Book Review: Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
Posted on July 1, 2024 13 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (June 25, 2024)
Length: 371 pages
Author Information: Website
I’m always excited every time Josh Malerman puts out a new book because of his unique blend of psychological horror and suspense, and there’s almost always a cool, spine-tingling twist. Playing on the monster-under-the-bed trope, Incidents Around the House did not disappoint, putting the spotlight on childhood fears and amplifying them to new heights that will scare the young and old alike.
The story unfolds through the eyes of Bela, a precocious eight-year-old who reveals she has an imaginary friend she calls “Other Mommy” who lives in her closet and comes out only after her parents tuck her in and say good night. But is Other Mommy truly imaginary? And is she really only confined to little Bela’s room? At first, Other Mommy is nice and wants to be Bela’s friend, but then she starts asking uncomfortable questions, questions like “Can I go into your heart?” which doesn’t sound like something someone friendly would say.
At first, Bela’s parents Ursula and Russ—Mommy and Daddo to our young protagonist—are unconcerned, believing Other Mommy to be a product of their daughter’s active imagination. But then Ursula, hiding a terrible secret and wracked with her own private guilt, thinks she catches a glimpse of something lurking in Bela’s room. Soon after, an accident in the park involving Bela has Mommy and Daddo rushing to the hospital, realizing something is very wrong. The entity known as Other Mommy is becoming more brazen, more powerful. It talks to Bela about reincarnation, and of taking her place. Soon, her parents are forced to confront the awful reality—there is something haunting their daughter, and to save her, they must act quickly to drive it out of their home, which may involve delving into their own fears and secrets.
That all these horrors are experienced from a child’s point of view is perhaps the most notable aspect of this novel. In some ways, having Bela as the narrator makes this story even more sinister and disturbing because it adds a layer of innocence and vulnerability to the terror. Not only did Bela’s naïve interpretations of strange events lead me to wonder at her reliability, but it also made her trust in the safety of her parents feel even more heartbreaking. As readers, we recognize Ursula and Russ’s desperation and their helplessness, made worse by Bela’s limited understanding of the truth behind Other Mommy, and this shattering of an idyllic childhood by a malevolent force can be felt like a punch in the gut.
Malerman also has a knack for creating atmospheric tension, especially when he is poking at deep-seated fears, like a parent’s worst nightmare of not being able to protect their child (see Bird Box and Malorie, for example). This tension is perfectly on display in Incidents Around the House and is infused completely into the plot as Other Mommy’s presence grows ever more encompassing, and Bela’s parents become frantic in trying to understand and fight this supernatural threat. In the second half of the book, this urgency rises to a fever pitch to give the reader a sense that every decision will have crucial consequences.
Of course, certain plot elements may feel familiar to horror fans, as the author is riffing on quite a few genre clichés. Still, the unique POV goes a long way to make up for this, as do some of the themes that come with it, such as the concept of lost innocence—the moment a child realizes that her parents are not infallible, for instance, and that they can’t in fact protect her from every danger lurking in the shadows. Then, of course, there is the worst revelation of all, which is that adult relationships are confusing and complicated, and the love between Mommy and Daddo isn’t as simple and solid as they’ve made Bela believe.
Overall, Incidents Around the House was a great read, providing a chilling and thought-provoking experience. I enjoyed the blending of familiar tropes with the exploration of familial relationships, especially from the perspective of a little girl which Josh Malerman manages very convincingly, earning a well-deserved recommendation from me if you are looking for an immersive dive into the eerie unknown.
Back from the Mountains…
Posted on June 27, 2024 12 Comments
I know it’s been a couple of weeks since my last post, and I wanted to let you know I’m still around and have just returned from a much-needed vacation to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Now that I’m back, I’m excited to dive into blogging again! Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing reviews of the books I read while I was away. Additionally, I’ll be visiting everyone’s blogs to catch up on all your amazing posts that I’ve missed!
As well, I want to take this chance to give a shoutout to Tammy at Books, Bones & Buffy and the Summer of Horror 2024 event.
Given the number of horror titles I’ve read in the last few weeks, and the even more horror releases coming up in the next couple of months, I’m definitely on board and looking forward to it.
Thank you for your patience and continued support! Stay tuned for more.
Book Review: The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
Posted on June 18, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Book 1 of The Oak and Holly Cycle
Publisher: Red Tower Books (June 4, 2024)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde offers an intriguing concept of a romantasy set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world, and to that end, it delivered an entertaining read! While a more experienced reader with romance fantasy will probably find it pretty standard, for a dabbler like me it was a fun dip into a genre I don’t often explore.
The novel follows Kierse, a young woman who joined a thieving guild in order to survive a world devastated thirteen years ago by a cataclysmic war when monsters of all kinds emerged from the shadows. Navigating this new reality teeming with a variety of supernatural creatures like werewolves and vampires, she relies on her cunning and skills to make it through each day in the ruthless streets of New York City. For the last few years though, humans and their new monstrous neighbors have coexisted relatively peacefully thanks to a treaty that was negotiated to end the bloodshed.
However, all that is about to change when Kierse receives a mission that sends her into the home of a mysterious warlock named Graves. When she is discovered, thus violating the treaty, Kierse expects the worst—but instead, Graves offers her a job. There’s something precious he wants hidden away behind an unbreakable security system under the city, and he needs a thief to help him break in to steal it. Intrigued, Kierse agrees to his terms, unprepared for the journey that the contract would set in motion. The work plunges her into a web of magic, secrets, and chaos, challenging her abilities and forcing her to confront the feelings she’s developing for her new employer.
We see most of the story through Kierse’s eyes, though the chapters are occasionally punctuated by interludes that let us see things from other characters’ perspectives. Her close friends Ethan and Gen help fill out the rest of the cast, showcasing the deep bonds forged between them from years of mutual hardship. Although this is a book in which romance takes center stage, I’m glad the author hasn’t neglected developing Kierse’s friendships too.
World-building was also very cool. Name practically any magical creature you can think of, this book probably has it. Magic in Linde’ world is unique to each wielder, and often a guarded secret to hide any weak points to exploit. Then there’s also the lore which serves as a backdrop to the plot and adds detail and context to the characters’ motivations and actions.
That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. Pacing was uneven as we moved from the heist to an increasing focus on relationship drama between Kierse and Graves. I wasn’t entirely convinced of their romance either, possibly due to a lack of chemistry or the fact it happened too quickly and “textbook” for my tastes. In other words, it’s the same dance we see so very often in the genre, making the story somewhat predictable.
Still, speaking as a reader who takes romantasy in small doses, the feeling of “same old, same old” didn’t bother me too much, and despite the predictability and clichés, I was compelled to keep reading. There’s no doubt an audience for this book, which I consider myself a part of, and I’m on board for the next one!
Book Review: Evocation by S.T. Gibson
Posted on June 15, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Summoner’s Circle
Publisher: Angry Robot (May 28, 2024)
Length: 301 pages
Author Information: Website
S.T. Gibson whisks readers off to an enigmatic world of the mystical occult in Evocation, and I was so ready to dive headfirst into this gorgeous book! The story takes us down into its tangled web of magic and secrets, focusing on the complex relationships and lives of our three main characters.
In his public life, David is a successful prosecutor, but within the hidden community of the paranormal, he is also known for his unique gift of contacting the spirits. Unfortunately though, he may have tapped into something bigger than he bargained for in his latest séance, uncovering a curse that has been hanging over his family for generations. Enter Rhys, David’s former lover and a talented sorcerer in his own right. However, following their messy breakup, the two men have barely spoken to each other, and things have only gotten worse between them with Rhys’s subsequent marriage to Moira, an astrologist and medium.
But now, facing an insurmountable threat, David is going to have to swallow his pride and reach out to his old friend and his new wife for help. Reluctantly, Rhys and Moira answer the call, meeting David at his family’s opulent estate called Beacon Hill house, where they immediately feel the presence of something oppressive and malignant. Working together with their specialized skills, the three of them embark on an investigation into the dark forces at play. But as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the house, dangerous secrets about David’s ancestry are revealed, leaving them with little time to save his life.
Believe it or not though, it’s the character relationships in Evocation that really take center stage, despite the high stakes plot. From the very first page, the intricate dynamics between David, Rhys, and Moira evolve constantly as they are forced to confront their shared history, leading to moments of deep connection but also lingering resentment. But faced with a common goal, their personal and collective struggles ultimately result in emotional bonding and a better understanding of each other, eventually opening the story up to an exploration of polyamory.
In fact, if I had to pick on one thing about this novel, it would be its handling of this aspect of the characters’ relationships. In particular, the insta-closeness between Moira and David, who were initially at each other’s throats, was a little too sudden and convenient, and I wasn’t entirely convinced of the slapdash magical explanation. I think Gibson also did Moira dirty in some ways. She seemed to serve more as a plot device than a fully realized character, frequently stepping in to be the mediator whenever David and Rhys were bickering like a couple of bratty kids, then being sidelined as a passive and compliant observer when they decided to rekindle their romance with little input from her.
I also would have preferred heavier emphasis on the paranormal elements of the story over the romantic connections, but thankfully the author also breaks ground for plenty of growth in the areas of character development and world-building. Evocation introduces an intriguing and promising glimpse into its world of the arcane, and the city of Boston where it all takes place serves as an ideal setting for a burgeoning paranormal series.
Lately, I feel urban fantasy is a genre practically begging for a kick in the pants, and it looks like S.T. Gibson is here to give one to it! In the end, I have a feeling we’re merely scratching the surface with Evocation, and I’m curious and excited to see where the next book of The Summoner’s Circle will take us.
Audiobook Review: Michael Crichton and James Patterson
Posted on June 11, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Hachette Audio (June 3, 2024)
Length: 10 hours 31 minutes
Narrator: Scott Brick
What can I say but Eruption is exactly what you would expect from an unfinished manuscript resurrected from the depths of the late Michael Crichton’s hard drive. Don’t expect the same caliber as his blockbuster novels like Jurassic Park, Sphere, or Timeline (my personal favorite), despite—or perhaps even because of—James Patterson’s collaborative efforts. The science was patchy, plot was a bit slapdash, and pacing was hit-or-miss. That said, I enjoyed it for the popcorn entertainment it provided.
In typical fashion, this thriller starts off with a mystery that leaves the team at the Hilo Botanical Gardens in Hawaii completely bewildered. The garden’s precious banyan trees have inexplicably withered to black seemingly overnight, and the whole place is shut down by the authorities without warning, leaving park biologist Rachel with no answers. Fast-forward about a decade to Mauna Loa, where scientists have set up nearby to study the volcano’s activity. Led by John “Mac” MacGregor, the team has growing concerns about recent ground tremors as well as the steam rising from the caldera. It appears Mauna Loa may be on the verge of eruption, and when it inevitably happens, the impact will be violent and devastating.
But as Mac prepares for worst case scenario, another threat reveals itself. As if the potential disaster caused by the impending eruption of Mauna Loa isn’t bad enough, for decades the military has been storing huge amounts of a radioactive defoliating agent in the underground tunnels of Hawaii. When the colossal volcano blows, the lava flow into these holes would damage the containers holding this poison, releasing it into the world where it would kill all the plants on earth the same way it did those banyan trees in the opening sequence.
So, there you have it. Eruption reads like a natural disaster movie, sort of like Dante’s Peak but set in Hawaii, with an added conspiracy element to raise the stakes. There are some highs, and there are also certainly some lows. There’s the fact that this project has both Crichton and Patterson attached to it, but there’s really no telling where one author’s contribution begins and ends. If I had to hazard a guess though, Crichton is probably responsible for the bulk of the research into volcanoes and geology, while Patterson filled in most of the story and characters. That the distinction is noticeable enough tells you all you need to know about the book’s pacing and flow.
Still, to its credit, the plot was never boring. For better or worse, Eruption was written like it was meant for the big screen. With all the crackling tensions and action galore, you can practically see the CGI and feel the vibrations of digital surround sound rattling around in your mind. This book truly reads like a cinematic experience—and I mean that in a good way. However, on a more negative note, this also comes with some real cringers in the dialogue. No one actually speaks like this outside of a movie script, and likewise many of the characters are the kind of cookie cutter archetypes you meet in action flicks—two dimensional and predictable.
Yet despite these flaws, Eruption manages to stay fun and entertaining. That’s because impossible science, plot, and characters aside, I can deal with a few elements that strain credibility as long as I’m having a good time. Bottom line, even with the names of these two powerhouses on the cover, I can’t objectively call this a great book. But do I think it would make a great movie? Yes.
Book Review: Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Posted on June 8, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Mogsy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tordotcom (June 4, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Unpopular opinion time! Sadly, as thoroughly as I’ve enjoyed Adrian Tchaikovsky’s fantasy novels, I’m afraid I’m just about done with his science fiction. I had high hopes that the humorously described Service Model would be the book to turn things around, but even with so much going for it, I’m personally not feeling the spark.
At the center of this tale is Charles, a robot who was meticulously programmed and designed to serve the aristocrats of the future. As such, his entire existence revolves around being the dutiful valet, completely devoid of emotion because feelings are deemed impractical and therefore pointless. All he needs is the drive to do his work, which he takes great pride in until, one day, Charles commits the ultimate sin for a robot: killing his human master.
But now that the unthinkable has happened, what else might he be capable of? Rebranded as “UnCharles”, our robot protagonist desperately looks to the outside world for a new purpose. He soon encounters a defective robot called The Wonk who becomes his traveling companion. Much to The Wonk’s chagrin, UnCharles harbors no desire to explore his newfound freedom; he simply wishes to find another human in need of his valet services. But as the two robotic travelers soon discover, the world has become a very different place. In the aftermath of a great sweeping apocalypse, it is now a wasteland devoid of much humanity, making UnCharles’ quest a lot more difficult.
To start, I think the central concept of a dystopian society that relies heavily on artificial intelligence and labor is an interesting one, though I’m not sure I’m on board with the execution. The story is neither here nor there in so many ways, starting with the humor hinted at in the blurb but which failed to completely materialize. Occasionally some wit would shine through in the form of satirical elements, but most of the time these felt forced. Then there are the references to literary classics and religion that feel similarly like they’re in a state of limbo—touched upon, but not explored deeply enough to have the philosophical impact the author was clearly going for.
And while I realize UnCharles is supposed to be frustrating by design, I could not get into his character at all. Supposedly incapable of feeling emotion, he nonetheless ponders his existence a lot, though his voice maintains an air of aloofness by keeping the reader at arm’s length. This inconsistency makes his motivations feel murky, resulting in a difficult time empathizing with his struggles or even feeling invested in his journey. Speaking of which, the plot structure presented in five distinct parts ostensibly illustrates the different stages of his trials, but only comes across disjointed, unevenly paced and, at times, even pretentious and a little bit preachy.
All that is to say, Service Model had potential, but it falls short of Adrian Tchaikovsky at his best. The novel’s struggle to find its footing left me wishing it had a more cohesive story and more impactful characters. Despite this, I look forward to the author’s future work but will be more cautious with my expectations.
Book Review: The Honey Witch b Sydney J. Shields
Posted on June 4, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Redhook (May 14, 2024)
Length: 368 pages
Author Information: Website
Cozy romantasies are apparently all the rage these days, and The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields is the latest offering serving up a sweet tale about a young woman’s impossible choice between love and magic.
Readers are introduced to Marigold, who grew up in Bardshire surrounded by family including her parents, siblings, and a doting grandmother. Ever since she turned twenty-one, Marigold’s mother has been anxious to see her oldest daughter get married and start her own life, but our protagonist has other plans. After seeing the man of her dreams propose to another woman, Marigold wonders if fate holds another path for her—feelings which are confirmed when her grandmother Althea proposes an opportunity. Her home on the isle of Innisfree has always been protected and tended to by a Honey Witch, a role which Althea is getting too old to manage on her own. She is seeking a successor in her granddaughter, and Marigold knows in her heart she is meant to take on the Honey Witch mantle.
The catch? In order to receive the magic, Marigold will also need to accept that she will never fall in love. This curse is the cost of the power, but still stinging from fresh heartbreak, she readily makes the trade, against the wishes of her mother. Choice made, Marigold leaves for Innisfree with Althea, committed to her training which includes caring for the isle’s apiary, creating all kinds of miraculous healing potions with the revitalizing honey the bees make. There, she also meets new friends, August, a boy she knew from her childhood, and Lottie, his adopted sister. Despite Lottie’s initial surliness and adamant disbelief in magic, Marigold immediately feels drawn to the beautiful girl, and in time, the two warm up to each other. With the responsibility of keeping Innisfree safe resting on her shoulders, however, Marigold must resist their shared attraction, knowing that her curse will never let her find happiness.
If you’re looking for a page-turner, this probably isn’t going to be the book for you, nor the genre. That said, if you appreciate slow-burning narratives and a charming blend of romance and fantasy, The Honey Witch is an enchanting tale of generational curses, forbidden love, forever friendships, and self-discovery. Still, despite these interesting themes, the novel’s unhurried nature might try the patience of those accustomed to something more eventful and fast-paced plots.
At times, the story can also feel a little too idealistic, too saccharine, too twee—not to mention predictable and simplistic. But seeing as it’s Marigold’s journey that takes center stage, this straightforwardness might be enough. The Honey Witch explores the clash between the forces of love and the power of self-identity, the choices that one needs to make to be happy. Maybe it really doesn’t have to be more complicated than this, I probably would have enjoyed this book more had it included more meaningful conflict and higher stakes.
If you’re into cozy romance fantasy stories that intertwines love and magic, there are currently plenty of options to choose from, but The Honey Witch is one worth checking out. However, your mileage may vary depending on expectations for plot pacing and complexity. Admittedly, things here are on the slower and more simplistic side, but Marigold’s journey and choices may resonate more if you enjoy a good character study and slow-burn love story.
Novella Review: The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Posted on May 30, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Fireborne Blade
Publisher: Tordotcom (May 28, 2024)
Length: 192 pages
Author Information: Website
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond surprised me with its richness, considering it is a novella of modest length and the fact it delves into the familiar territory of dragon fantasy. That said, there were times I wished the story hadn’t been constrained by the page count because I wanted more, especially from the characters and the ending.
At its heart, the book is a tale about a knight and her quest. Maddileh is one of only a few women in her order, and she’s eager to prove her mettle. To do this, she’s set her sights on recovering a mythical sword called the Fireborne Blade, which now resides in the lair of a powerful dragon known as the White Lady. But Maddileh is not alone, accompanied by her squire Petros, a surly young mage she has reluctantly agreed to take into her service.
Together, they venture underground towards the White Lady’s hoard, finding more than they bargained for in the dark tunnels. But Maddileh is exceptionally stubborn and determined to get what she has come for despite the obstacles in her path. Petros also harbors a dark secret, one he is careful to keep from Maddileh lest it jeopardizes their mission, for he has his own reasons to seek the White Lady and retrieve the Fireborne Blade.
However, it’s the ending—especially its crazy twist—that really elevates this story. Without revealing any spoilers though, it’s also where I felt we could have used a little more attention on character relationships and plot development.
To be fair, the initial buildup was strong, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation by revealing the past alongside the present. While we’re not getting many answers at this point, this obfuscating approach only made me even more intrigued. But once the surprise was revealed, the remainder of the book was a mad rush to the finish—great for momentum, but not so much for sticking the landing.
Ultimately, The Fireborne Blade falters where many novellas have also struggled before: in its brevity. Still, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and in this case, knowing that the release of the sequel The Bloodless Princes is only a few months away softens the blow greatly. I confess I’m hooked on the deceptively simple premise, the world building, and the character dynamics that have been established, and I’m looking forward to a fuller exploration of these elements in the next book.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Posted on May 26, 2024 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Book 1 of Tomes & Tea
Publisher: Bramble (May 7, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
The indie published Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea caught my attention after its re-release from Bramble, especially once it started drawing frequent comparisons to the cozy slice-of-life fantasy Legends and Lattes.
Blending magic, romance, and a charming bookstore with a tea shop, the story follows two women, Reyna and Kianthe, who come from very different walks of life. Ever since she could remember, Reyna was taught that hard work was the way to achieve her goals. Tireless training eventually led her into the service of the ruthless Queen Tilaine, becoming one of her elite royal guards. At the palace, she meets Kianthe, known as the Arcandor, the title held by the most powerful mage in the land. Against all odds, the two of them fall in love, but must keep their relationship a secret due to their conflicting responsibilities which prevent them from building a future together.
However, in the aftermath of an assassination attempt, Reyna suddenly realizes she’s had enough of life under her cruel and uncaring monarch. Throwing caution to the wind, she and Kianthe escape into the countryside, determined to never look back. An opportunity now lies before them—one they’d never dared to dream before. They are now free to act on their own, to travel the world if they pleased. But Reyna and Kianthe decide to settle in the small town of Tawney perched on the edge of dragon country. There, they set their sights on an old barn which they plan to repurpose into a tea and bookshop where patrons can enjoy a hot brew with a good book. The locals are quick to embrace the idea, making the newcomers feel at home. But while the couple are busy building their dream, the queen’s spies have been busy combing the countryside looking for the Arcandor and her girlfriend the wayward guard.
What we end up with is a close reflection of the novel’s title—a cute and cozy, warm and welcoming, fun and slightly quirky read. It is definitely considered niche—some action is present, but it mostly takes a backseat. Much of the plot revolve around the love story between our two protagonists which unfolds against a backdrop of magic, intrigue and the quiet rhythms of everyday life in a small town. The novel isn’t going to be for everyone, but would be perfect for readers seeking solace in a sweet, whimsical romance rather than high stakes and epic battles.
Admittedly, this isn’t my usual genre, but I don’t mind indulging in a bit of cozy romantasy every now and then. There’s something enchanting and calming about the quiet magic of this book that drew me in. Plus, Reyna and Kianthe’s journey isn’t just about their romance; it’s also about self-discovery, sacrifice and striking the balance between love and duty. Was this an enthralling, can’t-put-it-down read? No, but to her credit, Rebecca Thorne’s writing and storytelling kept me interested even through the slower moving uneventful parts.
Bottom line, I might not have been the target audience for Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, but it still enjoyed it for its warm and gentle escapism, its dash of comfy romance, and just a sprinkle of tricks and whimsy. I’ll probably need a break before I dive into my next romantasy, but I’ll definitely be penciling time to check out the sequel when it comes out.
Book Review: The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams
Posted on May 21, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (April 9, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
Jen Williams is an author who first came to my attention with her fantasy novels, but I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying her recent foray into horror-tinged crime thrillers. The Hungry Dark is her latest work which once more serves as a testament to her versatility.
The book begins with an introduction to protagonist Ashley Whitelam, not your typical dodgy psychic. Sure, she may be a part of a family of con artists running sham seances, relying on an earpiece and her brother Aidan doing social media research to whisper details in her ear when performing her readings for the audience. But Ashley also has a secret. When she was a young girl, she could see shadowy “people” in the world around her that no one else knew were there. Calling them the Heedful Ones, Ashley learned to keep these visions a secret, especially after a traumatic event altered her family life forever. The ghostly figures stopped appearing, and Ashley kept a low profile in order to play her part in her father’s scams.
Eventually though, Ashley begins to chafe at the role, especially as the schemes become increasingly more questionable and ambitious. To drum up more publicity for their psychic business, Ashley’s father has volunteered her services to the local police, who are investigating a string of brutal killings dubbed the “Gingerbread House” murders due to the fact that all the victims are children found to have been generously fed with delicious treats before their deaths. Nothing was supposed to come out of it; the police were desperate enough and Ashley was simply running through the motions. But on her ride-along with the officers, Ashley catches sight of the Heedful Ones for the first time in years, which leads her to a discovery which blows up the case, landing her in the public eye.
Like it or not, Ashley has now become involved in the murder investigation, attracting both admiration and suspicion. She has also drawn the attention of an American podcaster, Freddie Miller, who tracks her down with an offer to team up on a true crime show about the Gingerbread House murders. As Ashley wrestles with how much she should reveal to Freddie, terrible memories begin to resurface, of an idyllic time spent in the mountains abruptly cut short by a deadly incident.
There is a lot happening here—one could even say too much, which might be this novel’s only drawback. Breaking the plot down into its major parts, we have no less than half a dozen threads to follow. First, we have the main storyline in the present, which focuses on Ashley and her family’s part of an active but tightknit group of charlatans running the psychic grift. Next, we have the Gingerbread House murders and the investigation. Then an element of romance is introduced once Freddie enters the picture. All the while, we also have Ashley’s struggles with her overbearing father, an issue which frequently comes in conflict with her obligation to her family as well as her desire to achieve more independence. Flashbacks are used to fill out her backstory at Red Rigg House, where Ashley spent some time as a child in their underprivileged charity program, which ended in disaster. And then of course, there is the mystery of the Heedful Ones.
Once all these elements are thrown together, the result is a tense thriller full of twists. But in getting there, we encounter some pacing and balance issues. Each thread vies for the reader’s attention, and in the process, we have a few ideas that are left feeling incomplete or underdeveloped. The tension builds, but occasionally, it feels like we’re juggling too many balls at once. For instance, the atmosphere is great, but the setting isn’t quite as immersive as it could be. Similarly, character development falls short of its full potential from the crowded narrative. I loved Ashley’s journey, but her motivations felt elusive at times, and her interactions with family members often had a baffling quality.
Still, I found The Hungry Dark a compulsive and entertaining read—everything I could ever ask for in a thriller. Several times the book’s ambition would cause it to stumble under the weight of its own complexity, but the suspense and intrigue makes up for it. The tensions are palpable, and I loved the blending of mystery, horror, and supernatural elements. If you enjoy dark thrillers, this is a journey worth exploring.
The BiblioSanctum 