Deaths and disappearances pile up as a mysterious beast stalks the French countryside and two girls seize an unlikely opportunity that just might save them all--or serve them up on a platter.

Step into this chilling, historical horror inspired by the unsolved mystery of the Beast of G?vaudan.

When a series of brutal, mysterious deaths start plaguing the countryside and whispers of a beast in the mountains reach the quiet French hamlet of Mende, most people believe it's a curse--God's punishment for their sins.

But to sixteen-year-old Jos?phine and her best friend, Clara, the beast isn't a curse. It's an opportunity.

For years, the girls of Mende have been living in a nightmare--fathers who drink, brothers who punch, homes that feel like prisons--and this is a chance to get them out.

Using the creature's attacks as cover, Jos?phine and Clara set out to fake their friends' deaths and hide them away until it's safe to run. But escape is harder than they thought. If they can't brave a harsh winter with little food... If the villagers discover what they're doing... If the beast finds them first...

Those fake deaths might just become real ones.

Author: Gigi Griffis
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: 12/10/2024
Pages: 352
Weight: 1lbs
Size: 8.35h x 5.67w x 1.34d
ISBN: 9780593707722
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 09/09/2024
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2024
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2024
School Library Journal 12/01/2024 pg. 128

About the Author
Gigi Griffis writes edgy, feminist historical stories for adults and teens, including The Wicked Unseen and The Empress, a Netflix tie-in. She's a sucker for little-known histories, "unlikable" female characters, and all things Europe. After almost ten years of semi-nomadic life, she now lives in Portugal with an opinionated Yorkie mix named Luna and a fancy blender that cost more than her couch. Her main hobbies are righteous anger, swearing, and gazing lovingly at the dog or the blender.