Veal

“The atmosphere is undeniably well crafted … Those who don’t mind novels that are more vibes based than plot driven will find Nolan an exciting new voice.” — Publishers Weekly“A thrilling and tender examination of friendship, fear, and trauma, perfect for fans of My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon and Tell Me I’m Worthless by Alison Rumfitt.” — Library Journal“The “patchwork creature” at the center of the mystery is described as “born of hatred”—a characterization that resonates with broader discussions about misogyny, queerphobia, and violence against marginalized groups . Through this lens, Veal offers both a gripping story and a pointed critique of systemic injustices.” — EDGE“Veal is a page-turner that manages to pair earnest reflections on queer friendship and the impacts of systemic misogyny, with hammy depictions of an incompetent quartet of lovable monster hunters.” — Riddle Fence Magazine“An intimate portrayal of what it is to be a woman in the today, an exploration of all we carry down from our parents, and a moving friendship story, and love story — what does it mean to be loved in a world where your body is an object, when your body is prey? Reading Veal, I felt as though I’d been invited to a staff room filled with women who’ve worked together for decades. The intimacy of dialogue, the familiarity of the narrative voice, and the honesty gifted from one woman to another, Mackenzie Nolan gave me a safe space to imagine what I’d do, if only I had an axe and three fearless friends.” — Junction Reads“In general, sapphic horror has a seriousness problem. Many of the challenges we face as a community on a daily basis are incredibly serious, serving as a gray cloud that’s perpetually threatening disaster… Veal fills this oxygen-depleted void with some lighthearted banter, campy horror elements, and in-your-face, almost desperate lesbian longing. Essentially, it has fun, and in 2026, that’s exactly what the LGBTQIA+ community could use more of, giving us a break from the horrors of the news cycle.” — Literary Cobblestones“A fantastic debut that is unapologetically queer, atmospheric, and has great creepy summer camp vibes.” — Sarah Connor’s blog

Mackenzie Nolan was born and raised in Newfoundland. Working professionally as a social worker for several years, she found herself better suited to writing interpersonal dynamics, rather than solving them. She lives in St. John’s, NL. Veal is her debut novel.

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