I adored this book, devoured it, couldn’t put it down in the second half. It’s heartbreaking and surprising, paying tribute to the original inspiration while crafting a standalone story, doesn’t shy away from gore, while never wholeheartedly relying on it.
The Victorian setting is fully realized and immersive, a character in and of itself, as cliche as it might sound. Demchuk and Clark’s character work combines with terrific pacing and a mesmerizing epistolary style to create an unforgettable story.

Entertaining but ultimately pales in comparison to the horror and humor of musical - a pie underbaked. Margaret's fall to Mrs. Lovett isn't believable and her portrayal of herself makes her into a victim of circumstances, not a heroine of her own making, which is disappointing. The last few lines of the book don't match up with her own portrayal of herself - which I get, Margaret is trying to portray herself sympathetically throughout her letters - but I wish we got more of the joyfully murderous woman. I wish I could understand what the authors were aiming to do with their depiction of her fall, it's half-baked and doesn't make a lot of sense. Ultimately a fun bit of fanfiction, which doesn't follow canon, that had me re-listening to the musical performances.

Title/Author: The Butcher's Daughter by David Demchuk & Corinne Leigh Clark

Page Count: 432

Publisher: Hell's Hundred

Format: I read a physical ARC

Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: David Demchuk- The Bone Mother and Red X

Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978164129...

Release Date: May 6th, 2025

General Genre: Historical, Crime Thriller, Horror, LBGTQIA+, Gothic fiction

Sub-Genre/Themes: 1800s, Victorian Era, Accomplices, Barbers, Brothels, Butchers, Cannibalism, Doctors, Medical horror, Missing women, Murder, Personal letters, Psychic trauma, Sapphic romance, Secret societies, Stillbirth & Crisis Pregnancy, Women journalists, Women serial murderers

Writing Style: Epistolary novels, Collaboration, Intricately plotted, Atmospheric, Intensifying

What You Need to Know: "In 1887 London, journalist Emily Gibson investigates the chilling past of a woman claiming to be Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd's infamous accomplice, through a series of letters revealing a harrowing life in Victorian London, drawing her into a dangerous mystery." --NoveList Plus

My Reading Experience:

I just finished The Butcher’s Daughter by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark, and I’m still sitting with it—mostly because I can't believe what they managed to do here! It's such a thrilling read. The rich, grim Victorian setting completely pulls you in without feeling staged. You’re just there with these sights and smells, narrow alleys, cluttered medical rooms, and untrustworthy people lurking in dark corners.

The characters are some of the most authentic I’ve read in a while. Even when they’re doing awful things, like really bad things and making horrible decisions, you still want to know more about them. The format with the back-and-forth letters, different POVs, newspaper clippings and posters, really keeps things moving. For a book that’s over 400 pages, it doesn’t feel long. The pace is strong, and the twists actually surprise you, which is rare. There are a lot of them. I didn't see them coming at all, and they land hard (no surprise though, I'm an easy sell) Ha! If you’re into historical horror, you’ll probably eat this up. (Pun not intended. But also—maybe.) Fans of Sweeney Todd will be DELIGHTED by all the connective tissue. Not for the squeamish! There is butchery, blood, meat, body horror, and detailed descriptions of nastiness.

This is character-driven horror! What really stood out to me was the representation—queer and disabled characters are central to the story and fully developed. It feels honest and intentional in a way that’s really refreshing but completely expected as a David Demchuk fan (author of Red X and The Bone Mother) Everyone on the page is alive and fully fleshed out. Some you fall in love with and some you love to hate.

Final Recommendation: If you are an avid horror fan and familiar with Sweeney Todd, this is ESPECIALLY for you. That said, a strong content warning: this book includes graphic violence, cannibalism, pregnancy-related horror, and cruelty. It’s intense, it’s brilliant, and it’s on my list for the best books of 2025 for sure.

Comps: Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito, The Savage Instinct by M. M. DeLuca, In the Garden of Spite by Camilla Bruce

This book was a fantastic read! Enjoyed the gothic vibes, and I haven't even seen Sweeney Todd, just a good story.

I won’t publish this feedback on Goodreads or anywhere else as I don’t think that’s fair

Personally I really struggled with the writing style, it was extremely hard for me to follow but I do have some reading difficulties so that could be why.

Honestly I wanted to love this book but I just didn’t unfortunately I have no doubt for the right reader this would be a high rated book

Have you ever wondered while watching Sweeney Todd why Mrs Lovett is the way she is and who she was before, I have! I love a backstory and this one was great (terrible for her) but great. It is an epistolary novel told in one sided correspondence and journal entries. This was graphic and gory so if you’re squeamish about blood maybe don’t read it. We hear about her childhood, what happens after she’s basically abandoned and her fight for survival and then of course we hear about her life after she moves to Fleet Street and beyond. If you’re a fan of the musical I would give this one a read.

The Butcher's Daughter Review!

Thank you so much Soho Press and Netgalley for this gifted e-read, in exchange for an honest review! The Butcher's Daughter is out May 06 2025. I was so dang excited to get this ARC. Sweeny Todd has got to be my favorite musical of all time and I was really looking forward to diving into Mrs. Lovett's life. The Butcher's Daughter was a 2.5/5 stars for me! I am usually all for mixed media in my books. It makes the book interesting and go by so very fast. I am not sure if it was just the way it was written, but the mixed media was very confusing and I didn't know who was sending it and which character it was going to? It made of a confusing read for about half of it. This one was also very slow. Mrs. Lovett didn't actually meet Todd until about 70% way through the book. So the last 1/3 of it flew by for me. Overall, I just don't think this book was what i was expecting.

Let me start off by saying: This was my first epistolary novel, and I honestly don’t think this particular writing style is for me. As a fan of the musical Sweeney Todd, I was intrigued by the premise of a book that delved deeper into the backstory of Mrs. Lovett. I think that the authors did a fantastic job at creating a grim, dark, and atmospheric tone that fit the setting. But, the story just seemed to drag and was a bit all over the place for me. I think the combination of letter correspondence and articles was interesting, but it also took me out of the story as a whole. It felt difficult for me to connect with both Miss Gibson and Margaret, and I feel as if that had something to do with the writing style. But, overall, it was a fun and gory read (even though it took me quite a while to actually finish reading it).

This was a dark, fascinating read rich with atmosphere and complicated characters. I really appreciated how this expanded on the basis of Sweeney Todd and added a lot of new depth to Ms Lovett. The partial epistolary style took a moment to get into but once I did the story picked up pace snd kept me reading.

The first 2 acts of The Butcher's Daughter are intriguing, traumatizing, and compelling! The third act, while introduced with a different tone due to a good premise, stumbles, and the ending faceplants. To be clear, I enjoyed MOST of this book, it was MEATY and horrifying and gave Lovett depth and distrust and motivation-but the ending felt absolutely antithetical to the story. It was almost as if Ms.Lovett herself missed the point of her own story. Even the sapphic subplot felt beside the point-and this is coming from someone who loves nothing more than combining sapphic stories with cannibalism storylines and stuff.
If you like body horror, cannibalism, victorian intrigue, and unreliable narrators, you'll enjoy this read, The ending feels a bit anachronistic, but I still enjoyed the process, and the imagery was, indeed, MEATY.

Thank you Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for a review

The Butchers Daughter by Corinne Leigh Clark & David Demchuk
Pub Date: 06 May 2025
🔪🔪🔪🔪/5


"The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness" - Hebrews 9:22

Following an investigation into a missing young journalist, Miss Emily Gibson, a dossier of correspondence between her and a Miss Margaret Evans is collected and ordered chronologically. As it comes to light, Miss Emily is searching for information on the infamous Mrs Lovett and her whereabouts. Throughout their correspondence, the life of young Margaret is unveiled, her life growing up on Butchers Row, becoming a house maid for a doctor and her brutal escape from him, and her finding her way to the warm embrace of the Symposia Heliconia.
With each correspondence between the two, and more truth is revealed, Miss Gibson feels more drawn to the mystery that is Miss Margaret and the story she has to tell, inching closer to the truth with each letter even if that will put her neck on the line.

This absolute gem of a novel brought the story of Mrs. Lovett to life, her childhood to adulthood,her struggles, and her determination to survive in a cruel world no matter the outcome. Not to mention that she isn't love struck by Mr. Todd, but instead, she keeps her independence and autonomy.

The way this story is told really brings the characters to life, the rich details, and atmospheric descriptions. You will feel like you're right there on Fleet Street.

Thanks to @netgalley and @soho_press for the opportunity to be able to read this gem of a novel.

I highly recommend getting your little paws on this bloody book, with a fluffy blanket and a comfortable chair( you won't be leaving soon)

I'm definitely a fan of stories with dark women. This falls heavily into that category! The letters were an interesting way to keep me engaged and guessing. Usually I'm not a fan of stories in this Era but this book swayed me into reconsidering.

As a Sweeney Todd fan I loved this. It gave Ms. Lovett a whole new depth to the character as it gave much of her backstory of which you don't get from the play or movie. I loved this so much and can't wUt to purchase it when it comes out.

