A Glimpse into the Horror of Lusus Naturae by Chris Coppel

A Glimpse into the Horror of Lusus Naturae by Chris Coppel

Horror fans, prepare yourselves, Chris Coppel’s latest novel, Lusus Naturae, is a blood-chilling plunge into the grotesque, the unexplained, and the unforgettable. Known for his psychologically taut and visceral storytelling, Coppel this time turns his gaze to a quiet English seaside town that becomes ground zero for a long-forgotten wartime horror.

Set in Deal, Kent, Lusus Naturae unearths a deadly secret entombed for decades within the wreckage of the legendary ship Lady Lovibond. What should have remained buried instead awakens, and with it, a genetically modified monster built for war, but now set loose among civilians.

Below is an exclusive extract from Lusus Naturae, which captures a pivotal moment of discovery – one that plunges characters (and readers) into full-blown nightmare.

Excerpt from Lusus Naturae by Chris Coppel

The cinema was pitch black.

“You’d think they’d leave at least one of the lights on,” Helena observed.

“By the smell of the place, I was right about their lack of house training. It’s rank in here!” Brian added.

Jay switched on his phone light and sought out one of the lanterns that Helena had left.

“You two stay by the door,” he said with as much calm as he could muster. The trouble was, he wasn’t feelinganything close to calm. Brian had been right about the smell, just not the full spectrum of the odour. There was definitely excrement in the mix, but there was something else – something coppery and sweet.

Once the lantern was on, it took Jay a moment to understand what exactly he was seeing. The blood was instantly recognisable. The level and spread of the carnage was not.

He could hear Helena gasp at the same time as Brian began retching near the exit door.

He couldn’t blame either reaction. Even by the limited light from one battery-powered lantern, he could clearly see the blood that had been splattered in almost every direction. Chunks of what he assumed had to be human flesh were dotted around the space and by the look of them, were the result of some sort of frenzied feeding.

Jay knew from Helena’s recounting that there had been two men in the cinema. There was no part that he could see that was large enough or intact enough to help in their identification.

“What did this?” Helena asked as she took a step away from Brian who was still having trouble with his retching reflex.

“I couldn’t begin to guess.”

Jay found a second lantern and switched it on as well. He left in on a central table then used the other to guide him towards the stage. Once the arc of the illumination reached the sarcophagus, he could see that it had been opened and the lid severely damaged. He stepped towards it and peered inside.

It was completely empty.

“Just a thought,” Helena said from her position of perceived safety by the door. “How do we know that whatever did this isn’t still in here with us?”

Jay felt as if he’d been slapped. Helena’s question was all too logical, yet his interest had been driven byacademic curiosity rather than safety for himself and the others.

Jay switched his lantern to torch mode and an ultra-bright beam immediately shot from the front-facing lens. He angled it up at the ceiling tiles hoping to see some sort of disturbance that could be proof that whatever did this had found a way out. The tiles were still in place.

Helena approached the stage and joined Jay at what remained of the sarcophagus.

“Do you think whatever did this was inside this thing?” she asked.

“Normally I would say no, and that you’ve been watching too many horror movies. However, faced with what’s happened here, I think it’s a good possibility that that may well be the case.”

“What could it have been?”

“Something that seems to like feeding on humans.”

Chris Coppel’s Lusus Naturae is more than just a monster horror, it’s a chilling commentary on the consequences of tampering with nature in the name of war. With its eerie atmosphere, visceral detail, and relentless suspense, it’s a must-read for fans of dark thrillers and supernatural horror.

If you’re ready to face the beast, grab your copy of Lusus Naturae from Amazon or Waterstones and be sure to leave a review on Goodreads after you’ve devoured it. You can also explore more of Chris Coppel’s work on his official website, www.chriscoppel.com. 

Stay connected with the author on social media for more terrifying tales:

• Instagram: @chris.coppel
• Facebook: @Coppel.Author
• X (formerly Twitter): @chriscoppel
• TikTok: @chriscoppelwriter

Step into the shadows – Lusus Naturae awaits.

About the Author

Chris Coppel was born in California and has lived across the U.S. and Europe, including stints in Spain, France, Switzerland, and the UK. A natural storyteller, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Alec Coppel (screenwriter of Vertigo) and has since penned numerous horror novels. His works, including Lunacy, Latency, and now Lusus Naturae, blend psychological depth with supernatural terror.

Outside of writing, Chris held senior executive positions at Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and UCLA’s Film School, where he also taught advanced screenwriting. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, he and his wife spent several years working with Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. Chris now lives in the UK, drawing inspiration from its rich history, eerie landscapes, and coastal myths.

Further Reading

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The passionate team behind The Ginger Nuts of Horror delivers thoughtful critiques and recommendations that delve into the nuances of storytelling, character development, and atmospheric tension. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems to stream on a dark and stormy night or want to explore the work of up-and-coming horror filmmakers, this page is packed with content that will ignite your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.

So grab your favorite horror-themed snacks, settle into a cozy spot, and immerse yourself in the chilling world of horror literature and film. Head over to The Ginger Nuts of Horror and embark on a journey through the eerie and the extraordinary it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!