Arlya

by Jack Lowe-Carbell

Arlya, a small town in Southern Ontario, is rocked by a gruesome crime. Four friends must work together with Detective Dylan Grey to find a pattern, a bike, a clue, and a sister before it is repeated.James and his three best friends, Owen, Tommy, and Mike, have just finished school for the summer. The plan is the same as every other they are going to build the biggest fort yet, deep in the Dhoon Woods. After stumbling across a tiny, seemingly unimportant wooden hut, a series of crimes take place and their plans change.Arlya falls into itself. Doors are locked, curtains drawn, bikes are put away, strangers invade, and kids are off the street. In the first week of summer vacation, a dark and disturbing family history is uncovered; friends turn on each other; a storm rolls through town; and a monster is hiding just out of sight, smiling its toothy grin and crawling through the corn.

360 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2024

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A co-worker who I have traded book recommendations with on a number of occasions mentioned in a comment on LinkedIN picking up this volume. It is written by the son of another co-worker so I thought I would give it a try. I did not read the description before beginning the story the book. I had no idea what to expect. At the beginning it had the feel of a Gordon Korman or Andrew Clements middle grade book. But it soon took a dark turn and was more like a Stephen King or the Timothy Blake series from Jack Heath. It started a little slow but soon I could hardly put it down.

The description of the novel is:

“Arlya, a small town in Southern Ontario, is rocked by a gruesome crime. Four friends must work together with Detective Dylan Grey to find a pattern, a bike, a clue, and a sister before it is repeated.

James and his three best friends, Owen, Tommy, and Mike, have just finished school for the summer. The plan is the same as every other year: they are going to build the biggest fort yet, deep in the Dhoon Woods. After stumbling across a tiny, seemingly unimportant wooden hut, a series of crimes take place and their plans change.

Arlya falls into itself. Doors are locked, curtains drawn, bikes are put away, strangers invade, and kids are off the street. In the first week of summer vacation, a dark and disturbing family history is uncovered; friends turn on each other; a storm rolls through town; and a monster is hiding just out of sight, smiling its toothy grin and crawling through the corn.”

The four friends have always been close, but when tragedy strikes, will it draw them closer together or tear them apart. It was the beginning of summer break and they had big plans. But when one’s sister is found missing and they realize another’s has been gone three days terror hits the families and the community. In a small town there few secrets; but some are coming out because of the stress and tension of the missing girls. Two kids that had previously been assaulted by a cousin, a mother who lives in the bottle, and even passes out and spends the night in the ditch. An incident with one of the girls and a school teacher on the last day of the year.

For a while it felt like it was going to become a police procedural along the lines of Alex Smith or J.D. Kirk. But it never quite got there. The children are well written. Their friendships and antics at the beginning. There is a lot of swearing at the beginning of the book, but it sort of just stops. The ploy is well laid out, and has several sub-plots much like some of Tom Clancy’s works. There are a few standout suspects as the story progresses. And the boys turn to internet forms for assistance once things become even bleaker. It ends up feeling like a very mature coming of age story with some horror elements. It will be interesting to see if Jack returns to any of these characters in future works.

In the about the author section we are informed:

“Jack Lowe-Carbell is a 26-year-old writer living in Vancouver, BC. “Arlya” is his first novel, and it is based in his hometown Ayr, ON. Thanks to his dad, who read him horror stories when he was far too young, Jack has always loved the genre. His next novel is a tale of horror based in Garibaldi Provincial Park.”

I lived in the woods just outside Ayr for a year. Thinking back on the story I can easily see the community described and the environment around it. This familiarity provides an even deeper chill thinking back on the story. As a first novel it is an impressive offering. At the time of this review Jack has three stories published that can be found online: Dear/Hey Ellie, Baking for the First Time, and The Last Night. He also has some music under the name Lowe-Fi available on Apple Music and Sound Cloud.

This story is a good first novel, and he mentions another in the works. It was creepy enough, but pushed my limits, especially as a father of daughters. I have no qualms recommending this for mature audiences, and those who love a dark creepy story. It is part coming of age and part horror. I look forward to his next offering a tale of horror based in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Over the last several years I have averaged about a book a day. And I can state for a first effort this one was very well done. And I would have no issue picking up another novel from Jack's pen.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the summary for Arlya I wasn’t quite sure what I would find between its pages but I must say what I found was not it. Arlya grabbed my attention from the very first. I fell in love with Arlya while getting to know James, Owen, Mike, and Tommy on the last day of school when they decided to go shirtless. I was also pulled in by the boys when they were swimming at the beginning of the story. I loved the way they were always picking on each other and the things they would say to each other.

But then things start to become sinister. Yeah, things start to turn dark when bad things start happening in Arlya, a small town in Southern Ontario. Girls are going missing which has everyone in Arlya pretty shaken. There is a monster that lose and it is doing terrible things in the town of Arlya.

Arlya reminds me of one of Stephen King’s books, It (1990). Mike, James, Owen, and Tommy reminded me of the boys in the movie as they were investigating the missing children in Derry, Maine. Arlya has the same feel to it that It does.

