Thank you to NetGalley and Poisened Pen Press for an eARC copy of It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest.
So far this year, the Gothic-tinged books hThank you to NetGalley and Poisened Pen Press for an eARC copy of It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest.
So far this year, the Gothic-tinged books have been my absolute favorite and It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest is no exception. A ghost story that pulses with atmospheric dread and simmering tension. Anchored in a cliffside mansion rotting under the weight of grief and malice, Priest does a wonderful job of blending the haunted house trope with a psychological edge.
At the heart of this story is Ronnie Mitchell, a pragmatic and emotionally raw protagonist who inherits a derelict mansion following personal loss. Her desire for a fresh start is instantly complicated by the presence of the house's two spectral inhabitants: Venita Rost, a malevolent spirit and former silent film star with a taste for vengenance, and Bartholomew Sloan, her tormented spectral adversary, locked in eternal remorse and helplessness.
Venita is a standout villain. She's less a ghost and more a lingering force of nature, feeding off pain and betrayal, tangled in a complex relationship with Sloan. Their presence leads the house a grim sentience, as if it brethes with their hate and despair. Ronnie, meanwhile, is no shrinking violet; her initial skepticism is well-drawn, making her eventual unraveling feel earned rather than inevitable.
The arrival of a mysterious man-bringing secrets, jealousy, and violence-adds a welcome layer of real-world menace. There is a definite blur of the lines between supernatural horror and human monstrosity, making the reader question which threat is more terrifying: the dead or the living.
While the pacing may lag slightly in the middle as the narrative builds itself, the payoff is satisfying and bleakly beautiful. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Elsewhere Press for a copy of Saturn's Favorite Music by Laura Lee.
Saturn's Favorite Music is a charming, sharply observedThank you to NetGalley and Elsewhere Press for a copy of Saturn's Favorite Music by Laura Lee.
Saturn's Favorite Music is a charming, sharply observed coming-of-age novel that captures a moment in time-the analog 1990s radio rea-while offering timely commentary on creativity, connection, and the human cost of technological "progress."
Clara Jane, fresh out of broadcast school and brimming with alt-rock dreams, accepts a job at a tiny radio station in northern Michigan. It's 1992, and the glamour she envisioned in broadcasting is nowhere to be found-replaced instead by small-town oddities, livestock bulletins, and a playlist filled with "light hits" far from her grunge-loving heart. Yet Clara's journey from disillusionment to self-discovery is both funny and moving, painted with warmth and subtle depth.
The setting is one of may favorites in all the books I've read so far this year. Bringing back the 90s is something that always feels special, it makes you realize the things you remember growing up are still there in a relevant memory. Not to mention, it brings you into the world of radio broadcasting which in itself is niche and not talked widely about. Laura Lee does an amazing job diving into the quirks, male-dominated on-air crews, and the threat of automation in the industry.
Clara's bond with Seth, also stands out. The jaded yet kind-hearted morning DJ, adds to Clara's journey through the world of small town broadcasting. The humor and banter, makes their relationship and shared passion realistic and grounded, not just a simple cliche of two people having to be in the same room together. Even more so, there is not romantic arc plot, and that's super refreshing. The focus on how mentorship, mutual respect, and emotional vunerablity can changes a persons path fits the vibes so much better and Lee does great not forcing something that doesn't need to be there.
Saturn's Favorite Music is the perfect note of a time capsle novel: nostalgic without being sentimental, funny without losing emotional weight, and refreshingly grounded. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an eARC copy of The Conjuring of America by Lindsey Stewart.
The Conjuring of America by LindsThank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an eARC copy of The Conjuring of America by Lindsey Stewart.
The Conjuring of America by Lindsey Stewart reclaims and reveres a form of knowledge and resistance too often obscured by mainstream historical narratives: the power of Black women's conjure traditions. Blending Black feminist philosophy with cultural history, Stewart delivers a profoundly orifinal and deeply moving exploration of how enslaved and post-enslavement Black women used spiritual and herbal practices as both healing acts and acts of rebellion.
Drawing on oral histories, African diasporic lore-especially that of Oshun-and the voices of Black women writers and community elders, Stewart reveals how conjure emerged from the crucible of American slavery as a coded language of survival, empowerment, and care. The conjure women-Black Mammies, Granny Midwives, Candy Ladies-were not just caretakers or mystics; they were community strategists, spiritual rebels, and architects of liberaiton.
Stewart's work is her refusal to relegate conjure to the realm of folklore or superstition. Instead, she positions it as a practical, evolving philosophy-deeply political, inherently feminist, and inseparable from the struggle for bodily autonomy, civil rights, and Black flourishing. Her analysis connects 19th-century herbal healers to contemporary Black reproductive justice advocates and food justice organizers, showing how these practices echo across generations.
The Conjuring of America is a powerful act of restoration. It insists that the spiritual and practical traditions forged by Black women under the weight of systemic violence are not relics-they are blueprints for enduring freedom. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC copy of Smile for the Cameras by Miranda Smith.
Smile for the Cameras is a love lThank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC copy of Smile for the Cameras by Miranda Smith.
Smile for the Cameras is a love letter to slasher films, blending Hollywood cynicism with a familiar final-girl formula. It's an entertaining, fast-paced thriller that offers plenty of nods to horror fans, but it doesn't quite deliver the depth or originality that might have elevated it beyond the tropes it so enthusiastically embraces. (Honestly gave me Cabin in the Woods vibes, which is my least favorite movie)
At the center is Ella Winters, a former scream queen who left the industry after surviving both a cult slaher film and a darker, undisclosed trauma behind the scenes. When she's invited back for a reunion documentary with the original cast, the stage is set for a meta-horror whodunit. The storry kicks off with promise-an aging star haunted by secrets, a secluded cabin in Tennessee, and a masked killer picking off the cast one by one.
Smith clearly has reverence for the genre, and her pacing is solid. The chapters are short, the dalogue snappy, and the suspence, while predictable at times, is effective. The books leans heavily into the conventions of slashers-isolated setting, body cout, a mysterious killer in costume-but doesn't always subver them in interesting ways. I was certainly underwhelmed when it came to the psychological or innovative twists to elevate the story.
Ella is sympathetic, if somewhat underdeveloped (downfall of shorter chapters in my opinion), protagonist. Her internal struggle with guilt and trauma adds emotional weight to the narrative, though it often put on the back burner to the action. The supporting characters felt more like slasher-fodder than realized people and gives no emotional impact to their fates.
In the end, it was a bit too safe for me and reminded me too much of horror video games or as mentioned in the beginning Cabin in the Woods to be overly enjoyable. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Children's Publishing Group for an eARC copy of Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray.
Heir of Storms offers aThank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Children's Publishing Group for an eARC copy of Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray.
Heir of Storms offers a compelling premise and a heroine with genuine emotional depth, but it doesn't quite rise above the inreasingly crowded YA fantasy landscape. Blaze's origin - marked by cataclysmic power and deep personal trauma - sets the stage for a high-stakes tale of magic, idenity, and ambition. Her internal conflict about reclaiming her lost abilities is one of the novel's stronger points, adding welcome nuance to her character.
The political competition at the Golden Palace provides a classic setup, and fans of court intrigue will find plenty to enjoy. However, the love triangle between Blaze, the charming Crown Prince, and the mysterious newcomer feels formulaic and often distracts from the more interesting aspects of Blaze's personal journey and magical exploration. Similarly, while the elemental magic system has promise, ti lacks the depth and originality needed to truly captivate.
The pacing is uneven at times, with early chapters dragging before the plot gains traction in the second half. Still, the writing is fluid, and there are enough twists and emotional beats to keep engaged.
The novel certainly doesn't break new ground, but it delievers a readable, if predictable, fantasy adventure with a protagonis worth rooting for. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group VIKING Penguin for an eARC copy of The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson Wheeler.
I was honestly so excited foThank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group VIKING Penguin for an eARC copy of The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson Wheeler.
I was honestly so excited for this as The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite classic novels, but, The Gatsby Gambit stumbled more than shined for me. While the idea of telling a story from Great Gatsby's perspective - a character invented as Jay Gatsby's younger sister - was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired.
The writing style aims for wit and charm but often feels forced, with overly modern dialogue that clashes with the 1920s setting. Greta, though meant to be a fresh and bold heroine, comes off as underdeveloped and inconsistent, and her transition from socialite to amateur sleuth feels abrupt and unconvincing. The mystery element, which should have added intrigue, unfolds in a predictable way, lacking both suspense and payoff.
As a fan of The Great Gatsby, I was disappointed by the portrayals of the familiar characters. Tom is reduced to a caricature of rage, and Daisy's complexity is flattened into a shallow foil for Greta. The book tries to critique the glamorized world of West Egg, but it never quite escapes indulging in the very tropes it claims to subvert.
Overall, The Gatsby Gambit is more style than substance. There are glimmers of fun and a few clever nods to the original, but they aren't enough to carry a narrative that feels stretched and unfocused. It was a good idea let down by weak plotting and unconvincing characters....more
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for an eARC copy of Red Rabbit Ghost by Jen Julian.
Red Rabbit Ghost by Jen Julian is a bone-deep, atmospheric Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for an eARC copy of Red Rabbit Ghost by Jen Julian.
Red Rabbit Ghost by Jen Julian is a bone-deep, atmospheric Southern Gothic novel that lingers like smoke long after the last page. With eerie lyricism and unrelenting tension, Set in the claustrophobic, time-struck town of Blacknot, North Carolina, following Jesse, a young man haunted - literally and figuratively - by the mysterious death of his mother eighteen years earlier. The only clues left behind are what fit inside an old jerky tin: a few relics, none of them able to explain why she died beside a riverbank, her infant son crying alone beside her. When Jesse is lured back to his hometown by mysterious messages promising answers, he finds himself returning to the life he thought he had left behind.
Honestly, this book is a diamond in the rough. Red Rabbit Ghost has the elements of a Lovecraftian novel with the backdrop of Southern Gothic decay, using the town of Blacknot as a character alongside of Jesse, holding its own dark secrets, truths, and traditions to shape the growing plot line. But unlike Lovecraft and Southern Gothic, Julian's style of horror is grounded in trauma, grief, and obsession, weaving in elements of queer identity, familial estrangement, and the oppression inertia of small-town life. These make Jesse's reconnection with his aunt, ex-boyfriend, and his wary alliance with a local girl add compelling human texture. The supernatural aspect is really just an added bonus.
I enjoyed the emotional ride, especially since every piece of emotion that is presented throughout the story serves a purpose. It also gives that gratification that you will not always get the closure you want, that some things are not meant to be answered or known. That sometimes, you just have to let things that happened in the past go, in order to move on. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an eARC of The Colony of Lost Souls by Kelsey James.
Kelsey James’ The Colony of Lost Souls is a Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an eARC of The Colony of Lost Souls by Kelsey James.
Kelsey James’ The Colony of Lost Souls is a mesmerizing, slow-burn gothic thriller that weaves together themes of sisterhood, identity, and belief with an intoxicating dose of suspense and spiritual intrigue. Set against the moody, sun-drenched cliffs of 1920s Southern California, the story follows May Anderson, a woman long overshadowed by her daring sister, June, as she journeys into the heart of a mysterious spiritual commune in search of answers—and herself.
The novel’s strength lies in its rich, atmospheric setting. The Spanish Revival mansion that houses the Colony feels as much a character as any of the people within it—grand, isolated, and humming with secrets. James paints the surroundings with cinematic detail, creating a world that feels both alluring and faintly sinister. It's the perfect backdrop for a tale of hidden motives and blurred realities.
May's character arc was not what I really wanted it to be. While her conviction to find her sister is admirable, her inconsistancy with her actions turned me off from her and whatever growth she did achieve at the end of the novel. Most readers may not be able to relate to her or connect in a way that is worth while.
Rex, the enigmatic leader of the Colony, is equal parts charming and chilling. James does a masterful job of keeping readers—and May—off balance, never quite revealing the full extent of his influence until the stakes are at their highest. The spiritual elements, especially the promise of communing with lost souls, are handled with a delicate ambiguity that enhances the novel’s mystery rather than over-explaining it. Which, in my mind makes Rex the best character in the book.
The pacing builds gradually but purposefully, culminating in a tense and dramatic final act. Just when you think you've grasped the Colony’s secrets, James delivers twists that force you to reevaluate everything. The addition of a skeptical, undercover investigator adds a welcome tension and a flicker of romance that doesn’t overpower the central themes.
The Colony of Lost Souls is a haunting exploration of what we’re willing to believe in when grief and longing take hold—and what we risk losing when we follow someone else’s path to enlightenment. Fans of historical thrillers, cult psychology, and gothic fiction will find themselves spellbound....more
Thank you to NetGalley and Obitbooks for an eARC of Level: Unknown by David Dalglish.
David Dalglish's Level: Uknown presents an intriguing blend of sThank you to NetGalley and Obitbooks for an eARC of Level: Unknown by David Dalglish.
David Dalglish's Level: Uknown presents an intriguing blend of sci-fi and progression fantasy, setting up a unique dual-relam story where protagonist Nick explores the mysterious world of Yensere in his dreams. The concept of leveling up through death and rebirth is compelling, and the fast-paced action keeps the story moving.
However, while the setup is strong, the execution falters in a few areas. The worldbuliding, though imaginative, feels underdeveloped at times, and the characters - especially Nick - don't quite reach the depth needed to make his struggles feel fully immersive. The progression system and constant cycle of dying and respawning become repetitive, making it hard to stay invested in the long run.
Overall, Level: Unknown is an entertaining read with a great premise, but it doesn't reach its full potential. Fans of LitRPG and progression fantasy may still enjoy the ride, but those looking for deeper character development and intricate worldbuilding might find it a bit lacking....more
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisen Pen Press for an eARC copy of Dear Future Me by Deborah O'Connor.
Dear Future Me is a clever, chilling thriller thatThank you to NetGalley and Poisen Pen Press for an eARC copy of Dear Future Me by Deborah O'Connor.
Dear Future Me is a clever, chilling thriller that blends nostalgia, buried secrets, and the haunting permanence of the past into a twist-laden mystery that's hard to put down.
In 2003, a high school assignment has students write letters to their future selves. Two decades later, those letters arrive-but instead of heartfelt dreams or youthful naivety, they undearth chilling secrets connected to a long-forgotten tragedy: the death of a classmate. When Miranda, now a wealthy and admired woman, receives hers and leaps to her death, her suicide shatters the illusion of success and forces her best friend Audrey to start asking dangerous questions.
The premise of the novel is my favorite part. Didn't we all, at one point, wonder what would happen if we ever read the letters we wrong in school that were then placed in a capsule and left for years at a time? Hopefully no one actually wrote a bunch of dangerous secrets, like in the novel. Deborah O'Connor uses that naivety and youthful dream thoughts to build a steadily rising sense of dread as Audrey reconnects with her classmates-which begins to unravel the truth about Miranda, but another hidden reality.
It is a wonderful book that explores the ripple effects of guilt, peer pressure, and silence. O'Connor plays with memory-how it changes, how we protect it-and how people reinvent themselves to forget who they once were. With the twists being rather satsifying and Audry as a lead character is a breath of fresh air. The emotion felt throughout the journey of learning the truth, that you can never outrun reality. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an eARC copy of How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold.
What happens when a group of ambitiThank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an eARC copy of How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold.
What happens when a group of ambitious writers walk into a horror story of their own? How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold takes the classic premise and twists it into a deliciously errie, genre-savvy thrill ride that will keep you glued to the pages.
The novel follows a group of writers lured to the imposing Queen Manor, each hoping for a share of legendary horror author Mortimer Queen's fortune. Instead of an inheritance, they find themselves trapped in a deadly game where the only way out is to solve a series of sinsister riddles - or be consumed by the manor itself. The house, steeped in blood-soaked family history, is not just a setting but a character in its own right, alive with secrets and hunger.
Mallory Arnold does a wonderful job using multiple POV's, something that I don't often say as there aren't a lot of books to me that do this well. It allows each character to set their tone of their own motivations and to share their dark pasts, only fueling the tension and the stakes. The puzzles are cleverly woven into the narrative, making it feel like you are also apart of the deadly game. It is a wonderful blending of locked-room tension and gothic dread. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC copy of The Farmhouse by Chelsea Conradt.
I will honestly say, I am always down for a debutThank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC copy of The Farmhouse by Chelsea Conradt.
I will honestly say, I am always down for a debut novel from an author and the plot is just right. The Farmhouse follows Emily and Josh as they move from San Francisco, CA to the middle of nowhere Nebraska after the death of Emily's rather eccentric mother for a fresh start. Side note, it still amazes me that they ended up on a farm in the middle of Nebraska as their fresh start..but that's someone who did the opposite. But when she starts to notice that things are just off, Emily starts to realize that this fresh start may not be what it seems and of course, she is told that she is being paranoid and everything is fine. Which, made me kind of huff because of course the woman isn't going to be believed and of course she is going to be right. It was at that point that while The Farmhouse has so much potential, it is also rather predictable in its course and the thrill and underlying fear isn't there any more which made it fall flat for me. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for an eARC copy of The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig.
A gripping, suspenseful thriller that eThank you to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for an eARC copy of The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig.
A gripping, suspenseful thriller that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the darkness lurking just beyond our understanding. Beginning with the camping trip of five high school friends in the middle of the New Hampshire forests. It is in the forest that they encounter a mysterious staircase leading to nowhere - an enigma that promises dangers from the start. When one friend follows the staircase and vanishes without a trace, the friends are left with unanswered questions and a bond that will compel them to return twenty years later.
I loved how Chuck Wendig created a papable sense of unease as the friends are pulled back into the forest, where the staircase has reappeared. The mysteries of the stairs, what lies at the top, and the bizarre force that seems to affect anyone who encounters it form the spine of the narrative, blending pyschological horror with supernatural suspense. Their long-lost friend is still missing, but there's an underlying sense that something even darker is tied to the staircase.
The heart of the novel is its exploration of friendship and the deep emotional ties that hold the group together. It provides a reflection of when the reader was and how their friendships were during their high school years. Which makes the tensions between characters more authentic, and their personal struggles - both from the past and present - more real and complex as they are explored. Thus, leading the reader and the group of friends into the mysteries of the staircase and the journey about confronting the past as it is discovering the horrifying truths within.
I will say that it is a bit wordy in some sections, areas that aren't needed in my opition. However, it certainly is worth the read....more
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an eARC copy of The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez
The cover was what caught my attention, asThank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an eARC copy of The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez
The cover was what caught my attention, as well as the plot. Who doesn't enjoy a myth retelling? However, to be quiet honest, the book fell flat for me. I would put it down, then pick it up again later only to forget what had happened earlier on. Felt just as clueless as Rua in the beginning. I slogged through it to see if it would pick up, but for me it never did. Though, I will agree that the banter was spot on and wish it played more on the character dynamics. Just could have been more than it was. ...more
Thank you NetGalley and Owl City Press for an eARC copy of The Mirror in the Mountain by Dana Evyn.
Just like the first book, this was certainly a enjThank you NetGalley and Owl City Press for an eARC copy of The Mirror in the Mountain by Dana Evyn.
Just like the first book, this was certainly a enjoyable wild ride and I was here for it. I've been waiting for the second book after finishing the eARC of the first and it did not disappoint. This is one of the rare sequels to a book series that honestly does it right, picking up right from where it left off and doesn't loose the relationship between the main characters or lose sight of the plot line. I'm extremely excited for the final book in the installment. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an eARC copy of Soul Hate by Hannah Kingsley.
Soul Hate by Hannah Kingsley has an inThank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an eARC copy of Soul Hate by Hannah Kingsley.
Soul Hate by Hannah Kingsley has an intriguing premise with its blend of political intrigue and supernatural elements. The concept of a protagonist grappling with her destiny while trying to step out of her father's shadow is compelling. However, the execution falls short.
The pacing felt uneven, and at times, the plot dragged with lengthy exposition that detracted from the tension. Renza's internal struggle could have been more engaging, but it often felt repetitive. Additionally, Idris, as the rival and Soulhate, didn’t come across as fully developed, leaving their dynamic lacking depth.
While there are moments of potential, the story ultimately didn't deliver the excitement I was hoping for. With more refinement, it could become a captivating read, but as it stands, it feels like it missed the mark....more
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an eARC copy of Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez.
I need to start off by saying that we need more tThank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an eARC copy of Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez.
I need to start off by saying that we need more thriller/horror novels based in the Everglades, as it is the perfect fit and so many eerie things have occured there. It certainly makes this novel more than just a power dynamic, it sets fear and a sense of unconfortable lonliness and watchfulness at the same time. Which Nicky Gonzalez does a wondeful job with in the writing, the immersive feelings from the descriptions.
Mayra is a wonderful novel based on the power dynamics of frindship, the ghost of who we once were, and the dangerous allure of those we cannot let go. Set against the eerie, inescapable backdrop of the Everglades, Nicky Gonzalez unspools the tangled history between two childhood best friends - Ingrid, cautious and introspective, and Mayra, magnetic yet elusive. The writing is lush and immersive, painting vivid portraits of the Everglades' humid, untamed beauty while digging into the emotional complexities of Ingrid and Mayra's relationship. Which will really make you look back on your own past friendships and relationship, wondering if you were in a similar area (it certainly gave me thoughts). The sense of unease is there from the beginning and doesn't let up, the unease certainly gets its help from the swamp, which is more than just a setting. The Everglades in itself is its own force, a living entity that mirrors the dynamics between Ingrid and Mayra. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC copy of Elphie by Gregory Maguire.
Gregory Maguire's Elphie, brings us back to his world of Wicked, the story of thThank you to NetGalley for an eARC copy of Elphie by Gregory Maguire.
Gregory Maguire's Elphie, brings us back to his world of Wicked, the story of the girl who will one day become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. That being said, I loved his original series, and I quite honestly believe that there wasn't a real reason for Elphie and it really came from the fact that the movie was being produced and released. Not to mention there was certainly some inconsistant information that left me wondering if it were intentional or not.
Elphie, is the childhood story of Elphaba - Elphie - an outsider. Her striking green skin sets her apart, but it is her sharp intelligence, fierce independence, and moral complexity that truly define her. Raised by a mother whose affections are scattered and a father whose religious zealotry leaves little room for warmth, Elphie navigates childood marked by both isolation and resilience. As she struggles with family dynamics, the arrival of her siblings, and the injustices of the world around her - particularly the mistreatment of Animals - she begins to forge her own path, one that is neither wholly good nor evil but entirely her own.
I was a bit disappointed, as I knew that during my first reading of Wicked, I wanted something very much like this. But, it could have been done so much better....more
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC copy of The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten.
I am always super excited to see a new CamilThank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC copy of The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten.
I am always super excited to see a new Camilla Sten novel appear, and was excitedly surprised when I saw The Bachelorette Party. If you haven't read her previous novels, I highly recommend you do!
The Bachelorette Party, like Camilla Sten's previous novels, is a thriller that will grab you and won't let you go until the very end. Blending eerie isolation with sleek suspense of a modern-day true crime podcast, the novel is chilling and addictive.
Set against the moody backdrop of a remote Swedish island, the story follows Tessa Nilsson, a disgraced podcast host desperate to revive her career-and solve a cold case that has haunted her for over a decade. The vanishing of four lifelong friends, who disappeared without a trace during what should've been a carefree annual tradition, is the kind of mystery that lingers. And when Tessa's best friend chooses a hauntingly similar island for her bachelorette party, the past and present collide in the most unsettling way.
The pacing is incredibly sharp and the story unfolds in layers of secrets, betrayals, and twists. Every character, from vulnerable yet determined Tessa to the cryptic island staff, is drawn with enough depth to keep you guessing who can be trusted-and who can't. What the novel really elevates is the atmosphere. The island setting is vividly realized, equal parts idyllic and menacing, and it is used to full effect. It is like you are there too, feeling the chill of Baltic water, the wind moving through the trees, and that uncomfortable feeling of someone watching you.
The Bachelorette Party is more than just a mystery. It's a meditation on friendship, obession, and the fine line between justice and revenge. Like me, I believe that readers will devour this book in one sitting and sit on it for a while just to process what they just read. ...more