My Dear Henry * Kalynn Bayron

A Jekyll & Hyde Remix. In this sweeping Gothic reimagining of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a young Black medical student expelled from his London college fights to uncover the truth behind his best friend's erratic, terrifying behavior and mysterious connection to a dangerous street criminal.

The Story: Written by prominent New York Times bestselling author, fantasy pioneer, and classically trained vocalist Kalynn Bayron, this celebrated 2023 release is a spectacular, atmospheric addition to contemporary young adult literature. The narrative steps past predictable, low-stakes commercial romance formulas, sanitized fairy-tale tropes, or basic police procedurals. Instead, Bayron creates a substantial, deeply claustrophobic Gothic thriller that masterfully pairs traditional locked-room suspense with an uncompromising exploration of institutional racism, class inequalities, and queer identity in Victorian London, carrying immense emotional resonance for modern readers.

The plot introduces Gabriel Utterson, a brilliant young Black man who has been wrongfully expelled from medical school. His regular routine takes a sharp turn when he is forced to return to London to confront a devastating domestic crisis: his best friend, and the young man he secretly loves, Henry Jekyll, has become a complete recluse. Henry, a promising young scientist working under the strict, looming shadow of his demanding father, has unexpectedly signed over his entire life's asset pool to an aggressive, cruel stranger named Hyde. As Hyde takes absolute control of the Jekyll estate, Gabriel watches his friend deteriorate into a state of frantic, biological panic.

Rather than a simple historical chronicle, the puzzle spirals into an intense, high-stakes countdown as a string of brutal local crimes drops the city into a state of terror. Partnered with his own sharp medical wits and a dangerous, hidden tracking loop, Gabriel must brave London’s rain-slicked cobblestones and shady alleys to break into Henry's secretive laboratory. Moving smoothly from elegant Victorian salons to explosive, blood-soaked confrontations, this pacy page-turner keeps the adrenaline at an absolute boil until its final, heart-wrenching supernatural revelation. Published as an essential hardcover volume within Feiwel & Friends’ fabled Remixed Classics line by Macmillan, this perennially popular chart-topper remains an absolute showpiece for young adult and alternative history shelves worldwide.

Perfect For: Fans of dark Gothic horror, queer historical romances, and inventive classic literature retellings; readers who thoroughly enjoy the fast-paced, atmospheric styles of authors like Holly Jackson, Maureen Johnson, or Karen M. McManus; and book clubs exploring social justice and modern cultural systems through a historical lens.

Published 2023 by Feiwel & Friends.

Fiction / Young Adult / Gothic Horror Sagas / LGBTQ+ YA Romance / Historical Fantasy / Classic Literature Retellings / Victorian Noir