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happily_undignified's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
"I think a lot of us imagine that we're right in our own way, no matter if it hurts another."
EJ Dawson, Behind The Veil
🔮 If you could commune with the dead would you consider it a gift or a curse?
🖤After reading Behind The Veil by @ejdawsonauthor I'm not sure it would be a gift I would want. This 1920's gothic thriller stars Letitia Hawking, a clairvoyant who looks beyond the veil of death for memories to share with the loved ones of those who have passed from this life. She uses her psychic gifts to help families heal from their loss in a way she feels she never will. When a bossy lawyer, Mr. Driscoll, enters her carefully cultivated life with a mysterious challenge she is thrust into an uncertain future that threatens to pull her back into her past.
This story was everything I hope for in a spooky paranormal historical fiction. From the imagery of Letitia's reading room to the dark, haunted cellar of the evil spirit, EJ Dawson weaves a delicate web of intrigue and atmosphere that makes you want to turn on an extra lamp. I enjoyed the slow burn romance and the layered reveal of the spirits and the men and women intertwined with them. It was like an intense chess game with each party holding their secrets close until the last moment.
I love this book and give it 5 stars for storytelling, dark aesthetics, witchy vibes, spookiness, mystery, romance, and characters. If you enjoyed Stalking Jack The Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, or The Night Circus this book is for you!
EJ Dawson, Behind The Veil
🔮 If you could commune with the dead would you consider it a gift or a curse?
🖤After reading Behind The Veil by @ejdawsonauthor I'm not sure it would be a gift I would want. This 1920's gothic thriller stars Letitia Hawking, a clairvoyant who looks beyond the veil of death for memories to share with the loved ones of those who have passed from this life. She uses her psychic gifts to help families heal from their loss in a way she feels she never will. When a bossy lawyer, Mr. Driscoll, enters her carefully cultivated life with a mysterious challenge she is thrust into an uncertain future that threatens to pull her back into her past.
This story was everything I hope for in a spooky paranormal historical fiction. From the imagery of Letitia's reading room to the dark, haunted cellar of the evil spirit, EJ Dawson weaves a delicate web of intrigue and atmosphere that makes you want to turn on an extra lamp. I enjoyed the slow burn romance and the layered reveal of the spirits and the men and women intertwined with them. It was like an intense chess game with each party holding their secrets close until the last moment.
I love this book and give it 5 stars for storytelling, dark aesthetics, witchy vibes, spookiness, mystery, romance, and characters. If you enjoyed Stalking Jack The Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, or The Night Circus this book is for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, Torture, Stalking, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Murder
Minor: Violence
my_expanding_bookshelf's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.0
Behind the Veil is a very spooky ghost story set in 1920s Los Angeles following Letitia, a medium, who has recently moved from England. This was a very quick read for me and really did get my heart going at times.
Although set in LA, to me it could have been set in any city in 1920s America. I couldn't find anything that would identify LA as the setting (however, I have never been so it's possible I missed references). The setting did relate well to Letitia's story though as a city is probably the best place to forget your past and start a new life. There's not the nosiness of a small town.
I felt that the main characters were likable enough. Letitia and Alasdair clashed enough that it kept the story interesting, but it was also obvious that feelings were growing. The one character that did get on my nerves was Abby, and I think the story could have been the same or better without her.
The story is mainly told via the POV of Letitia, with a few ghost POV flashbacks. This worked really well at helping me understand Letitia and how she operates her business. I wouldn't say the plot is predictable, as I was never sure what was going to happen next. There were plenty of plot twists. But I did sense that it was a HEA early on.
The ending was very climatic and had me on the edge of my seat. However, I also felt like I needed slightly more explanation regarding Calbright as he almost appeared out of nowhere, but this could have been what E J Dawson was going for.
Overall, I found Behind the Veil to be an interesting read. It isn't my usual genre, but the cover pulled me in and I'm glad I took the chance on it. I just wish the setting was a bit clearer and there was more explanation in parts. I'd still recommend Behind the Veil to those who like spooky reads and are looking for a quick easy one.
I received a copy of Behind the Veil in Exchange for a review.
I received a copy of Behind the Veil in Exchange for a review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, and Murder
Minor: Miscarriage and Suicide
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