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themysterymaven's review
3.0
3.5 STARS
I think I’m becoming a historical fiction fan…as long as it has a spooky element of some sort!! I loved the visual imagery this story created, with the isolated house (serving as a hospital) and it’s peculiar past, right along with the vivid cast of characters - World War veterans being treated for their afflictions.
I cannot truly imagine being alive in a time where your emotional and mental health were treated such as they are in the book (and we’ve still got a long way to go even today). But having this eerie, in the middle-of-nowhere setting filled with characters battling various forms of post-war traumas in the care of a couple of nurses trying their best with limited means…well add in some supernatural torments and you’ve got one heck of a haunted house story. This novel transports you to the past in a Gothic ghost tale that unfolds from the page in what feels like a hazy film filtered in dark shades and shadows - I envisioned it in much the same way as The Woman in Black movie was made. I was rooting for everyone, from the nurses to the patients, (a band of brothers of sorts), hoping they all survived the horrors within.
I think I’m becoming a historical fiction fan…as long as it has a spooky element of some sort!! I loved the visual imagery this story created, with the isolated house (serving as a hospital) and it’s peculiar past, right along with the vivid cast of characters - World War veterans being treated for their afflictions.
I cannot truly imagine being alive in a time where your emotional and mental health were treated such as they are in the book (and we’ve still got a long way to go even today). But having this eerie, in the middle-of-nowhere setting filled with characters battling various forms of post-war traumas in the care of a couple of nurses trying their best with limited means…well add in some supernatural torments and you’ve got one heck of a haunted house story. This novel transports you to the past in a Gothic ghost tale that unfolds from the page in what feels like a hazy film filtered in dark shades and shadows - I envisioned it in much the same way as The Woman in Black movie was made. I was rooting for everyone, from the nurses to the patients, (a band of brothers of sorts), hoping they all survived the horrors within.
loveablepuddle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lampbee's review against another edition
I wanted to like it but honestly it was just too boring. I normally love this author but the last few have let me down. Not only is it dull but I just really couldn’t give less of a shit about the “ghost” in the hospital. I don’t care about the MCs backstory or the “mysterious” disappearance of the nurse before her, it all feels so done before.
A lot of mysteries start slow and don’t give you much to go on , just little pieces etc — however I got 7.5 hours into a 12 hour audio book and felt as if I had only read exposition. The fact that you can sense an unearned and unwanted sex scene to come later in the book is so frustrating, does everything need a romantic B plot ??
This is nitpicky but the voice actor for this book was horrible. She had a very distinct intonation for ending all of her sentences that drove me insane. However that doesn’t mean I would’ve enjoyed it more had I read vs listened to this book
A lot of mysteries start slow and don’t give you much to go on , just little pieces etc — however I got 7.5 hours into a 12 hour audio book and felt as if I had only read exposition. The fact that you can sense an unearned and unwanted sex scene to come later in the book is so frustrating, does everything need a romantic B plot ??
This is nitpicky but the voice actor for this book was horrible. She had a very distinct intonation for ending all of her sentences that drove me insane. However that doesn’t mean I would’ve enjoyed it more had I read vs listened to this book
hollyschnicke's review
2.0
as it turns out, i dont like books about insane asylums! The haunting felt weak.
csully7's review against another edition
Slow start. Just did not feel like I could get into it.
whatsamyreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I love the covers on the re-released versions of the Simone St. James earlier works. They almost feel like pieces of art, and I think Silence for the Dead is my favorite of the bunch.
Since discovering St. James last year, I’ve been slowly working through her backlist and this book was the perfect choice for a spooky season buddy read with @moneisreading.
This one had a bit of a different vibe than her newer books, necessitating a shift in expectations. The biggest difference was that the supernatural elements were far more subtle, although they did start to ramp up in the end. As a lover of all things spooky, I was left wanting more in this regard.
The infusion of romance into the storyline was an unexpected bonus for me. I’m by no means a romance reader, but it helped keep things interesting when the plot lost some steam through the middle.
The main character, Kitty Weekes, was my favorite. Her character was exceptionally well-developed and I loved that she was such a firecracker. I became entirely invested in her story, and rooted for her success.
I developed an affection for nearly all of the patients throughout the book, especially Jack Yates. However, there were a few patients that I had difficulty telling apart.
While this wasn’t my favorite book that I’ve read from the author, I still found it to be a quick and enjoyable read. I think this would be a great fit for someone new to read supernatural books.
Read if you like:
✨Mental health hospitals
✨Paranormal plots
✨Hint of romance
libraryforspooky's review
4.0
Simone St. James’s *Silence for the Dead* is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction, gothic mystery, and supernatural intrigue that delivers a hauntingly atmospheric and emotionally resonant story. Set in post-World War I England, the novel transports readers to a time and place where the scars of war run deep, both physically and psychologically.
The story centers around Kitty Weekes, a young woman with a troubled past who, out of desperation, takes up a position as a nurse at Portis House, an isolated and eerie hospital for shell-shocked soldiers. From the moment Kitty arrives, it is clear that Portis House is no ordinary place. The crumbling mansion is filled with the ghosts of the past, both literal and figurative, and the men who inhabit it are haunted by more than just memories of the war.
St. James excels in creating a chilling atmosphere that permeates every corner of the novel. The setting of Portis House, with its decaying grandeur and palpable sense of dread, is as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it. The author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the house to life, making it the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery and the supernatural elements that slowly creep into the narrative.
Kitty Weekes is a compelling and complex protagonist. Her determination to survive and carve out a place for herself in a world that has not been kind to her makes her an instantly relatable and sympathetic character. As she delves deeper into the secrets of Portis House, Kitty’s courage and resourcefulness shine through, making her a character worth rooting for. The supporting cast of soldiers, each dealing with their own traumas and fears, adds depth and nuance to the story, highlighting the emotional toll of war and the different ways people cope with their inner demons.
The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with the tension building steadily as Kitty uncovers the dark secrets hidden within Portis House. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the sense of unease without overwhelming the story’s more grounded aspects. St. James’s writing is both elegant and accessible, making for a smooth and engaging read.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of themes such as trauma, loss, and the lingering effects of war. St. James handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, creating a story that is not only suspenseful but also deeply moving. The portrayal of the soldiers and their struggles is particularly poignant, offering a glimpse into the psychological wounds left by the Great War.
While *Silence for the Dead* is a captivating read, it does have some minor flaws. Certain plot points, particularly towards the end, may feel a bit predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. Additionally, while the supernatural elements are effectively creepy, they may not be as fully developed or as terrifying as some readers might hope. However, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
In conclusion, *Silence for the Dead* is a beautifully crafted gothic mystery that combines historical fiction with supernatural suspense. Simone St. James has created a story that is both eerie and emotionally resonant, with characters that linger in the mind long after the book is closed. It’s a novel that will appeal to fans of gothic fiction, historical mysteries, and ghost stories alike. With its haunting atmosphere and richly drawn characters, *Silence for the Dead* is a four-star read that is well worth your time.
The story centers around Kitty Weekes, a young woman with a troubled past who, out of desperation, takes up a position as a nurse at Portis House, an isolated and eerie hospital for shell-shocked soldiers. From the moment Kitty arrives, it is clear that Portis House is no ordinary place. The crumbling mansion is filled with the ghosts of the past, both literal and figurative, and the men who inhabit it are haunted by more than just memories of the war.
St. James excels in creating a chilling atmosphere that permeates every corner of the novel. The setting of Portis House, with its decaying grandeur and palpable sense of dread, is as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it. The author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the house to life, making it the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery and the supernatural elements that slowly creep into the narrative.
Kitty Weekes is a compelling and complex protagonist. Her determination to survive and carve out a place for herself in a world that has not been kind to her makes her an instantly relatable and sympathetic character. As she delves deeper into the secrets of Portis House, Kitty’s courage and resourcefulness shine through, making her a character worth rooting for. The supporting cast of soldiers, each dealing with their own traumas and fears, adds depth and nuance to the story, highlighting the emotional toll of war and the different ways people cope with their inner demons.
The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with the tension building steadily as Kitty uncovers the dark secrets hidden within Portis House. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the sense of unease without overwhelming the story’s more grounded aspects. St. James’s writing is both elegant and accessible, making for a smooth and engaging read.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of themes such as trauma, loss, and the lingering effects of war. St. James handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, creating a story that is not only suspenseful but also deeply moving. The portrayal of the soldiers and their struggles is particularly poignant, offering a glimpse into the psychological wounds left by the Great War.
While *Silence for the Dead* is a captivating read, it does have some minor flaws. Certain plot points, particularly towards the end, may feel a bit predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. Additionally, while the supernatural elements are effectively creepy, they may not be as fully developed or as terrifying as some readers might hope. However, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
In conclusion, *Silence for the Dead* is a beautifully crafted gothic mystery that combines historical fiction with supernatural suspense. Simone St. James has created a story that is both eerie and emotionally resonant, with characters that linger in the mind long after the book is closed. It’s a novel that will appeal to fans of gothic fiction, historical mysteries, and ghost stories alike. With its haunting atmosphere and richly drawn characters, *Silence for the Dead* is a four-star read that is well worth your time.