Review - Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill

 

 

 Title: Our Hideous Progeny

Author: C.E McGill

Pages: 378

 Publisher: Transworld Digital

Release Date: 9th May 2023

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't know why or how...

The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, is keen to make her name in this world of science, alongside her geologist husband Henry, but without wealth and connections, their options are limited.

But when Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle's past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing their future... Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland, to Henry's intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie, and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret...

 

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My Review:

 *I received an eARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley*

Mary Sutherland and her husband, Henry, share a love of paleontology and dream of becoming celebrated experts in the field.

The couple are down on their luck, but then Mary discovers hidden letters from a great uncle called Victor Frankenstein that detail an experiment where Victor successfully brought a creature to life.

Mary and Henry decide to make a creature of their own.

The premise of this book intrigued me, although I have never read Frankenstein, and was interested to see what direction the author went in.

Mary was a likeable and relatable protagonist. With the novel being set in the 1800s, there weren't many women in the scientific community, but Mary was determined that her work should be recognised and praised too.

I didn't like Henry very much, but I liked his sister, Maisie, who I felt sorry for.

The plot was interesting for the most part, but I felt that the book could have perhaps been a bit shorter as not much really happened, and I did lose interest once or twice.

I wasn't very invested in what happened.

The writing style was easy to follow, but not one of my favourites. However, it did suit the book.

I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.

Overall, this was a mixed read.