Curdle Creek

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

In the small town of Curdle Creek, Osira Turner awaits anther Moving On day. Who has received the most nominations? Who will be Moving On?

In this isolated town, almost all of the residents are loyal to its ominous rules, traditions, and regulations. But a few have fled, including Osira’s children and brother. Presumably, they’ve escaped; Osira has not heard from them in years, but it is possible they did not survive their escape attempt . . . she has no way to know. Osira struggles a bit with her beliefs; she is not her manipulative mother’s favorite, perhaps because the town blames her in part for her children and brother escaping Curdle Creek.

Mother Opal, the Head Charter Mother, is the one show more who oversees everything in the little town; she decides the fate of the chosen ones. What will she decide? And how will it affect Osira?

=========

With its sinister undertones and mysterious rituals, “Curdle Creek” pulls in readers who enjoy dystopian tales. Strong world-building brings the town to life, but the characters . . . other than the well-drawn Osira . . . are less defined.

More of a mystery than a chilling horror tale, the telling of this tale takes some surprising turns that keep readers guessing. However, several intriguing points remain unexplained: most importantly, how Curdle Creek became captive to these nightmarish rituals. Readers know exactly what the rituals are, but the reasons behind them remain elusive.

Osira’s time-travels take the story in an unexpected direction, but with its sudden and abrupt denouement, readers are left wondering. Perhaps, in its truest sense, “Curdle Creek” is meant as a warning against embracing the “this is the way things have always been done” mindset.

I received a free copy of this book from Henry Holt & Company / Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#CurdleCreek #NetGalley show less

It would have been 5 stars, this was an excellent book, but the transitions were a bit confusing. I kept stopping and rewinding the audiobook, thinking I had missed something. But a unique read, I hope there is a sequel.