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marymoth's review against another edition
4.0
3.75/5 stars
Friendly reminder that the book is finally out!!
First of all: Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Second of all TW: suicide, child abuse, miscarriage, animal abuse and death.
Overtoun Bridge: Set in Dumbarton, Scotland. This bridge is also known as the "dog suicide bridge". Dog suicides have happened since the 1950´s. It is not yet exactly known why this happens but there is a wide array of theories surrounding it.
Thin places: Places where the corporeal world and the eternal world´s veils are thin.
These two themes are well talked throughout the whole book (as well as others!) and this in turn, made me want to read it. I had read somewhere about Overtoun Bridge but never actually delved deeper. I had never though, read or heard about "thin places" but alas, knowing me? You know I would be fascinated by that. This book managed to get my attention in the best way possible, it was also my first e-ARC and I´m definitely not disappointed (finally a good start to the month!)
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Now: Ava is a journalist and a mom to be. However, she develops a concern because of her ongoing pregnancy and a lack of medical history since her mother is adopted and refuses to speak about it. Consequently, Ava tries to dig into it, leading her to Overtoun. She develops an unhealthy obsession for the place and starts in turn, to receive threats in order for her to leave the place the hell alone.
But, did she listen? Nuh-huh. She finds ways to make it her job: she tries to cover it for the news, she goes there as a tourist, she creates a bond with the current owner of the house. And well, she definitely doesn´t expect what she finds...
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This is a thriller of sorts, but as I found myself reading it I would definitely say this has also tiny bits of supernatural/terror thrown here and there (and i´m living for it!).
This book started off a bit slow but wow. Wow, wow. I´m dumbfounded really. I can´t even put my ideas into proper words. This book is absorbing, interesting, and a bit gruesome. (if you do plan to read this check the trigger warnings at the start of my review)
However!: The protagonists read off almost the same (I think that is the main reason it didn´t go up to 4.5/5 stars like I envisioned it at first). I had to constantly check who was narrating. As a funny note: I found the form of narrative interesting and curious. We have 2 first person narrations and a third person narration. It´s... a compelling decision to say the least. I liked it. Props to that.
The ending? Well shit. It´s one of the best ending lines I´ve ever read. I´m not kidding. I wish I was but I screamed and then I stared... with my mouth open... I´m astounded.
The pace? I have a few complains here and there but honestly, now that I think about it... nothing to serious. I stopped my chores of the day to finish this. Seriously. I couldn´t put it down, that´s why I have no complaints on that department. *chimes*
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In conclusion what I liked: supernatural themes and historical themes surrounding the book, the pace was *almost*perfect, it started off strong, the ending (not getting tired of saying that), the setting, the plot.
What I didn´t like: Protagonists reading off almost the same (up to almost the ending), the multiple people getting pregnant at the same time (sorry not a fan of it) and would say that´s about it. (because its a thriller and I can´t say much without spoiling)
SO!, Do I recommend it? Yes, yes I do. Thanks for turning in in my half-coherent review. Is all.
Friendly reminder that the book is finally out!!
First of all: Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Second of all TW: suicide, child abuse, miscarriage, animal abuse and death.
Overtoun Bridge: Set in Dumbarton, Scotland. This bridge is also known as the "dog suicide bridge". Dog suicides have happened since the 1950´s. It is not yet exactly known why this happens but there is a wide array of theories surrounding it.
Thin places: Places where the corporeal world and the eternal world´s veils are thin.
These two themes are well talked throughout the whole book (as well as others!) and this in turn, made me want to read it. I had read somewhere about Overtoun Bridge but never actually delved deeper. I had never though, read or heard about "thin places" but alas, knowing me? You know I would be fascinated by that. This book managed to get my attention in the best way possible, it was also my first e-ARC and I´m definitely not disappointed (finally a good start to the month!)
-----------------------------------------------
Now: Ava is a journalist and a mom to be. However, she develops a concern because of her ongoing pregnancy and a lack of medical history since her mother is adopted and refuses to speak about it. Consequently, Ava tries to dig into it, leading her to Overtoun. She develops an unhealthy obsession for the place and starts in turn, to receive threats in order for her to leave the place the hell alone.
But, did she listen? Nuh-huh. She finds ways to make it her job: she tries to cover it for the news, she goes there as a tourist, she creates a bond with the current owner of the house. And well, she definitely doesn´t expect what she finds...
-----------------------------------------------
This is a thriller of sorts, but as I found myself reading it I would definitely say this has also tiny bits of supernatural/terror thrown here and there (and i´m living for it!).
This book started off a bit slow but wow. Wow, wow. I´m dumbfounded really. I can´t even put my ideas into proper words. This book is absorbing, interesting, and a bit gruesome. (if you do plan to read this check the trigger warnings at the start of my review)
However!: The protagonists read off almost the same (I think that is the main reason it didn´t go up to 4.5/5 stars like I envisioned it at first). I had to constantly check who was narrating. As a funny note: I found the form of narrative interesting and curious. We have 2 first person narrations and a third person narration. It´s... a compelling decision to say the least. I liked it. Props to that.
The ending? Well shit. It´s one of the best ending lines I´ve ever read. I´m not kidding. I wish I was but I screamed and then I stared... with my mouth open... I´m astounded.
The pace? I have a few complains here and there but honestly, now that I think about it... nothing to serious. I stopped my chores of the day to finish this. Seriously. I couldn´t put it down, that´s why I have no complaints on that department. *chimes*
-----------------------------------------------
In conclusion what I liked: supernatural themes and historical themes surrounding the book, the pace was *almost*perfect, it started off strong, the ending (not getting tired of saying that), the setting, the plot.
What I didn´t like: Protagonists reading off almost the same (up to almost the ending), the multiple people getting pregnant at the same time (sorry not a fan of it) and would say that´s about it. (because its a thriller and I can´t say much without spoiling)
SO!, Do I recommend it? Yes, yes I do. Thanks for turning in in my half-coherent review. Is all.
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
The Thin Place is a gripping thriller from CD Major which weaves together the stories of three people. In the 1930s we have Marion West who comes to live in Overtoun, a large stately home in Scotland. In the present day, Ava is the protagonist. She is a journalist who is intrigued by the stories surrounding a bridge where numerous dogs are said to have jumped to their deaths. In between the two women, we have the words of a young, very ill child.
I was hooked by this story right from the first page. I loved the sense of mystery and foreboding which permeated the book. I was particularly intrigued that the story of the dogs jumping off the bridge does actually seem to be true. There is one extremely tragic event associated with it in recent times. If you look up the bridge online, you will see the beautiful building which is Overtoun House just beside it. I can quite see why people might think that the odd ghost or two might roam its rooms. The house itself plays such an important role in the book and is a dark and brooding presence throughout.
The three main characters were all fascinating in their own ways. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Marion initially when her idealistic dreams of marriage did not work out the way she thought and she felt so trapped and lonely in the big house, so far from her own family. Equally, I felt for young Constance who seemed to have so many illnesses and such a difficult life. I wasn't surprised that Ava was so drawn to the story of Overtoun although she took it really to the point of obsession. The mystery in her own family was also very intriguing with her own mother reluctant to talk about her early years with an adoptive family, even when Ava became pregnant and longed to know about her family history. Then there are some mysterious and threatening messages too which all added to the tension.
This was a real page-turner with plenty to keep me glued to its pages. It's a compelling book, rather creepy and so atmospheric. Right to the end, I found myself on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns the author cleverly drops into the storyline.
I was hooked by this story right from the first page. I loved the sense of mystery and foreboding which permeated the book. I was particularly intrigued that the story of the dogs jumping off the bridge does actually seem to be true. There is one extremely tragic event associated with it in recent times. If you look up the bridge online, you will see the beautiful building which is Overtoun House just beside it. I can quite see why people might think that the odd ghost or two might roam its rooms. The house itself plays such an important role in the book and is a dark and brooding presence throughout.
The three main characters were all fascinating in their own ways. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Marion initially when her idealistic dreams of marriage did not work out the way she thought and she felt so trapped and lonely in the big house, so far from her own family. Equally, I felt for young Constance who seemed to have so many illnesses and such a difficult life. I wasn't surprised that Ava was so drawn to the story of Overtoun although she took it really to the point of obsession. The mystery in her own family was also very intriguing with her own mother reluctant to talk about her early years with an adoptive family, even when Ava became pregnant and longed to know about her family history. Then there are some mysterious and threatening messages too which all added to the tension.
This was a real page-turner with plenty to keep me glued to its pages. It's a compelling book, rather creepy and so atmospheric. Right to the end, I found myself on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns the author cleverly drops into the storyline.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
3.0
"One of the thin places, she thought as she left the town, passing beneath the shadow of the house."
