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The Drowning House
A violent storm washes a mysterious house onto a rural Pacific Northwest beach, stopping the heart of the only woman who knows what it means. Her grandson, Simon Culpepper, vanishes in the aftermath, leaving two of his childhood friends to comb the small, isolated island for answers―but decades have passed since Melissa and Leo were close, if they were ever close at all.
Now they'll have to put aside old rivalries and grudges if they want to find or save the man who brought them together in the first place―and on the way they'll learn a great deal about the sinister house on the beach, the man who built it, and the evil he's bringing back to Marrowstone Island.
From award-winning author Cherie Priest comes a deeply haunting and atmospheric horror-thriller that explores the lengths we'll go to protect those we love.
Now they'll have to put aside old rivalries and grudges if they want to find or save the man who brought them together in the first place―and on the way they'll learn a great deal about the sinister house on the beach, the man who built it, and the evil he's bringing back to Marrowstone Island.
From award-winning author Cherie Priest comes a deeply haunting and atmospheric horror-thriller that explores the lengths we'll go to protect those we love.
421 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2024
205 people are currently reading
13466 people want to read
About the author
Cherie Priest
72 books4,375 followersCherie Priest is the author of about thirty books and novellas, most recently the modern gothics It Was Her House First, The Drowning House, and Cinderwich. She's also the author of the Booking Agents mysteries, horror projects The Toll and The Family Plot – and the hit YA graphic novel mash-ups I Am Princess X and its follow up, The Agony House. But she is perhaps best known for the steampunk pulp adventures of the Clockwork Century, beginning with Boneshaker. She has been nominated for the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award, and the Locus award – which she won with Boneshaker.
Cherie has also written a number of urban fantasy titles, and composed pieces (large and small) for George R. R. Martin’s shared world universe, the Wild Cards. Her short stories and nonfiction articles have appeared in such fine publications as Weird Tales, Publishers Weekly, and numerous anthologies – and her books have been translated into nine languages in eleven countries.
Although she was born in Florida on the day Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, for the last twenty years Cherie has largely divided her time between Chattanooga, TN, and Seattle, WA – where she presently lives with her husband and a menagerie of exceedingly photogenic pets.
Cherie has also written a number of urban fantasy titles, and composed pieces (large and small) for George R. R. Martin’s shared world universe, the Wild Cards. Her short stories and nonfiction articles have appeared in such fine publications as Weird Tales, Publishers Weekly, and numerous anthologies – and her books have been translated into nine languages in eleven countries.
Although she was born in Florida on the day Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, for the last twenty years Cherie has largely divided her time between Chattanooga, TN, and Seattle, WA – where she presently lives with her husband and a menagerie of exceedingly photogenic pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
September 12, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The Drowning House is the second book that I have read from Cherie Priest. The first being, Cinderwich, which I read earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed.
Upon finishing this one, I had to really sit and think how I would ultimately rate it. I've finally decided to round up to 4-stars, mainly because I just had such an enjoyable time with the experience of taking in this story.
I did Buddy Read this one with a friend, and as we were discussing it after we were both done, it made me realize, I really didn't understand what happened here as far as the conclusion goes.
However, and this is a very big however, the journey getting to the end was so intensely-interesting for me that I don't even care. I genuinely-enjoyed this story and the process of trying to figure it out.
So, what's it all about?
In this story, we are following Melissa and Leo. They're adults now, but have been friends since childhood, having spent many Summers together on Marrowstone Island, a remote island in the Pacific Northwest.
Their other really good friend, Simon, recently reached out to them in distress from Marrowstone. In the middle of the night, during a terrible storm, a mysterious house ((yes, a house)) washed ashore on the beach adjacent to where Simon lives with his grandmother, Mrs. Culpepper. Seeing the house upon the sand, Mrs. Culpepper's heart stops.
The woman who presided over these ruffians, Simon, Melissa and Leo, every Summer for years is now gone.
In the immediate aftermath, Simon reaches out to his friends, but by the time they are able to reach his Grandmother's house, Simon is nowhere to be found.
What follows is Melissa and Leo digging in, trying to discover the truth behind that night, the mysterious house on the beach and Simon's sudden disappearance. They know he wouldn't just leave, so where is he?
From the very start, I was gobsmacked. This kicks off quickly as far as the events surrounding Simon and his grandmother, and then getting Melissa and Leo to the island. What in the hell was going on?
Then it slows down a little as Melissa and Leo re-acclimate to being around one another, settle in and decide what to do about Simon's disappearance. I enjoyed the slow burn of it and I did appreciate all the work that Priest put into these two main characters.
Their relationship is complicated, as they both felt more deeply connected to Simon. Simon was really the link keeping them all together, and as the Reader, you get to watch these two process their feelings about Simon possibly being gone for good.
I wouldn't say either Melissa, or Leo, were particularly likable people, but I enjoy the messiness. Characters that are too perfect aren't generally believable to me anyway, so I was happy with what I was served here.
Additionally, I like a lot of what Priest explored within this story. To me, it was a surprising blend of Folk Horror mixed with Occult elements and a solid mystery. It even at times, held a bit of a Cosmic Horror flair. The thing I appreciated most though, was the atmosphere.
Marrowstone Island was remote and isolated. The locals that Leo and Melissa interacted with while trying to find Simon, were helpful, but also a little odd. It had a very creepy vibe.
With this being said, there is a lot happening at once. There's no denying that and it was hard to track at times, particularly in the later half.
Once it got to a certain point, while I was following the action, I can't say I could explain to anyone what was actually happening, or what the true meaning of it was.
I'm also not really sure if that was Priest's intent, to leave much of it up to the Reader's own imagination, or if she had the answers there and I was too dense, or perhaps too distracted, to see them.
Overall though, I walk away a happy girl and I'll continue to pick up Cherie Priest's work. I loved the mystery of it, so who cares if a lot of it is still a mystery to me.
Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to seeing what Priest comes up with next. Her creativity cannot be denied!
The Drowning House is the second book that I have read from Cherie Priest. The first being, Cinderwich, which I read earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed.
Upon finishing this one, I had to really sit and think how I would ultimately rate it. I've finally decided to round up to 4-stars, mainly because I just had such an enjoyable time with the experience of taking in this story.
I did Buddy Read this one with a friend, and as we were discussing it after we were both done, it made me realize, I really didn't understand what happened here as far as the conclusion goes.
However, and this is a very big however, the journey getting to the end was so intensely-interesting for me that I don't even care. I genuinely-enjoyed this story and the process of trying to figure it out.
So, what's it all about?
In this story, we are following Melissa and Leo. They're adults now, but have been friends since childhood, having spent many Summers together on Marrowstone Island, a remote island in the Pacific Northwest.
Their other really good friend, Simon, recently reached out to them in distress from Marrowstone. In the middle of the night, during a terrible storm, a mysterious house ((yes, a house)) washed ashore on the beach adjacent to where Simon lives with his grandmother, Mrs. Culpepper. Seeing the house upon the sand, Mrs. Culpepper's heart stops.
The woman who presided over these ruffians, Simon, Melissa and Leo, every Summer for years is now gone.
In the immediate aftermath, Simon reaches out to his friends, but by the time they are able to reach his Grandmother's house, Simon is nowhere to be found.
What follows is Melissa and Leo digging in, trying to discover the truth behind that night, the mysterious house on the beach and Simon's sudden disappearance. They know he wouldn't just leave, so where is he?
From the very start, I was gobsmacked. This kicks off quickly as far as the events surrounding Simon and his grandmother, and then getting Melissa and Leo to the island. What in the hell was going on?
Then it slows down a little as Melissa and Leo re-acclimate to being around one another, settle in and decide what to do about Simon's disappearance. I enjoyed the slow burn of it and I did appreciate all the work that Priest put into these two main characters.
Their relationship is complicated, as they both felt more deeply connected to Simon. Simon was really the link keeping them all together, and as the Reader, you get to watch these two process their feelings about Simon possibly being gone for good.
I wouldn't say either Melissa, or Leo, were particularly likable people, but I enjoy the messiness. Characters that are too perfect aren't generally believable to me anyway, so I was happy with what I was served here.
Additionally, I like a lot of what Priest explored within this story. To me, it was a surprising blend of Folk Horror mixed with Occult elements and a solid mystery. It even at times, held a bit of a Cosmic Horror flair. The thing I appreciated most though, was the atmosphere.
Marrowstone Island was remote and isolated. The locals that Leo and Melissa interacted with while trying to find Simon, were helpful, but also a little odd. It had a very creepy vibe.
With this being said, there is a lot happening at once. There's no denying that and it was hard to track at times, particularly in the later half.
Once it got to a certain point, while I was following the action, I can't say I could explain to anyone what was actually happening, or what the true meaning of it was.
I'm also not really sure if that was Priest's intent, to leave much of it up to the Reader's own imagination, or if she had the answers there and I was too dense, or perhaps too distracted, to see them.
Overall though, I walk away a happy girl and I'll continue to pick up Cherie Priest's work. I loved the mystery of it, so who cares if a lot of it is still a mystery to me.
Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to seeing what Priest comes up with next. Her creativity cannot be denied!
October 10, 2024
Melissa, Leo and Simon were childhood friends. Now Melissa has received an urgent message from Simon informing her that his grandmother has died under mysterious circumstances. She and Leo rush to help Simon, only to find that Simon has disappeared and a house has somehow managed to wash ashore near Simon’s house.
This was very tepid horror, and only got mildly exciting at the end. The first part of the book switches back and forth between the present mystery and early incidents. I was first frustrated by the lack of anything interesting happening in the childhood chapters. Then I realized that nothing was really happening in the present chapters either. An occasional spooky clue just wasn’t enough for me. It was an interesting premise, but don’t expect thrills.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This was very tepid horror, and only got mildly exciting at the end. The first part of the book switches back and forth between the present mystery and early incidents. I was first frustrated by the lack of anything interesting happening in the childhood chapters. Then I realized that nothing was really happening in the present chapters either. An occasional spooky clue just wasn’t enough for me. It was an interesting premise, but don’t expect thrills.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
February 10, 2024
"The Drowning House" by Cherie Priest is a dark paranormal horror novel. As a fan of haunted house stories, I was immediately drawn in by the premise. Haunted houses, ghosts, and ancient evil? Count me in! Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
When a mysterious house washes up on the Pacific Northwest beach near the home of Simon Culpepper and his grandmother, Mrs. Culpepper, she drops dead, and everything goes south. Simon sends a message to his two childhood friends, Leo and Melissa, asking for their help, and then disappears. When Leo and Melissa arrive on Marrowstone Island, there is no trace of him. The two must put their differences aside to find their dear friend, and what follows is nightmarish as the old rivals are thrown from one ordeal into the next.
I enjoyed the story overall, but it didn't keep me overly excited. The narrative is written in the third person, shifting between past and present, between Leo and Melissa. While I appreciated the dynamic and the strengthening of the friendship between the two, I didn't find myself caring for either of them. Melissa came across as abrasive, and Leo's plans to sell the house (he is a realtor) while his friend is still missing didn't reflect well on him. Moreover, some of their sniping was a bit exhausting. However, their backstories, as well as the tense atmosphere and the freaky supernatural aspect, added depth to the story.
I enjoyed the sections from the past and the way all the pieces fell into place. The author doesn't give us all the information at once; bit by bit, she uncovers more and more pieces from the past and connects the dots. I also appreciated the setting and the creepy atmosphere. The characterizations were interesting, and the suspense was nicely maintained until the great reveal at the end. The tense atmosphere of supernatural elements was excellently woven throughout the storyline, as well as the themes of grand struggle against supernatural evil forces, friendship, loyalty, and loss.
Unfortunately, the book fell a bit short in the execution department. I found the pace of the first half of the book too slow for my liking, although I did enjoy the sense of impending danger. It started well, lost momentum, and then picked up the pace in the second part of the tale. Although the book wasn't overwhelmingly scary, there were definitely some creepy parts. Despite the slow start, the story eventually grew on me. This is a slow-burning tale that builds up to an impressive crescendo. Therefore, I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend the book to horror fans who love a bit of the supernatural thrown in and don't mind a slow-paced read.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
When a mysterious house washes up on the Pacific Northwest beach near the home of Simon Culpepper and his grandmother, Mrs. Culpepper, she drops dead, and everything goes south. Simon sends a message to his two childhood friends, Leo and Melissa, asking for their help, and then disappears. When Leo and Melissa arrive on Marrowstone Island, there is no trace of him. The two must put their differences aside to find their dear friend, and what follows is nightmarish as the old rivals are thrown from one ordeal into the next.
I enjoyed the story overall, but it didn't keep me overly excited. The narrative is written in the third person, shifting between past and present, between Leo and Melissa. While I appreciated the dynamic and the strengthening of the friendship between the two, I didn't find myself caring for either of them. Melissa came across as abrasive, and Leo's plans to sell the house (he is a realtor) while his friend is still missing didn't reflect well on him. Moreover, some of their sniping was a bit exhausting. However, their backstories, as well as the tense atmosphere and the freaky supernatural aspect, added depth to the story.
I enjoyed the sections from the past and the way all the pieces fell into place. The author doesn't give us all the information at once; bit by bit, she uncovers more and more pieces from the past and connects the dots. I also appreciated the setting and the creepy atmosphere. The characterizations were interesting, and the suspense was nicely maintained until the great reveal at the end. The tense atmosphere of supernatural elements was excellently woven throughout the storyline, as well as the themes of grand struggle against supernatural evil forces, friendship, loyalty, and loss.
Unfortunately, the book fell a bit short in the execution department. I found the pace of the first half of the book too slow for my liking, although I did enjoy the sense of impending danger. It started well, lost momentum, and then picked up the pace in the second part of the tale. Although the book wasn't overwhelmingly scary, there were definitely some creepy parts. Despite the slow start, the story eventually grew on me. This is a slow-burning tale that builds up to an impressive crescendo. Therefore, I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend the book to horror fans who love a bit of the supernatural thrown in and don't mind a slow-paced read.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
April 13, 2024
I was immediately drawn into this by the enticing synopsis and the eerie secluded setting, not to mention the whole premises of a house with an evil personality. I mean, what's not to love right? And while this book did have all of those things, something just didn't completely resonate with me. Maybe it was the characters, which sadly weren't all that likable, or maybe it was something else. Either way. while this was a good read and one I think horror fans will enjoy, it just wasn't quite for me.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
August 31, 2024
The Drowning House by Cherie Priest is a horror novel, but mostly it's an atmospheric mystery.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Simon Culpepper has lived with his grandmother on Marrowstone Island since he was a child. His parents died when he was small, and his Grandmother took him in. In the last few years, he has been looking after her. She just celebrated her 100th birthday, but she is still a strong lady. When a violent storm hits the small island, a two-story house washes up on the shore outside their bungalow. His Grandmother rushes out in the middle of the night to meet it. She falls to the ground, dying from fright. Simon calls one of his best friends, Melissa. to please come and help him. He'll explain when she gets here. He hangs up, and when Melissa later tries to call him back, the police answer the phone.
She calls their friend Leo, and they both head to the island. When they arrive, Simon has vanished.
Simon, Leo, and Melissa, all played together as children on the island, mostly under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Culpepper. Although decades have passed, they all kept in touch, with Simon as the anchor. Leo and Melissa were never that close, but they will have to put their differences aside if they want to find out what happened to Simon, and what is going on with this strange house that appeared out of nowhere.
My Opinions:
I really enjoyed this. Although it sometimes moved very slowly, the premise was really good.
It was a very atmospheric ghost story. An island in the midst of a violent storm A mysterious ghostly house, and some secrets held by the Grandmother. The author doled out information fairly slowly. Combined, the result was a creepy, somewhat suspenseful read.
I loved the relationship between childhood friends that spent their summers together (probably because I had some similar friends with whom I have kept in touch -- although for considerably longer, and without any ghostly/witchcrafty aura). Also without the cattiness. But bottom line, the friendships felt real -- the different dynamics, but the love shared between them. I didn't particularly like Melissa, but in the end, she came around. I absolutely loved Mrs. Culpepper.
The story was written through both the perspectives of Leo and Melissa. It was also in different timelines. It worked well, but I think this may be why it dragged.
Basically, it was a haunted house story, with great characters. I loved it.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 31, 2024
4.25 stars - thank you to sourcebooks and poisoned pen press for a copy of this book to review!
This book has immaculate dark folky sinister vibes throughout. The way the story unfolds getting darker with each passing scene really captivated me. Told in then in now timelines we slowly unveil the secrets of this decrepit house and the Culpepper family. This book is creepy, weird, multilayered, and very entertaining. I will admit I did have kind of a hard time with one aspect as I thought it was mildly silly but overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNXyVEVe/
This book has immaculate dark folky sinister vibes throughout. The way the story unfolds getting darker with each passing scene really captivated me. Told in then in now timelines we slowly unveil the secrets of this decrepit house and the Culpepper family. This book is creepy, weird, multilayered, and very entertaining. I will admit I did have kind of a hard time with one aspect as I thought it was mildly silly but overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNXyVEVe/
April 4, 2024
I was really sold on this book by its enticing premise: a "House-Wreck" that's awesome.
However while overall the story is fairly solid - with vivid settings, and good scary scene composition, the plotting was a little weird - let me explain.
The original premise is fairly strong. Simon acts as our "MacGuffin" driving the characters Leo and Melissa to return to the isle and investigate his disappearance. Missing persons are a fairly common horror trope, as it gives a good excuse to keep MCs from noping out of scary situations and creates a lot of suspense.
At first the story seems like its going to be more character heavy, or at least is a slow burn on the horror elements and suspense - there are a lot of flashbacks, and for approximately 50% of the story we just follow the 2 MCs around doing relatively 'human/mainstream' actions: speaking to police and poking around the mysterious house.
There is nothing wrong with that, but I felt like the story transitioned to the supernatural horror and kind of just dropped the character elements? Or at least the character moments that remained felt kind of forced and just a bit irrelevant. For example at one point Melissa accuses Leo of wanting to abandon their search and the house(s) so he can sell them off as he is a real estate agent. He kind of jokingly reminds her that this isn't how life works just because he's an agent doesn't mean he can just randomly poach empty houses and the plot point doesn't really matter to the story. There are many just bickers a minor issues which create more of an awkward tension between the characters rather than anything dramatic. It was weird to me to reach the end of the story and realize I didn't really pick up anything about the characters other than getting entangled in this story.
Well that is other than Leo being fat? I didn't notice any mention of it beforehand but almost abruptly the narrator mentions that fat men have quite a lot of force in their movements and then Leo himself mentions how he's a "fat man" I don't think its meant to be funny exactly but I'm not really sure what its meant to be.
There are also very odd times when things happen that don't seem quite realistic (I don't mean the intentionally magic parts) there is a scene where the characters go to visit someone they'd just spoken to in a rest home are obliquely told the person passed away overnight - e.g. the staff gush about how talkative and positive the person had been before finally saying "oh they're dead" as if no-one might have immediately contacted the MCs or led with that info.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I can't speak to my final critiques without spoilers - there are a couple of really odd choices in the finale scenes of this book - one, is the MCs spend an inordinate amount of time discussing ways to make explosions. Not the worst use of page-time I suppose but it wasn't really relevant to anything significant to the development - e.g. most horror stories have an element of the characters need to resolve or change something about themselves to defeat the horrors - not just carefully plan their flammables.
Finally the supernatural stuff got a bit out of control by the end. After being relatively grounded for the first half - and then fairly well crafted ghosty the next 45%, the final scenes involve magical lightening throwing ghosts, and a TROLL of all things. It didn't really build up to that sort of thing.
Actually the final oddity for me is the decision to make the finishing scene a last flashback to the side-characters, perhaps explaining some of the mythos but again sacrificing page time to non character developed stuff.
Initially the book seemed to be like it was going to be about the potential traumas of youth and the pain of uncertainty when an old friend goes missing. A key example being Leo and Melissa struggle with how to deal with the conflict of hope and realism in searching for Simon. They want to be optimistic but also accept that he may be dead. Other than lamenting about this conflict however - this theme and others doesn't really develop further, its just page-time until the magic stuff happens!
It may seem like I didn't like The Drowning House - but it was a good read, just had some head scratching moments.
However while overall the story is fairly solid - with vivid settings, and good scary scene composition, the plotting was a little weird - let me explain.
The original premise is fairly strong. Simon acts as our "MacGuffin" driving the characters Leo and Melissa to return to the isle and investigate his disappearance. Missing persons are a fairly common horror trope, as it gives a good excuse to keep MCs from noping out of scary situations and creates a lot of suspense.
At first the story seems like its going to be more character heavy, or at least is a slow burn on the horror elements and suspense - there are a lot of flashbacks, and for approximately 50% of the story we just follow the 2 MCs around doing relatively 'human/mainstream' actions: speaking to police and poking around the mysterious house.
There is nothing wrong with that, but I felt like the story transitioned to the supernatural horror and kind of just dropped the character elements? Or at least the character moments that remained felt kind of forced and just a bit irrelevant. For example at one point Melissa accuses Leo of wanting to abandon their search and the house(s) so he can sell them off as he is a real estate agent. He kind of jokingly reminds her that this isn't how life works just because he's an agent doesn't mean he can just randomly poach empty houses and the plot point doesn't really matter to the story. There are many just bickers a minor issues which create more of an awkward tension between the characters rather than anything dramatic. It was weird to me to reach the end of the story and realize I didn't really pick up anything about the characters other than getting entangled in this story.
Well that is other than Leo being fat? I didn't notice any mention of it beforehand but almost abruptly the narrator mentions that fat men have quite a lot of force in their movements and then Leo himself mentions how he's a "fat man" I don't think its meant to be funny exactly but I'm not really sure what its meant to be.
There are also very odd times when things happen that don't seem quite realistic (I don't mean the intentionally magic parts) there is a scene where the characters go to visit someone they'd just spoken to in a rest home are obliquely told the person passed away overnight - e.g. the staff gush about how talkative and positive the person had been before finally saying "oh they're dead" as if no-one might have immediately contacted the MCs or led with that info.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I can't speak to my final critiques without spoilers - there are a couple of really odd choices in the finale scenes of this book - one, is the MCs spend an inordinate amount of time discussing ways to make explosions. Not the worst use of page-time I suppose but it wasn't really relevant to anything significant to the development - e.g. most horror stories have an element of the characters need to resolve or change something about themselves to defeat the horrors - not just carefully plan their flammables.
Finally the supernatural stuff got a bit out of control by the end. After being relatively grounded for the first half - and then fairly well crafted ghosty the next 45%, the final scenes involve magical lightening throwing ghosts, and a TROLL of all things. It didn't really build up to that sort of thing.
Actually the final oddity for me is the decision to make the finishing scene a last flashback to the side-characters, perhaps explaining some of the mythos but again sacrificing page time to non character developed stuff.
Initially the book seemed to be like it was going to be about the potential traumas of youth and the pain of uncertainty when an old friend goes missing. A key example being Leo and Melissa struggle with how to deal with the conflict of hope and realism in searching for Simon. They want to be optimistic but also accept that he may be dead. Other than lamenting about this conflict however - this theme and others doesn't really develop further, its just page-time until the magic stuff happens!
It may seem like I didn't like The Drowning House - but it was a good read, just had some head scratching moments.
July 2, 2024
DNF 🫣
Ugh, man, I wanted to love this book. I mean, I tried really hard - I got 80% in and I just could NOT do it. The premise sounded great, so I was excited. I went into this book thinking horror, but it definitely leaned more into fantasy. Which is fine, but not what I was expecting so maybe that’s why it fell so flat for me?
There was one ghost in the whole 80% I read. The rest of the time the MCs were researching and driving around. The MCs were kind of annoying as well. All in all, this book was just too slow for me and the plot was lacking. I hate leaving bad reviews, y’all know that, but I also want to be honest. These are my thoughts and opinions, and if this book has been on your tbr, please still give it a try - just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t for you.
Ugh, man, I wanted to love this book. I mean, I tried really hard - I got 80% in and I just could NOT do it. The premise sounded great, so I was excited. I went into this book thinking horror, but it definitely leaned more into fantasy. Which is fine, but not what I was expecting so maybe that’s why it fell so flat for me?
There was one ghost in the whole 80% I read. The rest of the time the MCs were researching and driving around. The MCs were kind of annoying as well. All in all, this book was just too slow for me and the plot was lacking. I hate leaving bad reviews, y’all know that, but I also want to be honest. These are my thoughts and opinions, and if this book has been on your tbr, please still give it a try - just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t for you.
July 24, 2024
A sudden death, a static voice message, a missing friend. Three friends grew up together on a small island. They are adults now, have drifted apart, until one reaches out to bring them both back. The grandmother who cared for them all each summer has passed away. But when the 2 friends come back, the one who called them is missing and they aren't sure what's going on.
This is a slow burn. The story takes quite a few chapters to get going. It gives some past scenes, to tie the three kids together, and it gives more context to the present. The story doesn't really get going until at least half way. From there, though, it does get a pretty good clip going and feels like a race to the conclusion.
But the conclusion was a bit of a let down for me. And I never grew on the 3 main characters. I knew little of Simon and found Melissa completely unlikable (right from that first chapter and I never found her be redeemed) and Leo's hunger to sell the house was just ew. I did find the house creepy and, if it had stuck closer to there, definitely would have liked it more.
If you like creepy houses with runes and locked doors, then you might just love this one. I think it just didn't work for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This is a slow burn. The story takes quite a few chapters to get going. It gives some past scenes, to tie the three kids together, and it gives more context to the present. The story doesn't really get going until at least half way. From there, though, it does get a pretty good clip going and feels like a race to the conclusion.
But the conclusion was a bit of a let down for me. And I never grew on the 3 main characters. I knew little of Simon and found Melissa completely unlikable (right from that first chapter and I never found her be redeemed) and Leo's hunger to sell the house was just ew. I did find the house creepy and, if it had stuck closer to there, definitely would have liked it more.
If you like creepy houses with runes and locked doors, then you might just love this one. I think it just didn't work for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
July 23, 2024
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY 🥳
✨ R E V I E W ✨
The Drowning House by Cherie Priest
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Houses fall into the Pacific Ocean all the time.
Not one has ever come back. Until today.
A violent storm washes a mysterious house onto a rural Pacific Northwest beach, stopping the heart of the only woman who knows what it means. Her grandson, Simon Culpepper, vanishes in the aftermath, leaving two of his childhood friends to comb the small, isolated island for answers—but decades have passed since Melissa and Leo were close, if they were ever close at all.
This is the perfect book if you want to try out horror without gore!
It’s atmospheric, creepy, & mysterious.
Written in third person, alternating between past & present, which I am a fan of! This was such a fun one to read! & I will definitely be reading this author again!
✨ R E V I E W ✨
The Drowning House by Cherie Priest
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Houses fall into the Pacific Ocean all the time.
Not one has ever come back. Until today.
A violent storm washes a mysterious house onto a rural Pacific Northwest beach, stopping the heart of the only woman who knows what it means. Her grandson, Simon Culpepper, vanishes in the aftermath, leaving two of his childhood friends to comb the small, isolated island for answers—but decades have passed since Melissa and Leo were close, if they were ever close at all.
This is the perfect book if you want to try out horror without gore!
It’s atmospheric, creepy, & mysterious.
Written in third person, alternating between past & present, which I am a fan of! This was such a fun one to read! & I will definitely be reading this author again!
May 18, 2024
This book had a really unique concept but the story itself fell a bit short for me. It centers on Melissa and Leo, childhood friends who travel to a remote island upon the death of the lady who looked after them in the summer as kids, and the subsequent disappearance of her grandson and their friend, Simon. While they are looking for Simon, they discover a mysterious house that seems to have washed into shore from the water. Further investigation leads to supernatural happenings and the uncovering of long buried secrets.
While the setting was atmospheric, I wanted more creepy abandoned house and less dialogue. Sometimes the characters explained the finding or explanation of a clue and I didn’t need that. The climactic action scene at the end went on a bit long for me and was kind of all over the place, bringing in aspects from various horror tropes- it was fantastical and didn’t necessarily match the rest of the story. The very end was interesting but I was also left with some unanswered questions.
