Grisly, macabre and quite disturbing, Exquisite Corpse was a memorable and deeply strange tale of obsession.

Lina is beautiful. People are captivated by her. But Lina is dying.

Enter Dr Dance. Generous and seemingly offering a sliver of hope for this young woman.

But is Dr Dance a genius? Or a monster? Or, as some would say - the ultimate romantic.

I'm actually a little lost for words. I somehow didn't like this book, yet I also couldn't stop reading this book. I think sometimes a book should confuse and challenge the reader, and this definitely did for me.

Interesting. Weird. Compelling.

"Exquisite Corpse" by Marija Peričić is a haunting novel set in 1930s Stockholm, delving into the eerie narrative inspired by the true events surrounding Carl Tanzler. The story follows the grim tale of Lina Dahlstrom, a woman dying of tuberculosis, and Dr. Dance, whose unsettling obsession with her evolves into a dark romance that defies boundaries.

Peričić's novel is praised for its disturbing and visceral quality, rooted in the macabre reality of Tanzler's case. It explores the unsettling aspects of romantic obsession, portraying the grotesque lengths to which it can drive a person. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Lina's sister, Greta, drawing readers into the story's morbidity. As the plot develops, Dance's skewed perception of reality, entitlement, and delusion lead to escalating danger.

The novel's structure is carefully crafted to intensify the reader's experience progressively. Peričić employs three distinct perspectives, including Dance's wife, to unravel the complex layers of the story. The Gothic undertones contribute to a pervasive sense of dread within the historic setting. Issues of power imbalance, consent, and autonomy are explored through the chilling lens of body horror. Peričić's precise prose evokes a visceral response, confronting readers with the stark realities of death and the physicality of existence. "Exquisite Corpse" is a masterfully written and deeply unsettling exploration of the human psyche and the macabre aspects of obsession.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

It’s not often that I’m stumped what to think about a book. But this one has me stumped.

It is the story is set in the 1930ies and is about Lena who has TB. It is told from her sister Greta’s view point as well as Lena herself, Dr Dance, the doctor that is treating her and the Doctor’s wife, which makes it very interesting.

There are bits that the Dr Dance describes that are horrid and is not for the squeamish. He describes some procedures and actions in details that were unpleasant for me to read.

This book was so good! It was intriguing and really drawed me in. I'll be reading more of this authors work.

Exquisite Corpse by Marija Pericic is a well written novel and quite surprisingly based on true events! I usually do a bit of research into things so I know the background but just didn’t get round to it on this occasion and the surprise was really nice! The story is told through first person accounts of the four protagonists, and I have always love this kind of POV. Definitely not for the faint hearted but would highly recommend!

This is a weird book! I was shocked for at least 80% of it, I was grossed out most of the time but somehow I couldn't stop reading, and I finished the book in a couple of sittings.

In the end I really liked it! Especially when I 'discovered' it is based on a true story! I should probably have done my research and read the blurb before starting, but hey, I liked the shock! If you didn't yet, go read about Dr Georg Carl Tänzler and his obsession with Elena "Helen" Milagro... but I would suggest you do so after you read the book, so nothing is spoilt for you.

Definitely a book I recommend to people liking gruesome reads.

Thank you Netgalley and Ultimo Press for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I was sent an uncorrected advance proof of Exquisite Corpse by Marija Pericic to read and review by NetGalley. This is a well written novel set in Stockholm in 1930 - and apparently based on true events, which I didn’t know until I had finished the book! This fact made it even more extraordinary. The story is told through first person accounts of the four protagonists, which works really well. There are some very explicit episodes in various sections, which make everything even more real. I feel that the last quarter of the book is the weakest but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment overall. A quite engrossing book, not for the faint hearted.

"Exquisite Corpse" by Marija Peričić is a novel that delves into the profound and eerie narrative set in the 1930s Stockholm, echoing the true events surrounding the infamous Carl Tanzler. The novel unfolds the grim tale of Lina Dahlstrom, a woman dying of tuberculosis, and Dr. Dance, whose unnerving obsession with her transcends her death, morphing into a dark romance devoid of boundaries.

Peričić's novel is lauded for its disturbing and visceral quality, intensified by the fact that its inspiration is drawn from the macabre reality of Tanzler's case. The novel is an exploration of the unsettling aspects of romantic obsession and the grotesque lengths to which it can drive a person. Readers encounter Dr. Dance through the eyes of Lina's sister, Greta, offering an external viewpoint that slowly draws them into the core of the story's morbidity. As the narrative progresses, we are immersed in Dance's skewed perception of reality, witnessing his entitlement and delusion as they spiral into danger​​​​.

The structure of the novel is meticulously crafted to reveal its horrors in a manner that progressively intensifies the reader's experience. Peričić employs three distinct perspectives, including that of Dance's wife, to unravel the complex layers of the story. The narrative's Gothic undertones contribute to a pervasive sense of dread that augments the novel's historic setting. Issues of power imbalance, consent, and autonomy are examined through the chilling prism of body horror. Peričić's prose is noted for its precision, capable of eliciting a physical response from the reader as it confronts the stark realities of death and the physicality of existence​​.

Critics highlight the novel's bold confrontation of romantic narratives that often obscure the toxicities of coercive control and obsession. Peričić's retelling is a reflection on the romanticization of grand gestures and how they can conceal the darker side of love. The book is recognized for its relevance in a post #MeToo world, resonating deeply with contemporary discussions on consent and the problematic nature of certain romantic tropes. The narrative is described as a "clever exercise in revealing the rot inherent in toxic romance narratives," showcasing Peričić's capacity to dissect and critique the sinister facets of love​​​​.

"Exquisite Corpse" is praised for its ingenuity and is considered Australian gothic at its macabre best. It is a testament to Peričić's skill in crafting a narrative that is as engrossing as it is harrowing, leaving readers to grapple with the unsettling realization that the most intense horrors are often those cloaked in the guise of love and devotion. The novel stands as a bold statement on the dangers of unchecked obsession and the perils of a love that seeks to possess utterly and without conscience​​​​.

Marija Peričić's "Exquisite Corpse" is a profoundly disturbing and compelling narrative that challenges readers to confront the grim realities of obsessive love and the lengths to which it can drive a person. Through its Gothic atmosphere, multi-perspective storytelling, and incisive commentary on the nature of control and consent, the novel offers an unforgettable journey into the darkness of the human psyche. It is an essential read for those interested in literary horror and the examination of human behavior's more perverse anomalies.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest reiew,

What a strange read, definitely different and disturbing. Stick with it, its a good read.

With a title like Exquisite Corpse, of course I’m going to be intrigued. That then lead to me reading the blurb and I knew this book was a must!

The best way I can describe Exquisite Corpse is deliciously disturbing and I loved every single page.
We get to experience this macabre tale in 4 parts. Each part is told through the eyes of a different character and, as the story develops, the darker it becomes.
I love when we move from Greta’s pov to Dr Dance’s because it’s at that point you truly see how deluded & insane he has become.

What’s truly perturbing are the women who romanticise Dr Dance’s action. It conjured up images of the women at Ted Bundy’s trial, all professing their love for him. I guess it shows how twisted & complex people can be.

EC is brilliantly written with powerful & grisly imagery throughout.

* E.g ~ Her once beautiful silk dress had become a layer of gelatinous slime that clung to her putrefying flesh.

This is based on a true story, (I believe of a man called Carl Tanzler), and has intrigued me enough that I’ll be researching what happened to him & his dead muse!

This tale shows that a pretty face has the power to possess a man so much that he believes not even death can part them.

Thank you, NetGalley & Ultimo Press, for the arc of this unsettling tale that has me hooked.
I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my collection.

When Lina, the beautiful daughter of an impoverished family, develops tuberculosis in 1930s Stockholm, the eccentric and pushy American Doctor Carl Dance presents himself as her only salvation – even long after she has passed away.

A vividly rendered, horrifyingly detailed and ultimately compassionate novel about one man’s deluded obsession and the ripple effects it has on the community.

Based on a true story (if you have the stomach to look it up) but told aslant, with the context changed – it rings no less true and is a service to the lost voice of the victim.

