Hush, My Darling

by Leigh Kenny

In pursuit of peace and family ties, American tourist Megan goes on a road trip around Ireland. When she becomes stranded deep in the mountains, the Brogan family come to her rescue. But is it luck, or is Megan's nightmare just beginning?

The Wicklow Mountains offer breathtaking beauty to all who venture in.

Where nature abounds.

Where solitude beckons.

Where no one can hear you scream.


Ideal for fans of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Deliverance, Hush, My Darling is an Irish horror thriller that delves into the depths of human resilience . . . and human cruelty.

"As evidenced by her dazzling debut, Cursed, Kenny is a bright new voice in modern horror, one that is poised to take the genre by storm."
Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Kin and Sour Candy.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Horror Thriller, Ireland, Suspense

245 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2024

Reviews

[STEPH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll never fully understand why some people venture into places they’re unfamiliar with. Unexplored mountains, isolated woodlands filled with maniacs and cannibalistic families? I mean, you’re in the middle of nowhere—of course there’s no signal, of course your car would stall. The universe is clearly conspiring for you to encounter danger. And Megan? She unknowingly walks straight into a house of horrors just because a strikingly handsome guy winked at her. What a joke.

Overall, this is an entertaining book. I’ve seen a lot of films with a similar plot and theme, and I can say I felt an intense hatred toward the male characters in this story. I would’ve loved to see them suffer in the end.

If you’re into backwoods thrillers and don’t mind a not-so-likable main character, this one’s for you.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh’s newest darkly wild tale kept me up half the night… I couldn’t put it down till I had read to the last page. Then I lay thinking about the subject matter for hours still.

Throw in isolated mountains, a young woman led astray, and violent Irish hillbillies, and you get the start of a shocking story. I wasn’t sure what would happen next for the narrators Megan or Lauren as the story unfolded, but the rollercoaster the plot went on was unbearable for my nerves.

“It wasn’t like anyone would hear her anyway. Out here in the mountains, no one could hear her scream.”

The characters, the writing, the brogue… it all created such an atmospheric setting. I felt like I was in the story myself, actually getting the urge to try and escape the Brogan’s house as the walls seemed to close in.

This was a fantastic story, seriously full of horror and action, thrills and dread. This was also the first time I’d heard of the “Vanishing Triangle” in Ireland and it’s completely opened my eyes to something I never would’ve imagined. Grab this story asap, then bump it up to the top of your TBR list!

Ps I love Ted 🐕‍🦺

[John Durgin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I said it when I read Cursed, and I’ll say it again- Leigh Kenny has an insanely bright future as a horror author. She is 2 for 2 in pulling me directly into the story and making it impossible to put down the book. Hush, My Darling is a much darker tone than Cursed, but the storytelling is top notch and shows Leigh’s growth as a writer. I highly recommend this one when it releases in August!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark as hell

[myreadingescapism · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only redeemable thing I picked up in the first 80%, was Ted.

[Lia's Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brutal story—and an incredible one.

We follow Megan, who is kidnapped by a family with horrific intentions: assault, cannibalism, murder, and complete dehumanization.

It’s easy to think, “That could never happen to me,” or “I would have fought back differently,” or “I would’ve done this differently,” but the truth is that you don’t need to face an extreme situation to experience sexual abuse, violence, or degradation.

It can happen in the smallest ways—in workplaces, in everyday life—and no one is immune.

Sometimes survival means doing whatever it takes. And survival looks different for every woman; we all survive, cope, and adapt differently...

There is no one right way to survive.

One bright light in the story is Ted, a loyal, brave doggo who becomes a symbol of love, hope and goodness in a world that feels irredeemable.

Ted reminds us that even in the darkest places, there can still be something worth holding onto.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

American, Megan, is travelling around Ireland trying to find a connection to her father’s ancestors. When she becomes stranded in the emptiness of the Wicklow mountains she is rescued by the Brogan family but are they as friendly as they seem.

This is the epitome of quiet creeping horror, keeping the tension pulled tight as the events unfold. The characterisation is exceptional, Megan bringing the ultimate in final girl energy. A truly disturbing tale of humanity laid bare that you are compelled to keep reading as it plunges into true evil.

Showing the range of Leigh, this is such a different horror to Cursed but the same glorious prose, evocative imagery and complex characters, spectacular!

[Yakhdoor (Daios’s Version༄) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ this book barely held my interest.. and if it wasn’t only 200ish pages I would have dnfed.

On another note:
”we listen and we don’t judge.”

**spoiler**
If I were Megan, I would’ve stayed with Fin..I feel like I could “fix” him..i’ll see myself straight into a jail cell no worries.

[The Anxious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh Kenny is about to take the horror world by the throat and is one to watch.

What a deeply upsetting book.

When people think about monsters, demons and other scary things I think sometimes people can forget about the scariest ones of them all. Regular people who walk among us that are the true most vile definition of evil.

Maybe it's the barrista at your favorite coffee shop or the person who offers to help you change a tire on the side of the road.

A random chance encounter with the wrong person can change the entire course of your whole life....

Who will you trust?

[Alora Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. WHO IS GONNA PAY FOR MY THERAPY?!?

[Pria]

I think the book description needs to make it more clear that this book is predominantly about rape. I was looking for a scary book, not a sexual violence book, so suffice to say it wasn’t for me. Also, it was hard to believe this girl would watch a man get his head shot off and engage in consensual sex an hour or two later. I think real people would be vomiting and not getting butterflies about their crush. That being said, I did like the twist.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unbelievably laughable in its main character's stupidity. The shotgun scene alone made me stop reading.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't think it was going to affect me as much as it did. Felt bit scared and uncomfortable. Creepy and horrible

[Honey Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review 💥💥💥
After the huge success of Leigh's first novel, Cursed, I eagerly dove into her latest offering, Hush, My Darling. From the very first page, the tension was palpable. I started this book on a Saturday evening and found myself so engrossed that I was literally grinding my teeth in suspense.

Megan's ordeal of being stranded in a foreign country with no help in sight is terrifyingly real. From a broken-down rental car to a phone that doesn’t work, and then crashing into a tree in the middle of a forest—Megan's situation had me on edge, literally feeling her fear and desperation.

Similar to Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Wrong Turn, this story is a wild ride. The character development is balanced perfectly, enhancing the story without overshadowing the intense plot. The fast-paced narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, intrigued by the mystery surrounding the Brogan family and the creepy uneasiness that pervades the book. This sense of dread didn’t let up until the last few pages.

In true Leigh Kenny form, Hush, My Darling, far surpasses her first novel, Cursed. It delivers twists and turns at every corner, especially the ending, which I never saw coming. Knowing that the story is based on true events makes it even more terrifying and real, with the conclusion literally tugging at my heartstrings.

My overall thoughts 💭💭 Hush, My Darling is an intense, gripping horror novel that fans of the genre will love, and Leigh Kenny is fast becoming another favourite in the indie horror space ♥️

Thanks again, leighkenny for giving me the opportunity to read your latest release. So far,it's been 2 for 2, can't wait for the 3rd blockbuster!

[C.S. S Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, this is a five-star read and shows everyone exactly why Leigh Kenny is the hot commodity she's very quickly become. I can honestly say that while reading this, I wondered several times why I even bother to write if this is the standard I should aspire to. Sod it, I guess. There's no shame in being a runner-up!
The story opens with a mood setting grimness that illicits the pure discomfort & disgust that you know the proceeding chapters will build to. That's the execution Leigh has decided upon & the proceeding chapters are incredibly vivid & well written as the screw slowly turns for our plucky protagonist until the curtain finally falls. And fall, it does spectacularly. To say any more would give spoilers, but just know, none of this is predictable, and I loved watching it all unfold with a wilful grimace.
It's a far cry from Cursed & it's all the better for it. These monsters are the most inhuman of humans.

[Maggie Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked this more if it were shorter. It wasn't long, but there were just so many situations that passed where the girl brushes off the red flags, because Finn is hot. By the time she was really stuck, I didn't even feel bad for her.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not honestly give this book 5 stars... it deserves all the stars in the world. This book is absolutely intense and terrifying. The twist at the end of chapter 32 blew my mind, I was not expecting that.
I've driven through the Wicklow mountains before... never again.

[John Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a dark ride through the Wicklow Mountains. On a side note, I can remember visiting the area and chatting with Leigh about it during and after the trip! Ireland is a gorgeous place and has its dark corners, just like anywhere else!

Being isolated in mountainous terrain is scary for anyone. Add in a sadistic family meant to do you harm, and you have yourselves a cocktail of horror. Leigh weaves an emotional story that I really enjoyed! I really enjoyed the ending, and hope a sequel comes out soon! 🖤

[Karlen HK]

no rating, dnf at 73%. every choice is inexplicable and every setback is obvious. I kept trying to get through it and then suddenly thought "...but why?"

also, sorry, the handsome heartthrob the main character has the hots for is actually the kidnapped Italian child with dark hair and olive skin all grown up and she still doesn't clock that he's *not* actually related to the family? THE FAMILY OF GINGER IRISHMEN? girl, your shit's dumb. "She wondered what happened to the Italian woman's child...". then wondered who was going to tie her shoes and put the straw in her juice box? I assume that becomes a plot point later but I'll never know because I don't care.

[TalesAndTea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO stinkin’ good I couldn’t put it down!! The book definitely gave off “Wrong Turn” vibes at times… if the cannibals in Wrong Turn were a tad bit more civilized. What would you do in this situation? Fight to the very end or adapt to survive?

[Sarah Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only read 14 books so far this year, but I have to say… this is my absolute favorite. I’m going to read everything she writes!

[Mike Prewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a harrowing story that could very well happen to anybody. I definitely liked the whole backwoods setup with a sadistic family. It felt open-ended as well.

[Kyle Rolinatis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. The suspense throughout was so intense I couldn’t put it down.
I found myself totally invested in the protagonist, Meghan, an American, who finds herself stranded in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. She runs into the Brogan family who take her in to “help” her and things go downhill fast.
The pacing of this story is perfect and I love how Kenny paints every scene so vividly you feel like you are right there in the house with the Brogans (and you definitely don’t want to be)
Highly recommend reading this!

[Ben Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenny’s sophomore outing proves her aptitude for scaring us, and her range as a storyteller. Hush, My Darling is a harrowing tale of human monsters, their twisted view of the world, and the perpetual damage they leave in their wake. It’s part Deliverance, part Wrong Turn, and part Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

[Jacqueline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the overall story, but they're was so much of it that just wasn't believable or explained well. Spoilers ahead so I can get into the why.

I know everyone reacts differently to difficult situations, but Megan's behavior and choices just don't seem to make sense to me. After the first brother hit me, I would have ran deep into the woods. The second time, especially in front of Finn, not only would I have run, I surely wouldn't have slept with Finn.

Saying that, I understand she was basically stranded in the middle of deep woods, but I'd personally take my chances in the woods. The fact that she could write all of their behavior off and the crying she could hear from the vents, the fact the she felt safe and comfortable enough with any of them to have sex with one of them is just unfathomable to me. And I'm pretty sure that happened after she witnessed a guy get his head blown off right outside her bedroom window...and let's not even get started on her taking a random pill no questions asked given to her from a strange man while she's stranded in the woods...honestly I could go on and on.

The last thing I'll talk about is the ending. Wtf? She abandoned her daughter and left a note that we don't get to see and her new friend just smiles and wanders off with the baby. Sure, she probably went back for her son and it would make sense she would leave her daughter in a safe space if that's the case, but why would her friend not be at all concerned about that knowing what the Brogans are capable of?? I am just more frustrated with this book than I enjoyed it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

texas chainsaw massacre meets wrong turn…in ireland. Similar to cursed, the other Leigh Kenny book i’ve read, probably the dumbest main character that’s ever existed. like zero survival instinct. negative survival instinct actually.

i think it worked better in hush my darling than it did in cursed. maybe because the MC is a tourist, alone in a foreign country so it makes more sense for her to be vulnerable, whereas the MC in cursed was in his own town with close friends nearby. maybe because the MC is blinded by lust so more likely to be careless, whereas the MC in cursed didn’t even have a foolish, shallow reason for being so dumb. maybe it’s just internalized misogyny and deep down i expect a woman MC to be dumber than a man. regardless, i think it worked better and made more sense.

there was one point toward the end where all of the sudden megan’s (MC) actions didn’t really fit with her established character and i feel like that could have been reworked to make a bit more sense. but that’s just me being picky i think. it makes sense how it played out, it just felt pretty out of character. but to be fair, if i were in that position, i would probably be pretty out of character too.

the story is quite predictable, but that didn’t really bother me either. it very much gives texas chainsaw massacre and wrong turn so it felt kind of nostalgic, which i really enjoyed.

i do wish there would have been a bit more closure at the end, but im not too mad about it.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a deep, dark and utterly amazing horror story! There were so many emotions felt while reading this! It’s a soul crushing intense book, knowing that crazy/evil/horrible people do exist in the world. This story is based on a real location in Ireland, The Vanishing Triangle, where horrible murders in real life, and in the story take place. This story has a bit of everything from kidnapping, torture, mental anguish, and even love.
The book is very well written and the author did a fantastic job. This was a story that I found very hard to put down. My stomach was in a knot wondering what would happen to poor Megan next! There are a lot of strong characters and even surprises towards the end of the book that I didn’t see coming!

Thank you to Leigh Kenny for an arc copy of this emotional, horrifying & outstanding book!
**This is a must read! The book comes out August 25th. **

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hush, My Darling grabs from the very first page and doesn’t let you go. The story is both creepy and horrific, skillfully crafted to create an unsettling atmosphere that will leave you feeling sad and on edge. With numerous twists and turns, this book is a true page-turner that will keep you up at night. I was on the edge of my set the entire time. This story's chilling vibes are reminiscent of Wrong Turn and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a haunting reminder that sometimes the most terrifying monsters are human. I definitely feel like it was left open for a possible sequel. I have couple questions I would like answered in the possible sequel if Leigh Kenny decides to do one.

[Alex Secam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily one of the most engrossing Irish reads I have read in the last few years. Fantastic, strong writing with really well crafted characters. The story really dragged me in and had me tense and gripped from chapter to chapter. I loved the world Leigh Kenny built, and as dark as it is, it was very vivid. The ending is strong too! I wonder if we will get another whack of this story soon? 🤔 Pick it up!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I listened to the audiobook version of this story.

My first Leigh Kenny story and if she has more, I am definitely going to read those.

This is an amazing story of loss and revenge. It is definitely one of the better revenge stories I have read/listened to.