A. Rushby’s Spooky Dolls: When Wax Figures Get Wicked!

Get ready to dive into a chilling tale of cursed beauty as Australian author A. Rushby unveils her latest spooky creation, *Slashed Beauties*. Slated to hit the shelves on September 23, this novel promises a dollop of gothic horror peppered with feminist themes, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a dark twist on the classic horror genre. The book’s intertwining narratives span across two timelines—present-day Seoul and 1700s London—where murderous dolls come to life in the macabre tale of revenge.

Picture this: Alys, an antiques dealer in modern-day Seoul, finds herself ensnared in the sinister lore of 18th-century anatomical Venuses—hyper-realistic wax figures supposedly cursed to exact vengeance on men who wronged them. Talk about a bad day at work! Alys’s quest to shed her ties to these diabolical dolls leads her all the way to England, where she believes she can break the curse…if it doesn’t end up breaking her first.

Flashing back to the 1700s, we meet Eleanor and Emily, two girls who become embroiled in the glamorous yet treacherous world of Elizabeth, a sought-after courtesan. As they bask in the glow of riches and allure, they slowly realize that Elizabeth may hold dark secrets herself. Bouncing between timelines, the stakes heighten—the only way for Alys to rid herself of the curse? Destroy the cursed figures, but maybe that’s easier said than done.

Rushby isn’t new to the literary scene; under various pseudonyms like Allison Rushby and A.J. Rushby, she has crafted delightful reads for both young audiences and adults. In past interviews, she’s reflected on the intricate dance of maintaining artistic integrity while appealing to publishers. It’s a balancing act—a bit like walking a tightrope made of, you guessed it, very thin wax.

With its mix of supernatural thrills and potent social commentary—a personal fave for millennials and Gen Z—*Slashed Beauties* is a literary dish best served cold, or perhaps at your local bookstore (or cursorily updated Kindle). So, mark your calendars, as this novel is ready to chop and slice its way into your fall reading list. Preorder is available, and let’s be real, who can resist a story that throws a feminist twist into the horror game?

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, WordMothers, Goodreads