jessa252 's review for:

All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley
4.0

In the aftermath of a tragic train accident that claims her mother's life, 17-year-old Marin Blythe faces a dire predicament with no family, no financial support, and nowhere to turn. Unexpectedly, her favorite author extends a lifeline: an invitation to reside at Lovelace Manor in exchange for nannying services for the author's two peculiar daughters over the summer.

From the moment Marin steps into the mansion, it becomes evident that Lovelace Manor harbors secrets beyond the ordinary. The young girls exhibit peculiar behavior, eerie discoveries of bones and dead animals scatter the property, and the elusive mother, Alice Lovelace, retreats into her office for days on end. The narrative builds suspense, leading readers to anticipate a jump scare or a dramatic twist, perhaps involving Marin's own demise in the train crash that shattered her life.

However, the story takes an unexpected turn, steering clear of the anticipated plot twist. Marin's journey unfolds as she navigates the enigmatic household, ultimately finding solace and love in the unlikeliest of places—a connection with a necromancer. As she unravels the secrets of Lovelace Manor, Marin risks her life to protect her newfound family.

Contemplating between a 3 or 4-star rating, I grappled with recommending and re-reading the book. Ultimately, the suspense and unexpected plot twists won me over, earning a tentative "yes" for a future re-read. The narrative's ability to keep me on edge, coupled with Marin's journey to love, self-discovery, and the formation of an unconventional family, made it a worthwhile experience.

Despite catching me off guard, the romantic subplot seamlessly blended into the intensely suspenseful horror narrative. The book, predominantly centered around female characters, features minimal appearances of male figures such as Charles Hallowell and Mr. Willoughby. This aspect contributes to its distinct female-oriented perspective. In conclusion, I recommend this book to those who appreciate unexpected plot twists and enjoy a suspenseful atmosphere, with a note that the romantic elements may surprise readers in the context of a horror-themed storyline.