What do you think?
Rate this book
Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26Welcome to the hidden, squirming world of parasites—some of the most misunderstood creatures with whom we share the Earth (and our bodies).
"Astonishing, eye-opening, and inspiring." —Chloe Dalton, author of Raising Hare
There is the tapeworm, which can grow 120 feet in length within the gut of a whale; the tsetse fly, a notorious vector of disease that can pierce the skin even of crocodiles with its needle-like mouth; and the most universal symbol of parasitic the leech. Long villainized as, well, parasitic, these creatures are actually a vital part of every ecosystem—and Dr. Dino Martins, an award-winning entomologist and biologist from Kenya, has made it his life’s mission to demystify these beguiling beings.
Hidden Creatures is a journey around the world ten times over—from Martins’ home in the wilds of East Africa, to the rainforests of the Amazon, to cities and backyards across the globe—and along the way, we encounter the brilliant and eccentric experts who join Martins on his adventures to investigate not only parasites but their hosts, from hyraxes and hippos to, of course, humans. Immersive, driven by an utterly infectious curiosity, and sure to transform every reader’s understanding of these organisms, Hidden Creatures has the magnetic force of a David Attenborough documentary and introduces a monumental, charismatic new voice in science writing.
"Astonishing, eye-opening, and inspiring." —Chloe Dalton, author of Raising Hare
There is the tapeworm, which can grow 120 feet in length within the gut of a whale; the tsetse fly, a notorious vector of disease that can pierce the skin even of crocodiles with its needle-like mouth; and the most universal symbol of parasitic the leech. Long villainized as, well, parasitic, these creatures are actually a vital part of every ecosystem—and Dr. Dino Martins, an award-winning entomologist and biologist from Kenya, has made it his life’s mission to demystify these beguiling beings.
Hidden Creatures is a journey around the world ten times over—from Martins’ home in the wilds of East Africa, to the rainforests of the Amazon, to cities and backyards across the globe—and along the way, we encounter the brilliant and eccentric experts who join Martins on his adventures to investigate not only parasites but their hosts, from hyraxes and hippos to, of course, humans. Immersive, driven by an utterly infectious curiosity, and sure to transform every reader’s understanding of these organisms, Hidden Creatures has the magnetic force of a David Attenborough documentary and introduces a monumental, charismatic new voice in science writing.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hidden Creatures by Dino Martins is a very highly recommended intriguing and accessible look into the world of parasites. Dr. Martins, an award-winning entomologist, evolutionary biologist, and professor from Kenya, examines real parasites (not that relative who always wants more) in an enthusiastic, understandable, educational, and informative manner. The complete title of the book, Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites, makes this quite clear.
Although I felt squeamish and perhaps a bit nauseous at times, I was totally engrossed throughout this informative book. Dr. Martins is a descriptive writer as well as a great teacher who takes delight in sharing his knowledge. Using a conversational tone and in poetic language he shares a plethora of fascinating, detailed information about a wide variety of parasites, their life cycles, treatments for them, as well as the interconnectedness of everything. This isn't simply a book about parasites, it's a detailed, factual book about Dr. Martins' educated, factual, and real life examinations of parasites. This makes all the difference. While reading you are experiencing remotely and at a safe distance his up close observations and interactions.
Chapters are delightfully (and the subject is a joy for Martins to discuss) are titled: 1. Practical Pinworms, Happy Hookworms and Remarkable Roundworms; 2. Marvelous Maggots; 3. Lovable Liver Flukes and Bountiful Bloodworms; 4. Magnificent Mosquitoes and Perfect Plasmodia; 5. Beautiful Bedbugs and Likable Lice; 6. Fabulous Fleas; 7. Mysterious Mites and Titillating Ticks; 8. Bashful Botflies; 9. Terrific Tapeworms; 10. Luscious Leeches; 11. Parable of the Leech; 12. Parasites Rising (And Falling); Acknowledgements and Notes. There are illustrations of various parasites included.
He said more than once while discussing parasites "Life begets death begets life," which is a poignant observation that is clearly exemplified through his elegant, immersive discussions of the various parasites that are a vital part of every ecosystem. A story of one of his experiences observing the activity surrounding an elephants corpse while collecting samples demonstrates this fact. Dr. Martins' book clearly shows the importance of really seeing and paying attention to what is going on around you every day. Also included in the text is a wealth of historical background.
The last chapter was quite interesting and begs for further studies. He discussed how the immune system of humans may be trained through the exposure to parasites and how the increase of allergies may be connected to the decrease of exposure in developed industrial areas. Allergies are rare in rural tropical areas where exposure to parasites is common. Also touched upon was the fact that there are very few new pathogens or parasites. Reports that are quick to claim something is a new foreign agent (ticks, mosquitoes) is a fallacy.
Hidden Creatures is an excellent choice for anyone interested in an accessible account of the world of parasites. I was admittedly simultaneously, fascinated, curious, disgusted, and engaged throughout the entire book. Thanks to Knopf Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Although I felt squeamish and perhaps a bit nauseous at times, I was totally engrossed throughout this informative book. Dr. Martins is a descriptive writer as well as a great teacher who takes delight in sharing his knowledge. Using a conversational tone and in poetic language he shares a plethora of fascinating, detailed information about a wide variety of parasites, their life cycles, treatments for them, as well as the interconnectedness of everything. This isn't simply a book about parasites, it's a detailed, factual book about Dr. Martins' educated, factual, and real life examinations of parasites. This makes all the difference. While reading you are experiencing remotely and at a safe distance his up close observations and interactions.
Chapters are delightfully (and the subject is a joy for Martins to discuss) are titled: 1. Practical Pinworms, Happy Hookworms and Remarkable Roundworms; 2. Marvelous Maggots; 3. Lovable Liver Flukes and Bountiful Bloodworms; 4. Magnificent Mosquitoes and Perfect Plasmodia; 5. Beautiful Bedbugs and Likable Lice; 6. Fabulous Fleas; 7. Mysterious Mites and Titillating Ticks; 8. Bashful Botflies; 9. Terrific Tapeworms; 10. Luscious Leeches; 11. Parable of the Leech; 12. Parasites Rising (And Falling); Acknowledgements and Notes. There are illustrations of various parasites included.
He said more than once while discussing parasites "Life begets death begets life," which is a poignant observation that is clearly exemplified through his elegant, immersive discussions of the various parasites that are a vital part of every ecosystem. A story of one of his experiences observing the activity surrounding an elephants corpse while collecting samples demonstrates this fact. Dr. Martins' book clearly shows the importance of really seeing and paying attention to what is going on around you every day. Also included in the text is a wealth of historical background.
The last chapter was quite interesting and begs for further studies. He discussed how the immune system of humans may be trained through the exposure to parasites and how the increase of allergies may be connected to the decrease of exposure in developed industrial areas. Allergies are rare in rural tropical areas where exposure to parasites is common. Also touched upon was the fact that there are very few new pathogens or parasites. Reports that are quick to claim something is a new foreign agent (ticks, mosquitoes) is a fallacy.
Hidden Creatures is an excellent choice for anyone interested in an accessible account of the world of parasites. I was admittedly simultaneously, fascinated, curious, disgusted, and engaged throughout the entire book. Thanks to Knopf Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not sure if it's possible for book centered around the world of parasites to be both intellectually satisfying and surprisingly poetic in presentation, but those are the two experiences I kept having with "Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous History-Shaping World of Parasites," a literary adventure put forth by lifelong parasite devotee and wonderdude Dr. Dino J. Martins.
Martins doesn't compromise on the facts here, immersing us in more than we could ever want to know about this world in which he's spent his entire life. However, there's also a remarkably adorable passion that unfolds here that will have you rethinking these misunderstood creatures and very likely wishing you'd stumble across this enthusiastic scientific hero and his ability to both demystify these creatures in a way that's both accessible and endearing.
In addition to leeches, botflies, and parasites (oh my), Dr. Martins introduces us to the tapeworm, a remarkable being that can grow 120 feet in length within the gut of a whale. We learn bunches about the tsetse fly and a whole lot more.
I can't say that "Hidden Creatures" will make you fall in love with parasites, but it sure will give you a deeper appreciation for how these creatures are a vital part of every ecosystem and, in some cases, their nasty reputation is quite undeserved.
Dr. Martins is an award-winning entomologist and biologist from Kenya. He's devoted his life to demystifying these fascinating beings he presents here. By the end, you'll be thankful he does.
I will confess that I occasionally struggled with the tonal rhythms of "Hidden Creatures," Dr. Martins occasionally waxing a little too eloquently. However, it's his enthusiasm that's so infectious and that's what really shines through here while we're being both informed and engaged with his world.
And what an amazing world it is. Dr. Martins takes us around the world with his hosts and collaborators. We learn about places most of us have never been. We learn about animals and parasites most of us have spent a lifetime trying to avoid. I'm not running off to the Amazon anytime soon, but I certainly have enjoyed reading about the adventures of someone who has done so.
With delightful insights and an almost childlike curiosity, Dr. Martins has crafted one of the year's most unique reading adventures. For those who enter this world, Dr. Martins has crafted a literary adventure for those willing to open themselves to an entirely new aspect of history and the world we live in.
Martins doesn't compromise on the facts here, immersing us in more than we could ever want to know about this world in which he's spent his entire life. However, there's also a remarkably adorable passion that unfolds here that will have you rethinking these misunderstood creatures and very likely wishing you'd stumble across this enthusiastic scientific hero and his ability to both demystify these creatures in a way that's both accessible and endearing.
In addition to leeches, botflies, and parasites (oh my), Dr. Martins introduces us to the tapeworm, a remarkable being that can grow 120 feet in length within the gut of a whale. We learn bunches about the tsetse fly and a whole lot more.
I can't say that "Hidden Creatures" will make you fall in love with parasites, but it sure will give you a deeper appreciation for how these creatures are a vital part of every ecosystem and, in some cases, their nasty reputation is quite undeserved.
Dr. Martins is an award-winning entomologist and biologist from Kenya. He's devoted his life to demystifying these fascinating beings he presents here. By the end, you'll be thankful he does.
I will confess that I occasionally struggled with the tonal rhythms of "Hidden Creatures," Dr. Martins occasionally waxing a little too eloquently. However, it's his enthusiasm that's so infectious and that's what really shines through here while we're being both informed and engaged with his world.
And what an amazing world it is. Dr. Martins takes us around the world with his hosts and collaborators. We learn about places most of us have never been. We learn about animals and parasites most of us have spent a lifetime trying to avoid. I'm not running off to the Amazon anytime soon, but I certainly have enjoyed reading about the adventures of someone who has done so.
With delightful insights and an almost childlike curiosity, Dr. Martins has crafted one of the year's most unique reading adventures. For those who enter this world, Dr. Martins has crafted a literary adventure for those willing to open themselves to an entirely new aspect of history and the world we live in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At once beautiful and gruesome, this book shines a spotlight on the misunderstood world of parasites. The author’s love of nature is manifest, depicting a leech in the same loving way as a puppy. Dr. Dino’s descriptive prose brings everything vividly to life, which is an asset when speaking about the sunset in the African savanna, but not so great when discussing parasitic infestations. I found the ghastliest parts fascinating; but didn’t love all the animal death. The author says more than once how life begets death begets life, but that part is sad. Being a book about scientists, there is also a bit of animal experimentation, so reader beware. With regards to the content, it’s illuminating how these little creatures have influenced the world so much. The writing is approachable, never too technical, and Dr. Dino tries to make lessons fun. That said, it seemed a little long to me: besides the content, the author adds where he was and with whom and what everyone said (including the original dialogue in the native language and the translation into English). I can see how he was trying to make the book more relatable, but eventually it got a little tiresome. Still, I enjoyed the read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book as a foray into the world of parasites. There's a lot of joy and wonder for the natural world captured in the writing style here. The book focuses a lot on Africa, especially Kenya where the writer is based, where parasite-caused diseases are common and devastating. I really liked the perspective that this book offers, and really enjoyed learning about the work of naturalists there. I would note that the style of this book is more akin to nature writing than popular science writing, but the writer's background does mean that all the science present is rigorous. Some bits of the book that I really enjoyed was the history of parasites, how they were discovered, the researchers behind it and also the cultural impact. But the most touching parts were the ones that were deeply human (is that the right adjective, when other animals mourn too?), where the writer grieves the loss of an animal that was important to him.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hidden Creatures by Dino J. Martins is a love letter to the most misunderstood of Earth’s creatures. Interspersed with personal anecdotes and historical timelines, Dr. Martins holds your hand as he shows you the beauty he sees in every leech and horsehair worm he comes across.