Exquisite Corpse is an intriguing tale of dark obsession and I found it even more fascinating because it is based on real events. It’s not an easy read because of the subject matter but I did enjoy it. 5 stars!

Dark, disturbing and based on a true story which I found added to the horror! I loved the different pov’s and found the story fascinating, albeit really horrifying!

Set in 1930s Sweden, and based on real life events, this is shocking gothic horror story about one man’s obsession with a beautiful woman.
Carl Dance is an American scientist/self-styled doctor, who is working on radiation-based ways of curing TB. When he meets Lena Dahlstrom, who is beautiful and consumptive, he becomes completely fixated on curing her. When she dies, this fixation continues after her death, leading to some of the most horrible acts being perpetrated on her.
The book is fascinating, being told from the perspective of multiple participants in this dreadful tale, including the corpse itself. It is definitely not for the faint hearted, but it is compelling. Dance becomes a kind of romantic hero, who tries to revise a corpse in the name of love. His wife gets the last section of the book to narrate. It’s easy to see the societal expectations placed upon her, unable to divorce, and the turmoil her husband’s actions create.
A book which I’ll doubtless continue to think about for some time. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.

This was a very weird book, and I'm not sure if being based on a true story makes it better or worse. I wasn't coonvinced of Dr Dance's love at the beginning so was quite surprised by the ensuing obsession. Also for me the story from Lina's point of view just added to the weirdness and not in a good way.
Thank you to netgalley and ultimo press for an advance copy of this book

I was shocked to learn this is based upon a true story. The book is very dark and at one point I felt quite nauseous reading it. For me I wasn’t too happy with how the story panned out which is difficult seeing as the author was trying to stick to the original story as much as possible. I found parts to be unrealistic and there were a lot of loose ends. The book was enjoyable, just darker than I imagined.

Lina is dying of TB when an eccentric Dr Carl Dance decides to help save her, unfortunately Lina died but Carl is determined to bring her back to life.
Lina is over 30yr than Carl and both married but he is madly in love with her and will do anything to bring her back to life.
A true story which I thought was very well written, it is very gross in places and you can`t believe what Carl did to Lina in the years he had her hidden away.
A different kind of book to what I normally read but if you are into true stories this one is definitely for you.

Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review
Posted on Goodreads

Set in Stockholm in 1930 and based on true events, Exquisite Corpse is a story about the madness and horror of a romance that knows no bounds.”

When I saw the blurb for this book I was intrigued as it’s both historical fiction and mentions corpses. It’s also based on true events so I automatically wanted to read it.

Lina Dahlstrom is beautiful but poor and when tests show that she has tuberculosis it seems that all hope is lost. Her husband and family cannot afford the fees to get Lina the healthcare that she needs. Then along comes Dr Dance who claims he can cure Lina and that he will do it for free. Linas sister Greta is all for it at first but then becomes wary of Dr Dance. Linas husband Petter outright refuses and states that the free hospital will help his wife. As Lina becomes more unwell Petter disappears. Lina agrees to the treatment that Dr Dance is offering but becomes more unwell and when news comes regarding Petters disappearance Lina finally succumbs to the illness. Dr Dance does not take this well and he becomes more obsessed than ever…..

I was not disappointed. This book was just so good. Dr Dance is just creepy from the off and the fact that he was so obsessed with Lina both in life and death was weird but also strangely intriguing as the book went on.

This book is so well written and tells the story from the POV of Greta, Dr Dance, Lina and Doris Dance (Dr Dances wife) and as the title states is exquisite but also a little bit sickening especially as this is based on true events. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone as it is so fascinating and well written.

The title of this book had me intrigued to request it as an advanced copy, however it just didn't live up to expectations and I found it tough going to complete! I didn't enjoy this book at all.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review. This is an unusual narrative which has aspects of both Romance and Horror. Told through the voicees of the Main characters we are introduced to the final climax from different perspectives. I cannot say that I loved the way the narrative unfolded but it was not without merit. I will certainly remember it.

It is a tale of obsession rather than love. It has real highlights but I was disappointed with the ending which seemed very anti climatic

I am minded to look for other works by the same author

It falls somewhere between a 3 and 4 star review