We’ve signed Tim McGregor’s HEARTS STRANGE and DREADFUL for re-release in 2026. The novel, originally released in 2021, has gone out of print so we’re excited to bring out a new edition. This updated release will include a foreword by Sadie Hartmann, also known as Mother Horror, who has long been a champion of McGregor’s work. Those who enjoyed the bittersweet atmosphere of Wasps in the Ice Cream and the gothic history of Eynhallow but haven’t yet read Hearts Strange and Dreadul will be captivated again by McGregor’s adept storytelling.
About the Book
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 paranoia.
Hester must confront the dark forces which have invaded Wickstead, or all who live there may be lost…their souls included.
Praise for the Book
“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
“McGregor’s gorgeously crafted historical horror makes for perfect reading on a winter’s night.” –Kenzie Jennings, author of Reception and Red Station
About the Author
Tim McGregor is the author of Wasps in the Ice Cream, Taboo in Four Colors, the Shirley Jackson Award-nominated Lure and Eynhallow, and Hearts Strange and Dreadful. A former screenwriter and current HWA member, Tim lives in Toronto with his wife, two kids, and one spiteful ghost. He can be reached at timmcgregorauthor.com