I was so enthralled by Arlya that I didn’t want to stop reading. The boys and missing girls kept me on edge wanting to know what was going on. I wanted to know who this monster was.

Arlya brought all sorts of feelings out of me. Number one is shockingly surprised along with a feeling of sadness and rage. Arlya tore my heart up on more than one occasion.

Arlya is filled with many twists and turns that I never saw coming. I kept guessing as to what was happening from the beginning but it didn’t turn out anywhere near what I was thinking.

I loved all the characters and would love to read more about them and their adventures in Arlya in future books.

I recommend Arlya to all horror fans! Grab a copy of Arlya today!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read ... chilling and moving and right up my alley. Big recommend!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlya is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age novel about love, loss, and the grief of having to grow up too soon. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you won’t be able to put it down. Truly a must read book this year.

[D C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlya is a spine-chilling debut novel that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go until the climax. Lowe-Carbell has crafted a novel that seamlessly blends a relentless plot with richly atmospheric settings and razor-sharp dialogue.
The setting of the story is a character in itself, hauntingly brought to life with vivid descriptions that put you in the heart of the text. From the dark Dhoon Woods to the quiet streets, every location is meticulously detailed, creating an immersive experience that leaves you excited to continue reading. The ambiance becomes a tangible force, heightening the suspense while at the same time making you feel the love, kindness and angst of a family torn apart.
The dialogue in "Arlya" is a standout feature as well. It adds depth to the characters and puts you in the hearts and minds of each. Your connection to some of the characters highlights Lowe-Carbell's skill at imbibing them with a real 'life-force'. Each conversation is laced with cryptic hints, subtle foreshadowing, and the kind of dark humor that fans of this genre can understand.
"Arlya" is an awesome novel, written with pace and perceptive dialogue. This town comes alive with each passing page. I was torn between my love of James' family and my anxiety at the ebb and flow of the events in town. "Arlya" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heart-pounding suspense, crackling wit, beautifully crafted friendships, an excellent ear for 'real life', unexpected twists, and the lingering sense that shadows might be whispering just beyond the edge of your perception.
Just amazing!

[Ben Carbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite and most memorable reads. Every person introduced you become instantly wrapped up in for good or bad. With amazing twists and powerful character development, it’s a story that makes you hesitant to turn the next page even though you absolutely must! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlya is a phenomenal coming of age thriller. If you’ve ever seen the movie prisoners, you will absolutely love this. The author lays out the storyline methodically and keeps you on the edge of your seat while building up all these characters you’ll grow to love. A must read!!!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book front to back! Getting the perspective of kids in a crime thriller adds a new dimension to how scary the world is when viewed from their eyes. It’ll make you scared, and it’ll definitely make you cry. Well worth a read!

[Jackson Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved Arlya, couldn't put it down! Great dialogue, compelling characters, enticing mystery.

would definitely recommend

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an intense and emotional tale of missing girls and betrayal of trust during what should have been an idyllic, end-of-childhood summer.

Arlya by first-time novelist Jack Lowe-Carbell is an intense and riveting tale of the search for two missing girls and reads like that of a much more seasoned author. While reading this story, I experienced intense emotions alongside James, Owen, their families, and their friends, and I only hope I can do it justice in this review.

The four young teenage protagonists – James, Owen, Mike, and Thomas – were lively boys, engaging, excited to be out of school, and looking forward to their summer break before moving up to high school the next semester. There’s something about that time of life, the transition from middle school to high school, when many things, besides a campus, change. This is really the last childhood summer for most, including these characters, with the friends you’ve grown up with, and it’s a bittersweet time to savor. James and Owen know that Owen won’t be going to the same school as the rest of them in the fall, news not shared with the other two boys, and this is just a harbinger of the changes the friends will undoubtedly undergo in the coming years.

Leah, James’s sister, is only two years younger and experiencing her first adolescent crush on her brother’s friend, Mike. She’s sad and confused because her best friend and confidant, Bella, Owen’s sister, has recently pulled away from her. Bella and Owen are complex characters with tragic secrets, living in an abusive, neglectful home with their alcoholic mother. While Bella has coped by isolating herself, Owen has acted out and gained a bad reputation in school and the community.

The plot is compelling, and readers are left in suspense early regarding confirmation of the first girl’s absence. The second girl is lured from her home using subterfuge that leaves readers with a broad field of possible suspects, which includes one of James’s friends. While the police are called immediately, it is really on the family to provide clues about where to look. It was emotional reading as James and his family searched and agonized, slowly disintegrating as the days passed without a sign of Leah. When the name of a potential perpetrator is inadvertently revealed to the community, the action really ramps up, and it would have been impossible for me to put the book down.

The story includes a bit of realistically raunchy language and a plethora of F-bombs from the boys, scenes alluding to sexual abuse and the death of children, which could be triggering for some readers. With that understanding, ARLYA has engaging, sympathetic characters, superior storytelling, and an intense and emotional plot, and I recommend it for adults and young adult readers of domestic horror and thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

[Melissa Hallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few chapters lead you to believe you are reading a young adult coming of age story where boys hold onto their youth by exploring the forest and making a fort in their small town. Make no mistake though, because the twists and turns after the initial few chapters subvert all possible expectations you have. There is no label to define what is beholden in these pages. This is not a typical novel and for that, I highly encourage you to try it out.

The development of setting and characters have you believing you are the fifth member of the group of boys as they traipse around Arlya, the small town in all the typical ways. The vivid descriptions have you peering down streets as you picture the characters as your neighbours (the good ones and the bad ones). You wander this town and hope that revelations of secrets will somehow free the truth as the story progresses and the characters fall apart and yet, fall together. There are times you want to yell at the adults and others where you want to cry. The horrors that exist in this book are easy to picture in our own world making this, perhaps, hit our hearts a little too hard.

Needless to say, I am still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that this novel took me on. The boys (especially J and O) were easy to love and hard to let go of once the story was over. Now I shall spend my time in the post-reading mourning period as I pine for more pages.

[Megan McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although horror isn’t typically my first choice, Jack Lowe Carbell’s debut novel ‘Arlya’ proved to be an exceptional read that I highly recommend to anyone searching for their next book. This book filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions and always had me on the edge of my seat anticipating what would happen next. Jack’s effortless writing style transports you into the small Ontario town filled with secrets and allows you to easily fall in love with the characters. I recommend this book to all readers and I can’t wait to see what Jack has in store next!

[Marc Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. For a debut novel, knocked it out of the park. Gave me very heavy Stephen King vibes, which is fine because I'm a King nut. A well written thriller centering around themes of family, friendship, abusive relationships, and small town life. And it's based on the town where I live, so that's pretty cool too!

[Valerie Carbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a usually a lover of horror books but this one by this young author was quite astonishing. The lead up to the ending was seamless in keeping the reader involved in the story. I had so many emotions from start to finish and was in tears by the end. I am now eager to read his next one. He definitely has a gift for writing.

[Mark Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the setting of the small town, the characters came to life and what started as a story of friends in what seemed like a sleepy little town, quickly turned to a real page turner filled with suspense, horror and intrigue. I can’t wait to read the next book from this talented young writer.

[Laura Gordon-Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read, oh my!
From the very beginning of Arlya, the characters and the place captivate you. I could feel the texture of the town in the pages right off the bat, very impressive. From the description of the book, readers are primed for a thriller that's sure to leave you rattled. While Arlya is indeed a thriller, what shocked me most were the subtleties of the story. The small moments both of tenderness and gut-wrenching fear. The book builds upon itself in such a beautiful and gradual way, while still being captivating and a true page-turner. The in-depth description of the town and the characters seemed drawn out for me at the beginning however, by the end I understood the importance of these details as they ensure the readers feel a deep connection to the world they are about to witness turned inside out. The combination of coming-of-age and horror works so well. It brings together the relatability that's key to any good story while simultaneously tapping into the deep-set fears we all have of losing those we love.
Well done, truly.

[Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a reader of horror? Not a fan of thrillers? Doesn't matter... this book is that good!

This book was referred to me by a friend and I was hesitant. Arlya was described to me as a coming of age horror/ thriller from the likes of Stephen King... not my usual read. I almost exclusively read historical and business books; however, reading this book was a great decision. Not only did I cling onto every word that was written but it's opened up an entirely new genre for me. Jack's words have allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone.

The characters were so real I found myself feeling a deep admiration and love for them that made me emotional on multiple occasions. The setting jumped off the page and I could envision the small town enveloping the characters. The plot was eerie and down right scary at times but always kept me thinking, always kept me hopeful.

[Erin J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Lowe-Carbell’s Arlya is a gripping and emotionally charged mystery that immerses readers in the tense search for two missing girls. With richly drawn teenage characters and families coping with trauma and secrets, the novel balances suspense, heartache, and coming-of-age struggles. Lowe-Carbell’s storytelling is mature and compelling, making Arlya a standout debut for fans of domestic thrillers and intense YA-adjacent mysteries.

[Kristen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever read a book that completely envelopes you into the city, characters, even the tone of voice used by characters makes you want to keep reading? Throw in a small town mystery with DARK twists and you e got yourself Arlya. How has this book not reached BookTok yet? I will never stop raving about this book and look forward to the authors second book!

[Tom Levitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute of this book. Memorable characters, perfectly paced and I loved how it transported me back to my adolescence in small town England. For those people who find comfort in the darkness. Looking forward to his follow up!

[Noah Zovickian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, this book will get under your skin. An intriguing combination of comforting childhood nostalgia monster lurking in the dark. Thrilling and mysterious, you would never expect for this to be the first work from this author. I am eagerly anticipating his next work.

[Jack Lowe-Carbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well...y'know

[Camila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Star rating

This book is HEAVY. I don't think I could read it again, but I'm glad I picked it up.

[Ekin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Donna Carbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters - they are human & complex - and sometimes humans are scary! The story is terrifying, beautiful and emotional, you get to really see these kids, who should be building forts and swimming in the river, rise to be courageous, loyal and brave through an unimaginable experience. A must read!