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Pagham-on-Sea #1
The Crows
When broken-hearted Carrie Rickard falls in love with a ruined house, her life changes forever - especially since this house loves her back. Fairwood House, known locally as The Crows, is no ordinary ruin. As Carrie pours herself into its restoration, she learns that it comes with a curse and an unsolved sixty-year-old child murder... and a mind of its own.
As she digs into the secrets of The Crows, Carrie is dragged into a world of witchcraft, blood magic and the supernatural, aided by her eldritch soothsayer neighbour, Ricky Porter, who's as obsessed with the house as she is.
Ricky, desperate to become the master of Fairwood and of the arcane artefact it guards, sees Carrie's future is set in stone - and so is her death-date. But is his offer of help sincere, or is he the reason she's doomed?
As she digs into the secrets of The Crows, Carrie is dragged into a world of witchcraft, blood magic and the supernatural, aided by her eldritch soothsayer neighbour, Ricky Porter, who's as obsessed with the house as she is.
Ricky, desperate to become the master of Fairwood and of the arcane artefact it guards, sees Carrie's future is set in stone - and so is her death-date. But is his offer of help sincere, or is he the reason she's doomed?
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2019
22 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 1, 2020
I’m really developing a special love for stories that mesh fantasy with dark and horrific imagery. And although The Crows plays heavily with traditional Gothic tropes, it manages to build a lush fantasy world filled with the truly weird and grotesque. At first, it appears to be a straight up haunted house story, as Carrie finishes renovating her dream home, a dilapidated manor in Wales, and begins to have thoughts that are not entirely her own. But it soon grows into much more as she discovers no one in town is quite what they seem and her house is at the center of a decades-old mystery that people are willing to kill to keep unsolved.
The cast of characters are vibrant and lend themselves to further exploration, which has me looking forward to more books in the series. I really enjoyed how Rosens presents a very gentile facade for the story but wasn’t shy about getting bloody and pushing the horror boundaries. I also appreciated how the town of Paham-on-the-Sea is a gray place where even the heroes can be monstrous.
If I have any criticisms it is sometimes the explanations of the outre elements were too cursory and left me a bit lost. Also, the thoughts placed in Carrie’s are distinguished by right-justification, italics, parentheses, or a combination thereof. I’m sure there was a rationale for which was used when, but I wasn’t observant enough to catch onto it. But these were minor issues that didn’t overly affect my enjoyment.
If you’re looking for a book with a thunderstorm and wind swept moors vibe, a dash of Lovecraft, and a splash of whimsy you need to read The Crows.
The cast of characters are vibrant and lend themselves to further exploration, which has me looking forward to more books in the series. I really enjoyed how Rosens presents a very gentile facade for the story but wasn’t shy about getting bloody and pushing the horror boundaries. I also appreciated how the town of Paham-on-the-Sea is a gray place where even the heroes can be monstrous.
If I have any criticisms it is sometimes the explanations of the outre elements were too cursory and left me a bit lost. Also, the thoughts placed in Carrie’s are distinguished by right-justification, italics, parentheses, or a combination thereof. I’m sure there was a rationale for which was used when, but I wasn’t observant enough to catch onto it. But these were minor issues that didn’t overly affect my enjoyment.
If you’re looking for a book with a thunderstorm and wind swept moors vibe, a dash of Lovecraft, and a splash of whimsy you need to read The Crows.
January 2, 2020
A clever heroine who falls for a ruined house… and the house that has a mind of its own falls for her. When C.M. Rosens offered to let me beta read The Crows, I couldn’t be more excited. Curses, a murder, and a spooky town all wrapped up in a blanket of dark humor? A very emotionally unavailable monster boy from next-door with a penchant for cannibalism? Sign me the heck up!
To read the full review, follow this link: https://nitapanwrites.com/2020/01/02/...
To read the full review, follow this link: https://nitapanwrites.com/2020/01/02/...
