Book Review: Monster by Brynn Chapman

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the MONSTER by Brynn Chapman Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: MONSTER: A Tale of Murder, Madness and Plastic Surgery (MONSTER Plastic Surgery Mystery Series 1)

Author: Brynn Chapman

Pub. Date: April 14, 2023

Publisher: Twenty Seven Dresses

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 270

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/MONSTERCHAPMAN

MONSTER. The word evokes images of fairy tales and horror. But once, in 1850 Philadelphia, it was actually the term commonly used in physician’s case notes for the victims of fire.

Conflagrations were common in this period—clothing, especially women’s lace, was highly flammable. Once the flesh was destroyed, there was no cure. These unfortunate souls lived out their lives as MONSTERS, secluded away by family. Once burned flesh gives way to contractures, disfigurements to rival even Bram Stoker’s imagination were born. And the hearts of the people inside the shell perished.

Lorelei is one such MONSTER. Born to a wealthy family, disfigured by fire, she fake’s her own death, leaving the world she knows behind—because in her mind…freedom, even if it is a workhouse, is preferable than the life of a shut-in, a burden on her family’s name.

1850’s Philadelphia is an epi-center of medicine. Rival medical schools search in desperation for bodies—cadavers to teach the art and science of anatomy to their medical students. Corpses become so rare, a new profession evolves. Resurrection Men, or body snatchers, dig up the graves of the newly decreased for high pay.

Rory Henry is one of the Resurrection Men. A Scots-Irish Immigrant, he has fought his way off the streets, and into medical school by whatever means necessary. He is not above digging up corpses—he cuts them by day, and searches them out by night.

These two lives intersect in an explosion of personality-Rory is designated as Lorelei’s surgeon. Entrusted with performing the new operation called, The Mutter Flap. Once he sees her face, will the unrequited love die, or ignite?

People are disappearing. Someone has discovered that murder is far more lucrative than grave robbing. And many of the bodies are from Lorelei’s workhouse. Will she be next?

PRAISE FOR BRYNN CHAPMANS BOOKS:

Dark twists and turns abound in this fast-paced and riveting gothic thriller. I consumed it in one sitting!”—Lea Nolan, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Exquisitely written! Requiem Red is a haunting tale of monsters, music, insanity, and the power of love where one least expects to find it.Brava, Ms. Chapman! This book will remain forever in my heart!” — Darynda Jones NYTimes/USAToday Bestselling Author The Charley Davidson Series

“A rollicking ride of a story, with a tender heart — A Circle of Crows is a thrilling adventure where the impossible comes to happen; where past meets present; and where a reader can’t help but realize that some bonds can’t be broken by time or distance.”– Jodi Picoult, author of The Tenth Circle, Vanishing Acts, and My Sister’s Keeper.

“Creative, meticulously researched, and terrific fun!”– Grace Burrowes NY Times Best Selling Author

“The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored.” –Best Books Ever Blog

“The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!”– Christy’s Cozy Corners Blog 

 

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Why Should You Read This?

“Monster” by Brynn Chapman is an intriguing and unique historical fiction novel that delves into the lives of those deemed “monsters” in 1850 Philadelphia. The story follows Lorelei, a wealthy young woman who is disfigured by fire and forced to live as a shut-in, hidden away from society. She eventually decides to fake her own death and escape to a workhouse, hoping to find freedom from her burdensome existence.

The author does an excellent job of bringing the historical setting to life, capturing the atmosphere and culture of 1850s Philadelphia. The medical practices of the time, including the use of cadavers for teaching and the emergence of body snatchers, are fascinatingly portrayed. The descriptions of the fire victims, or “monsters,” are vivid and haunting, providing a poignant commentary on the treatment of those who were deemed different or undesirable.

The characters in “Monster” are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and desires. Lorelei is a sympathetic protagonist, and her struggle for independence and self-acceptance is compelling. Rory Henry, the resurrection man who becomes Lorelei’s surgeon, is a complex and intriguing character, with a dark past and hidden desires.

The plot of “Monster” is engaging and suspenseful, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The mystery of the disappearing bodies adds an element of danger and intrigue to the story, and the budding romance between Lorelei and Rory is a sweet and satisfying addition.

Overall, “Monster” is a beautifully written and engaging historical fiction novel that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the treatment of those who are deemed different. Brynn Chapman’s masterful storytelling and attention to historical detail make this a must-read for fans of the genre.

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About Brynn Chapman:

Brynn Chapman has dissected cadavers, toured asylums and has a love of all things wierd. A celtic folklore enthusiast (she blames her ancestry), her titles combine history, frights and complicated love stories. Shes won RWA awards, and made it to the top of her Amazon- category-lists. Shes ‘Small-town-scary,” and she fervently hopes her novels force you to leave the light on.

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.

Ends April 30th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway