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The Moss
There are two things seventeen-year-old Emma Carver is known for: the fact that she grew up beside a sprawling bog, and that her sister went missing over a year ago. No leads, no clues, no trace. Having spent much of the past year trying to heal from the tragedy in the golden sun of the West Coast, Emma has just returned to Maine, feeling like three thousand miles wasn’t enough to escape the ghosts of her past, both literal and metaphorical.
Her return to New England brings her little comfort or closure. Her father seems convinced she should have stayed away, and the family’s old farmhouse that stands by the bog―known as the Moss―seems particularly upset to see her again. Darkly familiar shadows and specters fill her dreams, her periphery, the quiet spaces between her thoughts.
But something else is following her, pulling her in to the Moss, and it’s growing stronger by the day. With the help of a local boy, who had confessed his feelings for her just before she went away, Emma delves deeper and deeper into the mystery of the growing hauntings―and learns that not only might her sister still be alive, but if she’s willing to put herself in grave danger, there might just be a chance to save her.
“It reads like a long-lost fable, rich with beauty and imagination. A world you won’t forget.” Samantha Shannon, international bestselling author of The Bone Season, on A Shiver of Snow and Sky.
Her return to New England brings her little comfort or closure. Her father seems convinced she should have stayed away, and the family’s old farmhouse that stands by the bog―known as the Moss―seems particularly upset to see her again. Darkly familiar shadows and specters fill her dreams, her periphery, the quiet spaces between her thoughts.
But something else is following her, pulling her in to the Moss, and it’s growing stronger by the day. With the help of a local boy, who had confessed his feelings for her just before she went away, Emma delves deeper and deeper into the mystery of the growing hauntings―and learns that not only might her sister still be alive, but if she’s willing to put herself in grave danger, there might just be a chance to save her.
“It reads like a long-lost fable, rich with beauty and imagination. A world you won’t forget.” Samantha Shannon, international bestselling author of The Bone Season, on A Shiver of Snow and Sky.
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2025
15 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
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December 13, 2025
I’m all in when an author invites me into the chilling halls of a haunted, sinister, gothic house—one that gives me shivers, makes me hide under the covers, and yet keeps me compulsively flipping pages long past midnight. There’s nothing quite like that creeping dread and heart-pounding suspense to get the adrenaline pumping—and this YA paranormal horror mystery delivers everything I crave.
Set in a ghostly town in northern Maine—a place that feels straight out of Stephen King’s eerie universe—this story has serious “Haunting of Hill House” vibes, complete with a sprawling, moss-covered property that feels alive in the most terrifying way. The bog itself, known as the Moss, becomes a character of its own: vast, mysterious, and utterly menacing.
The book opens with a strong, atmospheric scene of two young sisters, Eve and Emma, playing in their strange childhood home in Scarrow when a bird hits the window. What follows—an act of kindness and the appearance of a spectral deer—sets the tone perfectly. I was hooked from page one. There’s a constant sense of foreboding, and I just knew something wasn’t right.
Fast-forward: tragedy has struck. Their mother is gone, and now Eve has disappeared too—leaving behind only a cryptic warning to avoid the Sedge Man, a chilling figure shrouded in mystery. With nowhere else to turn, their father sends Emma to live in Los Angeles with an aunt, far from the whispers and trauma of their hometown. But distance doesn’t bring peace. The past still haunts Emma—until, 368 days later, she makes the bold decision to return home.
Almost instantly, Emma is plagued by strange visions: a ghostly girl she doesn’t recognize appears on the plane, and upon landing, she’s met by Jordan, the boy who once confessed his feelings to her. While her emotions are in turmoil, her mission is clear—find Eve, uncover the truth, and face whatever darkness has taken root in their home. But the closer she gets, the more the moss seems to tighten its grip. Her dreams blur with reality, and the house seems to pulse with secrets. What really happened to Eve? What became of their mother? And most haunting of all—will Emma be next?
The ending was a showstopper—jaw-dropping and unexpected in the best way. While the pacing unfolds slowly, it builds tension in a perfectly haunting rhythm. This is a dark, eerie, gorgeously written tale filled with sisterly bonds, secrets, and supernatural suspense. If you're a horror fan who loves ghost stories with depth and dread, this is your next must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goosebump-inducing, sisterhood-powered stars!
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with this deliciously dark digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved every minute of the dread!
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Set in a ghostly town in northern Maine—a place that feels straight out of Stephen King’s eerie universe—this story has serious “Haunting of Hill House” vibes, complete with a sprawling, moss-covered property that feels alive in the most terrifying way. The bog itself, known as the Moss, becomes a character of its own: vast, mysterious, and utterly menacing.
The book opens with a strong, atmospheric scene of two young sisters, Eve and Emma, playing in their strange childhood home in Scarrow when a bird hits the window. What follows—an act of kindness and the appearance of a spectral deer—sets the tone perfectly. I was hooked from page one. There’s a constant sense of foreboding, and I just knew something wasn’t right.
Fast-forward: tragedy has struck. Their mother is gone, and now Eve has disappeared too—leaving behind only a cryptic warning to avoid the Sedge Man, a chilling figure shrouded in mystery. With nowhere else to turn, their father sends Emma to live in Los Angeles with an aunt, far from the whispers and trauma of their hometown. But distance doesn’t bring peace. The past still haunts Emma—until, 368 days later, she makes the bold decision to return home.
Almost instantly, Emma is plagued by strange visions: a ghostly girl she doesn’t recognize appears on the plane, and upon landing, she’s met by Jordan, the boy who once confessed his feelings to her. While her emotions are in turmoil, her mission is clear—find Eve, uncover the truth, and face whatever darkness has taken root in their home. But the closer she gets, the more the moss seems to tighten its grip. Her dreams blur with reality, and the house seems to pulse with secrets. What really happened to Eve? What became of their mother? And most haunting of all—will Emma be next?
The ending was a showstopper—jaw-dropping and unexpected in the best way. While the pacing unfolds slowly, it builds tension in a perfectly haunting rhythm. This is a dark, eerie, gorgeously written tale filled with sisterly bonds, secrets, and supernatural suspense. If you're a horror fan who loves ghost stories with depth and dread, this is your next must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goosebump-inducing, sisterhood-powered stars!
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with this deliciously dark digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved every minute of the dread!
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
October 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this – the perfect chilling read for October, laced with ghosts and creeping dread, wreathed around the unbreakable bond between two sisters.
August 28, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and by how sincerely creepy it was. I didn’t expect to be so unsettled as I was reading. I actually had to stop several times as I didn’t want to start imagining ghosts out of the corner of my eye right before bed.
The general plot revolves around a young female protagonist and her father. Her sister has gone missing like her mother went missing years prior. Both had an odd, ghostly attraction to the wet, mossy, dangerous bogland surrounding their farm. Images out of Celtic horror and two hundred year old murders seem to drift in on the mist over the bog. And slowly the protagonist is also beginning to feel drawn to the land. But she is determined to find out what happened to her sister before it is too late and the same happens to her. The closer she gets the more haunted she feels.
Sometimes “atmospheric and poetic” can be a euphemistic description for what turns out to be a long winded, boring book. Not in this case. This novel is exciting from page one, and while there are a few sections that I felt were a tad bit repetitive, the psychological elements of terror really keep you turning those pages. There are also a few places in which the author discusses how dry and hot it is—how much rain has been lacking. But you really can’t flip back and forth between draught and wet bogland. It just doesn’t work out ecologically. (Again this is an ARC so the author may have fixed these little moments). The prose itself is extremely well structured. There are so many beautiful lines!
Here are some examples:
“I can remember the day Dad told us, as vividly as if it were yesterday, that Mom had disappeared. Then without warning, she slipped quietly into past tense and never came back out of it.”
“The rest of your life seems so much longer after you’ve lost someone.”
Overall, I definitely recommend this to horror fans and thriller fans alike. It’s such a fun, engaging read, and I couldn’t put it down.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and by how sincerely creepy it was. I didn’t expect to be so unsettled as I was reading. I actually had to stop several times as I didn’t want to start imagining ghosts out of the corner of my eye right before bed.
The general plot revolves around a young female protagonist and her father. Her sister has gone missing like her mother went missing years prior. Both had an odd, ghostly attraction to the wet, mossy, dangerous bogland surrounding their farm. Images out of Celtic horror and two hundred year old murders seem to drift in on the mist over the bog. And slowly the protagonist is also beginning to feel drawn to the land. But she is determined to find out what happened to her sister before it is too late and the same happens to her. The closer she gets the more haunted she feels.
Sometimes “atmospheric and poetic” can be a euphemistic description for what turns out to be a long winded, boring book. Not in this case. This novel is exciting from page one, and while there are a few sections that I felt were a tad bit repetitive, the psychological elements of terror really keep you turning those pages. There are also a few places in which the author discusses how dry and hot it is—how much rain has been lacking. But you really can’t flip back and forth between draught and wet bogland. It just doesn’t work out ecologically. (Again this is an ARC so the author may have fixed these little moments). The prose itself is extremely well structured. There are so many beautiful lines!
Here are some examples:
“I can remember the day Dad told us, as vividly as if it were yesterday, that Mom had disappeared. Then without warning, she slipped quietly into past tense and never came back out of it.”
“The rest of your life seems so much longer after you’ve lost someone.”
Overall, I definitely recommend this to horror fans and thriller fans alike. It’s such a fun, engaging read, and I couldn’t put it down.
June 13, 2025
Alert! Bog horror, bog horror!
Okay, now that that's out of my system, let's talk about Emma, our seventeen-year-old protagonist who’s basically living my worst nightmare: stuck in a creaky old house in Maine next to a bog called the Moss that’s so eerie it might as well have its own horror movie soundtrack. I mean, a misty, sinister bog? That’s the kind of place where I’d lose my favorite scrunchie and my sanity in one go. Emma’s dealing with ghosts—literal and figurative—because her sister vanished into this bog, and her mom disappeared too. The vibes? Straight-up gothic, like if Jane Eyre got lost in a Stephen King novel. I was hooked.
Lueddecke’s writing is where this book shines like a full moon on a foggy night. It’s lush, atmospheric, and so vivid I could practically smell the peat and hear the creak of that haunted house. I read most of this curled up on my recliner, and I swear I kept glancing at my windows expecting to see some shadowy figure staring back. The way she weaves the bond between Emma and her missing sister had me tearing up—ugh, my heart! It’s like, I wanted to hug Emma and also maybe sage the entire house for her. Sisterly love wrapped in creeping dread? Yes, please.
It’s a slow burn, and I mean ~slow~. Like, I get it, we’re building tension, but sometimes I was like, “Emma, girl, can we speed-run this ghost hunt? I have laundry to do.” The horror elements are deliciously spooky, but a few jump-scares felt like they were trying too hard, like a Halloween pop-up store animatronic. Still, when the chills hit, they hit.
What I loved most, though, was how the story felt like a long-lost fable, all rich and dreamy. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s about grief, family, and facing your fears. I was rooting for Emma so hard, though I won’t lie, I wanted a birmore closure. Like, throw me a bone, Lisa, I’m emotionally invested here!
The Moss is a gorgeous, spooky read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good haunted house tale with heart or a good bog horror (yes, that is a genre!). I could’ve done with one less “what was that shadow?” moment, but it’s so atmospheric and heartfelt I couldn’t put it down. Read it, love it, and maybe don’t go near any bogs, swamps, marshes, or fens afterward.
(Yes, I was googling the differences between wetlands halfway through this novel).
Okay, now that that's out of my system, let's talk about Emma, our seventeen-year-old protagonist who’s basically living my worst nightmare: stuck in a creaky old house in Maine next to a bog called the Moss that’s so eerie it might as well have its own horror movie soundtrack. I mean, a misty, sinister bog? That’s the kind of place where I’d lose my favorite scrunchie and my sanity in one go. Emma’s dealing with ghosts—literal and figurative—because her sister vanished into this bog, and her mom disappeared too. The vibes? Straight-up gothic, like if Jane Eyre got lost in a Stephen King novel. I was hooked.
Lueddecke’s writing is where this book shines like a full moon on a foggy night. It’s lush, atmospheric, and so vivid I could practically smell the peat and hear the creak of that haunted house. I read most of this curled up on my recliner, and I swear I kept glancing at my windows expecting to see some shadowy figure staring back. The way she weaves the bond between Emma and her missing sister had me tearing up—ugh, my heart! It’s like, I wanted to hug Emma and also maybe sage the entire house for her. Sisterly love wrapped in creeping dread? Yes, please.
It’s a slow burn, and I mean ~slow~. Like, I get it, we’re building tension, but sometimes I was like, “Emma, girl, can we speed-run this ghost hunt? I have laundry to do.” The horror elements are deliciously spooky, but a few jump-scares felt like they were trying too hard, like a Halloween pop-up store animatronic. Still, when the chills hit, they hit.
What I loved most, though, was how the story felt like a long-lost fable, all rich and dreamy. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s about grief, family, and facing your fears. I was rooting for Emma so hard, though I won’t lie, I wanted a birmore closure. Like, throw me a bone, Lisa, I’m emotionally invested here!
The Moss is a gorgeous, spooky read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good haunted house tale with heart or a good bog horror (yes, that is a genre!). I could’ve done with one less “what was that shadow?” moment, but it’s so atmospheric and heartfelt I couldn’t put it down. Read it, love it, and maybe don’t go near any bogs, swamps, marshes, or fens afterward.
(Yes, I was googling the differences between wetlands halfway through this novel).
November 8, 2025
The writing was quite beautiful but the story in general never fully grabbed me. Maybe I'm a little burned out when it comes to these kind of vibes (i'll think of a good way to describe it later, but it's very specific and I've been picking them up for years)
August 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.
Seventeen-year-old Emma is haunted. Not just by ghosts but by her sister's disappearance into the Moss, the giant bog near their house.
The book starts with one of the best opening sentences I've ever read. You know it's going to be a good book when it starts off so well.
The Moss is depicted with pitch-perfect descriptions as a sentient, malevolent area. Lisa expertly conjures up an eerie, spine-tingling atmosphere thanks to her incredible gift for description. And Lisa's wonderful use of language is obvious throughout the entire book - I don't think I've ever used the highlight feature quite so generously but her descriptions are so beautiful, visceral and hard-hitting without being overwhelming that I know I'll want to go back and read them again.
I also loved the character of Emma. Her feisty nature and the way she stood up for herself were admirable. It's nice to read about a heroine who doesn't let people away with too much!
I will watch Lisa's career with interest and can't wait to read her next book.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this review contains my own unbiased thoughts.
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.
Seventeen-year-old Emma is haunted. Not just by ghosts but by her sister's disappearance into the Moss, the giant bog near their house.
The book starts with one of the best opening sentences I've ever read. You know it's going to be a good book when it starts off so well.
The Moss is depicted with pitch-perfect descriptions as a sentient, malevolent area. Lisa expertly conjures up an eerie, spine-tingling atmosphere thanks to her incredible gift for description. And Lisa's wonderful use of language is obvious throughout the entire book - I don't think I've ever used the highlight feature quite so generously but her descriptions are so beautiful, visceral and hard-hitting without being overwhelming that I know I'll want to go back and read them again.
I also loved the character of Emma. Her feisty nature and the way she stood up for herself were admirable. It's nice to read about a heroine who doesn't let people away with too much!
I will watch Lisa's career with interest and can't wait to read her next book.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this review contains my own unbiased thoughts.
October 2, 2025
2025 reads: 277/300
i received a digital review copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
there are two things seventeen-year-old emma carver is known for: her upbringing beside a sprawling bog known as the moss, and her missing sister. she’s spent much of the past year trying to heal from the loss of her sister in the west coast, but now she’s back in maine, feeling like the physical distance wasn’t enough to escape the ghosts of her past. there’s little comfort in returning, though, as her dad seems convinced she should have stayed away and even the farmhouse itself seems upset at emma’s return. she starts to feel drawn to the moss, which seems to be growing stronger by the day.
this was a great, eerie novel to get me in the mood for october! this had two of my favorite horror elements: haunted house and haunted nature (…and a secret third one: grief). this was my first book by lisa lueddecke, but i enjoyed this haunting story enough that i’m interested in reading more from her. recommended to anyone interested in a YA horror dealing with being haunted and with losing a loved one.
i received a digital review copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
there are two things seventeen-year-old emma carver is known for: her upbringing beside a sprawling bog known as the moss, and her missing sister. she’s spent much of the past year trying to heal from the loss of her sister in the west coast, but now she’s back in maine, feeling like the physical distance wasn’t enough to escape the ghosts of her past. there’s little comfort in returning, though, as her dad seems convinced she should have stayed away and even the farmhouse itself seems upset at emma’s return. she starts to feel drawn to the moss, which seems to be growing stronger by the day.
this was a great, eerie novel to get me in the mood for october! this had two of my favorite horror elements: haunted house and haunted nature (…and a secret third one: grief). this was my first book by lisa lueddecke, but i enjoyed this haunting story enough that i’m interested in reading more from her. recommended to anyone interested in a YA horror dealing with being haunted and with losing a loved one.
July 23, 2025
3.5
What a hauntingly good time following Emma's story.
Emma has been having visions of ghosts and hearing voices ever since her mother and sister went missing.
Some presumed her dad was the suspect but Emma was convinced their disappearance was tied to the bog that was next to their home.
Plagued by the undead she goes on a journey to discover the truth with Jordan the boy who stood by her side when everyone else abandoned her.
This story was creepy, entertaining, and just overall an enjoyable story.
Some parts were a bit slow but the prose and atmospheric writing was easy to consume making it for a great slump buster book.
I would absolutely recommend this story for a good creepy fall read to anyone that is entering into the horror genre.
I think its dark enough but not overly descriptive that newer readers into this genre would feel some of the heart pounding moments without a to of descriptive gore. I would say that seasoned horror readers may find this to be slightly lacking though; as its marketed as YA I don't forsee that being a major issue though given the intended audience.
Overall this is a great paranormal mystery with some suspenseful moments and endearing characters.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for this advanced reader copy all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a hauntingly good time following Emma's story.
Emma has been having visions of ghosts and hearing voices ever since her mother and sister went missing.
Some presumed her dad was the suspect but Emma was convinced their disappearance was tied to the bog that was next to their home.
Plagued by the undead she goes on a journey to discover the truth with Jordan the boy who stood by her side when everyone else abandoned her.
This story was creepy, entertaining, and just overall an enjoyable story.
Some parts were a bit slow but the prose and atmospheric writing was easy to consume making it for a great slump buster book.
I would absolutely recommend this story for a good creepy fall read to anyone that is entering into the horror genre.
I think its dark enough but not overly descriptive that newer readers into this genre would feel some of the heart pounding moments without a to of descriptive gore. I would say that seasoned horror readers may find this to be slightly lacking though; as its marketed as YA I don't forsee that being a major issue though given the intended audience.
Overall this is a great paranormal mystery with some suspenseful moments and endearing characters.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for this advanced reader copy all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 7, 2025
*I received this advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book*
This was a quick, spooky read. The book created a fun, scary atmosphere without gore and violence. It was a true ghost story and I think it is a perfect YA book for students who want a mysterious and unique story that will provide a few chills along the way.
This was a quick, spooky read. The book created a fun, scary atmosphere without gore and violence. It was a true ghost story and I think it is a perfect YA book for students who want a mysterious and unique story that will provide a few chills along the way.
July 30, 2025
Bog Horror is all the rage right now, and while I’ve managed to collect a few books in this eerie new subgenre, The Moss was the first one I actually sat down to read—and I devoured it in a single sitting.
What’s meant to be a slow-burn, haunting tale quickly pulled me in with its immersive atmosphere and steadily building tension. Between the ghosts, strange creatures lurking in the bog, the mysterious moss itself, and the missing family members haunting Emma and her father, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what might be a product of Emma’s imagination, and that uncertainty makes the story all the more gripping.
Lisa Lueddecke’s writing is beautifully eerie and atmospheric, making The Moss a perfect fall read. Normally, I find multiple timelines or jumps between timelines distracting, but in this case, they added real depth to the story and enhanced the overall sense of mystery.
This was my first book by Lueddecke, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy.
What’s meant to be a slow-burn, haunting tale quickly pulled me in with its immersive atmosphere and steadily building tension. Between the ghosts, strange creatures lurking in the bog, the mysterious moss itself, and the missing family members haunting Emma and her father, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what might be a product of Emma’s imagination, and that uncertainty makes the story all the more gripping.
Lisa Lueddecke’s writing is beautifully eerie and atmospheric, making The Moss a perfect fall read. Normally, I find multiple timelines or jumps between timelines distracting, but in this case, they added real depth to the story and enhanced the overall sense of mystery.
This was my first book by Lueddecke, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy.
September 22, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!~~
1.5/5 stars rounded up.
I'm sorry, but this was just a slog to get through.
The prose was so dry and simple; it didn't elicit any emotion out of me besides boredom and frustration for the book to be over with, already. It really didn't help that so many things were repetitive, mostly Emma self-promising to find her sister and her and her sister's names being whispered ominously so frequently I never wanna see the names Emma or Eve ever again. The only thing I kinda liked was the somewhat creepy atmosphere of the bog, but the dryness of the prose really wore down that a third into the book.
Emma was a very bland protagonist. The repetiveness in the prose makes her feel very one noted, which I suppose is the point when the main theme is grief. But other than she loves her family and used to like to read, I don't know much about her even after finishing the book. Don't even ask me bout any other character, because they might as well been cardboard cutouts.
All in all, kinda sad it wasn't what I was hoping for, but I'm more glad I got through it, to be honest.
1.5/5 stars rounded up.
I'm sorry, but this was just a slog to get through.
The prose was so dry and simple; it didn't elicit any emotion out of me besides boredom and frustration for the book to be over with, already. It really didn't help that so many things were repetitive, mostly Emma self-promising to find her sister and her and her sister's names being whispered ominously so frequently I never wanna see the names Emma or Eve ever again. The only thing I kinda liked was the somewhat creepy atmosphere of the bog, but the dryness of the prose really wore down that a third into the book.
Emma was a very bland protagonist. The repetiveness in the prose makes her feel very one noted, which I suppose is the point when the main theme is grief. But other than she loves her family and used to like to read, I don't know much about her even after finishing the book. Don't even ask me bout any other character, because they might as well been cardboard cutouts.
All in all, kinda sad it wasn't what I was hoping for, but I'm more glad I got through it, to be honest.
August 26, 2024
disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Moss is a young adult horror that takes place in a haunted, strange house steeped in a dark presence of some sort, situated next to a bog which lures people in - those who have a gifted sight & seeps into their very being & their very souls. It had such a good premise & had a really strong opening & a really strong finish - but it unfortunately dragged in the middle for me a little. Strong characterisation and I absolutely adored the vibe. This is definitely a novel I'd recommend for anyone looking for an eerie & subtle horror story with mystical vibes.
The Moss is a young adult horror that takes place in a haunted, strange house steeped in a dark presence of some sort, situated next to a bog which lures people in - those who have a gifted sight & seeps into their very being & their very souls. It had such a good premise & had a really strong opening & a really strong finish - but it unfortunately dragged in the middle for me a little. Strong characterisation and I absolutely adored the vibe. This is definitely a novel I'd recommend for anyone looking for an eerie & subtle horror story with mystical vibes.
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September 20, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
The Moss by Lisa Lueddecke is a first person-POV dual-timeline YA horror set in a small town. Emma has been in California for a year while her father remains behind her childhood home where her mother and sister disappeared and are presumed dead. When Emma returns, she notices that the town is different but a lot of things still haven’t changed, such as the Moss that she believes took her older sister, Eve. But in order to potentially save her sister, Emma will need to travel into the Moss and risk never returning.
This is slower-paced and fairly atmospheric with a lot of time given to building that tension through flashback chapters that occurred before and after Emma’s mother and sister disappeared. The spookier moments come from those chapters as well because Emma has adjusted to seeing ghosts often by the time we meet her at sixteen. It’s the newfound proximity that they have with her and the details she can suddenly see that are more disconcerting.
Emma has a brewing romance with Jordan, a childhood friend from her hometown who confessed to her before she went to California. Their romance is more of a slowburn as Emma tries to navigate how to get her sister back and the suspicions her schoolmates and the rest of the town throw at her and her father. Emma holds all the cards as Jordan isn’t going to push her or make her reject or accept his affections; he will let her figure it out on her own time without constantly bringing it up. I am noticing this as a trend in YA and I’m happy about that because no one should ever feel pressured into a relationship and sometimes it’s just not the right time yet, but it could be in a few weeks or months.
Emma and Eve’s relationship seems to be a pretty loving sisterly one instead of an antagonistic one that is common in fiction. Emma feels the loss of Eve pretty profoundly and is willing to sacrifice herself to the Moss in order to get Eve back, but she also one hundred percent plans of getting the both of them out of there.
I would recommend this to fans of YA horror that want a sisterly bond at the center and readers of horror set in small towns looking for a YA
The Moss by Lisa Lueddecke is a first person-POV dual-timeline YA horror set in a small town. Emma has been in California for a year while her father remains behind her childhood home where her mother and sister disappeared and are presumed dead. When Emma returns, she notices that the town is different but a lot of things still haven’t changed, such as the Moss that she believes took her older sister, Eve. But in order to potentially save her sister, Emma will need to travel into the Moss and risk never returning.
This is slower-paced and fairly atmospheric with a lot of time given to building that tension through flashback chapters that occurred before and after Emma’s mother and sister disappeared. The spookier moments come from those chapters as well because Emma has adjusted to seeing ghosts often by the time we meet her at sixteen. It’s the newfound proximity that they have with her and the details she can suddenly see that are more disconcerting.
Emma has a brewing romance with Jordan, a childhood friend from her hometown who confessed to her before she went to California. Their romance is more of a slowburn as Emma tries to navigate how to get her sister back and the suspicions her schoolmates and the rest of the town throw at her and her father. Emma holds all the cards as Jordan isn’t going to push her or make her reject or accept his affections; he will let her figure it out on her own time without constantly bringing it up. I am noticing this as a trend in YA and I’m happy about that because no one should ever feel pressured into a relationship and sometimes it’s just not the right time yet, but it could be in a few weeks or months.
Emma and Eve’s relationship seems to be a pretty loving sisterly one instead of an antagonistic one that is common in fiction. Emma feels the loss of Eve pretty profoundly and is willing to sacrifice herself to the Moss in order to get Eve back, but she also one hundred percent plans of getting the both of them out of there.
I would recommend this to fans of YA horror that want a sisterly bond at the center and readers of horror set in small towns looking for a YA
June 22, 2025
★★★ ½
i've always been a sucker for houses that hold history, and i can say confidently that the moss has delivered—sharing with me its own little folktale of the rips in the seams between this world and one that is not-quite-ours, tethered by hope and want and the unwavering resolve to not give up on those we love. driven by an urge to find the fate that befell her presumed-dead sister and mother, protagonist emma carver provides a distinct determination that feels real to us: that doesn't cross over into the realm of "badass for the sake of it" like some other young adult fmcs i've come across. though the writing feels simple, as is characteristic of ya, it also works in this book's favor—especially as it doesn't try to preach moral pedantry to its readers and lets the themes of the story speak for themselves.
more than anything, i appreciate that this book didn't try to overstay its welcome or try to be something too lofty and then fail to deliver. its simplicity works well, and allows it to devote more time to the smaller, emotional moments that really flesh out the characters and their worries (and, of course, the hauntings in the bog). with that said, the environment seemed more eerie than downright scary, which—though incredible to build the atmosphere that creeped into the hearts of the carver family—lent itself to me not feeling as impacted by the climactic scenes of the novel as i could have. overall a great title, but perhaps may resonate more with those less acclimated to horror as a genre.
thank you to simon and schuster and netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own.
i've always been a sucker for houses that hold history, and i can say confidently that the moss has delivered—sharing with me its own little folktale of the rips in the seams between this world and one that is not-quite-ours, tethered by hope and want and the unwavering resolve to not give up on those we love. driven by an urge to find the fate that befell her presumed-dead sister and mother, protagonist emma carver provides a distinct determination that feels real to us: that doesn't cross over into the realm of "badass for the sake of it" like some other young adult fmcs i've come across. though the writing feels simple, as is characteristic of ya, it also works in this book's favor—especially as it doesn't try to preach moral pedantry to its readers and lets the themes of the story speak for themselves.
more than anything, i appreciate that this book didn't try to overstay its welcome or try to be something too lofty and then fail to deliver. its simplicity works well, and allows it to devote more time to the smaller, emotional moments that really flesh out the characters and their worries (and, of course, the hauntings in the bog). with that said, the environment seemed more eerie than downright scary, which—though incredible to build the atmosphere that creeped into the hearts of the carver family—lent itself to me not feeling as impacted by the climactic scenes of the novel as i could have. overall a great title, but perhaps may resonate more with those less acclimated to horror as a genre.
thank you to simon and schuster and netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own.
September 17, 2025
This book felt like a string pulled taught and with every page it me wondering when the string would snap.
The Moss follows Emma, a young girl sent away after her sister disappeared with no trace. Now she’s back home and seeing things…ghost…spirits…she can’t really tell but she knows for certain that her sister is calling to her and Emma will do anything to get her back.
Lemme just stand up and give this book a round of applause bc WHAT. This was fantastic!! The setting was so spooky and eerie, it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The description of The Moss and Emma’s house on the edge of it was a picture that I will never forget. The entire story was written sooo well and you could feel the time drag on just as the main character did! I read this so incredibly fast, simply because I could not put it down!
Thank you so much to Simonteen for the arc! All thoughts are my own :)
The Moss follows Emma, a young girl sent away after her sister disappeared with no trace. Now she’s back home and seeing things…ghost…spirits…she can’t really tell but she knows for certain that her sister is calling to her and Emma will do anything to get her back.
Lemme just stand up and give this book a round of applause bc WHAT. This was fantastic!! The setting was so spooky and eerie, it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The description of The Moss and Emma’s house on the edge of it was a picture that I will never forget. The entire story was written sooo well and you could feel the time drag on just as the main character did! I read this so incredibly fast, simply because I could not put it down!
Thank you so much to Simonteen for the arc! All thoughts are my own :)
August 9, 2025
2.75⭐️
I wish I enjoyed this book but unfortunately found the story to feel flat. I didn’t find myself interested in the mystery or quite frankly the Moss… there was no shock factor but I did like how descriptive the scenes were to explain what’s seen in the Moss. I also appreciate the way grief is handled in this story. And not just the grief of completely losing someone due to tragedy but the feeling when someone is no longer present in your life.
I wish I enjoyed this book but unfortunately found the story to feel flat. I didn’t find myself interested in the mystery or quite frankly the Moss… there was no shock factor but I did like how descriptive the scenes were to explain what’s seen in the Moss. I also appreciate the way grief is handled in this story. And not just the grief of completely losing someone due to tragedy but the feeling when someone is no longer present in your life.
September 17, 2025
This one just wasn’t quite my style. The beginning drew me in, but after that it started to drag and I ended up skimming sections. It had plenty of spooky bog vibes, which I loved, but it didn’t deliver enough mystery-driven plot to keep me hooked. It’s much more character-focused, and I was hoping for something tighter and more suspenseful. The atmosphere was eerie and well done, and the ending was intriguing, but overall I never felt fully immersed.
October 15, 2025
I’m not sure why this is on the lower side of reviews, it was great! I was thoroughly spooked out which isn’t something that happens to me often. I thought the descriptions were wonderful and I could definitely feel the tension throughout. The slight romance was sweet and the horror was horroring! Not sure what else you could ask for.
February 14, 2025
3 . 5 stars
this was very good I found the blurb interesting so I listened to it at some points I got bored for the most part I was interested .I'm scared of the moss to
this was very good I found the blurb interesting so I listened to it at some points I got bored for the most part I was interested .I'm scared of the moss to
September 17, 2025
if i have to hear the word emma or eve one more time it will be too soon
July 14, 2025
BOG HORROR! This was one of the most atmospheric YA paranormal stories I’ve ever read. This book provides the ultimate escapism, perfect for spooky season, and I cannot wait for everyone to be able to experience the town of Scarrow this September.
If I could describe this book aesthetically, I’d compare it to a modern Jane Eyre. It’s ghostly, it’s foggy, it’s bleak, it’s gothic, even though it takes place in small town Maine. It’s not really in your face horror and is definitely a slow burn, and the horror more about the vibes. It’s chilling not from jump scares or constant twists, but more of an atmospheric horror. Just the setting alone is unsettling. This is a haunted house story, bog horror, and a ghost story all in one. You’ve got a main character who sees dead girls, not to mention the dead girls stand in the trees staring at you the whole time, plus a haunted bog next to a gothic house built in the 1700s. Gruesome visions, dead girls, paranormal experiences the moment she’s back in Scarrow, this girl is braver than I am lmao.
The vibes are the strongest part of this book. One of the most atmospheric YA horror books I’ve read! Not only is it set in a haunted moss covered house next to an eerie bog called The Moss, the town of Scarrow itself is ghostly. The fact that Emma leaves nice and safe Los Angeles to come back to this home right next to the bog that not only her sister but also her mother disappeared into? She’s braver than me! But Emma does decide to return to Scarrow a year after her sister’s disappearance, who left no clue except a cryptic message saying she wants to be with their missing mother, thinks she knows how to find her, and to “stay away from the sedge man”. Which, hearing that would make me want to stay far away in sunny LA even more. Though, it is sad that her dad was in that lonely and haunted house next to that weird bog by himself for a year.
There’s also a huge sense of, the characters know more than they’re letting on, which SIGNIFICANTLY ups the readability factor. Emma’s dad seems unaware, but little hints get dropped that makes you wonder if he knows more about the bog than he’s letting on. Like constantly warning Emma against the bog and if she asks if it’s because she’ll drown, he says “if you’re lucky”. Then goes on to call The Moss a predator, liminal, always watching. Not only is there clearly something paranormal going on, but Emma’s dad is not blissfully unaware, even if he is unaware of the gruesome visions and dead people that she sees.
“Ghosts don’t care if we believe in them or not. They’ll haunt you all the same.”
September really is the perfect release date for this book because aside from the atmospheric misty vibes, The Moss takes place during autumn too! Apple picking and fall events are scattered in amongst all the ghostly sightings. And yes, while it is a slow burn, it still works because the mystery is enticing enough to keep you flipping the pages. It never feels boring, because the stakes are high enough to keep you motivated to keep reading, so in this case, it works. Not too much happens before the end because of how slow it is, but somehow it still works. It never feels like it lags and it goes by quickly.
However, the ending felt a bit too inconclusive for my taste. I wanted more of an explanation than what we got. Some readers probably would be ok with how it ended, but I wanted to know more about the mysteries of the bog! Overall though, a gorgeous and atmospheric read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
If I could describe this book aesthetically, I’d compare it to a modern Jane Eyre. It’s ghostly, it’s foggy, it’s bleak, it’s gothic, even though it takes place in small town Maine. It’s not really in your face horror and is definitely a slow burn, and the horror more about the vibes. It’s chilling not from jump scares or constant twists, but more of an atmospheric horror. Just the setting alone is unsettling. This is a haunted house story, bog horror, and a ghost story all in one. You’ve got a main character who sees dead girls, not to mention the dead girls stand in the trees staring at you the whole time, plus a haunted bog next to a gothic house built in the 1700s. Gruesome visions, dead girls, paranormal experiences the moment she’s back in Scarrow, this girl is braver than I am lmao.
The vibes are the strongest part of this book. One of the most atmospheric YA horror books I’ve read! Not only is it set in a haunted moss covered house next to an eerie bog called The Moss, the town of Scarrow itself is ghostly. The fact that Emma leaves nice and safe Los Angeles to come back to this home right next to the bog that not only her sister but also her mother disappeared into? She’s braver than me! But Emma does decide to return to Scarrow a year after her sister’s disappearance, who left no clue except a cryptic message saying she wants to be with their missing mother, thinks she knows how to find her, and to “stay away from the sedge man”. Which, hearing that would make me want to stay far away in sunny LA even more. Though, it is sad that her dad was in that lonely and haunted house next to that weird bog by himself for a year.
There’s also a huge sense of, the characters know more than they’re letting on, which SIGNIFICANTLY ups the readability factor. Emma’s dad seems unaware, but little hints get dropped that makes you wonder if he knows more about the bog than he’s letting on. Like constantly warning Emma against the bog and if she asks if it’s because she’ll drown, he says “if you’re lucky”. Then goes on to call The Moss a predator, liminal, always watching. Not only is there clearly something paranormal going on, but Emma’s dad is not blissfully unaware, even if he is unaware of the gruesome visions and dead people that she sees.
“Ghosts don’t care if we believe in them or not. They’ll haunt you all the same.”
September really is the perfect release date for this book because aside from the atmospheric misty vibes, The Moss takes place during autumn too! Apple picking and fall events are scattered in amongst all the ghostly sightings. And yes, while it is a slow burn, it still works because the mystery is enticing enough to keep you flipping the pages. It never feels boring, because the stakes are high enough to keep you motivated to keep reading, so in this case, it works. Not too much happens before the end because of how slow it is, but somehow it still works. It never feels like it lags and it goes by quickly.
However, the ending felt a bit too inconclusive for my taste. I wanted more of an explanation than what we got. Some readers probably would be ok with how it ended, but I wanted to know more about the mysteries of the bog! Overall though, a gorgeous and atmospheric read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
June 17, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Moss” by Lisa Lueddecke is a haunting, atmospheric YA thriller that sinks its tendrils into you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. With gothic undertones and a creeping sense of dread, it’s a story that’s equal parts supernatural mystery and emotional exploration of grief, sisterhood, and the enduring pull of the past.
Set in the eerie town of Scarrow, Maine, the book centers around 17-year-old Emma, whose life has been upended by the mysterious disappearances of both her mother and older sister, Eve. A year after Eve vanishes, Emma returns home from Los Angeles, drawn back to the boggy, moss-covered land surrounding her childhood home. The Moss is more than just a setting here. It pulses with unsettling energy, an entity unto itself that lures, whispers, and threatens to consume.
