Set against the turbulent backdrop of Reconstruction-era New Orleans, "The Undertaker's Assistant" tells the story of Effie Jones, a young freedwoman who carves out a living as an embalmer. Rescued from slavery as a child, Effie was raised by an army surgeon and his wife, gaining an education and learning to cope with the grimmest aspects of death. Her expertise conceals her deeper wounds and a past she has forced herself to forget. Despite her self-imposed isolation, Effie's life intertwines with a diverse cast, from activists to socialites, challenging her to confront her history and her heart's desires. As she navigates betrayals, racial strife, and her own search for kin, Effie embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and empowerment, culminating in a chance to find her true place in the world.