Hannah Morrissey, the esteemed author known for her gripping narratives, is set to release her latest thriller, *Scream City*, in early 2027. This novel is poised to captivate readers with its dark themes and a compelling storyline, a significant departure from her previous works. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Milwaukee, *Scream City* intertwines the fates of two characters as they confront a chilling copycat killer.
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The narrative unfolds in 1997 and centres on Rex Hale, a former police officer whose life has taken a disheartening turn. Following a divorce and a suspension from the force, Rex is desperately trying to forge a living by serving eviction notices for a property developer. His precarious situation takes a sinister turn when the man he is set to evict is discovered murdered, leading him to suspect that the crime is linked to the infamous Cream City Killer, a figure who once instilled fear into the residents of Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point.
In the midst of this turmoil, Rex meets Alice, a bookstore owner who is also facing eviction. Remarkably, Alice is the granddaughter of the original Cream City Killer, which adds layers of complexity to their burgeoning partnership. Faced with an escalating body count, Rex and Alice strip away their differences and work together to unearth the truth, navigating a landscape riddled with danger and intrigue.
Morrissey describes *Scream City* as a “morbid love letter” to the 1990s and to Milwaukee itself, capturing the essence of its people, architecture, and the city’s vibrant, yet dark history. This latest work signals a shift in Morrissey’s writing journey, as she transitions from her notable Black Harbor series to explore standalone storytelling. She indicates that this novel reflects her creative evolution, embracing a “neon noir” perspective while delivering the character development and tension that her readers have come to expect.
In her own words, Morrissey shares that *Scream City* represents “a new chapter” in her writing career. She aims to showcase a Milwaukee reimagined, where the remnants of the past and the presence of ghosts are woven into the narrative fabric of the story. Morrissey expresses her hope that the book will leave an indelible mark on its readers, noting, “I hope it haunts you.”
The excitement surrounding *Scream City* is palpable, especially with its cover reveal through *PEOPLE* magazine, which offers an exclusive first look at Morrissey’s new literary work. As anticipation builds, readers can now preorder the book ahead of its release on January 26, 2027, from Minotaur Books, a Macmillan Publishers imprint.
Given the eerie themes and suspenseful undertones common to Morrissey’s previous works, *Scream City* is likely to resonate with fans of the thriller genre. The combination of a dynamic plot, deep character exploration, and a richly depicted setting promises to create an engaging reading experience.
As the release date approaches, readers are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a journey into the shadows of Milwaukee’s past. With Morrissey’s talent for crafting stories that intertwine emotional depth with chilling suspense, her latest novel is undeniably one to watch in the world of contemporary thrillers.
In conclusion, *Scream City* not only ignites Morrissey’s narrative ingenuity but also solidifies her position as a significant voice in modern fiction. It is set to capture the imaginations of readers looking for a gripping tale steeped in history and mystery.