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  • Published: 5 August 2025
  • ISBN: 9781984816726
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $22.99

The Corpse Queen






In this twisty feminist historical thriller set in the 1850s, a teenage grave robber quickly becomes entangled in a murderer's plans. Now in paperback!

“Deliciously macabre and utterly decadent.” —Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper


In this twisty feminist historical thriller set in the 1850s, a teenage grave robber quickly becomes entangled in a murderer's plans. Now in paperback!

“Deliciously macabre and utterly decadent.” —Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper

Soon after her best friend Kitty mysteriously dies near their orphanage, seventeen-year- old Molly Green is sent away to live with her estranged aunt. Only, when Molly arrives, she discovers her aunt is holding more than one secret. She's built her incredible wealth by robbing graves and selling the corpses to medical students who need the bodies to practice surgical procedures. Now, Aunt Ava wants Molly to help her procure the corpses. As Molly learns her aunt's trade in the dead of night and explores the mansion by day, she is both horrified and deeply intrigued by the anatomy lessons held at the old church on the property. Enigmatic Doctor LaValle's lessons are a heady mixture of knowledge and power and Molly has never wanted anything more than to join his male-only group of students. But the cost of inclusion is steep and with a murderer loose in Philadelphia, the pursuit of power and opportunity soon becomes a deadly dance.

  • Published: 5 August 2025
  • ISBN: 9781984816726
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $22.99

Praise for The Corpse Queen

Praise for The Corpse Queen:
A 2023 Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee
A 2022 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
A JLG Gold Standard Selection

* Stylishly smart and macabre, the story . . . sparkle[s] with class-defying friendships and warmth. Part mystery, part thriller, and part family discovery, this is a delicious horror story from which the reader can’t look away.” —Booklist, starred review

If Poe’s daughter told a story, this might be it.” —Kirkus Reviews

Dripping with Gothic decadence and dark romantic allure, this novel hits all the right notes.” —Hypable

“This historical thriller is dark, twisty, and perfect for a spooky fall read.” —Buzzfeed

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