A ‘traditional wife’ influencer allows a demonic creature to impregnate her in this unnerving horror novel, perfect for fans of Nightbitch and Mary, from the author of Serial Killer Support Group.
Every #tradwife needs a baby. She’ll get one at any cost.
When Camille Deming isn’t cooking, cleaning, or homesteading in her picture-perfect country farmhouse, she’s posting about her tradwife lifestyle for her online followers. She takes inspiration from other tradwives on social media, aspiring to be like them, but Camille’s missing a key component: a baby. And contrary to what she posts online, things with her husband Graham have been strained. Pressured by her eager followers, Camille fears that without a baby, her relationship will suffer and her social media will never grow out of its infancy.
When Camille discovers a mysterious, decrepit well in the wheatfield behind her house, she makes a wish for a baby. Afterwards, she has unsettling experiences that she convinces herself are angelic in nature, and when she’s visited one night by a strange creature, her wish comes true.
Camille’s pregnancy announcement gets more engagement than anything she’s ever posted—so what if Graham’s reaction is lukewarm? Camille’s life is finally falling into place. Never mind that her pregnancy is developing freakishly rapidly and she’s suddenly craving raw meat. Being a traditional wife is worth it.
Rosemary’s Baby for the digital age, this disturbing horror novel is one you’ll want to devour in just one bite.
As an upfront, this is a horror, and it does get kind of gross at various points. Also, SPOILER:
They DO NOT fade to black for the impregnation. And it turns out “strange creatures” are good in bed. (I was not expecting a smattering of monster smut in this book).
This book would fit well under the “good for her!” section of horror. It supports women’s rights and enthusiastically cheers on women’s wrongs. Some people may find the protagonist annoying, especially early on when she is fully invested in being the perfect housewife and the trad wife influencer sphere. However I actually liked watching Camille wake up, use her formidable brain, and start getting angry.
If that sounds appealing, and you don’t mind some gore and body horror (and a splash of monster smut), then give this a read. It wasn’t what I was expecting but it kept me engaged for the entire ride.
