I loved the darkness and gothic elements to this book, it definitely made it more intriguing and the book kept me hooked.

Wow what a tale! I loved everything about this book, the characters & atmosphere are exceptional but the overall story line is just 5 star. I’ve read & enjoyed this authors previous novels but this is my new favourite.

Set in 1839, The Burial Plot is the fantastic new Gothic novel from Elizabeth Macneal, who you may know from The Doll Factory. As you can tell, I am a big fan of The Burial Plot – from plucky lead character Bonnie, to the sprawling mansion, Endellion, a character in its own right, The Burial Plot has got intrigue, drama and even a love story – all wrapped up in a Gothic setting.

Bonnie Fairchild is a very endearing character. We get the story of The Burial Plot from her POV and although not born into extreme poverty, she wants to work her way up in the world and thinks she’s onto a good thing when a very handsome man seems to want to help her. She falls for Crawford, and together they use not exactly honest means to forge a living (theft, lies, deception).

Despite this, Bonnie comes across as a nice girl, one whose circumstances, rather than her personality have driven her to do what she does.

Crawford encourages her to apply for a job as a lady’s maid in Endellion, a huge, isolated house and things escalate from there…

Owned by Mr Aubrey Moncrieff, he lives there with his 16-year old daughter, Cissie and a limited staff due to his money running out. His wife tragically died the previous year and when Bonnie moves in, its to a house still trapped in the past. Bonnie is the breath of fresh air the house needs, she certainly catches Mr Moncrieff’s eye.

Life is going well for Bonnie until it transpires that Crawford has links to Endellion that she knew nothing about. She starts to understand that Crawford hasn’t been telling her the whole truth and he will stop at nothing to get his way.

I loved the nod to the most classic Gothic love story of them all, Rebecca in the pages of The Burial Plot. Endellion does indeed have Manderley vibes, as does the ghost of Mr Moncrieff’s dead wife. Josephine (who drowned, coincidence lovers) is the Rebecca of The Burial Plot – that’s not to say her story is the same, but I enjoyed the reference.

The Burial Plot is highly readable and engaging historical fiction. You’ll be rooting for Bonnie through all her trials and tribulations and hoping her ending is the one she wants. Highly enjoyed this!

I really enjoyed the gothic vibes of this book, the twists and turns, and the overall story was very good. The prose really did transport you to Victorian London and the characters were very true to the era.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for an early eARC of this book.

I really enjoyed the plot but once it became family oriented I lost interest. Especially when the main character who never mentioned anything regarding a child starts saying stuff like how I feel so empty I wish I had a baby growing in me, gross. And then it just went downwards.

My favourite of Elizabeth Macneal's books to date, as this one proved a dark and compelling gothic tale set in Victorian England. The characters are well formed and engaging, particularly Cissie, who could have had a whole spin off book herself, and the world Macneal creates is vivid and authentic. I loved the surprising ending, and will definitely recommend this book.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I have read this author previously, The Doll Factory was marvellous
I absolutely loved this
The cover is just stunning
The book gripping from start to finish

A fabulous read

The Plot: 5/5 The Characters: 4/5 The Setting: 5/5 The Writing: 5/5

Thank you Netgalley & Pan Macmillan for this advanced readers copy 🤗

Out on the 6th of June! 📇

Thoughts:

My first dark gothic novel!! This definitely took me some adjusting to get into the world, it’s also been a while since I read historical fiction (also my first read from this author!)

Set in London, 1839, your main characters begin with Bonnie & Crawford. Throughout the story, you follow them to a new borough of London (or just outside of London) as they evolve plans and strategic decisions in order for them to rise within the ranks of society.
There are so many twists and turns throughout the book that keep you on the edge of your seat! Everything made sense and felt like purposeful and researched writing.

Cissie and Bonnies relationship is just so special, I think the book ended perfectly and exudes the meaning of unconditional love. Such a sweet family unit to finish with.

Tropes:

Mystery
New Families/ New Step Mum
Lies & Deceit
Manipulation
Toxic Relationship
The Unliving

Pros & Cons:

Pros: Wonderful story telling and a GREAT plot 🤩 totally different for me but I became engrossed with this unique story

Cons: Some scenes were quite disturbing for me, but I had the inkling to expect this due to the genre!

This wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't a particularly good one either. It felt really cliched and bit poorly written

The Burial Plot is another triumph for Elizabeth MacNeal.
Set in the Victorian era, the story tells us of Bonnie, a young woman with a fierce survival instinct who has escaped from a loveless, and unpleasant arranged marriage. Now, Bonnie is one third of a small team of swindlers. The trio of Bonnie, Crawford and Rex are living in the East End of London and using a variety of tricks to survive.
One day, their plans go tragically wrong and Bonnie has to go into hiding. Soon, she is settling into life as a ladies maid in the countryside. But before long, Crawford and Rex reappear and Bonnie starts to wonder if she is the victim of a scam. And if so, just what lengths will Crawford go to, in order to win?
This novel is a bewitching tale of love, loss and survival, all set against the social class divisions of Victorian society. There is a sense of growing darkness, as we move towards the climax, and I couldn't putdown The Burial Plot as I raced towards the epic conclusion.

Yet another absorbing, well researched story set in Victorian times. Bonnie is an intelligent, resourceful runaway from a marriage she will not go through with. She is able to escape traps set for her until she meets Crawford, who she falls for and is manipulated by shamefully. The story that follows is fascinating, well-plotted and engaging, although I did guess one plot line!
Such good writing that keeps the reader enthralled.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Elizabeth Macneal/Pan Macmillan for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is no Bonnie and Clyde tale. Elizabeth Macneal’s The Burial Plot is a captivating story that immerses you in the dark and twisty world of 19th century London. With cemeteries overflowing and death a booming business, Bonnie and Crawford's mischievous survival tactics set the stage for a gripping tale of murder and deception.

From the moment you dive into the book, Macneal’s atmospheric writing pulls you into a time where shadows linger around every corner.

The character development in The Burial Plot is commendable, particularly with Bonnie. Her evolution from her humble beginnings to a streetwise trickster to a woman entangled in the Moncrieff family's secrets is engaging.

While some of the secrets were fairly obvious from early on, there were enough surprises and twists to keep me hooked. The plot does follow a somewhat formulaic path at times, but Macneal’s skill in crafting endearing and complex characters makes up for it. The tension between Bonnie and Crawford, along with the eerie setting of the Moncrieff household, creates a cosy yet thrilling read that’s hard to put down.

I managed to finish this book in just two sittings, which speaks to its gripping nature. Though it may not be groundbreaking, The Burial Plot offers an enjoyable escape. Macneal’s ability to weave a tale that balances suspense with character-driven storytelling makes this novel a worthwhile addition to your bookshelf.

If you’re looking for a cosy read with a touch of the eerie and a strong, likeable protagonist, The Burial Plot is a solid choice.

This book engrossed me from the beginning. One of those novels that I was desperate to pick up at every smallest opportunity! I loved following Bonnie’s story and the historical setting was fascinating. However, without giving away any spoilers I have deducted one star as there were a few occasions where I felt I must have missed something as a character would suddenly do something that I wouldn’t have expected and felt there was no real reason for. Indeed i went back re-reading the previous pages to check whether I had missed something. I hadn’t. I also felt that the last few chapters were rushed and would have been more satisfying and believable if they had been padded out further. Nevertheless, I otherwise really enjoyed this and am sure it will be a big success.

Really enjoyed this. Would have been a five star except for the ending feeling a bit rushed. Excellent writing and world building. Really enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this historical thriller. I mean who can possibly resist a book full of perfect gothic vibes? After I had read The Doll Factory I simply needed to get my hands on The Burial Plot as well and I was not disappointed. Two thumbs up!

The Burial Plot by Elizabeth Macneal

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🐱 Favourite Quote

"Anyone, given the right circumstances, the right amount of fear, might empty the world of another person."

🐈 My thoughts:

Look at that cover! I couldn't resist, it's just too perfect.
This is a gothic novel and I loved the eery energy around the narrative, the descriptions and the suspense around the lies and manipulations. It kept me guessing and rooting for the main character - Bonnie is depicted as a flawed heroine that takes charge of her own destiny regardless of fear. The characters are interesting, the plot and twists entertaining.
An overall good read, lovers of eery victorian times will love this one. I am still uncertain regarding the end... I am not 100% sure is a happy one or not 🤭

And the cover... I am definitely buying that beauty to have at home. Out on the 6th of June!

I've never read anything by Elizabeth Macneal before and I loved this book. The middle was a little slow for my liking but the 1st and 3rd thirds were spot on, and I had to keep reading. The protagonist is very easy to like and I was really rooting for her through the whole book and I loved the gothic historic fiction. The house and grounds were very enticing too.