Lueddecke’s prose is lush and lyrical, the kind that paints pictures in your mind and conjures goosebumps on your skin. From the creaking old house to the spectral sightings and strange dreams, the atmosphere is thick with unease. There’s a slow, deliberate pacing to the narrative that might test some readers' patience, but it serves a purpose -- building a dense fog of suspense before plunging you into the heart of the mystery. By the time Emma ventures into the Moss, the dread is palpable and inescapable.
The emotional core of the book lies in the bond between Emma and Eve. Even in absence, their relationship drives the story forward. Emma’s unwavering belief that her sister might still be alive, somewhere inside the Moss, lends the story a tragic urgency. Her journey is as much about confronting personal grief as it is about surviving a supernatural threat.
The horror here isn’t flashy; it’s subtle and psychological, with a few well-placed jump-scares and a deeply unsettling tone that lingers long after the final page. At times, it reads like a dark fairytale or long-lost legend, filled with whispers in the dark and shadowy figures in the fog. Readers who enjoy atmospheric stories will feel right at home and equally unnerved.
While some parts of the middle section drag slightly, and you may crave more immediate answers, the payoff is well worth the wait. The final act delivers both emotional and narrative closure, with a twisty, evocative ending that stays true to the story’s dreamlike, nightmarish feel.
Overall, “The Moss” is a gorgeously written, deeply eerie tale about loss, love, and the darkness we carry with us. It’s a slow-burn ghost story for those who love atmosphere, sisterly bonds, and supernatural forces rooted in nature. Just don’t read it near a swamp or alone at night.
“The Moss” by Lisa Lueddecke is a haunting, atmospheric YA thriller that sinks its tendrils into you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. With gothic undertones and a creeping sense of dread, it’s a story that’s equal parts supernatural mystery and emotional exploration of grief, sisterhood, and the enduring pull of the past.
Set in the eerie town of Scarrow, Maine, the book centers around 17-year-old Emma, whose life has been upended by the mysterious disappearances of both her mother and older sister, Eve. A year after Eve vanishes, Emma returns home from Los Angeles, drawn back to the boggy, moss-covered land surrounding her childhood home. The Moss is more than just a setting here. It pulses with unsettling energy, an entity unto itself that lures, whispers, and threatens to consume.
Lueddecke’s prose is lush and lyrical, the kind that paints pictures in your mind and conjures goosebumps on your skin. From the creaking old house to the spectral sightings and strange dreams, the atmosphere is thick with unease. There’s a slow, deliberate pacing to the narrative that might test some readers' patience, but it serves a purpose -- building a dense fog of suspense before plunging you into the heart of the mystery. By the time Emma ventures into the Moss, the dread is palpable and inescapable.
The emotional core of the book lies in the bond between Emma and Eve. Even in absence, their relationship drives the story forward. Emma’s unwavering belief that her sister might still be alive, somewhere inside the Moss, lends the story a tragic urgency. Her journey is as much about confronting personal grief as it is about surviving a supernatural threat.
The horror here isn’t flashy; it’s subtle and psychological, with a few well-placed jump-scares and a deeply unsettling tone that lingers long after the final page. At times, it reads like a dark fairytale or long-lost legend, filled with whispers in the dark and shadowy figures in the fog. Readers who enjoy atmospheric stories will feel right at home and equally unnerved.
While some parts of the middle section drag slightly, and you may crave more immediate answers, the payoff is well worth the wait. The final act delivers both emotional and narrative closure, with a twisty, evocative ending that stays true to the story’s dreamlike, nightmarish feel.
Overall, “The Moss” is a gorgeously written, deeply eerie tale about loss, love, and the darkness we carry with us. It’s a slow-burn ghost story for those who love atmosphere, sisterly bonds, and supernatural forces rooted in nature. Just don’t read it near a swamp or alone at night.
September 7, 2025
One of the best sub-genres is when nature is sentient and out for blood. This book was such a perfect example of exactly that.
After Emma’s sister goes missing just like their mother years ago, the police look for her everywhere, but none find her. People guess that their father harmed her or that she’s a runaway, but what only Emma knows is that what happened to her, and their mother, was the result of something not of this world. As children, Emma and her sister, Eve, could feel things others couldn’t- ghosts, creatures, but most of all, they could feel the Moss call to them. At the back of their house was a bog, home to the Moss. As children, they were warned to never enter it with no explanation, but the two girls always knew it was because there was something otherworldly to it. As Emma returns to her town after years of being gone, she knows with certainty that Eve’s disappearance is the result of something which can’t be explained, and she’s determined to find her sister no matter the cost, even if that cost is her very soul.
This was such an eerie book which seeped into your very bones, and I loved it so much. There was such an atmosphere set up in this story which made you feel like you were living in that house full of secrets just as Emma was. I love the way the Moss was known, but there was still such a sense of mystery surrounding both it and the bog. I think the atmosphere was truly amplified with the sense of sisterhood in this story. The traces of Eve all over the property, from the house to the Moss added another level of eeriness to everything. It honestly reminded me of House of Hollow, which is one of my all time favorite books, so I was so excited to find a book that gave me the same feeling as it. I only wished that this book wasn’t as repetitive as it was with some of the lines or thoughts, but overall, I had a great, (more like creepy), time reading this. I’d do anything for a spin-off book of how the Moss came to be.
Thank you to Simon Teen for the review copy!
After Emma’s sister goes missing just like their mother years ago, the police look for her everywhere, but none find her. People guess that their father harmed her or that she’s a runaway, but what only Emma knows is that what happened to her, and their mother, was the result of something not of this world. As children, Emma and her sister, Eve, could feel things others couldn’t- ghosts, creatures, but most of all, they could feel the Moss call to them. At the back of their house was a bog, home to the Moss. As children, they were warned to never enter it with no explanation, but the two girls always knew it was because there was something otherworldly to it. As Emma returns to her town after years of being gone, she knows with certainty that Eve’s disappearance is the result of something which can’t be explained, and she’s determined to find her sister no matter the cost, even if that cost is her very soul.
This was such an eerie book which seeped into your very bones, and I loved it so much. There was such an atmosphere set up in this story which made you feel like you were living in that house full of secrets just as Emma was. I love the way the Moss was known, but there was still such a sense of mystery surrounding both it and the bog. I think the atmosphere was truly amplified with the sense of sisterhood in this story. The traces of Eve all over the property, from the house to the Moss added another level of eeriness to everything. It honestly reminded me of House of Hollow, which is one of my all time favorite books, so I was so excited to find a book that gave me the same feeling as it. I only wished that this book wasn’t as repetitive as it was with some of the lines or thoughts, but overall, I had a great, (more like creepy), time reading this. I’d do anything for a spin-off book of how the Moss came to be.
Thank you to Simon Teen for the review copy!
October 18, 2025
First, thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Lisa Lueddecke for allowing me to read the newer publication ARC of The Moss.
I just finished the book with 30 minutes to spare before I NetGalley took the book from my shelf. I think the premise terrified me just enough, that I literally put it on the back burner. After finishing it, I would give the book a 4 star rating. I think the idea of the spooky bog devouring people and description of the ghost girl in the beginning was literally nightmare fuel for me; but I grew up in the height of the Nat Geo magazine publication era and the cover and articles about the bog people terrified me … to this day.
The main FMC is a young girl of 17 named Emma who is haunted by the disappearance of her older sister Eve, who was preceded by their mother who one day also walked off into the bog and disappeared. Locals suspect her father had something to do with the mother and sister, but no evidence was ever found. So her dad sends her away to an aunt in California for one year, to help keep her safe from following her mother and sister’s melancholic walk into the bog… Why not move away? Don’t ask me, lol.
Emma eventually comes back home, still haunted by a horrifying ghost girl and disembodied voice, telling her to say away from the Sedge Man. She also notices that her sister’s room occasionally has the scent or decoration of a specific flower and that she’s been having more and more “nightmares” that involve water/disappearing water.
