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Lights Out: The chilling, unputdownable thriller that you won't be able to put down in 2024!
A state of emergency has been declared in the UK.
From now on, at 8pm every night, all electricity cuts out.
The Government promises it's a temporary measure. They promise they are always thinking of your safety.
But for Grace, the darkness is anything but safe. Someone is coming into her house under its cover every night while she lies in bed upstairs, too terrified to sleep. Someone who knows her past, who knows why she has more reason to fear the dark than most...
And every morning she wakes to a new message.
I have you in my sights, Love, The Night.
But how can Grace escape, when there's nowhere safe left to hide?
From now on, at 8pm every night, all electricity cuts out.
The Government promises it's a temporary measure. They promise they are always thinking of your safety.
But for Grace, the darkness is anything but safe. Someone is coming into her house under its cover every night while she lies in bed upstairs, too terrified to sleep. Someone who knows her past, who knows why she has more reason to fear the dark than most...
And every morning she wakes to a new message.
I have you in my sights, Love, The Night.
But how can Grace escape, when there's nowhere safe left to hide?
416 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2024
39 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Louise Swanson
3 books138 followersAlso publishes under Louise Beech.
Louise Swanson wrote End of Story during the final lockdown of 2020, following a family tragedy, finding refuge in the fiction she created. The themes of the book - grief, isolation, love of the arts, the power of storytelling - came from a very real place. Lights Out followed in September 2024, a chilly thriller exploring a dark world where every night the electricty goes off. Swanson, a mother of two who lives in East Yorkshire with her husband, regularly blogs, talks at events, and is a huge advocate of openly discussing mental health.
She also writes as Louise Beech. Beech's nine books have won the Best magazine Book of the Year 2019, shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year, longlisted for the Polari Prize, and been a Clare Mackintosh Book Club Pick. Her memoir, Daffodils, was released in audiobook in 2022, and as Eighteen Seconds in Paperback 2023. Wonderful is coming 1st June 2026.
Louise is on Twitter @LouiseWriter
Louise Swanson wrote End of Story during the final lockdown of 2020, following a family tragedy, finding refuge in the fiction she created. The themes of the book - grief, isolation, love of the arts, the power of storytelling - came from a very real place. Lights Out followed in September 2024, a chilly thriller exploring a dark world where every night the electricty goes off. Swanson, a mother of two who lives in East Yorkshire with her husband, regularly blogs, talks at events, and is a huge advocate of openly discussing mental health.
She also writes as Louise Beech. Beech's nine books have won the Best magazine Book of the Year 2019, shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year, longlisted for the Polari Prize, and been a Clare Mackintosh Book Club Pick. Her memoir, Daffodils, was released in audiobook in 2022, and as Eighteen Seconds in Paperback 2023. Wonderful is coming 1st June 2026.
Louise is on Twitter @LouiseWriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 22, 2024
Reviewing books pre-publication is like being let in on the most marvellous secret, which I then help to share widely and loudly. It is my absolute pleasure to be involved in sharing how fabulous I think this book is. I came into this book with no pre-conceptions, no idea of the storyline. I saw a Louise Swanson book, and knew I must read it.
Lights Out is a new Government policy, to help address the growing climate change crisis. Electricity will be cut to all non essential addresses, between the hours of 8pm and 7am, during a harsh and bleak January. The dark brings out all of our fears, and heightens so much. The dark suppresses our vision making all of our other senses, and imagination, go into overdrive. Fear, anxiety, loneliness and pain are all intensified by the absence of light, the absence of hope.
The govt line of “we’re all in this together”, feels very reminiscent of us all being in the same storm in our own recent past. While the reality was us all being in the same storm, with some in rowing boats, while others plainly sailed in luxury yachts. The author conveys the feelings of these inequalities extremely well.
On the surface, the book is about a Government trying to appease voters, to try to win votes in the run up to an election. (Sound familiar to anyone?)
When you read further through the pages, deeper, you realise the book is about secrets, honesty, courage, and ultimately knowing your worth, and not letting others devalue you.
The characterisation is superb. The characters are a cross section of those found in life. Likeable, unlikeable, shallow, empathetic, kind and thoroughly obnoxious; but nobody is perfect, everyone has their flaws. Which is why they feel so fully formed, so convincing.
Grace represents so many of us. Many of us have boxes, and we hold those lids down tightly; scared of what will happen if it were to come loose.
