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Snow Drowned
There's a saying on Fall Island: if you're not careful, the snow will get you.
Gracie Hutchinson has lived here her whole life and knows there's some truth to those words. Every few years someone dies in a snowstorm, or loses their mind, or disappears without a trace. Sometimes it seems like more than just New England weather. Now, a hundred-year-storm is approaching, and while most of the locals have taken the ferry to the mainland, Gracie must stay behind.
But she's intrigued to find someone else her age has stayed too—Joseph Wescott, whose mysterious family lives in Wescott Manor, descendants of the legendary first settlers of Fall Island. Together, they stumble across something even more unsettling than the coming storm: the body of a stranger, murdered in a grim ritual. Someone on the island believes the old Fall superstitions have a dark power—and now, they have Gracie in their sights.
As the hours count down to the blizzard's landfall, it seems the only safe place to go is Westcott Manor. But Gracie wonders if there's another reason why she's been brought there, one that has to do with Joseph. She'll discover secrets that have been kept for generations, a hidden history, and the terrifying truth about Fall Island. Because even when the storm ends, there's no escape from the horror beneath the snow.
Gracie Hutchinson has lived here her whole life and knows there's some truth to those words. Every few years someone dies in a snowstorm, or loses their mind, or disappears without a trace. Sometimes it seems like more than just New England weather. Now, a hundred-year-storm is approaching, and while most of the locals have taken the ferry to the mainland, Gracie must stay behind.
But she's intrigued to find someone else her age has stayed too—Joseph Wescott, whose mysterious family lives in Wescott Manor, descendants of the legendary first settlers of Fall Island. Together, they stumble across something even more unsettling than the coming storm: the body of a stranger, murdered in a grim ritual. Someone on the island believes the old Fall superstitions have a dark power—and now, they have Gracie in their sights.
As the hours count down to the blizzard's landfall, it seems the only safe place to go is Westcott Manor. But Gracie wonders if there's another reason why she's been brought there, one that has to do with Joseph. She'll discover secrets that have been kept for generations, a hidden history, and the terrifying truth about Fall Island. Because even when the storm ends, there's no escape from the horror beneath the snow.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
67 people are currently reading
9065 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
September 26, 2024
I received a free copy of, Snow Drowned, by Jennifer Lyle, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Fall Island is known for its snow storms, even as early as fall they can come. Gracie Hutchinson has decided to hunker down for the storm, and not leave Fall Island. Is their a killer on the island? I thought this book was a little to gruesome for my taste.
November 18, 2024
This one just felt like all the other ‘trapped in a snow storm’ books that I’ve read.
A 100 year storm hits a small community. The main character is not really friends with the rich boy from school but he invites her to ride the storm out with him. No one can be trusted as everything gets very awkward at his mansion.
If it was a song it would be Oh So Quiet by BJORK
A 100 year storm hits a small community. The main character is not really friends with the rich boy from school but he invites her to ride the storm out with him. No one can be trusted as everything gets very awkward at his mansion.
If it was a song it would be Oh So Quiet by BJORK
October 6, 2024
This was a crazy twisty turny YA horror book. I thought it was highly entertaining, and it definitely has the creepy factor. This book about girl stuck on an island in a snowstorm contains a cult like church, murder, betrayal, supernatural elements and lots of action.
Although a YA book , it does contain some violent scenes, which I was not expecting. But it is a horror book, so it’s not out of line, just beware if someone young is reading this book.
Overall, this book is perfectly spooky and definitely delivers some thrills. I enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend to anyone who likes their books disturbing and chilling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although a YA book , it does contain some violent scenes, which I was not expecting. But it is a horror book, so it’s not out of line, just beware if someone young is reading this book.
Overall, this book is perfectly spooky and definitely delivers some thrills. I enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend to anyone who likes their books disturbing and chilling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
The nitty-gritty: A creepy, tension-filled story that will keep readers turning the pages, Snow Drowned was a pleasant surprise.
I’ve been lucky with YA books lately, and I’m happy to report that Snow Drowned is yet another one I can recommend (with a few caveats). Jennifer D. Lyle knows how to create tension, and I read this pretty quickly to find out what the heck was going on. The "mystery vibe" cover is a bit deceiving, though, as the story veers more towards horror and includes some graphic violence that readers might not be expecting. That wasn’t a problem for me, but it might be for others.
Sixteen-year-old Gracie Hutchinson has always lived on Fall Island with her family, a secluded place known for its winter snow storms, and she longs to leave the oppressive, small community when she's old enough. When the story opens, a huge storm is on the way, and Gracie has been left home alone by her parents, who are both doctors and off taking care of patients. One of Gracie’s weekly jobs is to take flowers to her grandmother’s grave, and it’s there that she runs into Joseph Wescott, a boy from school. Gracie doesn’t know Joseph very well, probably because he belongs to one of the elite families on Fall Island, but she’s surprised to find him funny and approachable.
But when the two arrive at the Wescott mausoleum, they are shocked to discover a dead body inside. Even worse, there are three dead sheep surrounding the body, gruesomely carved with ritualistic symbols. Who on the island would do such a thing? As a police investigation gets underway, Gracie and her aunt Judy are sent to Wescott Manor to ride out the storm (their power has gone out, but the manor has a backup generator), but once she gets there and meets Joseph’s imposing family, she wonders if the manor is safe at all.
I have to admit it's hard to sum up the plot of Snow Drowned, which tells me that it's a bit on the chaotic side. Despite this, though, I found the book to be fast-paced and exciting and very hard to put down. Lyle immediately sets up a couple of tantalizing mysteries. First, the Wescott family is cloaked in mystery, and the author spends a lot of time going into the story of how the original settlers, led by patriarch Fitzwilliam Wescott, were “led” to the island by an angel. Once there, Fitzwilliam established his own church, allowing only those original settlers to attend. He also built the imposing Wescott Manor, a gloomy, gothic mansion perched at the very top of the island. Even in the present day, the church is exclusive only to those who were born on the island, and secrets and rumors abound about what goes on behind closed doors.
It doesn’t take long before the reader understands that this is no ordinary church, although the specifics about it aren’t revealed until the final chapters. I have to admit it wasn’t that hard to figure out, since the author left plenty of clues along the way. I love the idea of a creepy church and the even creepier Wescott family members who are hiding all sorts of nasty secrets, and the gothic vibe was really well done.
There’s also the mystery of the dead body and how it ties to the church and the Wescott family. Joseph gives Gracie an old journal to read that turns out to have lots of clues about the family and what they’re up to, and I really enjoyed the journal entries, which fill in some of the history of the island.
The story is full of very unpleasant adult characters, and I can’t say I liked any of them except maybe Gracie’s friend Stubby. Her mother is horrible to her, and even though Gracie wants to spend time with her mom, she’s often brushed aside. It was heartbreaking. Her aunt Judy is much the same, a callous woman who obviously has a hidden agenda. When Gracie gets to the manor, she meets Marin, Joseph’s grandmother, the current leader of the church, and his mother Vanessa, who warns Gracie away from Joseph. Luckily I liked Gracie a lot, even if I wanted her to ask more questions than she did. And I was happy that there wasn’t a romance between Gracie and Joseph. There were plenty of other things going on in the story, and it just didn’t need a teen romance to work.
As for negatives, I though some things were added simply for convenience in order to move the story along. I also didn’t really understand the connection between the snow and the church, if there even was one. From the title of the book, I expected “snow” to play a bigger part in the story—one of the repeated taglines is “The snow got ‘em”—but other than a few mentions about random people who were lost in the snow, that element could have been left out entirely, with more focus given to the church and the horrors that take place at Wescott Manor.
But I did love the epilogue, where the author throws in an unexpected twist. It’s the kind of ending I love in horror stories, where you think everything is resolved but then you realize it isn’t at all. Snow Drowned surprised me in lots of ways, and despite a few flaws, I've very glad I read this creepy YA horror story.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
I’ve been lucky with YA books lately, and I’m happy to report that Snow Drowned is yet another one I can recommend (with a few caveats). Jennifer D. Lyle knows how to create tension, and I read this pretty quickly to find out what the heck was going on. The "mystery vibe" cover is a bit deceiving, though, as the story veers more towards horror and includes some graphic violence that readers might not be expecting. That wasn’t a problem for me, but it might be for others.
Sixteen-year-old Gracie Hutchinson has always lived on Fall Island with her family, a secluded place known for its winter snow storms, and she longs to leave the oppressive, small community when she's old enough. When the story opens, a huge storm is on the way, and Gracie has been left home alone by her parents, who are both doctors and off taking care of patients. One of Gracie’s weekly jobs is to take flowers to her grandmother’s grave, and it’s there that she runs into Joseph Wescott, a boy from school. Gracie doesn’t know Joseph very well, probably because he belongs to one of the elite families on Fall Island, but she’s surprised to find him funny and approachable.
But when the two arrive at the Wescott mausoleum, they are shocked to discover a dead body inside. Even worse, there are three dead sheep surrounding the body, gruesomely carved with ritualistic symbols. Who on the island would do such a thing? As a police investigation gets underway, Gracie and her aunt Judy are sent to Wescott Manor to ride out the storm (their power has gone out, but the manor has a backup generator), but once she gets there and meets Joseph’s imposing family, she wonders if the manor is safe at all.
I have to admit it's hard to sum up the plot of Snow Drowned, which tells me that it's a bit on the chaotic side. Despite this, though, I found the book to be fast-paced and exciting and very hard to put down. Lyle immediately sets up a couple of tantalizing mysteries. First, the Wescott family is cloaked in mystery, and the author spends a lot of time going into the story of how the original settlers, led by patriarch Fitzwilliam Wescott, were “led” to the island by an angel. Once there, Fitzwilliam established his own church, allowing only those original settlers to attend. He also built the imposing Wescott Manor, a gloomy, gothic mansion perched at the very top of the island. Even in the present day, the church is exclusive only to those who were born on the island, and secrets and rumors abound about what goes on behind closed doors.
It doesn’t take long before the reader understands that this is no ordinary church, although the specifics about it aren’t revealed until the final chapters. I have to admit it wasn’t that hard to figure out, since the author left plenty of clues along the way. I love the idea of a creepy church and the even creepier Wescott family members who are hiding all sorts of nasty secrets, and the gothic vibe was really well done.
There’s also the mystery of the dead body and how it ties to the church and the Wescott family. Joseph gives Gracie an old journal to read that turns out to have lots of clues about the family and what they’re up to, and I really enjoyed the journal entries, which fill in some of the history of the island.
The story is full of very unpleasant adult characters, and I can’t say I liked any of them except maybe Gracie’s friend Stubby. Her mother is horrible to her, and even though Gracie wants to spend time with her mom, she’s often brushed aside. It was heartbreaking. Her aunt Judy is much the same, a callous woman who obviously has a hidden agenda. When Gracie gets to the manor, she meets Marin, Joseph’s grandmother, the current leader of the church, and his mother Vanessa, who warns Gracie away from Joseph. Luckily I liked Gracie a lot, even if I wanted her to ask more questions than she did. And I was happy that there wasn’t a romance between Gracie and Joseph. There were plenty of other things going on in the story, and it just didn’t need a teen romance to work.
As for negatives, I though some things were added simply for convenience in order to move the story along. I also didn’t really understand the connection between the snow and the church, if there even was one. From the title of the book, I expected “snow” to play a bigger part in the story—one of the repeated taglines is “The snow got ‘em”—but other than a few mentions about random people who were lost in the snow, that element could have been left out entirely, with more focus given to the church and the horrors that take place at Wescott Manor.
But I did love the epilogue, where the author throws in an unexpected twist. It’s the kind of ending I love in horror stories, where you think everything is resolved but then you realize it isn’t at all. Snow Drowned surprised me in lots of ways, and despite a few flaws, I've very glad I read this creepy YA horror story.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
November 11, 2024
4.5*
Okay I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting, because I genuinely could not stop. It is that compulsively readable. It's dark too, which I loved, and just... look, I am trying to not say too much because it is so full of twists and turns and jaw-dropping moments that I really want you to just read it for yourselves! Like- every note on my Kindle is just notes of shock and awe because this book was that much of a roller coaster!
The atmosphere was on point, I was invested in the characters and the story, and I needed to know all the things. I did wonder if perhaps it was to be continued, based on how the story ends. It ends in a satisfying enough way as to not be frustrating, but also lends itself to the possibility of a sequel.
Bottom Line: If you like thrillers with a touch of supernatural and a whole lot of darkness and twists, this is the book for you!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Okay I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting, because I genuinely could not stop. It is that compulsively readable. It's dark too, which I loved, and just... look, I am trying to not say too much because it is so full of twists and turns and jaw-dropping moments that I really want you to just read it for yourselves! Like- every note on my Kindle is just notes of shock and awe because this book was that much of a roller coaster!
