Directions for Dark Things

by Stephanie Sowden

Something peculiar is going on at The Lloyd Estate. The enormous house and its vast grounds are rarely seen by outsiders. Only Audrey Lloyd – the cantankerous elderly owner and only daughter to the famed movie mogul who built the mansion – knows of the suffocating darkness that has settled on the place. Property developers have come to Audrey over the decades. Countless times they have been rebuffed. Now, she agrees to sell to ambitious broker Terri Nicholls. But Terri has to trade something of her own in return. Detective Don Vernon is on the brink of retirement. Instead, he is about to be caught in a web of lies; one which Audrey has been spinning for decades. Can those who cross the threshold make it out again intact? A scintillating tale of revenge, cruelty and the many forms of wickedness, Directions for Dark Things is perfect for fans of Catriona Ward and Simone St. James.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2024

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, dear.

'Directions for Dark Things' is one of those books that promises a lot, but unfortunately does not deliver. Readers have certain expectations when you draw comparisons to authors like Catriona Ward and Simone St. James. However, this attempt by Stephanie Sowden doesn't come anywhere near those authors. Not even close.

The once magnificent mansion owned by the Lloyd family is crumbling. It has caught the eye of many a realtor over the years for its vast lands and real estate possibilities. But Audrey Lloyd refuses to sell. That is, until she meets Terri Nicholls. All Audrey asks is that Terri spends the week with her. Terri agrees, but she isn't just interested in acquiring this house for her boss, possibly securing a promotion along the way. She's looking for something. There is something in Audrey's house that she needs.

So much potential for creepiness and yet, that was sorely lacking. The mansion is showing signs of age, sure, but there's nothing spooky about it. It's just spacious and full of stuff. Audrey herself is also old and slightly eccentric maybe. Definitely lonely, and okay, there's something about her that's not quite right, but there was never really a moment where she made my spine tingle or she chilled me to the bone. Audrey likes to play games, be it with chess pieces of actual human beings. And sometimes these games go wrong.

None of these characters are particularly likeable. I felt no affinity with any of them and definitely failed to understand Terri's reasoning for even being at the mansion in the first place. The only redeeming factor in this whole story was Don Vernon, the detective. He is called in when a body is found at the bottom of garden steps, and someone else lies injured in hospital. Don feels he made a mistake when he was a mere rookie, and this may just be his moment to put things right. As for Audrey, I feel the author missed an opportunity by not delving deeper into the psychological aspects. Why is she the way she is? Nature versus nurture? Anything to explain that darkness the reader is supposed to fear so much.

There are secrets to be discovered, obviously. Many came across as rather predictable to me. Overall, 'Directions for Dark Things' just lacked tension and the creepy factor I was expecting never materialised. The dark things that were promised in the title, and the blurb, failed to make an appearance. There seemed very little to find disturbing in any way. And don't even get me started on the random nazi storyline.

Plenty of times I considered not finishing the book but I continued, and kept hoping, but to no avail. I really don't like coming away from a book feeling like I wasted my time.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one creepy book. Audrey Lloyd, the elderly lady who owns the house that everybody wants, starts out to be a lonely, old lady who just wants some company. This change rather quickly once Terri comes to visit. It seems that Audrey has had a rough life, and has trouble with what is real. It was a sinister and dark story, beginning in the early 1980’s and jumping back through Audrey’s life. There is something about that house, that everyone wants to sell and become rich. It is a maze, easy to get lost and so much junk.

It is a very bingeable book, I read it in 2 sittings. Each chapter leaving you wanting more.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. Published on January 25th.

[Kera’s Always Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing and twisty, this is a very layered tale of suspense.

Terri, a broker, goes to the home of Audrey in hopes of getting her to sell her home, which Audrey agrees to in exchange for a week of her company.

Immediately, the atmosphere is intense and unsettling. People have been trying to buy the home for its famed reputation for a very long time, with her father being a prolific movie mogul with an interesting past.

Audrey freaked me out right off the bat and I knew something was going down. I was pleasantly surprised, too with the turn of events.

The way this book unfolds is so intricate. Lots of drama, lots of buried secrets, LOTS of atmosphere!!

