Bodysnatcher

Bodysnatcher centres on the untold story of Helen McDougal, the partner of serial killer William Burke, in a visceral portrayal of love, sacrifice, and human depravity. Written by an author who won the 2019 Allan Lloyd Smith Prize for best edited collection devoted to Gothic Criticism and was shortlisted for both the J.I Segal Award and the Allan Lloyd Smith Memorial Prize, the novel is a product of rigorous archival research with 19th century features from The Scotsman. The narrative subverts the familiar premise of period crime and the working man's struggle by highlighting the experience of working-class women. It also demonstrates the complicated relations between the Irish and Scottish during the period. Thematically, Bodysnatcher explores abusive relationships, religion, and class.