An Untimely Frost

An Untimely Frost, a novel by Ted Morrissey, features the first-person narration of American author Jefferson Wheelwright as he seeks the notorious English authoress Margaret Haeley, creator of Dunkelraum’s monster. Set in 1830s London, the novel is both historically accurate and stylistically experimental. The plot was inspired by Washington Irving’s rumored courtship of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. Also included are the author’s essay “Researching the Rhythms of Voice,” originally published in Glimmer Train Press’s prestigious Writers Ask series, and Discussion Questions. 

The Story Behind This Book

Inspired by Washington Irving's rumored courtship of Mary Shelley, An Untimely Frost is the story of American author Jefferson Wheelwright's pursuit of reclusive English authoress Margaret Haeley, creator of Dunkelraum's monsters.

Praise and Reviews

“An Untimely Frost, or The Authoress, accomplishes what all great historical fiction does:  it transports us to another era in order to help us better understand our own. One does not read this charming novel as much as get transported by it. Ted Morrissey writes with joy, ardor and an uncanny ability to tingle all of the senses with each carefully chosen image and every eloquently rendered turn of phrase.” – Andrew Ervin, author of Extraordinary Renditions

“Much to admire and enjoy. With a charming persona driving the prose, Ted Morrissey’sAn Untimely Frost gives a T. C. Boyle-esque mix of the historical and the modern. I admire the way he creates a fairly strict historical realism and also a playful surrealist edge–a fine blend of traditional and experimental forms.” – John Paul Jaramillo, author of The House of Order

“Morrissey creates a literary camera obscura:  his linguistic lens transports the reader into dark alleys of nineteenth-century London. Filled with twists and thrills, the novel is a treat.  It brings back sweet memories of reading Conan Doyle and Wilkie Collins on cold winter nights, a steaming mug of tea and a purring cat in my lap, hours and pages flying by.” – Zarina Zabrisky, author of We, Monsters

Author Interviews

• Interview page
• WUIS Public Radio
• Lincoln Land Review
• The Fourth River

Related Links

• Ted Morrissey's website
• Book's site
• Ted Morrissey's Amazon page
• Chapter One