Set in grim Victorian era Britain, Meg (the butcher’s daughter) endures a life of relentless suffering. After her father’s death, Meg’s forced to work in the home of a disturbing surgeon with ties to her past. But behind the walls of this house lie dark, unsettling secrets. When Meg finally escapes the surgeon’s clutches, she's not only fighting for her own life, but also for the life growing inside her. Her journey leads her to a brothel, where she faces yet another harsh reality. Just how much can one woman endure before she breaks?

I was genuinely excited to read this gritty origin story of Mrs. Lovett, hoping for a raw, haunting build up to the world of Sweeney Todd. Unfortunately, the first 60% moved painfully slow, bogged down by excessive backstory with little action. The real grit and grime promised in the blurb didn’t arrive until the final stretch of the book. And while Meg’s experiences are undeniably tragic and formative, the pacing and emotional depth left something to be desired. It had strong potential but felt stretched out and did not hold my attention.

*Thank you to Corinne Leigh Clark, David Demchuk , RBmedia | Recorded Books and Netgalley for the ALC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.