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chrisb's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
jenniferreadshorror's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Trigger warning - attempted suicide.
OK, so I found this difficult to get into. I understand the idea. It's been a very difficult time for our main character, Lexie, and then when things start to get on track, there is a breakup. But it's the lie to get a job interview that puts me on edge. I'm sorry, girl. How are you getting on a plane with a passport in another name?!
Anyway, now Sophie is in Norway, and she is a nanny to two intelligent little girls who need a vegan diet and an unorthodox education.
Slowly finding out about the local folklore and hauntings of the home, you grow with the family as they carry on with daily life.
the Norwegian folklore stories are a nice touch within the story. They are haunting in themselves.
The story goes from past to present in the chapters and just has me on edge... she isn't Sophie? What? Worried when is she going to get caught!
Overall, it was a lovely read.
OK, so I found this difficult to get into. I understand the idea. It's been a very difficult time for our main character, Lexie, and then when things start to get on track, there is a breakup. But it's the lie to get a job interview that puts me on edge. I'm sorry, girl. How are you getting on a plane with a passport in another name?!
Anyway, now Sophie is in Norway, and she is a nanny to two intelligent little girls who need a vegan diet and an unorthodox education.
Slowly finding out about the local folklore and hauntings of the home, you grow with the family as they carry on with daily life.
the Norwegian folklore stories are a nice touch within the story. They are haunting in themselves.
The story goes from past to present in the chapters and just has me on edge... she isn't Sophie? What? Worried when is she going to get caught!
Overall, it was a lovely read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt and Suicide
sandygx260's review against another edition
2.0
Oh come on... what a mish-mash! Nothing is realistic in this weird novel. Nothing.
Unreliable narrators, silly asides...is this a dark comedy or a horror novel? Please.
Unreliable narrators, silly asides...is this a dark comedy or a horror novel? Please.
ajisaiblue's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
precioussantiago's review against another edition
5.0
I gave this a 5/5.
Down on her luck Lexi Ellis lands a nanny position for a family in a isolated home along a picturesque fjord in Norway. She has no experience in caring for small children and must do her best in concealing her lack of childcare skills along with her true identity whilst succumbing to her new environment. She begins to see and hear strange things throughout the house and thus a mystery surrounding the family, the house, and the fjord begins to unfold.
This story was well paced and atmospheric. C.J. Cooke masterfully weaved together magical realism in a thriller with horror elements-and the horror elements were actually creepy. As someone who watches and reads horror regularly I am pretty desensitived and not easily creeped out-that is saying something.
The writing style sets this gloomy mood that you feel from the very first page and is consistent throughout the rest of the book-although it is a rather dark setting it drew me in and I was very invested in the characters and the story. There was never a slow moment. I could have easily read this in one sitting had I not been busy on this particular weekend that I started reading this book-it was that good! I am so surprised that I do not hear more about this book. I am so glad that I found this gem and I ready to read more from C.J. Cooke. I highly, highly recommend this book.
Down on her luck Lexi Ellis lands a nanny position for a family in a isolated home along a picturesque fjord in Norway. She has no experience in caring for small children and must do her best in concealing her lack of childcare skills along with her true identity whilst succumbing to her new environment. She begins to see and hear strange things throughout the house and thus a mystery surrounding the family, the house, and the fjord begins to unfold.
This story was well paced and atmospheric. C.J. Cooke masterfully weaved together magical realism in a thriller with horror elements-and the horror elements were actually creepy. As someone who watches and reads horror regularly I am pretty desensitived and not easily creeped out-that is saying something.
The writing style sets this gloomy mood that you feel from the very first page and is consistent throughout the rest of the book-although it is a rather dark setting it drew me in and I was very invested in the characters and the story. There was never a slow moment. I could have easily read this in one sitting had I not been busy on this particular weekend that I started reading this book-it was that good! I am so surprised that I do not hear more about this book. I am so glad that I found this gem and I ready to read more from C.J. Cooke. I highly, highly recommend this book.
mccullah's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
similar idea as carnegie’s maid, posing as someone they aren’t to gain money/power in a home that is not theirs. i enjoyed this one a little more than C’sM though.