The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang

September 13th, 2018 Kimberly Review 49 Comments

13th Sep
The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang
The Impossible Girl
by Lydia Kang
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne Flame
Narration: 5 cups

Two hearts. Twice as vulnerable.

Manhattan, 1850. Born out of wedlock to a wealthy socialite and a nameless immigrant, Cora Lee can mingle with the rich just as easily as she can slip unnoticed into the slums and graveyards of the city. As the only female resurrectionist in New York, she’s carved out a niche procuring bodies afflicted with the strangest of anomalies. Anatomists will pay exorbitant sums for such specimens—dissecting and displaying them for the eager public.

Cora’s specialty is not only profitable, it’s a means to keep a finger on the pulse of those searching for her. She’s the girl born with two hearts—a legend among grave robbers and anatomists—sought after as an endangered prize.

Now, as a series of murders unfolds closer and closer to Cora, she can no longer trust those she holds dear, including the young medical student she’s fallen for. Because someone has no intention of waiting for Cora to die a natural death.

well written historical mystery ROMANCE 2018 Fave

Murder, a stellar narrator, and a girl with two-hearts how could I resist The Impossible Girl by Lydia King? A brilliant tale from start to finish I quickly became caught up in Cora’s tale. Fans of historical fiction, romance, suspense and murder-mysteries will want to grab a copy.

I absolutely loved Cora, who lives both as a young man named Jacob and as his sister Cora. She is a shrewd businesswoman with an extensive knowledge of medicine, anatomy and apporapthy. Kang gave us a delightful glimpse of New York, its immigrants, and the seedy side of medical advancements.

The rich locked their loved one’s caskets and set guards but doctors treating patients kept folks like Cora informed as they all padded their pockets. Cora herself watches locals with strange afflictions and waits their passing…but someone is killing off these people and their bodies are turning up at the university and museums.

Between the mystery of the killings and the rumours circulating about a girl with two-hearts the storyline was intense with dark and sometimes gritty turns. What made this a five cups of coffee for me were the characters from those on Cora’s gravedigger team too a young medical student named Flinn. I adored Flinn as able to see the real Cora.

This story had it all, twists, double twists, swoons and character growth.  All of which transported me as I dashed around the city with Cora.

As an added twist we are given the perspective of each of the victims around the time of their death. It was chilling and brilliant.

Saskia Maarleveld is a fantastic narrator, and in fact she is the reason I listened to The Impossible Girl. She did a splendid job capturing Cora, Jacob, the Uncle, and Finn. I loved that she gave unique voices to all the secondary characters capturing their mannerisms and accents.

Fans of historical mysteries and tales such as, Jack the Ripper and The Alienist should add The Impossible Girl to their listening or reading queue post haste. This was perfect for fall.

Grab your earbuds and #listen to The Impossible Girl narrated by Saskia Maarleveld as Lydia Kang shared a clever, sometimes gritty, always twisty, historical tale. #loveaudiobooks Share on X

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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49 Responses to “The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang”

  4. Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra

    I really enjoy historical fiction so this one sounds so good to me. I like how it sounds a bit dark and creepy, and I also like the idea of getting each of the victim’s perspectives right around the time of their deaths. That’s an interesting twist. I’m really glad you enjoyed this one!

  7. Anne

    This sounds so creepy and good. As always, your review is fantastic and makes me want to go listen to it now. Anne – Books of My Heart

  15. Tonyalee

    Oooh, this one is new to me and it sounds like I would LOVE it. It sounds so different, and it seems anything out of the “ordinary” piques my interest. Plus, a good narrator? SOLD

  16. Sophia Rose

    Yes, that would be fascinating. My mind went to the carnival freak world except it sounds more sanitized if its museums and research. Yeah, this does sound like it would be a great book.

  18. Melliane

    I like a book like that from time to time but it’s been a while since I haven’t read one so it could be a good occasion to try

  21. Jessica

    I actually have this book and I can not wait to read it. I fell in love with the cover and I am very excited to know that you enjoyed it.

  22. Kristine

    This is so intriguing … So different … Unique … I plan to comment on so many other posts of yours … Really enjoying your page xx

  24. ShootingStarsMag

    Sounds like a book for me! I loved The Alienist and Jack the Ripper is fascinating to me. I like that the victim’s perspective is given before they are killed; makes you feel a bit more connected to the deaths.

    -Lauren