The story of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street often focusses upon Todd himself in retellings, but here Demchuck and Leigh Clark choose instead to focus on Mrs Lovett, the pie maker who worked together with Todd to dispose of his victims. Set after her disappearance, this epistolary novel is composed of correspondence between a missing journalist and mysterious woman who may or may not be Mrs Lovett. As the letters become more and more unhinged, and evidence mounts up implying foul play is at work in our journalist's disappearance, the reader is forced to question whether or not the letter writer is a fantasist or the genuine article -- and is she truly a monster, or a product of a society that sees women only as wives or whores?

The initial mystery is intriguing, and the voices of each letter is strong, hinting at subplots beneath the main action and a story occurring just out of sight of the reader. This is lost slightly in the second half, when the "mystery" element takes a back seat to the more popular aspects of the Sweeney Todd tale, but by this point we are utterly invested in the rich and tangible world created by the authors. A last minute twist could be trite, but works in wonderfully melodramatic fashion, resulting in a fascinating and unusual novel with a unique voice that doesn't reinvent the pie, but serves it up with a delicious twist on a classic recipe.

Set in London in 1887, a dossier of evidence is discovered in an abandoned apartment.

The tenant is missing and what unfolds is is a mystery of horror

Sweeney Todd is infamous but what do we know of the people around him. Mrs Lovett is one of those people and the dossier contains letters and conversations between Miss Emily Gibson, an intrepid journalist, and a woman who may be the infamous Mrs. Lovett.

This is abrilliant and dark read. I absolutely loved it and Mrs Lovett was an intriguing character.

The Butcher’s Daughter is a dark, gripping, and utterly enthralling reimagining of one of literature’s most infamous tales. This novel breathes new life into the story of Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd’s notorious partner in crime, offering a fresh perspective on the woman behind the pie shop on Fleet Street. With its richly detailed Victorian setting, intricate plotting, and chilling atmosphere, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, gothic horror, and literary thrillers.

The story unfolds through a series of letters and documents, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy that draws readers into the heart of the mystery. Set in London in 1887, the narrative begins with the discovery of a dossier of evidence in the abandoned apartment of a missing young woman. The dossier contains a chilling correspondence between Miss Emily Gibson, an intrepid journalist, and a woman who may be the infamous Mrs. Lovett. As the woman recounts her life story—from her tumultuous upbringing on Butcher’s Row to her harrowing escape from a mad doctor—the layers of her past are peeled back, revealing a tale of survival, betrayal, and vengeance.

One of the standout features of The Butcher’s Daughter is its masterful use of the epistolary format. The letters between Miss Gibson and the mysterious woman are filled with tension and intrigue, creating a sense of unease that builds with each page. The author’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, bringing Victorian London to life with vivid descriptions of its bustling streets, shadowy alleys, and the grim realities of life in the 19th century.

The character of Mrs. Lovett is reimagined with depth and complexity, transforming her from a one-dimensional villain into a fully realized figure. Her voice is compelling and haunting, as she recounts the events that shaped her life and led her down a path of darkness. Miss Gibson, too, is a fascinating character, whose determination to uncover the truth drives the narrative forward. The dynamic between the two women is electric, filled with tension and mutual fascination.

Thematically, The Butcher’s Daughter explores issues of power, survival, and the lengths to which people will go to protect themselves and those they love. The novel also delves into the societal constraints placed on women in Victorian England, offering a poignant commentary on gender and class. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

The pacing is excellent, with the tension building steadily as the mystery unfolds. The twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end, and the final revelation is both shocking and satisfying. The blend of historical detail, gothic horror, and psychological intrigue makes this a novel that is hard to put down.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the epistolary format challenging at first as though we are learning the story by snooping through someone's letters. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

The Butcher’s Daughter is a standout addition to the expansive canon of Sweeney Todd-inspired works, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on a classic tale. It is a novel that will appeal to fans of Sarah Waters, Gregory Maguire, and anyone who enjoys a richly detailed and atmospheric historical thriller.

A chilling and immersive reimagining of a classic tale, The Butcher’s Daughter is a must-read for fans of gothic horror and literary thrillers.

I really enjoyed this book. The story is told through letters between Margery and a journalist who is trying to find out if Margery - a current resident in a convent - is the infamous Mrs Lovett. The story tells the incredibly tough life that Margery led. I found the story engaging throughout and well paced.

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3.5 ⭐


I do like a retelling, taking something familiar and spinning it on its head.
Here we have Margery, who if you believe her, lands up I awful circumstances through no fault of her own. She's a victim of circumstances.
I liked how Todd was just a murderous grumpy git, not the avenging wrongly done by man we thought we knew.
My main problem with the book was the speed at which things happened.
Both escapes, the relationship, the idea to turn a man into pie...
I enjoyed the light relief brought by Emily's correspondence with her father.
Then the last few pages left me with a smell, wondering how it could have ended any other way.