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The Need
  • Published: 24 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529964783
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 272

The Need

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
22 Sept 2026
Hardback
17 Oct 2026
EBook
24 Sept 2026
Audiobook
24 Sept 2026
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Grady Hendrix meets What We Do in the Shadows with a cannibal twist in this pacey, darkly funny horror.

Every family has its secrets. But in this provocative and dizzyingly fast-paced 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 been on the run with her two teenagers since the kids were babies, changing names and identities every time someone gets close to discovering her family's tragic secret. Sam is tormented by The Need, unable to stop giving in to his darkest desires, much to his mother's chagrin. While Rosie, his twin sister, who's escaped her family's genetic curse, is desperate for a life of normalcy -- like a TikTok account, Homecoming or a kiss with her mysterious new friend Naomi. 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 secretly 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. It's corrupted her standing with the Armstrongs, ruined her relationship with her kids and is slowly unravelling her sanity. Vera will 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.
  • Published: 24 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529964783
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 272
Categories:

About the author

Megan Mostyn Brown

Megan?Mostyn-Brown is a playwright and tv writer/producer, who’s written for shows on Fox, Netflix, AMC, Amazon and Paramount+. This is her first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her partner Jordan.
MMB

Praise for The Need

Brimming with brutality yet full of heart, Megan Mostyn-Brown's The Need paints a portrait of genetic cannibals that feels believable, sharp, and delightfully present. Through the grit and blood emerges a complex story of family, stylishly written and unapologetically honest. The Sopranos meets The Hills Have Eyes. You'll want to gobble this up in one sitting.

Saratoga Schaefer, USA Today bestselling author of TRAD WIFE

You NEED to read The Need by Megan Mostyn-Brown! A harrowing yet heartfelt journey through family, fear and tender flesh. It's like RUNNING ON EMPTY meets Sawney Bean

S.A. Cosby, bestselling author of KING OF ASHES

The Need is a thrilling and surprisingly tender exploration of our most essential, primal fears.

Riley Keough

Hilariously gory and heartbreakingly funny, The Need is an electrifying debut and an instant contender for horror novel of the year. Megan Mostyn-Brown is the real deal. Dig in.

Joe Hill, Sunday Times bestselling author of King Sorrow

This one gets stuck between your teeth, in the best way.

Stephen Graham Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter