Student Hunts Killer in Beauty-Obsessed Nightmare

A new YA horror-thriller, 'Every Exquisite Thing,' retells the classic tale of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' with a modern, terrifying twist. The novel, penned by Laura Steven, explores the dark side of beauty and the pursuit of perfection.

The story follows Penny Paxton, the daughter of a famous model, who enrolls in the elite Dorian Drama School. Offered a chance to have her portrait painted by an artist who grants immortal beauty, Penny sees it as her path to stardom. However, this opportunity quickly devolves into a waking nightmare.

After her mentor is murdered, Penny realizes a sinister force is using the magical portraits to kill students. As more beautiful classmates fall victim, Penny understands she must find the killer to save herself and others. The narrative delves into the seductive allure and ultimate cost of pursuing flawless beauty and identity.

The excerpt reveals a tense encounter where Penny finds fellow student Davina in distress by a lake. Davina has suffered a gruesome, impossible injury to her eye, leaving Penny to confront the reality of the 'Masked Painter's' deadly work, with three bodies already claimed and the threat looming over them.