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thatpreciousplot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“I have a ghost in my knee. There’s a small pocket just behind the kneecap and she’s hiding in there, all tucked up in the soft mattresses of cartilage. She is very small and terrified so I’m sitting with that leg straightened so I don’t disturb her. I’ve not set a word about this to anyone. They’d think I’m mad.” - how is THAT for an opening line!!!
'The lighthouse witches' was one of my favourite reads of last year so to say I was EXSTATIC when I was approached by the publishers to read C.J Cookes newest book 'The Ghost Woods' might be an understatement!
The story itself is set around the creepy, atmospheric grounds of Lichen Hall in Scotland, which stands as a home for unmarried pregnant mothers to go have their babies away from the prying and judging eyes of the public of the time, and arrange for these children to be given up for adoption. It is told from dual perspectives, Mabel in in the 1950s and Pearl in the 1960s, following both as they navigate the mysteries of Lichen Hall, it's inhabitants and uncover the mysteries within...
C J Cooke is masterful at creepy atmospheric writing and capturing the Scottish setting (I am biased being Scottish but I LOVE it!) there was really some truly horrifying imagery throughout the book as well as body horror which made for such a spooky read.
Overall, a very enjoyable read - I would give it a solid 4 stars (my only negative was it involved some content/triggers that I try my best to avoid reading about but I understand for the plot why it was there)
Thanks again to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for offering me the chance of reading the ARC!
'The lighthouse witches' was one of my favourite reads of last year so to say I was EXSTATIC when I was approached by the publishers to read C.J Cookes newest book 'The Ghost Woods' might be an understatement!
The story itself is set around the creepy, atmospheric grounds of Lichen Hall in Scotland, which stands as a home for unmarried pregnant mothers to go have their babies away from the prying and judging eyes of the public of the time, and arrange for these children to be given up for adoption. It is told from dual perspectives, Mabel in in the 1950s and Pearl in the 1960s, following both as they navigate the mysteries of Lichen Hall, it's inhabitants and uncover the mysteries within...
C J Cooke is masterful at creepy atmospheric writing and capturing the Scottish setting (I am biased being Scottish but I LOVE it!) there was really some truly horrifying imagery throughout the book as well as body horror which made for such a spooky read.
Overall, a very enjoyable read - I would give it a solid 4 stars (my only negative was it involved some content/triggers that I try my best to avoid reading about but I understand for the plot why it was there)
Thanks again to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for offering me the chance of reading the ARC!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Infertility, and Body horror
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