"The Butcher's Daughter" delivers a deliciously dark and compelling reimagining of the infamous Mrs. Lovett, transforming her from a caricature of evil into a complex and chillingly human character. Set against the gritty backdrop of Victorian London, this novel weaves a captivating mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

The unique narrative structure, presented as a dossier of collected evidence, immediately draws the reader into the intrigue. Miss Emily Gibson, the determined journalist, serves as our guide through this labyrinth of secrets, her correspondence with the enigmatic woman offering tantalizing glimpses into a horrifying past.

The author masterfully recreates the atmosphere of 1887 London, painting a vivid picture of its squalor, danger, and hidden darkness. The woman's recounted experiences are harrowing and visceral, transporting readers to the perilous streets and the unsettling confines of the pie shop. The narrative cleverly plays with the established legend of Sweeney Todd, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar tale while simultaneously building a new and equally disturbing narrative.

The psychological depth of the characters is a major strength of the novel. The woman's voice is captivating, oscillating between vulnerability and chilling detachment. Her motivations are shrouded in ambiguity, leaving readers to question her reliability and the true extent of her involvement in the gruesome events. Emily Gibson, in her relentless pursuit of the truth, is a compelling protagonist, her determination bordering on obsession.

The novel deftly balances historical accuracy with fictional embellishment, creating a world that feels both authentic and unsettling. The author's attention to detail, particularly in depicting the social conditions and criminal underworld of Victorian London, adds a layer of realism to the already gripping narrative.

"The Butcher's Daughter" is a masterfully crafted literary thriller that will appeal to fans of Sarah Waters and Gregory Maguire. It's a dark and atmospheric tale that explores the depths of human depravity, the allure of secrets, and the enduring power of myth. If you're looking for a chilling and thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about Mrs. Lovett, this book is a must-read.

I. Am. OBSESSED with this book now. It was gruesome and gross and scary and sad and just INCREDIBLE. Even though a lot of details regarding Todd's life was changed from the musical/movie, Mrs Lovett's backstory seemed to fit in perfectly with the main story line. Although I am curious as to how much of her life was the truth, especially after reading that final letter she sent (which, side note, I'm hoping I'm correct in assuming who her son is 'cause that just makes the story even better). I feel like if I keep rambling I'll spoil the story so I'll just end it in saying that this book was AMAZING and I think everyone who's a fan of Sweeney Todd or just a good mystery/horror novel should read it.

In The Butcher's Daughter, authors David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark reimagine the infamous tale of Sweeney Todd from the perspective of his enigmatic accomplice, Mrs. Lovett. Set in 1887 London, the narrative unfolds through a series of correspondences between journalist Emily Gibson and a woman she believes to be Mrs. Lovett, the notorious baker who allegedly transformed Todd's victims into savory pies. This epistolary approach offers a fresh and intimate glimpse into the psyche of a woman vilified in both literature and lore.

Demchuk and Clark's portrayal of Mrs. Lovett challenges traditional depictions, presenting her as a complex character shaped by her circumstances. The atmospheric setting of Victorian London, with its fog-laden streets and shadowy alleyways, serves as a fitting backdrop for this dark narrative. The authors' meticulous attention to historical detail immerses readers in the era, enhancing the authenticity of the story.

The Butcher's Daughter is a thought-provoking exploration of agency, identity, and societal judgment. By giving voice to a historically maligned character, Demchuk and Clark invite readers to reconsider preconceived notions and delve deeper into the untold stories lurking beneath well-known legends. This novel is a must-read for fans of gothic literature and those seeking a fresh perspective on a classic tale.

This book is presented through a series of letters and articles in a multi-media format, which I found quite enjoyable. While it is a slow burn, the payoff is well worth it! The characters are rich and deeply developed, from the main character to even some of the minor ones. This hauntingly morose and beautiful read showcases the exceptional work of the author. I highly recommend it to fans of gothic, historical, and melancholic horror.
Thank you to NetGalley and Soho Press for this ARC!

I am currently gathering my brains from around the room because my mind is blown...that was amazing. I may try to come back and write a more cohesive review but for now, it's gonna be more a bullet point type of deal:

- this doesn't shy away from the gore and butchering bits but, I mean, I think that's to be expected considering the story's inspiration.

- the epistolary format is brilliant and made moreso with the multimedia additions.

- although this goes for all the characters, but Mrs. Lovett (Margery, Margaret, Peggy, etc.) has such stunning depth--she's a marvel. It was so satisfying to get a story from the viewpoint of Mrs. Lovett; not only that but to write of and inspire such compassion for a well-known villainess...I was 100% rooting for her, human meat pies or not.

