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A review by eggcatsreads
The Star and the Strange Moon by Constance Sayers
5.0
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Redhook Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An in-depth historical fiction gothic horror that I would find perfect for fans of Laura Purcell.
When 1960’s movie starlet Gemma Turner disappears during the filming of her last movie - a horror titled L’Etrange Lune/The Strange Moon - it remains as one of film’s greatest mysteries. Years later, a photo of Gemma makes 10 year old Christopher Kent’s mother become absolutely catatonic in their hotel room, forcing him to live with his aunt and uncle. This event is the catalyst for Christopher’s interest in Gemma Turner, as he is convinced that solving the mystery of the missing starlet will provide him answers about his late mother.
Things are not as simple as they appear, however, as we can see the mysterious events unfolding both in Gemma’s time, as well as Christopher’s, and how they interconnect. Gemma, in 1968, is hoping this movie will reignite her dying movie career, and she is drawn in with the promise of having a writing role on the film, in addition to simply acting. However, when she arrives, the director suddenly is acting extremely differently than before, and the house she must live in seems to be haunted. Wishing for a way out, but forced to stay, her life suddenly changes when suddenly she vanishes from the movie set - and winds up inside the film as the lead starlet. She has to find a way to survive - and thrive - this horror movie, and try to hopefully find her way home.
In the current timeline, Christopher has been studying filmmaking since his pivotal moment with his mother and the photo of Gemma Turner. He receives an invitation to watch a secret showing of L’Etrange Lune, where no one other than a mysterious select group of people, have ever seen. However, strange things seem to be happening with the movie - each showing every 10 years seemingly adds scenes to the film, scenes that were never filmed before Gemma’s disappearance. And when trying to solve the mystery of how this is possible - seeming to investigate too closely causes dangers all around.
Christopher needs to figure out the secret behind L’Etrange Lune, and the missing Gemma Turner, before it is too late for the both of them.
I loved this book, as it was a perfect blend between the fantastical and the “realistic,” and you could really feel the growing tension as both the stakes and the body count are rising. If you love historical fiction, thrillers, and gothic horror, then don’t hesitate to pick up this book! Believe me, you will NOT be disappointed.
An in-depth historical fiction gothic horror that I would find perfect for fans of Laura Purcell.
When 1960’s movie starlet Gemma Turner disappears during the filming of her last movie - a horror titled L’Etrange Lune/The Strange Moon - it remains as one of film’s greatest mysteries. Years later, a photo of Gemma makes 10 year old Christopher Kent’s mother become absolutely catatonic in their hotel room, forcing him to live with his aunt and uncle. This event is the catalyst for Christopher’s interest in Gemma Turner, as he is convinced that solving the mystery of the missing starlet will provide him answers about his late mother.
Things are not as simple as they appear, however, as we can see the mysterious events unfolding both in Gemma’s time, as well as Christopher’s, and how they interconnect. Gemma, in 1968, is hoping this movie will reignite her dying movie career, and she is drawn in with the promise of having a writing role on the film, in addition to simply acting. However, when she arrives, the director suddenly is acting extremely differently than before, and the house she must live in seems to be haunted. Wishing for a way out, but forced to stay, her life suddenly changes when suddenly she vanishes from the movie set - and winds up inside the film as the lead starlet. She has to find a way to survive - and thrive - this horror movie, and try to hopefully find her way home.
In the current timeline, Christopher has been studying filmmaking since his pivotal moment with his mother and the photo of Gemma Turner. He receives an invitation to watch a secret showing of L’Etrange Lune, where no one other than a mysterious select group of people, have ever seen. However, strange things seem to be happening with the movie - each showing every 10 years seemingly adds scenes to the film, scenes that were never filmed before Gemma’s disappearance. And when trying to solve the mystery of how this is possible - seeming to investigate too closely causes dangers all around.
Christopher needs to figure out the secret behind L’Etrange Lune, and the missing Gemma Turner, before it is too late for the both of them.
I loved this book, as it was a perfect blend between the fantastical and the “realistic,” and you could really feel the growing tension as both the stakes and the body count are rising. If you love historical fiction, thrillers, and gothic horror, then don’t hesitate to pick up this book! Believe me, you will NOT be disappointed.