Slashed Beauties: A spellbinding historical fantasy about sisterhood, betrayal and reclamation

A spellbinding tale of sisterhood, betrayal and reclamation revolving around three 18th-century wax models of women, known as Anatomical Venuses or 'slashed beauties'. Legend has it, these beauties are bewitched, coming to life to murder men who have wronged them.

Finally, these men will get what they deserve. We will make sure of it. Together.

Seoul, present day: Antiques dealer Alys is offered a vast sum of money to transport one of three highly coveted Anatomical Venuses to London, with one key condition - she must destroy it when she reaches the city.

London, 1769: After a chance meeting at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, young and inexperienced Eleanor is promised a life of luxury by the beautiful and charismatic Elizabeth and her protégé, Emily. All she must do is allow Elizabeth complete control of her destiny.

In a darkly compelling and magical plot, prepare to discover the dangerous secret shared by these women - a secret that spans centuries, and which will unearth horrors not of this world. Perfect for fans of Weyward by Emilia Hart, The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow and The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, as well as readers of Jessie Burton and Stacey Halls.

‘I adored this gorgeous, sumptuously gothic feminist novel’ - Emma Cowing, author of The Show Woman

‘Easily one of the best books I've read this year... Captivating from start to end and tells a haunting tale of feminine rage' - Abbie Eaton, author of Dragonhart

'The warped, witchy lovechild of Madame Tussaud and Jack the Ripper - an engrossing gothic tale of friendship, misogyny and the murderous consequence of denying women's autonomy' - Ellie Marney, author of None Shall Sleep

'Utterly compelling from the first page to the final, shocking twist, Slashed Beauties is a darkly exquisite story that explores the corrosive effects of misogyny and the enduring power of female love' - Christine Wells, author of The Paris Gown

‘An extraordinary tale. Slashed Beauties left me spellbound’ - Emma Grey, author of Pictures of You

'Such a cool, eerie read. Slashed Beauties blends gothic vibes, creepy wax figures, feminist rage and a touch of witchcraft... If you like dark, feminist stories with a slow-build unease and some genuinely creepy imagery, I’d definitely recommend this' - 5-Star Reader Review

'I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and twisty novel, and days after finishing I am still struck by thoughts of it... Simply divine!' - 5-Star Reader Review

'A book I’m going to be thinking about for a long time. Slashed Beauties is a haunting and disconcerting yet thought-provoking novel... I was absolutely enamoured by Emily and Eleanor and how their story unfolded... I would give this 6 stars if I could' - 5-Star Reader Review

This novel contains depictions of sexual assault, sexual harassment, body horror and violence.

© 2025 Verve Books (E-bog): 9780857308863

Release date

E-bog: 17. september 2025