A Taste for Monsters 12+

About this book

Haunted by the ghosts of Jack the Ripper’s victims, a young woman in Victorian London is set on a terrifying path to salvation.

The real monsters are men. London 1888, and Jack the Ripper is terrorizing the people of the city. Evelyn, a young woman disfigured by her dangerous work in a matchstick factory with nowhere to go, does not know what to make of her new position as a maid to the Elephant Man in London Hospital. Evelyn wanted to be locked away from the world, like he is, shut away from the filth and dangers of the streets. But in Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, she finds a gentle kindred, who does not recoil from her, and who understands her pain.

When the murders begin, however, Joseph and Evelyn are haunted nightly by the ghosts of the Ripper’s dead, setting Evelyn on a path to facing her fears and uncovering humanity’s worst nightmares.

A terrifying and haunting tale from the Edgar Award-winning author of Icefall and the Assassin’s Creed novels, Matthew J. Kirby.

Reviews

Praise for A Taste for Monsters:
* "Evelyn -- all grit, anger, and distrust -- is a complex and engaging character, the slums and slang of Victorian-era London are carefully delineated, and the eventual revelation of Leather Apron's identity and fate will leave readers gasping." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This historical fiction blends horror with mystery and results in wonderfully crafted storytelling with strong, well-drawn characters. Kirby carefully balances the gruesome with a well-written, sensitive treatment of what could easily be lurid.... A great read for fans of history, true crime, or ghost stories." -- School Library Journal

"Lovely, suspenseful, lyrical." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will find themselves falling down deep internet holes about both the Ripper and the Elephant Man, but if they catch a few current headlines, they may also wonder if the world has changed much in our treatment of the oppressed and helpless." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Kirby's character development, particularly his portrayal of the extraordinary Mr. Merrick, is consistently impressive. Austen devotees are sure to appreciate Kirby's commitment to the gothic entanglements of Northanger Abbey." -- Booklist

Praise for Icefall:

Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery
Winner of the PEN Center Literary Award
An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
A New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing Selection
Winner of the Judy Lopez Memorial Award

"[A] taut, compelling mystery and survival story." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"[A] claustrophobic, thought-provoking coming-of-age adventure that shows a young woman growing into her own, while demonstrating the power of myth and legend." -- Publishers Weekly

"Elegant and exciting." -- Booklist

"A well-crafted story rich with emotion and intrigue. A thoroughly engaging read!" -- Brandon Mull, bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series

"Clear, lively, exciting, and unstoppable as the torrent of meltwater from a glacier, Icefall confirms Matthew Kirby as one of our finest new writers for young adults. Readers of any age may be enthralled by the bitter Nordic winter setting and the story of a girl who needs a lot of courage to discover who she is." -- Ursula K. Le Guin, acclaimed author of the Earthsea Cycle

Praise for The Clockwork Three:
*"In this riveting historical fantasy... debut novelist Kirby has assembled all the ingredients for a rousing adventure, which he delivers with rich, transporting prose." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Memorable characters, hearty action, and palpable atmospherics." -- Booklist