- my eyes sparkled, big ol saucers reading all the descriptions of late 19th century Victorian London/Whitechapel--it's my catnip!

I've not felt the voracious despite to completely devour a book like this in awhile. It was one of those books that made me feel like life was getting in the way of reading this lol

The Butcher’s Daughter by Corrine Leigh Clark and David Demchuk is a thrilling gothic horror, based in the world of Sweeny Todd, but focuses on Mrs. Lovett, Todd’s accomplice and Fleet Street Baker.

This story is told through correspondence from investigative journalist, Miss Emily Gibson, and a woman named Margaret, who is currently being held in a nunnery against her will. Miss Gibson is looking for Mrs. Lovett and corresponding with Margaret brings her close to learning what happened all those years ago with Mrs. Lovett backed men into her pies. Margaret tells Miss Gibson about her childhood and the horrible experiences she’s encountered since her father died, including the search for her son. Margaret’s life story is that of nightmares and intrigue, which entices Miss Gibson to learn more but it could cost her, her life.

The story was interesting. I enjoyed reading Margaret’s background story and seeing her try to justify actions or how she came to be. This is a dark story with butchery and gore. They give her romance life a shift, which helps tie the story together in the end. The ending was fantastic, and one that I should have seen coming but clearly didn’t pay close attention at the beginning of the book. I would recommend this book to fans of Sweeny Todd, horror and gothic historical fiction. I am giving this book 3 stars because it was a good book and would recommend it to others but it’s not one that I personally would purchase.

I loved this! In that reading-slower-so-it-doesn’t-end way. Loved the letter format, it felt like I was going through a bunch of documents, figuring out what happened. It was super atmospheric, sometimes tragic, and so darkly fascinating. This is 100% epistolary with the memoir parts reading like a novel.

Energy: Mysterious. Sinister. Visceral.

🐕 Howls: That final reveal may disappoint <spoiler>I grew attached to the main character so I didn’t wanna find out what I did. But upon reflection, it was perfect. Like, what was I thinking? She’s gonna process people into pie-filling and just move on?</spoiler>

🐩 Tail Wags: The historical fiction and macabre mystery combo. Immersive, cinematic experience. The slice-of-life autobiographical layers. The curious tidbits and period-accurate references (I learned so much looking things up…anatomical venus 🫢). Atmospheric transitions from cozy to darkly grotesque. The narrator’s unsettling evolution. Mix of horror, intrigue, and hint of grim humour.

Scene: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 London, England
Perspective: Reading documents sent to a journalist, including: letters from a member of the local Priory who is writing their biography/memoir, letters in response to the journalist following up on leads, fact-checking, and requesting information.
Timeline: April to July. 1887. 1820s. Then & Now.
🔥 Fuel: What happened in Evans’ life? Who is standing outside the gates of the Priory? Who is trying to stop Evans from sharing her story and why? Is the journalist at risk for investigating further? Can someone commit atrocious acts and go on to lead a moral, normal life?
📖 Cred: Historical fiction speculative

Mood Reading Match-Up:
Peppery gravy and onions. Paris green paper. Meat pies. Pearls. Columns of black smoke. Beef tea. Oil of camphor.
• Sifting through autobiographical letters, news articles, book excerpts, and journalist communications.
• Epistolary character study
• Mix of morally ambiguous, morally grey, and villainous characters
• 1800s medical house of horrors
• Victorian slice of life
• Hints of good-for-her justice
• ‘Meat is meat’ food horror
• Grotesque tales of flesh, blood, and bone
• Gothic, atmospheric slow burn
• Books to read by candlelight
• Desperate measures, desperate times, dark historical fiction
• Sweeny Todd adjacent serial killings
• Perpetrator-or-victim psychological suspense

Content Heads-Up: Abortion (complications). Adoption (forced). Animal death (livestock, meat). Blood. Cannibalism. Child abuse (physical, violence; very brief recall). Class and wealth divisions. Death. Dismemberment. Domestic abuse, violence. Drugging (narcotics). Elder abuse. Gun violence. Infertility (brief mention). Loss of child (at birth). Loss of friend. Loss of parent (as teen). Loss of romantic partner. Matriarchy. Medical (infection, wounds, surgery). Misogyny. Murder, body gore. Patriarchy. Pregnancy (forced). Sexual assault, rape (brief; on page). Sexual content (sex work). Suicide (suspected). Trafficking (bodies, parts).

Rep: British. Cis. Hetero. Gay. Pale, freckled, and dark skin tones. Deaf.

📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from Soho Press and NetGalley

🤩 Potential Fav of 2025