Review: Company of Liars

4 stars. I hate to say it, but this book should also be classified as horror. It's one of the most bleak, disturbing pieces of historical fiction I've ever encountered. I truly did enjoy myself - I was completely transported - but damn. I'm not sure what sort of ending I was expecting, but I didn't think its final wink would be so sinister. Chilled my bones.

It's been years since I've read Chaucer's Tales, but apparently this is a "reimagining" - go in expecting a noisy party full of distinct characters, dramatic episodes and dark fairy tales. Quite a bit of research went into this, the resulting details of which I appreciated very much. It takes place during England's Plague Years and the setting is illustrated accordingly. Nine travelers, whether by fate or circumstance, come together and embark on a journey to escape the pestilence, and perhaps also escape the consequences of certain actions. 

From a technical standpoint, this book has some clumsy exposition. Minor, random characters who give oddly long speeches just to add some context or worldbuilding, stuff like that. Primary characters who also give oddly long speeches only to reiterate what has already been shown, or told, to us as readers. 

Along those lines, this book is very, very long. I truly can't decide if it needs editing or if it successfully paints the quiet moments as well as the loud ones. Still, it takes its sweet time and meanders a bit in places. Clearly the author adores her characters and relishes every single visit with them... and expects the reader to do the same. What's the word I'm looking for? Self-indulgent, though that seems a little harsh. 

This book also telegraphs its punches. I am legitimately unsure if the various twists, turns and secrets were meant to be predictable or not. The clues are very obvious but the reveals (except for the final one) are treated with such surprise vibes! Coupled with the meandering length, this did give me slight "get on with it" vibes.

All that aside, I highly, highly, highly recommend. This is a thought-provoking tale with a lot to unpack. There's a heavy, heavy sense of dread related to the plague, to which I think we can all relate at this point, and also related to... individual morality, mortality, personal justice, desire, conformity, penance, sin, shame, regret, impulse, righteousness, greed, God, man, the sanctity of the soul... the world is a very dark place and we make it darker for ourselves. We fight many, many battles during life but the hardest are the ones we fight against, and within, ourselves. 

Bleak, I warned you! However, while there may not be hope for humanity as a whole (as emphasized explicitly by this book), we can find evidence of warmth, kindness and contentment in tiny moments every now and then. Maybe in a warm meal or a cold beer. Maybe in songs or stories like this one. I encourage anyone interested to check out as many reviews as possible, as many readers more intelligent than I have written about this book from wiser perspectives. FWIW, I'll probably return to it again in the future.

Company of Liars on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Willows

5 stars. I found this terrifying. Everything about it: its familiar premise, the fresh path it carves, its tidy, concise plot, its words and sentences and sequences, its ending... it really spooked me. I would have loved to study this in a class and dissect it until I know what makes it tick, or until I discover that it bloomed from the magic of right time, right place, right idea, right author. The word that comes to mind is masterpiece.

It's a simple predicament: our unnamed narrator and his Swedish companion, after having traveled many miles via canoe on the Danube, stop for the night on an isolated island absent of life except for many crowded willows. They set up camp, gather some driftwood and settle in for the night. Soon it becomes clear, quite predictably, that something isn't quite right with the island - the river is rising, the wind is deafening, the willow branches sway, and something else... something otherworldly... doesn't want them to leave. 

It does sound a bit cheesy. In fact I think I went into this expecting cheesy. Or maybe I was expecting cliches. It's so much more than that. "There was a suggestion here of personal agency, of deliberate intention, of aggressive hostility, and it terrified me into a sort of rigidity." I was not ready for the crazy cosmic twists and turns this story takes - and yes, I know some folks argue that it isn't horror, it's weird, but often I find weird horrifying, so I'll say it's both. It's deeply unsettling, disturbing, creative in a way I haven't encountered before. It's very, very obvious that the author maybe... wanted to believe, or wanted to be open, or was sort of... daydreaming up the situation as though fantasizing. It almost felt personal. Which gives it that extra disturbing edge.

I find it really fascinating that packed into this short story is so much psychological self-analysis. The narrator is telling us the story from the future, recalling a memory, and he details almost every twist or shift of emotion he experiences, sometimes in the length of a second or a moment. From awe to disbelief to dread to confusion to "curious excitement" to mistrust to fear to deep, existential terror - we are along for every step of the ride. "Yet what I felt of dread was no ordinary ghostly fear. It was infinitely greater, stranger, and seemed to arise from some dim ancestral sense of terror more profoundly disturbing than anything I had known or dreamed of."

What I also admire is that, for all the atmospheric detail included, there's very little context about the characters. They are virtually without identity. We're told again and again to include context around characters - especially in horror - so the emotional stakes feel high. This proves that technique less required. The author peppered in just enough clues, but really it's his insane adeptness at writing terror that makes it irrelevant.

That ending!

The Willows on: Amazon | Goodreads | Bookshop.org

Review: Haunted: Devil's Door (Haunted #2)

3 stars. No complaints; this was a perfect follow-up to the first book. These really are fun, popcorn reads that serve as perfect palette cleansers! I was really delighted by the fact that it serves as a prequel to the first book and answers a few questions about Chloe and Sarah's pasts, and the house itself.

Rita, Ray and their daughter Chloe arrive at Perron Manor at the invitation of Rita's brother Vincent and the house's owner, Marcus Blackwell. They work together to turn the house into a hotel, slowly getting to know the old place and its dark history. As Rita becomes more and more determined to turn a profit, Ray becomes concerned for his family's wellbeing. Everything culminates with the infamous Halloween weekend massacre, proving the house's earned nickname of Devil House. 

The author does a really fantastic - maybe an improved - job of incorporating multiple POVs into this story. The pace is almost perfect, but the scares were a little less scary (to me - I think maybe the stakes don't feel as high, since we know sort of who survives and who doesn't). But the imagery is extra gross in this one, and I loved the human threat as well. I'm honestly very eager to move on to the next one and find out more!

Devil’s Door on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Hacienda

3 stars. There is some really great stuff here, especially for a debut. I believe it achieves what it sets out to do. I read it in two days, which says a lot about how compelling and concise it is. And, as so many others have mentioned, I would highly recommend it for fans of Rebecca and other gothic horrors of the like. Ultimately I think it lacks sharp edges, for me - or rather, its edges are too dull - but still. I liked it.

Young Beatriz, following the tragic destruction of her family amidst political unrest - finds a way out: marriage. She and her new husband travel to his home, Hacienda San Isidro, and she is determined to claim ownership of her new household and carve out a new life. Unfortunately, the Hacienda resists. Instead, Beatriz spends the nights terrified as the house threatens her with its destructive and horrifying secrets. 

My clumsy summary leaves out that this is really a sort of horror romance, not straight up horror. I loved its historical socio-political themes, and its depiction of Hacienda communities and the generational lore of the land, but there is also so. much. angst, which is not really my favorite (unless I'm reading romance). I also couldn't really distinguish either POV, and the twists were very predictable. 

Regardless, there should be more books like this. I really, really enjoyed Beatriz as a character - fierce AF. I enjoyed the spooky moments a LOT. I enjoyed the level of detail and apparent research that went into it. I enjoyed the very clear and obvious homages to various beloved gothic ghost stories. I do recommend it. 

The Hacienda on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

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