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The Girl Who Heard Maggots
Some secrets are best left under lock and key.
Ivy hopes for a fresh start when she takes a nannying job at the bleak and isolated Fairwood House. Determined to play by the rules, she looks past her employer’s eccentricities and quickly bonds with six-year-old Wren.
But when Ivy discovers that the previous nanny left under mysterious circumstances, she digs deeper, and the terrifying truth unravels.
Against her employer’s orders, Ivy enters the woods and sees something she can never unsee. She knows she must act quickly if she and Wren are to survive, but her traumatic past messes with her mind and the odds are stacked against her.
Ivy hopes for a fresh start when she takes a nannying job at the bleak and isolated Fairwood House. Determined to play by the rules, she looks past her employer’s eccentricities and quickly bonds with six-year-old Wren.
But when Ivy discovers that the previous nanny left under mysterious circumstances, she digs deeper, and the terrifying truth unravels.
Against her employer’s orders, Ivy enters the woods and sees something she can never unsee. She knows she must act quickly if she and Wren are to survive, but her traumatic past messes with her mind and the odds are stacked against her.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2023
60 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Abby Davies
6 books201 followersHello :) I write suspenseful psychological thrillers with a hint of horror. I'm book-obsessed and only review books I enjoy! I hope you enjoy my books and that they don't creep you out...too much ;)
Come and learn more about my books and subscribe to my newsletter to win gifts and receive sneak peaks of early releases at www.abbydavies.com
I'm active on Instagram, so please come and say hi @abbydavieauthor - I love chatting books and writing!
Come and learn more about my books and subscribe to my newsletter to win gifts and receive sneak peaks of early releases at www.abbydavies.com
I'm active on Instagram, so please come and say hi @abbydavieauthor - I love chatting books and writing!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 26, 2023
“We all have a touch of madness. It's what makes us human.” Madness and mystery lurk around every corner of Fairwood House, the setting of this Gothic atmospheric thriller. It's perfectly paced and chillingly intense. The title alone foreshadows spine-tingling events that lead to a heart-stopping conclusion. This is the first book I have read by this author but will definitely not be the last. I was captivated, and couldn't put it down. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy.
January 20, 2024
3.5 Stars!
Trying to catch up on my reviews! Coming soon!!
Trying to catch up on my reviews! Coming soon!!
October 22, 2023
This was fantastic. I absolutely loved the eerie setting and weird vibes. The author did such an amazing job of making this feel like a scary historical fiction piece, a creepy house on some creepy land with some creepy owners! However, the unique thing here was the fact this book is actually set in modern day. I loved how this worked.
There's so much action, so much stuff keeping you guessing and wondering what is going on and who is the bad guy etc? It's easy to get ideas about what you think the secrets are, I certainly had mine! However I was wrong most the time so always had a surprise.
The character development is brilliant. I don't want to say who I liked the most, who I learned to like, who I judged, who owned a piece of my heart while reading because I don't want to give spoilers. You should read this book and see what your first impressions are of the characters. Will they be the same by the end?!
I also loved the idea of the maggots and how we see where this formed in flashbacks / memories.
This is a great spooky season read, it's very chilling and will most deffo linger in your mind after reading. I can't wait to read more work by this author!
*I downloaded this book from book sirens. I have chosen to leave this review and these thoughts are entirely my own*
There's so much action, so much stuff keeping you guessing and wondering what is going on and who is the bad guy etc? It's easy to get ideas about what you think the secrets are, I certainly had mine! However I was wrong most the time so always had a surprise.
The character development is brilliant. I don't want to say who I liked the most, who I learned to like, who I judged, who owned a piece of my heart while reading because I don't want to give spoilers. You should read this book and see what your first impressions are of the characters. Will they be the same by the end?!
I also loved the idea of the maggots and how we see where this formed in flashbacks / memories.
This is a great spooky season read, it's very chilling and will most deffo linger in your mind after reading. I can't wait to read more work by this author!
*I downloaded this book from book sirens. I have chosen to leave this review and these thoughts are entirely my own*
November 15, 2023
4.5 Stars
While the overall plot and story of this book was somewhat familiar (nanny comes to a creepy house to look after a child and then weird stuff starts happening), the unique premise with Ivy hearing maggots inside her head was not only eerie but also extremely poignant concerning a person's overall mental health.
It was clear from the start that Ivy had problems or issues that were causing her a great deal of turmoil, so that underlying theme throughout the book it made me keep reading because I wanted to understand why she was hearing maggots in her head.
The story ramped up towards the end after a slow start and kept me turning the pages. While I felt Ivy was a little judgmental at times, her heart was in the right place when it came to looking after the little boy.
Had vibes of gothic horror as well as the psychological element, which I loved. A brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
While the overall plot and story of this book was somewhat familiar (nanny comes to a creepy house to look after a child and then weird stuff starts happening), the unique premise with Ivy hearing maggots inside her head was not only eerie but also extremely poignant concerning a person's overall mental health.
It was clear from the start that Ivy had problems or issues that were causing her a great deal of turmoil, so that underlying theme throughout the book it made me keep reading because I wanted to understand why she was hearing maggots in her head.
The story ramped up towards the end after a slow start and kept me turning the pages. While I felt Ivy was a little judgmental at times, her heart was in the right place when it came to looking after the little boy.
Had vibes of gothic horror as well as the psychological element, which I loved. A brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 16, 2024
I’ve just binged this in one sitting. Full review coming soon once I’ve processed this
October 29, 2023
I added this book to my TBR right after finishing another novel by the same author, Her No. 1 Fan, by Abby Davies. In comparison, The Girl Who Heard Maggots is my second favorite work by Davies.
There is a lot going on and it wasn't hard to follow at all. Ivy gets a nanny job working for and eccentric older woman, Mrs. Waters, who seems stuck in the Victorian era. Her home decor and clothing choices reflect that, as well as her anti-technology views. In spite of that, Ivy finds her employer to be a nice enough woman with just three simple rules.
I don't know why, but I assumed the maggots aspect wouldn't show up until much later in the book. We are introduced to them early on and learn more and more about why Ivy hears them as the story progresses. Let me warn you, it's a bit disturbing. I think I have a slight phobia of maggots ever since "The Lost Boys" movie, but I digress.
I found myself caring for Ivy and her young charge, Wren, and very little for any of the other characters.
I bumped this down from a 4 to a 3 because I felt there could have been more explanation as to why Mrs. Waters is stuck in the Victorian era. I also felt there could have been a little more time spent building the relationship between Ivy and Ralph, a writer she meets at a tea room on her day off. I was a bit disappointed by his unexplained reappearance toward the end of the story, as it felt a little cliche with such little interaction between them before hand.
Overall, it was an intense read and hard to put down. I just had those two criticisms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a lot going on and it wasn't hard to follow at all. Ivy gets a nanny job working for and eccentric older woman, Mrs. Waters, who seems stuck in the Victorian era. Her home decor and clothing choices reflect that, as well as her anti-technology views. In spite of that, Ivy finds her employer to be a nice enough woman with just three simple rules.
I don't know why, but I assumed the maggots aspect wouldn't show up until much later in the book. We are introduced to them early on and learn more and more about why Ivy hears them as the story progresses. Let me warn you, it's a bit disturbing. I think I have a slight phobia of maggots ever since "The Lost Boys" movie, but I digress.
I found myself caring for Ivy and her young charge, Wren, and very little for any of the other characters.
I bumped this down from a 4 to a 3 because I felt there could have been more explanation as to why Mrs. Waters is stuck in the Victorian era. I also felt there could have been a little more time spent building the relationship between Ivy and Ralph, a writer she meets at a tea room on her day off. I was a bit disappointed by his unexplained reappearance toward the end of the story, as it felt a little cliche with such little interaction between them before hand.
Overall, it was an intense read and hard to put down. I just had those two criticisms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
This was the first book I've read by this author, and it's a pretty interesting one. The first half is a slower build, which I quite enjoyed, while the second half has a much faster pace as everything starts to come to a head. Ivy has a history that's slowly revealed over the course of the novel, which is where the maggots come in, and that definitely guides her life and the choices she makes, both before and during her time in Mrs. Waters's employ as a nanny for Wren.
I feel like there are some loose ends by the final page, including an explanation for some of Mrs. Waters's eccentricities, as that never happened, as well as more backstory for the other major characters. There are also spelling and grammatical issues, as well as some inconsistencies and continuity errors throughout the book, though my copy was an ARC, so hopefully those will have been corrected prior to publication.
All in all, I enjoyed this story, and I'd be interested in reading more of the author's books.
3.5 stars
**I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
I feel like there are some loose ends by the final page, including an explanation for some of Mrs. Waters's eccentricities, as that never happened, as well as more backstory for the other major characters. There are also spelling and grammatical issues, as well as some inconsistencies and continuity errors throughout the book, though my copy was an ARC, so hopefully those will have been corrected prior to publication.
All in all, I enjoyed this story, and I'd be interested in reading more of the author's books.
3.5 stars
**I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
November 15, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing. My first book by this author, and I am not disappointed in it.
She did a phenomenal job with such a chilling and eerie atmosphere/setting. One that had chills running down my spine and gave me goosebumps up and down my arms. I love books where I don’t know what’s going to happen or where I can’t guess what’s going to happen, and this was definitely one of them. Page after page, I kept telling myself “I’ll quit reading after this” and I never did.
I started out very much so untrusting of certain characters, but it all came together in the end, and I loved each and every character, aside from one.
I also love how our MC Ivy has such a love and devotion to Wren. How she’s such a brave heroine in this novel.
I loved this book, and i will 100% be adding more of her novels to my TBR!
**I received a digital ARC of this book for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions here are my own!**
She did a phenomenal job with such a chilling and eerie atmosphere/setting. One that had chills running down my spine and gave me goosebumps up and down my arms. I love books where I don’t know what’s going to happen or where I can’t guess what’s going to happen, and this was definitely one of them. Page after page, I kept telling myself “I’ll quit reading after this” and I never did.
I started out very much so untrusting of certain characters, but it all came together in the end, and I loved each and every character, aside from one.
I also love how our MC Ivy has such a love and devotion to Wren. How she’s such a brave heroine in this novel.
I loved this book, and i will 100% be adding more of her novels to my TBR!
**I received a digital ARC of this book for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions here are my own!**
November 10, 2023
Abby Davies is the most wonderful storyteller, she has a fantastic imagination that really shines through in her books. The Girl Who Heard Maggots is very different to any book I’ve ever read, it wasn’t at all what I was expecting but I enjoy it when a book is unpredictable.
Ivy needs to get away after something happened in her previous job. She accepts a job as a Nanny, working in an isolated house where the gates and doors are kept locked, there is no signal or WiFi and the employer is a very strange lady indeed! The other staff at the house are a bit weird too. Ivy can sense things are different here, but she is willing to give it a go and she really takes to Wren, the little boy she is there to take care of.
It’s not long before Ivy realises the residents are hiding many secrets and when she finds out the previous Nanny disappeared she worries her life could be in danger and makes it her mission to find out what has been going on!
This story is very creepy! I’m pretty sure it gave me nightmares after reading it late one night 😂 Abby is great with writing suspense and knows how to write a chilling scene!
I found the first half of the book more intriguing and gripping than the second half, I also would have liked a bit more backstory from some of the characters. But regardless, I still really enjoyed reading this book and I felt it had the right kind of ending.
