"Strange things happen in Fell, New York."
Growing up with two absent parents in a house haunted by shadows, bad dreams, and a ghostly presence none of them ever dared talk about did not leave the three Esmie children with many happy memories growing up. Except for their little brother, Ben, whom they all loved. Ben made everything better. Until the day he disappeared without a trace during a game of hide-and-seek when he was just six. It's the one moment from their past that haunts them all.
Now, two decades later, Violet, Vail and Dodie are headed back to Fell, New York, and their childhood home. It's time to find out what happened to Ben...and to lay all their ghosts. Especially the one they fear the most. If they can.
My thoughts: Eerie. Engrossing. And unsettling. I enjoyed this latest chilling ghost story from Simone St. James. The chapters alternate between the three siblings' POVs, which created nice layers to the mystery of what happened to Ben, because Violet, Vail, and Dodie each have their own memories and perceptions of what happened back then...and they all have their own unique encounters with what's haunting their childhood home now. I liked getting to know Violet, Vail, and Dodie, who are all flawed, but likable, and I enjoyed their sibling interactions...and their mutual adoration of their little brother.
This is not the scariest ghost story I've ever read, but there's a nice building of suspense and the ending is intense...and satisfying. A fun read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy Reading!
P.S. The Sun Down Motel (one of St. James's previous novels) shares the same Fell, New York, setting and is mentioned in this one...which kind of made me want to go back and reread it. The link will take you to my review of that one. 😎
I love a good book. Happy weekend my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt’s regine by the way.
DeleteThis sounds like a compelling read! I love a good ghost story! :D
ReplyDeleteI love a good ghost story, too! And this one has some spooky moments in it.
DeleteI'm so excited about this one and I really liked The Sun Down Motel!
ReplyDeleteThe Sun Down Motel was good! I really liked that one.
DeleteGood to know your thoughts on this one, Lark. I have it, but unread as yet. I have read The Sun Down Motel though. Like you, wondering if I might enjoy a reread of that one....hmmmm...
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I was thinking that all the way through this one. It's one that me and Melody read together years ago.
DeleteI read The Sun Down Motel a few years ago and I liked the book. I also thought Fell, NY made for an interesting atmospheric setting and so I'm glad to see its back in her latest.
ReplyDeleteFell, New York, is a great setting for spooky stories.
DeleteI loved this book so much, and now I need to read The Sun Down Motel😁
ReplyDeleteYes! I think you'll like that one, too.
DeleteI hope to read this author's work someday.
ReplyDeleteShe's one of my favs. :D
DeleteI'm interested in what happened to Ben now.
ReplyDeleteHis story was definitely an interesting mystery...and not one I would have guessed.
DeleteIt does not always has to be that scary and a satisfying end is nice
ReplyDeleteA satisfying ending goes a long way in my book. :D
DeleteThis does sound good and I've wanted to read The Sun Down Motel.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good one, too!
DeleteI didn't think it was particularly scary either, but I did enjoy the story, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI just really liked all 3 of the siblings, and how they banded together.
DeleteLark, nice review! I would say I don't read scary books anymore, but I am currently rereading a favorite and there are stalkers and murders, which are scary, LOL!
ReplyDeleteStalkers are especially scary imo!
DeleteGreat review! Sounds chilling and really interesting.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it.
DeleteThis sounds intriguing, but probably a bit too creepy for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it, though!
ReplyDeleteI liked all the interactions between the siblings. And with Ben. :D
DeleteI hope there's a resolution in Ben's disappearance ... they've got me wondering ... but the house might be too spooky.
ReplyDeleteIt's not super spooky...I don't think it'd give you nightmares. After all, you don't live in Fell! ;D
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ReplyDeleteI hit return too fast on the last comment. I meant to say I'm so looking forward to listening to this book on audio. I love a good unsettling read.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy this one. I really liked the 3 characters.
DeleteI've been pretty mixed on her more recent books, but this one sounds really good!
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