Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites

by Dino J. Martins

Welcome to the hidden, squirming world of parasites—some of the most misunderstood creatures with whom we share the Earth (and our bodies).

"Astonishing, eye-opening, and inspiring." —Chloe Dalton, author of Raising Hare

There is the tapeworm, which can grow 120 feet in length within the gut of a whale; the tsetse fly, a notorious vector of disease that can pierce the skin even of crocodiles with its needle-like mouth; and the most universal symbol of parasitic the leech. Long villainized as, well, parasitic, these creatures are actually a vital part of every ecosystem—and Dr. Dino Martins, an award-winning entomologist and biologist from Kenya, has made it his life’s mission to demystify these beguiling beings.

Hidden Creatures is a journey around the world ten times over—from Martins’ home in the wilds of East Africa, to the rainforests of the Amazon, to cities and backyards across the globe—and along the way, we encounter the brilliant and eccentric experts who join Martins on his adventures to investigate not only parasites but their hosts, from hyraxes and hippos to, of course, humans. Immersive, driven by an utterly infectious curiosity, and sure to transform every reader’s understanding of these organisms, Hidden Creatures has the magnetic force of a David Attenborough documentary and introduces a monumental, charismatic new voice in science writing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if it's possible for book centered around the world of parasites to be both intellectually satisfying and surprisingly poetic in presentation, but those are the two experiences I kept having with "Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous History-Shaping World of Parasites," a literary adventure put forth by lifelong parasite devotee and wonderdude Dr. Dino J. Martins.

Martins doesn't compromise on the facts here, immersing us in more than we could ever want to know about this world in which he's spent his entire life. However, there's also a remarkably adorable passion that unfolds here that will have you rethinking these misunderstood creatures and very likely wishing you'd stumble across this enthusiastic scientific hero and his ability to both demystify these creatures in a way that's both accessible and endearing.

In addition to leeches, botflies, and parasites (oh my), Dr. Martins introduces us to the tapeworm, a remarkable being that can grow 120 feet in length within the gut of a whale. We learn bunches about the tsetse fly and a whole lot more.

I can't say that "Hidden Creatures" will make you fall in love with parasites, but it sure will give you a deeper appreciation for how these creatures are a vital part of every ecosystem and, in some cases, their nasty reputation is quite undeserved.

Dr. Martins is an award-winning entomologist and biologist from Kenya. He's devoted his life to demystifying these fascinating beings he presents here. By the end, you'll be thankful he does.

I will confess that I occasionally struggled with the tonal rhythms of "Hidden Creatures," Dr. Martins occasionally waxing a little too eloquently. However, it's his enthusiasm that's so infectious and that's what really shines through here while we're being both informed and engaged with his world.

And what an amazing world it is. Dr. Martins takes us around the world with his hosts and collaborators. We learn about places most of us have never been. We learn about animals and parasites most of us have spent a lifetime trying to avoid. I'm not running off to the Amazon anytime soon, but I certainly have enjoyed reading about the adventures of someone who has done so.

With delightful insights and an almost childlike curiosity, Dr. Martins has crafted one of the year's most unique reading adventures. For those who enter this world, Dr. Martins has crafted a literary adventure for those willing to open themselves to an entirely new aspect of history and the world we live in.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.

This book is a series of interesting vignettes about particular parasites, but what I was hoping for was a broad view of parasites and the role they play in the world and the lives of humans. This is not that book. As interesting as the vignettes are, they weren’t interesting enough to hold my attention.

This was a did-not-finish for me.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated and grossed out all at the same time lol. Reading about all different types of parasites and what they do was interesting in all aspects of ways.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.