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henniebooks 's review for:

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
2.0

2.5 stars.

"He will be the death of me."

The Cruel Dark had an intriguing setup—a haunted estate, mysterious characters, and a touch of steamy romance—but ultimately fell short of its potential. The central plot twist, revealing
SpoilerMillie as the professor's first wife
, was predictable and lacked the impact it aimed for. The promised tension and eerie atmosphere felt underwhelming, with the story leaning more on melancholic drama than true suspense or horror.

While the spicy scenes added some interest, they weren't enough to carry the lackluster character development. Both Millie and Professor Hughes felt flat, making it difficult to invest in their connection or the story's stakes. Overall, while the book has an alluring premise, its execution left much to be desired.