Rawblood

Rawblood marks the 2015 horror fiction debut of Catriona Ward. Initially released in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2015, by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, it later appeared in the United States on March 1, 2017, published by Sourcebooks under the alternate title The Girl from Rawblood.

Synopsis

Set in 1910, the narrative follows Iris Villarca, an eleven-year-old girl confined within Rawblood, a remote mansion situated on Dartmoor. Her father enforces strict isolation, asserting she is vulnerable to Horror autotoxicus, which he deceitfully claims is a hereditary condition that caused her mother's demise and affects their lineage. In truth, this term describes a biological concept rather than an actual disease.

Although restricted by her father's orders, Iris forms a friendship with Tom Gilmore, whose family is embroiled in conflict with hers. Upon discovering their association, her father proposes funding her medical education to separate them. Iris agrees but soon learns through medical literature that the horror autotoxicus diagnosis is a fabrication. Subsequently, her father discloses the existence of a far graver inherited illness endangering their family.

Reception

Strange Horizons commended Rawblood for embodying "all the mystery and menace one might expect in a classic ghost story." The Historical Novel Society noted its "powerful and atmospheric" prose. Additionally, WHSmith recognized Rawblood as a Fresh Talent selection for Autumn 2016.

Awards

Year	Award	Category	Result
2016	Author's Club Best First Novel Award	—	Template:Sho
	British Fantasy Award	Horror Novel	Template:Won