Off Limits Press Releasing Hearts Strange and Dreadful, Historical Horror Novel Set in a Plague-Ridden 1800s New England Town
Off Limits Press made waves in the horror fiction community when it released its debut novella, Crossroads by Laurel Hightower, which was included in the Library Journal’s list of 2020 Best Horror and a big hit with horror fans everywhere. The boutique press, specializing exclusively in horror fiction, is now releasing its first novel, Hearts Strange and Dreadful by Tim McGregor.
Hearts Strange and Dreadful takes place in 1821 in the fictional New England town of Wickstead, which has recently been overcome by a deadly plague. As the town’s paranoia grows, the buried dead are exhumed and occult fires burn well into the night. A mysterious traveler rides into town, and the residents aren’t sure who to trust anymore. Surprisingly, Wickstead’s residents begin to look to Hester Stokely, an outcast orphan with unusual abilities, who may be just the heroine the plague-stricken town needs. Hester must confront the dark forces which have invaded Wickstead or all who live there may be lost…their souls included.
Sara Tantlinger, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Devil’s Dreamland, had this to say about Hearts Strange and Dreadful: “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!”
Hearts Strange and Dreadful is coming out on February 15th and is now available for pre-order.
