The Butcher is a an ancient vampire who has been chained like a dog, stripped of anything that makes her dangerous, and shipped from town to town to work for a year in order to atone for the thousands of people she killed in the past. Marguerite takes on The Butcher's help in her little fishing boat the year she comes to her town, hardly expecting the events to follow in the coming year.
This novella was reviewed as part of SFINCS 2025.
This is a short and sweet little novella that has a folklore vibe. I very much appreciated Baumer's take on vampires in this story, keeping some traditional lore and adding some new of her own. The relationship between Marguerite and The Butcher is the central focus of the story, starting as a warry employer/reluctant but obligated employee, to cautious acquaintances, and gradually developing into something more as Marguerite realizes the Butcher can offer her a life much better than the one she lives.
Another focus in this story is the contrast between Marguerite's 'sins' (as perceived by the townsfolks) and The Butcher's 'sins'. She realizes they aren't so different, two women villainized and ostracized by society for things that were not entirely in their control (okay sure, maybe The Butcher could have not killed a bunch of people, but a vampire has to eat).
Something I really loved about the setting of this story is how grounded it felt. Don't get me wrong, I love a high fantasy story with powerful magic and fantastical beasts galore, but lately I've found myself drawn to fantasy settings that feel like they could actually exist, and The Butcher's lot is definitely one of those. I really enjoyed the small lore drops we got here and there and the nature of the dragons of this world.
If you need a quick read and enjoy vampires and sapphic stories where women get what they want then I definitely recommend The Butcher's Lot.
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