Queer Horror Arrives: Mackenzie Nolan’s “Veal” Debuts October 14

On October 14, 2025, ECW Press will publish “Veal,” a novel by Mackenzie Nolan that is already garnering buzz as one of the year’s most anticipated queer releases . Set in the fictional town of Mistaken Point, the book weaves together elements of horror, friendship, and identity, positioning itself at the intersection of genre innovation and LGBTQ+ representation. As the literary world awaits its arrival, “Veal” is expected to have a profound impact on both horror fiction and queer literature.

At the heart of “Veal” is Delores “Lawrence” Franklin, self-described as a failed capitalist and runaway “headcase.” After a public meltdown at her corporate job, Lawrence seeks a fresh start by enrolling at Mistaken Point University—an institution overshadowed by the town’s macabre history of unsolved murders targeting young women .

While working a part-time job at a local arcade, Lawrence meets Francesca “Franky” Delores, a gritty and intense newcomer who believes a monstrous force is responsible for the crimes that haunt Mistaken Point. Franky’s theory—that a “patchwork creature born of hatred” still stalks the town—draws Lawrence, her best friend Anastasia Lanes, and Franky’s companion Pippa into an unconventional quest for answers . Between arcade shifts and summer afternoons by the pool, the group’s pursuit of the truth becomes a journey through urban legends, trauma, and the complexities of queer relationships.

Early press and pre-release commentary highlight “Veal” as a novel that deftly combines horror’s eerie atmospherics with the warmth and wit of LGBTQ+ community narratives . The publisher describes its ambiance as “Twin Peaks meets Dykes to Watch Out For,” suggesting a blend of surreal mystery and queer camaraderie rarely seen in mainstream horror fiction .

The novel’s structure emphasizes both suspense and emotional realism. Reviewers note that Nolan’s writing simmers with “raw emotion, yearning, and surreal tension”—qualities that make the book stand out in a crowded field of contemporary horror .

“Veal” is being celebrated in queer literary circles for its unapologetically inclusive cast and its nuanced exploration of LGBTQ+ identity. Each main character—Lawrence, Franky, Stasia, and Pippa—embodies a different facet of contemporary queer experience, from the search for belonging to the navigation of trauma and desire .

This representation extends beyond surface-level signifiers. For instance, the relationships among the group—particularly the charged attraction between Lawrence and Franky—are depicted with care and complexity, reflecting real-life dynamics and issues within LGBTQ+ communities .

The book’s horror elements, meanwhile, serve as metaphors for social and psychological realities. The “patchwork creature” at the center of the mystery is described as “born of hatred”—a characterization that resonates with broader discussions about misogyny, queerphobia, and violence against marginalized groups . Through this lens, “Veal” offers both a gripping story and a pointed critique of systemic injustices.

LGBTQ+ media and literary outlets have named “Veal” one of the most anticipated queer books of the season. Autostraddle, a leading queer women’s media site, included it in its October 2025 roundup, highlighting its inventive approach to horror and its potential to become a cult favorite among readers seeking intersectional narratives . Early reader reviews on platforms such as NetGalley praise the novel’s originality, atmospheric setting, and emotional depth .

The book’s launch is being marked by a series of in-person and virtual events, including a joint release with Vanessa Penney’s “The Witch of Willow Sound” on October 18 at Halifax Central Library, and a dedicated launch party in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on October 29 . These events are expected to draw significant attendance from both the local literary community and fans of queer genre fiction.

As “Veal” prepares for its debut, it represents more than just a new entry in the horror canon. The novel’s blend of genre thrills, emotional nuance, and LGBTQ+ affirmation signals a broader shift toward more inclusive and innovative storytelling within mainstream publishing. By centering queer lives and experiences in a narrative that is as unsettling as it is compassionate, Mackenzie Nolan’s “Veal” stands poised to leave a lasting mark—both as a work of horror and as a celebration of queer friendship and resilience.