The Brood by Rebecca Baum is a tale that will make your skin crawl in more ways than one…
CONTENT WARNINGS: Child abuse, kidnapping, body horror, eating disorders, and more.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Brood by Rebecca Baum-
Having an affair to get to the role she wanted, then keeping that role secure by helping that same man cover up his other affairs, this woman has made peace with her path. But when traveling to take a break and prepare for her next case results in a car accident, she finds herself at the mercy of someone, known as Girl, who keeps her trapped far from civilization for a bizarre reason.
As our main character continues to try to escape, she slowly learns more about her kidnapper and the situation that they are both in. But there’s something else just under the surface that’s about to make itself known, which will turn everything this woman believes on its head.
My gosh, this book had my skin already crawling with the focus on being held captive… Then we’re introduced to the cicadas… THEN IT ONLY GETS MORE AND MORE HORRIFYING!
The pacing here only makes things that much more chilling. It’s relatively slow, and only spans a short time overall, but it will suck you right in!
My Favorite Passages from The Brood –
To one side, the forest loomed, a black and green wall that ran the length of the property. The cabin itself seemed a wind’s breath from collapsing. The weathered wood buckled; the small back porch slanted like an unhinged jaw.
The woman seemed ready to demolish Mary, the cabin, the entire world. Yet Girl’s eyes betrayed an inner conflict, as if they’d been stitched into the wrong face, twin islands of sorrow adrift on an ocean of rage.
My Final Thoughts on The Brood –
Body horror fans, you have to check out The Brood. Ugh, I’m itchy and queasy just thinking about this tale (in the best way)! What a wild and intense ride this was!
Expected publication of the Brood is October 28th, 2025 from Thomas & Mercer! Preorder your copy today!
Thanks for reading!
And a special thanks to Rebecca for sending me a copy of this via NetGalley!
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