> Skip to content
Love, Sex & Frankenstein
  • Published: 26 June 2025
  • ISBN: 9781405949019
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

Love, Sex & Frankenstein




A suspense-filled retelling of the dark summer that should have broken Mary Shelley - but inspired her to write Frankenstein instead . . .

Villa Diodati, Lake Geneva, 1816.

Eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. Tormented by Shelley’s betrayals, haunted by the loss of their baby and suspicious of her sister’s intentions, Mary seeks a refuge.

But Lord Byron’s villa, lying under ash-shrouded skies, feels more like a trap.
When Byron suggests each guest write a supernatural tale, Mary is as drawn to the challenge as she is, unexpectedly, to Byron himself.

An idea begins to form in her mind . . . spilling out of her in thick, black ink.

A thing given life is before her. But is she in control, or is it?

  • Published: 26 June 2025
  • ISBN: 9781405949019
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

About the author

Caroline Lea

Caroline Lea grew up on the island of Jersey. The Glass Woman, her debut, is a gothic thriller set during the Icelandic witch trials. The Metal Heart, a Waterstones Scottish Book of the Month, is an epic Second World War love story; Prize Women reveals a feminist scandal at the heart of the roaring 20s. Her latest novel reimagines Mary Shelley and the writing of Frankenstein.

Also by Caroline Lea

See all

Praise for Love, Sex & Frankenstein

An absolutely gripping novel about the choices women face - and the choices they are denied

Elodie Harper

Crackles with tension. Moving and atmospheric, I could not put it down

Laura Purcell

Gripped me in a cold fist. Beautiful

Sara Collins

Masterful. Caroline Lea is a superb storyteller

Elizabeth Macneal
penguin pop image
penguin pop image