This was an interesting story. I liked Ava's storyline - newly pregnant reporter, she is drawn to this bridge Overtoun, where hundreds of dogs have thrown themselves off of it and no one knows why. But there are two other storylines and I didn't enjoy them as much. I felt like it took forever to really find the purpose to these other POV. I liked juggling Ava's family and life drama as she struggled to really balance her work life and her new and upcoming family life. I liked the twists but would have loved this had it only been a POV or 2.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was an interesting story. I liked Ava's storyline - newly pregnant reporter, she is drawn to this bridge Overtoun, where hundreds of dogs have thrown themselves off of it and no one knows why. But there are two other storylines and I didn't enjoy them as much. I felt like it took forever to really find the purpose to these other POV. I liked juggling Ava's family and life drama as she struggled to really balance her work life and her new and upcoming family life. I liked the twists but would have loved this had it only been a POV or 2.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
bhunsberger's review against another edition
3.0
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This book tells the story from three characters' viewpoints and three different points in time. It focuses on the Overtoun Estate and the history of life there, as well as the mysterious dog suicide pattern at the nearby bridge. Ava is a journalist and decides to investigate further. She can tell that the house has a mystery that it is hiding and starts to receive threats herself. Her obsession with the house begins to put a strain on the relationships in her life.
To me, this book was trying to touch on a lot of things at once, mystery, relationships, family history, the supernatural - and it never really came together well for me.
This book tells the story from three characters' viewpoints and three different points in time. It focuses on the Overtoun Estate and the history of life there, as well as the mysterious dog suicide pattern at the nearby bridge. Ava is a journalist and decides to investigate further. She can tell that the house has a mystery that it is hiding and starts to receive threats herself. Her obsession with the house begins to put a strain on the relationships in her life.
To me, this book was trying to touch on a lot of things at once, mystery, relationships, family history, the supernatural - and it never really came together well for me.
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy house.
Family secrets.
Sibling rivalry.
A struggling marriage.
An obsessive journalist.
Ava is twelve weeks pregnant - the scan showing a healthy fetus. Excited to share her news, Ava visits her mum - sure their close relationship will cause not only joy for her mum but also inspire her mum to share her own childhood, any family illnesses, etc.
Instead they have an argument - their relationship torn. Her sister, Pippa, has no information to share.
Then Ava learns of a bridge - renown for an alarming large number of dogs jumping off and dying. What is it about this bridge that draws dogs? And Ava? Something about the house, the grounds pulls Ava. Her cameraman refers to it as a Thin Place - the divide between reality and the afterlife can be felt, so tiny as though you can fall through.
A slow build mystery - held my attention and spooky.
Family secrets.
Sibling rivalry.
A struggling marriage.
An obsessive journalist.
Ava is twelve weeks pregnant - the scan showing a healthy fetus. Excited to share her news, Ava visits her mum - sure their close relationship will cause not only joy for her mum but also inspire her mum to share her own childhood, any family illnesses, etc.
Instead they have an argument - their relationship torn. Her sister, Pippa, has no information to share.
Then Ava learns of a bridge - renown for an alarming large number of dogs jumping off and dying. What is it about this bridge that draws dogs? And Ava? Something about the house, the grounds pulls Ava. Her cameraman refers to it as a Thin Place - the divide between reality and the afterlife can be felt, so tiny as though you can fall through.
A slow build mystery - held my attention and spooky.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Delightfully atmospheric and creepy!
PROS
-- Well written and very readable.
-- Well paced and kept me turning the pages.
-- Intriguing plot with good twists, turns, and red herrings.
-- Triple time lines meshed well.
-- Creepy, atmospheric setting that I loved.
-- Loved the supernatural elements.
-- Well developed cast of characters.
-- Satisfying (if maybe a tiny bit rushed) ending.
CONS
-- None, really. I enjoyed this one thoroughly!
*Arc Via NetGalley**
PROS
-- Well written and very readable.
-- Well paced and kept me turning the pages.
-- Intriguing plot with good twists, turns, and red herrings.
-- Triple time lines meshed well.
-- Creepy, atmospheric setting that I loved.
-- Loved the supernatural elements.
-- Well developed cast of characters.
-- Satisfying (if maybe a tiny bit rushed) ending.
CONS
-- None, really. I enjoyed this one thoroughly!
*Arc Via NetGalley**
bookwormofinsta's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kookie9200's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
Ava Brent is a reporter who becomes obsessed with learning the secrets of Overtoun Estate. as she digs deeper, discovering long lost stories, will she like what she finds?
I enjoyed this book. I felt at times the pacing was a little slow, but overall, it was an immersive, entertaining read.
Ava Brent is a reporter who becomes obsessed with learning the secrets of Overtoun Estate. as she digs deeper, discovering long lost stories, will she like what she finds?
I enjoyed this book. I felt at times the pacing was a little slow, but overall, it was an immersive, entertaining read.