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September 27, 2025I have to be honest—I’m not quite sure how I feel about The Crows. It’s undeniably unique, but there’s something about it that feels jagged. Maybe it was the overuse of the word eldritch—a perfectly fine term, but there are plenty of other ways to describe the strangeness this book is steeped in. Or maybe it was how quickly Carrie, the protagonist, accepts the eerie oddities of the town she moves to. No questions asked—she just goes along with it all, which felt a little too convenient.
That said, the blend of gothic atmosphere, haunted house vibes, and a solid murder mystery sent a definite tingle down my spine. The plot is intriguing, and the characters have surprising depth. Despite her curious reactions, I found Carrie charming and ultimately enjoyed following her perspective.
This might be a book that benefits from a second (or even third) read to fully appreciate all its layers. For now, I’m somewhere in the middle—but intrigued enough to return to it.
That said, the blend of gothic atmosphere, haunted house vibes, and a solid murder mystery sent a definite tingle down my spine. The plot is intriguing, and the characters have surprising depth. Despite her curious reactions, I found Carrie charming and ultimately enjoyed following her perspective.
This might be a book that benefits from a second (or even third) read to fully appreciate all its layers. For now, I’m somewhere in the middle—but intrigued enough to return to it.
February 14, 2023
This book was so bizarre but in a good way. There's obviously the house (which is still my favorite part) but there were also werewolves, cannibals, etc. and the book even managed to intertwine Carrie's (very realistic) trauma and past into it — I actually wish the book was longer so that we could spend a little more time with all these different pieces of lore because the world-building is so rich. The illustrations were great too and really brought the story to life.
July 14, 2024
Very much a 'WTAF did I just read', experience.
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April 3, 2025Ricky Porter from The Crows is asexual!
https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
March 3, 2021
This is such a fantastic gothic tale! It's perfect for anyone who loves haunted houses, body horror, and a town with more secrets than residents. The characters are incredibly relatable, as they grapple with past traumas and current mysteries. All the characters are richly drawn and complex, making this a great story about found-family and magic.
For as creepy and horrific as certain parts of this story can be, there are other equally comforting parts, and often the two are mixed so well together that I found myself looking forward to spending more time in this world before I went to bed. That's about all I can say without giving spoilers.
I look forward to the next installment of this series!
For as creepy and horrific as certain parts of this story can be, there are other equally comforting parts, and often the two are mixed so well together that I found myself looking forward to spending more time in this world before I went to bed. That's about all I can say without giving spoilers.
I look forward to the next installment of this series!
April 25, 2021
This is hands-down the weirdest paranormal/haunted/undead/Other/etc story I have ever read. If that appeals to you, give it a try. I enjoyed/was creeped out, and recommend it unreservedly. Will I read book 2 when it comes out? Probably.
What a peculiar, unique, somehow entertaining experience.
What a peculiar, unique, somehow entertaining experience.
January 12, 2021
The Crows is a breath of fresh (fetid?) air on the miasma of contemporary fiction, with unexpected twists and turns (and tentacles!) blurring the line between horror and comedy. I honestly didn't know whether to hide under the covers or chuckle to death - but I know I did say "what the f---" quite a lot.
I must say I was a bit confused at times - there were so many characters, dead and alive, it was hard to keep track. The intriguing illustrations by Tom Brown provided a much helpful pause in the story to help me understand what was going on, and I wish there had been more. But, to be completely fair, The Crows is the first book from this Pagham-on-Sea 'Universe', so I expect more shall be explained soon anyway.
In conclusion, Austen and Lovecraft had a baby and Taika Waititi is the godfather.
I must say I was a bit confused at times - there were so many characters, dead and alive, it was hard to keep track. The intriguing illustrations by Tom Brown provided a much helpful pause in the story to help me understand what was going on, and I wish there had been more. But, to be completely fair, The Crows is the first book from this Pagham-on-Sea 'Universe', so I expect more shall be explained soon anyway.
In conclusion, Austen and Lovecraft had a baby and Taika Waititi is the godfather.
April 13, 2025
There were things about this book that I liked, but also quite a few that I didn't.