If you’ve not read any of Abby Davies’s books and you are a fan of suspense thrillers then please do check out her fabulous back catalogue.
Thank you so much to Abby for my copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Ivy needs to get away after something happened in her previous job. She accepts a job as a Nanny, working in an isolated house where the gates and doors are kept locked, there is no signal or WiFi and the employer is a very strange lady indeed! The other staff at the house are a bit weird too. Ivy can sense things are different here, but she is willing to give it a go and she really takes to Wren, the little boy she is there to take care of.
It’s not long before Ivy realises the residents are hiding many secrets and when she finds out the previous Nanny disappeared she worries her life could be in danger and makes it her mission to find out what has been going on!
This story is very creepy! I’m pretty sure it gave me nightmares after reading it late one night 😂 Abby is great with writing suspense and knows how to write a chilling scene!
I found the first half of the book more intriguing and gripping than the second half, I also would have liked a bit more backstory from some of the characters. But regardless, I still really enjoyed reading this book and I felt it had the right kind of ending.
If you’ve not read any of Abby Davies’s books and you are a fan of suspense thrillers then please do check out her fabulous back catalogue.
Thank you so much to Abby for my copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
November 28, 2023
Some secrets are best left under lock and key.
Ivy hopes for a fresh start when she takes a nannying job at the bleak and isolated Fairwood House. Determined to play by the rules, she looks past her employer’s eccentricities and quickly bonds with six-year-old Wren.
But when Ivy discovers that the previous nanny left under mysterious circumstances, she digs deeper, and the terrifying truth unravels.
Against her employer’s orders, Ivy enters the woods and sees something she can never unsee. She knows she must act quickly if she and Wren are to survive, but her traumatic past messes with her mind and the odds are stacked against her.
This reminded me of a modern day gothic thriller with Mrs. Walters’ eccentric dress sense and mannerisms. The foreboding Fairwood House looming in the distance as Ivy approached gave me the creeps!
The novel is one of those that unfurls itself slowly; dripping you information bit by bit until you have the full picture of past and present … well almost…
I enjoyed this but wished there was more of a back story as to why Mrs Waters was a technophobe and why she dressed the way she did (and had Ivy dress too).
The second half was pretty dramatic and fast paced but I think I liked the mystery and intrigue surrounding the first half best. It was much more atmospheric.
The maggots seemed to be a metaphor for Ivy’s own internal struggles and I was pleased that she managed to come to terms with them by the end.
Ivy hopes for a fresh start when she takes a nannying job at the bleak and isolated Fairwood House. Determined to play by the rules, she looks past her employer’s eccentricities and quickly bonds with six-year-old Wren.
But when Ivy discovers that the previous nanny left under mysterious circumstances, she digs deeper, and the terrifying truth unravels.
Against her employer’s orders, Ivy enters the woods and sees something she can never unsee. She knows she must act quickly if she and Wren are to survive, but her traumatic past messes with her mind and the odds are stacked against her.
This reminded me of a modern day gothic thriller with Mrs. Walters’ eccentric dress sense and mannerisms. The foreboding Fairwood House looming in the distance as Ivy approached gave me the creeps!
The novel is one of those that unfurls itself slowly; dripping you information bit by bit until you have the full picture of past and present … well almost…
I enjoyed this but wished there was more of a back story as to why Mrs Waters was a technophobe and why she dressed the way she did (and had Ivy dress too).
The second half was pretty dramatic and fast paced but I think I liked the mystery and intrigue surrounding the first half best. It was much more atmospheric.
The maggots seemed to be a metaphor for Ivy’s own internal struggles and I was pleased that she managed to come to terms with them by the end.
January 28, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. The title itself and cover were so enticing. Sadly, this was disappointing. The writing was very immature. I was surprised to find out the author has an MFA in creative writing. There were so many redundancies throughout that I found it very tedious to actually read through the parts that weren’t action-based.
I appreciated how each chapter conveyed something important and usually ended with a small hanger at the end. The description of grotesque imagery was also excellent. But the lack of professional proofreading really irked me (there was literally a comma mid-word at one point). I think the four page epilogue is probably the best written portion of the story.
I appreciated how each chapter conveyed something important and usually ended with a small hanger at the end. The description of grotesque imagery was also excellent. But the lack of professional proofreading really irked me (there was literally a comma mid-word at one point). I think the four page epilogue is probably the best written portion of the story.
November 10, 2023
It is by far my favourite book from this author. Its eerie setting and mysterious plotline give out all the spooky vibes.
The characters were fantastically developed, albeit some came across a tad weird - think modern day but also historical fiction all intertwined.
I had several favourites. however, if I had to pick, I'd choose Odette and Wren.
I loved how creative the story was, especially the use of the 'maggots' as voices. Although maggots seriously creep me out so I kept getting shivers thinking of maggots being in my ears.
I was that invested in the story. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and before I knew it, I was at the end of the book. Therefore I highly recommend this one.
Huge thank you to instabooktours & Abby Davies for having me on the tour and for an E-Arc of the book.
The characters were fantastically developed, albeit some came across a tad weird - think modern day but also historical fiction all intertwined.
I had several favourites. however, if I had to pick, I'd choose Odette and Wren.
I loved how creative the story was, especially the use of the 'maggots' as voices. Although maggots seriously creep me out so I kept getting shivers thinking of maggots being in my ears.
I was that invested in the story. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and before I knew it, I was at the end of the book. Therefore I highly recommend this one.
Huge thank you to instabooktours & Abby Davies for having me on the tour and for an E-Arc of the book.
November 21, 2023
Freida McFadden fans would LOVE this!
Full review to come x
Full review to come x
December 7, 2023
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Girl Who Heard Maggots is about a young woman who becomes a Nanny for an eccentric family in the middle of nowhere. Ivy hears maggots in her head due to her past, but honestly, they made no sense in the grand scheme of things. The maggots were a distraction from the actual story, which was actually quite good, even if it was a little predictable.
The tail end of the story was quite a stretch, but justice was eventually served, and thankfully, the maggots were gone.
The Girl Who Heard Maggots is about a young woman who becomes a Nanny for an eccentric family in the middle of nowhere. Ivy hears maggots in her head due to her past, but honestly, they made no sense in the grand scheme of things. The maggots were a distraction from the actual story, which was actually quite good, even if it was a little predictable.
The tail end of the story was quite a stretch, but justice was eventually served, and thankfully, the maggots were gone.
February 8, 2024
Brilliant book- fantastic read. Some grammar/typo errors but other than that so good. Characters were really well described, I really felt their personalities. The scenes/locations I could visualise. I struggled to put the book down. Can’t wait to read more from the author.
November 14, 2023
My difficulty with this book is that it dealt with adult issues but was written for the most part like a young adult read, a genre I definitely dislike, and wouldn't choose to read.
Ivy is a nanny and joins a weird home to take charge of Wren, where the lady of the house (and her boss) dresses up in Victorian style vintage dresses and disallows any kind of technology(first red flag). The nanny Ivy replaced, Lucinda, left without saying goodbye(2nd red flag). The other staff comprise Ping, a young Thai cleaner and Maddock, an older handyman and ex-con who are actually a couple (3rd red flag). Add to this a romance between Ivy and Ralph, a writer she meets in town but has very little time with, and the story lost its impetus for me. The back and forth of Ivy's personal demons associated with maggots and the death of her mother left me wanting.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 3 stars.
Ivy is a nanny and joins a weird home to take charge of Wren, where the lady of the house (and her boss) dresses up in Victorian style vintage dresses and disallows any kind of technology(first red flag). The nanny Ivy replaced, Lucinda, left without saying goodbye(2nd red flag). The other staff comprise Ping, a young Thai cleaner and Maddock, an older handyman and ex-con who are actually a couple (3rd red flag). Add to this a romance between Ivy and Ralph, a writer she meets in town but has very little time with, and the story lost its impetus for me. The back and forth of Ivy's personal demons associated with maggots and the death of her mother left me wanting.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 3 stars.
February 2, 2024
OMG!!! THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!
Stupidly I'd started reading the book around 1am after staying up finishing another murder mystery. It's now 6:30am and I've finished reading it!
I literally COULD NOT put it down. I knew I was going to fight all my instincts to nod off because I just had to find out what was going on at that house!! It doesn't matter that I have to be up in 2 hours! This book needed to be read!
Now what are you all waiting for? Get reading!! You'll thank me or maybe not if you sacrifice your precious beauty sleep then end up ringing in sick for work the next day because you are so sleep deprived you cannot function!
You're welcome!! 😉
Stupidly I'd started reading the book around 1am after staying up finishing another murder mystery. It's now 6:30am and I've finished reading it!
I literally COULD NOT put it down. I knew I was going to fight all my instincts to nod off because I just had to find out what was going on at that house!! It doesn't matter that I have to be up in 2 hours! This book needed to be read!
Now what are you all waiting for? Get reading!! You'll thank me or maybe not if you sacrifice your precious beauty sleep then end up ringing in sick for work the next day because you are so sleep deprived you cannot function!
You're welcome!! 😉
February 25, 2024
Characters watch everyone they know get brutally murdered but then miraculously save the day and have no trauma or psychological effects at all and have a lovely wedding
Also what's with the Maggots. The story would have been exactly the same without them
Also what's with the Maggots. The story would have been exactly the same without them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
The description and characters are really well written and interesting though there seemed to be a shift in the genre towards the end and it became less ghost story than I expected.
February 2, 2025
A bit slow to start with and a bit unbelievable at the end but all in all a reasonably good read.
December 9, 2023
The Girl Who Heard Maggots
“No, no—there are depths, depths! The more I go over it, the more I see in it, and the more I see in it, the more I fear. I don’t know what I don’t see—what I don’t fear!”
The Girl Who Heard Maggots was a surprisingly enjoyable read, reminiscent of a contemporary take on Jane Eyre and another very famous work…
Ivy, a twenty-six-year-old woman, begins her new role as Wren's nanny, looking after him in a grand, old mansion. The property's roof is adorned with half-wolf/half-gargoyle figures as large as bulls, which Ivy finds unsettling.
Maddock, a character with an appearance that bears a resemblance to 'Mad-Eye Moody,' greets Ivy upon her arrival.
In the house, where Harriet Waters is the dominant figure, Ivy is expected to wear Victorian dress. Additionally, there is "Ping" who works as a type of maid and a peculiar girl named Odette living in the house. Odette hardly ever leaves her room, and at times, her chilling screams can be heard at night. In one instance, Ivy encounters her while dancing at night and is horrified to find her back covered in scars.
The concept of an unseen woman in an old house also reminded me a bit of Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre) and Manderley (Rebecca).
Ivy must never let her charge out of her sight, surrender her phone, and avoid venturing into the woodland east of the house.
The book emanates a creepy and ominous ambiance from the start - Ivy develops a close relationship with Wren but views Mrs Waters and the other residents with suspicion. Ivy believes Mrs Waters is ‘off her rocker.’
Throughout the story, Ivy is haunted by dark thoughts, and we gain insight into her past and anxieties. The writer subtly implies uncertainties regarding Ivy's past and how it has impacted those around her prior to her arrival at Fairwood House. Ivy's previous employment as a nanny did not proceed without complications, prompting the reader to ponder about her upbringing and the role she played in it. Ivy is, without a doubt, a disturbed individual plagued by negative thoughts and panic attacks, the maggots in her head are ‘like Medusa with the snakes inside her head.’
Eventually, Ivy cannot contain her curiosity, and sets out to investigate. Through Wren, she gets information about a nanny who suddenly stayed away before her arrival and did not say goodbye. Ivy also finds bizarre drawings and signs of captivity in the house's dark basement.
She walks into the 'forbidden' woodland and finds terrible things there; her mind is made up: she must flee from Fairwood House, with Wren, because they are both in danger if they have to continue living with 'those lunatics' any longer.
I really enjoyed the first half of the story up until the flight from Fairwood House. The Jane Eyre references and the gothic atmosphere and elements were really fabulous.
However, personally, I felt that the story faltered slightly after that, perhaps because much of it was already predictable.The violent second half lacked the gothic and eerie atmosphere that I love so much. For example, I felt the chase and the ax battle with ** (no spoilers) were overly verbose. I also spent more time on the latter half of the book.
I thought the ending was a bit rushed, suddenly there's Ralph and it's all going to end well, which is probably a personal thing, - as only fairy tales end that way - it’s just that I don't like happy endings.
I refer to Jane Eyre as one of my favourite books, but of course there's much more to this wonderful story: it's about how a bad situation turns worse, about motherhood, about mental illness and the desire to be better and make the most of it.
4.5 stars. Thank you BookSirens for the review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
“No, no—there are depths, depths! The more I go over it, the more I see in it, and the more I see in it, the more I fear. I don’t know what I don’t see—what I don’t fear!”
The Girl Who Heard Maggots was a surprisingly enjoyable read, reminiscent of a contemporary take on Jane Eyre and another very famous work…
Ivy, a twenty-six-year-old woman, begins her new role as Wren's nanny, looking after him in a grand, old mansion. The property's roof is adorned with half-wolf/half-gargoyle figures as large as bulls, which Ivy finds unsettling.
Maddock, a character with an appearance that bears a resemblance to 'Mad-Eye Moody,' greets Ivy upon her arrival.
In the house, where Harriet Waters is the dominant figure, Ivy is expected to wear Victorian dress. Additionally, there is "Ping" who works as a type of maid and a peculiar girl named Odette living in the house. Odette hardly ever leaves her room, and at times, her chilling screams can be heard at night. In one instance, Ivy encounters her while dancing at night and is horrified to find her back covered in scars.
The concept of an unseen woman in an old house also reminded me a bit of Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre) and Manderley (Rebecca).
Ivy must never let her charge out of her sight, surrender her phone, and avoid venturing into the woodland east of the house.
The book emanates a creepy and ominous ambiance from the start - Ivy develops a close relationship with Wren but views Mrs Waters and the other residents with suspicion. Ivy believes Mrs Waters is ‘off her rocker.’
Throughout the story, Ivy is haunted by dark thoughts, and we gain insight into her past and anxieties. The writer subtly implies uncertainties regarding Ivy's past and how it has impacted those around her prior to her arrival at Fairwood House. Ivy's previous employment as a nanny did not proceed without complications, prompting the reader to ponder about her upbringing and the role she played in it. Ivy is, without a doubt, a disturbed individual plagued by negative thoughts and panic attacks, the maggots in her head are ‘like Medusa with the snakes inside her head.’
Eventually, Ivy cannot contain her curiosity, and sets out to investigate. Through Wren, she gets information about a nanny who suddenly stayed away before her arrival and did not say goodbye. Ivy also finds bizarre drawings and signs of captivity in the house's dark basement.
She walks into the 'forbidden' woodland and finds terrible things there; her mind is made up: she must flee from Fairwood House, with Wren, because they are both in danger if they have to continue living with 'those lunatics' any longer.
I really enjoyed the first half of the story up until the flight from Fairwood House. The Jane Eyre references and the gothic atmosphere and elements were really fabulous.
However, personally, I felt that the story faltered slightly after that, perhaps because much of it was already predictable.The violent second half lacked the gothic and eerie atmosphere that I love so much. For example, I felt the chase and the ax battle with ** (no spoilers) were overly verbose. I also spent more time on the latter half of the book.
I thought the ending was a bit rushed, suddenly there's Ralph and it's all going to end well, which is probably a personal thing, - as only fairy tales end that way - it’s just that I don't like happy endings.
I refer to Jane Eyre as one of my favourite books, but of course there's much more to this wonderful story: it's about how a bad situation turns worse, about motherhood, about mental illness and the desire to be better and make the most of it.
4.5 stars. Thank you BookSirens for the review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2023
Rating: 3⭐
Verdict: Recommend.
Ivy Smith is hired as a nanny at the desolate and remote Fairwood House. Her job is to take care of 6-year-old Wren, the only son of the charismatic and eccentric matriarch, Mrs. Waters. The job seems easy enough, especially for Ivy, who loves kids, and is seeking some reprieve from her haunting past. At Fairview, alongside her new boss, she meets the housekeeper, Ping and the handyman, Maddock. She also meets Mrs. Waters' ill 21-year-old daughter, Odette, whom she was unaware existed. Ivy soon discovers that secrets abound at the Fairview manor, and she must ensure hers and her ward's safety.
At the very beginning of the story, the audience gets the impression that Ivy Smith's job is far from being perfect, or even ideal. And as the story unveils, its daunting subject matter unfurls. Given the severity of what is shown, it is impressive how Abby Davies tells this story from an informed and sympathetic perspective. Despite Davies' skill, however, the characters' psychological development is hindered by rushed motivations and actions. This impatience and the lack of true interiority lessons the impact the story has on the reader. Furthermore, despite playing a central role in the book, the Maggots fail to capture the psychological turmoil Ivy experiences. In order to use elements of Magical Realism, as often found in Edgar Allan Poe's works, it is imperative that they are utilised effectively. That did not happen in this story. Nonetheless, the audience is engaged with the book, and the thrill to confirm or to dispute their deductions is palpable. In addition to what has been mentioned already, Davies should review the work, and be mindful of the grammatical and typographical errors that were found in the book.
Fans of "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Haunting of Bly Manor" would be interested in this homage to Henry James's classic.
My gratitude to BookSirens and to the author for providing this ARC.
Verdict: Recommend.
Ivy Smith is hired as a nanny at the desolate and remote Fairwood House. Her job is to take care of 6-year-old Wren, the only son of the charismatic and eccentric matriarch, Mrs. Waters. The job seems easy enough, especially for Ivy, who loves kids, and is seeking some reprieve from her haunting past. At Fairview, alongside her new boss, she meets the housekeeper, Ping and the handyman, Maddock. She also meets Mrs. Waters' ill 21-year-old daughter, Odette, whom she was unaware existed. Ivy soon discovers that secrets abound at the Fairview manor, and she must ensure hers and her ward's safety.
At the very beginning of the story, the audience gets the impression that Ivy Smith's job is far from being perfect, or even ideal. And as the story unveils, its daunting subject matter unfurls. Given the severity of what is shown, it is impressive how Abby Davies tells this story from an informed and sympathetic perspective. Despite Davies' skill, however, the characters' psychological development is hindered by rushed motivations and actions. This impatience and the lack of true interiority lessons the impact the story has on the reader. Furthermore, despite playing a central role in the book, the Maggots fail to capture the psychological turmoil Ivy experiences. In order to use elements of Magical Realism, as often found in Edgar Allan Poe's works, it is imperative that they are utilised effectively. That did not happen in this story. Nonetheless, the audience is engaged with the book, and the thrill to confirm or to dispute their deductions is palpable. In addition to what has been mentioned already, Davies should review the work, and be mindful of the grammatical and typographical errors that were found in the book.
Fans of "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Haunting of Bly Manor" would be interested in this homage to Henry James's classic.
My gratitude to BookSirens and to the author for providing this ARC.
June 22, 2025
Ivy gets a new job as a nanny to a 6 year old boy called Wren. This is a live-in job at Fairwood House, near the fictional village of Weirlock in Somerset. What could go wrong?
I found this to be an OKAY 3 star read. This is a first person narrative and starts off by giving the reader doubts, many doubts which are mirrored by the maggots that Ivy thinks she can hear whispering to her in her head. Scene setting is very good, a remote rural location with locked gates. Mrs Waters is very protective and wants to keep everyone safe. She imposes many rules and is a technophobe, no mobile phones or laptops allowed - she doesn’t like modern things and dresses in the styles of the Victorian era. She even provides clothes that Ivy must wear…
“Hmm. And your rooms? Are they to your liking?” I forced a smile. “They’re wonderful. And my dresses are amazing. I love wearing them. It feels like I’m playing dress up every day”
“So much more civilised than the clothes young people wear these days, don’t you think?” she said.
…I think this book started off really well, in the psychological thriller vein. I liked the dysfunctional household, the many doubts, the silly rules and locked doors. Character development is good and as the story unfolds, your understanding grows as to how things are the way they are. But about three quarters of the way through this book, once you understand the reasons behind everything, all the reader is left with is a long tale of escape from Fairwood House and it’s dangers. What started off as a good, dark psychological thriller became an average escape from danger story - hence my rating of 3 stars.
I found this to be an OKAY 3 star read. This is a first person narrative and starts off by giving the reader doubts, many doubts which are mirrored by the maggots that Ivy thinks she can hear whispering to her in her head. Scene setting is very good, a remote rural location with locked gates. Mrs Waters is very protective and wants to keep everyone safe. She imposes many rules and is a technophobe, no mobile phones or laptops allowed - she doesn’t like modern things and dresses in the styles of the Victorian era. She even provides clothes that Ivy must wear…
“Hmm. And your rooms? Are they to your liking?” I forced a smile. “They’re wonderful. And my dresses are amazing. I love wearing them. It feels like I’m playing dress up every day”
“So much more civilised than the clothes young people wear these days, don’t you think?” she said.
…I think this book started off really well, in the psychological thriller vein. I liked the dysfunctional household, the many doubts, the silly rules and locked doors. Character development is good and as the story unfolds, your understanding grows as to how things are the way they are. But about three quarters of the way through this book, once you understand the reasons behind everything, all the reader is left with is a long tale of escape from Fairwood House and it’s dangers. What started off as a good, dark psychological thriller became an average escape from danger story - hence my rating of 3 stars.
October 24, 2023
Ivy lives in a world of computers and smartphones, which she’s forced to leave behind to become a nanny in an isolated manor where she is asked to wear Victorian dresses and live like in the 19th century. Her employer tells her that her charge, Wren, is evil and gives her a set of very simple rules to follow. Of course, Ivy starts breaking them as soon as she can, while bonding with Wren, who doesn’t really seem like a bad kid. I didn’t like Ivy at all. She lived through very traumatic experiences, which made her hear the voices of “maggots” in her head, but she still makes the worst possible decision at every given time. I couldn’t bond with her at all and yet, I liked Wren so much that I had to root for Ivy because her one motivation is keeping him safe. I enjoyed the setting, the huge, isolated mansion, the surrounding woods, the creaking of the stairs… everything works well to add an element of creepiness. Some parts of the plot didn’t work for me. I can’t be too specific but let’s say that, when a character spends a lot of time doing something and then nothing happens and they end up the way they were before and having learned nothing, it seems like a waste of words. If it happens repeatedly, well, it becomes annoying. That said, I was still invested in the story and worried for Wren, hoping he’d be safe. In general, despite all the details that bugged me, I enjoyed this read and kept turning the pages. The maggots are cheering.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2023
Abby Davies captivated me with her storytelling right from the opening line. Her writing style is remarkable, skillfully keeping readers on the edge of their seats while maintaining an air of mystery throughout. Ivy, the protagonist, finds herself in a new nanny position following her dismissal from her previous family under enigmatic circumstances that unravel gradually.
Assigned to care for 6-year-old Wren, Ivy initially perceives him as a "bad boy." However, as the story unfolds, she begins to question this characterization, discovering a depth to Wren that contradicts the initial impressions. Ivy's inquisitive nature propels her into a relentless pursuit of the truth, regardless of the potential consequences. The narrative skillfully weaves a web of intrigue, leaving readers to ponder whether Wren, his sister Odette, or even Mrs. Waters harbors the undisclosed secrets.
Davies takes readers on a gripping journey, each page unveiling more layers to the story. The novel builds suspense as Ivy delves into the mysteries surrounding the family, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages in anticipation of the truth. What sets this book apart is the moment when the title suddenly clicks into place, catching readers off guard in the most satisfying way.
Personally, I found it impossible to put the book down, and I'm eager to explore more of Davies' works. Her ability to craft a compelling narrative with unexpected twists makes her an author worth following.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Assigned to care for 6-year-old Wren, Ivy initially perceives him as a "bad boy." However, as the story unfolds, she begins to question this characterization, discovering a depth to Wren that contradicts the initial impressions. Ivy's inquisitive nature propels her into a relentless pursuit of the truth, regardless of the potential consequences. The narrative skillfully weaves a web of intrigue, leaving readers to ponder whether Wren, his sister Odette, or even Mrs. Waters harbors the undisclosed secrets.
Davies takes readers on a gripping journey, each page unveiling more layers to the story. The novel builds suspense as Ivy delves into the mysteries surrounding the family, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages in anticipation of the truth. What sets this book apart is the moment when the title suddenly clicks into place, catching readers off guard in the most satisfying way.
Personally, I found it impossible to put the book down, and I'm eager to explore more of Davies' works. Her ability to craft a compelling narrative with unexpected twists makes her an author worth following.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2023
Secrets, secrets are no fun.
Secrets, secrets hurt someone.
When Ivy begins working as a nanny for young Wren, she knows it is going to be “different.” There are lots of rules to follow and things are just not quite right. But she has secrets too, so who is she to judge? Predictably, curiosity gets the better of Ivy and what she thinks she knows gets turned on its head. Over and over again.
This book is full of crazy twists and turns. Just when I thought I understood the situation, another twist would occur.
The exposition is a little confusing; why would a young woman like Ivy take a job that seems to strange and makes her keep so many rules? We never really get the exact answer to that question, but finding out more about Ivy makes it a little more clear. Still, it is no surprise she can’t keep the rules and begins exploring places she shouldn’t. Although we never get all the information, Ivy’s flaws somehow make her more likable.
The last fourth of this book is like a rollercoaster, jerking the reader all over the place. By this point, I was invested in Ivy and Wren. I’m not sure how realistic the ending is, but I enjoyed it.
Overall, this book was throughly entertaining. “Thriller” is definitely the right descriptor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Secrets, secrets hurt someone.
When Ivy begins working as a nanny for young Wren, she knows it is going to be “different.” There are lots of rules to follow and things are just not quite right. But she has secrets too, so who is she to judge? Predictably, curiosity gets the better of Ivy and what she thinks she knows gets turned on its head. Over and over again.
This book is full of crazy twists and turns. Just when I thought I understood the situation, another twist would occur.
The exposition is a little confusing; why would a young woman like Ivy take a job that seems to strange and makes her keep so many rules? We never really get the exact answer to that question, but finding out more about Ivy makes it a little more clear. Still, it is no surprise she can’t keep the rules and begins exploring places she shouldn’t. Although we never get all the information, Ivy’s flaws somehow make her more likable.
The last fourth of this book is like a rollercoaster, jerking the reader all over the place. By this point, I was invested in Ivy and Wren. I’m not sure how realistic the ending is, but I enjoyed it.
Overall, this book was throughly entertaining. “Thriller” is definitely the right descriptor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2023
I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. The premise was intriguing: a young woman, nanny, starts a new job and has a dark secret she's hiding, but so is the new employer.
The book takes place in modern day but has a Victorian feel. The woman of the house dresses and lives as if she is in Victorian times. No electricity, no running water, no internet and no car. The new nanny is escaping a dark past and is happy to oblige the weird eccentricities of the new employer. She has no idea just how deep they go.
The main character, Ivy, tells stories of her past through flash backs and complains of "hearing maggots" in her head that tell her to do things. I was very interested in exactly what that means and therefore kept reading. While at the house she discovers a young girl who is very damaged, a man kept in a building on the grounds and a dead body in the pond nearby. What is going on with these people and can Ivy uncover the truths and escape before she is the next victim?
Overall, this is a fantastic book. The story is creepy, in-depth, with wonderful character development and the author has an incredible imagination that really kept me turning the pages. The last few chapters really ramp up and you will not want to put it down. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
The book takes place in modern day but has a Victorian feel. The woman of the house dresses and lives as if she is in Victorian times. No electricity, no running water, no internet and no car. The new nanny is escaping a dark past and is happy to oblige the weird eccentricities of the new employer. She has no idea just how deep they go.
The main character, Ivy, tells stories of her past through flash backs and complains of "hearing maggots" in her head that tell her to do things. I was very interested in exactly what that means and therefore kept reading. While at the house she discovers a young girl who is very damaged, a man kept in a building on the grounds and a dead body in the pond nearby. What is going on with these people and can Ivy uncover the truths and escape before she is the next victim?
