Review: The Silent Companions

You know what? 5 stars. I was pretty much dead set on 4 until I reached the ending, which left me a little bit breathless and extremely satisfied. I'm very excited to read more by this author, who put together a really beautiful Gothic story here, employing a lot of fun and familiar tropes while managing to keep things fairly unpredictable. AND - I don't have to dock a star for a UDD - in this case - UCD! Small blessings.

There are two narratives here - well, almost three. In 1865, newly married Elsie Bainbridge must travel to her husband's isolated rural estate outside of London when he passes away unexpectedly. She is accompanied by her late husband's cousin, Sarah, and is met by an unwelcoming town and an unpleasant household staff. Even worse - the house itself is troublesome, and Elsie begins hearing things and seeing things that seem impossible. You know the drill.

Meanwhile, we are supplied with the journal of an ancestor, who lived on the estate in 1635. She and her husband are overjoyed to receive a royal visit, until things go horribly wrong - revealing an evil that may or may not be connected to Elsie's experiences over two hundred years later.

Yes, this does seem a bit like the same-old haunted house story... but it really does take some delightful twists and turns. Scarier than The Little Stranger I'd say, but in a good way. The writing is super lively, the plot is very well-crafted/well-paced, the ending is brutal, and the setting is perfectly spooky. The characters are pretty unlikeable, especially at first, but everything comes across as intentional. I am a little frustrated by some of the loose ends - I need more lore! And I could use a sequel! - but I was truly transported and enjoyed myself.

I will say too - at first, I found Hetta's ... instruments, shall we say ... extremely cheesy and not scary at all. Maybe a little gimmicky? Despite some fantastic imagery and vivid descriptions of their appearances and expressions, I think I just had some trouble crossing the bridge into fear. I kept getting caught up in the physics of it all - picturing them... glide across the floor or whatever. Also, where the F did they come from in the first place? A mysterious, disappearing shop out of nowhere on top of everything else?! So much going on.

Overall, though - an instant horror classic. Must be read in front of a crackling fire during a blizzard, wind howling against the windows.

The Silent Companions on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads