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Hear Him Calling
DISCOVER THE GHOST STORY THAT WON'T LET YOU GO . . .
Kyle can barely remember his grandfather. So when they inherit his old house - a damp, secluded tower on the edge of a Welsh mountain village - Kyle and his wife, Lydia, feel they are moving into the home of a stranger.
From the start, Lydia hates the the disturbing paintings in the attic, the hostility of the locals, the peculiar light that pours through the kitchen window. Kyle thinks Lydia needs a break from London, from the nightmares and the panic attacks. But over the coming weeks, Lydia's sense of dread only becomes more insistent, whilst Kyle is drawn to the house in ways he cannot explain.
Yet as winter approaches, cutting them off, the house must become their refuge. For outside, on the mountain, something is calling to them.
Something that has waited decades, and wants to be let in.
Kyle can barely remember his grandfather. So when they inherit his old house - a damp, secluded tower on the edge of a Welsh mountain village - Kyle and his wife, Lydia, feel they are moving into the home of a stranger.
From the start, Lydia hates the the disturbing paintings in the attic, the hostility of the locals, the peculiar light that pours through the kitchen window. Kyle thinks Lydia needs a break from London, from the nightmares and the panic attacks. But over the coming weeks, Lydia's sense of dread only becomes more insistent, whilst Kyle is drawn to the house in ways he cannot explain.
Yet as winter approaches, cutting them off, the house must become their refuge. For outside, on the mountain, something is calling to them.
Something that has waited decades, and wants to be let in.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
38 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 21, 2024
Creepy from start to finish. The novel took some unexpected turns and evolved into a psychological thriller rather, but with ghosts in it, which I thought was well done.
I also want to highlight the ending which was especially unnerving and I was glad to see that the antipathy I had for one character in particular was justified. I really wish we could’ve seen more flashbacks of the past. Those parts were super interesting to read and full of menace and sorrow…
I also want to highlight the ending which was especially unnerving and I was glad to see that the antipathy I had for one character in particular was justified. I really wish we could’ve seen more flashbacks of the past. Those parts were super interesting to read and full of menace and sorrow…
August 18, 2024
Kyle Stein inherits a tower house from the Grandfather he hasn't seen in decades. Set in a fairly remote village in Wales, The White Tower is overlooked by a mountain. Wife Lydia, hates it on sight and feels there's something sinister going on. Hearing voices calling for Martha and a stain that doesn't disappear from kitchen worktop and strange lights on the mountain make Lydia want to move away. But there's ideal space for her job as a sculptor and she soon receives a commission from a fairly discerning client
In the early 1900's the family Helford live in a remote cottage on the mountain, Brother and Sister William and Martha struggle after the death of their parents and William turns to drink.
No-one has lived in the tower long and their behaviour changes the longer they're there.
This book is a slow, tense build up sinister creepy read. It's very descriptive showcasing the remote area, the locals are unfriendly adding to Lydias torment. I found it an atmospheric read, perfect for Autumn and Halloween but maybe not one to be read at night. I feel it would make an ideal TV series.
In the early 1900's the family Helford live in a remote cottage on the mountain, Brother and Sister William and Martha struggle after the death of their parents and William turns to drink.
No-one has lived in the tower long and their behaviour changes the longer they're there.
This book is a slow, tense build up sinister creepy read. It's very descriptive showcasing the remote area, the locals are unfriendly adding to Lydias torment. I found it an atmospheric read, perfect for Autumn and Halloween but maybe not one to be read at night. I feel it would make an ideal TV series.
October 1, 2024
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. It was the perfect amount of tense and spooky, without taking it too far.
I only had two gripes with the book. One being that in chapter 39 it wasnt obvious to me that Jenny had replied to the email and suddenly they were meeting so that felt a little odd. The second gripe was that I found the ending quite frustrating, it didn't really feel like anything was resolved and I didn't really understand the Cerys & Griff angle.
I only had two gripes with the book. One being that in chapter 39 it wasnt obvious to me that Jenny had replied to the email and suddenly they were meeting so that felt a little odd. The second gripe was that I found the ending quite frustrating, it didn't really feel like anything was resolved and I didn't really understand the Cerys & Griff angle.
June 30, 2024
An atmospheric ghost story of trauma and control
One for fans of haunted house horror, Hear Him Calling keeps its cards very close to its sleeve, with three timelines interwoven around a mysterious abandoned cottage, and a series of unexplained phenomena.
This novel has some great ideas within it, but fails to deliver on the things that make it unique: the Welsh folklore that sits in the foreground of the first few chapters vanishes before long, the historical timelines are just grace notes, and the narrative motivations of the least empathetic characters are glossed over in the last ten percent of the book, meaning that the overall dread of the main body of the book is unrelenting, unceasing, giving nothing for the ghostly horror to contrast against. Very well written in its descriptive and character-led parts, but plot wise it felt repetitive, with the exact same threat from an unusual window repeated ad nauseam (this particular view is eerie, I get it, let's move on).
I would have loved to have read more of the historical timelines to build up the dread and mystery, but they're all wrapped up in a neat bow by a casual acquaintance of the lead characters, thrown in at the last second. All in all, a pretty standard haunted house mystery which holds back from fulfilling its potential.
One for fans of haunted house horror, Hear Him Calling keeps its cards very close to its sleeve, with three timelines interwoven around a mysterious abandoned cottage, and a series of unexplained phenomena.
This novel has some great ideas within it, but fails to deliver on the things that make it unique: the Welsh folklore that sits in the foreground of the first few chapters vanishes before long, the historical timelines are just grace notes, and the narrative motivations of the least empathetic characters are glossed over in the last ten percent of the book, meaning that the overall dread of the main body of the book is unrelenting, unceasing, giving nothing for the ghostly horror to contrast against. Very well written in its descriptive and character-led parts, but plot wise it felt repetitive, with the exact same threat from an unusual window repeated ad nauseam (this particular view is eerie, I get it, let's move on).
I would have loved to have read more of the historical timelines to build up the dread and mystery, but they're all wrapped up in a neat bow by a casual acquaintance of the lead characters, thrown in at the last second. All in all, a pretty standard haunted house mystery which holds back from fulfilling its potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2025
I was all set to give this book 5 stars, but unfortunately, the ending let it down.
This was such a spooky and atmospheric tale that gripped me right from the start. Having lived in Wales for a period of my life, I could easily imagine the eerie, isolated world the author created. There were definite echoes of The Shining and The Amityville Horror—a husband's swift descent and a terrified wife—which I absolutely loved.
The book was easy to read, with short chapters and a pacing that I felt was perfect—right up until the final 20 pages. The ending left far too many unanswered questions and a frustrating lack of closure. I won’t go into specifics to avoid spoilers, but it just didn’t deliver the payoff I was hoping for.
This was such a spooky and atmospheric tale that gripped me right from the start. Having lived in Wales for a period of my life, I could easily imagine the eerie, isolated world the author created. There were definite echoes of The Shining and The Amityville Horror—a husband's swift descent and a terrified wife—which I absolutely loved.
The book was easy to read, with short chapters and a pacing that I felt was perfect—right up until the final 20 pages. The ending left far too many unanswered questions and a frustrating lack of closure. I won’t go into specifics to avoid spoilers, but it just didn’t deliver the payoff I was hoping for.
October 24, 2024
Whispers of the past echo in the present
Kyle Stein unexpectedly inherits The White Tower from a grandfather he hasn't seen in years. Nestled in a picturesque Welsh village, the tower's stunning mountain views capture his attention, but his wife, Lydia, is unsettled. Mysterious whispers calling for Martha and a strange stain in the kitchen create an eerie atmosphere. Despite this, Lydia discovers a perfect studio for her sculpting and receives an exciting commission, opening new doors in her career.
In a flashback to the early 1900s, siblings Martha and William Helford struggle after losing their parents, with William turning to drink amidst their secluded life.
This book thoroughly creeped me out at times.
#InheritanceMystery #WelshTales #EerieWhispers #ArtisticJourney #HistoricalFlashback #CountrysideCharm #HalloweenReads #FamilySecrets #ThrillingNarrative
Kyle Stein unexpectedly inherits The White Tower from a grandfather he hasn't seen in years. Nestled in a picturesque Welsh village, the tower's stunning mountain views capture his attention, but his wife, Lydia, is unsettled. Mysterious whispers calling for Martha and a strange stain in the kitchen create an eerie atmosphere. Despite this, Lydia discovers a perfect studio for her sculpting and receives an exciting commission, opening new doors in her career.
In a flashback to the early 1900s, siblings Martha and William Helford struggle after losing their parents, with William turning to drink amidst their secluded life.
This book thoroughly creeped me out at times.
#InheritanceMystery #WelshTales #EerieWhispers #ArtisticJourney #HistoricalFlashback #CountrysideCharm #HalloweenReads #FamilySecrets #ThrillingNarrative
October 22, 2024
2.75⭐️
November 11, 2024
Kyle Stein inherits a property from his grandfather known as The White Tower. The Tower is in a small village in Wales on a mountain. So he up sticks with his wife Lydia and baby son Jamie and moves into the property. Things soon take a turn for the worst when strange occurrences begin to happen.
This is the authors second book but the first one for meto read. I do have The Toll House, the first book waiting on my shelf. I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did.
The story does have a lot that I enjoy in spooky stories. Firstly the isolated setting of the house to give that claustrophobic feel. The area where the property is set, small villages and outsiders are not always welcome. Finally a dual timeline along with the ghostly goings on.
So saying everything that I like is let down by the stories pacing. I found the story really slow and also repetitive at times. I felt like the story went around in circles with what was going on. I was glad of the dual timeline as it broke up the story and I found these sections the better part of the story.
Overall I did enjoy the book, it was just ok though. In the premise wasn't anything new and there are a lot of books out there about a family moving to somewhere remote. I will still give The Toll House ago but I feel it may be along the same lines.
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the book to review.
This is the authors second book but the first one for meto read. I do have The Toll House, the first book waiting on my shelf. I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did.
The story does have a lot that I enjoy in spooky stories. Firstly the isolated setting of the house to give that claustrophobic feel. The area where the property is set, small villages and outsiders are not always welcome. Finally a dual timeline along with the ghostly goings on.
So saying everything that I like is let down by the stories pacing. I found the story really slow and also repetitive at times. I felt like the story went around in circles with what was going on. I was glad of the dual timeline as it broke up the story and I found these sections the better part of the story.
Overall I did enjoy the book, it was just ok though. In the premise wasn't anything new and there are a lot of books out there about a family moving to somewhere remote. I will still give The Toll House ago but I feel it may be along the same lines.
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the book to review.
October 28, 2024
The sense of place and horror imagery was well done. I could picture the tower house vividly and the way Markey’s photograph was described really spooked me the first time I heard it (the thousand subsequent times, not so much). But, overall I found this tired and unoriginal.
The story follows some really stale tropes:
• city people who have no idea how to exist rurally moving to the country (I’m tired of people moving from London to rural areas and being shocked those rural areas aren’t London. 🙃 IRL and in fiction.)
• getting a blessing from a priest (as if all ghostly entities are bound by the rules of Christianity 🙄)
• tick-boxy references to witchcraft
• husband and wife that are so uncommunicative that it’s astounding they’re married
• surprise pregnancy followed by miscarriage
• traumatized MC
• English characters being shunned because they’re all so much more beautiful/intelligent/monied than the locals (🙄)
• characters who have an abortion are ‘punished’ with infertility
• dual timeline structure…
The characters were boring to me: Lydia is a trope unto herself where her only characterization seemed to be “unravelling traumatized mother”. Kyle was a stereotypical bullying male. They weren’t interesting or compelling; they refused to be honest or communicate like adults about anything and were frustrating to read.
I sensed a whole “we’re being victimized because we’re English” theme that gave me the ick.
Naming the dog and one of the historical characters “Martha” was a confusing choice.
🐶 Is the dog okay? The puppy gets maimed but does live.
If you enjoyed the Toll House, you’ll likely enjoy this. It follows the same format. Just don’t expect anything new.
There were a lot of formatting errors in the digital edition I read. And why is JJ spelled J-J?!
The story follows some really stale tropes:
• city people who have no idea how to exist rurally moving to the country (I’m tired of people moving from London to rural areas and being shocked those rural areas aren’t London. 🙃 IRL and in fiction.)
• getting a blessing from a priest (as if all ghostly entities are bound by the rules of Christianity 🙄)
• tick-boxy references to witchcraft
• husband and wife that are so uncommunicative that it’s astounding they’re married
• surprise pregnancy followed by miscarriage
• traumatized MC
• English characters being shunned because they’re all so much more beautiful/intelligent/monied than the locals (🙄)
• characters who have an abortion are ‘punished’ with infertility
• dual timeline structure…
The characters were boring to me: Lydia is a trope unto herself where her only characterization seemed to be “unravelling traumatized mother”. Kyle was a stereotypical bullying male. They weren’t interesting or compelling; they refused to be honest or communicate like adults about anything and were frustrating to read.
I sensed a whole “we’re being victimized because we’re English” theme that gave me the ick.
Naming the dog and one of the historical characters “Martha” was a confusing choice.
🐶 Is the dog okay? The puppy gets maimed but does live.
If you enjoyed the Toll House, you’ll likely enjoy this. It follows the same format. Just don’t expect anything new.
There were a lot of formatting errors in the digital edition I read. And why is JJ spelled J-J?!
Read
November 14, 2025WTF kind of ending was that?! This was okay. I liked the setting and the writing flows well, but I found it really dragged. Then there’s the ending. It’s bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
A creepy story, with a slow build up to increase the sense of isolation and dread Liddy feels at the tower. The ending was rather abrupt and I do feel that after the mounting eeriness, it was a little weak. However, the book kept me hooked throughout.
I’d like to thank Little Brown Book Group, #NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest Feedback.
I’d like to thank Little Brown Book Group, #NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest Feedback.
July 9, 2024
Oh my goodness I actually had shivers run down my spine at the end of the book!
This is one crazy journey of a book that grips the reader right from the start and remains ominous and foreboding throughout. I could hardly put it down and read the last 100 pages in one sitting. The end is incredible!
The story is set in Wales and follows the story of a young family who move into an isolated tower that is really only close to a farm with some very unfriendly characters and a derelict cottage that has a deep sense of evil emanating from it.
There were moments when I wasn't sure if Kyle was becoming possessed by the ghost. The story moves gradually but gives enough to the reader to keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked getting to know Martha as well and I was surprised at how similar Martha and Lydia actually were. Stanley Harris was a shock and the Care Home letter was a big shock that I didn't really understand at the time. I'm glad Jamie and (dog) Martha were okay at the end.
The final scene where they return to the tower is short, shocking and totally opened my eyes to the little clues Reagon provided and I ignored. Absolutely loved it. What a brilliant read, definately one to recommend and an author to pay attention to!
This is one crazy journey of a book that grips the reader right from the start and remains ominous and foreboding throughout. I could hardly put it down and read the last 100 pages in one sitting. The end is incredible!
The story is set in Wales and follows the story of a young family who move into an isolated tower that is really only close to a farm with some very unfriendly characters and a derelict cottage that has a deep sense of evil emanating from it.
There were moments when I wasn't sure if Kyle was becoming possessed by the ghost. The story moves gradually but gives enough to the reader to keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked getting to know Martha as well and I was surprised at how similar Martha and Lydia actually were. Stanley Harris was a shock and the Care Home letter was a big shock that I didn't really understand at the time. I'm glad Jamie and (dog) Martha were okay at the end.
The final scene where they return to the tower is short, shocking and totally opened my eyes to the little clues Reagon provided and I ignored. Absolutely loved it. What a brilliant read, definately one to recommend and an author to pay attention to!
November 5, 2024
4 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/11/05/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Certainly Delivers Plenty of Chills
I enjoyed Hear Him Calling. I expected a scary ghost story and Reagon delivers this aplenty. This is well written, dark, sinister and I would also mention potentially triggering in more ways than one for some readers.
This is a story told (mainly) over two timelines from three perspectives. As we begin the story we meet a young married couple, Kyle and Lydia as they view their soon to be house in Wales. Kyle has inherited a tower, set remotely upon a welsh mountain, isolated from the village and with only a local farm and a derelict cottage as neighbours. Straight away something feels ominous. Kyle barely knew his grandfather and so the inheritance has come as a shock but also gives the couple hope. They’re tired of the hustle and bustle of London. Lydia suffers from trauma following something that happened to her during her student years and Kyle thinks the beautiful welsh countryside will be an inspiration for her. Lydia isn’t really sold on the house though, she thinks she sees a man up the mountain waving at her, she hears someone shouting the name Martha in her head and the house is frankly a hot mess. Drab, not very well cared for – just everything feels very ‘meh’ and Lydia doesn’t really like the idea from the outset – but it’s too good a chance to miss and Kyle is set upon the move, a quick lick of paint will cheer the place up no doubt and he’s already making plans to make the tower self sufficient.
So, the couple move in. Things don’t really get any better in fact this feels like a couple that were on the verge of not being together for much longer who’ve decided that a move will surely renew their love. It really doesn’t quite work out like that for them in fact the move serves only to push them further apart. Running away from their troubles was never really going to work as they actually took their troubles with them. There’s a general listlessness from both of them when it comes to doing anything and even when they make improvements their work is constantly undone with strange stains that refuse to be cleaned and scratches appearing in the new kitchen units. A young baby and a new puppy (strangely enough that they decide to call Martha) doesn’t help the pressure and there’s an ominous feeling of the two being sucked into despair.
The second time line takes us back to a woman called Martha. Martha’s is a sad tale. She lives on the mountainside with just her brother for company. He seems to be suffering from trauma and when he loses his job their relationship changes dramatically. Suffocatingly controlling at first it turns into something horribly abusive and ends with tragedy. Martha’s story is fascinating even though it’s full of darkness and despair and I loved the way she relates her story.
The reader gradually learns of the history of the cottage and Martha and her brother as both Kyle and Lydia are experiencing their own versions of subtle horror within the house. Kyle seems more determined than ever to make it work, determined it’s a good move. Lydia is experiencing more and more episodes, lights on the mountainside, hearing noises, footsteps stamping through the house, etc. The house is definitely having a very powerful and negative effect on them both.
Then we start to learn more about Kyle and Lydia’s past. At first there were little flags with some of Kyle’s behaviour but these definitely increase. And, in spite of his insistence to stay at the tower he has no hesitation accepting invitations back to London and leaving Lydia and the baby on their own. Eventually, I found myself totally disliking Kyle and that’s putting it mildly.
This brings us to the cottage on the mountain. This place gave me the creeps. Seriously. It’s scary – that is all.
On top of this the local villagers and the neighbouring farmers are downright unfriendly, apart from the local shopkeeper who does strike up a friendship with Lydia.
Put all these elements together and there’s this dark, foreboding tale of tragedy from the past that feels like it’s now overtaking our MCs with their lives almost becoming the disaster that Marth and her brother’s was.
In conclusion I couldn’t put this down. I felt like the ending was a little abrupt and I’m still replaying some of the scenes in my head. I would also again repeat to be warned about the triggers with this one, this is a tale of abuse and misfortune that won’t be for everyone. Scary enough to give me the goosebumps and bad dreams – my advice, read it in the daylight.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
https://lynns-books.com/2024/11/05/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Certainly Delivers Plenty of Chills
I enjoyed Hear Him Calling. I expected a scary ghost story and Reagon delivers this aplenty. This is well written, dark, sinister and I would also mention potentially triggering in more ways than one for some readers.
This is a story told (mainly) over two timelines from three perspectives. As we begin the story we meet a young married couple, Kyle and Lydia as they view their soon to be house in Wales. Kyle has inherited a tower, set remotely upon a welsh mountain, isolated from the village and with only a local farm and a derelict cottage as neighbours. Straight away something feels ominous. Kyle barely knew his grandfather and so the inheritance has come as a shock but also gives the couple hope. They’re tired of the hustle and bustle of London. Lydia suffers from trauma following something that happened to her during her student years and Kyle thinks the beautiful welsh countryside will be an inspiration for her. Lydia isn’t really sold on the house though, she thinks she sees a man up the mountain waving at her, she hears someone shouting the name Martha in her head and the house is frankly a hot mess. Drab, not very well cared for – just everything feels very ‘meh’ and Lydia doesn’t really like the idea from the outset – but it’s too good a chance to miss and Kyle is set upon the move, a quick lick of paint will cheer the place up no doubt and he’s already making plans to make the tower self sufficient.
So, the couple move in. Things don’t really get any better in fact this feels like a couple that were on the verge of not being together for much longer who’ve decided that a move will surely renew their love. It really doesn’t quite work out like that for them in fact the move serves only to push them further apart. Running away from their troubles was never really going to work as they actually took their troubles with them. There’s a general listlessness from both of them when it comes to doing anything and even when they make improvements their work is constantly undone with strange stains that refuse to be cleaned and scratches appearing in the new kitchen units. A young baby and a new puppy (strangely enough that they decide to call Martha) doesn’t help the pressure and there’s an ominous feeling of the two being sucked into despair.
The second time line takes us back to a woman called Martha. Martha’s is a sad tale. She lives on the mountainside with just her brother for company. He seems to be suffering from trauma and when he loses his job their relationship changes dramatically. Suffocatingly controlling at first it turns into something horribly abusive and ends with tragedy. Martha’s story is fascinating even though it’s full of darkness and despair and I loved the way she relates her story.
The reader gradually learns of the history of the cottage and Martha and her brother as both Kyle and Lydia are experiencing their own versions of subtle horror within the house. Kyle seems more determined than ever to make it work, determined it’s a good move. Lydia is experiencing more and more episodes, lights on the mountainside, hearing noises, footsteps stamping through the house, etc. The house is definitely having a very powerful and negative effect on them both.
Then we start to learn more about Kyle and Lydia’s past. At first there were little flags with some of Kyle’s behaviour but these definitely increase. And, in spite of his insistence to stay at the tower he has no hesitation accepting invitations back to London and leaving Lydia and the baby on their own. Eventually, I found myself totally disliking Kyle and that’s putting it mildly.
This brings us to the cottage on the mountain. This place gave me the creeps. Seriously. It’s scary – that is all.
On top of this the local villagers and the neighbouring farmers are downright unfriendly, apart from the local shopkeeper who does strike up a friendship with Lydia.
Put all these elements together and there’s this dark, foreboding tale of tragedy from the past that feels like it’s now overtaking our MCs with their lives almost becoming the disaster that Marth and her brother’s was.
In conclusion I couldn’t put this down. I felt like the ending was a little abrupt and I’m still replaying some of the scenes in my head. I would also again repeat to be warned about the triggers with this one, this is a tale of abuse and misfortune that won’t be for everyone. Scary enough to give me the goosebumps and bad dreams – my advice, read it in the daylight.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
January 21, 2025
⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️=⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spoilers ahead!
I don’t think I’ve ever described a book as spine-tingling before, but Hear Him Calling is exactly that: a spine-tingling tale! It was so good I was still reading it while brushing my teeth and had to convince myself to set it down after the clock read 11:30 PM or later. I could not stop reading this book and greedily devoured it in six days! Sometimes I even found myself gasping aloud or exclaiming, “Ohhhh!” as a plot point unfurled.
The multiple timelines and the use of treacherous weather made it dark and twisty! I enjoyed that different timelines were told from different points of view and that chapters were designated for different characters. Each character’s voice was distinct!
I loved the premise of the story with the family moving from London to a quiet Welsh town, learning gradually about the town’s history and slowly becoming entwined with the townspeople’s routine. The characters had richly developed backstories that supported the story as it progressed.
I appreciated the expertly crafted and delicate descriptions of sensitive topics like introversion, miscarriage, abortion, sexual trauma, domestic violence, self-blame for things that are not one’s own fault, drinking alcohol in excess to numb emotions, PTSD, flashbacks, panic, nightmares, how things like a work of art can send you back there, early morning walks and runs to be alone, cutting your hair, deleting social media accounts and retreating from friends, the delicate balance of love and reciprocity and self-instilled obligation and self-preservation, the idea that if you dive into life the event that happened will just fade away, etc throughout the book. Many people live with this and understand what it is like. To incorporate it into a scary story where eerie events occur repeatedly created a great (in a good way) sense of unease but also helped me feel so understood and seen.
The unexplained and eerie happenings in and around the home were so spooky, I greatly enjoyed reading this book at night. I was always trying to figure out what the source of the strange happenings might be. Was it a person? Was it a supernatural or paranormal entity? I couldn’t stop wondering! I loved it.
I love Carly Reagon’s writing and cannot wait to read this book again soon! I filled it with sticky notes. Hehe. She kindly reached out before I began reading it to let me know of trigger warnings, which I greatly appreciated. Even reading it when I felt ready, I found my brain blocked out a whole paragraph because her writing is so enthralling, gripping and visceral. I had to go back and read the paragraph again, and boy was it intense! She covered a multitude of very sensitive topics delicately and artfully.
On the very last page I had my hand covering the words. I had a feeling the ending was going to be one that made me go “Ohhhhhhh!!!!” with bookwormish excitement and satisfaction and didn’t want to spoil it for myself! And it was! This book has easily secured a spot in my top ten favorite books of all time!
I only have one question- what was causing the stain on the countertop? Did I miss it? I have an idea of how it appeared but I’m not sure if it was mentioned or if that is left for us to wonder about.
Spoilers ahead!
I don’t think I’ve ever described a book as spine-tingling before, but Hear Him Calling is exactly that: a spine-tingling tale! It was so good I was still reading it while brushing my teeth and had to convince myself to set it down after the clock read 11:30 PM or later. I could not stop reading this book and greedily devoured it in six days! Sometimes I even found myself gasping aloud or exclaiming, “Ohhhh!” as a plot point unfurled.
The multiple timelines and the use of treacherous weather made it dark and twisty! I enjoyed that different timelines were told from different points of view and that chapters were designated for different characters. Each character’s voice was distinct!
I loved the premise of the story with the family moving from London to a quiet Welsh town, learning gradually about the town’s history and slowly becoming entwined with the townspeople’s routine. The characters had richly developed backstories that supported the story as it progressed.
I appreciated the expertly crafted and delicate descriptions of sensitive topics like introversion, miscarriage, abortion, sexual trauma, domestic violence, self-blame for things that are not one’s own fault, drinking alcohol in excess to numb emotions, PTSD, flashbacks, panic, nightmares, how things like a work of art can send you back there, early morning walks and runs to be alone, cutting your hair, deleting social media accounts and retreating from friends, the delicate balance of love and reciprocity and self-instilled obligation and self-preservation, the idea that if you dive into life the event that happened will just fade away, etc throughout the book. Many people live with this and understand what it is like. To incorporate it into a scary story where eerie events occur repeatedly created a great (in a good way) sense of unease but also helped me feel so understood and seen.
The unexplained and eerie happenings in and around the home were so spooky, I greatly enjoyed reading this book at night. I was always trying to figure out what the source of the strange happenings might be. Was it a person? Was it a supernatural or paranormal entity? I couldn’t stop wondering! I loved it.
I love Carly Reagon’s writing and cannot wait to read this book again soon! I filled it with sticky notes. Hehe. She kindly reached out before I began reading it to let me know of trigger warnings, which I greatly appreciated. Even reading it when I felt ready, I found my brain blocked out a whole paragraph because her writing is so enthralling, gripping and visceral. I had to go back and read the paragraph again, and boy was it intense! She covered a multitude of very sensitive topics delicately and artfully.
On the very last page I had my hand covering the words. I had a feeling the ending was going to be one that made me go “Ohhhhhhh!!!!” with bookwormish excitement and satisfaction and didn’t want to spoil it for myself! And it was! This book has easily secured a spot in my top ten favorite books of all time!
I only have one question- what was causing the stain on the countertop? Did I miss it? I have an idea of how it appeared but I’m not sure if it was mentioned or if that is left for us to wonder about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
I read this astonishing debut novel in the intense heat of Cyprus last week. It is a skilled author who can make their reader feel chilled to the bone, with goosebumps when the temperatures are hitting the mid 30s. Carly Reagon did just this. I was totally and utterly transfixed by this story of an isolated cottage nestled amongst the wild hills of Wales, it is a psychological thriller mashed with a haunting ghost story, and a touch of horror that is totally beguiling.
Kyle Stein has inherited a house located in a tower in Wales from his estranged grandfather. For a long time now, he and his wife Lydia have been tired of their London life. The constant noise, the pull of work and social events, the drinking, the traffic. Wales seems like their way out. However, Lydia hates the house, and the community in which it is set. She sees strange lights, she is not made to feel welcome by the neighbours. There are stains that keep appearing, it all feels eerie and she doesn't want to stay.
Kyle, on the other hand, seems to become more and more invested in their new home. His behaviour seems to change a little, he is utterly convinced that Wales is the place for Lydia to heal. To recover from her panic attacks and the night terrors that have consumed her life.
The reader hears from both Lydia and Kyle, in their own voices and we are also privy to the voice of Martha. Martha lived in the area many years ago and it is her retelling of her life that really invoke the shivers, and go some way to trying to explain the events that are happening in the present day.
Reagon has created a story that is at time terrifying, yet is so compelling. Her characters are masterfully created, the landscape is evocative and plays a huge part in the whole narrative. There are times when my heart was in my throat, there are characters who really appear to be quite evil and there's a sense of foreboding about the Stein's relationship and how it is moving forward that proves to be shocking.
Taking themes of dysfunctional families and cruelty and wrapping them in ghostly folklore, this is an excellent read and one I highly recommend.
Kyle Stein has inherited a house located in a tower in Wales from his estranged grandfather. For a long time now, he and his wife Lydia have been tired of their London life. The constant noise, the pull of work and social events, the drinking, the traffic. Wales seems like their way out. However, Lydia hates the house, and the community in which it is set. She sees strange lights, she is not made to feel welcome by the neighbours. There are stains that keep appearing, it all feels eerie and she doesn't want to stay.
Kyle, on the other hand, seems to become more and more invested in their new home. His behaviour seems to change a little, he is utterly convinced that Wales is the place for Lydia to heal. To recover from her panic attacks and the night terrors that have consumed her life.
The reader hears from both Lydia and Kyle, in their own voices and we are also privy to the voice of Martha. Martha lived in the area many years ago and it is her retelling of her life that really invoke the shivers, and go some way to trying to explain the events that are happening in the present day.
Reagon has created a story that is at time terrifying, yet is so compelling. Her characters are masterfully created, the landscape is evocative and plays a huge part in the whole narrative. There are times when my heart was in my throat, there are characters who really appear to be quite evil and there's a sense of foreboding about the Stein's relationship and how it is moving forward that proves to be shocking.
Taking themes of dysfunctional families and cruelty and wrapping them in ghostly folklore, this is an excellent read and one I highly recommend.
December 16, 2024
Kyle has inherited a house from his grandfather. The house is in an isolated spot near Snowdonia, North Wales and sits on the side of a mountain. He decides it will be a good idea for himself, wife Lydia and baby Jamie to move out there from London. The air will be cleaner and it will be a lovely place for Jamie to grow up.
But for Lydia the promise of an idyllic life turns into a living nightmare. The cottage is actually a bleak tower, it's damp and cold and nothing she does makes it feel like home. The folk in the nearby village are unwelcoming, it's clear that most don't like the English. She starts to have nightmares and everywhere she turns she hears a name being called "Martha, Martha, Martha".
As Winter sets in Jamie's mood seems to change. He's staying up late drinking and is distant. He takes trips back to London leaving Lydia and Jamie alone on the mountainside. One morning near Christmas Lydia and Jamie are once again alone and wake up to deep snow outside. It's now impossible for them to leave....
Hear him calling is told from the POV of both Lydia and Kyle. We also hear from Martha a young woman who lived in a nearby cottage many years earlier. Her story is heartbreaking and shocking. Ghosts from the past are brought together.
I enjoyed this authors first book "The Toll house" so was very keen to read this one. Oh my gosh how I loved "Hear him calling", it had everything for me! Part ghost story, part psychological thriller and all in a fabulous Welsh setting! Beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the isolated area, the snowy mountain and the hostile villagers. I could picture everything as I read and I didn't want it to end. Highly recommended but clear a couple of days as I did, you won't want to put it down.
But for Lydia the promise of an idyllic life turns into a living nightmare. The cottage is actually a bleak tower, it's damp and cold and nothing she does makes it feel like home. The folk in the nearby village are unwelcoming, it's clear that most don't like the English. She starts to have nightmares and everywhere she turns she hears a name being called "Martha, Martha, Martha".
As Winter sets in Jamie's mood seems to change. He's staying up late drinking and is distant. He takes trips back to London leaving Lydia and Jamie alone on the mountainside. One morning near Christmas Lydia and Jamie are once again alone and wake up to deep snow outside. It's now impossible for them to leave....
Hear him calling is told from the POV of both Lydia and Kyle. We also hear from Martha a young woman who lived in a nearby cottage many years earlier. Her story is heartbreaking and shocking. Ghosts from the past are brought together.
I enjoyed this authors first book "The Toll house" so was very keen to read this one. Oh my gosh how I loved "Hear him calling", it had everything for me! Part ghost story, part psychological thriller and all in a fabulous Welsh setting! Beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the isolated area, the snowy mountain and the hostile villagers. I could picture everything as I read and I didn't want it to end. Highly recommended but clear a couple of days as I did, you won't want to put it down.
September 27, 2024
Spooky season is fast approaching, and what better way to start off the Halloween season than a chilling haunted house story!
When Lydia and Kyle inherit Kyle’s grandfather’s converted tower house in the Welsh mountains, they are excited for a new start. However, the mysterious noises, hostile locals and creepy paintings make them start to think that they may have made a mistake…
Hear Him Calling is a well-written, slow-burn horror which creeps up on you – it is certainly not one for reading late at night when you are home alone! The chapters alternate between Kyle and Lydia who both have very different experiences in the house, as well as diary entries from Martha who lived in the house in the past. As each of these perspectives unfold, we get a bigger picture of the house and its surroundings and what or whom might be haunting it.
I enjoyed the setting of the White Tower, it was remote enough to cause lots of problems, particularly when the snow came in, but there was still interaction with the locals in the village – most of whom were quite unpleasant characters! You really felt for Lydia, just wanting to make the house a home but being prevented at every turn. It did get a little repetitive in the middle, but I really enjoyed the ending – it might divide readers, but I thought it was perfect!
Overall, Hear Him Calling is a great slow-burn haunted house horror - perfect for the dark nights of spooky season! Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK – Sphere for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
When Lydia and Kyle inherit Kyle’s grandfather’s converted tower house in the Welsh mountains, they are excited for a new start. However, the mysterious noises, hostile locals and creepy paintings make them start to think that they may have made a mistake…
Hear Him Calling is a well-written, slow-burn horror which creeps up on you – it is certainly not one for reading late at night when you are home alone! The chapters alternate between Kyle and Lydia who both have very different experiences in the house, as well as diary entries from Martha who lived in the house in the past. As each of these perspectives unfold, we get a bigger picture of the house and its surroundings and what or whom might be haunting it.
I enjoyed the setting of the White Tower, it was remote enough to cause lots of problems, particularly when the snow came in, but there was still interaction with the locals in the village – most of whom were quite unpleasant characters! You really felt for Lydia, just wanting to make the house a home but being prevented at every turn. It did get a little repetitive in the middle, but I really enjoyed the ending – it might divide readers, but I thought it was perfect!
Overall, Hear Him Calling is a great slow-burn haunted house horror - perfect for the dark nights of spooky season! Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK – Sphere for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
October 17, 2024
A captivating tale, "Hear Him Calling," takes place in the stunning scenery of Wales. The story centers on a young family who wishes to start over in the isolated environs of a tower they inherit, with just a farm and a deserted cottage for companionship. The young couple, Kyle and Lydia, want to settle into a calmer, more peaceful life in their new home, but unanticipated obstacles derail their ambitions.
I found the first few pages of the book to be rather captivating because of its deft writing, which takes place across three separate timelines. My attention was initially sparked by the prospect of exploring Welsh folklore, but as the story went on, the folklore components appeared to fade. The storyline isn't extremely scary or fast paced, but there are a few scenes that made me shudder. These are interspersed with a few descriptions that are repeated. Besides, it ended a little too abruptly and with less impact than I had expected. This was the first book by this author and i look forward to reviewing more by this author. The cover is what drew me in and why i requested the book. If you are the type of reader that has triggers, please for your own sake look them up prior to reading this book. Know that there are services to help those that may be triggered by such subjects as delicate subjects like abortion and miscarriage.
Thank you to Sphere and NetGalley for granting me an electronic review copy.
I found the first few pages of the book to be rather captivating because of its deft writing, which takes place across three separate timelines. My attention was initially sparked by the prospect of exploring Welsh folklore, but as the story went on, the folklore components appeared to fade. The storyline isn't extremely scary or fast paced, but there are a few scenes that made me shudder. These are interspersed with a few descriptions that are repeated. Besides, it ended a little too abruptly and with less impact than I had expected. This was the first book by this author and i look forward to reviewing more by this author. The cover is what drew me in and why i requested the book. If you are the type of reader that has triggers, please for your own sake look them up prior to reading this book. Know that there are services to help those that may be triggered by such subjects as delicate subjects like abortion and miscarriage.
Thank you to Sphere and NetGalley for granting me an electronic review copy.
May 12, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
I haven’t read a good, old fashioned ghost story for a good few months so I was really keen to start Hear Him Calling. I am now excited to read more!
This story centres around married couple and new parents, Lydia and Kyle. Kyle discovers that he has inherited a house in Wales from his distant grandfather. The London based couple are young, broke and exhausted from looking after their eight month old Jamie so the prospect of owning their own house in a Welsh mountain, surrounded by nature, peace and tranquility is just too good to miss.
The young couple move in but something isn’t quite right. Something is watching them. Something leaves scratches in the wooden plinth or their new kitchen and haunts Lydia’s dreams. Something, or someone from a time long lost.
This is a genuinely scary tale and it gave me a couple of creepy dreams, I can tell you!
Although the ending was a bit abrupt, I really enjoyed reading this and I have since discovered that Carly Reagon has written another book, which I have added to my ever expanding tbr. If you like ghostly, unsettling tales then this is definitely for you. I can’t wait to read another from this author 👻
I’d like to thank Little Brown Book Group, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I haven’t read a good, old fashioned ghost story for a good few months so I was really keen to start Hear Him Calling. I am now excited to read more!
This story centres around married couple and new parents, Lydia and Kyle. Kyle discovers that he has inherited a house in Wales from his distant grandfather. The London based couple are young, broke and exhausted from looking after their eight month old Jamie so the prospect of owning their own house in a Welsh mountain, surrounded by nature, peace and tranquility is just too good to miss.
The young couple move in but something isn’t quite right. Something is watching them. Something leaves scratches in the wooden plinth or their new kitchen and haunts Lydia’s dreams. Something, or someone from a time long lost.
This is a genuinely scary tale and it gave me a couple of creepy dreams, I can tell you!
Although the ending was a bit abrupt, I really enjoyed reading this and I have since discovered that Carly Reagon has written another book, which I have added to my ever expanding tbr. If you like ghostly, unsettling tales then this is definitely for you. I can’t wait to read another from this author 👻
I’d like to thank Little Brown Book Group, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 2, 2024
An unsettling, atmospheric and eerie story, set in an isolated house called the White Tower in north Wales.
A young family inherit a house in a bleak location, especially considering that winter is on its way. They see it as a new start and a good place to raise a family opposed to the stressful and busy life of London. However, they find the house to be less than homely with the possessions of the deceased relative everywhere as well as being cold and damp. The unwelcoming locals don't help either.
The story is told from the point of view of the husband, wife and a young woman who lived over a hundred years ago. Each has their own personal problems such as anxiety, abusive control issues and violence. Throughout, ghostly lights, voices and a few door slams make this rather a tense and spooky read, complete with first world problems just to make it relatable.
A strong, captivating start, quite well written with a good sense of place. Some of the characters are not too pleasant (in true horror or ghost story fashion) and there are a couple of disturbing features to increase the tension. Towards the end the book slows and becomes a little repetitive as if it has lost its way somewhat. Not a strong ending but the journey makes a creepy tale, perfect for these dark nights.
A young family inherit a house in a bleak location, especially considering that winter is on its way. They see it as a new start and a good place to raise a family opposed to the stressful and busy life of London. However, they find the house to be less than homely with the possessions of the deceased relative everywhere as well as being cold and damp. The unwelcoming locals don't help either.
The story is told from the point of view of the husband, wife and a young woman who lived over a hundred years ago. Each has their own personal problems such as anxiety, abusive control issues and violence. Throughout, ghostly lights, voices and a few door slams make this rather a tense and spooky read, complete with first world problems just to make it relatable.
A strong, captivating start, quite well written with a good sense of place. Some of the characters are not too pleasant (in true horror or ghost story fashion) and there are a couple of disturbing features to increase the tension. Towards the end the book slows and becomes a little repetitive as if it has lost its way somewhat. Not a strong ending but the journey makes a creepy tale, perfect for these dark nights.
December 1, 2024
The atmosphere in HEAR HIM CALLING, by Carly Reagon, was fantastic for a closed-in, tale of supernatural menace. When Kyle inherits a "tower" left to him by his reclusive grandfather, he moves his wife Lydia and their infant son, Jamie, out of the comfort of London to the secluded mountains.
This supernatural novel had a bit of everything: ghosts, eerie dreams, psychological horror/thriller elements, and the instinctive disliking of outsiders moving into a small town. Lydia is a woman with a hidden past of her own, and moving out here seems to bring everything she left behind into the forefront of her mind. Kyle too, seems to "change" more with the move, in ways first very subtle, and later, less so.
The story has excerpts from inhabitants of the past, as well as a few flashbacks to Lydia's own life, before she met Kyle. A few of the twists were easy to predict early on, but I believe that was intentional on the author's part. The story has many layers, and some I didn't even grasp until right at the very end. This is a novel that will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished.
I'm looking forward to more from this author in the future!
Recommended.
This supernatural novel had a bit of everything: ghosts, eerie dreams, psychological horror/thriller elements, and the instinctive disliking of outsiders moving into a small town. Lydia is a woman with a hidden past of her own, and moving out here seems to bring everything she left behind into the forefront of her mind. Kyle too, seems to "change" more with the move, in ways first very subtle, and later, less so.
The story has excerpts from inhabitants of the past, as well as a few flashbacks to Lydia's own life, before she met Kyle. A few of the twists were easy to predict early on, but I believe that was intentional on the author's part. The story has many layers, and some I didn't even grasp until right at the very end. This is a novel that will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished.
I'm looking forward to more from this author in the future!
Recommended.
May 14, 2024
At first look at the blurb and throughout the first few chapters introducing the seemingly uninteresting small village and inhabitants i was a little wary whether i would end up wishing for a bit more excitement, however i was pleasantly surprised.
The build up of suspense and eeriness was really well woven into Lydia and Kyles daily lives adjusting to their new move, the background and history that creates a growing curiosity of what this mysterious bad presence is presented through the behaviour and language of every character encountered not just the odd happenings. Lydia and Kyle stay relateable as they attempt to figure things out, the dual pov alongside the way the author writes the insight into their inner thoughts and struggles gives a nice depth to the characters and story. The story behind the presence and the towns past was quite sad, there is no sudden aha it all makes sense moment more of a you had been given all the jigsaw piece and you put them together at a nice steady pace. The slower pace of the book helped really understand and connect the characters; past and present.
The build up of suspense and eeriness was really well woven into Lydia and Kyles daily lives adjusting to their new move, the background and history that creates a growing curiosity of what this mysterious bad presence is presented through the behaviour and language of every character encountered not just the odd happenings. Lydia and Kyle stay relateable as they attempt to figure things out, the dual pov alongside the way the author writes the insight into their inner thoughts and struggles gives a nice depth to the characters and story. The story behind the presence and the towns past was quite sad, there is no sudden aha it all makes sense moment more of a you had been given all the jigsaw piece and you put them together at a nice steady pace. The slower pace of the book helped really understand and connect the characters; past and present.
January 14, 2025
Nothing you haven’t read before
It isn’t badly written (with a few tired tropes and the inevitable woman who doesn’t know she’s gorgeous, with barely there make up and pulls on her husband’s T-shirt in a bind, not like other girls etc etc) but it’s predictable and widely done. If you’ve read it, you might agree with me that “little fellow” was a bit weird. Also, the fact that a puppy is just bought, taken home on the same day, with no mention of vaccines, puppy food, etc (a crate appears) irritated me immensely.
The reviews made me think I was getting a good ghost story but ghosts played a very small part and the parts they did were a little boring and entirely predictable.
I was particularly enjoying the use of the Welsh language, thinking it was highlighting the real Wales, until I realised it was coupled with the idea that the village would be openly hostile to an English family (it seems counter productive)
All in all, it read very much like a book written by someone who had taken a few creative writing classes and perhaps had a link to Wales. I’m sorry to say, I wish I had read it through Libby or Kindle Unlimited so I didn’t have to pay for it.
It isn’t badly written (with a few tired tropes and the inevitable woman who doesn’t know she’s gorgeous, with barely there make up and pulls on her husband’s T-shirt in a bind, not like other girls etc etc) but it’s predictable and widely done. If you’ve read it, you might agree with me that “little fellow” was a bit weird. Also, the fact that a puppy is just bought, taken home on the same day, with no mention of vaccines, puppy food, etc (a crate appears) irritated me immensely.
The reviews made me think I was getting a good ghost story but ghosts played a very small part and the parts they did were a little boring and entirely predictable.
I was particularly enjoying the use of the Welsh language, thinking it was highlighting the real Wales, until I realised it was coupled with the idea that the village would be openly hostile to an English family (it seems counter productive)
All in all, it read very much like a book written by someone who had taken a few creative writing classes and perhaps had a link to Wales. I’m sorry to say, I wish I had read it through Libby or Kindle Unlimited so I didn’t have to pay for it.
June 22, 2025
After having read “ the toll house “ who’s h was CRs debut novel that I rather 3 stars, I looked forward to “
“ hear him calling” as in my opinion authors tend to get better along their writing journey. In this case I was wrong!
The characters were ok but not overly interesting and poor JJ lives his short life either in his high chair or asleep, I thought hypothetically that he was being drugged , I don’t think he had active part in this storyline.
The plot had so much potential but good grief did It drag on and on!
I guessed half way through what was happening and looked forward to a penultimate explanation at the
End.
I googled RGs new book to be published in October hoping it would be a sequal. ITS NOT !
Would I read this again…. NO
Would I reccomend it….NO
🌟 🌟 Rating, and only because I saw a potentially good ending.
“ hear him calling” as in my opinion authors tend to get better along their writing journey. In this case I was wrong!
The characters were ok but not overly interesting and poor JJ lives his short life either in his high chair or asleep, I thought hypothetically that he was being drugged , I don’t think he had active part in this storyline.
The plot had so much potential but good grief did It drag on and on!
I guessed half way through what was happening and looked forward to a penultimate explanation at the
End.
I googled RGs new book to be published in October hoping it would be a sequal. ITS NOT !
Would I read this again…. NO
Would I reccomend it….NO
🌟 🌟 Rating, and only because I saw a potentially good ending.
October 28, 2024
I was brought up in north Wales and appreciated the authenticity of the Welsh speakers switching to English and then back again to their own language( note: this doesn’t make the book hard to read).
This is a chilling ghost story, very well written. It is also about a clash of cultures in the present, and a glimpse of a very dark past which haunts the present day.
As with so many other books a young couple move from London for a fresh start in the country. They bring their own problems with them, and so are very vulnerable to what awaits them in their new home. There is a constant sense of being watched by The Mountain- which is the steep hillside behind their home. At the end, some resolution, but the sense that there is more to come.
An excellent book in every way
October 18, 2024
When Kyle and his wife Lydia inherit Kyle’s grandfathers house, they realise maybe this is not what they signed up for. Lydia is not happy living there, the locals seem to have turned against them but why? lots of bad things start happening to get them to leave. But Kyle wants to stay, he knows his grandfather loved this house and feels a connection to him by living here. But someone wants them gone and how will it end for Kyle and Lydia? It was a good well rounded story, even with not many characters it still kept me captivated, whilst reading it I did feel as though I had the chills as it was eerie in places. I would never of expected the outcome of this story. Very well done thriller.
October 9, 2024
This is a proper creepy book, one of the best I’ve read for some time. This is a perfect read as we approach the dark nights of winter and Halloween! The atmosphere the author has managed to create by the use of a foreboding location, weather and a whole host of well written characters is brilliant. The story develops at a slow and steady pace as you start to get a real sense of the people and place and what is really happening. A perfect blend of superstition, supernatural goings on modern day psychological thriller.
November 17, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, and I love the authors style of writing. She constantly fills her books with suspense and upcoming dread, you’re always trying to guess what is coming next which is the sign of book that has you.
There are a couple things which stop me giving this book 5 stars however, I feel like the ending didn’t resolve everything that had happened in the book which is a shame and I feel like cerys and gethyn’s angle wasn’t explored or explained enough.
But overall, a fantastic read and will definitely be picking up the next Carly reagan book!
There are a couple things which stop me giving this book 5 stars however, I feel like the ending didn’t resolve everything that had happened in the book which is a shame and I feel like cerys and gethyn’s angle wasn’t explored or explained enough.
But overall, a fantastic read and will definitely be picking up the next Carly reagan book!
April 18, 2024
This was excellent.
A genuinely creepy story set within the deep dark beauty of Wales where something dangerous lurks behind the gorgeous scenery.
The characters are beautifully relatable and the writing is wonderful, creating a disturbing and distinctive feel to the narrative.
It made me dream vividly and the ending is one that will keep creeping into your mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this, it has everything you want from a tale of the supernatural.
High recommend.
A genuinely creepy story set within the deep dark beauty of Wales where something dangerous lurks behind the gorgeous scenery.
The characters are beautifully relatable and the writing is wonderful, creating a disturbing and distinctive feel to the narrative.
It made me dream vividly and the ending is one that will keep creeping into your mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this, it has everything you want from a tale of the supernatural.
High recommend.
January 2, 2025
After reading The Toll House, the authors first book I was intrigued to see if this one would be as good. Throughout the book I was gripped by the horror / psychological elements of eeriness. I found the story to be interesting and the author did well to build the imagery of rural setting.
Personally, I found the ending to be very abrupt which was a shame given the detail throughout the novel.
Other than this the book was good.
Personally, I found the ending to be very abrupt which was a shame given the detail throughout the novel.
Other than this the book was good.
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