Category: Books

Weyward – Emilia Hart

The story of Weyward Cottage takes place during three distinct periods of time:

2019: Kate flees an abusive partner to the dilapidated home she inherited from her great aunt, but begins to suspect her aunt harbored a secret.

1619: Altha awaits trial for the stampeding death of a local man, and as a woman deemed dangerous, her fate is unknown.

1942: With WWII keeping Violet confined to her family’s oppressive estate, she yearns for her deceased mother and hopes to learn more about who she was.

This is beautifully written, sweeping story about three powerful women who seek to make a home in the world. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Honeys – Ryan La Sala

Mars returns to Aspen, a secluded summer camp retreat for elites, to explore the mysterious circumstances surrounding his sister’s horrific death. He settles in with The Honeys, a group of girls who maintain beehives, with whom his sister spent much of her time. Over the course of a hot summer stay, Mars realizes that Aspen isn’t exactly what it appears to be, and he could also be in danger.

This was a fun YA novel that kept me guessing until the end. I loved the atmosphere at Aspen, right down to its bizarre traditions and folksy horror elements. ⭐⭐⭐

The September House – Carissa Orlando

Margaret and her husband Hal have finally purchased their dream home – a charming Victorian on Hawthorn Street – but soon realize that the house is haunted. Very, very haunted. And September? September is its most active month. But Margaret refuses to leave – it’s her home, after all. Four years of nightmarish living later, Hal leaves, unable to take it any longer…but he won’t return phone calls and no one knows where he is. Their daughter, Katherine arrives to search for him, totally unaware that her parents’ home is haunted. And of course, she arrives in September.

I LOVED this book. It was so incredibly fun, and the nonchalance of the narrator about her situation made for a nice balance of humor and horror. Carissa Orlando will become an auto-read author for me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Lies in the Woods – Lindsay Currie

Lindsay Currie writes spooky middle grade fiction, so if you’re looking for something lighter, or something to read aloud as a family during October, one of her books might be for you!

Ginny Anderson’s father is a restoration expert, and his job leads his family to a summer spent at Woodmoor Manor, a decrepit estate at the edge of a creepy wood. Locals worry about creatures that walk the forest, and when the mansion comes alive with eerie activity, Ginny devotes her time to uncovering the secrets within its walls. ⭐⭐⭐

The Return – Rachel Harrison

Four friends gather at an eerie secluded boutique resort after one of them reappears after two years missing, with no memory of what happened to her. But she’s not the same…

This book has a low rating on Goodreads, and the primary complaint seems to be too much talking and not enough happening for much of the book. I actually liked this, and enjoyed the dynamic among the group of friends. I wish Harrison would set another story at this creepy hotel, because the setting was fantastic for the season. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cackle – Rachel Harrison

After loving The Return, I immediately picked up Cackle, the story of a young woman who leaves New York City following a breakup to take a teaching position in a quaint village upstate. The town is warm and inviting, perfect and picturesque. Just what she needs for a fresh start.

Then Annie meets enchanting Sophie, who takes a keen interest in Annie, wanting to become friends and spend more and more time together. Completely charmed by her, Annie can’t help but want to be in her new friend’s presence, even though the townsfolk seem to fear her. As unusual events begin to unfold, Annie can’t help but wonder who (or what!) Sophie really is.

Perfectly atmospheric for fall with just a hint of spookiness, I think Cackle is a fun book for anyone looking for a seasonal read. I am really enjoying Rachel Harrison, and will be reading Black Sheep in October. ⭐⭐⭐⭐