This book is cozy, poetic, and brimming with kindness and curiosity. Never in my life have I been so eager to image search bugs so that I can see their coloring and patterns.
If you like nature and science documentaries, or just want a hopeful, optimistic read in these trying times, let Dr. Martins paint you a soothing word picture featuring primarily blood-sucking insects.
Thank you Knopf for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book is cozy, poetic, and brimming with kindness and curiosity. Never in my life have I been so eager to image search bugs so that I can see their coloring and patterns.
If you like nature and science documentaries, or just want a hopeful, optimistic read in these trying times, let Dr. Martins paint you a soothing word picture featuring primarily blood-sucking insects.
Thank you Knopf for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, so I am a curious mind. I am always wondering what is underneath, what's inside, what grows because of death or eats it or needs... and boy oh boy did this book inform me! I had a blast learning all about pinworms, maggots, bloodworms, botflies, tapeworms, leeches, parasites and more! This book is packed full with not only natures undesirables but with the authors stories about how he came to encounter and study each of these, shall I say delightful, little creatures!
The title says it all, Hidden Creatures is a fascinating read and one for the person in your life who is always asking the question, interested in how disease carries, wants to know how nature decomposes and refreshes life and all the "things" in between. I really had a bast with this book.
The title says it all, Hidden Creatures is a fascinating read and one for the person in your life who is always asking the question, interested in how disease carries, wants to know how nature decomposes and refreshes life and all the "things" in between. I really had a bast with this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An interesting and detailed exploration of parasites in nature. I appreciated the author’s attempt to break up the scientific information with narrative stories or historical asides, though many felt loosely connected and disrupted the overall flow of the chapters. But overall a good overview of the world of parasites for any interested biologists or nature lovers!
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.
This book is a series of interesting vignettes about particular parasites, but what I was hoping for was a broad view of parasites and the role they play in the world and the lives of humans. This is not that book. As interesting as the vignettes are, they weren’t interesting enough to hold my attention.
This was a did-not-finish for me.
This book is a series of interesting vignettes about particular parasites, but what I was hoping for was a broad view of parasites and the role they play in the world and the lives of humans. This is not that book. As interesting as the vignettes are, they weren’t interesting enough to hold my attention.
This was a did-not-finish for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. Its outstanding qualities included a highly conversational tone and at times, poetic writing sprinkled with some clever wording worthy of re-reading. I loved how Dr. Martins wrapped his own adventures into the story about the parasites. The pacing was excellent and never got bogged down in minutiae. Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An informative book about the world of parasites> one learns about how certain parasites are beneficial while others transmit diseases. Learning about the stages the parasites go through as they mature was interesting. The love and enthusiasm that the author has for the world of parasites comes through clearly.
#HiddenCreatures #KnopfPantheonVintageandAnchor #Knopf #NetGalley
#HiddenCreatures #KnopfPantheonVintageandAnchor #Knopf #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was fascinated and grossed out all at the same time lol. Reading about all different types of parasites and what they do was interesting in all aspects of ways.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.
June 1, 2026
Hidden Creatures is a delight of a book where you get to learn all about different types of parasites. Have I not sold you yet? Dino Martins is a fantastic guide through this weird and wonderful world. His true inquisitive nature (got to take a specimen!) and love for teaching others about these creatures comes through clearly throughout the novel and it's hard not to get as excited as he is when he encounters one of these specimens. We learn about all sorts of creatures- from bed bugs, to leeches, to fleas and ticks, etc. Some of these are tied to transmission of illnesses (think Malaria, typhoid, Lyme disease) while others can also be used for beneficial purposes (see leeches, maggots). One could get squeamish reading about some of these creatures, but Martins' sheer delight at them is captivating. What a fun and informative read about an area of science that does not get enough love.
Thank you to Knopf for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.
Thank you to Knopf for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Readable, comprehensive, and absolutely worth recommending to both science lit lovers and everyday readers. Especially loved the formatting of this book-- it added a helpful structure for the understanding and kept things accessible.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews