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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not much to say about this one. It was pretty basic and the twist wasn't surprising or original. I really enjoyed the first part, but the second part was all explanation and felt bland.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ashley is an American art student in London for her junior year of collect. She planned on spending Christmas alone but receives an invitation from fellow student Emma. She ends up spending Christmas at the Cotswold manor house and meeting Emma’s brother, Adam, it is a dream come true for her.
Turns out Adam has some secrets, such as being investigated for the brutal killing of a girl. As Ashley ponders her relationship with Adam, she begins to wonder what it actually is…
Over thirty years later, the horrific events of that weekend are revisited, along with a diary from that time. What began all those years ago will come to a ghostly conclusion all these years later.
I love this author and was excited to read this one! I was at my daughter’s piano practice and read this one listening to her play. I really enjoyed this story, but I struggled hard with the formatting of the journal entries, and most of this book was journal entries. I struggle reading italicized font, and that is how the journal entries were done. I wish there was an option to turn this off, but alas there is no option. I was able to struggle through, but it took a lot of effort. I did enjoy the gothic thriller vibes of this book and the twist was a lot of fun. I just wish I could have stayed a little more engaged. Although this novella wasn’t my favorite, I adored the author’s note. His reason for writing this as a novella was relatable and I enjoyed it. I do with I had some eggnog while reading.
I would recommend this for those looking for a nice quick Christmas read.
Thank you so much to William Morrow, @williammorrowbooks, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Turns out Adam has some secrets, such as being investigated for the brutal killing of a girl. As Ashley ponders her relationship with Adam, she begins to wonder what it actually is…
Over thirty years later, the horrific events of that weekend are revisited, along with a diary from that time. What began all those years ago will come to a ghostly conclusion all these years later.
I love this author and was excited to read this one! I was at my daughter’s piano practice and read this one listening to her play. I really enjoyed this story, but I struggled hard with the formatting of the journal entries, and most of this book was journal entries. I struggle reading italicized font, and that is how the journal entries were done. I wish there was an option to turn this off, but alas there is no option. I was able to struggle through, but it took a lot of effort. I did enjoy the gothic thriller vibes of this book and the twist was a lot of fun. I just wish I could have stayed a little more engaged. Although this novella wasn’t my favorite, I adored the author’s note. His reason for writing this as a novella was relatable and I enjoyed it. I do with I had some eggnog while reading.
I would recommend this for those looking for a nice quick Christmas read.
Thank you so much to William Morrow, @williammorrowbooks, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
This book is the perfect blend of dark mystery and holiday mischief! Ashley Smith, without family to spend Christmas with, is more than happy to accept an invitation from her classmate Emma to spend the holiday at Starvewood Hall, an English manor. What could be better than a cozy Christmas in a grand estate?
But once Ashley arrives, it’s clear that not everything is as festive as it seems. A shadowy figure lurks in the woods, and there’s an unsolved murder haunting the family, giving the whole experience a creepy vibe.
I’m a sucker for novellas, and this one did not disappoint. It’s split between journal entries from the past and present-day events, which gives it an interesting dynamic. For such a short read, it packs in plenty of suspense.
Peter Swanson’s books always have that dark edge that’s just the right kind of unsettling, and this one is no different. The characters are delightfully shady, the plot keeps you on your toes, and the twists come fast. It’s a quick, fun, and slightly sinister holiday read!
But once Ashley arrives, it’s clear that not everything is as festive as it seems. A shadowy figure lurks in the woods, and there’s an unsolved murder haunting the family, giving the whole experience a creepy vibe.
I’m a sucker for novellas, and this one did not disappoint. It’s split between journal entries from the past and present-day events, which gives it an interesting dynamic. For such a short read, it packs in plenty of suspense.
Peter Swanson’s books always have that dark edge that’s just the right kind of unsettling, and this one is no different. The characters are delightfully shady, the plot keeps you on your toes, and the twists come fast. It’s a quick, fun, and slightly sinister holiday read!
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes