Jo Kaplan

The books starts with two women tying to escape the wasteland that large parts of the USA have become because of climate change. This is actually what first drew me to the book as this kind of future is already starting to develop. They crawl into an abandoned mine in search of shade to hide from the hot sun above and hear a bell, which they follow. After Mads falls and injures her leg, her and Waynoka are forced to stay in the mine, where they find what seems to have been someone's home at some point in the past. They find a journal belonging to Lavinia, a pioneer woman from the 1800s who lived in the mining town. We switch between the lives of Mads and Waynoka and the mysterious happenings of the past, where we learn that the mine they are trapped in is believed to be haunted and have unleashed monsters on the town in the past.

I enjoyed the stories and though that the narrators did a fantastic job bringing it to life. I loved that there were two narrators - one for each time period. I wish that more books with duel timelines/ points of view would do this. It definitely helps provide an even more distinct voice to the different characters. But that being said, some of the Lavinia chapters were very long. As in over an hour very long. There is nothing wrong with this per say, but I do think they could maybe have been divided into parts? Even if this means two Lavinia chapters in a row. (But this could also just be a me not liking stopping in the middle of a chapter thing more than anything).

The stories were intriguing and I was definitely interested in the mysterious events and mounters. But that being said, it wasn't exactly scary? At least to me. I would describe it more as a paranormal story than a horror. But this is a good thing for those who don't like their horror being to disturbing, I didn't mind this, but I do think that those going in specifically looking for a horror might be a little disappointed, even if they end up enjoying the story.

Most of the plot goes by pretty slowly, especially in the mine where they are essentially just trying to survive. But there was enough mystery to keep things interesting and I wanted the answers as to what was happening. And what will happen. Up until the last chapter where a lot happens. This chapter very much pulls the whole book together and I think it added an extra half a star to my rating. It is also the chapter where the most horror happened. I am not quite sure how to feel about the ending though... It was definitely different and an interesting way to end the story, but the lead up felt a bit... I don't know.

If you are interested in the concept of a historical paranormal novel with haunted mines, I think you will enjoy this book. It definitely explores a lot of interesting themes and I'm glad I read it. I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. As always, all views are my own.… (more)

Very atmospheric Southern Gothic story about a shape-shifting mansion imprinted with the 'memories' of Wakefield family ancestors. Archaeologist Samantha lives in the crumbling Virginian pile with her alcoholic mother and the flitting ghosts of the past, but when her very pregnant sister Elizabeth returns home, on the run from her violent husband, a disturbing new apparition joins them - from the future. Is Sam going mad, or are they all in danger?

I loved the story, with the eccentric family living in a crumbling old house filled with ghosts and memories, and the mysterious locked room on the third floor, but the pacing is very slow. Most of the book is taken up with setting the scene, which is done very well, and telling King-esque backstories about slaves and a witch who lives in the swamp upon which the house is built. I kept reading regardless, but did wonder where the supernatural elements were leading. Only when Liz's husband shows up, and she goes into labour, does the drama really kick up a notch. The faceless boy is terrifying, however!

Slow but spooky - worth persevering with!… (more)