I did like: Fairwood as a sentient character; the relationship between the main character Carrie and Ricky; the play between real-world and magical.
I didn't like the lack of explanation for most things. Werewolves just exist? and Carrie is just able to believe it?! And there's other mystical beings like resurrectionists and soothsayers? Why? Are these people elsewhere, or just in the town in which The Crows takes place? Also, I think I might just not vibe with British story telling. Some of the lingo was unknown to me, and added some confusion to the story.
Overall, there may be good bones here, an interesting story at the core, but I just didn't necessarily like The Crows.
I did like: Fairwood as a sentient character; the relationship between the main character Carrie and Ricky; the play between real-world and magical.
I didn't like the lack of explanation for most things. Werewolves just exist? and Carrie is just able to believe it?! And there's other mystical beings like resurrectionists and soothsayers? Why? Are these people elsewhere, or just in the town in which The Crows takes place? Also, I think I might just not vibe with British story telling. Some of the lingo was unknown to me, and added some confusion to the story.
Overall, there may be good bones here, an interesting story at the core, but I just didn't necessarily like The Crows.
October 25, 2024
This book has more CWs than Ive got hair on my head but let me try to name a few.
CW:
Torture, Murder, Cannibalism, Child Death, Blood, Body Horror, Gore, Emotional Abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic Relationship, Domestic Abuse, Violence, Animal Death, even more Death somehow, Fire/Fire Injury, Alcoholism, Incest (siblings/cousins), Medical content, Car Accident
5/5 Stars
This book is basically like a stack of content warnings wrapped in a trench coat—but if you take the plunge and invite that trench-coated mystery in, you’re in for an incredible experience.
I devoured this book almost in one sitting; there’s something about it that’s just irresistible. Yes, there’s ace representation too, which is a fantastic bonus, but that’s only one part of what kept me hooked.
A Few Standout Elements I Loved:
1) The Haunted House Trope
2) The Relationship Between the Two Main Characters
The haunted house in this story is alive, and honestly, it’s the best character of the whole book. This isn’t your typical haunted house trope—it’s more layered, and the relationship between the house and our main character is absolutely captivating. The house’s slow descent into love (or something close to it) with its owner is portrayed so beautifully.
Then there’s the (platonic) relationship between the two leads. This is hands-down one of the best “Corruption/Redemption” arcs I’ve read in a long time. At the start, we’re clearly meant to see one character as the antagonist, the “bad guy,” and our main character as the “good guy.” But as they spend time together, they each start to change just a bit. They remain true to themselves at the core, yet her darker side begins to surface, while he grows just a touch more compassionate. The shift is subtle but masterfully done.
There are also some complex dynamics around abusive relationships threaded into the story. But I won't be spoiling you on any of them.
If you feel ready for a dark, layered read, I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
Final Thoughts:
This was quite the book, and I’m so glad I read it.
CW:
Torture, Murder, Cannibalism, Child Death, Blood, Body Horror, Gore, Emotional Abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic Relationship, Domestic Abuse, Violence, Animal Death, even more Death somehow, Fire/Fire Injury, Alcoholism, Incest (siblings/cousins), Medical content, Car Accident
5/5 Stars
This book is basically like a stack of content warnings wrapped in a trench coat—but if you take the plunge and invite that trench-coated mystery in, you’re in for an incredible experience.
I devoured this book almost in one sitting; there’s something about it that’s just irresistible. Yes, there’s ace representation too, which is a fantastic bonus, but that’s only one part of what kept me hooked.
A Few Standout Elements I Loved:
1) The Haunted House Trope
2) The Relationship Between the Two Main Characters
The haunted house in this story is alive, and honestly, it’s the best character of the whole book. This isn’t your typical haunted house trope—it’s more layered, and the relationship between the house and our main character is absolutely captivating. The house’s slow descent into love (or something close to it) with its owner is portrayed so beautifully.
