"Slashed Beauties" | Reviewed by Pat Sainz

“Slashed Beauties” is a historical horror novel alternating between the present and the 1770’s. The title refers to three women who, for a high price, agree to have wax molds made of their bodies. These molds were to be studied by medical students as a way for them to learn about female anatomy. 

            In fact, sculptures made from women’s bodies in the 1700’s were used for study. The sculptures could be dismantled to study the reproductive organs, the breasts, and even wax fetuses inside wombs. The theory at the time was that the study of anatomy could be made more interesting if the wax figures were made from beautiful women. The wax figures were referred to as “anatomical Venuses.”

            Elizabeth is a high-end courtesan who lures Emily and Eleanor into her establishment. Both women are in need of shelter and care. During the early evening, the three women walk the grounds of St. James Park, advertising their services. It is during one of these walks that they are lured to the anatomist's building where they agree to be wax models. During the process, an assistant named Briar uses evil magic to trap the women inside the wax bodies.

            The anatomist is actually a woman who resents the fact that she could never be a doctor because she is a woman. She feels she knows more than any of the students who visit her wax figures and abuse them as they study the figures. By enlisting the dark magic performed by Briar, the anatomist gets revenge. 

            At night, the three women leave their trapped bodies to kill the students who have abused them and also men who hurt them during their time as courtesans. The murders make headlines for weeks. Finally, a mistake leads reporters to the anatomist’s location. 

            Chaos ensues when the wax bodies are discovered, and an evil spell gone wrong traps Elizabeth and Eleanor in their bodies forever. A spell releases Eleanor and Elizabeth into the present. Killings will commence if Elizabeth is woken from her sleep; Eleanor, less evil than Elizabeth, works to contain Elizabeth with the help of a coven of witches.

            I enjoyed the descriptions of the London gardens and the Victorian dresses and architecture in “Slashed Beauties.” The setting added to the atmosphere of intrigue. The historical aspect of the wax figures used for medical purposes was certainly new to me. This was not a “slasher” novel as the title might indicate; the horror was more subtle. 

Wax models are on display in several museums throughout the world. 

About the author: A. Rushby writes adult and young adult novels as well as children’s book under the name Allison Rushby.

Buy the Book.