skmcwood's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
It took me a minute to get into this, but once I did I really really enjoyed it. It had a great spooky atmosphere and an interesting story line. I did think that the plot twist was pretty easy to figure out pretty early on. Like there was absolutely no surprise regarding the end, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. The little snippets back in time to tell the story of characters we were just getting little pieces of was such a nice touch. Would definitely recommend.
mindthegap92's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cleonardodavinci's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
michelles13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rouge_red's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
2.0
I would say this got boring though in fact it was never that exciting to begin with. I saved this book because I was fairly sure due to the blurb that I'd enjoy it. Turns out it was doubly disappointing. The tension never really ramped up. I have no idea why there were such specific dates for the present narrative when all you needed were the dates for the past events. The collecting of "haunted" home furnishings started too late. Overall I'd say the story "started" too late. Never at any point was I ever that invested, and it's annoying to have characters constantly lying to one another with no good reason...especially when it turns out they weren't possessed by anything. They just seemed like a shitty couple. I thought by the end their house would be fucked because do these two really seem like they'll make it? As a couple or as city folk living in the middle of nowhere?
coralhaze's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Calling this horror is generous. If anything, this is horror-lite... and in terms of the plot, it's similar to Simone St James' books... which also tend to be hit or miss for me, but comparatively, the historical perspectives feature more prominently in St James' books... and I think in this case, I would have preferred hearing more of this story from the perspective of the characters of the past (Hattie, Ann, etc.). The opening prologue is fantastic, but from chapter 1, I had a lot of trouble getting in to the story. The author didn't make me care for Olive or any of the other modern-day characters. And I think the whole "buried treasure" plot line was over the top and ridiculous.
In general, the book is bloated with too much content and not enough useful character development. And I'm not sure if I'd pick up another book from this author... especially if the "missing woman" and "hidden identity" tropes are the norm for J McMahon. Glad to have this one off my TBR though.
In general, the book is bloated with too much content and not enough useful character development. And I'm not sure if I'd pick up another book from this author... especially if the "missing woman" and "hidden identity" tropes are the norm for J McMahon. Glad to have this one off my TBR though.
karsgm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Do you like creepy stories? I'm not sure I realized just how scary this book would be going into it - definitely a daylight only read for me!
Helen and Nate decide they want to make a change to their lives - leaving their condo in CT and their jobs as middle school teachers for a year to build a new home in the country in VT. They are so excited to get a great deal on the land! When the realtor tells them that locals talk about the woods being haunted, Helen and Nate just laugh it off. They aren't afraid of no ghosts!!
Well...just like at the start of any scary movie, I knew right then that scary stuff was about to go down! From the time they start working on the land - creepy things start happening. Helen starts doing more research into the woman who died on the land a hundred years ago - Hattie Breckenridge, a woman who knew things and was killed by villagers under suspicion of being a witch.
This was a great story that really sucked me in. Even reading it in the middle of the day on my lunch break in an office full of people - I still totally jumped twice when I was interrupted. If you enjoy creepy, atmospheric ghost stories - definitely give this one a shot!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Helen and Nate decide they want to make a change to their lives - leaving their condo in CT and their jobs as middle school teachers for a year to build a new home in the country in VT. They are so excited to get a great deal on the land! When the realtor tells them that locals talk about the woods being haunted, Helen and Nate just laugh it off. They aren't afraid of no ghosts!!
Well...just like at the start of any scary movie, I knew right then that scary stuff was about to go down! From the time they start working on the land - creepy things start happening. Helen starts doing more research into the woman who died on the land a hundred years ago - Hattie Breckenridge, a woman who knew things and was killed by villagers under suspicion of being a witch.
This was a great story that really sucked me in. Even reading it in the middle of the day on my lunch break in an office full of people - I still totally jumped twice when I was interrupted. If you enjoy creepy, atmospheric ghost stories - definitely give this one a shot!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.