sarahreadsinin's review
3.0
The Blackhouse is a novel that felt both too long and too short to me. The exposition and the thrilling moments were drawn out to prolong interest but the character development and ending were lacking in depth. I enjoyed it a little, although I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend unless they were looking for supernatural books set in rural Scotland.
fictionmajorette's review against another edition
5.0
Full thoughts: https://fictionmajorette.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-blackhouse-carole-johnstone.html
The setting for this read was phenomenal. The remoteness of Kilmeray is established early and we're reminded often in many different ways which really added to the overall atmosphere of the read.
I loved the way the lore and supernatural elements were worked into the story. We get a whole range of elements from Maggie's mother being a psychic, Maggie's reincarnation claims as a child, Norse mythology, and the superstitions of sailors. I loved the way the different elements came together and overlapped in a way that felt very real. Like the people in these remote communities in these dangerous conditions don't necessarily care where the lore came from, only that they believe it will protect them on the boat when a storm blows in or will lead to a good fishing year. For some of these lore elements, the characters aren't entirely sure if these are good or bad things which I found really heightened the suspense of the story.
The mystery investigation was a little slow to get going but it paid off big at the end. Johnstone really took the time to lay out a solid foundation of this town and Maggie's own backstory and connection to this island. There are a lot of characters and places and they all play a role in the overall mystery investigation so it was good to get such a solid footing at the beginning.
I wasn't entirely loving the dual timeline aspect until about halfway through the book for the simple reason that I just wasn't as interested or invested in Robert's timeline. We do find out the connection between Robert's timeline and Maggie's timeline fairly early on, but Robert's story was just not where I wanted to spend the time.
Overall, this was a fantastic, atmospheric, and suspenseful read. I loved the way we get so many seemingly different pieces of this puzzle but they all come together so perfectly at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC. Publication date is January 3, 2023
The setting for this read was phenomenal. The remoteness of Kilmeray is established early and we're reminded often in many different ways which really added to the overall atmosphere of the read.
I loved the way the lore and supernatural elements were worked into the story. We get a whole range of elements from Maggie's mother being a psychic, Maggie's reincarnation claims as a child, Norse mythology, and the superstitions of sailors. I loved the way the different elements came together and overlapped in a way that felt very real. Like the people in these remote communities in these dangerous conditions don't necessarily care where the lore came from, only that they believe it will protect them on the boat when a storm blows in or will lead to a good fishing year. For some of these lore elements, the characters aren't entirely sure if these are good or bad things which I found really heightened the suspense of the story.
The mystery investigation was a little slow to get going but it paid off big at the end. Johnstone really took the time to lay out a solid foundation of this town and Maggie's own backstory and connection to this island. There are a lot of characters and places and they all play a role in the overall mystery investigation so it was good to get such a solid footing at the beginning.
I wasn't entirely loving the dual timeline aspect until about halfway through the book for the simple reason that I just wasn't as interested or invested in Robert's timeline. We do find out the connection between Robert's timeline and Maggie's timeline fairly early on, but Robert's story was just not where I wanted to spend the time.
Overall, this was a fantastic, atmospheric, and suspenseful read. I loved the way we get so many seemingly different pieces of this puzzle but they all come together so perfectly at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC. Publication date is January 3, 2023
junereadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This book gave gothic vibes all the way through. The description of Scotland made me want to book a ticket, it has been a while since I visited! The main character's mental health is not something that is primary in the story and I liked the fact that she was living with it rather than fighting against it!
However, it is a quite slow read and more mystery than a thriller. It is told from two different points of view and there is a love story there (the type I dislike, this is personal preference).
Whereas it wasn't what I expected, I would like to read more from this author!
However, it is a quite slow read and more mystery than a thriller. It is told from two different points of view and there is a love story there (the type I dislike, this is personal preference).
Whereas it wasn't what I expected, I would like to read more from this author!
energyrae's review
5.0
From a young age, Maggie was sure she was someone else, a man from Kilmeray. Her insistence gains national attention, allowing her mother to take her there to prove Maggie is who she says she is. But, unfortunately, they leave disappointed, as no such man exists. Over the years, some memories have faded, but still, Kilmeray stays in her mind. So when her mother dies, she heads back to Blairmore, to the community that didn’t want them there and a past riddled with secrets.
I was on a blog tour for Johnstone’s previous release, Mirrorland, and adored the book. So I’m pleased to say that she did not disappoint with The Blackhouse.
This book is so atmospheric, you’re completely immersed in the setting. The inhabitants don’t want Maggie there, and they’re shady as heck, making it hard for her to know who to trust. She’s bipolar and scared that some of the shady happenings are due to herself, and not her surroundings. The multi-layered storyline has varying timelines that weave Maggie and Robert together across the years. Books that take place in such small towns don’t always unfold at a breakneck speed, which suits the book perfectly.
If you read multiple books at once, I recommend saving time and temporarily abandoning the others because you won’t want to put this down. The atmosphere, the shady characters, the creeptacular setting, and history, with the mystery element, come together beautifully. This is such a fun and addicting read.
I was on a blog tour for Johnstone’s previous release, Mirrorland, and adored the book. So I’m pleased to say that she did not disappoint with The Blackhouse.
This book is so atmospheric, you’re completely immersed in the setting. The inhabitants don’t want Maggie there, and they’re shady as heck, making it hard for her to know who to trust. She’s bipolar and scared that some of the shady happenings are due to herself, and not her surroundings. The multi-layered storyline has varying timelines that weave Maggie and Robert together across the years. Books that take place in such small towns don’t always unfold at a breakneck speed, which suits the book perfectly.
If you read multiple books at once, I recommend saving time and temporarily abandoning the others because you won’t want to put this down. The atmosphere, the shady characters, the creeptacular setting, and history, with the mystery element, come together beautifully. This is such a fun and addicting read.
rspiro92's review
3.0
3.5/5
“Wanting something to be true…can be a very dangerous road.”
This book is beautifully written and extremely atmospheric. You’ll feel the winds coming off the sea, smell the salt air, and see the colorful Scottish machair just as Maggie does. And, just like Maggie, you’ll feel spooked, unsure of who to trust and what to believe.
That said, it’s also a very, very slow burn. So for those of you who prefer action and plot-driven stories over character-driven ones, this is your heads up.
All in all, I did enjoy the story that Jonhstone crafted and the eerie twists it took. One twist in particular I never saw coming and was satisfyingly shook. I just think the plot was maybe trying to do one too many things at once.
“Wanting something to be true…can be a very dangerous road.”
This book is beautifully written and extremely atmospheric. You’ll feel the winds coming off the sea, smell the salt air, and see the colorful Scottish machair just as Maggie does. And, just like Maggie, you’ll feel spooked, unsure of who to trust and what to believe.
That said, it’s also a very, very slow burn. So for those of you who prefer action and plot-driven stories over character-driven ones, this is your heads up.
All in all, I did enjoy the story that Jonhstone crafted and the eerie twists it took. One twist in particular I never saw coming and was satisfyingly shook. I just think the plot was maybe trying to do one too many things at once.
laneyvonhall's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ndgrad98's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kuhlreads's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.0
Maggie goes back to the Isle of Kilmeray, where at the age of 5 she causes a big scene with some wild accusations. Now she is investigating her claims by telling the locals she is writing a story. Many of the locals who were there the first time she was there are not happy with her reopening old wounds.
I had a very hard time following the characters. I couldn't remember who some of them were husband, wife, daughter. These chapters are very long. The story is from Maggie's POV but there are chapters that are from Robert's POV years ago. These chapters, although I know they were setting up the story, didn't hold my attention. I didn't have a problem with Maggie, she had a few unresolved issues. But as much as I tried to like Charlie, I had a hard time because it always seemed like he was lying or hiding something. I really didn't care for any of the islanders. For what this book was, I think it was a good story, but a little too long. You really don't find out anything until about 75% of the way through it. It isn't a "happy" ending so much as a resolution of Maggie's feelings towards herself. I didn't feel the epilogue really finished or wrapped up the story. Thank you NetGalley, Scribner and Carole Johnstone.
I had a very hard time following the characters. I couldn't remember who some of them were husband, wife, daughter. These chapters are very long. The story is from Maggie's POV but there are chapters that are from Robert's POV years ago. These chapters, although I know they were setting up the story, didn't hold my attention. I didn't have a problem with Maggie, she had a few unresolved issues. But as much as I tried to like Charlie, I had a hard time because it always seemed like he was lying or hiding something. I really didn't care for any of the islanders. For what this book was, I think it was a good story, but a little too long. You really don't find out anything until about 75% of the way through it. It isn't a "happy" ending so much as a resolution of Maggie's feelings towards herself. I didn't feel the epilogue really finished or wrapped up the story. Thank you NetGalley, Scribner and Carole Johnstone.
srivalli's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
2.75
2.7 Stars
One Liner: Atmospheric, but the rest doesn’t live up
Robert Reid moved to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland with his wife and son. He is an outsider and has a terrible secret to hide. Though Robert craves the security of a village community, his own fears prevent him from becoming one of the villagers. Soon, things go out of his control, and he has to pay the price.
Maggie MacKay was five when she declared that she was a dead man from the remote island of Kilmeray. She claims that he didn’t drown but was murdered by one of the villagers. Two decades later, Maggie goes back to the village to find out what really happened in the past. It’s not easy, as the locals don’t want to talk to her, and someone is determined to drive her out. What’s more, Maggie is still a nervous wreck and doesn’t know what to believe.
Can Maggie find the truth? What will it do to her?
The story comes from the first-person POV of Maggie and Robert in a dual timeline.
What I Like:
The story is set in a fictional village (based on a real setting) in Scotland. The rugged cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and scattered homes come alive on the pages.
The mood is dark, brooding, sinister, and uncomfortable almost throughout. It also has triggers (see at the end), which add to the mood (but also ruin the setting).
Charlie is a wonderfully layered character and vital to the plot’s progress. He is one of the most well-written side characters I’ve read.
Maggie’s mother is another intriguing character in the book. She is a passive yet constant presence in the book. But… (continued in the next section)
The theme of the small community sticking together and the conflicts between the villagers are well done. It establishes the strength and weaknesses of being a local community.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The pacing is slow. While this is expected in the beginning, the narrative never really picks up speed. I resorted to speed-reading once I began to lose interest.
Maggie and Robert are the voices of the book. Yet, both failed to make me feel anything for them. Maggie was a tad better, but Robert’s arc was left unexplored, with a few aspects being repeated throughout the book. If a reader likes a side character more than the MCs, it is rather telling.
Maggie suffers from mental illness and is recovering from a breakdown. Yet, she jumps into insta-lust-love with Sexy Will, the local farmer. Will is actually a kind-hearted guy, but the focus isn’t on his attributes. I’m not sure how romance made the book better. Friendship would have worked just the same (or even better).
Kelly is a bright, cheerful character, possibly someone to lighten up the dark mood. However, she only managed to annoy me most of the time.
The book also relies on Norse mythology, but only to the extent of pushing a character over the edge of sanity. I didn’t particularly like this. There’s a lot more to pagan cultures than superstitions, sacrifices, or dark magic.
Finally, the ending; there’s a twist (or several), but the final one dilutes what the plot has been building until then. I don’t fall into the majority category that likes the ending. For me, it looks like a final twist to surprise the readers and a convenient way to conclude the plot.
To summarize, The Blackhouse is a slow atmospheric novel with a strong setting. Read the other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Scribner, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Child death, Animal death, and Suicide attempt
lexi_paws_and_pages's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5