1860, London. When enticed to the continent under false pretenses by an all-expenses paid educational opportunity, Amelia Bergstrom believes herself rescued from heathens by a man who promises she’ll be more than a mistress. She is. More valuable dead than alive, Amelia becomes a cadaver to be harvested for her skeleton.

Nurse Louisa Langston—a fan of osteology—discovers an inconspicuous medical anatomy theater adjacent to Southwark’s St. Thomas Hospital where medical students dissect deceased poorhouse laborers and criminals. After sneaking in at night to borrow the bodies, the refined features of a few cadavers raise intriguing questions: who were these well-bathed people, and why have their bodies bypassed consecrated graves? Stonewalled by Metropolitan Police who suggest frivolous girls make bad choices, Louisa uses her ample free time to investigate after being fired for insubordination.

With her childhood friend, Ellery Harris, Louisa discovers a devious scheme involving murder victims sold to the medical college, then reclaimed and transformed into prize skeletons sold at a premium to private collectors. What begins as a disturbing investigation becomes horrifyingly personal when Louisa realizes the harrowing journey of her sister’s protégé, Agnes, might be linked to a sinister plot to murder young women. Will Louisa’s attempts to discover Amelia’s identity trap her in the macabre scheme?

"For readers drawn to mysteries set in historical backdrops, Passion in the Bone is a gripping and thought-provoking read. Falcon’s ability to blend vivid characters, intricate plotting, and social commentary makes this a standout addition to the genre. It’s a story that challenges and captivates in equal measure, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page." --Literary Titan ★★★★