swalk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
In 1988, when Charlie was 11 she used to visit a caravan in Hithechurch with her extended family during the school holidays. Here, she made friends with another girl named Emily, they hung out together most days, sometimes with her cousin Jenny. Until one day, something strange happened and things only got weirder and darker from there. Now, years later Charlie is returning to Hithechurch. The townsfolk are under the illusion that her name is Sarah as she does not want to be connected with her past, under the guise that she is writing a book on local folklore. Soon Charlie starts receiving odd texts, with pictures from someone who is clearly following her and they want to meet.
In 1960 Derek had a head injury as a child. This left him with neurological issues; once doing well in school, he began to fall behind with his studies, becoming frustrated. Derek’s father was a surgeon and his dream was for Derek to follow in his footsteps, but after the accident this was no longer possible and Derek became obsessed with his fathers wax anatomical teaching props especially ‘Harry’ who visited him in his dreams.
Slow from the start and very muddled in places with no explanations, there are 3 timelines in this book and a ton of characters - Present day, 1988 and 1960, which will always make it somewhat hard to follow. I even went back a few chapters more than once to try and get a better grasp of what was going on. At one point I thought Katie was Jenny. When was the original 1988 Katie introduced to the story? I have no idea. Derek becomes Harry/ Harold. I think either remove the name changes or put some effort into explaining them.
It’s a shame because this style of psychological horror/thriller incorporating folklore is right up my street and there is a good level of suspense and mystery, but the execution was just not good sadly. If there was a bit more clarity in the changes in time and characters etc it could really be great.
In 1960 Derek had a head injury as a child. This left him with neurological issues; once doing well in school, he began to fall behind with his studies, becoming frustrated. Derek’s father was a surgeon and his dream was for Derek to follow in his footsteps, but after the accident this was no longer possible and Derek became obsessed with his fathers wax anatomical teaching props especially ‘Harry’ who visited him in his dreams.
Slow from the start and very muddled in places with no explanations, there are 3 timelines in this book and a ton of characters - Present day, 1988 and 1960, which will always make it somewhat hard to follow. I even went back a few chapters more than once to try and get a better grasp of what was going on. At one point I thought Katie was Jenny. When was the original 1988 Katie introduced to the story? I have no idea. Derek becomes Harry/ Harold. I think either remove the name changes or put some effort into explaining them.
It’s a shame because this style of psychological horror/thriller incorporating folklore is right up my street and there is a good level of suspense and mystery, but the execution was just not good sadly. If there was a bit more clarity in the changes in time and characters etc it could really be great.
The narrator was believable and worked well, bringing the book to life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Kidnapping, and Body horror
Minor: Violence, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Domestic abuse, and Stalking
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