Let the Dead Bury the Dead: A Novel

"Set against the backdrop of early nineteenth century Russia, Let the Dead Bury the Dead combines political intrigue and a touch of magic with a cast of characters you'll be rooting for until the very end. Epstein's atmospheric, compelling sophomore novel is not one historical fantasy fans will want to miss." –Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart"Epstein’s unique retelling is richly enhanced by Slavic folklore, and the confusion between duty to family or country is expertly portrayed. Historical fiction fans will be spellbound."–Publishers Weekly"A vividly imagined tapestry of turbulent times."–Kirkus"Allison Epstein blends the historical and the fabulous with an understated elegance. . . the novel has an air of a dark, grim fable. . . both spare and deliciously visual."–Historical Novel Society"Depicted in colorful brushstrokes. . . a pleasure."–Booklist"Sharp as a dagger and twice as glinting, Let the Dead Bury the Dead is a fierce tale of revolution, liberation, love, and the cruel seductress of fate—all draped in the delicate frost of a Russian fairy tale. Epstein has conjured a parable for the ages."–GennaRose Nethercott, author of Thistlefoot"Epstein weaves a sweeping love story set against the backdrop of a cleverly reimagined Imperial Russia, glittering, gritty, and pushed to the very edge of rebellion by a dark creature of legend, a delightfully powerful femme fatale that will seduce anyone who meets her—or destroy them."  –Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, author of The Witch and the Tsar"A haunting portrait of an alternate 19th century Russia on the brink of revolution, Let the Dead Bury the Dead is dizzy with betrayal and intrigue, snowy owls and whispering winds. Epstein is a master of suspense and characterization, and her folktales are inspired." –Mary McMyne, author of The Book of Gothel“There is no writer in the world quite like Allison Epstein. Her imagination and keen eye for historical detail, as well as the broad canvas on which she paints humane characters altogether recognizable and altogether larger-than-life is an entire universe. Breathtaking and luminous, part folklore and part cultural mirror, Let the Dead Bury The Dead is a beguiling read as genre-defying in its immersive universe and deft research as it is in its singular storytelling. Epstein is a master." –Rachel McMillan, author of The Mozart Code and Operation Scarlet"Allison Epstein pulls readers effortlessly into a world of tsars, revolutionaries, and ancient magic in this triumphant work of historical imagination. Woven from the threads of both the country's history and its haunting folklore, Let the Dead Bury the Dead is atmospheric and propulsively suspenseful, a brilliantly crafted alternate vision of a Russia on the edge of revolution. Readers will find themselves breathless." –Molly Greeley, author of Marvelous