The middle is where I lost some of the momentum I had, though. This was good, but I felt there was some aspect that I wasn’t getting. There are time jumps that tell the history of these situations and I liked that. But there were character arcs that I didn’t care for interspersed.

All in all, this was thrilling and enjoyable!

[Nikki Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isn’t that cover gorgeous? Being compared to Simone St. James and Catriona Ward are big shoes to fill. Was this comparable? No.

I was waiting for a creepy gothic feel and suspense to boot. I was bored throughout. Some parts read like a historical fiction novel, which is not a genre I am interested in.

I’d like to thank Canelo, NetGalley, and Stephanie Sowden for an ARC. All opinions are my own. Now available.
2.5⭐️ raised to 3

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at the way the author brought the characters to life within the first few pages, and I felt a connection to the protagonist. The writing had a dark, suspenseful tone and a sinister quality, and I got the impression that some of the characters were harbouring secrets. I found all the characters interesting, even if some of them came across as a little bit unlikeable. The time shifting was something I hadn't initially expected, so this was a good historical novel as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ pretty good but definitely not her best!!!!

Goodreads Synopsis
Something peculiar is going on at The Lloyd Estate. The enormous house and its vast grounds are rarely seen by outsiders. Only Audrey Lloyd - the cantankerous elderly owner and only daughter to the famed movie mogul who built the mansion - knows of the suffocating darkness that has settled on the place.

Property developers have come to Audrey over the decades. Countless times they have been rebuffed. Now, she agrees to sell to ambitious broker Terri Nicholls. But Terri has to trade something of her own in return.

Detective Don Vernon is on the brink of retirement. Instead, he is about to be caught up in a web of lies; one which Audrey has been spinning for decades. Can those who cross the threshold make it out in tact?

I waited and waited for this… my good friend Lit with Leigh alerted me as soon as it dropped on NetGalley and I was into it… however…this for me is a 3 star.

Was I disappointed - Yes. But is it bad - No (with some exceptions) but by and large people will eat this up. So please don’t let my review stop you from giving it a try if you like the popcorn thriller style novels.

I am unable to read this book without comparing everything about it.. the writing, the style, the history, the twists - to her debut novel. After Everything You Did is pretty unbeatable as far as debuts go and was 100% one of my favourite reads of 2022, I have recommended it to everyone. I got it on NG and I even bought the hardcover … so this book had some living up to do. Unfortunately though… it simply did not meet the standards of her first book.

I feel like this author has put herself at a disadvantage now by writing such an amazing debut but… thats ok… I will review this none the less.

So first up what did I enjoy…

I liked the writing of course, Sowden does have a way with words and she does her research. Her study of choice is American History (even though she herself is from the UK although you wouldn't think that) and she knows her shit… that is for sure. What I like is that you get a story that has historical elements that aren’t boring… now I know some people just read that and said HOW DARE YOU… but I said it… history can be boring… it depends who is bringing it to you and the way the author writes makes it interesting. I know she weaves real events from real timelines into her books so it really is interesting.

Unlike the first book this one didn’t really hit the mark for me. It wasn’t the same level of back story and interesting… although still good.

I of course liked the multi-timelines and multi-POVs if this isn’t your fave style of book then skip this and her first one… there is a lot of back and forth but it isn’t confusing… but if you hate that multi focus then this one wont be your cup of tea. I love it though… it keeps me so engaged… making me go … ahhh just one more chapter….because you read something in Terri’s POV and then it switches to Detective Don and you’re like nooooo bring Terri back. I love that feeling of wanting to binge read a book. Having said that… while that happened a little bit, absolutely not on the same level as the first book. (I did warn you I cannot review without comparing and I simply wont).

I can’t say I liked any of the characters which isn’t a deal breaker but no one made me want to root for them. In her debut novel the POV of the potential baddie, I was rooting for her… even though she was accused of some heinous acts…. I really liked her… but in this we have spoilt characters with too much money, dummy characters that are trying to be clever but unable to see red flags and the detective who was really a mouth piece to tie it all together… he was a none event. Terri’s boyfriend who we don’t hear from in his own POV (thank Christ) was the worst… I wanted to off him myself… I hated him.

The story felt a bit disjointed… like there was something sinister happening and at play but then it kind of fizzled out and just wasn’t that interesting in the end. I mean… it wasn’t the worst but I think there were a few ways it could of gone where it could have been so much better and yet I felt left at the alter with the direction it took.

Overall, if you like this author and are expecting the same kind of ride as her debut… well clearly I do not think you get that. But if you like her and want to give it a go… please by all means, its still good but not great.

If you haven’t read her debut then read this first and go back and read After Everything you Did second so you can like this and then get blown away… I assume you will be back if you don’t like it but lets be honest you can’t blame me hahaha!!! The twist though…ahhh that’s a twist.

Give it a go the author is lovely and she writes really well and has researched her topic so well worth the read.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Stephanie Sowden and Canelo publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Van Damme · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hi and welcome to my review of Directions for Dark Things!

Stay tuned while I try to make sense of my thoughts and feelings about this one.

First of all, with that title and that cover and that blurb, I went in with expectations of a dark and moody book with a superbly atmospheric setting. It wasn’t. At least, I didn’t think so. Maybe my expectations were off, maybe I wanted too much, but I never really fell under this book’s spell. The mansion was just a stuffy house, not the delightfully gothic, creaky mansion it could have been, and should have been. And I kept waiting for all those dark things, but alas, I’m still waiting.

Secondly, I’m a mood reader and going in with the abovementioned expectations meant that I was in the mood for such a book, a dark contemporary thriller. I did not expect a large portion of the story to be historical fiction set in the years before WWII. I do love hist fic, I just wasn’t in the mood for it, which meant that it took me a while to warm to this storyline. Also, I dunno, it just felt rather random? Exploring Audrey’s memories, which is essentially what this storyline is, didn’t seem to add much to the story, or to Audrey as a character.

The reference to Catriona Ward and Simone St. James didn’t help, I’m sure. I’m a huge fan of both and quite frankly, I fail to see how these authors’ books compare to this one, in vibe, in writing, in story, in anything, really. That’s not to say Directions for Dark Things is a bad book, I just think it wasn’t really fair to the author to reference such queens of all things gothic and creepy.

To be fair, I have seen other reviewers describe this book as creepy. I, however, felt the creeps on only one single occasion, but at that point I was already past the halfway mark and it was just too little too late. I can recognise the elements that were supposed to be creepy, but all I felt was, well, annoyance at first, and later something like compassion, mostly. I can’t say more without giving too much away. It just feels like there were so many missed opportunities, including the reveals, that were supposed to be chilling, I guess, but to me were either quite predictable or rather random.

I’m afraid I’m sounding very negative. I don’t really mean to be. I think if you go in with the right expectations, you might enjoy it more than I did. For me, however, it mostly missed the mark.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Directions for Dark Things by Stephanie Sowden

4/5 Stars

At The Lloyd Estate, where something peculiar lurks within its vast grounds, we are introduced to Audrey Lloyd, the enigmatic owner with a deep connection to the suffocating darkness that shrouds the mansion. When ambitious broker Terri Nicholls steps into the picture, a series of events is set into motion, intertwining the fates of those who dare to uncover the secrets hidden within the estate.

At first, I found myself slightly hesitant to fully immerse myself in the narrative due to the unique writing style that sets this book apart from others I've read. However, as I continued reading, I was drawn into the web of suspense meticulously crafted by Sowden. The pacing of the story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to unravel the mysteries that unfolded with each chapter.

One aspect that truly stood out to me was the well-developed characters that populate this tale. From the cantankerous Audrey Lloyd to the seasoned Detective Don Vernon, each character brought a layer of complexity and depth to the story, making their interactions all the more engaging and thought-provoking.

Moreover, I cannot overlook the captivating cover that initially caught my eye and piqued my interest in this book. It perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic and dark atmosphere that permeates throughout the story, setting the tone for the thrilling journey that awaits within its pages.

In conclusion, Directions for Dark Things is a captivating read that seamlessly blends suspense, mystery, and well-crafted storytelling. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and immersive literary experience. Stephanie Sowden's masterful narrative keeps readers hooked until the very end, making it a truly enjoyable and memorable read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[M.M. DeLuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about an aging heiress living alone in the Hollywood Hills and the desperate real estate agent trying to help her unlikeable boyfriend by unearthing something secret and very important from the crumbling mansion, really drew me in and kept me interested throughout. The dual timeline story tells of Audrey, the heiress's tragic and dysfunctional family during the early golden age of pre-WW2 moviemaking.
Sowden takes an interesting and possibly little known event of a fascist plot to 'take over' the industry and pave the way for the Germans to march into California, and weaves a twisty, atmospheric story around it.
The well-paced story and great sense of setting, as well as the intriguing character of Audrey, made this a compelling read.

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed. I went into thinking it'd be this creepy, mysterious, dark story about this mansion but it felt more just like an abandoned house. It didn't feel terribly dark or creepy and some points jumper wasaaay back into historical fiction which is not my jam. At all. In saying that, that's my expectations and not due to the book itsself. It wad well written, the characters are a bit unlikeable but I'm assuming that was by design. The plot was fine and I'm sure for those who enjoy character driven books or historical fiction, they will love this! It's also very detail orientated and does do an amazing job of painting extremely vivid scenes. It just wasn't for me due to no fault of the books own

[Laurie Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had an interesting story line that included some fact and some fiction of the events leading up to World War 2. Normally I'm not a history person but the way Stephanie works these into the book makes for a good read. The boom was suspenseful enough to keep me guessing as to what exactly happened to Audrey Lloyd the owner of the Lloyd mansion and to Terri who we find out early on survived the week she spends at the Lloyd mansion but does not come out completely unscathed. Overall the story kept me reading into the late hours of the night which not just any book can do. I really enjoyed the mystery and the story and would definitely reccomend this book!

[Louise Mullins · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lot of words for a novel that boils down to very little substance. There's nothing dark about this book and I felt the author threw in a random storyline about the Nazi's because something she read interested her, and sure enough the author's note at the end suggests as much. It just wasn't anywhere near what I expected from the cover and blurb, which was very disappointing. The description seemed to have been written before the book as nothing in it linked at all to the plot and if you'll ardon the pun the title lacked, well, direction. Overall, it was a drag to read and I finished it more confused than when I started.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ARC. I love when a story’s setting is a character on its own. The house itself makes me want to know more! Set between two timelines, we learn about a family living in the Hollywood Hills and a real estate agent who wants to land the deal of a lifetime. The only issue is the eccentric owner wants her to spend the week at the house. Each day we learn more and more about the current owners controversial past and the real estate agents present secrets.

I wish we could have learned more about the house and the secrets it kept, but this was a really solid read!

[Chloe (Booksy_mommabear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very creepy, twisty, mysterious book.
A great storyline with an ending that you definitely wouldn’t of seen coming (well I didn’t).
Bit of actual history thrown in (check out the authors note at the end) - which was a nice addition.

I’d say after each chapter you definitely want to quickly continue with the next one to find out what on earth is going on!
Definitely would recommend reading 👏

Star Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the cover and the plot: unsettling at times even if it's usually less tense. I had fun and it kept on the edge.
I didn't like any of the characters but I was also curious about what was going to happen and the secrets.
I look forward to reading other books by this author
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Bernadette McKinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and a half, rounded down

I quite genuinely really enjoyed this book, my only complaint is just personal preferences. This book would have been a definite 5 out of 5 if the author had added in some supernatural elements, if the house was full of ghosts too then that would have really sealed the deal for me.

But I can't say I have anything to complain about

[Jamie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so well written that the gross stuff is extra gross. Like the egg on the corner of the detective's mouth. Just a ton of detail you wouldn't normally get in a book like this.
This is a wonderful debut and I am so proud of the author!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strange crime novel, claustrophobic in places and really atmospheric with a hint of old Hollywood glamour gone wrong. Well researched and fascinating you can imagine it being made into a slightly creepy thriller. 4.5* from me

[Jess Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The early parts of this story felt quite hard going but once I got into the story I was entranced! A great book and worth sticking with.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told from three POVs, in both the past and the present, this story solves multiple mysteries. There is a bit of historical fiction in the book as well, and the house itself seems to be a character of its own. I really liked triangulating the truth from all three narrators as this kept me very interested in the plot, however the ending fell flat for me. I had to reread the end because I thought for sure I had missed something.

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Clair Spackman]

DNF

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read and enjoyed The Only One Left by Riley Sager you should also enjoy this.