Opening sentence: “The new doctor took her by surprise.” When a book comes with a quote on the cover from the legendary Susan Hill (‘Terrific. The perfect setting, great build-up, chilling. What more could you want?’), you know you’re in for a great read. The Silent Companions was Laura Purcell’s debut novel and is a […]
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Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Published 8th March 2018. The Bone Keeper by Luca Veste Opening: “The Bone Keeper’s coming. The Bone Keeper’s real. He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t feel. He’ll snatch you up. And make you weep. He’ll slice your flesh. Your bones he’ll keep.” Yes, I did get myself in the Halloween […]
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I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. Echo Valley by JC Matheson Opening sentence: “‘Oh my God, I look like shit,’ announced Stacey in her loud northern accent, loud enough to turn a few heads of the other passengers sharing the same train carriage.” Let’s take a trip to Echo Valley. […]
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We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson Opening sentence: “My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood.” I’m so pleased I finally got round to reading Shirley Jackson. I knew this book was going to be a creepy tale, but what I loved so much about it was the subtle way the suspense built […]
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Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell Opening sentence: “The girls were playing with the Frozen Charlotte dolls again.” Although dubious about this book at the beginning – mainly due to the plot device of using a Ouija-board app (yes, app) to invoke the ghost that the whole plot hinges on – I ended up actually rather […]
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As a big fan of The Woman in Black, Susan Hill’s iconic ghost story from 1983, I was instantly drawn to this new collection of four short ghost stories by the same author, and fully expected to love them, however, I didn’t. Before I go on, here is a little synopsis of each, with their […]
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The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami Opening sentence: “The library was even more hushed than usual.” I am big fan of Haruki Murakami and his fantastical, eloquent storytelling that sucks you straight in – no matter how unexpected the narrative becomes. With this beautifully presented short story (it is a literal lunch-hour read) he gives […]
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