I loved Lights Out, I started reading expecting a thriller, but found so much more. It’s a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, shining brightly through the dark.
Lights Out is a new Government policy, to help address the growing climate change crisis. Electricity will be cut to all non essential addresses, between the hours of 8pm and 7am, during a harsh and bleak January. The dark brings out all of our fears, and heightens so much. The dark suppresses our vision making all of our other senses, and imagination, go into overdrive. Fear, anxiety, loneliness and pain are all intensified by the absence of light, the absence of hope.
The govt line of “we’re all in this together”, feels very reminiscent of us all being in the same storm in our own recent past. While the reality was us all being in the same storm, with some in rowing boats, while others plainly sailed in luxury yachts. The author conveys the feelings of these inequalities extremely well.
On the surface, the book is about a Government trying to appease voters, to try to win votes in the run up to an election. (Sound familiar to anyone?)
When you read further through the pages, deeper, you realise the book is about secrets, honesty, courage, and ultimately knowing your worth, and not letting others devalue you.
The characterisation is superb. The characters are a cross section of those found in life. Likeable, unlikeable, shallow, empathetic, kind and thoroughly obnoxious; but nobody is perfect, everyone has their flaws. Which is why they feel so fully formed, so convincing.
Grace represents so many of us. Many of us have boxes, and we hold those lids down tightly; scared of what will happen if it were to come loose.
I loved Lights Out, I started reading expecting a thriller, but found so much more. It’s a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, shining brightly through the dark.
August 17, 2024
Although I’ve never been afraid of the dark, I could really relate to Grace. This because whether it is being afraid of the dark, or open water, or spiders, in Lights Out it becomes clear that your fears can really cripple you.
Grace is crippled by her fear of the dark and she knows why: some classmates locked her up in a cupboard when she was small… and ever since she needs a lot of light, even when sleeping. Or – was being locked up really what triggered her fear, all those years ago? Sometimes Grace is not sure. Anyway, she’s a single mother with an adult son, who’s happily living elsewhere while maintaining a good relationship with his mother. Grace has always been rather independent and she and her son build their own world. Later in life she met a lovely man and they’ve been married for some ten years now. Grace works during the night – in a hospice – so she can mostly sleep during the day.
Lights Out (or better: electricity out) is a rather strange invention of the government to try and save energy. Strange, because they didn’t think beforehand what this would mean for the people – especially not for the poor families who are, because it is January, are freezing and miserable without heat or lighting. For Grace, it is horrifying to have to spend a whole night with only the light of one simple battery-operated lamp. The food goes off in the fridge because that’s also shut down each night and she cannot even make tea (although I don’t understand why she cannot boil water in a kettle on the stove).
From the first night one, strange things are happening and not just in her home; her husband is behaving strange too. How all this is connected is becoming clear during the next nights. There is more going on, but in the end everything comes together neatly.
I really liked this book and although its sometimes a bit repetitive, I had a hard time putting it down.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this review copy.
Grace is crippled by her fear of the dark and she knows why: some classmates locked her up in a cupboard when she was small… and ever since she needs a lot of light, even when sleeping. Or – was being locked up really what triggered her fear, all those years ago? Sometimes Grace is not sure. Anyway, she’s a single mother with an adult son, who’s happily living elsewhere while maintaining a good relationship with his mother. Grace has always been rather independent and she and her son build their own world. Later in life she met a lovely man and they’ve been married for some ten years now. Grace works during the night – in a hospice – so she can mostly sleep during the day.
Lights Out (or better: electricity out) is a rather strange invention of the government to try and save energy. Strange, because they didn’t think beforehand what this would mean for the people – especially not for the poor families who are, because it is January, are freezing and miserable without heat or lighting. For Grace, it is horrifying to have to spend a whole night with only the light of one simple battery-operated lamp. The food goes off in the fridge because that’s also shut down each night and she cannot even make tea (although I don’t understand why she cannot boil water in a kettle on the stove).
From the first night one, strange things are happening and not just in her home; her husband is behaving strange too. How all this is connected is becoming clear during the next nights. There is more going on, but in the end everything comes together neatly.
I really liked this book and although its sometimes a bit repetitive, I had a hard time putting it down.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this review copy.
September 29, 2024
3.75 / 5.0
Initially when I was three quarters in this book I wanted to give this book a 2 star rating. Nothing made sense, random bits and fluff scenes kept appearing in the book - I was completely lost in the message, the plot what Swanson wanted to achieve in this book. But I realised with so many pages left, let’s stick this out and ride it to the end and see where it gets you and now I get it. I have to admit the book does drag it’s heels, and things are slow but near the last 100
Pages is where things make sense.
There is more to the book then what you see in the surface, initially I thought this was going to be psychological, dark and twisted but it’s not really that. If I go into this book more it will ruin the complete message. The book is based in Yorkshire, UK where the government have come up with a scheme called Lights out where after 8pm all electricity is out. For Grace this is scary times as she is completely scared of the dark. Her job makes things more complicated working at a hospice for end of life care, where her shifts vary daytime and nighttime. Someone is coming into the night to her house while she sleeps and leaves random items around the house with a note. As the scheme continues, more items and notes appear. Then one day it escalates too far….
I have to admit if you are reading this book, you need to stick this one out. I hated how random and no plot this book felt but near the end is where things make more sense. Worth the read if you can invest the time in it!
Initially when I was three quarters in this book I wanted to give this book a 2 star rating. Nothing made sense, random bits and fluff scenes kept appearing in the book - I was completely lost in the message, the plot what Swanson wanted to achieve in this book. But I realised with so many pages left, let’s stick this out and ride it to the end and see where it gets you and now I get it. I have to admit the book does drag it’s heels, and things are slow but near the last 100
Pages is where things make sense.
There is more to the book then what you see in the surface, initially I thought this was going to be psychological, dark and twisted but it’s not really that. If I go into this book more it will ruin the complete message. The book is based in Yorkshire, UK where the government have come up with a scheme called Lights out where after 8pm all electricity is out. For Grace this is scary times as she is completely scared of the dark. Her job makes things more complicated working at a hospice for end of life care, where her shifts vary daytime and nighttime. Someone is coming into the night to her house while she sleeps and leaves random items around the house with a note. As the scheme continues, more items and notes appear. Then one day it escalates too far….
I have to admit if you are reading this book, you need to stick this one out. I hated how random and no plot this book felt but near the end is where things make more sense. Worth the read if you can invest the time in it!
May 12, 2025
Read it in one sitting.... well obviously a signed copy of a thriller by a local author, I needed find out everything...before lights out!
August 15, 2024
4.5 stars but I honestly couldn't tell you if I loved this or I hated it... Hear me out!
Here in South Africa, we are often hit with load shedding, aka rolling blackouts, aka regularly scheduled powercuts. It's been going on for years. Life goes on. So when I saw LIGHTS OUT on netgalley, I knew I had to read it. A book that gives the UK drastic overnight load shedding, every night? Everywhere? All night? I was immediately intrigued, and wondered how the author could make it scary. The UK is a lot wealthier than SA. Get some lanterns; get some solar panels; keep calm and carry on, right? Well, Louise Swanson did it! Grace has a crippling childhood-trauma-derived phobia of the dark. Her anxiety bleeds off the page. Every creak and bump in the night made ME jump, because Grace was in such a heightened state of stress. Add to that one of the most bizarre twists I've ever read in a thriller - and I read a lot of bonkers thrillers - and I found this compulsively readable. I genuinely didn't have a clue how the story was going to pan out.
As for why I flip-flop on why I liked it or not... Grace is quite a wishy-washy main character. All part of her growth arc, sure, but it was still somewhat tedious in the earlier chapters. And ultimately, there's a Beauty and the Beast-esque plot line that was not for me. Despite all that, I can't deny that I couldn't put it down.
Here in South Africa, we are often hit with load shedding, aka rolling blackouts, aka regularly scheduled powercuts. It's been going on for years. Life goes on. So when I saw LIGHTS OUT on netgalley, I knew I had to read it. A book that gives the UK drastic overnight load shedding, every night? Everywhere? All night? I was immediately intrigued, and wondered how the author could make it scary. The UK is a lot wealthier than SA. Get some lanterns; get some solar panels; keep calm and carry on, right? Well, Louise Swanson did it! Grace has a crippling childhood-trauma-derived phobia of the dark. Her anxiety bleeds off the page. Every creak and bump in the night made ME jump, because Grace was in such a heightened state of stress. Add to that one of the most bizarre twists I've ever read in a thriller - and I read a lot of bonkers thrillers - and I found this compulsively readable. I genuinely didn't have a clue how the story was going to pan out.
As for why I flip-flop on why I liked it or not... Grace is quite a wishy-washy main character. All part of her growth arc, sure, but it was still somewhat tedious in the earlier chapters. And ultimately, there's a Beauty and the Beast-esque plot line that was not for me. Despite all that, I can't deny that I couldn't put it down.
August 26, 2024
The UK have declared a national emergency and have introduced the lights out scheme. Every household will have no electricity from 8PM until morning. For Grace this is very unwelcome news, due to her phobia of the dark, and when strange messages start occurring every morning, her fears spiral.
This sounded like a fascinating read with an interesting, unique premise so I was keen to pick it up. I am pleased I did after finishing it, as I found it to be a rewarding read, which conjured up many emotions. I wouldn’t say this was a thriller as such but a cross genre novel, combining speculative and contemporary fiction with some mystery, creating a thought provoking, compelling read.
The book did give me the chills occasionally, due to imagining this becoming a reality; the author did a good job in making this seem authentic and creating a dark atmosphere. The characters were written well, some I liked more than others. The way it all came together was unexpected and unusual… I am still trying to process my thoughts here. Although repetitive in parts and feeling as though it may have been slightly too long, this was an enjoyable read overall, exploring a lot of themes. This is a great book for those looking for a complex, multilayered and unique story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This sounded like a fascinating read with an interesting, unique premise so I was keen to pick it up. I am pleased I did after finishing it, as I found it to be a rewarding read, which conjured up many emotions. I wouldn’t say this was a thriller as such but a cross genre novel, combining speculative and contemporary fiction with some mystery, creating a thought provoking, compelling read.
The book did give me the chills occasionally, due to imagining this becoming a reality; the author did a good job in making this seem authentic and creating a dark atmosphere. The characters were written well, some I liked more than others. The way it all came together was unexpected and unusual… I am still trying to process my thoughts here. Although repetitive in parts and feeling as though it may have been slightly too long, this was an enjoyable read overall, exploring a lot of themes. This is a great book for those looking for a complex, multilayered and unique story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
September 7, 2024
To preserve energy the government declares a state of emergency. From 8pm to 7am every night, the electricity will be shut down. No lights, no heat: people are going to suffer.
Grace is already afraid of the dark. Her childhood trauma has lasted through to adulthood. When she's working nights at the care home she's fine because they've been allowed to keep power, but on nights when she's at home she is completely and utterly terrified, and that's before somebody comes into her house at night and leaves strange items and cryptic notes.
It's quite a chilling premise and it comes across initially as a thriller, but as I might have expected with Louise Swanson's writing, it's much more of an emotional read, focusing on feelings, reactions, childhood fears, and the effect of loss of control on a human being. I loved how much of the story seemed to be one thing and then it was something completely opposite, how Swanson's skills as an author gently steered me from feeling ill at ease to being reassured, albeit with a menace on the loose and a hint of the malignant to keep me on my toes.
What makes Lights Out even more gripping is that the scenario of the shut down is wholly believable. It's only a couple of years ago that the idea was mooted for the UK, and of course there were the blackouts in the 1970s. Swanson weaves a tale around the shut down of a woman for whom darkness is genuinely the stuff of nightmares. It's inspired and beautifully told, a story of forgiveness, understanding and salvation.
I really enjoyed Lights Out. I hope there will be more of Swanson's adept and compelling high-concept storytelling.
Grace is already afraid of the dark. Her childhood trauma has lasted through to adulthood. When she's working nights at the care home she's fine because they've been allowed to keep power, but on nights when she's at home she is completely and utterly terrified, and that's before somebody comes into her house at night and leaves strange items and cryptic notes.
It's quite a chilling premise and it comes across initially as a thriller, but as I might have expected with Louise Swanson's writing, it's much more of an emotional read, focusing on feelings, reactions, childhood fears, and the effect of loss of control on a human being. I loved how much of the story seemed to be one thing and then it was something completely opposite, how Swanson's skills as an author gently steered me from feeling ill at ease to being reassured, albeit with a menace on the loose and a hint of the malignant to keep me on my toes.
What makes Lights Out even more gripping is that the scenario of the shut down is wholly believable. It's only a couple of years ago that the idea was mooted for the UK, and of course there were the blackouts in the 1970s. Swanson weaves a tale around the shut down of a woman for whom darkness is genuinely the stuff of nightmares. It's inspired and beautifully told, a story of forgiveness, understanding and salvation.
I really enjoyed Lights Out. I hope there will be more of Swanson's adept and compelling high-concept storytelling.
