Description

‘Compelling and utterly absorbing … an artfully crafted debut that echoes the dark essence of Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN while maintaining a fascinating originality all of its own’ Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of PANDORA

‘A gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue’ Jess Kidd, author of THE NIGHT SHIP

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BETTY TRASK PRIZE, THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE, EDMUND WHITE DEBUT PRIZE, THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD and LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT PRIZE

Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn’t know why or how…

The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, is keen to make her name in this world of science, alongside her geologist husband Henry, but without wealth and connections, their options are limited.

But when Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle’s past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing their future… Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland, to Henry’s intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie, and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret…

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‘A wonderful book; dark, passionate, multi-layered’ Joanne Harris, author of CHOCOLAT & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF

‘Exquisitely written… a story worthy of Mary Shelley’ Sean Lusk, author of THE SECOND SIGHT OF ZACHARY CLOUDESLEY

‘Sumptuously gothic, this atmospheric debut left me reeling’ C.J. COOKE, author of THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES
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Publisher Review

In this gothic adventure, debut novelist McGill builds on Shelley's iconic story by adding sharp-minded female protagonist Mary, who sets out to discover the truth about her great-uncle Victor Frankenstein's disappearance in the Arctic. * STYLIST, 'The best new feminist retellings of classic stories to read in 2023' * McGill's prose is rich and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie and foreboding tone of the Gothic tradition. The characters are complex and layered . . . Our Hideous Progeny is a masterful work of Gothic horror that will leave readers on the edge of their seat. * GLAMOUR * Evocatively and compassionately, Our Hideous Progeny seeks a way to tell the stories of those whose tales cannot fit in one book, those poor creatures who remain lost or forgotten * NEW YORKER * Our Hideous Progeny takes inspiration from Mary Shelley's masterpiece along with the Victorian fascination with scientific innovation and the prehistoric world. This wonderful debut evolves into a gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue. * JESS KIDD, author of THE NIGHT SHIP * A wonderful book; dark, passionate, multi-layered and rich with enticing detail. * JOANNE HARRIS, author of CHOCOLAT and THE STRAWBERRY THIEF *