Unearthing the Macabre: The Resurrectionist at Underground Book Emporium

In the dimly lit aisles of Underground Book Emporium, where the scent of aged paper and leather bindings lingers, a chilling tale awaits those brave enough to delve into its pages. The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap, a gothic debut novel set in 19th-century Scotland, has found a fitting home among the Emporium’s curated collection of dark, historical, and fantastical works. This 1000-word exploration delves into the novel’s haunting narrative, its historical roots, and why it’s a must-read for patrons of Underground Book Emporium, a haven for lovers of the obscure and the literary.

A Tale of Body Snatching and Forbidden Love

Set in 1828 Edinburgh, The Resurrectionist follows James Willoughby, a young medical student who trades the polished halls of Oxford for the gritty, cobblestone streets of Scotland’s capital. Driven by ambition to become a surgeon, James enrolls at the city’s university, a beacon of medical enlightenment. Yet, his dreams are thwarted by financial constraints and the university’s limited access to human cadavers—essential for anatomical study. Enter Aneurin “Nye” MacKinnon, a charismatic dissectionist with a knack for anatomy and a dangerous secret: he’s a body snatcher, part of the infamous Resurrectionists who plunder graves to supply medical schools with fresh corpses.

James, desperate to join a private surgical school, strikes a deal with Nye, only to find himself ensnared in a macabre underworld. What begins as a quest for knowledge spirals into a life-or-death struggle as rival gangs of body snatchers clash, and James and Nye’s partnership blossoms into a tender, forbidden queer romance. Dunlap weaves a narrative that’s equal parts historical fiction, true crime, and dark academia, drawing comparisons to The Alienist and Anatomy: A Love Story. The novel’s atmospheric prose and vivid depiction of Edinburgh’s foggy kirkyards make it a perfect fit for Underground Book Emporium’s shelves, where gothic tales thrive.

Historical Context: The Grim Reality of Resurrectionists

The Resurrectionist is steeped in the chilling history of body snatching, a practice that peaked in Britain during the early 19th century. At the time, medical schools faced a shortage of cadavers, as only executed criminals could legally be dissected. This scarcity birthed a black market where Resurrectionists—often called “sack-em-up men”—raided graves for profit. Edinburgh, a hub of medical innovation, was notorious for such activities, especially during the terror wrought by real-life serial killers Burke and Hare, who escalated from grave-robbing to murder to supply bodies.

Dunlap’s novel captures this era’s moral ambiguity, where the pursuit of scientific progress clashed with ethical decay. James’s descent into the Resurrectionists’ ranks mirrors the historical tension between enlightenment ideals and the gruesome means used to achieve them. Underground Book Emporium, known for its deep dives into historical fiction, showcases The Resurrectionist as a meticulously researched work that brings this dark chapter to life. The novel’s blend of fact and fiction, enriched by Dunlap’s cinematic prose, resonates with readers who frequent the Emporium for stories that unearth the past’s shadows.

Why The Resurrectionist Belongs at Underground Book Emporium

Underground Book Emporium prides itself on curating books that defy mainstream tastes, offering readers narratives that are bold, unsettling, and thought-provoking. The Resurrectionist checks every box. Its macabre subject matter—vividly detailed dissections and midnight grave raids—appeals to the Emporium’s clientele, who relish the grotesque and the gothic. Yet, the novel never wallows in dourness; Dunlap infuses it with wit, humor, and a cast of irreverent characters, ensuring it remains engaging and accessible. As BookPage notes, “The novel remains upbeat and fun, never sinking into a dour gothic spirit.”

The queer romance between James and Nye adds a layer of intimacy that elevates the story beyond its grisly premise. Their relationship, described as “a crackle of pure energy” in one poignant scene, unfolds against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s oppressive social norms, making their bond both defiant and deeply human. This blend of romance, mystery, and historical intrigue aligns with Underground Book Emporium’s mission to champion diverse, boundary-pushing narratives.

Moreover, the novel’s pacing and structure make it a page-turner. Dunlap’s ability to balance comic, tender, and macabre moments keeps readers hooked, as noted by Publishers Weekly: “Dunlap melds comic, tender, and macabre moments in her well-plotted tale.” For Emporium patrons who savor thrillers with rich settings and complex characters, The Resurrectionist delivers a narrative that’s as haunting as it is entertaining.

A. Rae Dunlap: A New Voice in Gothic Literature

A. Rae Dunlap, a Northwestern University film graduate and Disney trailer editor, brings a cinematic flair to her debut novel. Her background in visual storytelling shines through in the novel’s lush descriptions of Edinburgh’s twisting alleys and candlelit dissection rooms. Living in a small California mountain town, Dunlap crafts a world that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing readers into James and Nye’s perilous journey. Underground Book Emporium celebrates emerging authors like Dunlap, whose meticulous research and evocative prose mark her as a rising star in gothic historical fiction.

The novel’s critical acclaim underscores its appeal. Library Journal compares it to The Alienist, while Hester Fox praises its “wit as sharp as a scalpel.” Anna Lee Huber lauds its ability to capture “the thrill and elation of discovery during the Enlightenment, as well as the dark and twisted depths that are the byproducts of progress.” These endorsements make The Resurrectionist a standout addition to the Emporium’s collection, where it sits alongside other gothic masterpieces.

A Must-Read for Underground Book Emporium Patrons

For those who wander into Underground Book Emporium seeking stories that linger like a chill in the bones, The Resurrectionist is an essential pick. Its blend of historical grit, gothic atmosphere, and heartfelt romance creates a reading experience that’s both thrilling and profound. Whether you’re drawn to the true-crime echoes of Burke and Hare, the dark academia vibes of 19th-century medical schools, or the tender connection between two unlikely partners, this novel delivers on every front.

At Underground Book Emporium, The Resurrectionist isn’t just a book—it’s an invitation to explore the shadows of human ambition and the light of unexpected love. Grab a copy, settle into one of the Emporium’s creaky leather armchairs, and let A. Rae Dunlap guide you through a world where the dead refuse to stay buried. As B.R. Myers writes, “Readers will be delightfully haunted by the lush prose and atmospheric gloom.” Dive in, and discover why The Resurrectionist is a treasure worth unearthing.