A review by kamreadsandrecs
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Well, that was DEFINITELY a step up from my last horror read! Wasn't sure what to make of Elsie at first, but I warmed up to her eventually. I had some pretty complicated feelings about her, mostly because of the way she treated some of the people around her, but I appreciate having those complicated feelings. Means she's a nuanced, complicated character, which is something I always appreciate (especially in the wake of my last horror novel read, which featured a protag with about as much nuance as cardboard).

As for the horror story itself, it's got a very psychological bent, and keeps the reader asking if what Elsie's experiencing is "real" or not. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, though. I mean, it makes sense, overall, that that should be how it ends, but... Hm. Not sure how I feel about it. Maybe there's something about the execution of it that doesn't sit well with me? I mean, I don't MIND it, conceptually, just... Not sure I feel about it overall. Still, not a bad read at all! 

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