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MANIMAL
In the sweltering shadows of 1930s Atlanta, monsters wear many faces– some human, some not.
Jack Quinn is a detective with a badge, a trench coat, and a beast lurking beneath his skin. His partner, August Sullivan, is a reluctant vampire with a preacher’s guilt and a thirst he can’t quite drown. Together, they navigate a city cracking under the weight of corruption, secrets, and something far older than politics.
When a string of gruesome murders rocks Atlanta– victims left heartless and drained, posed like offerings– Quinn and Sullivan are pulled into a case steeped in blood, myth, and madness. All of the victims are vampires. And someone, or something, wants them eradicated.
As tensions rise between a pair of rival mayoral candidates– one preaching acceptance and peace, the other division and bigotry– the detectives join forces with the mysterious Miss Gray, a woman whose knowledge of the arcane might be the only thing standing between Atlanta and the abyss.
In a world where nothing stays buried, and the line between man and monster blurs, Quinn and Sullivan must face the acceptance may be the only path to salvation… but some truths are too wide-mouthed to swallow.
Hard-boiled to the bone, and laced with cosmic dread, this Southern Gothic detective thriller dives deep into identity, monstrosity, and the things that whisper from beyond.
Jack Quinn is a detective with a badge, a trench coat, and a beast lurking beneath his skin. His partner, August Sullivan, is a reluctant vampire with a preacher’s guilt and a thirst he can’t quite drown. Together, they navigate a city cracking under the weight of corruption, secrets, and something far older than politics.
When a string of gruesome murders rocks Atlanta– victims left heartless and drained, posed like offerings– Quinn and Sullivan are pulled into a case steeped in blood, myth, and madness. All of the victims are vampires. And someone, or something, wants them eradicated.
As tensions rise between a pair of rival mayoral candidates– one preaching acceptance and peace, the other division and bigotry– the detectives join forces with the mysterious Miss Gray, a woman whose knowledge of the arcane might be the only thing standing between Atlanta and the abyss.
In a world where nothing stays buried, and the line between man and monster blurs, Quinn and Sullivan must face the acceptance may be the only path to salvation… but some truths are too wide-mouthed to swallow.
Hard-boiled to the bone, and laced with cosmic dread, this Southern Gothic detective thriller dives deep into identity, monstrosity, and the things that whisper from beyond.
330 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2025
6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 22, 2025
The second I saw A.C. Hessenauer post on TikTok the inspiration behind MANIMAL, I knew I had to read it and that I'd love it.
In 1930s Atlanta, Jack Quinn—charming, bloodthirsty werewolf—and his partner August Sullivan—former preacher turned vampire—team up with a psychic to investigate a serial killer targeting vampires.
This book is so much fun. There's a mystery, it's creepy, it's got some twists, but the first word I would use to describe MANIMAL is fun. Jack and August maintain hilarious, witty banter from the start, and keep it up even during more intense moments. The amount of times Jack made me laugh out loud should win him an award. I am praying for a sequel because I love these characters so much, I'm not ready to let them go.
In 1930s Atlanta, Jack Quinn—charming, bloodthirsty werewolf—and his partner August Sullivan—former preacher turned vampire—team up with a psychic to investigate a serial killer targeting vampires.
This book is so much fun. There's a mystery, it's creepy, it's got some twists, but the first word I would use to describe MANIMAL is fun. Jack and August maintain hilarious, witty banter from the start, and keep it up even during more intense moments. The amount of times Jack made me laugh out loud should win him an award. I am praying for a sequel because I love these characters so much, I'm not ready to let them go.
October 15, 2025
I love a dark detective noir story and this one fit the niche perfectly. There was mysterious deaths, multiple suspects and enough hate flying around to keep the reader guessing until the end. I really was entertained by the fact that creatures existed with humans in this dark time of humanity. Some creatures accepted who they were while others felt guilty about their nature. The pace at which this novel traveled was quite quick. I was so involved in this book that time flew by and I was done! I found this sub-genre of horror is going to become a new favorite to read.
October 10, 2025
Imagine Sherlock Holmes, but replace Sherlock with a charming werewolf, and swap out Watson with a brooding vampire who has a complicated relationship with his bloodlust (oh, and throw in a quick-witted femme fatale with tentacles for legs who can commune with the dead), and you’ve got Manimal.
Vampires have started being ritualistically murdered in a supernatural version of downtown 1930s Atlanta, and it’s up to a pair of detectives to track down the cause.
I think this book does a great job of knowing exactly what it is: a fun, good old-fashioned crime mystery. There’s humor and satire a-plenty. You get an immediate feel for the two MCs and their buddy cop dynamic. And from there, the mounting evidence leads us through the city’s criminal underbelly and an eclectic mix of fun characters, from sleazy restaurant owners to brothels with a wide assortment of interesting clientele.
It’s not all jokes, though. The book does a nice job of blending in the drama and horror elements as needed. It’s got heart. A little romance. Ghastly murder scenes. A dash of political commentary. Mind-melting prophetic visions. All the good stuff. If this sounds up your (grimy, vampire-infested) alley? It most certainly is.
Vampires have started being ritualistically murdered in a supernatural version of downtown 1930s Atlanta, and it’s up to a pair of detectives to track down the cause.
I think this book does a great job of knowing exactly what it is: a fun, good old-fashioned crime mystery. There’s humor and satire a-plenty. You get an immediate feel for the two MCs and their buddy cop dynamic. And from there, the mounting evidence leads us through the city’s criminal underbelly and an eclectic mix of fun characters, from sleazy restaurant owners to brothels with a wide assortment of interesting clientele.
It’s not all jokes, though. The book does a nice job of blending in the drama and horror elements as needed. It’s got heart. A little romance. Ghastly murder scenes. A dash of political commentary. Mind-melting prophetic visions. All the good stuff. If this sounds up your (grimy, vampire-infested) alley? It most certainly is.
December 19, 2025
This novel does an impressive job blending classic noir with horror and the supernatural that is seamless. It begins firmly rooted in familiar noir territory: detectives, a case, moral ambiguity and then gradually peels back into something darker, stranger, and more unsettling.
What stood out most to me was how confidently it integrates what feels like a classic detective story with cosmic and supernatural horror. The shift never feels abrupt or gimmicky; instead, the story unfolds organically, allowing the tension to build as the boundaries of reality begin to erode. The surreal elements are used sparingly and effectively, enhancing the atmosphere rather than overwhelming it.
The book also offers one of the more interesting and unique takes on vampire lore I’ve encountered in a long time. In a genre that’s been overdone in my personal opinion in recent years, this interpretation feels fresh and thoughtfully reimagined. Layered on top of that is a political tension that feels relevant, adding weight to the horror.
This is a smart, moody, and ambitious blend of genres that trusts the reader and lingers long after you’re finished.
What stood out most to me was how confidently it integrates what feels like a classic detective story with cosmic and supernatural horror. The shift never feels abrupt or gimmicky; instead, the story unfolds organically, allowing the tension to build as the boundaries of reality begin to erode. The surreal elements are used sparingly and effectively, enhancing the atmosphere rather than overwhelming it.
The book also offers one of the more interesting and unique takes on vampire lore I’ve encountered in a long time. In a genre that’s been overdone in my personal opinion in recent years, this interpretation feels fresh and thoughtfully reimagined. Layered on top of that is a political tension that feels relevant, adding weight to the horror.
This is a smart, moody, and ambitious blend of genres that trusts the reader and lingers long after you’re finished.
January 6, 2026
I became aware of A.C. Hessenauer upon reading her gothic horror novel “Dread House” several months back.
“Manimal” is one or her more recent works. It swaps out the gothic vibe for something closer to the ambience of a Lovecraft tale (though without the ornamental Lovecraft prose—thank god). It’s Atlanta in the 1930s, in a world where vampires and other supernatural creatures are an acknowledged part of life, albeit somewhat hidden from view. In this setting, two detectives, themselves more than human, work to solve a mystery.
I won’t get into the details of the mystery other than to say it reminded me a bit of True Detective Season One.
There’s some great prose here; Hessenauer is an accomplished wielder of words.
I didn’t get into the “world” of this story as much as I did “Dread House”, but its still worth a read. I give it a solid 4 out 5.
“Manimal” is one or her more recent works. It swaps out the gothic vibe for something closer to the ambience of a Lovecraft tale (though without the ornamental Lovecraft prose—thank god). It’s Atlanta in the 1930s, in a world where vampires and other supernatural creatures are an acknowledged part of life, albeit somewhat hidden from view. In this setting, two detectives, themselves more than human, work to solve a mystery.
I won’t get into the details of the mystery other than to say it reminded me a bit of True Detective Season One.
There’s some great prose here; Hessenauer is an accomplished wielder of words.
I didn’t get into the “world” of this story as much as I did “Dread House”, but its still worth a read. I give it a solid 4 out 5.
October 13, 2025
If you're looking for a werewolf, a vampire, and a psychic that all work together then this is the tale to read. A. C. introduces us to Jack and August, two detectives who team up with Miss Grey to stop a string of murders. Along the way they learn of the corruption of the city, a little romance, the beasts that lurk within, and learn to work with one another. This story is laugh out loud in some places, gritty in some, and horrific in others. A great tale that all culminates at the end with a dramatic conclusion. Can't wait to see what is in store next from A. C.
September 12, 2025
a pair of detectives and a psychic are working together to track down a vampire serial killer.
I love how the book came around in a full circle. The trio of main character have great chemistry together. I’m hoping Hessenauer will expand the universe and create a series on Jack and August. Would highly recommend this book to others.
December 12, 2025
It was an interesting story and I loved the 1930's noir detective setting. A few parts of started to drag on but it was captivating enough to keep me going.
Glad I read it, probably won't read it again.
Glad I read it, probably won't read it again.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews