Review: Haunted: Perron Manor (Haunted #1)

4 stars. Wow, that was awesome!! Most random KU discovery ever. I am clearly in my ~ horror era ~ and I can't get enough of all the fresh, literary, disturbing, new voices out there, but sometimes I really crave your basic trope-filled fear fest. And this delivered that as a truly tasty snack and beyond. Blew my expectations out of the water. 

Sisters Chloe and Sarah inherit an old house, Perron Manor, and decide to move in and fix the place up. Chloe brings along her husband Andrew and baby daughter Emma, and Sarah has time on her hands after leaving the military. There's a creepy old furnace, a locked study full of occult artifacts, and a lot of rumors about the history of the place, which the locals call Devil's House. Eventually things escalate... you know the rest.

Think of it as an extra scary, well-written episode of A Haunting or Paranormal Witness - both shows that I absolutely adore (and were my after-school gateways to the horror I consume today). Suitable set-up, characters that are just interesting enough to care for, and some surprisingly awesome scares. Kind of like a campfire story. Dependably creepy and you pretty much know what you're going to get. In a good way!

And yeah, I maybe would mention that it escalates quickly. The pacing is fine, it just... shoots out of control a little at the end. I had no idea there would be a cliffhanger and it made me want to read the next one immediately! Seriously, don't sleep on these books. I intend to make them my new palette cleansers in-between other books. Good stuff.

Perron Manor on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: O Caledonia

5 stars. I hardly know what to say. Unusual, dark and deeply entertaining, O Caledonia needs to be more widely read and studied. It's one of those books that speaks loudly and deliberately about being a young woman - one of those books that offers many profound moments but few profound answers. A lot like life itself. I loved it. Would call it an after dinner drink to Jane Eyre, a cleanser to The Awakening, a complement to Rebecca.

Beginning and ending with her death, this book weaves together the childhood and adolescence of young Janet, woefully misunderstood in the Scottish countryside. Unable to embrace - and utterly repulsed by - the expectations of young women at the time, she finds comfort in solitude, animals and books. Though we are shown her clumsy coming-of-age and eventual demise with no mercy, the story itself is darkly funny, amusing and clever.

It's wonderful. I have so many questions. I would've loved to take a class on this and I hope it'll be added to every lit syllabus out there. Anyone need an idea for a term paper? I would've loved to dive into: her depth and intelligence as a supposed misfit; not just the nature of, not just the perpetrator of, but also the timing of her death (in her case, does falling in love = her fall of grace?); her family (odd, certainly not innocent, certainly as worthy of judgment at times as she is); her many classical references; her passions; her rejection of humanity; her gifts and failings and self-awareness... there are infinite avenues to explore, especially in a character study like this one.

The writing itself is brilliant. It's the perfect length. It's also well-paced, and full of entertaining episodes, all of them straight and to the point. I've seen a few others complain about an abrupt ending, but I found it appropriate. It's ironic at times, nasty at times, beautiful at others. Highly, highly recommend.

O Caledonia on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Fisherman

4 stars. Okay, a reread! Exciting. I read this for the first time years and years ago, and it didn't hit me right. I decided to try again because I find hype for it everywhere. I couldn't remember much (except for the black ocean - that I 100% remembered), and I have to say reading it this time around was a totally different experience. I've always been into horror but I'm officially in my ~ horror era ~ and I actually think having a few more cosmics under my belt has given me a more open mind. I don't think I was ready before for something so mature, or so weird, or so think-y.

It's about two grieving colleagues who slowly find a sort of friendship through fishing. They decide to check out a mysterious spot called Dutchman's Creek, but when they stop for food on their way, the diner's owner warns them to stay away. He tells them a tale, a tale that weaves the history of the land with the darker folklore of its people. A tale that will ultimately change the lives of both men forever (ooooh that was so cheesy but forgive a poor wrap-up it's Monday).

This time, moments really stood out. I was unsettled. I was intrigued. I was impressed with the sheer creativity of it all. I truly don't think there's anything out there like this. I still think the structure could maybe be improved, and the writing could use a quick polish, but those moments, dude, the ones that stood out - those are going to stick with me. Images like a head in the water, the look in a man's eye who has lost everything, a desperate and battered arm wildly seeking its children through a door, black flakes on a man's face, a door knocker, a silver kitchen knife. 

Many, many readers love to point out and praise this book's depiction of grief as a central premise and harrowing theme. Those who don't get spooked get knocked over by the heartbreak in this story. And it's really, really compelling, deep, sad stuff. But what popped out to me this time were some of the smaller explorations around culture, identity, evolution, a middle-aged coming-of-age, weakness, strength, and choice. The central "evil" in this book is a little on the ambiguous side, and the actions of the "bad guys" are all understandable and even, maybe in some worlds, justified. I love that. It's different.

I didn't find it boring, or slow, or meandering. I didn't find it cliched, and I wasn't put off by a certain scene depicting intimate fishy relations. I didn't find it perfect, but I looked forward to picking it up, and I loved meeting a character like Abe again (Abe is undeniably a character you root for, feel for, cry with, laugh with, want to hang out with). I'm so glad I reread this, and that I enjoyed it - I love the idea that my taste buds can change and grow and expand along with me (within reason lol). That ending broke my fucking heart, too. 

I want this to be the type of book that gets studied in literature classes. It deserves its passionate fans, it deserves to be picked apart and raved about and criticized and I want to go to a gathering of The Fisherman fans so we can all discuss and have beers and burgers and tell dark fairy tales and get freaked out by black puddles in the street. I'm here for the weird. Bumping things up to 4 stars. 

The Fisherman on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Exiles (Aaron Falk #3)

3 stars. I really love Jane Harper and I've read everything she's written. I'm smitten with her style and happy for her success. And I'm so grateful I was able to snag this from the library! It really is an excellent, compelling thriller with an extremely satisfying ending. Unfortunately, I found myself speeding through not because I felt driven to get answers, but because I felt driven to get through it.

Aaron Falk returns to a small wine town in South Australia for the christening of his godson. A year prior, a member of the family went missing under suspicious, if not tragic, circumstances. Being who he is, Falk can't help but be drawn to the case as he is indirectly connected to it. So many questions: suspects? motives? coincidences? fabrications? and ultimately: where is she? The answers are as transformative for the town as they are for Falk, who faces personal choices of his own.

Alright, let's get right down to it: I found Falk's journey in this book - the romance, the found family, the career moves - to be extremely cheesy and predictable, like almost to the point of cringey. Maybe I'm just jealous... I too pine for the quiet, small town life with a too-good-to-be-true partner and gallons of wine... but ultimately I lost respect for the character. Falk as a family man? Where's his prickly edge? And what - I cannot emphasize this enough - the fuck was with that scene when he basically started crying after a woman he barely knew rejected him?!?!?

He also didn't really do that much, well, detecting. The answers just kind of literally unfolded before him, as I guess people were all too willing to provide them often without him even asking. Sure, he's as perceptive and observant as ever, but it's like he didn't even try. He just walked around picking up the puzzle pieces others dropped directly in his path. I dunno! The whole thing didn't feel sharp or zesty or dark enough for me.

That being said! I really did enjoy the mystery. I especially loved the ending. I guess you could say that the perpetrator turned out to be the person I wanted it to be. She took it easy on us, in that sense. Justice was served, and all that. But even that was really anticlimactic and... un-exciting! Where was the final confrontation, the chase, the life-or-death stakes? Again, I dunno! I was kind of disappointed.

Jane Harper, and this series, will continue to be a must-read for me. I adore getting a colloquial glimpse at Australia and she can weave a good tale. I love her writing and the short chapters and I can't deny that her argument for choosing meaningful connection is a convincing one (it’s like, as a person I want what’s best for him. But as a reader…). She clearly does her research - in this case, the wine stuff felt really accurate and interesting. And it's not that I don't recommend this - I do. It just lands a solid 3 stars this time, for me.

Exiles on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: His Black Tongue

3 stars. This is a really fun, imaginative and interesting collection. I picked it up because I've seen it recommended for fans of Between Two Fires, and each story does blend historical fiction - or historical elements - and cosmic horror in entertaining ways. This author has some really great ideas and a talent for description. I wasn't truly creeped out or scared at any point, but there's no question this is excellent horror.

Most readers, as far as I can tell, agree that the first story - set in plague-riddled medieval France - is the strongest. Out of all of them, I really understood its purpose and its point. The Bone Fields was also a treat, as I really can't get enough of Viking horror. The final two stories weren't my favorites, as they felt a little anchorless, but they served as adequate vehicles for some fun, disturbing moments. Necropolis blends science fiction into the mix in a way that I don't think I've encountered before, in a good way.

Overall I recommend. It does no good to nitpick work like this (although I could go with one less "gaping maw"), in fact I'd love to read more from this author and see where he goes! I could see this appealing to fans of Ballingrud as well. I liked it!

His Black Tongue on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Speaks the Nightbird (Matthew Corbett #1)

5 stars, but I would give this 10 if I could. This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. Most well-written, most enjoyable, most entertaining, most impressive, most well-plotted... it really tops the lists for all of those categories. It'll be in my best of the year list, and also my forever favorites. This is a must-read for fans of horror, historical fiction and immersive mysteries. It will keep even the most well-seasoned reader guessing and glued to the story. I cannot say enough good things. It bought me so much joy. 

Speaks the Nightbird takes place at the very end of the 1600s. The New World has been colonized but not conquered, as many new settlements struggle to prosper with so many threats: the climate, the soil, wild beasts, Indians... and most recently, the work of the devil. Fount Royal, the southernmost colony in the Carolinas, seems doomed to fail thanks to the curse of a witch, who allegedly murdered her husband (plus the town's reverend) and committed a few other delightfully unspeakable acts.

Having accused and jailed the witch but aware she is by law innocent until proven guilty, the town's founder sends for a magistrate from the nearby Charles Town to judge the case and provide sentencing, who arrives under somewhat unsteady circumstances with his trusted clerk, Matthew Corbett. And so we are off. 

Off on an investigation so twisty, so dark, so intense that maybe, like me, you'll need to put together a list of suspects on your phone and obsess over the details so you won't miss a single clue (“has a mysterious sack in his barn” really played out in a fun way eh?). Maybe you'll be compelled to discuss it at length with those around you because you can't stop thinking about the characters or the world or the answers to the many questions. Maybe you'll get a few things right, but likely you won't. It's genius in that way.

Matthew Corbett is a great, if somewhat unlucky, hero. Sort of... a Sherlock Holmes type with all the feeeeeeelings and frustrations and follies of being young (and in this case, in love). He is not perfect, nor is he your typical romantic alpha. And yet watching him basically fumble his way through this mystery was a wonderfully rich and sometimes humorous experience, because even as things went wrong at every turn, he stayed true to himself. I really look forward to continuing his journey.

I can't say I've ever, as an adult, been so transported by a book. It is written as though the author literally saw the events unfold before him and he transcribed them so smoothly and vividly I felt like I was there watching with him. (Speaking of, why??? how??? has this not been adapted yet?? HBO?!?!) It's a particular type of sustenance to the soul: like brain food, like a soak in a hot tub, like a hike or a drive when the leaves peak in Autumn, like a sip of expensive whiskey (or apple beer). This book made me fall in love with reading all over again.

Speaks the Nightbird on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Demon (Six Stories #6)

4 stars. Absolutely devastated that this may be the end of one of my favorite series of all time. I picked up the first book when I really needed it - needed an easy, compelling distraction from the stress of living, and I immediately bought the rest, which... I don't think has happened since before I knew how to read. I would just hate to say goodbye to Scott King forever. My true crime- mystery- creepy horror-loving heart is broken.

In Demon, King decides to rake over the grave of a young boy named Sydney Parsons, who was murdered in 1995 by two other boys of his age. The crime took place in a very small town called Ussalthwaite, which appears cozy and picturesque even as its residents skirt around strange happenings and eerie history. Scott of course interviews those connected directly or indirectly with the tragedy, attempting to track down answers to the many questions swirling: primarily, motive. As with all of the Six Stories books, there's an undercurrent of the supernatural that absolutely delivers serious chills in each interview.

Other reviewers have noted that this ends with a touch more ambiguity than some of the others, which on one hand is frustrating, but only I think because the others land so clearly, with solid, grounding answers that give a sense of completion. Leaving elements of the story open-ended undeniably made it a scarier book, and therefore, naturally, I'm really, really into it. 

I also noticed that this one had a somewhat stronger, or maybe less subtle, agenda to it. Don't get me wrong, the last few years of politics and pandemics and promotion of ignorance have filled me with enough rage to fill even the coziest of lighthearted novels with attacks on society's current, perplexing, direction. And Matt Wesolowsi always - admirably - explores big themes in his mysteries. In this case, nature vs nurture vs neglect, punishment vs rehabilitation, criminal rights, prison reform, the justice system... But here his views are a little more loud. He took the flying brick approach. And I don't hate it (in fact I agree with it), but I did find it slightly distracting.

And I can't forget to mention that there was a UDD. And yes, my instinct told me to dock a star for it, but I didn't, because he included a suitably written trigger warning. That way I didn't have to spend the whole time stressed about the dog, I could just skip over detailed descriptions of her so I didn't get too attached. (Appropriate time to mention that this is probably the darkest, maybe most disturbing, of them all, which is saying something. You've been warned.)

I should also say - I had absolutely 0 theories for this one, leading up to the very last few pages. Typically in the middle of a Six Stories book I'd tell my husband my theory (who, despite having no context or understanding, took notes so he could validate me later), and I'd say I was right in 4/6 books. But this one? Left me totally guessing. I was like, fake death? Twins? Evil doppelgänger? Dissassociative identity disorder or multiple personalities? WTF Is going on here?!?! WTF was with the creepy singing?!?! I NEED MORE!!

I cannot say enough good stuff about this series. Each book offers its own unique, but familiar at the same time, flavor. I've mentioned this before, but what should have gotten stale after 3+ books only got better. I wish - hope with my whole heart - that there will be more. Otherwise, I'll be returning again and again simply just to study these and to relive their many, many profound, emotional, delightful twists and turns.

So… Kelly, why 4 stars? I don’t know, really, I assign star ratings based on gut instinct and I never really regarded these books as flawless, or technically perfect - there’s a lot of context and run-on stuff… it’s sort of like, the date was okay but the sex was awesome. Don’t worry about it, just read these fucking books, I’m out.

*sniff* Until next time...

Demon on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Krampus

5 stars. This was really, really fun. I'm so lucky to have found Brom, because his books tick all my boxes as they say on Love Island. Other reviewers noted that this is more dark fantasy than horror, but it's not disappointing - in fact, it's breathtaking. I couldn't put it down. It's also peppered with plenty of truly funny moments... part of its charm. 

500 years ago, the ancient god Baldr trapped the Yule Lord Krampus deep underneath Boone County, West Virginia. During his captivity, Krampus manages to gain several followers and Baldr evolves into what we know as Santa Claus. When Krampus escapes, he is intent on getting his revenge and gaining back the believers he lost. Caught in the middle of this is Jesse, a young, struggling musician trying to get his wife and daughter back. 

Brom himself in the afterword mentions that part of his inspiration came from wondering what would happen if Krampus fought Santa. His explorative answer is a fantastic mish-mash of Nordic folklore, ancient myth and religious imagery. I love two-in-one stories: stories that weave a fairy tale with some sort of social, political or human challenge (think Pan's Labyrinth) and this one does it beautifully.

Here's what I loved: the twist on good vs evil. Santa and Krampus are decidedly capable of both. Both have committed atrocities for personal gain. Both have brought hope and strength to their believers. I also loved what Krampus, especially, stood for. I don't believe in much, but I respect ancient beliefs. I loved the chapter at Horton's deeply, all the way down to my toes. I loved the ending, Vernon's most of all. 

And I loved the depiction of West Virginia, a land of small, struggling communities largely failed by their leaders. Krampus' discoveries about the way humans treat ourselves and the land were heartbreakingly true. It was a proper choice of setting and I'm glad we didn't widen the window really, except to go to Spain lol.

I do also have to say that from a technical standpoint, Brom is really perfect at plotting, pacing, character and structure. He incorporates elements and returns to them at clever times, leaving the reader with a feeling of intense satisfaction. His characters have depth and complexity, and nothing feels half-assed or poorly written. I really am a huge fan, and I highly recommend it.

Krampus on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Deity (Six Stories #5)

4 stars. OMG these are the absolute best. Happy to report that I did NOT predict the twist this time - I've never been so happy to be totally wrong! I was a bit nervous when I read the synopsis (tackling the Me Too Movement is hard on a good day), but I shouldn't have been. The subject was handled as sensitively and considerately as possible while also delivering the delightful gut punch I've learned to expect.

In Deity, Scott King decides to rake up the grave of pop star Zach Crystal, who died in a fire in his isolated mansion after a wildly successful career. Crystal was the type of star who attracted wildly devoted fans, many of them young teenage girls, and many of whom have now accused him of taking advantage of their devotion. Once again King interviews six individuals connected directly or indirectly to Zach's life, career, and alleged crimes, and once again King unravels a story that's as spooky as it is shocking.

Ahhh. This one felt really icky. There were a lot of parallels between Zach Crystal and Michael Jackson, which... just speaks for itself. It was an icky reckoning when it happened and it's an icky thing to re-live. But these stories must be told, and we must believe them. That's absolutely non-negotiable. The spooky elements in fact were a lot less scary because, well, we should all know by now - human monsters are more frightening and horrible than any animal in the forest.

I am more impressed with each book. The dark themes are tackled with such respect for everyone involved. I love the deft examination of guilt and blame in a situation when someone is hugely talented and successful and surrounded by the word "yes" - how both the enabler and the enabled can be guilty. How money plays into it. How attention plays into it. How fear plays into it. Having just watched the documentary Stolen Youth, I noticed that some of the grooming/manipulation techniques were spot-on. Terrifying.

Super excited to read the next one and I really, really hope it won't be the last.

Deity on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Kill Creek

5 stars!! WOW - this was WILD, and I loved it! Apparently my 2023 reading interests pretty much 100% point towards horror, and the absolutely delightful chills I got from this book are fuel to the fire. It's a long book, with many scares and many twists and turns, but I want more. I WANT MORE! I want an adaptation, ASAP.

It's a solid premise freshly baked in a familiar oven: a group of 4 horror authors are asked to spend a night in a house together for an interview with a tech bro. Naturally, the house has a bit of a bad history. Naturally, tension builds as each individual experiences something spooky. Unnaturally, this is only the beginning. Seriously. Buckle up.

I really loved our group of players. Sam is the pretty, edgy hero, talented with a rough past. T.C. Moore is a badass button-pusher known for writing pyschosexual thrillers. Daniel Slaughter writes popcorn paperbacks for young adults. And Sebastian Cole is the celebrated old school writer famous for what are now considered classics.

It's a great bunch. You can just tell that each one brings a unique perspective, and not just for the purpose of scaring them in unique ways. Sure, many of their... vulnerabilities, shall we say, are a bit predictable, but they complement each other. It's a fleshed out family, for lack of a better term. I rooted for them all, even when things started to go very wrong.

I've seen a few complaints about the writing of T.C. and I kind of get it, but to be honest I didn't catch anything offensive. Same with the climax - yep, it is absolute chaos, but I couldn't look away. I also really loved the ending. We even got some detailed answers, which I wasn't expecting! Thought it would be more ambiguous. Not a complaint.

This is a must-read for horror fans. It's got everything: a haunted house, well-written characters, a lot of excellent scares, a couple of slasher sequences (that fucking hatchet), even a good old crawl space! Oh yes, that reminds me: I appreciated the incorporation of character background details that re-emerged, or became important eventually. I know that type of full circle writing bugs some people as too matchy or cute or gimmicky, but I thought it was done really cleverly here. 

Scott Thomas did for a black shoe what Grady Hendrix did for the phrase "soft thump," what Nick Roberts did for a warm hand. He made it downright chilling. I WISH THERE WAS MORE!

Kill Creek on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads