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eliseswritings's review
4.0
A compelling tale of dark themes, lightened by kind characters. I won't lie, the content warning looked daunting. But bracing myself for it, I was able to read certain scenes on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, in an entertained, suspenseful way, as opposed to stressed or triggered.
powerlibrarian's review
5.0
Behind the Veil is an atmospheric paranormal thriller set in 1920s Los Angeles. Letitia is a medium who helps the living move on by sharing the last moments of their loved ones. She has a genuine gift, and there’s something mysterious that happened in her past that compels her to help others, and not to take advantage of them in their time of grief. But when a man reaches out to her to help with his niece who is facing a mysterious specter and might have powers similar to Letitia’s, she must choose between helping the innocent girl and possibly losing her sanity–or even her life.
The book does have some trigger warnings that should be heeded. In the advanced reader copy, they’re provided at the end of the book, and I do suggest checking them out before diving into this story. I won’t reveal them here, because they are spoilers, but if you do have triggers, proceed with caution.
Letitia is a fascinating protagonist. She wants to help people, but she’s also paralyzed with fear of what could happen to her if she does not keep a firm control of her gift. She doesn’t have many friends. She’s moved to Los Angeles to start her practice, even though many view her as either a charlatan or a heretic. The story frequently hints at a tragic past, with the details of it being provided piecemeal to the reader.
I love the significance of the title: “Behind the Veil”. There’s the more obvious meaning, with how Letitia is a medium who has visions of those who have died. She also wears a veil to obscure her identity from her clients to maintain a modicum of anonymity. But she also has walls built high to shroud who she really is, which keeps people from getting to know her. This self-constructed "veil" serves to protect her from getting hurt–like how she has been hurt in the past.
While this book is slow to start, the pace quickens at the halfway mark, and there is a lot of action propelling the readers to the end. The story goes in dark and twisted directions that I definitely didn’t see coming. There’s also somewhat of a genre pivot partway through the book–there’s a strong romance subplot interwoven into the storyline.
The writing is lyrical, yet easy to follow. The setting feels authentic to what 1920s America would have been like, and Dawson effectively sets the stage for her spooky paranormal suspense novel with nearly every line.
I recommend this book to those looking for a creepy and atmospheric paranormal thriller to chill the bones on a cold winter’s night.
*Thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours and the author for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2022 Reading Challenge
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "Book about the afterlife" category.
srivalli's review
4.0
**Happy Publication Day**
**************
4 Stars
1920, Los Angeles: Letitia Hawking has sailed from England a few months ago to bury her past and lead a new life. She spends her days traversing the path between the living and dead. Her clients want some closure after their loved ones die, and Letitia offers them that. However, she is genuine material with strong powers and has strict rules about what cases she would take up and which she wouldn’t.
Alasdair Driscoll is tormented. His niece Finola has been seeing horrible things, and none of them know how to save her. Letitia is annoyed by his rude approach and terrified by the dark shadow haunting him. She doesn’t want to tangle with shadows again.
But she decides to take a step forward and help Finola. The girl needed saving, and Letitia could at least try and prevent the girl from being further tortured.
Time moves on, and before she knows it, Letitia is in the middle of a criminal case for helping a grieving father. Driscoll and his lawyering services come to her aid. Undecided about the growing attraction between them, Letitia is rather torn about what to do.
However, things take a turn for worse, and Letitia realizes that she needs to open the closed part of her if she wants to defeat the malicious shadow that’s hurting little kids. But is she strong enough to venture into a territory she swore never to enter? Will she succumb as she did the last time? What price does Letitia have to pay for interfering with the presence of evil?
The book starts on a steady note and progresses quite well. The setting is atmospheric, with a few lighthearted scenes added to the mix.
Letitia’s character has been crafted with care. She has her insecurities and vulnerabilities but is assertive and authoritative when required. Alasdair starts out as a rich rude man but shows his good side soon enough.
I think Abby was that one character I wasn’t too happy with. Her reactions were unexpected and either too demure or too excessive. Luckily, she doesn’t have a major role, and I could ignore most of it.
The final confrontation scene stretched over a good number of pages, and that worked in the story’s favor (at least for me). Of course, the ending could have been better though there is HEA. That complication felt unnecessary and seemed like it was used to tick off a trope from the list.
As a horror story, the book does very well and balances atmosphere with action, and is suitable for newbie horror readers. The author didn’t opt for explicit gore even though she could have done it. I appreciate this move as it made the book a better read.
To sum up, Behind the Veil is an engaging read with a steady pace and a good storyline. It’s nothing unusual or unique, but the overall effect is satisfactory, and that matters to me.
The book comes with content warnings. That said, the author doesn’t use any graphic descriptions. The themes, however, might trigger a few readers. Please read with caution.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#BehindTheVeil #NetGalley
**************
4 Stars
1920, Los Angeles: Letitia Hawking has sailed from England a few months ago to bury her past and lead a new life. She spends her days traversing the path between the living and dead. Her clients want some closure after their loved ones die, and Letitia offers them that. However, she is genuine material with strong powers and has strict rules about what cases she would take up and which she wouldn’t.
Alasdair Driscoll is tormented. His niece Finola has been seeing horrible things, and none of them know how to save her. Letitia is annoyed by his rude approach and terrified by the dark shadow haunting him. She doesn’t want to tangle with shadows again.
But she decides to take a step forward and help Finola. The girl needed saving, and Letitia could at least try and prevent the girl from being further tortured.
Time moves on, and before she knows it, Letitia is in the middle of a criminal case for helping a grieving father. Driscoll and his lawyering services come to her aid. Undecided about the growing attraction between them, Letitia is rather torn about what to do.
However, things take a turn for worse, and Letitia realizes that she needs to open the closed part of her if she wants to defeat the malicious shadow that’s hurting little kids. But is she strong enough to venture into a territory she swore never to enter? Will she succumb as she did the last time? What price does Letitia have to pay for interfering with the presence of evil?
The book starts on a steady note and progresses quite well. The setting is atmospheric, with a few lighthearted scenes added to the mix.
Letitia’s character has been crafted with care. She has her insecurities and vulnerabilities but is assertive and authoritative when required. Alasdair starts out as a rich rude man but shows his good side soon enough.
I think Abby was that one character I wasn’t too happy with. Her reactions were unexpected and either too demure or too excessive. Luckily, she doesn’t have a major role, and I could ignore most of it.
The final confrontation scene stretched over a good number of pages, and that worked in the story’s favor (at least for me). Of course, the ending could have been better though there is HEA. That complication felt unnecessary and seemed like it was used to tick off a trope from the list.
As a horror story, the book does very well and balances atmosphere with action, and is suitable for newbie horror readers. The author didn’t opt for explicit gore even though she could have done it. I appreciate this move as it made the book a better read.
To sum up, Behind the Veil is an engaging read with a steady pace and a good storyline. It’s nothing unusual or unique, but the overall effect is satisfactory, and that matters to me.
The book comes with content warnings. That said, the author doesn’t use any graphic descriptions. The themes, however, might trigger a few readers. Please read with caution.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#BehindTheVeil #NetGalley
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
karlakayjenniges's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
“There’s another fate waiting out there for you, tangled up in your past,” Old Mother Borrows said, “and you’ve got to go find it to get through it, even if it means revisiting your worst fears.”
Letitia has striven to unburden her past and make peace with her inner self. She has lived through tragedy, turmoil and loss. She tries to keep her life as secret as possible, but her calling to help others slowly unveils that which she has tried to keep hidden. Letitia can see behind the veil of life and death and through her gifts she is able to provide some peace to grieving families. When she is called upon to try to help reveal the disappearances of little girls, she is brought into a darkness of murder and a malevolent spirit is brought forth. She must do all she can to unburden the little girl that is being tormented and save her life. She must delve deep within herself to find the strength she needs to confront her own inner demons and the demon taking lives.
There is so much to love about this book. Set in the 1920's, a gothic atmosphere, characters to be invested in and routed for, wanting so much for them to have that happy ending. Death, sorrow, and evil forces. The darkness and the light in this is very well balanced. There were many spine chilling and shivering moments, but there is also many elements of humanity such as love, caring, forgiveness and healing. Letitia is very frail but through it all she finds her strength and finds a love she never thought she would ever have again.
Very engaging and well written. A recommended read for anyone that enjoys spine tingling, paranormal suspense with a little romantic element.
(Content Warning:This book contains adult themes including miscarriage, suicide, pedophilia, death, murder, rape, and possession.)
Letitia has striven to unburden her past and make peace with her inner self. She has lived through tragedy, turmoil and loss. She tries to keep her life as secret as possible, but her calling to help others slowly unveils that which she has tried to keep hidden. Letitia can see behind the veil of life and death and through her gifts she is able to provide some peace to grieving families. When she is called upon to try to help reveal the disappearances of little girls, she is brought into a darkness of murder and a malevolent spirit is brought forth. She must do all she can to unburden the little girl that is being tormented and save her life. She must delve deep within herself to find the strength she needs to confront her own inner demons and the demon taking lives.
There is so much to love about this book. Set in the 1920's, a gothic atmosphere, characters to be invested in and routed for, wanting so much for them to have that happy ending. Death, sorrow, and evil forces. The darkness and the light in this is very well balanced. There were many spine chilling and shivering moments, but there is also many elements of humanity such as love, caring, forgiveness and healing. Letitia is very frail but through it all she finds her strength and finds a love she never thought she would ever have again.
Very engaging and well written. A recommended read for anyone that enjoys spine tingling, paranormal suspense with a little romantic element.
(Content Warning:This book contains adult themes including miscarriage, suicide, pedophilia, death, murder, rape, and possession.)
novelbloglover's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Book Review
Title: Behind the Veil by E. J. Dawson
Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
I must say before getting into the meat of my review that I don’t normally read historical fiction outside of very specific areas because it is a genre I have never really got into but this really hooked me from the first page. The novel is set in LA in the 1920’s which is an interesting period, and we are following Letitia Hawking who is sailing from England in an attempt to bury her old life and begin anew. Letitia is what I can only describe as a medium as she walk the path between life and death offer closure to loved one of the dead and while I was sceptical at first she is genuine and has some insanely strong powers but she also has some strict rules on which cases she will take.
We are also introduced to Alasdair Driscoll who is seeking help for his niece, Finola who has been seeing horrible things and he doesn’t know how to help her. When they first meet Letitia is annoyed by Alasdair’s rude manner and terrified by the shadows following him and she doesn’t want any part of what he is involved in but she decides to help Finola because she believes the girl shouldn’t be tormented the way she is and feels some responsibility to help if she can. This really made me loved Letitia as a characters as she has firm morale values and beliefs but bends these in order to help a young girl in distress because she has the ability to help. As things move forward in the novel, Letitia finds herself in the middle of a criminal case for helping a grieving father and Driscoll comes to her aid this time but Letitia is struggling with the growing attraction between them and she is becoming increasing torn over what she should do. This really highlights Letitia’s struggle between her heart and her head as both have consequences for her.
Things do take a turn for the worst when Letitia realises she needs to go back to her past if she wants to defeat the terrifying shadows that is tormenting Finola and other children but she isn’t sure she is strong enough to venture down that road once more after she swore to herself she would never do it again. This poses a lot of questions to the reader about whether Letitia will succumb like she did last time and what price Letitia will have to pay for what she is about to do. I must say unlike most horror novels I’ve read Behind the Veil starts strong and keeps the momentum as the novel progress. It is atmospheric and gritty but does have quite a few light-hearted scenes as well. Letitia is one of the most well-crafted characters I have read from in a long time, she has insecurities and vulnerabilities from the very beginning but she is assertive and determined to do the right thing and can be quite dominant when she needs to be. Alasdair also has some great character development as he starts out as your typical rich snob but quickly shows a loving, caring side to his character that makes you like him.
The conclusion of the novel was actually really well done, yes it did stretch over a number of pages but that worked in the novel’s favour as it felt like it had real significance and was given the attention it needed. The ending could have been a little better but there is a happy ending which satisfied me as a reader but there were complications added in that didn’t feel necessary and felt like they were there just for the sake of being there rather than serving a purpose. As a horror novel, the book balances atmosphere with action which kept you hooked and feeling on edge for the duration of the novel and it would work really well for those newer to the horror genre. The fact the author also opted not to use explicit gore also works well for newer readers in the horror genre but not for me personally as I really enjoy horror novels that don’t shy away from the gore or darker elements of the novel. Overall, Behind the Veil was engaging and maintained a steady pace throughout the novel with a great plot and some outstanding characters. However, that being said, it doesn’t bring anything new or unique to the genre and for seasoned readers like myself it may even feel a little flat in places due to the lack of gore despite the great atmosphere. I would recommend that people check the content warning before jumping into this book but the author does use any graphic descriptions.
vikkilynn's review
4.0
From the very first page, this book grabbed me and didn’t let go. I was instantly intrigued by Letitia and her world as well as her gift. Alasdair Driscoll was an engaging, maddening and seriously endearing character.
As a ghost story, this works. There’s enough of the eeriness and creep factor within these pages to make many shivers run up and down your spine. Letitia’s reaction to the first taste of real darkness we come in contact with was enough to have me sleeping with my closet light on.
As a thriller, this story also works. There’s enough of a who-dun-it to keep you guessing as to why girls went missing and what happened to them as well as Finola’s fate, how it’s all tied to the missing girls as well as Letitia’s fate and who will survive when it’s all over.
The undertone romance between Letitia and Alasdair was nicely written. It was just that - an undertone; a subplot that didn’t subvert or take over the main plot of the story in any way. It was weaved through the main plot so nicely and so lightly and yet, it was almost pivotal to the outcome of the story.
I really loved all the glimpses in the readings Letitia did for others as it gives us a view of her gift from the inside. The character of Letitia is strong, broken, vulnerable, and endearing. I loved to see her growth as the story progresses.
While the ending wasn’t necessarily a shock ending, it provided enough answers to the questions I had to satisfy my desire for a complete outcome. I was very content with how this story ended.
All in all, this is a wonderful story that’s beautifully written. It’s a fast=paced read perfect for chilly winter nights, wrapped up with a blanket and a nice cup of tea.
As a ghost story, this works. There’s enough of the eeriness and creep factor within these pages to make many shivers run up and down your spine. Letitia’s reaction to the first taste of real darkness we come in contact with was enough to have me sleeping with my closet light on.
As a thriller, this story also works. There’s enough of a who-dun-it to keep you guessing as to why girls went missing and what happened to them as well as Finola’s fate, how it’s all tied to the missing girls as well as Letitia’s fate and who will survive when it’s all over.
The undertone romance between Letitia and Alasdair was nicely written. It was just that - an undertone; a subplot that didn’t subvert or take over the main plot of the story in any way. It was weaved through the main plot so nicely and so lightly and yet, it was almost pivotal to the outcome of the story.
I really loved all the glimpses in the readings Letitia did for others as it gives us a view of her gift from the inside. The character of Letitia is strong, broken, vulnerable, and endearing. I loved to see her growth as the story progresses.
While the ending wasn’t necessarily a shock ending, it provided enough answers to the questions I had to satisfy my desire for a complete outcome. I was very content with how this story ended.
All in all, this is a wonderful story that’s beautifully written. It’s a fast=paced read perfect for chilly winter nights, wrapped up with a blanket and a nice cup of tea.
lenamjohnson's review
5.0
Having read this book twice, it just gets better every time. The tone of the book is just *chef's kiss* and Letitia is an amazing character. Dawson is a master of dripping details throughout the book so that by the end of the book you have all the information and it makes the climax so much more terrifying. The romance is excellently done with just enough heat and sweetness to satisfy anyone.
I felt Letitia's terror of the supernatural elements to be expertly handled and, honestly, it terrified me. Don't look at the shadows when you're done with the book. Therein madness lies.
Just a great spooky book and an excellent writer.
I felt Letitia's terror of the supernatural elements to be expertly handled and, honestly, it terrified me. Don't look at the shadows when you're done with the book. Therein madness lies.
Just a great spooky book and an excellent writer.
thesleepyreader79's review
5.0
Behind the veil.....what lies beyond death?
I love the era of the early 1900's . So when I read the description on this one I knew I had to give it a whirl.
Set in 1920's Los Angeles, a young woman by the name of Letitia Hawking has come over from England hoping to escape her past. She is a medium who offers closure to those who have lost loved ones. A man, Alasdair Driscoll, comes to see her seeking help with his niece who has been overtaken by a malicious phantom. At first, Letitia says no, knowing that she could be overtaken by the spirit, however, she comes to realize she is her only hope.
Around this story, is a secondary story. Young girls have gone missing, several over the last two years but two have gone missing within months of each other, and now Alasdair's niece is one of them. She is tasked with discovering if one of them is still alive and when she finally sees what is at the core of this horror it may be too late. Can she find the entity doing such vile things to young girls and save Alasdair's niece before its too late?
This story.....wow. I really enjoyed the story. Such intricacy with the characters, the descriptions of, not only the settings but what was happening "behind the veil." Letitia herself is a complex person with flaws and insecurities, about her past and her abilities. Alasdair starts out a rude and seemingly demanding man, yet over the chapters turns out to be more than that.
The ending is just as I wanted it to be. I wont give too much away but I will say, I love a happy ending. This is labeled as a horror story and in such, there are horrors here. But more of the real kinds of horrors. Although there are not graphic descriptions of the horrors, the suggestions (rape, suicide, possession) are there. The book does come with a warning so those who are more sensitive to such topics, should avoid reading this. I received an advanced copy free from Booksirens for an honest review.
I love the era of the early 1900's . So when I read the description on this one I knew I had to give it a whirl.
Set in 1920's Los Angeles, a young woman by the name of Letitia Hawking has come over from England hoping to escape her past. She is a medium who offers closure to those who have lost loved ones. A man, Alasdair Driscoll, comes to see her seeking help with his niece who has been overtaken by a malicious phantom. At first, Letitia says no, knowing that she could be overtaken by the spirit, however, she comes to realize she is her only hope.
Around this story, is a secondary story. Young girls have gone missing, several over the last two years but two have gone missing within months of each other, and now Alasdair's niece is one of them. She is tasked with discovering if one of them is still alive and when she finally sees what is at the core of this horror it may be too late. Can she find the entity doing such vile things to young girls and save Alasdair's niece before its too late?
This story.....wow. I really enjoyed the story. Such intricacy with the characters, the descriptions of, not only the settings but what was happening "behind the veil." Letitia herself is a complex person with flaws and insecurities, about her past and her abilities. Alasdair starts out a rude and seemingly demanding man, yet over the chapters turns out to be more than that.
The ending is just as I wanted it to be. I wont give too much away but I will say, I love a happy ending. This is labeled as a horror story and in such, there are horrors here. But more of the real kinds of horrors. Although there are not graphic descriptions of the horrors, the suggestions (rape, suicide, possession) are there. The book does come with a warning so those who are more sensitive to such topics, should avoid reading this. I received an advanced copy free from Booksirens for an honest review.