“An excellent example of historical horror, this novel holds obvious appeal to fans of Alma Katsu’s The Hunger, but it is also reminiscent of Andy Davidson’s captivatingly creepy occult fable The Boatman’s Daughter, with its rich and compelling characters and strong, ominous sense of place.”
Death has come to town.
New England, 1821—Hester Stokely, an orphan with unusual abilities, struggles to find her place in the pious town of Wickstead. A house-servant in the employ of her uncle’s upright family, Hester is treated as little more than a pariah by the judgmental townsfolk.
When a deadly plague comes to town, Hester becomes indispensable as a healer. Yet as Hester watches the town's residents rapidly fall ill, she realizes that something more dangerous than disease has come to Wickstead.
Soon the buried dead are exhumed on rumor of superstition, and occult fires burn fiercely into the night. As the townspeople turn on each other, a mysterious traveler arrives, furthering the growing paranoia.
Hester must confront the dark forces which have invaded Wickstead, or all who live there may be lost… their souls included.
Hearts Strange and Dreadful, the new historical horror novel by Tim McGregor, was released by Off Limits Press on February 15th, 2021.
“From the first line to the very last word, McGregor’s novel lures the reader deep into the settlement of Wickstead. With striking visuals and dynamic characters, the novel unfolds so richly that I could see every scene played out in my head. The writing completely transports the reader into this devastating world where disease and wickedness seep from the shadows. Beautiful and heartbreaking, every page will clutch the reader close to its words, unable to relent until the end—and even then, the darkness will linger in your thoughts. A marvelous work of historical horror with unexpected turns that are executed exceptionally—what a journey!”
- Sara Tantlinger, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Devil’s Dreamland
About the Author
Tim McGregor is the author of the Bad Wolf trilogy and the Spookshow series, along with a handful of standalone novels. Tim is the screenwriter behind three feature films, and a member of the Horror Writers Association. He lives in Toronto with his wife, children, and the spiteful ghost of an old Irish lady.