I will definitely be looking for more books by this author

A stunningly well researched and expertly crafted Gothic thriller from Elizabeth Macneal. Intelligently written and meticulously plotted, her story arc excites the imagination whilst remaining firmly rooted in the period.
The central figure of Bonnie, both victim and heroine, pulls at the heartstrings and has one rooting for her throughout. A palimpsest for societal expectations, her life is mapped out from an early age but time and again she succeeds in writing her own story.
Macneal’s emotional intelligence and vast intellect have created another compelling Victorian cliffhanger embedded in the female experience. An absolute ‘must read’!

We start with Bonnie and Crawford, petty criminals who have a nice little scheme going to trick gentlemen and relieve them of their coin. They are doing well for themselves until their luck runs out and Bonnie has to fight back a little too hard, leaving her target lying at her feet, blood pooling.
So she needs out of London asap. As luck would have it, Crawford finds an advertisement for a lady's maid in a big house where the mistress has not long since died, leaving a bereaved husband and young daughter. Cut to the chase and she secures the position, and the trust of her new master Mr Moncrieff and his daughter Cissie. As the coffers continue to dwindle, Moncrieff realises that he needs money and, annoyed at the fact that his deceased wife lies far away, coupled with the fact that he is an architect, takes on board Bonnie's suggestion to turn some unused land into a cemetery. This brings her "brother" Crawford to stay and advise.
And that's all I'm saying as you really need to discover all the rest of the delights of this book as the author intended for maximum impact! Suffice to say it sucked me in from the off, held me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end shocked but also completely satisfied.
It's chock full of secrets, lies, mis and dis-information and more than a healthy dollop of dysfunctional behaviour. Starring larger than life but also wholly credible characters, it's a slow burn that, after a bit of scene and character building becomes the gift that keeps on giving as more of the truth is laid bare.
This is the third book by this author that I have read and enjoyed and I would recommend it just as much as The Doll Factory and The Circus of Wonders. All that I left to do now is avidly await her next book... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

’But she wondered, as they sat side by side, if the same might occur to Mr Moncrieff, Bonnie echoing Cissie, who was echoing Josephine, a chain of women, all reaching out a hand and feeling the graze of their fingertips.’

Somehow ’The Burial Plot’ is my first experience with an Elizabeth Macneal book but it certainly won’t be the last. Her debut, ’The Doll Factory’ is a book that I’ve been meaning to read for a while and after devouring her latest offering I’m certainly going to have to make that book a priority on my to read list. If you want to get swept away in a gothic feeling historical thriller then ’The Burial Plot’ is undeniably the book for you.

Many of the gothic offerings that I’ve previously adored have walked the murky line between the natural and the supernatural yet this one has its feet planted firmly on the ground. If, like me, you tend to love those mystical elements please don’t let that fact deter you from picking this up though. With its elegant writing, unsettling atmosphere, complex characters and twisty plot this book has everything that you could possibly need to lose yourself within its world. It’s a book that is sure to delight fans of gothic and historical offerings alike.

One of this book’s standout features has to be its characters; an array of complex, differing individuals with complicated histories tying some of them together. Learning how Bonnie’s future had been mapped out for her turned my stomach and it’s all too easy to see how she could have fallen in with the wrong crowd. The relationship between her and Crawford felt unflinchingly real whilst her interactions with Cissie warmed my heart. Everything felt fleshed out in a believable manner and offered differing elements to the novel. There were some truly deplorable human antics too, proving that the mystical does not need to be involved to make a gothic offering noteworthy.

The writing was truly immersive and mesmerising, reeling me swiftly into the narrative. It’s a beautifully crafted book by an author that I truly wish I’d checked out sooner. The plot was wonderfully twisty too and kept me hooked. Admittedly I did wonder if certain routes were going to be taken but even when they did it ultimately never ended up playing out in quite the manner I’d have anticipated.

Truthfully it’s hard to single out any particular element of this novel above others as everything about it – the beautiful writing, the intriguing setting, the complex characters, the enticing plot – comes together to create a glorious tale that’s impossible to put down. If pushed to pick though I suppose I’d have to say its greatest strength is the characters and the bonds between them. It’s eerily unsettling to see just how despicable certain individuals can be and how highly one person can influence another.

So ultimately I certainly recommend checking out ’The Burial Plot’. Whether you’re a fan of gothic or historical fiction it’s an absolute must read, penned with beautifully immersive writing that you truly won’t want to put down. Needless to say I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Just as a final note to anyone whose intrigued by this book, it looks as though Forbidden Planet is offering a gorgeous edition of it. I can only judge by what I’ve seen on their website but it looks divine if the artwork is accurate.