“Veal” by Mackenzie Nolan skillfully combines elements of horror with psychological tension and social commentary. This queer feminist novel explores deep themes such as gender, the pervasive effects of social conditioning, trust, and relationships.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are kept in a constant state of suspense, questioning the nature of the monstrous presence—whether it exists in reality or is simply a manifestation of the protagonist's troubled psyche.

Nolan's storytelling examines familial trauma and sheds light on the unspoken pain that many women endure. The book offers a sharp and witty critique of toxic masculinity, illustrating how societal constructs can foster monstrosity both within individuals and in broader communities.

Fans of Gerardo Sámano Córdova’s “Monsritlio,” Samantha Allen’s novels, the cult classic TV show “Buffy,” and the film “Barbarian” are likely to find much to appreciate in this work, which confronts uncomfortable truths and ultimately questions the nature of monstrosity. Special thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley for providing the ARC of this novel.

excellent read with amazing characters and a great story, im so glad i read this.
the yearning of the main character and the devotion made me laugh, cry and root for her!
such an easy but intense read, took me a while to finish because i savored every moment.

This book was soooo good! I loved each of the characters and their relationships with one another. The banter between Franky and Lawerence had me kicking my feet! It was the perfect balance of horror and humor. I think everyone should pick this book up. It’s also the definition of sapphic yearning 5 stars!

Thanks the NetGalley and ECW Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book. A bunch of LGBTQ characters? A story that actually grips me and has me genuinely scared! Devotional hunger and a need to consume? As a way to show love? This book literally has it all. I will show every single friend this book until my last breath.

I really enjoyed this story. Loved the characters and their interactions with each other. Loved the suspense and drama of it all. The ending was perfection.

I could have highlighted every single word in this book. Astounding - normalized a lot of the ways I feel. Like women are meant for men. Their entire lives based upon how to serve them, please them, boost their moods and confidence. Revolving around men. But what about the women who don't care? Not just queer women - women who know their self worth, their importance in this world, their pride and confidence.
Veal takes it on - they die. Consumed by angry men, men who hate women -- all accepted by society.
Lawrence refuses to break - or even bend. With her bestie, Stasia, these two 24 yo grad students move to a murder capital - Mistaken Point.
While juggling classes, Lawrence lands a job at the local arcade - quickly becoming enraptured with the owner, Frankie. Her father recently convicted of the string of cruel and horrific murders, several women between ages 19 and 28. Like veal, kept chained and allowed no growth.
Just an amazing queer horror commentary.

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me this title as an e-arc! This is one of the best horror books I've ever read. Although the plot was brilliant and full of well-timed and tense twists, it is second to me to the fantastic set of characters. All four of the girls are fully fleshed-out and loveable, with the writer giving such a clear picture of all of their backstory and motivations- it really feels like these are real girls jumping off the page, and their relationships are so realistic and enjoyable. This is a gorgeous exploration of trauma, grief, misogyny, and queerness all narrowed down into the lives of these girls who you can't help but be fully invested in. The romance and yearning was so well-written and felt completely real, the writer has a huge talent in description and metaphor as well as character building. The way the writer managed to do all of this against a slightly silly backdrop with comic elements mixed in is brilliant, the story itself felt very reminiscent of Scooby Doo silliness mixed with major gut-punches and commentary on powerful and emotional issues. Franky Delores is one of my all-time favourite characters and I will be talking about this novel for a very long time

"Your loophole of safety has become a noose."

Mackenzie Nolan's new novel is about Delores "Lawrence" Franklin. She move to the town of Mistaken Point to attend university with her best friend however the other reason is that the town is famous for the disturbing murders of many young women. Taking on a part time arcade job, Lawrence meets Franky. Soon she realises that Franky believes there is a monster responsible for the murders. Pippa who is Franky's closest friend joins the ranks and all four of them spend the summer trying to piece together the truth behind the violent acts and the monster that is at large.

That lingering unease when you know something is different to what is being portrayed echoes from the outset of this book. In this case its not just the back story of each of the characters but also their dynamics with each other make this an addictive and intriguing story.

The horror aspect of this story did well in bringing an intense and unsettling atmosphere to every encounter between these characters and that of the evil that is taunting them.

Deeper than that is the highlight on generational trauma and pain. The way these people have had to endure so much and although it may seem they are working through it, many aspects suggest the opposite.

This was an interesting and addictive read that I did enjoy.

This was everything I didn’t know I needed. I went into Veal by Mackenzie Nolan completely blind, where you meet Delores “Lawrence” Franklin and her best friend, Anastasia Lanes. They have just moved to Mistaken Point for grad school, lured there by the need to outrun their families and a slight obsession with true crime. Mistaken Point is the site of a recent, brutal serial killer, and something about the whole town feels off.

When Lawrence meets Franky and Pippa at her new job at Franklin’s Funhouse, a horror story of sapphic yearning, unchecked rage and trauma, mommy issues, daddy issues, and womanhood decentered from men unfurls in front of us.

This was the weird girl, feminist horror read I have been yearning for! Everything about it was a five star read for me. The characters, the dialogue, the multilayered storytelling of a serial killer, a romance, friendships, and trauma—everything artfully intertwined to answer the question: Who and/or what is a monster?

It reminded me of some of my favorite horror media, including Twin Peaks, The Decent, Barbarian, Smile, Such Sharp Teeth, and more. I wanted to hug everyone and be their friends and help them fight monsters and work in an arcade. And maybe encourage everyone to go to therapy?

Overall, I will not be shutting up about this one.

Thank you to ECW Press for the ARC! This book is out October 14, just in time to fit into your spooky season TBR.

This was so good! A group of fantastic characters, a chilling storyline, and an intriguing mystery that brought the narrative together.

Veal follows Lawrence who decides to start afresh in a new town, but soon discovers the town is know for grisly murders of countless young women. She then meets Franky in her job at the local arcade, who is convinced a monster is responsible for the murders. What follows is a book of monster hunting and friendship, with both characters having to face inner demons, as well as the ones seemingly lurking within the town.

It’s atmospheric and utterly compelling, giving the perfect balance of eerie vibes and supportive relationships, in an immersive setting which I absolutely loved. There’s commentary on trauma, familial relationships, love and grief, alongside thought-provoking reflections on girlhood and misogyny that made this such an incredible read. It also has a genuinely brilliant storyline which kept me guessing and provided the level of horror I wanted.

Honestly, the perfect sapphic horror to pick up this October!

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy 😊