Overall, this is a fantastic book. The story is creepy, in-depth, with wonderful character development and the author has an incredible imagination that really kept me turning the pages. The last few chapters really ramp up and you will not want to put it down. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
This had incredible promise in the first part, but severely lacked in the second half.
The first part of the book is slow and suspenseful. It's a slow-burn, mystery that had me gripped. I had a few theories about the true nature of the mystery and strange atmosphere, only to be sorely disappointed by the actual reveal.
The main cast were written incredibly well, however, some characters are introduced later that don't get much time in the spotlight yet end up playing a huge part later on. Raised some questions, namely .
I was unable to put it down, though once the mystery was revealed, I did struggle through the last parts of the book. It felt a little too predictable there on out. However, it was an easy, entertaining read. I finished it over two days.
If you're looking for a quick mystery read, I'd certainly recommend it. The first part of the book is a lot better then the last half, however, still worth a read. There are some spelling and grammar mistakes throughout, though not enough to distract you from the story.
One thing I did find rather strange was
Maybe it's my lack of imagination, but I found it an odd way to describe the stairs.
The first part of the book is slow and suspenseful. It's a slow-burn, mystery that had me gripped. I had a few theories about the true nature of the mystery and strange atmosphere, only to be sorely disappointed by the actual reveal.
The main cast were written incredibly well, however, some characters are introduced later that don't get much time in the spotlight yet end up playing a huge part later on. Raised some questions, namely .
I was unable to put it down, though once the mystery was revealed, I did struggle through the last parts of the book. It felt a little too predictable there on out. However, it was an easy, entertaining read. I finished it over two days.
If you're looking for a quick mystery read, I'd certainly recommend it. The first part of the book is a lot better then the last half, however, still worth a read. There are some spelling and grammar mistakes throughout, though not enough to distract you from the story.
One thing I did find rather strange was
"...steps muffled by a blue carpet that licked the centre of the steps like a giraffe's tongue."
Maybe it's my lack of imagination, but I found it an odd way to describe the stairs.
December 3, 2023
A good solid 4
This is the third book by this author I have read, and it didn't disappoint.
A gripping and intriguing plot with some interesting characters, especially the protagonist, Ivy, and her maggots that invaded her thoughts due to a negative experiencein her past, though they did have moments of dark humour too (and Mrs Waters, Ping and Maddock too are 8nteresting in their own individual ways).
I loved the nods to classic literature such as "The Turn of the screw", helping keep the gothic atmosphere that was created by Mrs Waters and Fairwood House.
As expected from Abby's previous books this was a dark and twisty read, with a good dramatic ending in which I didn't know who in the end would finish things.
My only reason for it not being a 5 star was there were a few continuity errors amongst the dramatic scenes in particular which sort of jarred my brain (created my own maggots in there, niggling about them 😉) such as Ivy throwing her coat and jumper off too squeeze through the fence one minute then using said jumper as a dressing for shoulder injury.
These only momentarily spoiled the flow of the book as had to wait a few seconds for my brain to just "go with it" (shh, my own maggots).
Looking forward to future releases by Abby.
This is the third book by this author I have read, and it didn't disappoint.
A gripping and intriguing plot with some interesting characters, especially the protagonist, Ivy, and her maggots that invaded her thoughts due to a negative experiencein her past, though they did have moments of dark humour too (and Mrs Waters, Ping and Maddock too are 8nteresting in their own individual ways).
I loved the nods to classic literature such as "The Turn of the screw", helping keep the gothic atmosphere that was created by Mrs Waters and Fairwood House.
As expected from Abby's previous books this was a dark and twisty read, with a good dramatic ending in which I didn't know who in the end would finish things.
My only reason for it not being a 5 star was there were a few continuity errors amongst the dramatic scenes in particular which sort of jarred my brain (created my own maggots in there, niggling about them 😉) such as Ivy throwing her coat and jumper off too squeeze through the fence one minute then using said jumper as a dressing for shoulder injury.
These only momentarily spoiled the flow of the book as had to wait a few seconds for my brain to just "go with it" (shh, my own maggots).
Looking forward to future releases by Abby.
November 27, 2023
This is a case of “a pretty smart girl who does stupid crap”. But if you get past that, you have a nail biting great read!!
Why does she do “stupid crap” you may ask? She becomes a nanny for Mrs. Waters’ child, Wren, and has to partake in crazy rules. She can’t use any current technology in the house, she has to wear old fashion Victorian clothes (now that part was fun, I must admit), and she can’t walk into a certain area of the woods outside of the house. First off, what 20 some year old girl would survive without their cell phone for one day? Also, when someone tells you to not go somewhere, that’s the first place you would want to go to.
There are many twists and turns in this VC Andrews-ish thriller! The maggots are explained 3/4 into the book. I really enjoyed Ivy and Wren- the boy she sits for. The other characters are enjoyable and the book is very fast paced.
The only negative, is that there was a romance that was thrown together and wasn’t needed in this book. But other than that, I flew through this one!!
Thanks to BookSirens for sending me a free eread in exchange for an honest review!
Why does she do “stupid crap” you may ask? She becomes a nanny for Mrs. Waters’ child, Wren, and has to partake in crazy rules. She can’t use any current technology in the house, she has to wear old fashion Victorian clothes (now that part was fun, I must admit), and she can’t walk into a certain area of the woods outside of the house. First off, what 20 some year old girl would survive without their cell phone for one day? Also, when someone tells you to not go somewhere, that’s the first place you would want to go to.
There are many twists and turns in this VC Andrews-ish thriller! The maggots are explained 3/4 into the book. I really enjoyed Ivy and Wren- the boy she sits for. The other characters are enjoyable and the book is very fast paced.
The only negative, is that there was a romance that was thrown together and wasn’t needed in this book. But other than that, I flew through this one!!
Thanks to BookSirens for sending me a free eread in exchange for an honest review!
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