The Maiden Thief

by Melissa Marr

Bluebeard's not exactly my favourite fairytale - the whole room of dead wives creeps me out more than you'd expect given my love of crime shows/books.

I liked this retelling, it had that fairytale (duh) feel to it - dark and gloomy and foreboding. Verena was an interesting character, smart and resourceful but also resigned to her fate - willing to slip into whatever role was required of her. I liked that she was willing to use that to save everyone who came before her. I mean she starts as a replacement for her brother, then Karis, then Amina, then Wife and then, most importantly, Widow. I liked how she changed the narrative to benefit her sisters. Frankly I don't think she was willing to do it for herself - I think if it was just her, she would have submitted unless and until someone else came along. Even her leaving with Jakob seems to be about what she can be for Jakob - a replacement for Amina - rather than the happiness it might bring for herself.

I jab the key into the lock and turn it. “WIFE!” Jakob roars, his fists pounding the door. “Open this door.” “My husband died,” I say firmly, leaning back against the door. My voice is as unsteady as my hands. I shake all over. I count my breaths as the door shakes against my back. “There was an accident,” I say a moment later. “My poor Jakob never returned home.” “No!” “He went on a trip, but he didn’t return,” I continue to explain through the door. “He left me here alone, and I’m waiting still for him to return.” I push off the door and shove a heavy wardrobe in front of it. “Wife!” Jakob calls again. “You cannot trap me in my own home.” “This is my home now. I live here with my twelve sisters.” “You may not do this.” “It is already done,” I remind him.

Anders, Charlie Jane. Some of the Best from Tor.com: 2016 (p. 339). Tom Doherty Associates. Kindle Edition.

And of course, I enjoyed how she bests him. 4 stars. It's short, but packs a punch.