“No one has a family without wounds. It always comes, whether it’s from living with them or in their absence”

Lauren has spent a lifetime crafting an outward persona that is free of controversy and filled with altruistic and philanthropic activities. Her girlfriend, Alex, is a professional dancer, currently sidelined with a devastating injury. Together, they live in a trendy Toronto neighborhood. However, Lauren has a secret, and recent events threaten to bring to light her insatiable appetite.

Much like Lauren and her ethically sourced meat, I devoured this literary nourishment with pleasure. I adored Green Fuse Burning, so when I saw a new novella from Morris, I knew I had to get my hands on this as soon as possible. The dynamic between the wealthy, perfectly presented white Lauren and her M’kmaq professional dancer girlfriend Alex is everything in his novel. Obviously, cannibalism is the plot that drives the story, but the tension and Lauren’s overt manipulation and gaslighting of Alex and everyone in her life is what gives the book its deepest strength. I swear there were points near the novel’s climax where I felt like I was white-knuckling my e-reader; it’s that tense!

Just as her earlier work, Morris’ beautiful prose shines through giving this book a memorable feel, setting it apart from its contemporaries. I might have worn out my Kobo’s highlighting feature as I tried to take note of as many quotes as possible.

I’m comfortable in saying Carnalis is an essential 2026 read that will absolutely find a spot on my year-end list. I do hope more people check it out. Tiffany will be an author I continue to watch out for and eagerly anticipate her future work.