Reviews

The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke

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this_little_bookshelf's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

3.5

Lichen House, a home for unwed mothers located in a remote Scottish woods, is surrounded by dark rumours of witchcraft and ghosts. In the 1960’s Mabel and Pearl are sent there in disgrace. They arrive six years apart, and their futures become entwined as they start to unravel the secrets of Lichen Hall and the eccentric couple who run it.

This supernatural story had some wonderful characters and fun twists. There was much more depth to the story and characters than I was expecting, and I thoroughly enjoyed this dark little tale.

becca_shaw_'s review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

beanieb00ks's review against another edition

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5.0

I received this gorgeous book as an arc, and it’s one that will definitely be on order for a real copy! CJ Cooke/Carolyn Jess-Cooke has done it again! With an opening line of “I have a ghost in my knee” how couldn’t you have the need to sit there continuously page turning this page turner! I absolutely loved it and per all CJ Cooke/Carolyn Jess-Cooke]] books, I couldn’t put it down! Such an emotional unnerving rollercoaster!! I have read and loved the Lighthouse Witches and The Nesting by CJ Cooke/Carolyn Jess-Cooke]] as well. So, I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for anything else she writes

jessiinside's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

morrisag1's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

dxdnelion's review against another edition

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4.0

The Ghost Woods is a fantastical, powerful and imaginative story that explores about motherhood. The story entwine with folklore, and atmospheric settings. Lichen Halls, is a huge gothic mansion with a gloomy residence, sits deep within the forest and away from neighborhoods, serves as a temporary safe place for unwed women to give birth and giving their new-born for adoption. It is supposedly a better place than the institutions that serve the same purpose.

It is told in dual timeline; In 1956 Mabel astounded and perplexed knowing that she's pregnant, while she knows she’s never had sex. 6 years later in 1965, 22-year old nurse Pearl lost everything after the news of her pregnancy got around the town. Desperate, shameful, and knowing she won’t be able to take care of the baby, she turns to Lichen Hall for help. Both of them soon find Lichen Hall not as safe as they had hoped.

The atmosphere aspect in this book is exceptional! It is creepy at some parts when there is strange things happenings, the mysterious little boy and so many hidden dark secrets within the mansion. The story pacing quite sluggish. It started off really well, but then it slows down quite a bit in the second and third part. But I appreciate the storytelling, it's so beautiful how the two alternate timelines collide and how the women connect later on. This book is darker than I thought, there is a slight body horror, betrayal, murder, manipulation and violence. Everything about the mansion screams RED FLAG.

I love the characters! The characters are well fleshed out, and their distinct voices giving the rich essence of their characters, Mabel are such a sweet innocent soul. Pearl are much stronger than she thought of herself. Sylvan is a fascinating little boy who just want to help his mother.

Overall, The Ghost Woods definitely a book that you should read for spooky Halloween. Not only it rich with gothic atmospheric, but also blend well with folklore, fantasy, witchcraft and heavy matters. I love that this book highlight the painful stigma about unwed women, society treatment and pressure. Even though the climax is not that impactful, I would still highly recommend this book. Please check the content warning before you read this book. Giving it 4 ⭐️

Thank you @timesread and @putrifariza for the review copy.