Fast forward, the story is about the FMC and her search to find her sister, there’s a slight teen romance and eerie folklore surrounding the house and the Sedge Man/Simon who once lived there.
I’d recommend to older preteens or above who like spooky/paranormal stories, especially those into the strange natural world as well.
I just finished the book with 30 minutes to spare before I NetGalley took the book from my shelf. I think the premise terrified me just enough, that I literally put it on the back burner. After finishing it, I would give the book a 4 star rating. I think the idea of the spooky bog devouring people and description of the ghost girl in the beginning was literally nightmare fuel for me; but I grew up in the height of the Nat Geo magazine publication era and the cover and articles about the bog people terrified me … to this day.
The main FMC is a young girl of 17 named Emma who is haunted by the disappearance of her older sister Eve, who was preceded by their mother who one day also walked off into the bog and disappeared. Locals suspect her father had something to do with the mother and sister, but no evidence was ever found. So her dad sends her away to an aunt in California for one year, to help keep her safe from following her mother and sister’s melancholic walk into the bog… Why not move away? Don’t ask me, lol.
Emma eventually comes back home, still haunted by a horrifying ghost girl and disembodied voice, telling her to say away from the Sedge Man. She also notices that her sister’s room occasionally has the scent or decoration of a specific flower and that she’s been having more and more “nightmares” that involve water/disappearing water.
Fast forward, the story is about the FMC and her search to find her sister, there’s a slight teen romance and eerie folklore surrounding the house and the Sedge Man/Simon who once lived there.
I’d recommend to older preteens or above who like spooky/paranormal stories, especially those into the strange natural world as well.
June 10, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
THE MOSS by Lisa Lueddecke
Thank you Netgalley and Simon&Shuester (SimonTeen) for the earc (Sept 30)
A year after the disappearance of her sister, Emma returns home. With no leads on her sister's disappearance Emma is left wondering what happened. The Moss calls to her, pulling her in as things lurk in the shadows. Emma can't help but wonder if the Moss called to her sister too.
What initially drew me into THE MOSS was the cover and description. With its eeriness, plant-like/environment-y atmosphere, I immediately thought this sounded something that Amy Goldsmith and Ginny Myers Sain would write (both of which are very talented authors who create gothic-y, very moody, atmospheres). Safe to say, with its chilling atmosphere, descriptions like pictures being painted, and something like the Moss itself, this book hit those notes.
THE MOSS is utterly creepy. This YA thriller has notes of horror that really left me on edge and with a lot of questions. I wanted to know EVERYTHING. What Emma was seeing, what happened to her sister, is the Moss a living thing? Throughout the entirety of this book, that's what I was thinking. Parts of this book felt a little dragged out, specifically toward the middle. I think---for the most part---that's because I wanted to know the answers to those questions I listed, and I wanted to know them asap. Like wanting the book to be over kind of asap---but not in a bad way. Despite that, I liked this book. I thought the characters were likeable, and thar it was all out interesting. This book comes out just in time for Halloween with all its thrills and chills.
THE MOSS by Lisa Lueddecke
Thank you Netgalley and Simon&Shuester (SimonTeen) for the earc (Sept 30)
A year after the disappearance of her sister, Emma returns home. With no leads on her sister's disappearance Emma is left wondering what happened. The Moss calls to her, pulling her in as things lurk in the shadows. Emma can't help but wonder if the Moss called to her sister too.
What initially drew me into THE MOSS was the cover and description. With its eeriness, plant-like/environment-y atmosphere, I immediately thought this sounded something that Amy Goldsmith and Ginny Myers Sain would write (both of which are very talented authors who create gothic-y, very moody, atmospheres). Safe to say, with its chilling atmosphere, descriptions like pictures being painted, and something like the Moss itself, this book hit those notes.
THE MOSS is utterly creepy. This YA thriller has notes of horror that really left me on edge and with a lot of questions. I wanted to know EVERYTHING. What Emma was seeing, what happened to her sister, is the Moss a living thing? Throughout the entirety of this book, that's what I was thinking. Parts of this book felt a little dragged out, specifically toward the middle. I think---for the most part---that's because I wanted to know the answers to those questions I listed, and I wanted to know them asap. Like wanting the book to be over kind of asap---but not in a bad way. Despite that, I liked this book. I thought the characters were likeable, and thar it was all out interesting. This book comes out just in time for Halloween with all its thrills and chills.
July 22, 2025
Creeping, paranormal horror of nature - and how the unknown can both entice us and frighten us.
Emma, our teenage protagonist, is returning home to Maine after a year spent away after the loss of her sister (and several years after the loss of her mother) to the Moss, a bog bordering their town. No one could locate them or their deceased bodies, and the mystery has put an unwelcome mark on Emma's father. Emma is a believable character, and it was interesting seeing the mystery and horror unfold from her viewpoint, as someone related to it all but still young enough to react with a dash of emotionality.
The Moss is an intriguing set piece, complete with a borderline supernatural feeling. There are places in the world that are mysterious in the most unsettling ways, and the Moss is portrayed in this manner. It held a spookiness to it that made me squirm a little as the main characters edged ever closer to its borders and away from the safety of the house and town.
I enjoyed the mystery build-up of what happened to Emma's sister. We eventually learn what happened to her and her mother toward the last 20% of the story. The present-day chapters are broken up with "Before Mom" (before Emma's mother disappeared into the bog) and "After Eve" (after Emma's sister disappeared into the bog) that helped to build the setting, the characters, and their relationship with each other. The sisterly bond is quite strong as it drives Emma to make life-altering choices to find out what became of her sister.
Overall, a nice suspenseful read with an otherworldly-feeling horror that had me reading until the end.
Emma, our teenage protagonist, is returning home to Maine after a year spent away after the loss of her sister (and several years after the loss of her mother) to the Moss, a bog bordering their town. No one could locate them or their deceased bodies, and the mystery has put an unwelcome mark on Emma's father. Emma is a believable character, and it was interesting seeing the mystery and horror unfold from her viewpoint, as someone related to it all but still young enough to react with a dash of emotionality.
The Moss is an intriguing set piece, complete with a borderline supernatural feeling. There are places in the world that are mysterious in the most unsettling ways, and the Moss is portrayed in this manner. It held a spookiness to it that made me squirm a little as the main characters edged ever closer to its borders and away from the safety of the house and town.
I enjoyed the mystery build-up of what happened to Emma's sister. We eventually learn what happened to her and her mother toward the last 20% of the story. The present-day chapters are broken up with "Before Mom" (before Emma's mother disappeared into the bog) and "After Eve" (after Emma's sister disappeared into the bog) that helped to build the setting, the characters, and their relationship with each other. The sisterly bond is quite strong as it drives Emma to make life-altering choices to find out what became of her sister.
Overall, a nice suspenseful read with an otherworldly-feeling horror that had me reading until the end.
October 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the ARC!
The Moss drew me in right away with its hauntingly beautiful cover, which perfectly reflects the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the story. Set in a small, creepy town in Maine, the book immediately captures that moody New England vibe where you just know something isn’t right beneath the surface. I love books set in these kinds of isolated, tight-knit towns because the atmosphere alone becomes a character, and Lueddecke really leaned into that sense of unease.
The story follows Emma as she searches for her sister, Eve, who goes missing. I appreciated how the book didn’t waste time setting up that something was off,you could feel the dread lingering on every page. The pacing was steady, keeping me engaged as Emma’s desperation grew and the town’s secrets started coming to light. I especially enjoyed how the writing itself had a lyrical and slightly haunting quality, which fit the tone so well.
The mystery built up in a way that kept me curious without dragging, and I liked how the author balanced atmosphere with plot progression. The ending tied things together in a way that was both satisfying and thought-provoking. While not everything was completely unpredictable, the way it unfolded was well executed and emotionally resonant.
Overall, The Moss is a strong, atmospheric read that blends mystery, family bonds, and a deeply unsettling setting. Fans of eerie small-town thrillers with hints of the supernatural will find this one to be a great addition to their shelves.
The Moss drew me in right away with its hauntingly beautiful cover, which perfectly reflects the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the story. Set in a small, creepy town in Maine, the book immediately captures that moody New England vibe where you just know something isn’t right beneath the surface. I love books set in these kinds of isolated, tight-knit towns because the atmosphere alone becomes a character, and Lueddecke really leaned into that sense of unease.
The story follows Emma as she searches for her sister, Eve, who goes missing. I appreciated how the book didn’t waste time setting up that something was off,you could feel the dread lingering on every page. The pacing was steady, keeping me engaged as Emma’s desperation grew and the town’s secrets started coming to light. I especially enjoyed how the writing itself had a lyrical and slightly haunting quality, which fit the tone so well.
The mystery built up in a way that kept me curious without dragging, and I liked how the author balanced atmosphere with plot progression. The ending tied things together in a way that was both satisfying and thought-provoking. While not everything was completely unpredictable, the way it unfolded was well executed and emotionally resonant.
Overall, The Moss is a strong, atmospheric read that blends mystery, family bonds, and a deeply unsettling setting. Fans of eerie small-town thrillers with hints of the supernatural will find this one to be a great addition to their shelves.
October 8, 2025
The Moss might have you peering over your shoulder if you're home alone while reading it.
Emma's mother and older sister Eve disappeared into the misty bog (also called the moss and a character in itself) - her mother when Emma was a child and Eve a year ago. Emma shares a strong bond with her sister and is convinced Eve is still alive somewhere inside the moss. Her father's fear of losing Emma in the same way resulted in her living across the country with her aunt for the past year. Even at that distance, she still heard the call of the moss and saw terrifying apparitions. After moving back home, the lure is even stronger.
With his wife and daughter missing, Emma's father is at the top of the suspect list. Even without a shred of evidence to incriminate him, some residents still believe he's guilty. I liked how Emma's faith in her father never wavers, and she staunchly defends him at every turn. Aiding her in her brave and somewhat reckless quest to find Eve is Jordan, a loyal, cool-headed friend (and a sweetheart) who might turn into something more. With sinister ghosts roaming the centuries-old house and property and voices pulling her toward the moss, Emma's running out of time. I honestly didn't know which way the tension-filled ending would go, and I love it when that happens.
With a Gothic feel and beautiful writing, I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy slow burn horror, strong family bonds, and suspenseful, paranormal mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Emma's mother and older sister Eve disappeared into the misty bog (also called the moss and a character in itself) - her mother when Emma was a child and Eve a year ago. Emma shares a strong bond with her sister and is convinced Eve is still alive somewhere inside the moss. Her father's fear of losing Emma in the same way resulted in her living across the country with her aunt for the past year. Even at that distance, she still heard the call of the moss and saw terrifying apparitions. After moving back home, the lure is even stronger.
With his wife and daughter missing, Emma's father is at the top of the suspect list. Even without a shred of evidence to incriminate him, some residents still believe he's guilty. I liked how Emma's faith in her father never wavers, and she staunchly defends him at every turn. Aiding her in her brave and somewhat reckless quest to find Eve is Jordan, a loyal, cool-headed friend (and a sweetheart) who might turn into something more. With sinister ghosts roaming the centuries-old house and property and voices pulling her toward the moss, Emma's running out of time. I honestly didn't know which way the tension-filled ending would go, and I love it when that happens.
With a Gothic feel and beautiful writing, I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy slow burn horror, strong family bonds, and suspenseful, paranormal mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 7, 2025
The Moss is a beautifully haunting book that tells the story of a grieving family, the ghosts of the past, and the lengths we will go to save those we love.
Emma's Mother & sister have both disappeared, one after the other, and there have been no traces of them in the years since. But Emma knows where they went: into the Moss, the vast bog next to their home. Emma herself has heard its call, and been haunted by it her whole life; she knows the Moss wants her to venture inside, and lose herself like her Mom and sister did. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Emma believes that her sister is still alive, lost somewhere in the bog, and she is determined to find her, no matter the cost.
I really enjoyed this story. It is softly spooky and reels you in almost like a fairytale; by the time the reader learns just how dark and malicious the bog is, it's too late, and we have no choice but to brave it with Emma. It is a slow burn, and I expected to enter the bog earlier in the story; but without saying much to avoid spoilers, it is so worth it to wait for that part of the book.
The Moss does discuss grief, both personal and in a family setting; so please be aware of that going in. The subject is handled gently and very well.
I would recommend The Moss to readers who enjoy ghost stories, ancient, mysterious bogs, forests, or other natural settings in their stories, and books that highlight sisters and their relationships.
Emma's Mother & sister have both disappeared, one after the other, and there have been no traces of them in the years since. But Emma knows where they went: into the Moss, the vast bog next to their home. Emma herself has heard its call, and been haunted by it her whole life; she knows the Moss wants her to venture inside, and lose herself like her Mom and sister did. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Emma believes that her sister is still alive, lost somewhere in the bog, and she is determined to find her, no matter the cost.
I really enjoyed this story. It is softly spooky and reels you in almost like a fairytale; by the time the reader learns just how dark and malicious the bog is, it's too late, and we have no choice but to brave it with Emma. It is a slow burn, and I expected to enter the bog earlier in the story; but without saying much to avoid spoilers, it is so worth it to wait for that part of the book.
The Moss does discuss grief, both personal and in a family setting; so please be aware of that going in. The subject is handled gently and very well.
I would recommend The Moss to readers who enjoy ghost stories, ancient, mysterious bogs, forests, or other natural settings in their stories, and books that highlight sisters and their relationships.
September 27, 2025
Emma has spent the last year in sunny California at her Father's request. Being in California with her Aunt though has not acheived what he had hoped. Although The Moss doesn't call to her as often or as loudly its still there. She can still feels its call and the never ending ache to find her sister also draws her back.
Emma goes back home, back to her Father and to The Moss determined that she will find her sister. As she gets closer The Moss begins getting stronger. The Spirits begin to show herself to her again. The same little girl that she always sees warning her to stay away, that it isn't safe but nothing will stop her fom finding her sister in the same place that their Mother walked into and never returned from.
The Moss or as others would call it The Bog has been standing sentient for what seems like eternity. Not everyone hears its call, its summons only a select few and those are the ones that find themselves forever drawn into its depths. Creatures live within its pools and its stable islands. Things that are so old they don't have names. The Moss will trick you into thinking you are seeing and hearing the ones you want most but once you venture too far in to the outside world you have vanished and you may as well stay that way because ones it has you its not going to let go.
I want to thank #Netgalley and #SimonandSchusterChildrensPublishing in return for the chance to read the eArc of #TheMoss by #LisaLeuddecke in return for a fair and honest review.
Emma goes back home, back to her Father and to The Moss determined that she will find her sister. As she gets closer The Moss begins getting stronger. The Spirits begin to show herself to her again. The same little girl that she always sees warning her to stay away, that it isn't safe but nothing will stop her fom finding her sister in the same place that their Mother walked into and never returned from.
The Moss or as others would call it The Bog has been standing sentient for what seems like eternity. Not everyone hears its call, its summons only a select few and those are the ones that find themselves forever drawn into its depths. Creatures live within its pools and its stable islands. Things that are so old they don't have names. The Moss will trick you into thinking you are seeing and hearing the ones you want most but once you venture too far in to the outside world you have vanished and you may as well stay that way because ones it has you its not going to let go.
I want to thank #Netgalley and #SimonandSchusterChildrensPublishing in return for the chance to read the eArc of #TheMoss by #LisaLeuddecke in return for a fair and honest review.
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