The Need

Every family has its secrets. But in this provocative horror debut, some families have: the Need.

THE NEED is a rare genetic disorder. Those who have it must consume human flesh, or die. For some The Need is power. For others it is a curse.

Talia's always been on the run with her two teenagers, changing identities every time someone gets close to their tragic secret. Sam is tormented by The Need, unable to stop giving in to his darkest desires, while his twin, Rosie, has escaped her family's genetic curse. Rosie is desperate for normalcy - a TikTok account, Homecoming or a kiss with her mysterious new friend.

But her brother keeps eating people and it's ruining her life.

Vera, a former supermodel and member of New York City's elite Armstrong family, lives a life of luxury, haute couture and eating people. Unlike Talia, the Armstrongs pride themselves on their genetic abnormality. But beneath Vera's opulent lifestyle is a woman who's ruthlessly haunted by a mistake from her past and she'll do whatever it takes to correct it.

On the surface, these two families have nothing in common. But Talia is harbouring a secret from the twins -- one that will bring them crashing into the Armstrongs. And when the truth comes out, no one will ever be the same.

'An instant contender for horror novel of the year' Joe Hill, bestselling author of KING SORROW
'This one gets stuck between your teeth in the best way' Stephen Graham Jones, bestselling author of THE BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER
'A thrilling and surprisingly tender exploration of our most essential, primal fears' Riley Keough

© Megan Mostyn Brown 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026