Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer
Crooked Lane (February 2026)
Reviewed by Briana Morgan
There is no shortage of trad wife books in the world now. It’s no surprise that Yesteryear, a more literary-leaning title, has made such a splash in publishing—but some veritable trad wife treasures can also be found in the horror genre. Take Saratoga Schaefer’s Trad Wife for instance. Like its colleagues, this novel delves into the day-to-day life of a trad wife influencer… but with some Rosemary’s Baby thrown in.
Camille Deming is married and successful. All that’s missing is a baby. Although she and her husband have tried, nothing has worked. She isn’t expecting a miracle. But that’s exactly when she finds one in the form of a mysterious creature watching from above her bed. All it takes is one heartfelt wish, and the next thing Camille knows, she’s coupling with a fallen angel. Good for her.
As Camille’s belly swells impossibly fast, she develops a closer connection to her baby, Sweetheart, and its mysterious father than to her own husband. Camille changes drastically. She goes from a soft, subservient woman to a feral, fiercely protective creature—closer to her “true” self. At long last, she’s free.
I love the relationship between Camille and the creature that provides for her and her baby offering support, fresh meat, and release for Camille. Although the creature is presented as a demon, it’s a much more capable partner for Camille than her human husband. I also adore the tenderness between Camille and Sweetheart, along with the sacrifices (like cutting off her own flesh), Camille is willing to make for her child.
This book is gross in all the right ways. It’s unsettling, darkly funny, and even heartwarming. If you’re looking to dive into an emotional rollercoaster with twists you won’t see coming (and don’t mind a little cannibalism), check out Schaefer’s Trad Wife.
