The Undertaker's Assistant

As far as I can remember, this is the first book I've read that focuses specifically on a time surrounding the Civil War (at least since I was a kid). I'm not sure why I haven't gravitated to this time period before because it was such an intriguing time in American history.

Effie had managed to escape slavery during the war. Having lived with an army surgeon's family during that time, she honed her skills and her tolerance for blood and grief. When she returns to New Orleans, she finds work as an embalmer. However, being a freedwoman doesn't mean her life is easy and free of prejudice. The fight for civil rights and dignity has only just begun.

I was hooked on the story for the first ten chapters or so. From there, more plot points were introduced and there was a lot going on at once. I didn't dislike it, I only thought the book would solely (or largely) focus on Effie's work in the mortuary. The other parts of the story were interesting to read and Effie is a darling protagonist, there was just a lot going on in a relatively short book. I would love to see this as a series.