Then there’s the (platonic) relationship between the two leads. This is hands-down one of the best “Corruption/Redemption” arcs I’ve read in a long time. At the start, we’re clearly meant to see one character as the antagonist, the “bad guy,” and our main character as the “good guy.” But as they spend time together, they each start to change just a bit. They remain true to themselves at the core, yet her darker side begins to surface, while he grows just a touch more compassionate. The shift is subtle but masterfully done.
There are also some complex dynamics around abusive relationships threaded into the story. But I won't be spoiling you on any of them.
If you feel ready for a dark, layered read, I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
Final Thoughts:
This was quite the book, and I’m so glad I read it.
September 3, 2023
In The Crows, the author has created a haunted house story of a very different sort. I'll admit that, at the start of the book, I was thinking young woman gets old house, strange things happen, bumps in the night, etc... then the book took an entirely different twist and I was hooked. The house itself is enough to carry the story, but the local intrigue, as it begins to reveal itself, and the depth of corruption and outright evil bring it home.
The protagonist is very likable, as are many of the cast of characters, though at the same time, most of them are despicable. I can think of no way to write a review of the book in depth that would not reveal secrets, so I will simply say, it's well plotted, full of surprises, and comes to a very satisfying conclusion...
I listened to the audiobook - narrated by the author, C. M. Rosens. Despite a very few technical issues, this was a very good performance. The characters were distinct, the pacing was good. I have listened to thousands of hours of audio and would cheerfully listen to another book narrated by this author.
Highly recommended.
The protagonist is very likable, as are many of the cast of characters, though at the same time, most of them are despicable. I can think of no way to write a review of the book in depth that would not reveal secrets, so I will simply say, it's well plotted, full of surprises, and comes to a very satisfying conclusion...
I listened to the audiobook - narrated by the author, C. M. Rosens. Despite a very few technical issues, this was a very good performance. The characters were distinct, the pacing was good. I have listened to thousands of hours of audio and would cheerfully listen to another book narrated by this author.
Highly recommended.
January 13, 2025
Could not put it down. I need more!!
Now that I have had a full night's sleep and some coffee, I can review this book properly.
My first one still stands, I could not put it down and wanted more. (thankfully there are more books I will be getting)
Let me start with the MC, Carrie. First off girl you are a strong bish and I know have you sitting on my hero board. Everything she went through, everything she saw and she still kept her humor, kept her cool (most of the time lol) I don't think I could have done it but I loved seeing that in a female lead. She simply could not be bothered with any of it and I am here for that.
I fell in love with the characters and their lives, I was invested in the whole of Fairwood and the group of unlikely friends.
I am going to lose a lot of sleep over these books and I am so excited for it.
100/10 would and will read again.
Now that I have had a full night's sleep and some coffee, I can review this book properly.
My first one still stands, I could not put it down and wanted more. (thankfully there are more books I will be getting)
Let me start with the MC, Carrie. First off girl you are a strong bish and I know have you sitting on my hero board. Everything she went through, everything she saw and she still kept her humor, kept her cool (most of the time lol) I don't think I could have done it but I loved seeing that in a female lead. She simply could not be bothered with any of it and I am here for that.
I fell in love with the characters and their lives, I was invested in the whole of Fairwood and the group of unlikely friends.
I am going to lose a lot of sleep over these books and I am so excited for it.
100/10 would and will read again.
May 7, 2020
It is only May, but I have to declare this as my book of the year so far!
The story is bizarre, terrifying, funny, and gruesome. Yet, with all these mindboggling components, I found it to be 100% relatable, and I could not put it down. For real. Fairwood wouldn't allow me to.
Carrie is one of the most well written characters I've ever come across. She manages to live a half-assed normal life in the middle of drop in werewolves, ghosts, cannibals, not to mention the house itself.
And who could possibly like Ricky? He's filthy, he reeks, he does unspeakable things (which he speaks of), he is positively vile. But I absolutely adore him!
Fairwood rules. I could not have asked for a better ending, and I need a sequel please!
The story is bizarre, terrifying, funny, and gruesome. Yet, with all these mindboggling components, I found it to be 100% relatable, and I could not put it down. For real. Fairwood wouldn't allow me to.
Carrie is one of the most well written characters I've ever come across. She manages to live a half-assed normal life in the middle of drop in werewolves, ghosts, cannibals, not to mention the house itself.
And who could possibly like Ricky? He's filthy, he reeks, he does unspeakable things (which he speaks of), he is positively vile. But I absolutely adore him!
Fairwood rules. I could not have asked for a better ending, and I need a sequel please!
December 29, 2024
This was my first time reading a horror book, and I found myself being fully invested in the weird, wonderful and haunted world of Carrie Rickard and Ricky Porter.
Without giving away any spoilers, this was a delightful read with a lot of intrigue, mystery and humour. My favourite being the dynamic friendship between Carrie and Ricky. Their banter really was a page turner. There were heart wrenching moments but I can take it, if characters can make my heart hurt then it means they've been written well.
I would definitely recommend this to any reader (new or seasoned) to Eldritch horror. C. M. Rosens knows her stuff and has me eager to continue the Pagham-On-Sea series.
Also the ending will take me time to recover from...no spoilers 🤫😂 honestly, it's a fab read.
Without giving away any spoilers, this was a delightful read with a lot of intrigue, mystery and humour. My favourite being the dynamic friendship between Carrie and Ricky. Their banter really was a page turner. There were heart wrenching moments but I can take it, if characters can make my heart hurt then it means they've been written well.
I would definitely recommend this to any reader (new or seasoned) to Eldritch horror. C. M. Rosens knows her stuff and has me eager to continue the Pagham-On-Sea series.
Also the ending will take me time to recover from...no spoilers 🤫😂 honestly, it's a fab read.
March 19, 2020
So, I don’t generally read horror. I had no idea what body horror was until I read this.
But let me tell you, Rosens’ The Crows absolutely blew me away. Her world-building is phenomenal, detailed, and terrifying. She knows each and every one of her characters inside out. Her writing voice is beautiful.
And just when you don’t think things can get any creepier, they do.
Five stars to this breakout book loved every minute of it.
But let me tell you, Rosens’ The Crows absolutely blew me away. Her world-building is phenomenal, detailed, and terrifying. She knows each and every one of her characters inside out. Her writing voice is beautiful.
And just when you don’t think things can get any creepier, they do.
Five stars to this breakout book loved every minute of it.
August 4, 2020
The narration is so confident and smooth that I felt no skepticism of the supernatural events. The world is well designed and told through a particular voice. Weird, spooky, and graphic — enough gore for those with some tolerance for horror-violence without feeling gratuitous. Also, the ebook has lovely art. Ebooks are rarely so visually attractive.
January 15, 2024
A fantastic otherworldly story that kept me guessing at what would possibly happen next! Although once or twice I found myself a little lost along the way and one or two minor flubs in the narration, I never stopped being entertained and thoroughly enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere with this audiobook!
I look forward to seeing what else this series has to offer in future!
I look forward to seeing what else this series has to offer in future!
January 16, 2024
I like Ricky Porter. God knows, I shouldn't. He's not just an evil wizard, he's a matter-of-fact cannibal. But C.M. Rosens makes him a likable character. Heck, she even puts him in a romance without it seeming the least bit strange (well, maybe a little strange...) The Crows is a very interesting book about an unconventional haunted house, strange neighbors (our dear Ricky Porter) and a seaside community that hides a sinister side. I am so glad this is part of a series because I'm looking forward to finding our more about the sinister Porter clan in the next book, Thirteenth.
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November 26, 2024I can forgive cannibalism but eating raw mince straight from the packet is truly foul.
April 16, 2025
Very compelling!
December 22, 2025
What did I just read?
February 21, 2025
I'm not sure how much of my feelings about this book are actually my own and which have slithered into my brain with slimy tentacles. I am equally horrified as enthralled and I cannot commend the author enough on creating such a riveting tale with the least likeable loveable characters ever imagined. Ricky managed to steal my heart... I'm fairly certain he ate it.
November 21, 2021
I adore this book! It's a marvellous contemporary horror story which bustles with lively, horrific characters doing terrible, fascinating things yet still manages to have the horror of lonelier books in the genre and several of the scenes were incredibly chilling.
The curiosity, anger and fear of the heroine makes her feels incredibly real – she's not just a passive character through whom the story is observed. The plotting and pace draw the reader on and on and on, it's an incredibly addictive read! I managed to read it and the Thirteenth in a very short time. The character interactions are also quite hilarious.
The dichotomy between the modernness of the town and normal life outside and that which goes on at the Crows, which involves old magic and bloodlines rife with inbreeding and family feuds, is incredibly done.
All in all, if you like characters with character, horrific occurrences and excellent writing, I cannot suggest this book (and its companions) enough!
The curiosity, anger and fear of the heroine makes her feels incredibly real – she's not just a passive character through whom the story is observed. The plotting and pace draw the reader on and on and on, it's an incredibly addictive read! I managed to read it and the Thirteenth in a very short time. The character interactions are also quite hilarious.
The dichotomy between the modernness of the town and normal life outside and that which goes on at the Crows, which involves old magic and bloodlines rife with inbreeding and family feuds, is incredibly done.
All in all, if you like characters with character, horrific occurrences and excellent writing, I cannot suggest this book (and its companions) enough!
March 30, 2023
A delicate balance between gruesome horror and urban/paranormal fantasy. A fun read!
February 12, 2020
Delightfully weird and creepy. I think this is my first real exposure to body horror. There's a lot in this book + I don't think I tracked everything, but I enjoyed it - the characters, the town, the story. Am curious to read more.
February 6, 2020
The Crows is a really great book. The story grabbed me from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout. The characters are likable and well developed. The story is well written and interesting. A great book that I recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2020
This book captured me immediately into the story and I loved everything about this story. Excellent story with great characters, especially Carrie. This is a compelling story with action and perfect pacing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2021
such a good read w amazing, nuance world-building, & characters that you're going to fall in love with & IMMEDIATELY question everything about yourself because how can you love these terrible people this much
June 10, 2021
When I picked this book to read next, I assumed I was getting myself into a modern riff on Gothic haunted house horror, which is a genre I love. This is certainly that, but so much more. It's hard to say too much without giving away major spoilers, but suffice to say that one of our protagonists, Carrie, is a rather passive heroine who falls in love with a house that loves her almost too fiercely in return, and our other, Ricky, is the most anti-hero of anti-heroes I can ever remember encountering. The fact that the author is able to make us care about both of their fates is one of the major triumphs of this tale.
I don't think this book will be to every reader's taste. The plot was rather meandering, taking its time to setup the spooky atmosphere and diving into subplots that sometimes felt like breadcrumbs for future installments rather than essential to the story. I found Carrie's rather tame acceptance of the extraordinarily frightening things she encounters a little bewildering unless you view it through the lens of her damaged past. But Ricky is a fascinating character, a sociopath that you'll either love or hate. I expected to hate him, but as you get more insight into his psyche, it becomes hard not to root for him.
There is a lot of imagination on display here, and a whole setting/world created that I can see being mined for many more stories. A very memorable read. Recommend for readers looking for a weird, eldritch, disturbing, Gothic, ghostly, gory, clever serving of horror/fantasy.
I don't think this book will be to every reader's taste. The plot was rather meandering, taking its time to setup the spooky atmosphere and diving into subplots that sometimes felt like breadcrumbs for future installments rather than essential to the story. I found Carrie's rather tame acceptance of the extraordinarily frightening things she encounters a little bewildering unless you view it through the lens of her damaged past. But Ricky is a fascinating character, a sociopath that you'll either love or hate. I expected to hate him, but as you get more insight into his psyche, it becomes hard not to root for him.
There is a lot of imagination on display here, and a whole setting/world created that I can see being mined for many more stories. A very memorable read. Recommend for readers looking for a weird, eldritch, disturbing, Gothic, ghostly, gory, clever serving of horror/fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews