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Unpleasant Creatures
She survived childhood. She’ll need a miracle for what’s to come.
by Mahalia Smith
“Unpleasant Creatures” by Mahalia Smith is a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of strength and survival. The protagonist, Sam, has been conditioned by her tumultuous upbringing to be the pillar of resilience, a role she embraces to shield her emotionally fragile mother. The narrative unfolds as Sam orchestrates a move from the chaos of London to the tranquillity of Lincoln, seeking a fresh start. However, her plans are disrupted when she meets Jack, whose charm begins to thaw her guarded exterior. Yet, the real tension arises with the introduction of Nick, Jack’s best friend, whose sinister actions threaten to unravel Sam’s carefully constructed life.
Smith masterfully crafts a tale of suspense, weaving in themes of love, loyalty, and the haunting shadows of the past. As Sam grapples with Nick’s unsettling behaviour and the sudden disappearance of her mother, the story crescendos into a heart-pounding exploration of trust and fear. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to keep readers on edge, questioning the motives of each character. “Unpleasant Creatures” is a must-read for those who relish psychological thrillers that challenge the boundaries of human endurance and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.
Mahalia Smith has always been passionate about reading, but her journey into writing was ignited by the encouragement of an inspiring English teacher who shared how much they enjoyed one of Mahalia’s short stories, even taking it home to read to their family. This moment planted the seed for what would become a lifelong ambition.
It took time for Mahalia to embrace writing as her true calling, but being a finalist in the Joffe Books Competition in 2021 proved a turning point. It confirmed that her talent for storytelling resonated with others.
With a background as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS, and years of experience in the Mental Health sector, Mahalia draws heavily on her professional insights to shape her work. Fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour, she excels at creating nuanced characters who defy easy categorisation.
Having grown up in Tottenham and as a mixed-race individual, Mahalia brings a rich perspective to her stories. Her characters reflect a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds, painting a vivid picture of real life. While Mahalia does not shy away from addressing the challenges her characters may face due to race, she aims for these stories to transcend labels and avoid being politicised or reduced to diversity checkboxes. Instead, her focus is on creating authentic, relatable characters that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
