Elizabeth Macneal's debut novel, "The Doll Factory," remains one of my favorite books set in Victorian England. So I approached her third book, "The Burial Plot", with great anticipation and high expectations. I am happy to say that it proved to be a satisfying read and, despite some of my personal reservations, an objectively commendable book.

The protagonist of "The Burial Plot" is Bonnie, who, along with her partner Crawford, operates within London's underworld, involved in fraud and theft. When one of their robberies goes awry and Bonnie faces the threat of execution, Crawford convinces her to assume the role of a maid in an eccentric neo-Gothic mansion owned by widower Mr. Moncrieff and his daughter. However, Bonnie soon realizes that her presence in the household serves a secondary purpose, indicating that Crawford's motives extend beyond mere concern for her well-being.

An important aspect driving the plot of the book is the growing problem of the burial of the dead in the early Victorian era. With insufficient burial grounds available, the necessity for new cemeteries became apparent. The narrative illustrates how the Victorian preoccupation with death and mourning could serve as a lucrative opportunity for those who were resourceful and enterprising.

Like the author's other works, "The Burial Plot" is meticulously grounded in historical reality. Elizabeth Macneal avoids idealizing the period and offers a portrayal that goes beyond the perspective of wealthy aristocrats. The novel also sheds light on the difficult circumstances faced by women during this period.

Overall, "The Burial Plot" didn't grab me quite as much as "The Doll Factory", perhaps because I've already read numerous stories set in creepy gothic mansions. However, the plot itself is intriguing and occasionally disturbing. I found the theme of cemetery construction particularly compelling. The characters are multidimensional and engaging, with diverse and often understandable motivations, even if they lead to tragic outcomes.

One aspect of the book that didn't resonate with me was the ending. Without giving away any spoilers, I found it difficult to make clear moral judgments about all the characters, given the complexity of the situation presented in the story. However, I recognize that this is a matter of personal preference, and I'm sure that many readers will still appreciate the ending.

Despite this minor quibble, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Burial Plot" not only to fans of Elizabeth Macneal's previous work, but also to anyone looking for an engaging novel set in the Victorian era that authentically captures the spirit of the time.