The atmosphere was on point, I was invested in the characters and the story, and I needed to know all the things. I did wonder if perhaps it was to be continued, based on how the story ends. It ends in a satisfying enough way as to not be frustrating, but also lends itself to the possibility of a sequel.
Bottom Line: If you like thrillers with a touch of supernatural and a whole lot of darkness and twists, this is the book for you!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
December 7, 2024
1.5 stars
I came for a snow storm and some action/horror mystery stuff. What I got was a religious cult, some fancy lights, and ... tentacles? Like, seriously!? Cthulhu? Is that you??? (I have no idea.)
I had missed the YA tag on this one, so it annoyed me how young and stupid the main character was before it all fell into place. The fact that the audiobook is read by a grown woman, not a 16-year-old (yeah, you can really tell) makes the entire narration feel slightly off.
But that doesn't really matter in the end, because the story is not great. Or good.
I came in with really low expectations since the book had a rating below 3.5 stars (a line I usually don't cross all that often). But... Nah. Not my thing.
I finished it, at least. It wasn't all that long. (Thankfully.)
I came for a snow storm and some action/horror mystery stuff. What I got was a religious cult, some fancy lights, and ... tentacles? Like, seriously!? Cthulhu? Is that you??? (I have no idea.)
I had missed the YA tag on this one, so it annoyed me how young and stupid the main character was before it all fell into place. The fact that the audiobook is read by a grown woman, not a 16-year-old (yeah, you can really tell) makes the entire narration feel slightly off.
But that doesn't really matter in the end, because the story is not great. Or good.
I came in with really low expectations since the book had a rating below 3.5 stars (a line I usually don't cross all that often). But... Nah. Not my thing.
I finished it, at least. It wasn't all that long. (Thankfully.)
March 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thrilling AF. Creepy AF. And so worth my time!!!
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** This would make my whole week if there are A LOT of shocking twists and turns. 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽.
Thrilling AF. Creepy AF. And so worth my time!!!
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** This would make my whole week if there are A LOT of shocking twists and turns. 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽.
October 27, 2024
However dark you think this book might be, it’s darker. The way it’s advertised I went into this thinking it was a locked room murder mystery, when it’s actually more like Midsommar (which imo is way better and makes a much more interested read). This description might be kind of insane to say but this was like, Midsommar meets Gilmore Girls: winter edition. And I say Gilmore Girls only because Fall Island is like if Stars Hollow were evil and undesirable to live in. It has the same tight knit small town vibes and does feel a lot like Stars Hollow, but this time in a bad way. It’s like Stars Hollow horror edition if it had crazy dangerous winters. Residents of Fall Island are told “stay safe or the snow will get you”. All their horror stories take place in the winter because “nothing good happens here when it snows”. There have been a lot of weird deaths throughout the centuries involving snow on Fall Island, enough to make it weirdly like a pattern and be gossiped about online amongst ghost story enthusiasts, and it makes me wonder why people still wanna live on this island to begin with? Creepy and weird.
I thought this would be a book about being in a manor in a small town during a snowstorm, where everyone who chose to remain on an abandoned island hunkers down for safety but they start getting taken out by a killer. The way it’s advertised, you’d think it will be that kind of book. But nope whatever you’re expecting it’s way worse! This is not a thriller and is most definitely horror. Which again, much better in my opinion, at least for my personal preferences. I went into this expecting more of a thriller but since this was horror, I ended up liking this more than I was anticipating.
This is one of those best kinds of books, the ones that are so unputdownable. My biggest book pet peeve are books that feel like a chore to get through to get to the end when it finally gets interesting, but this book was never a slog to get through and I was always excited to pick it back up. Even when it’s just setting everything up, the scenery is so atmospheric, so bleak, that it’s never boring. I can’t say the same for a lot of the other books I’ve read, including others in the horror genre. I really COULD NOT put this down. I was reading this as I was getting ready for a Halloween party, reading this while pacing around in heels breaking in my shoes, I just couldn’t put it down, and this was before I was even at the 30% mark. No boring beginnings or set ups here! It’s been a while since I’ve had a book like that. I think the reasoning is because the setting of Fall Island is so atmospheric and it drops enough information about how weird this island is to keep you hooked, without giving you all the answers.
This book was horrific. The people in this book are horrific. I cannot even begin to explain to you how messed up these people are. I found it crazy, almost unbelievable, how these people are willing to fervently accept something so demented to the point where they will commit countless horrific acts because they deeply believe in it so strongly. Like….why? Everyone has their own innate moral compass, so I find this almost unbelievable how these people are doing these things, genuinely thinking they are in the right. I get that when you’re raised in a cult it’s easy to take everything at face value and believe what you’re told when you’re a child, but once you grow up that’s when you truly make the decisions for yourself on what you believe and what your morals are. Even if you’re raised to have certain morals, everyone has an innate moral compass. So how can all these people be so….unfazed and unaffected by violence and evil and just go with this insanity still thinking they’re in the right? Books like these make you contemplate morality because how can people be (probably) mentally sane and commit acts like these. This book really is a study of morality and psychology.
Only reason I took off a star is because I think there were some loose ends at the ending that I still had questions about. Some unanswered questions and points of confusion. But, this genuinely was one of the most memorable horror novels I’ve ever read and far better than I was expecting. This was really visual, atmospheric, easy to picture, and never boring. Not to mention, unpredictable near the end. This was one of the craziest YA books I’ve ever read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
I thought this would be a book about being in a manor in a small town during a snowstorm, where everyone who chose to remain on an abandoned island hunkers down for safety but they start getting taken out by a killer. The way it’s advertised, you’d think it will be that kind of book. But nope whatever you’re expecting it’s way worse! This is not a thriller and is most definitely horror. Which again, much better in my opinion, at least for my personal preferences. I went into this expecting more of a thriller but since this was horror, I ended up liking this more than I was anticipating.
This is one of those best kinds of books, the ones that are so unputdownable. My biggest book pet peeve are books that feel like a chore to get through to get to the end when it finally gets interesting, but this book was never a slog to get through and I was always excited to pick it back up. Even when it’s just setting everything up, the scenery is so atmospheric, so bleak, that it’s never boring. I can’t say the same for a lot of the other books I’ve read, including others in the horror genre. I really COULD NOT put this down. I was reading this as I was getting ready for a Halloween party, reading this while pacing around in heels breaking in my shoes, I just couldn’t put it down, and this was before I was even at the 30% mark. No boring beginnings or set ups here! It’s been a while since I’ve had a book like that. I think the reasoning is because the setting of Fall Island is so atmospheric and it drops enough information about how weird this island is to keep you hooked, without giving you all the answers.
This book was horrific. The people in this book are horrific. I cannot even begin to explain to you how messed up these people are. I found it crazy, almost unbelievable, how these people are willing to fervently accept something so demented to the point where they will commit countless horrific acts because they deeply believe in it so strongly. Like….why? Everyone has their own innate moral compass, so I find this almost unbelievable how these people are doing these things, genuinely thinking they are in the right. I get that when you’re raised in a cult it’s easy to take everything at face value and believe what you’re told when you’re a child, but once you grow up that’s when you truly make the decisions for yourself on what you believe and what your morals are. Even if you’re raised to have certain morals, everyone has an innate moral compass. So how can all these people be so….unfazed and unaffected by violence and evil and just go with this insanity still thinking they’re in the right? Books like these make you contemplate morality because how can people be (probably) mentally sane and commit acts like these. This book really is a study of morality and psychology.
Only reason I took off a star is because I think there were some loose ends at the ending that I still had questions about. Some unanswered questions and points of confusion. But, this genuinely was one of the most memorable horror novels I’ve ever read and far better than I was expecting. This was really visual, atmospheric, easy to picture, and never boring. Not to mention, unpredictable near the end. This was one of the craziest YA books I’ve ever read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
November 2, 2024
#ad thanks to @sourcebooksfire for my advance copy
Everyone has heard the legends about this island. How people have disappeared or been found frozen to death. The locals know that when a snow storm comes, bad things follow behind it.
10 years prior, Jenna, who was 16 at the time, was home alone when a storm began. She had spent her whole life terrified of the snow since her childhood. You would never find her outside in the Winter months. So when she disappears people don’t know what to think.
In the now is Grace. There’s a storm coming. And things start to become strange before the snow has even begun. What will happen when the storm actually starts?
Oof this book! This was a fun but creepy read. While the chapters are a little long the story hooks you and you’ll fly through them. The unsettling apprehension that something bad is going to happen looms in the background of this story - and the suspense - is palpable.
I enjoyed the mystery and all of the stories that the community have said happened there. They only add to the overall ominous feel that this book gives off.
Def recommend.
Releases: November 5, 2024 so preorder your copy now. YA
Everyone has heard the legends about this island. How people have disappeared or been found frozen to death. The locals know that when a snow storm comes, bad things follow behind it.
10 years prior, Jenna, who was 16 at the time, was home alone when a storm began. She had spent her whole life terrified of the snow since her childhood. You would never find her outside in the Winter months. So when she disappears people don’t know what to think.
In the now is Grace. There’s a storm coming. And things start to become strange before the snow has even begun. What will happen when the storm actually starts?
Oof this book! This was a fun but creepy read. While the chapters are a little long the story hooks you and you’ll fly through them. The unsettling apprehension that something bad is going to happen looms in the background of this story - and the suspense - is palpable.
I enjoyed the mystery and all of the stories that the community have said happened there. They only add to the overall ominous feel that this book gives off.
Def recommend.
Releases: November 5, 2024 so preorder your copy now. YA
December 7, 2024
I chose this book to complete a few challenges that had a "snow" prompt, otherwise I would have DNFed because WHAT WAS THAT?!? This book was having an identity crisis and felt directionless. The writing and characters were stale. I usually try to find something constructive and positive to say but I don't have anything for this one.
November 24, 2024
Thank you @sourcebooksfire for my book.
What I Loved:
Creepy, disturbing, twists upon twists.
Also reinforced why I don’t like the snow. 😩
Issues I Had:
The pacing could have been better.
What I Loved:
Creepy, disturbing, twists upon twists.
Also reinforced why I don’t like the snow. 😩
Issues I Had:
The pacing could have been better.
June 9, 2024
Book:
SNOW DROWNED by Jennifer Lyle
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire (Out Nov 5)
Review:
3⭐
I was immediately drawn into SNOW DROWNED by the title. There's something about it that spoke to me, and I knew I needed to read more. SNOW DROWNED follows Grace and Joseph as they ride out a blizzard at Wescott Manor. It's safe, or is it? From the prologue, I was hooked by the disappearances, the snow, the weird symbols, the secrets, etc. It was like I couldn't think until I knew everything. As great as that sounds, I felt like the chapters drew on, circling around the plot and mystery instead of solving everything. It almost felt like a task to read this book because there were times where I was bored, which doesn't mix well when you want to know what's going on(the book did pick up halfway through which I appreciated even if it ultimately got boring again before getting better). Nonetheless, this book was interesting in parts with a mystery begging to be solved even though the book fell short for me.
What I Liked About It:
*the mystery
*the book's title
SNOW DROWNED by Jennifer Lyle
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire (Out Nov 5)
Review:
3⭐
I was immediately drawn into SNOW DROWNED by the title. There's something about it that spoke to me, and I knew I needed to read more. SNOW DROWNED follows Grace and Joseph as they ride out a blizzard at Wescott Manor. It's safe, or is it? From the prologue, I was hooked by the disappearances, the snow, the weird symbols, the secrets, etc. It was like I couldn't think until I knew everything. As great as that sounds, I felt like the chapters drew on, circling around the plot and mystery instead of solving everything. It almost felt like a task to read this book because there were times where I was bored, which doesn't mix well when you want to know what's going on(the book did pick up halfway through which I appreciated even if it ultimately got boring again before getting better). Nonetheless, this book was interesting in parts with a mystery begging to be solved even though the book fell short for me.
What I Liked About It:
*the mystery
*the book's title
January 12, 2025
I started this yesterday evening as we had our first winter storm in my area (North Carolina) in 3 years. Thought it would be cool to be reading this while we got snow/sleet/freezing rain...hoped our power would stay on. Thankfully, our storm sort of fizzled out quickly, and today with the help of some sunshine, most everything has already melted away like it never happened.
First, I completely missed that this was a Teen/Young Adult title when I decided to pick it up. But since it was also Horror, I thought it would be worth it. Meh. Sort of horror, sort of not. I think if it had stuck with the whole crazy-people-stuck-on-an-island-in-a-blizzard thing, with the potential of a killer on the loose, it might have been OK. Or if it had been just a cult-followers-stuck-on-an-island-in-a-blizzard thing, that might have worked as well. But the combination? Nope. Felt very much like Storm of the Century meets Dagon and Other Macabre Tales.
As for the epilogue, not crazy about it at all. Felt very "let's give ourselves room for another book if this goes well". In any case, I won't be picking it up.
First, I completely missed that this was a Teen/Young Adult title when I decided to pick it up. But since it was also Horror, I thought it would be worth it. Meh. Sort of horror, sort of not. I think if it had stuck with the whole crazy-people-stuck-on-an-island-in-a-blizzard thing, with the potential of a killer on the loose, it might have been OK. Or if it had been just a cult-followers-stuck-on-an-island-in-a-blizzard thing, that might have worked as well. But the combination? Nope. Felt very much like Storm of the Century meets Dagon and Other Macabre Tales.
As for the epilogue, not crazy about it at all. Felt very "let's give ourselves room for another book if this goes well". In any case, I won't be picking it up.
January 10, 2025
TW: self harm, murder, blood,torture, animal death, talk of suicide, if you have religious trauma this may be hard to read, cults
4.5 Because the end made it sound like there might be a sequel and there really doesn't need to be.
This book was great. The lore of Fall island is amazing and an insulated horror novel that involves a small society filled with spooky hidden secrets.
At its core this book is about what can happen when you follow rules blindly, especially when those rules are made out of fanatical and blind faith.
There were a few parts that surprised me, many that made me angry and sad for Gracie and a few that had me go "wow that is seriously weird and fucked up."
I liked that the book hinted at romance and there actually winds up being none. I found Gracie a great, well written, funny and relatable character.
This was a fast paced read, thoroughly recommend.
4.5 Because the end made it sound like there might be a sequel and there really doesn't need to be.
This book was great. The lore of Fall island is amazing and an insulated horror novel that involves a small society filled with spooky hidden secrets.
At its core this book is about what can happen when you follow rules blindly, especially when those rules are made out of fanatical and blind faith.
There were a few parts that surprised me, many that made me angry and sad for Gracie and a few that had me go "wow that is seriously weird and fucked up."
I liked that the book hinted at romance and there actually winds up being none. I found Gracie a great, well written, funny and relatable character.
This was a fast paced read, thoroughly recommend.
January 6, 2025
Had such potential and then it just got really fucking weird
November 12, 2025
Ugh, this was a let down. Honestly, I don’t even know where this was going or why. Everything was strange and chaotic.
November 9, 2024
I mostly really liked this book. Island setting, storm of the century, weird religion, and murder, of course! The main character had some kinda stunned moments, but overall, I enjoyed this.
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Perfect read for a cold stormy night. I was instant invested in Gracie and the mysteries in Fall Island. The book got a little bit out there towards the middle but I found the ending and especially the epilogue really cleared a lot up for me. Jennifer Lyle does a fantastic job of describing the scenery, the cold and all that is Fall Island. I felt completely immersed in Gracie’s world and story.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 25, 2024
In Jennifer D. Lyle’s book, Snow Drowned, there is something sinister about snow.
Atmospheric and dark, the book opens with teen Gracie Hutchinson frustrated she is being forced to stay behind on Fall Island with her father while her mother and sister go to the mainland. With a hundred-year snowstorm, there is bound to be chaos, especially given snow always seems to coincide with disappearances on Fall Island.
Gracie’s apprehensions are realized when she and her classmate, the elusive Joseph Westcott, stumble upon a dead body in the cemetery just before the storm hits. Now Gracie finds herself in the middle of the mystery on the island, with the storm wreaking havoc on everything around her.
Lyle does a great job creating ambiance in this book. The reader can feel the chill of the storm and the urgency of Gracie’s search. Adding in the Wescott house (as well as a cult) only adds to the ominous tone of the book. The plot includes some solid twists and turns with a few solid surprises. The first 75% of the book reads quickly as a result.
The last part of the book becomes a bit muddled because it goes on for too long and introduces a supernatural element that feels jarring compared to the rest of the story. Lyle does a fantastic job of creating mystery, but the ending feels too cinematic. The chaotic final scenes were unnecessary for such an intriguing story.
Overall, this is a fun read and a definite one to consider when packing for vacation.
Atmospheric and dark, the book opens with teen Gracie Hutchinson frustrated she is being forced to stay behind on Fall Island with her father while her mother and sister go to the mainland. With a hundred-year snowstorm, there is bound to be chaos, especially given snow always seems to coincide with disappearances on Fall Island.
Gracie’s apprehensions are realized when she and her classmate, the elusive Joseph Westcott, stumble upon a dead body in the cemetery just before the storm hits. Now Gracie finds herself in the middle of the mystery on the island, with the storm wreaking havoc on everything around her.
Lyle does a great job creating ambiance in this book. The reader can feel the chill of the storm and the urgency of Gracie’s search. Adding in the Wescott house (as well as a cult) only adds to the ominous tone of the book. The plot includes some solid twists and turns with a few solid surprises. The first 75% of the book reads quickly as a result.
The last part of the book becomes a bit muddled because it goes on for too long and introduces a supernatural element that feels jarring compared to the rest of the story. Lyle does a fantastic job of creating mystery, but the ending feels too cinematic. The chaotic final scenes were unnecessary for such an intriguing story.
Overall, this is a fun read and a definite one to consider when packing for vacation.
December 20, 2024
Ughhhh what the fuck. If i could describe how i felt about this book with one emoji, it would be 🥴
Like what the fuck was that?
I picked up this book cuz it sounded creepy/murder mystery vibes. It was exactly the opposite. Ended up being culty and weird af. Not what i was expecting AT ALL.
However, i do have to say, it sucked me right in. I read this in 1 day. I loooove culty stuff. And i had to see it through. But the monster coming out of a pit with tentacles? So bad hahahah. Like i thought it was a joke.
OVERALL: entertained but disappointed
Like what the fuck was that?
I picked up this book cuz it sounded creepy/murder mystery vibes. It was exactly the opposite. Ended up being culty and weird af. Not what i was expecting AT ALL.
However, i do have to say, it sucked me right in. I read this in 1 day. I loooove culty stuff. And i had to see it through. But the monster coming out of a pit with tentacles? So bad hahahah. Like i thought it was a joke.
OVERALL: entertained but disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
“The snow got ‘em, say the old people. Snow drowned ‘em but good.”
On Fall Island, the snow is different. It takes people—other islanders that Gracie has known since growing up on the island herself. Almost all the islanders were born there, and if they weren’t, they married into the families of the original settlers. When a blizzard warning causes almost all the islanders to evacuate, Gracie ends up as one of the few to stay behind with her physician father and police officer uncle. Stuck on the island and accompanied by her popular classmate Joseph Wescott—a descendant of Fall Island’s founder—strange things start happening before the storm brews. Forced out of her home by strange, ritualistic threats and the memories of those lost to the snow, Gracie takes shelter in the Wescott mansion along with members of the island’s church. Once the snow begins to fall there is no escaping the mansion or the secrets within, and Gracie will have to fight for her life to survive the storm.
