This book was slightly multi-faceted in that it discussed the specific case of a very recently deceased 14 year old street orphan. Living on the street during this time period was exceptionally tough and miserable, as there were not a lot of resources available for homeless people, not to mention the filth of the city. It also did a great overview of the whole concept and profession of body snatching. (I would like to say that has become less common in this modern age, but there was just an article out about a doctor who sold parts donated to science to oddity collectors, who when bedazzled and sold them.) Body snatching was exceptionally common during this period, due to the need of medical and science colleges who were teaching anatomy. Another term for body snatching that may be more familiar to some is grave robbing. Bodies would often be exhumed shortly after burial when the ground was easier to dig and the bodies weren't terribly decayed.

I picked this book up at the library while I was waiting on my girls to finish their event. I like historical crime books like this, and it reminded me of a Kate Summerscale book, so I thought I would try it out. This book was well researched, and painted a very grim picture of what like in 1800s London was like. I am glad to know that the quality of life has improved for many people, and that it isn't nearly as filthy as this book described it to be. Society has come a little way from living in absolute squalor, so that is a comforting take away from this book. I was familiar with the concept of body snatching, but I appreciated the detailed information that this book provided on the subject. The three body snatching men that were the focus of this book were interesting people to learn about as well. If you are into older crime cases or morbid history, give this book a try.