Review : The Drowning House by Cherie Priest
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Slow Building, Atmospheric, Character Led
I’ve had a little time to reflect on The Drowning House and I think that has helped me to really get my thoughts into order, although I’m sure this review will still morph into a rambling mess. So, to explain my short review above, this story does have a slow build up, which gives the author time to really set the scene. There is certainly plenty of atmosphere and chills and some, lets face it, outright horror and yes, this is a character led story with a couple of childhood friends, flung back together, not in the happiest circumstances that brings all their petty rivalries and jealousies to the fore before they can knuckle down and band together.
The story gets off to an incredible start. A terrible storm washes a derelict house up onto the beach, the owner of the beachfront, Mrs Culpepper appears to have died in shock, and her grandson Simon has disappeared mysteriously without a trace, but not before calling his childhood friend Melissa for help. Melissa and Leo – the other prong of this threesome friendship – appear at the house and try to take a look in the immediately obvious places to see if they can locate Simon. The local law enforcement are not really interested as Simon hasn’t been missing long enough to be classed as a missing person and they think he’s probably just staying with a friend, but Melissa and Leo know that he wouldn’t have simply abandoned his gran’s body on the beach. They do eventually take a look round the abandoned house, although it’s dangerous and ominous in equal measure. Baffled they return to Mrs Culpeppers house, determined to form a plan.
The story flits back and forth between the childhood versions of the three, spending seemingly idyllic holidays at the beach on this remote island. It immediately becomes clear that Simon was the glue that held the three together and also caused an almost competition of who he would like the most between Melissa and Leo, eventually leading to them drifting somewhat apart, although both remained in contact with Simon. Some of this resentment works itself into the story, the two almost competing again, determined to be the one to stay and find Simon, that is until they realise they’re going to really need each other.
The writing is superb. Priest has such a way with words, the descriptions, the dialogue, her ability to create atmosphere and tension and lets not forget the eventual horror. I did mention this is slow build and I did experience a little lull in momentum around the middle of the book, but then I gave my head a wobble and decided that patience is a virtue. I feel like I’m always trying to rush to the end of the book with indecent haste rather than savouring the words and sentences and the feelings they provoke. I can’t help but wonder when this happened really. I feel like the pacing of a book has become the key focus and this isn’t necessarily the case, it’s also about the momentum and, well, yes, the build up. Priest also has a way of not spoon feeding the reader, I don’t know if I’ve figured everything out about this story, even now, after giving it a deal of thought, but I like that this has made me think about it for so long after completion. And this was the same with another recent read by this author, Cinderwich, which was incredibly thought provoking. Anyway, I digress.
I loved the dual timelines, watching the three grow and eventually drift a little apart but determined to still hang on in there. Observing the three in childhood it soon becomes apparent there is more to Simon’s gran than originally meets the eye, not to mention something very unusual about the house in which she lives. All will eventually be revealed and I loved the twist in this respect.
This is a story that combines horror and the supernatural. It’s not a slasher fest so don’t be expecting that but it is definitely horror soaked nonetheless. I loved the inclusion of nordic type folklore and this strange almost unexplained evil. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure I have a complete grasp of the ‘evil’ here but I don’t think that was the real point of the story (or at least that’s my take home from this). At the end of the day this feels like a revisiting and settling of old scores, both on the part of Mrs Culpepper and the secrets she and her house were keeping, and also of these two old friends who came together in a most tetchy fashion until they realise their friendship is stronger that they thought and might be the only thing that keeps them alive.
So, to recap. Two spooky houses, both haunted not only by the past but actual ghosts that have been tormented along the line. A desperate search for answers. An evil and goosebump inspiring character that is definitely trying to break through some boundaries, for which he needs to get into Mrs Culpepper’s house. Two characters coming together and putting old rivalries to one side. A frantic madcap rush, during a storm no less, to try and thwart something catastrophic. Definitely not a ‘wham bam’ style story so if you want breakneck pacing then this might not be for you but I found myself desperate to know what was happening and I loved the writing and the chaotic ending. It’s slightly bittersweet in certain respects but I’m not going to say why.
Anyway, I can’t wait to see what Priest comes up with next.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
Review : A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
12 August 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Poisoner's Tale, Book Review, Books, Cathryn Kemp, fiction, historical-fiction, Review
My Five Word TL:DR Review : A Small Circle of Poisoners
A Poisoner’s Tale is a story set predominantly in 17th Century Rome. As the story begins we meet Giulia Tofana, a young girl living in Palermo. She soon comes to learn that her mother’s love of herbology and her night time visits abroad have a secret and deadly purpose. Giulia’s mother has concocted a poison, lethal and untraceable that she supplies to women whose circumstances are dire due to abuse and torment. To cut to the chase Giulia’s mother suffers the consequences and her daughter is forced to flee Sicily. We then jump forward a good twenty years. Giulia is living in Rome, now a mother herself she has taught her secrets not only to her daughter but also a small number of women who similarly now help the women of Rome – that is until the net finally closes in around them.
I’m not going to say anything further about the plot, the outcome is already a foregone conclusion given that this is based on the life of a real woman and her small group of friends, plus the opening chapters make it clear that Giulia is being tried as a witch and I think we probably all know how that will end – torture and execution. It is believed that Giulia may have been responsible for the deaths of at least 600 men, maybe as many as 1,000, these deaths often going unnoticed due to other factors such as the black death, high mortality rate, etc. However, eventually, the church begins to take notice and one man in particular makes it his mission to seek out these women and thus a witch hunt begins.
What I liked about this.
The writing is beautiful and evocative. The descriptions really bring the story to life without being cumbersome and things move forward at a good clip. I loved the way the tension creeps up on you, and you feel this dread as you move forward – which is a testament to the writing when you consider you already pretty much know how things are going to pan out. Clearly the author has also done her research and this really comes across.
I loved the small group of friends that Giulia has gathered around herself. They don’t always agree about every course of action but they are a tight knit circle who stand firmly together. Giulia is a fantastic character to read about. The author does an amazing job in making her likable whilst being morally grey. You could argue that Giulia isn’t responsible for murdering anybody, she doesn’t administer the poison after all, but, at the same time she knows what the poison is being used for, is a gun seller responsible for the actions of others? These are brutal times and women have few options available to them. In that respect I would mention that this can be a very difficult read, the women in these pages suffer all sorts of abuse which in turn led them to take such desperate measures so please bear that in mind before reading this.
In terms of criticisms. Not really criticisms as such – but I couldn’t help feeling frustrated at Giulia and her friends, they became careless and they took risks which inevitably lead to their downfall. And, the book! Why on earth keep such a thing, even as a young girl Giulia was aware of the risks of keeping such a ledger and yet as a woman she continued in her mother’s footsteps. We also have another pov which I had mixed feelings about. This was a male character, a man of great standing who you could say had become obsessed with Giulia. I didn’t really enjoy these chapters but having considered it I think that they did help to really demonstrate the strength of feeling at that time towards women, particularly in their inferior status and lack of voice.
In conclusion this is a very thought provoking, at some times difficult but mostly compelling read. Well written with plenty of feeling where this small group of women are concerned.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 brutally evocative stars
Review : Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Cornell
8 August 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Love Letters to a Serial Killer, Review, Tasha Coryell
My Five Word TL:DR Review: What Did I Just Read
Well, I can safely say this is one unusual story. I don’t know what I was expecting when I requested a review copy of this one. I think though that I was expecting something twisted and genuinely messed up and although this wasn’t quite the twisted, messed up horror that I thought it might be it was still both of those things in abundance. And I was hooked. Line and sinker hooked.
To be honest, I struggled with the main character, I couldn’t decide if she needed a hug, a slap or a therapist (probably all three – although, for the record, I don’t go around slapping people). I guess I felt sorry for her at certain points. She was definitely floundering and she lacked any sort of self respect. Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Things are not going well for Hannah. After being a standout student, and the world presumably being her oyster, she’s been coasting in a job that she doesn’t enjoy for some time, she desperately wants to find that certain ‘someone’ yet her eagerness to please and over needy behaviour usually lead to rejection and she has a constant struggle with food and exercise. Things go from bad to worse when Hannah becomes obsessed with a spate of murders that have now been linked together indicating that a serial killer is at large. She finds herself addicted to a true crime forum which seems to give her the validation she seeks. Unfortunately this latest craze leads to the loss of her job thereby giving her more time to obsess about the murders. When a handsome lawyer is detained her sights immediately hone in on him and she writes to him in prison venting her frustration and anger. Imagine the surprise when he replies and is sympathetic. Hannah immediately becomes fixated on William, eagerly awaiting his next letter and writing back to him with all kinds of random thoughts and feelings about her daily life. It’s like Hannah finally has the validation she seeks. Even if it is being notice from a man suspected of killing multiple women. To a certain extent she believes he will be convicted and remain in prison and this gives her a certain confidence regarding her safety. Imagine then when he is eventually released and seeks her out.
This certainly kept me glued to the page. I’m not totally convinced about the final outcome, it felt a little rushed somehow. But, regardless this was a riveting read. Reading about Hannah was like watching a trainwreck, you go from cringing to despair. She turned me into a one woman pantomime audience because I wanted to shout at her. I couldn’t help turning the pages to see what predicament she’d walk into next. And believe me when I say she does walk into some predicaments.
In conclusion, this is entertaining and engrossing. It didn’t give me a MC that I could really connect with but it was a fast and compulsive read.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 very unique stars rounded up to 4.
The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks Review
27 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, historical-fiction, Review, reviews, Sarah Brooks, The Cautious Traveller's Guide to The Wastelands
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Liked not Loved This One
TCTGttW is undoubtedly a well written and interesting story that offers readers a historic, gothic style setting with a fascinating mystery. It’s a good read, if a little slow, but, I think my expectations had misled me a little – which is totally on me because the description isn’t misleading at all.
As the story begins we meet a number of passengers as they ready themselves before embarking on what is undoubtedly a dangerous journey. The Trans-Siberian Express travels from Beijing to Moscow.
I loved the setup to be honest. The introduction to a number of passengers, some of them with very personal reasons for making the journey, who are keeping secrets. We particularly follow a grieving young woman travelling under a false name and a young girl who was born on the train and has been adopted into the hearts of the train and crew. On top of this we have a couple of characters known as The Crows who seem to stalk the train and passengers keeping everything under tight control.
As the journey begins you become immediately aware of the dangers faced. The wastelands are an ever changing and adapting unknown entity that seem to drive people crazy.
I don’t really want to say too much more about the plot because of spoilers.
My feelings whilst reading went from loving the writing, the characters and set up with all the anticipation that was initially created to one of feeling that very little was really happening and eventually becoming a bit frustrated.
I think I wanted more from the wastelands really. This is an element of the story that felt under explored for me. I was expecting goosebumps and a few chills. Instead this feels a little like a gentle warning about the price of progress and the effects such progress can have on the natural environment. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t feel like a story that is trying to preach, but, at the same time it felt a little tentative, like it was on the precipice of throwing caution to the wind and bringing to us something quite fantastical or remaining a bit more calm. I think I was hoping for a bit of chaos and some dark psychological goings on as the passengers started to lose control. Also there was a certain passenger who for me was just a huge ‘spoiler alert’. I can’t say more though without being a big spoiler alert myself.
Anyway. This probably sounds a bit more critical than I intended so to back up a little. The story is really well written, there’s a great sense of intrigue and a creeping dread of what might actually happen. And, who doesn’t love a story set on a train?
Just, if you’re planning on picking this up be aware that it is a slow burn and don’t make my mistake and start hoping for all sorts of creepy critters in the dark.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 beautifully written stars.
Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine Review
25 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Danielle Valentine, Horror, Review, slasher, Two Sides To Every Murder
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Slasher Alert at Band Camp
I thoroughly enjoyed Delicate Condition and so couldn’t wait to see what this author came up with next. I guess I wasn’t really expecting a teen slasher at a lakeside camp but this one worked for me and kept me reading into the wee hours.
Camp Lost Lake closed down years ago following a number of murders. The suspected murderer managed to slip through the police’s fingers although at the time a local myth grew about the witch in the woods and this urban myth is one that still refuses to go away, kept alive by the mysterious disappearance of a number of hikers through the woods over the years .
Now, a generation later, the camp is reopening and the locals are rallying round to get the place ready. A group of teenagers have descended on the place to help. What could possibly go wrong?
I really had a good time reading this. It’s a bit cheesy, there are two sweet little unconnected romances which seem to have been thrown in simply to keep your mind otherwise occupied (and away from clues) and there are plenty of secrets and lies.
Okay, if you’re a horror aficionado this might have some plot holes, to be fair, I found myself stumbling over one or two (maybe not plot holes so much as puzzlers) myself but I’d already decided to simply run with this and enjoy it for what it is. Which for me was one of those stories where young people keep doing eye rollingly ill-advised things like running off into the forest alone, at night, during a storm. Because of course you would. Or finding time to gaze at each other longingly whilst a complete psychopath is creeping around with a bow and arrow. I think I was in the mood for some popcorn munching thrills and this story was a case of the right book at the right time.
I realise I’ve not mentioned much about the plot. I’m wary of giving away spoilers. I mentioned secrets above. Basically, one young girl has unwittingly discovered something about her family that has turned everything on its head and is determined to have some answers at camp. Another young girl is heading to camp with a friend, also in search of answers, her aim, to prove someone’s innocence.
What you can expect.
Fast pacing.
Never a dull moment.
Some dreadful decisions that make you want to turn into a pantomime audience shouting “he’s behind you!”
Sideline romances.
Young people rushing headlong towards disaster without a care in the world.
A storyline that I didn’t manage to unpick (although you might manage to do so).
A totally OTT ending in the style of all good slasher stories.
I would say that this isn’t too horror soaked so if you’re in search of a dramatic body count type slasher you won’t find it here. Which is perhaps why it was more my cup of tea.
In conclusion this kept me engaged and entertained.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 popcorn munching stars
Books and travelling with Lynn 