The Need is a new thriller novel with a fascinating, gruesome premise. It’s about two families with nothing in common — other than the same genetic condition that compels them to cannibalism.
The Need is the debut novel from screenwriter Megan Mostyn-Brown, who is known for her work on shows like Gotham, NOS4A2, and The Mayfair Witches.
Mostyn-Brown’s novel is told from the perspectives of several different characters and makes for a fairly quick read while dealing with themes of classicism, family dynamics, and identity. It is also partially inspired by her own experience with a genetic disorder.
As one might imagine, this novel can get a bit gory (it’s about cannibalism, after all), but it also includes a good bit of humor and emotion.
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication Date: September 22nd, 2026
Author: Megan Mostyn-Brown
Pages: 288
Book description:
The Need is a rare genetic disorder. Those who have it must consume human flesh or die. For some, The Need is power. For others, it is a curse.
Talia has been on the run with her two teenagers since the kids were babies, changing names and identities every time someone gets close to discovering her family’s tragic secret. Sam is her son, tormented by The Need, unable to stop giving in to his darkest desires, much to his mother’s chagrin. Rosie, his twin sister, who’s escaped her mom’s and brother’s genetic curse, is desperate for a life of normalcy—like a TikTok account, Homecoming, or a kiss with her mysterious new friend Naomi. But her brother keeps eating people and, frankly, it’s ruining her life.
Vera, a former supermodel and member of New York City’s elite Armstrong family, lives a life of luxury, haute couture, and eating people. Yes, unlike Talia, the Armstrongs secretly pride themselves on their genetic abnormality. But beneath Veraʼs opulent lifestyle is a woman whoʼs ruthlessly haunted by a mistake from her past. It has corrupted her standing with the Armstrongs, ruined her relationship with her kids, and is slowly unraveling her sanity. Vera will do whatever it takes to correct it.
On the surface, these two families have nothing in common. But Talia is harboring a secret from the twins—one that will bring them crashing into the Armstrongs. And when the truth comes out, no one will ever be the same.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Eulalie Magazine and Tell-Tale TV. She has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches courses in Writing and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she is a Senior Lecturer. You can contact Ashley at [email protected].