The Survival of Molly Southbourne

Thompson’s terrifying and poignant follow-up to 2017’s The Murders of Molly Southbourne poses thoughtful questions about identity and what it means to be human, and packs in all the tension of a crackerjack thriller. When Molly Southbourne bleeds, an identical copy of her, called a molly, is made. Until now, she’s killed every one of them. However, she might have found a way to stop the cycle. Unfortunately, life isn’t much easier without the constant threat of the mollys. When Molly meets a woman named Tamara, who has a similar affliction and has made peace with her copies, Molly hopes to find the reason for her unusual existence. But nothing is quite what it seems, and a horrifying discovery leads to startling revelations. Thompson’s atmospheric, twisty narrative radiates low menace and is punctuated by scenes of bloody body horror that aren’t for the squeamish. Molly’s desire to live—not just survive—against all odds will continue to garner her adoring fans. (July)