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The Macabre
- Author
- Kosoko Jackson
- Narrator
- Kevin R. Free
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date
- 11 September 2025
- Run Time
- 12 hours 46 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
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What to expect
A picture is worth a thousand nightmares…
The twisty and compelling adult dark fantasy debut from award-winning author, Kosoko Jackson.
Struggling painter Lewis Dixon can’t shake the feeling there’s something powerful – and slightly disturbing – about his work. Especially when the British Museum begin to show a surprising interest in his most horrifying piece, a recreation of one of his ancestor’s infamous paintings.
He accepts their invitation only to be met with a test: to see if he possesses the magic necessary to enter the paintings – and the strength to escape them. Because his ancestor’s pieces carry unnatural abilities and a terrible curse. And Lewis must destroy them all.
Under orders from the museum and partnered with handsome agent Noah, Lewis plunges into a world of black markets, gothic magic, and unspeakable terror. But if he’s to succeed, he’ll have to locate the long-lost final work, and its powers might be the most devastating of all…
Critics Review
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'Kosoko Jackson storms into the horror genre with The Macabre—a thrilling and chilling story that explores the power of art… in all its wonder and terror.' Rob Hart, USA Today bestselling author of Assassins Anonymous
'An absolutely captivating and electrifying novel, layered in rich meaning and brimming with lush prose. In Kosoko Jackson’s The Macabre we are confronted with magic and art, painting and meaning. I am completely under its spell.' Cynthia Pelayo, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Vanishing Daughters
'The Macabre is an expert blend of the sublime and horror, told in a way that entices both art lovers and those prone to ghoulish flights of fancy. And if you're both–look out! Jackson weaves this tale with a crucial precision not unlike the brush in a painter's hand. You'll never feel more breathless after reading this book.' Vincent Tirado, author of We Came to Welcome You
'I'm so honored that my Unseen World books were an inspiration for Kosoko Jackson's The Macabre. Readers who crave sharp and vivid magic that explores the uncanny connection between eldritch horror and great art will be captivated by this layered and imaginative novel.' Kat Howard, Alex Award-winning author of An Unkindness of Magicians
'Kosoko Jackson pulls you into this vividly written mashup of horror and fantasy and doesn't let you go. Wonderfully executed, three-dimensional characters take you on an emotional journey, unraveling the mystery of living art page by page, painting by painting.' Charlie N. Holmberg, Wall Street Journal bestselling author
'The Macabre is a feast of dark artistry. Fast-paced. Luscious world-building. Jackson wields emotional depth, tight plotting, and genuine terror, to craft a masterpiece.' Erin E. Adams, author of Jackal
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Details
- Author
- Kosoko Jackson
- Narrator
- Kevin R. Free
- Duration
- 12 hours 46 minutes
- Release Date
- 11 September 2025
- ISBN
- 9780008764548
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Genre
- Dark fantasy, Urban fantasy, Occult fiction / Paranormal Horror, Contemporary horror, ghost stories and supernatural fiction, Narrative theme: death, grief, loss, Contemporary fantasy / Low fantasy, Fantasy romance / Romantic fantasy
Synopsis
A picture is worth a thousand nightmares… The twisty and compelling adult dark fantasy debut from award-winning author, Kosoko Jackson. Struggling painter Lewis Dixon can’t shake the feeling there’s something powerful – and slightly disturbing – about his work. Especially when the British Museum begin to show a surprising interest in his most horrifying piece, a recreation of one of his ancestor’s infamous paintings. He accepts their invitation only to be met with a test: to see if he possesses the magic necessary to enter the paintings – and the strength to escape them. Because his ancestor’s pieces carry unnatural abilities and a terrible curse. And Lewis must destroy them all. Under orders from the museum and partnered with handsome agent Noah, Lewis plunges into a world of black markets, gothic magic, and unspeakable terror. But if he’s to succeed, he’ll have to locate the long-lost final work, and its powers might be the most devastating of all…
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