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beastreader's review against another edition
1.0
OMG. I am so upset. Instantly, I gravitated to this book due to the summary. It had me so intrigued. Yet, I have to say that this book is a major letdown. When I first started reading this book, it was alright. I was a little lost because the story started after the events of the break in had happened. So Mark and Steph were dealing with the aftermath. There was already tension between Mark and Steph. Even though I did not know them well I got this instant vibe about Mark that turned me off to him.
When Mark and Steph went to Paris I thought "Ok, now the story is going to begin". No, I was wrong. The strange events that happened to Mark and Steph were such a bore that I think I slept. It was apparent that I was not going to get a scare from reading this book; even a goosebump. I skipped to the last chapter of the book and was glad I spent no more time on this book.
When Mark and Steph went to Paris I thought "Ok, now the story is going to begin". No, I was wrong. The strange events that happened to Mark and Steph were such a bore that I think I slept. It was apparent that I was not going to get a scare from reading this book; even a goosebump. I skipped to the last chapter of the book and was glad I spent no more time on this book.
loser127's review against another edition
3.0
Not much of a thriller. It’s really slow, and is more about the main characters marriage than it is a ghost story. Not bad but not really a horror novel.
mellabella's review against another edition
2.0
I was definitely expecting a tense scary read. My expectations were too high
Steph and Mark are a May/December couple in South Africa. He's a professor.
She went to the university he teaches. Only to drop out when she got pregnant with their daughter Hayden.
They are both traumatized by a home invasion/robbery that recently took place.
Partially because Mark proved himself a coward during it. The guys were dragging his wife away... Not a peep. So there's a lot of resentment on Steph's part. Neither of these characters were too likable.
To get away and try to forget, they take advantage of a house swap and go to France. They're very strapped for cash. We're reminded of this quite often.
The place was gross, scary and mostly abandoned. Except for the odd woman that seems to be squatting.
When they get home? Is where my confusion sets in. It might have set in while they were in France actually.
It will keep you entertained. If only becasue you'll keep reading waiting for something to happen.
Steph and Mark are a May/December couple in South Africa. He's a professor.
She went to the university he teaches. Only to drop out when she got pregnant with their daughter Hayden.
They are both traumatized by a home invasion/robbery that recently took place.
Partially because Mark proved himself a coward during it. The guys were dragging his wife away... Not a peep. So there's a lot of resentment on Steph's part. Neither of these characters were too likable.
To get away and try to forget, they take advantage of a house swap and go to France. They're very strapped for cash. We're reminded of this quite often.
The place was gross, scary and mostly abandoned. Except for the odd woman that seems to be squatting.
When they get home? Is where my confusion sets in. It might have set in while they were in France actually.
It will keep you entertained. If only becasue you'll keep reading waiting for something to happen.
erinld2005's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t hate this one, but I didn’t love it either. The beginning was sluggish and it took me three months to get back to it.
deepikaneel's review against another edition
4.0
Really unsettling but makes you want to continue reading.
pillywiggin's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good, creepy book. It made a nice, quick read for the weekend and even though it was a little predictable, it was enjoyable.
npatterson's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
andipants's review against another edition
2.0
The teaser on the back cover describes this book as "a terrifying tour de force of supernatural horror, psychological tension, and haunting suspense." My reaction: Well...not really. It's a slow-burn psychological thriller. There's kind of a supernatural element to it, if you squint, but it's not scary. Occasionally gross or upsetting, in an ick-there's-an-image-I-didn't-want-in-my-head kind of way, but not leave-the-lights-on-I'm-freaked-out scary. There is some suspense, but honestly the ending is pretty predictable. Rather than creepy, the story felt more like a dreary, relentless slog through upsetting events leading to a depressing ending.
I did find the characters fairly well-drawn, if a bit one-notey at times, though it seemed pretty incredible that in their situation, they'd 1) agree to a house swap, and 2) agree to do it with a couple they know literally nothing about, with no ratings or reviews, and only one picture of the interior of the place they'd be staying. That's a serious lack of common sense in anybody, but especially outrageous from a couple just coming off a home invasion.
Overall, not the worst thing I've read, but not really my cup of tea. If you're seriously into psych-drama, you might like it, but if you're after thrills and scares, look elsewhere.
I did find the characters fairly well-drawn, if a bit one-notey at times, though it seemed pretty incredible that in their situation, they'd 1) agree to a house swap, and 2) agree to do it with a couple they know literally nothing about, with no ratings or reviews, and only one picture of the interior of the place they'd be staying. That's a serious lack of common sense in anybody, but especially outrageous from a couple just coming off a home invasion.
Overall, not the worst thing I've read, but not really my cup of tea. If you're seriously into psych-drama, you might like it, but if you're after thrills and scares, look elsewhere.