After a zombie outbreak devastates London, a brilliant but emotionally unraveling scientist secretly keeps her infected husband alive while obsessively searching for a cure, risking everything as his condition worsens and her own sanity frays. Blending scientific realism with gothic horror, the story explores the limits of love, grief, and ethical boundaries in the face of loss and desperation.

Reader Review Summary

Set in post-outbreak London, the novel follows Kesta Shelley, a British scientist who secretly harbors her infected husband, Tim, after a zombie epidemic has been largely contained by the government. While the authorities have euthanized all known infected individuals, Kesta uses her medical expertise and hospital resources to keep Tim (un)alive and hidden, sedating him and searching for a cure. The narrative alternates between Kesta’s work in virology—where she investigates the origins and pathology of the virus, including its possible links to reptilian diseases—and her increasingly desperate and obsessive care for Tim at home. The story explores the aftermath of the outbreak, the ethical boundaries of scientific research, and the psychological toll of grief, as Kesta’s behavior becomes more erratic and her relationships with colleagues and friends deteriorate. The plot incorporates elements of horror, science fiction, and dystopia, with a focus on the emotional and moral consequences of refusing to let go of a loved one.

Readers praised the book’s detailed scientific approach to the zombie genre, noting the plausibility and accessibility of the virology and lab work depicted. Many found the exploration of grief and obsession compelling, with Kesta’s emotional decline and her struggle to balance scientific rigor with personal loss resonating strongly. The setting in a post-pandemic London, where society is attempting to return to normalcy, was highlighted as a fresh take, and the book’s focus on the aftermath rather than the chaos of an ongoing apocalypse was appreciated. Several reviewers mentioned the atmospheric writing, the blend of horror and emotional depth, and the nuanced depiction of Kesta’s internal conflict. The supporting cast, particularly characters like Cooke and Dr. Dudley Caring, were noted for grounding the story, and the book’s pacing was described as building tension through accumulating details rather than action. Some readers also appreciated the inclusion of dark humor and the realistic portrayal of the scientific process.

Criticisms centered on the book’s pacing, with several readers finding it slow, repetitive, or lacking in action, especially compared to expectations set by the zombie genre. Many felt a lack of emotional connection to the characters, particularly to Kesta and Tim’s relationship, which was often described rather than shown, making it difficult for some to invest in their fate. Side characters were sometimes seen as underdeveloped or one-dimensional, and some plot elements—such as the secret government lab, the handling of security and protocols, and certain narrative conveniences—were viewed as unrealistic or insufficiently explained. A number of reviewers noted unresolved plot threads and questioned the plausibility of Kesta’s ability to keep Tim hidden. The book’s focus on scientific and emotional aspects over traditional horror or action left some readers wanting more suspense or visceral thrills. Issues of representation and diversity in the cast were also raised by a few readers.

The book has an average reader rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on 435 ratings and 184 full reviews, and is scheduled for publication on July 15, 2025. It is categorized as horror, science fiction, dystopia, and adult fiction, and has drawn comparisons to works like Frankenstein and post-pandemic literature. The narrative structure includes multiple timeframes and a methodical buildup of tension, with the story’s title referencing a key moment involving a reptilian disease manual. The book’s themes extend beyond the zombie trope to address medical ethics, the impact of grief, and the exploitation of crisis by institutions. The ending and author’s acknowledgments were noted by some as particularly impactful, and the book’s blend of genres and tones—ranging from bleak and introspective to darkly humorous—was frequently mentioned in reviews.