crime. I find it fascinating, and I love learning the historical, social, and forensic history that comes with it. So when I saw The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap and learned it takes place in the 1820s and deals with resurrection men and Burke and Hare, I had to read it.

In The Resurrectionist, we follow James Willoughby, the third son of a “modestly-landed family.” James has rejected his family’s wishes to become a clergyman and enrolled in the prestigious medical college in Edinburgh to become a physician. To get the training he needs, he also joins a private surgeon school where he can practice on cadavers. This is the world where a lot of enlightened thinking happens, but also includes the circle of grave robbing “resurrection men” that supply the schools with fresh cadavers. There, James forms a relationship with Nye, a talented scientist and leader of a band of resurrection men. Just as James feels he’s found his calling and true companionship, a new threat appears, jeopardizing everything.

I loved this book. James and his relationship with Nye (which I adored) provide a core emotional throughline to the story. And his journey–both external as he’s navigating a new city and new life and internal as he discovers who he is, his desires, and independence–was an engaging experience.

But we also dive deep into dark history. This book doesn’t shy away from the anatomists of the day, including the details of what resurrection men did, how people studied anatomy, and how they practiced on cadavers. We get a dark look at the underworld that fueled the scientific enlightenment of the time and explore the acts that were necessary at the time for progress, as well as how they might test or exacerbate the morals and motivations of men (whether for scientific progress, survival, or greed).

While the synopsis does mention Burke and Hare, the main focus is James, Nye, and their search for freedom and scientific enlightenment. Other topics are lightly discussed and alluded to as well (class systems and oppression, policing inequities, queer rep during this time period, and more).

The only negative about this was that James and Nye dissolved into laughter together one too many times - it’s an action that’s overplayed/overwritten in novels a lot, and other actions could have been substituted in instead. But it’s a minor thing. Everything else was perfection (including the discussion questions that were included at the end of the ARC).

This is a must-read if you like:
- Dark history/historical true crime
- Queer historical stories
- Endearing romance
- Anatomy, scientific enlightenment
- Quick reads, absorbing stories
- The macabre

This story mashes up endearing characters and a heartwarming side romance with dark history and the macabre. It’s fun, engaging, and heartwarming in a way that made it hard to put down.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

Where to start? I came for the slow burn romance and left with a whole lot more. There was an underlying tension and excitement of things unfolding through James as he finds his place and identity away from family. The relationships that developed, especially with Aneurin, further enhanced James’ journey and made things more impactful. It was beautifully woven. And those moments between James and Aneurin? I’m all for it.

Highly recommended for those who love some suspense in their readings along with forensic file, true crime, and medical history. The slow-burn romance, while it gets sweeter, is secondary but with enough moments throughout to keep entertained on that aspect. This focuses on the boom of medical and surgical schools that popped up with need for cadavers and how they are sourced. A big part of that scene was Burke and Hare. This book prompt me to read deeper into this than what I knew about body snatchers, eventually to modern day changes that came around especially as someone privileged to attend anatomy labs as part of labs before.

Not too many jargons, which made the few terms feel a bit thrown in for the sake of it when in the school dissection portions, but could also be taken as the learning process.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Kensington publisher for this e-ARC copy! Honestly after this, might just grab a physical copy to re-read.

In 1828 Edinburgh, a medical student’s dream turns into a nightmare when he becomes entangled with body snatchers, facing deadly competition with the terrifying Burke and Hare.

This beautifully written and immersive novel is a mystery with hints of horror and romance. It’s creepy and atmospheric with a strong plot and well-developed characters. It’s gruesome in places, with lots of corpses, so be aware. Even though I’m sensitive to that sort of thing, it didn’t bother me in context. The book is a pleasure to read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The Resurrectionist captures Edinburgh’s cobbled streets lined with gray buildings, the boisterous university students, the early morning fog, the bustle of tradespeople and travelers, the smell of beer.

It’s 1828, and in defiance of his family’s wishes, James Willoughby embarks on a thrilling but ultimately dangerous adventure: to attend Edinburgh’s famed university to study medical science, whatever the cost. Soon, he is thrust into the darkly competitive world of body snatchers, to provide specimens to pay for the private anatomy school essential to his studies.

A. Rae Dunlap creates characters you care about, even though they’re involved in illicit and unethical acts—from James to the artistic dissectionist, the professional mourner, and the faithful lookout. As readers, we are rooting for them. That’s why The Resurrectionist is one of those gothic novels that’s hard to put down. It’s gory but good.

When I picked up The Resurrectionist, I was expecting a gothic-like mystery with some dead bodies. Well I feel like I got a little mystery and a few dead bodies, so not quite as expected.

James Willoughby is starting out his physician education in Scotland in 1828. Although he is a bit naive at life in general, he seems to take to the medical field fairly quickly. When he learns about the autopsy medical training programs available outside his institution, he was excited to get accepted to MacKinnon's program. Although the program is slightly outside his pocket change, the professor and his assistant offer an exchange of help for services with the program. James though didn't know he would be the lookout while they steal bodies from the local cemetery adjacent to his lodging. As James becomes more enmeshed in the body grabbing scene, he starts to see how utterly ruthless it is. Some are willing to take more precautions than others to obtain "fresh" specimens for a rival program.

Although I liked the premise of The Resurrectionist, the story itself fell flat for me. I wanted more about the actual resurrectionists. To me that was the most interesting part of the story, heck it's even the title. Once we learn it's meaning, we don't see much of the actual work they do until closer to the end of the novel. I thought the mystery was very predictable and not much of a mystery itself story wise. While this may have been the start of a series to come, I don't think I'd stick around to read any further. I'm sad that this debut didn't work for me. I didn't mind Dunlap's writing and would entertain reading another book from her in the future.

*The Resurrectionist* by A. Rae Dunlap is a pulse-pounding, mind-bending thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This isn’t just another mystery—it’s a dark, gripping journey into the very heart of human obsession, the boundaries of morality, and the chilling consequences of playing with life and death. Dunlap has crafted a masterful narrative that pulls you deep into its sinister world, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew about life, death, and the secrets buried in between.

At the center of it all is a protagonist whose determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost, leads to a labyrinth of twists and turns that you won’t see coming. The plot is a brilliant web of intrigue and danger, with each chapter ramping up the tension and deepening the suspense. Dunlap doesn’t hold back—this book dives headfirst into the unsettling, the grotesque, and the unknown, exploring the fine line between science and madness.

What makes *The Resurrectionist* truly stand out, though, is Dunlap's ability to keep you guessing. Just when you think you've figured out the mystery, a new revelation turns everything on its head. The pacing is relentless, with short, sharp chapters that create an almost cinematic experience. There’s no room for breathing between the twists, and each shocking discovery leaves you even more hooked.

But it’s not just about the thrills—*The Resurrectionist* also delves into the deeper themes of obsession, identity, and the moral implications of resurrecting the past. The characters are complex and layered, particularly the protagonist, whose descent into the world of resurrection becomes as much an internal battle as an external one. The chilling atmosphere and dark undertones will linger with you long after the final page is turned.

If you love psychological thrillers that are equal parts smart, unsettling, and downright thrilling, *The Resurrectionist* is a must-read. With its edge-of-your-seat suspense, its chilling twists, and its eerie atmosphere, A. Rae Dunlap has delivered a thriller that is sure to haunt your thoughts and leave you breathless. Prepare to be captivated—and then shaken to your core.

Blending excellent fiction with select true crime facts, THE RESURRECTIONIST has a plot line that can only be called unique. Early to mid 1800's there was indeed a market for bodies that resulted in entire gangs devoted to "snatching" the newly buried. From the point of history, the bodies were used in the education of doctors and medical personnel. From the criminal point, the demand far outweighed the demand, so a fortune could be made. A Rae Dunlap has built a community of characters that will take readers deep into this unsavory market while still managing to retain their humanity. A unique story told in a unique manner that gives a fascinating fictional spin on this all too true era.

A wonderfully eerie historical fiction story set in Edinburgh, delightfully gothic and dark academia with a wonderful romance on the sidelines.

I cannot believe that this is the author's debut novel! It's a well-crafted tale of a clergy man aiming to become a physician, the best among most. In the story we follow James, a posh boy from London, who sets out to pursue his dream after losing his family estate.
Buckle up and prepare for an atmospheric story set in the autumn/winter semester of Edinburgh University and everything that becoming an up and coming surgeon and physician entails. Some elements of gore will spook you, others will be shrouded in the blissful veil of revolution, all with medical research at its core.

In the author's note we discover, that A. Rae Dunlap was inspired by true events around a notorious band of serial killers, which shows in their vast knowledge about the preexisting laws and societal norms.

The language is just right for a novel of this topic and setting. Other than a few errors in sentences or phrases repeating (probably due to my reading of an eARC) I found this book insanely engaging and well thought out. A. Rae Dunlap... prepare, for you are entering my auto-buy list!

An enormous thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this story early!

I was hooked from the beginning of this novel! Historical fiction with a conflicted protagonist (James) that’s set in 19th Century Edinburgh…Yes please. Then to find that due to a turn in fortune he has to supplement his medical schooling with body snatching? Umm, yeah, I was into it.

What I wasn’t expecting was to enjoy the characters and plot so absolutely. It was a happy surprise, as was the author’s engaging writing style. This was true crime meets love story meets class dynamics, and I was fully along for the ride.

The banter between James and Aneurin was witty, funny, and light, even when the subject matter was not. I found their relationship developed at a wonderful pace that made sense within the story itself (which was also well thought out and entertaining). I don’t know that there’s a single thing I would have changed about the characters in this book.

This is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t wait to tell other people about how wonderful it is.

After a small slog of less than amazing reads in a row, this book was a most welcome surprise. I cannot overstate how much I adored our main character, James, and his 'friend'/'assistant' (iykyk), Aneurin. They really make the entire book work so well. I also enjoyed the setting - an early 1800s moment is always appreciated and the vibe was very much on point - and the focused upon medical and graverobbing aspects were continuously interesting. But it definitely was their relationship that kept me oh so invested, every time they're on page together it is just so hard to stop reading. Their dialogue was amazing, and the way they become even closer throughout the book as they try and avoid the law, other graverobbers, and the attacks of high society is amazing to read.
I would absolutely read another book in this world but I also love the idea of this one as a standalone, as I think the story was wrapped up very well in the end.

A very high 4 stars

The premise immediately hooked me - college students studying surgery in Edinburgh fall into body snatching as a way to provide corpses for surgical studies, and this book delivered. I really enjoyed the trajectory of the story as it felt complete and well thought out. My only criticism is I would have liked the third act to be a bit longer, but overall really enjoyed this story.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, while the writing was wonderful and well done I just couldn't connect well with this story. I had to keep reminding myself this was set in historical times and the way people were in those times just really puts me off. The main character also just seemed way too immature to me and kind of annoyed me.

This would be a great book for someone who enjoys historical fiction and the way medicine was taught and learned back then though. It was also pretty accurate in terms of how people did body snatching back in the day so I appreciated that even if it put me off a bit.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first I was unsure of where the author was headed and if it would enjoyable at all, but as I began to fall in love with the crazy cast or characters I could barely put the book down.
The fact that the author brought in elements of true crime (Burke and Hare, their victims) made it even more delightful. James and Nye had such a fun interplay that I kept rooting for them all the way until the end.
You’ll love this if you enjoy science, historical fiction, and true crime.
I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.