The Invited: A Novel (edition 2019)

This book was more of a mystery than a spooky ghost story. Not necessarily a bad thing, but still a little bit disappointing.

It cold have been shorter, and probably more thrilling and engaging if it was. It takes until page 100 for a “ghost event” to happen in the book. And it only lasts for a page. The next time isn’t until we’ll towards the end of the book. So there’s a lot of padding and repeating of information. Multiple times the book would be repeating something the reader is already well aware of and try to build mystery around it where there is none. It was revealed in the previous chapters and the characters are now finding it out. Sucks a lot of potential out of the reveal.

The story switches between Helen and Olive. I don’t mind the switching perspectives, but almost wonder if it would have been better if it stuck to one perspective due to the repetitiveness of some sections.

Not a bad book and still an ok read. I was just expecting more of a spooky ghost story from the interesting twist of building a haunted house (which somehow didn’t seem to play that much of a role in the story..). ( )

Helen and Nate think they have found the perfect spot for building their dream house. What they don't know is that the area is said to have been cursed since a witch was hanged in 1924. At first, life there seems harmonious. They are working together, but slowly things start to happen, for instance, tool and other things go missing and one day there is a strange bag outside there temporary home. Could it really be that the place is haunted...?

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION! ( )

Jennifer McMahon can always be relied on to creep me out in the most delicious way. ( )

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon is a 2019 Doubleday publication.

Helen and Nate decide to go for their dreams instead of trying to compete in the never-ending rat race of the city. They move to Vermont, buy a parcel of land and begin building their dream house.

Before long they get wind of local folklore and legends about their property- and Helen is even given the side eye, with locals believing she’s been called there by Hattie, an alleged witch who died nearly a century ago. The place is supposed be haunted by Hattie- but of course, there’s no such thing as ghosts- right?

Still, Helen is fascinated by the history- while Nate has been drawn into the mysteries of the local wildlife. Something is off though.

Helen and Nate begin bickering, lying to each other and keeping secrets.
Meanwhile, Olive, a young local whose mother disappeared- is desperate to find her- is convinced Hattie left behind hidden treasure- and if she finds it- it could help her find out what happened to her mother.

After getting off to a rocky start with Helen and Nate, Olive, and her aunt, becomes a part of Helen’s obsession over including historical building materials in her home and with Olive’s treasure hunt- but mostly with Hattie’s shocking history that is somehow linked to Helen…

I don’t read paranormal or horror novels very often these days- but during the early fall months I always find myself ready to settle in for a good creepy tale- preferably one centered around haunted houses or ghost stories- and nothing too graphic.

This book fits the bill perfectly!!

This story has a historical element, hidden treasure, a mystery, and a ghost story. The suspense builds nicely, and the foreboding is palpable. I loved the way all threads came together and enjoyed the finale. I did figure some things out in advance- but it didn’t damper the effectiveness of the story at all.

It was tense, really creepy, and suspenseful without being too intense, and thankfully the atmosphere trumped all violence and gore!!

My kind of horror novel!!

4 stars ( )

Very interesting read! I honestly wasn't sure what the outcome would be, is it supernatural? Is it sabotage? It really could go many ways.... Very interesting with many supporting characters that really flesh out the story. And truly it could have gone very cheesy, but I don't think it did, I think the author kept it on track and had a clear vision on how she wanted it to go. I can't say a ton about the actual plot of the book without running off at the mouth and ruining everything. I liked the writing very much and will absolutely seek more from this author. ( )