Snow Drowned took me completely by surprise. After reading the summary, I had expected your typical murder mystery story—but the real story was much more unique in plot. Not only did Jennifer D. Lyle take her time explaining the lore of Fall Island and building up the suspense from the snow, but she also made an effort to create uniquely intriguing personalities for every one of her characters. A big turning point in the story was Gracie’s transition from her house to the mansion, but Lyle slowed down the story by including important events before this, which I thought added more depth to the novel. The symbols and origins of not only the island but also the church were some of my favorite aspects of Snow Drowned, and it truly was like nothing I have ever read before. It is easy to recognize the amount of effort the author channeled into the little details such as the layout of the island, which is important since it is easy to get lost in the complexities of the plot in a story like this one. Of all the carefully thought-out characters, my favorite was Sister Francis. Her evolution throughout the novel was extremely well done, as her characterization began with suspenseful rumors and flourished into the qualities of a misunderstood hero. Jennifer D. Lyle’s Snow Drowned may not have been what I expected, but I closed the book feeling satisfied with the uniquely unsettling content within its pages.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
On Fall Island, the snow is different. It takes people—other islanders that Gracie has known since growing up on the island herself. Almost all the islanders were born there, and if they weren’t, they married into the families of the original settlers. When a blizzard warning causes almost all the islanders to evacuate, Gracie ends up as one of the few to stay behind with her physician father and police officer uncle. Stuck on the island and accompanied by her popular classmate Joseph Wescott—a descendant of Fall Island’s founder—strange things start happening before the storm brews. Forced out of her home by strange, ritualistic threats and the memories of those lost to the snow, Gracie takes shelter in the Wescott mansion along with members of the island’s church. Once the snow begins to fall there is no escaping the mansion or the secrets within, and Gracie will have to fight for her life to survive the storm.
Snow Drowned took me completely by surprise. After reading the summary, I had expected your typical murder mystery story—but the real story was much more unique in plot. Not only did Jennifer D. Lyle take her time explaining the lore of Fall Island and building up the suspense from the snow, but she also made an effort to create uniquely intriguing personalities for every one of her characters. A big turning point in the story was Gracie’s transition from her house to the mansion, but Lyle slowed down the story by including important events before this, which I thought added more depth to the novel. The symbols and origins of not only the island but also the church were some of my favorite aspects of Snow Drowned, and it truly was like nothing I have ever read before. It is easy to recognize the amount of effort the author channeled into the little details such as the layout of the island, which is important since it is easy to get lost in the complexities of the plot in a story like this one. Of all the carefully thought-out characters, my favorite was Sister Francis. Her evolution throughout the novel was extremely well done, as her characterization began with suspenseful rumors and flourished into the qualities of a misunderstood hero. Jennifer D. Lyle’s Snow Drowned may not have been what I expected, but I closed the book feeling satisfied with the uniquely unsettling content within its pages.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
January 18, 2025
3/5
Plot driven with an eerie ending.
CW // blood, death, cancer, ritualistic murder, strong language
The cover and blurb sold me. The storm of the century is approaching Fall, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, where almost all residents are descendants of the original settlers. The Indigenous people believed the island to be cursed, but somehow, the devout followers found a way to thrive.
Gracie Hutchinson and her father are two of the few people remaining on the island, most have gone to the mainland to wait out the storm while the others are at a religious gathering at the prestigious Wescott Manor, the highest house on the hill. Gracie runs into Joseph, the popular and friendly Wescott heir and things take a turn for the worst when they discover a ritualistic killing in the cemetery. Since bad things always happen during the storms, Joseph invites Gracie up to the Manor. There's no place to hide as the blizzard covers the island and things turn from worse to deadly for Gracie and Joseph.
----
What I liked:
The premise.
The fear of the snow.
The people who were taken by the snow. Wescott Manor.
These were all really interesting pieces and I liked the imagery.
What I didn't like:
The lack of action by Gracie. Everything just happens to her, she is reactive, not proactive. I suppose this is because of the blizzard but it fell flat.
I didn't like the lack of chemistry between her and Joseph. Are they supposed to be romantic? They didn't even feel platonic. He had potential to be truly important but he just becomes flat and useless.
The simple errors. For whatever reason, 99% of sentences starting with interjections are missing a comma. "Oh good."(p 38) "Oh shut up." (p 39) "Yeah I'm very cool." (p 41) "Well hold onto it for a second." (p 42) "Anyway I guess I could walk through the kitchen ..." (p 8) Most are in dialogue but the one from page 8 isn't. The further I read, the more errors popped up with words missing from sentences or the word order being wrong. "I wind my way through down the path ..." (p 188) and "[She] kneels in front of her grandmother's wheelchair and takes old woman's hands in her own." (p 218-219) and "... except this trap isn't going end with me ..." (p 223) being some I wrote down.
What I loved:
THE EPILOGUE.
Despite my low review, this ending was so creepy and unsettling. The whole ending of the book is chaotic and brutal, but the epilogue was pure perfection. I loved it. I have so many questions. It was so exciting and chilling. I hope everyone reads the epilogue regardless of their feelings. It really ended in the perfect place for me and left me with all the goosebumps I wanted.
Truly, the idea is solid and there. I'm just not sure why it fell flat for me. At least with that epilogue I will keep thinking about it.
I checked this out from my local library! Go see if it's at yours or request it!
Plot driven with an eerie ending.
CW // blood, death, cancer, ritualistic murder, strong language
The cover and blurb sold me. The storm of the century is approaching Fall, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, where almost all residents are descendants of the original settlers. The Indigenous people believed the island to be cursed, but somehow, the devout followers found a way to thrive.
Gracie Hutchinson and her father are two of the few people remaining on the island, most have gone to the mainland to wait out the storm while the others are at a religious gathering at the prestigious Wescott Manor, the highest house on the hill. Gracie runs into Joseph, the popular and friendly Wescott heir and things take a turn for the worst when they discover a ritualistic killing in the cemetery. Since bad things always happen during the storms, Joseph invites Gracie up to the Manor. There's no place to hide as the blizzard covers the island and things turn from worse to deadly for Gracie and Joseph.
----
What I liked:
The premise.
The fear of the snow.
The people who were taken by the snow. Wescott Manor.
These were all really interesting pieces and I liked the imagery.
What I didn't like:
The lack of action by Gracie. Everything just happens to her, she is reactive, not proactive. I suppose this is because of the blizzard but it fell flat.
I didn't like the lack of chemistry between her and Joseph. Are they supposed to be romantic? They didn't even feel platonic. He had potential to be truly important but he just becomes flat and useless.
The simple errors. For whatever reason, 99% of sentences starting with interjections are missing a comma. "Oh good."(p 38) "Oh shut up." (p 39) "Yeah I'm very cool." (p 41) "Well hold onto it for a second." (p 42) "Anyway I guess I could walk through the kitchen ..." (p 8) Most are in dialogue but the one from page 8 isn't. The further I read, the more errors popped up with words missing from sentences or the word order being wrong. "I wind my way through down the path ..." (p 188) and "[She] kneels in front of her grandmother's wheelchair and takes old woman's hands in her own." (p 218-219) and "... except this trap isn't going end with me ..." (p 223) being some I wrote down.
What I loved:
THE EPILOGUE.
Despite my low review, this ending was so creepy and unsettling. The whole ending of the book is chaotic and brutal, but the epilogue was pure perfection. I loved it. I have so many questions. It was so exciting and chilling. I hope everyone reads the epilogue regardless of their feelings. It really ended in the perfect place for me and left me with all the goosebumps I wanted.
Truly, the idea is solid and there. I'm just not sure why it fell flat for me. At least with that epilogue I will keep thinking about it.
I checked this out from my local library! Go see if it's at yours or request it!
November 4, 2024
SNOW DROWNED is an engaging YA thriller that takes place on a small island, where the villagers have a long history. Grace is left behind with her father during a snow storm where her sister has other plans and her mother is heading to the mainland for a delivery. Upset about being left behind, she follows her mother's instructions to leave flowers on her grandmother's grave before the storm begins. When she is there, she is approached by the strange nun she has been warned away from since childhood and stumbles upon the cute, popular, and wealthy guy from her school, Joseph.
Together, they find a murdered man in some kind of weird ritual. A bit shaken up and with her father asked to examine the body, Grace finds herself alone in the storm. Luckily, her aunt appears, but things get stranger when the power goes out and she begins to see things. As the storm rages, Grace will find herself mixed up in something bigger than she could have imagined.
What I loved: This was an interesting locked-room style thriller that brings themes of family, betrayal, religion, and obsession amidst a terrible snowstorm. Grace is a compelling main character who feels like your typical teen - she does not want to be home in the storm because of the risk of losing cell phone signal, and she has no interest in whatever other weird things are going on - until she ends up stumbling upon it all. Her perspective kept the surprises coming, and there were plenty of unexpected twists and turns while she does not know who she can trust - and given the limited time, she will have to figure it out fast.
Nothing and no one is as they seem, and the tensions were high throughout this read. The suspense was well-paced, and the story definitely included some shocking twists that were hard to predict. With the unknown frequently hanging over the story and strange behaviors from people she should have been able to trust, there was definitely a great psychological thriller element to the story. The themes were really thought-provoking as we consider family/duty, betrayal, religion/obsession, and self-determination amidst the narrative.
Final verdict: SNOW DROWNED is a twisty and intense YA thriller that keeps the reader on their toes amidst unexpected betrayals, shocking histories, and the danger of the snow.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Together, they find a murdered man in some kind of weird ritual. A bit shaken up and with her father asked to examine the body, Grace finds herself alone in the storm. Luckily, her aunt appears, but things get stranger when the power goes out and she begins to see things. As the storm rages, Grace will find herself mixed up in something bigger than she could have imagined.
What I loved: This was an interesting locked-room style thriller that brings themes of family, betrayal, religion, and obsession amidst a terrible snowstorm. Grace is a compelling main character who feels like your typical teen - she does not want to be home in the storm because of the risk of losing cell phone signal, and she has no interest in whatever other weird things are going on - until she ends up stumbling upon it all. Her perspective kept the surprises coming, and there were plenty of unexpected twists and turns while she does not know who she can trust - and given the limited time, she will have to figure it out fast.
Nothing and no one is as they seem, and the tensions were high throughout this read. The suspense was well-paced, and the story definitely included some shocking twists that were hard to predict. With the unknown frequently hanging over the story and strange behaviors from people she should have been able to trust, there was definitely a great psychological thriller element to the story. The themes were really thought-provoking as we consider family/duty, betrayal, religion/obsession, and self-determination amidst the narrative.
Final verdict: SNOW DROWNED is a twisty and intense YA thriller that keeps the reader on their toes amidst unexpected betrayals, shocking histories, and the danger of the snow.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 16, 2024
Definitely a thriller that will keep readers turning pages and wondering what kind of craziness is going on in the mansion up on the hill.
The book opens with a young girl traumatized by a scary experience trapped in a snow tunnel and the rumors that swirl around Fall Island about the terrible things that have happened to islanders in the past. Cut to Grace, a sweet 16 year old with a strained mother-daughter relationship who is left alone with the mother of all snowstorms on its way. Add in handsome and wealthy Joseph Wescott, an ancient and very creepy nun, a brutal murder in a cemetery and Grace feels lucky to be invited to wait out the storm in the much talked about Wescott mansion with her aunt Judy. Luck has nothing to do with and Grace begins to discover more about the religion followed by residents up near the mansion and her place in a sacred ceremony that only happens once in a generation and when the storm is right.
Lyle’s book is full of twists and turns and readers will have no idea who Grace should trust and who she should run from just as fast as she can. The final scene is detailed, comes in waves of deceit and revelation mixed with a whole lot of blood and a creature that must have come from a nightmare. And just when you think it’s all down and things have settled down…it isn’t.
The blood and violence level is pretty high but most would deem it acceptable for a thriller aimed at high school and up. No sexual content, although mother Marin does get a little tipsy and remarks to her son, “F—ing every girl who wanders too close is not a passion.” That particular F-bomb is dropped along with several others plus a few milder curse words all in the same ten or so pages and is the first burst in the book. The second burst of profanity does not occur until that final scene and does include several F-bombs. (None are critical to the plot and the necessary emotional dialogue could have been done without them.)
A addition to the thriller section of older YA through adult that definitely should be considered.
The book opens with a young girl traumatized by a scary experience trapped in a snow tunnel and the rumors that swirl around Fall Island about the terrible things that have happened to islanders in the past. Cut to Grace, a sweet 16 year old with a strained mother-daughter relationship who is left alone with the mother of all snowstorms on its way. Add in handsome and wealthy Joseph Wescott, an ancient and very creepy nun, a brutal murder in a cemetery and Grace feels lucky to be invited to wait out the storm in the much talked about Wescott mansion with her aunt Judy. Luck has nothing to do with and Grace begins to discover more about the religion followed by residents up near the mansion and her place in a sacred ceremony that only happens once in a generation and when the storm is right.
Lyle’s book is full of twists and turns and readers will have no idea who Grace should trust and who she should run from just as fast as she can. The final scene is detailed, comes in waves of deceit and revelation mixed with a whole lot of blood and a creature that must have come from a nightmare. And just when you think it’s all down and things have settled down…it isn’t.
The blood and violence level is pretty high but most would deem it acceptable for a thriller aimed at high school and up. No sexual content, although mother Marin does get a little tipsy and remarks to her son, “F—ing every girl who wanders too close is not a passion.” That particular F-bomb is dropped along with several others plus a few milder curse words all in the same ten or so pages and is the first burst in the book. The second burst of profanity does not occur until that final scene and does include several F-bombs. (None are critical to the plot and the necessary emotional dialogue could have been done without them.)
A addition to the thriller section of older YA through adult that definitely should be considered.
January 19, 2025
This was my first physical book read of the year, and it certainly set the bar high! I tend to prefer reading over listening to audiobooks, and I believe this may have influenced my overall enjoyment and rating. Had I listened to this as an audiobook, my experience might have been different, but as a physical read, it was captivating.
The book’s unique storyline immediately drew me in. The twists and turns were completely unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated how the plot unfolded in ways I didn’t anticipate, making it an engaging and memorable read.
However, I did find some of the content a bit graphic for younger readers. While this added depth and realism to the story, it’s something to keep in mind for those who might be more sensitive to such themes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and found the book to be a standout read. If you’re looking for something that keeps you guessing with a compelling narrative, this book is definitely worth picking up!
The book’s unique storyline immediately drew me in. The twists and turns were completely unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated how the plot unfolded in ways I didn’t anticipate, making it an engaging and memorable read.
However, I did find some of the content a bit graphic for younger readers. While this added depth and realism to the story, it’s something to keep in mind for those who might be more sensitive to such themes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and found the book to be a standout read. If you’re looking for something that keeps you guessing with a compelling narrative, this book is definitely worth picking up!
May 27, 2025
I love a good winter thriller! This is YA, but I didn't mid that at all. I was hooked pretty fast. When snowstorms hit the small island town, people tend to go missing. A massive storm is rolling in, and a lot of the island's residents have decided to take shelter on the mainland, but Gracie has to stay with her father on the island since he is the town doctor.
Gracie and her classmate, Joseph find each other in the town cemetery where they stumble upon a ritualistic murder. If that wasn't bad enough, the power goes out and Gracie and her aunt are attacked in Gracie's home. Joseph's wealthy family reaches out and offers to let Gracie and her aunt stay with them in their sprawling mansion along with many other townsfolk.
The longer Gracie spends in the mansion, however, the stranger things become. Can Gracie uncover the truth connecting the snowstorms to the missing people?
I couldn't put this book down. I read it in two sittings and only stopped reading to go to bed. I had no idea what was going on or why. The twists caught me off guard and I really enjoyed the story.
Gracie and her classmate, Joseph find each other in the town cemetery where they stumble upon a ritualistic murder. If that wasn't bad enough, the power goes out and Gracie and her aunt are attacked in Gracie's home. Joseph's wealthy family reaches out and offers to let Gracie and her aunt stay with them in their sprawling mansion along with many other townsfolk.
The longer Gracie spends in the mansion, however, the stranger things become. Can Gracie uncover the truth connecting the snowstorms to the missing people?
I couldn't put this book down. I read it in two sittings and only stopped reading to go to bed. I had no idea what was going on or why. The twists caught me off guard and I really enjoyed the story.
May 31, 2025
So of the books I have read so far this year, this is definitely one of my favorites. It has all of the elements in a story that I love: suspense with a supernatural flare, a plotline I cannot guess easily, lots of weird stuff going on, an isolated town with huge secrets, action and real risk to the main character's life... Even some old legends! What more can you want? The story moved at a brisk pace too. I very quickly was captivated into the world that the main character found herself in - and a simple thing like a blizzard turned her whole life upside down! Yet it was done in the most unexpected way too.. this isn't just some ordinary story about freezing in the snow...no... it's way better!! In other words it has a very unique plot which is what I love!
Adding this to my favorites list.
It's sort of Stephen King for teenagers. You know how he always writes about bizarre little towns with super weird stuff going on? Well that is what this is too.. I read this incredibly fast. It never bored me at all.
Highly recommend!
Adding this to my favorites list.
It's sort of Stephen King for teenagers. You know how he always writes about bizarre little towns with super weird stuff going on? Well that is what this is too.. I read this incredibly fast. It never bored me at all.
Highly recommend!
September 6, 2024
Wow what a great winter read! Jennifer Lyle’s Fall Island is the perfect isolated, lonely and mysterious setting for “Snow Drowned”. From mansions to graveyards and the snow to the wild sea, the suspense is so alive I could feel the tension in my body change with each chapter. The characters are well developed and Gracie is perfect as the stories narrator. She’s a typical teenager with parent problems and a close knit family. The plot is wild! It’s well developed but towards the end it gets a little “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. I definitely liked the story overall though and highly recommend it. It’s a read that will keep you on the edge with twists and turns you will not see coming but the pieces will all come together. Just be aware, that beautiful white winter snow you love to watch…it will never look the same.
January 15, 2025
2.5 rounded up. I postponed reading this book to save it for my next reading slump. I thought it would be a strong pick that would pull me out of the after effects of a bad read. Boy was I wrong.
This book was okay at best. I think it wanted to be many things but unfortunately didn’t wear all of its layers successfully. While I finished the book, there were too many moments that I lost interest in how the story played out. What I found most interesting in the beginning was washed away by the middle. The turns in the middle became more and more predictable. Then by the end we get a random insert as if to gain the readers attention again while making no sense or connection to the overall themes of the book.
I should’ve just read this when I initially picked it up. It had the opposite effect than what I intended.
This book was okay at best. I think it wanted to be many things but unfortunately didn’t wear all of its layers successfully. While I finished the book, there were too many moments that I lost interest in how the story played out. What I found most interesting in the beginning was washed away by the middle. The turns in the middle became more and more predictable. Then by the end we get a random insert as if to gain the readers attention again while making no sense or connection to the overall themes of the book.
I should’ve just read this when I initially picked it up. It had the opposite effect than what I intended.
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