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jordynbbarnes's review against another edition
3.0
The back covet has the review from Library Journal that reads "A whirlwind of horror!"....they clearly don't read horror. It's unsettling because of her age and the author seemed to think that sexual predators would help the story. Maybe he was going for shock horror. Honestly if you take out the sexual shit it's just a book about a possibly teenage sociopath who sees a ghost. I feel like he needed more details to make it a horror, though.
jason_kirk's review against another edition
5.0
I *really* liked this book. Very accomplished for a debut novel and thankfully now finally gaining some of the recognition it deserves. Plot-wise: Elizabeth is a very self-aware, single-minded 14 year old who manipulates everyone around her; she sees people as pawns who exist for her to do with as she pleases. Oh and she's also descended from a long line of witches and her powers are beginning to awaken within her, encouraged by her long dead ancestor Frances who she communicates with through mirrors.....
This is a gothic horror with the all-important sense of foreboding. A delightfully sinister read that digs its claws in and won't let go. I found it both timeless and contemporary: a throwback to gothic classics from times gone by but with a distinctively modern edge. There's also the no frills writing style that tells the story so effectively...and also emphasises Elizabeth's bold and strident personality. Some of the imagery is so vivid, it made me feel as though I was right there in the story as an observer, biting my nails in anticipation of Elizabeth's diabolical doings. Oh and I also loved Mr Scratch the cat
This is a gothic horror with the all-important sense of foreboding. A delightfully sinister read that digs its claws in and won't let go. I found it both timeless and contemporary: a throwback to gothic classics from times gone by but with a distinctively modern edge. There's also the no frills writing style that tells the story so effectively...and also emphasises Elizabeth's bold and strident personality. Some of the imagery is so vivid, it made me feel as though I was right there in the story as an observer, biting my nails in anticipation of Elizabeth's diabolical doings. Oh and I also loved Mr Scratch the cat
book_bound_weirdo's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, Elizabeth is so deranged as a character. But I wouldn't expect er to be any less deranged given her life circumstances (?). I loved the narration style and the different directions the story took. Sometimes I try to figure out what is going to happen, and I did towards the beginning of this book, but about 1/3 of the way in, I stopped trying and just let myself be guided through and it was great.
stephsj's review against another edition
5.0
Definite Shirley Jackson vibes here. This book was deliciously scary and somehow made crassness opulent. Elizabeth is not a likable or relatable narrator, but I loved it.
slimeandslashers's review against another edition
4.5
4.5 stars rounded down for Goodreads.
The first book I read by Ken Greenhall, who also wrote under the name Jessica Hamilton, was Hell Hound. That book was one of my top ten reads of 2021. So I had high expectations for his book Elizabeth, to say the least. Luckily, I was not disappointed! I really enjoy Greenhall's simplistic style. His writing isn't overly complex or flowery, but it still has a subtle creepiness to it that I really jive with.
This story has an overall eerie vibe and a twisted but interesting main character. The tone of Elizabeth's narration was so off-putting all throughout the story, and I really enjoyed reading about her messed up thoughts and beliefs!
Totally recommend Greenhall's work as I think he's quite underrated. Luckily, Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix and Will Errickson has shined some much-deserved light on his work. I hope more and more people decide to give his books a chance.
The first book I read by Ken Greenhall, who also wrote under the name Jessica Hamilton, was Hell Hound. That book was one of my top ten reads of 2021. So I had high expectations for his book Elizabeth, to say the least. Luckily, I was not disappointed! I really enjoy Greenhall's simplistic style. His writing isn't overly complex or flowery, but it still has a subtle creepiness to it that I really jive with.
This story has an overall eerie vibe and a twisted but interesting main character. The tone of Elizabeth's narration was so off-putting all throughout the story, and I really enjoyed reading about her messed up thoughts and beliefs!
Totally recommend Greenhall's work as I think he's quite underrated. Luckily, Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix and Will Errickson has shined some much-deserved light on his work. I hope more and more people decide to give his books a chance.
jendev's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
patrisias's review against another edition
5.0
The casual depravity of the protagonist is absolutely chilling.
skvllresidve's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Reads like a practice run for Hell Hound, but still great. Greenhall had a unique talent for exploring the darker corners of the human psyche, and writing some really depraved stuff without ever making any of it explicit. One of the best to ever do it.