Overall, this one didn’t totally hit the mark for me but I am a sucker for abandoned houses and I thought the setting was great. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the setting was atmospheric, I wanted more creepy abandoned house and less dialogue. Sometimes the characters explained the finding or explanation of a clue and I didn’t need that. The climactic action scene at the end went on a bit long for me and was kind of all over the place, bringing in aspects from various horror tropes- it was fantastical and didn’t necessarily match the rest of the story. The very end was interesting but I was also left with some unanswered questions.
Overall, this one didn’t totally hit the mark for me but I am a sucker for abandoned houses and I thought the setting was great. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2024
This book reminded of 80s horror books, especially in the structure and the way the supernatural element was used. It's a book that relies on character and atmosphere, rather than blood and shock value, and that made me think of John Saul and, to a lesser degree, James Herbert. But a very strong John Saul vibe with this creepy tale. Also, this had me thinking of Jennifer McMahon, especially with the characterisations in the book. Like Jennifer McMahon, Cherie Priest has a knack for writing believable children and teenage characters. And that adds a lot of realism into a story.
A slow burn and atmospheric horror, this won't appeal to every reader. I think many readers expect modern horror to be in your face and fast paced. It's as if many readers refuse to be patient now, and I find that perplexing. I enjoy a well told slow-burn tale, especially one that builds up atmosphere with setting and characters. And this book does a commendable job in doing just that. The isolation of the house on the sparsely populated island, the feeling that help will be a long time arriving when needed. In addition, this book opens up with questions - questions that demand answers. Where's Simon? What happened to him? How did the usually dependable Simon vanish and why? That question chilled me in this book. It felt real. It also felt like I didn't want to know the answer.
The two protagonists, Melissa and Leo, are well-crafted and genuine. What makes them remarkable is the way the author injects different coping mechanisms into the characters. They fall back on old traits, and have a few new to add the mix. But it's their reactions that add to the atmosphere of this story.
A chilling supernatural tale. It makes me now want to research old rules and Nordic folk tales!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book for an honest review.
A slow burn and atmospheric horror, this won't appeal to every reader. I think many readers expect modern horror to be in your face and fast paced. It's as if many readers refuse to be patient now, and I find that perplexing. I enjoy a well told slow-burn tale, especially one that builds up atmosphere with setting and characters. And this book does a commendable job in doing just that. The isolation of the house on the sparsely populated island, the feeling that help will be a long time arriving when needed. In addition, this book opens up with questions - questions that demand answers. Where's Simon? What happened to him? How did the usually dependable Simon vanish and why? That question chilled me in this book. It felt real. It also felt like I didn't want to know the answer.
The two protagonists, Melissa and Leo, are well-crafted and genuine. What makes them remarkable is the way the author injects different coping mechanisms into the characters. They fall back on old traits, and have a few new to add the mix. But it's their reactions that add to the atmosphere of this story.
A chilling supernatural tale. It makes me now want to research old rules and Nordic folk tales!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
The synopsis of this book sounded very creepy and intriguing; After seeing a strange house that has washed ashore during a storm, on an island off the Washington coast, Charlotte Culpepper dies of fright. Her grandson Simon, who was looking after her, sends a message to his lifelong friend Melissa to come to the island asap. But when Melissa and Simon's other friend Leo arrive at the island, Simon is nowhere to be found and what's with the creepy house washed up on the beach?
Although the premise sounded great unfortunately I found the book to be very slow paced. It had a few creepy mysterious aspects to it, but I couldn't get invested in any of the characters. They all seemed one-dimensional to me. The storyline fell flat and I found myself skimming parts to get to the end.
Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend this book to anyone.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although the premise sounded great unfortunately I found the book to be very slow paced. It had a few creepy mysterious aspects to it, but I couldn't get invested in any of the characters. They all seemed one-dimensional to me. The storyline fell flat and I found myself skimming parts to get to the end.
Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend this book to anyone.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2025
In The Drowning House, a mysterious house (yes an entire house) washes ashore during a terrible storm. The appearance of this house causes nearby resident Mrs Culpepper’s heart to stop. Mrs Culpepper lived with her grandson, Simon, who had recently reached out to childhood friends Melissa and Leo. Melissa and Leo must now investigate this washed up house and the disappearance of their friend Simon 👀
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one, it felt unnecessarily long and very repetitive. I thought the premise was great and liked the isolated setting, but it didn’t fully deliver. There’s just a lot of dialogue between the two main characters, who aren’t very likeable to begin with. 2.5 stars.
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one, it felt unnecessarily long and very repetitive. I thought the premise was great and liked the isolated setting, but it didn’t fully deliver. There’s just a lot of dialogue between the two main characters, who aren’t very likeable to begin with. 2.5 stars.
September 17, 2024
The Drowning House was a weird one for me, which was especially sad because I LOVE Cherie Priest's series The Booking Agents. This was definitely a very far departure from that kind of cozy crime mystery, and it had all the witchy, eerie, and gothic vibes that make for a perfect fall read. However, I thought the pacing got bogged down by the inclusion of the 1985 timeline as well as the other viewpoints minus one at the very end. I would have been perfectly fine staying in the present time exclusively from Melissa's viewpoint.
The audiobook is narrated by Mara Wilson, and I thought she did an excellent job of heightening the seclusion and creepiness of the storyline. I love an isolated location and the setting at an exceptionally spooky house on a rural beach was perfection. Wilson is probably what kept this from being a DNF for me and in between the disjointedness I felt and some aspects that were just plain bizarre (I kept thinking wth as I was listening), it was mostly a miss for me. That being said I know some readers will truly love it, so I wouldn't let my review stop you and there were many elements I did love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is narrated by Mara Wilson, and I thought she did an excellent job of heightening the seclusion and creepiness of the storyline. I love an isolated location and the setting at an exceptionally spooky house on a rural beach was perfection. Wilson is probably what kept this from being a DNF for me and in between the disjointedness I felt and some aspects that were just plain bizarre (I kept thinking wth as I was listening), it was mostly a miss for me. That being said I know some readers will truly love it, so I wouldn't let my review stop you and there were many elements I did love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 15, 2024
The Drowning House - Cherie Priest. This book is set on an island and some seriously eerie vibes. I found the plot to be quite excellent with some amazing writing.
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters which was a real shame. I usually need that to truly enjoy a book but this one was freaky enough I can overlook that this time.
I think if you like horror, you will love this one. 4 stars
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters which was a real shame. I usually need that to truly enjoy a book but this one was freaky enough I can overlook that this time.
I think if you like horror, you will love this one. 4 stars
July 8, 2024
Simon Culpepper disappears the night that a storm washes a dark house ashore. The same night that his extremely elderly grandmother expires on the beach. Simon's two closest friends will have to set aside their petty jealousies and come together, to save the island that raised them both, and Simon with it.
Buckle up, buttercup. This one is a wild ride. I was entranced from the very beginning and couldn't wait for the revelations to leap from the page. This book is rich with atmosphere and very real characters, who are flawed in familiar ways. I was riveted, and I'm sure you will be too. Thank you to Netgalley and Poison Pen Press for the review copy.
Buckle up, buttercup. This one is a wild ride. I was entranced from the very beginning and couldn't wait for the revelations to leap from the page. This book is rich with atmosphere and very real characters, who are flawed in familiar ways. I was riveted, and I'm sure you will be too. Thank you to Netgalley and Poison Pen Press for the review copy.
September 6, 2024
2.5, rounding up.
I loved the idea behind the story, but didn't care about the main characters.
I loved the idea behind the story, but didn't care about the main characters.
June 11, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. Even though I figured out a lot of the missing pieces before the main characters, I still enjoyed this book and found it to be a quick, easy read. It's more mysterious than scary, and I liked the parallel story of friendships and families. This is my first book by Cherie Priest, and I am interested in checking out more of her work.
November 16, 2024
Actual rating: 2.5/5 stars
For such a captivating premise, this was just impressively mediocre…
For such a captivating premise, this was just impressively mediocre…
February 16, 2024
Mrs. Culpepper gets scared to death when an old house gets washed ashore . Simon her grandson disappears the same night. Simon's friends Leo and Melissa come to the island to search for him. They learn the disturbing history of the washed ashore house and the man that built it. Do they find Simon? What's up with the house and how did it get washed away?
July 10, 2024
Simon, Melissa and Leo were best friends every summer on Marrowstone Island. From the 1980s on, we get chapters that explain their group dynamic and how these three became such good friends that they carried it into adulthood. Simon lived on the island with his grandmother, and after his two best friends moved on, he stayed at the house with her, as she was getting on in years and becoming forgetful.
On a regular Wednesday morning, Melissa saw that she had a voicemail from Simon. It sounded like a butt dial, with just the sounds of rain and breathing. Then she notices an email from him too - one that shocks her to the core. Simon’s grandmother is dead, having left the house in the middle of the night, in a heavy storm, and died on the beach. Despite her being almost 100 years old, Simon believes she saw something on the beach that literally scared her to death.
Melissa immediately tries to call Simon, but a police officer answers the phone. He explains that they got a 911 call from Simon about his grandmother dying, but when they got there, Simon was nowhere to be found. Melissa knows he wouldn’t walk away from his dead grandmother, so she calls Leo and together they head to the island to see if they can find out what’s going on.
When they get there, they notice something odd. It’s a house, on the beach, like a shipwrecked domicile. That’s when this turns from more of a thriller book into a horror story. How does an entire HOUSE wash up onto the beach, looking like it’s been in the water for quite a while?
While investigating and still trying to find Simon, they open up a giant can of worms. There is something strange happening on this island, but they don’t want to leave their missing friend behind, leading to some pretty creepy findings. Overall, I’m not big on haunted house books, but this one was unique and had great characters. 3.5, rounded up!
(Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Cherie Priest and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 23, 2024.)
On a regular Wednesday morning, Melissa saw that she had a voicemail from Simon. It sounded like a butt dial, with just the sounds of rain and breathing. Then she notices an email from him too - one that shocks her to the core. Simon’s grandmother is dead, having left the house in the middle of the night, in a heavy storm, and died on the beach. Despite her being almost 100 years old, Simon believes she saw something on the beach that literally scared her to death.
Melissa immediately tries to call Simon, but a police officer answers the phone. He explains that they got a 911 call from Simon about his grandmother dying, but when they got there, Simon was nowhere to be found. Melissa knows he wouldn’t walk away from his dead grandmother, so she calls Leo and together they head to the island to see if they can find out what’s going on.
When they get there, they notice something odd. It’s a house, on the beach, like a shipwrecked domicile. That’s when this turns from more of a thriller book into a horror story. How does an entire HOUSE wash up onto the beach, looking like it’s been in the water for quite a while?
While investigating and still trying to find Simon, they open up a giant can of worms. There is something strange happening on this island, but they don’t want to leave their missing friend behind, leading to some pretty creepy findings. Overall, I’m not big on haunted house books, but this one was unique and had great characters. 3.5, rounded up!
(Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Cherie Priest and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 23, 2024.)
April 28, 2024
DNF at 30%
I was gripped by the premise and beginning. However, as the story progressed, I really struggled to feel connected to the characters and content. The character dialogue between Leo, Melissa and Simon was quite shallow, casual and uninteresting, not lending to the progress of the story. I wanted to feel thrilled and immersed in the atmosphere of the creepy beached decrepit house, but something was missing. Unfortunately, it was difficult to continue. Perhaps a slow burn better suited to another reader.
Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was gripped by the premise and beginning. However, as the story progressed, I really struggled to feel connected to the characters and content. The character dialogue between Leo, Melissa and Simon was quite shallow, casual and uninteresting, not lending to the progress of the story. I wanted to feel thrilled and immersed in the atmosphere of the creepy beached decrepit house, but something was missing. Unfortunately, it was difficult to continue. Perhaps a slow burn better suited to another reader.
Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 23, 2025At one point I was listening to this when I was the last person awake in my house, and I was like, What was I thinking?! This is a book that requires full daylight and more people around!
Also, I was not expecting the direction that this haunted house story took.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*
Also, I was not expecting the direction that this haunted house story took.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*
Read
July 5, 20253.5 stars rounded up — a fun read for Washingtonians, with lots of familiar places featured, especially in Kitsap County.
August 10, 2024
[ Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC! ]
When Tidebury House rises from the waves to nestle on the shore of Marrowstone Island, it ends the life of Mrs. Culpepper and heralds the disappearance of her grandson Simon. The only hint to what happened lies in Simon's last communications. Melissa and Leo return to the island, determined to find their friend and learn the secrets of Tidebury House.
~ ~ ~
I really feel like the first thing I have to praise about this book is the writing. Priest did such as amazing job setting the vibe for this story. I was drawn in from page one, and I swear this book has the best opening paragraph of anything I've read this year.
After reading the first chapter, I had some hefty expectations for this book, and it really delivered for me. I had so much fun watching the story unfold. There were some coming of age vibes in the glimpses we get of the main character's childhoods. The mystery aspect was intriguing, and I was delighted by the direction the plot took. All of these things came together to make this an enticing read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys supernatural horror that leans a little into dark fantasy.
"Tidebury House never sheltered anyone. That's not what it was for."
When Tidebury House rises from the waves to nestle on the shore of Marrowstone Island, it ends the life of Mrs. Culpepper and heralds the disappearance of her grandson Simon. The only hint to what happened lies in Simon's last communications. Melissa and Leo return to the island, determined to find their friend and learn the secrets of Tidebury House.
~ ~ ~
I really feel like the first thing I have to praise about this book is the writing. Priest did such as amazing job setting the vibe for this story. I was drawn in from page one, and I swear this book has the best opening paragraph of anything I've read this year.
After reading the first chapter, I had some hefty expectations for this book, and it really delivered for me. I had so much fun watching the story unfold. There were some coming of age vibes in the glimpses we get of the main character's childhoods. The mystery aspect was intriguing, and I was delighted by the direction the plot took. All of these things came together to make this an enticing read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys supernatural horror that leans a little into dark fantasy.
July 11, 2024
The Drowning House promises an atmospheric house horror story. Although the atmosphere is absolutely thick and menacing, it didn't quite nail the horror aspect for me. The pace got very slow throughout the middle and there were a few loose ends I found myself pondering at the end of the book. I almost wish the dual timeline was the 50s and present day rather than when the characters were children.
I did love a lot of elements in this book though; the dual timeline, ancient magic, and the whole concept of a house washing ashore. This might be a good book for people just getting into horror or who enjoy a mild creep-out rather than unsettling and pure horror.
⭐⭐⭐
Available July 23, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I did love a lot of elements in this book though; the dual timeline, ancient magic, and the whole concept of a house washing ashore. This might be a good book for people just getting into horror or who enjoy a mild creep-out rather than unsettling and pure horror.
⭐⭐⭐
Available July 23, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 7, 2024
I really wanted to like this one more. I’ve enjoyed other books by Priest, however, this one really wasn’t for me.
I felt like the book didn’t know whether it wanted to be a drama around a group of friends with an unrequited love triangle or a Lovecraftian horror and the two aspects of the story didn’t mesh well - I wasn’t able to invest in the characters fully and I didn’t feel like we got an adequate explanation for the spooky bits.
I also wish the book relied less on dialogue to move the plot forward. It’s cliche to say, but more showing less telling would have been an asset to the story.
I am very appreciative to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication!
I felt like the book didn’t know whether it wanted to be a drama around a group of friends with an unrequited love triangle or a Lovecraftian horror and the two aspects of the story didn’t mesh well - I wasn’t able to invest in the characters fully and I didn’t feel like we got an adequate explanation for the spooky bits.
I also wish the book relied less on dialogue to move the plot forward. It’s cliche to say, but more showing less telling would have been an asset to the story.
I am very appreciative to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication!
January 30, 2024
What an odd and wonderful book this was!
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into at first. Was it dark fantasy? Cosmic Horror? Just generally weird?
It felt like a mix of all of the above, along with a good dose of grief, terror, and simply exquisite writing.
From the start, I was hooked. I was so enthralled by the idea of this ‘house wreck’ and what it meant and was both saddened and horrified by the things that wept and screamed in the corners.
I will very happily read the author again!
• ARC via Publisher
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into at first. Was it dark fantasy? Cosmic Horror? Just generally weird?
It felt like a mix of all of the above, along with a good dose of grief, terror, and simply exquisite writing.
From the start, I was hooked. I was so enthralled by the idea of this ‘house wreck’ and what it meant and was both saddened and horrified by the things that wept and screamed in the corners.
I will very happily read the author again!
• ARC via Publisher
July 26, 2024
Two days ago I got an email exclaiming happy release day to one of my most anticipated books of the year. I quickly smashed it out using an ebook and audiobook combo and I’m so happy I did. I came for the sinister vibes and interesting premise, I stayed for the creepy house and immersive writing style! This atmospheric horror kept me hooked until the final page. Also can we have a moment for the cover.
Thank you @poisonedpenpress for my eARC on netgalley
Thank you @poisonedpenpress for my eARC on netgalley
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