Our Hideous Progeny: A Novel

A Best in Fiction Book for 2023 A gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue. Jess Kidd, author of The Night Ship An immersive blend of historical and science fiction brims with surprises and dark delights. . . . An incisive exploration of womens rights within the field of science. . . . Readers will revel in Marys personal and scientific discoveries and root for her to succeed in an unfair world. Publishers Weekly (starred review) As featured in Lit Hub, Lambda Literary Review, Book Riot and CrimeReads It is not the monster you must fear, but the monster it makes of men . . . Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the Arctic, but she doesnt know why or how. . . . The 1850s are 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 is keen to make her name in this world of science alongside her geologist husband, Henrybut despite her sharp mind and sharper tongue, without wealth and connections their options are limited. When Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncles past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing her and Henrys professional and financial future. Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland; to Henrys intriguing but reclusive sister, Maisie; and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret. A queer, feminist masterpiece inspired by Mary Shelleys classic, Our Hideous Progeny is a sumptuous tale of ambition and obsession, of forbidden love and sabotage and a twisty Gothic adventure that may forever change your view of human nature.