October 4, 2024
3.5 stars.
January 6, 2025
This is such a wonderful piece of storytelling-a multi layered, beautifully written novel that completely captures what it is to be human! I love Louise Swansons incredible work as she understands people and how their flaws and emotions impact their lives. The perfectly crafted Grace, with her fear of the dark, felt relatable throughout as did the other characters she connected with. There is so much to love about this book and my review can’t do it justice but it just speaks to every reader-we all have to deal with how our fears and our early experiences shape the person we become and the themes covered in Lights Out are ones that affect us all.
A stunning piece of fiction by a writer who can do no wrong for this reader!
A stunning piece of fiction by a writer who can do no wrong for this reader!
July 14, 2025
Don’t think this was as terrifying as what it is suppose to be
May 15, 2025
Finished reading: May 15th 2025
“Death calls most frequently at night. He sneaks in while the lights are off and his victim sleeps, vulnerable but not always oblivious.”
REVIEW
September 24, 2024
I am old enough to just about remember the power cuts in the 1970s. I remember the candles dotted around the house and cooking on the fire. Toast has never tasted better. It was such fun, it was exciting. As a grown up I couldn't think of anything I'd rather not have than no electricity. And yet, with the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis, this could be a reality very soon.
In this novel the government has decided to turn off power between the hours of 8pm and 7am every day. They give information and tips on how to deal with this, through their website, such as to turn off all appliances before the power cut so that there isn't a surge when the electricity comes back on, and not to open the freezer for at least two hours after the power is back up. Fascinating stuff and very probably how it would actually be in these circumstances. I'm taking these tips on board, just in case.
The story is set in Hull and around that part of Yorkshire, and is about a woman who has a severe fear of the dark. By day she is a palliative hospice carer looking after people at the end of their life. But at night her anxiety is increased by not just the darkness phobia but also that things mysteriously appear in her house when she is alone, such as a live fish and cryptic notes. Her rituals become repetitive and obsessive and her paranoia increases. I didn't quite feel the tension though, at the start. That soon changed. Her story is punctuated by that of a man with severe anxiety and he is visiting a counsellor. Their stories have to be linked somehow...
This is a totally captivating story that becomes more intense as it goes on. Deeply psychological, sometimes a bit ethereal, mysterious and spooky. It is about facing fears and protecting loved ones, the use and abuse of power - including electricity. When the fuel is taken away crime rates increase as does domestic abuse, mental and physical health, and relationships in all walks of life deteriorate.
This could be a dystopian novel but there are too many similarities to the recent lockdown that it feels very plausible and current. That is actually quite scary. A powerful, chilling and absorbing book.
In this novel the government has decided to turn off power between the hours of 8pm and 7am every day. They give information and tips on how to deal with this, through their website, such as to turn off all appliances before the power cut so that there isn't a surge when the electricity comes back on, and not to open the freezer for at least two hours after the power is back up. Fascinating stuff and very probably how it would actually be in these circumstances. I'm taking these tips on board, just in case.
The story is set in Hull and around that part of Yorkshire, and is about a woman who has a severe fear of the dark. By day she is a palliative hospice carer looking after people at the end of their life. But at night her anxiety is increased by not just the darkness phobia but also that things mysteriously appear in her house when she is alone, such as a live fish and cryptic notes. Her rituals become repetitive and obsessive and her paranoia increases. I didn't quite feel the tension though, at the start. That soon changed. Her story is punctuated by that of a man with severe anxiety and he is visiting a counsellor. Their stories have to be linked somehow...
This is a totally captivating story that becomes more intense as it goes on. Deeply psychological, sometimes a bit ethereal, mysterious and spooky. It is about facing fears and protecting loved ones, the use and abuse of power - including electricity. When the fuel is taken away crime rates increase as does domestic abuse, mental and physical health, and relationships in all walks of life deteriorate.
This could be a dystopian novel but there are too many similarities to the recent lockdown that it feels very plausible and current. That is actually quite scary. A powerful, chilling and absorbing book.
September 29, 2024
Grace has problems. She’s afraid of the dark, not just your run-of-mill afraid, she’s petrified. She can’t sleep without a light, she can’t be in a dark room. This is seriously debilitating for her and some ways I feel for her hubby having to cope with this! This is before the nighttime blackouts
The idea of enforced power outages has been talked about in recent years by the UK Government, only as a possibility but Swanson has created a world where this happens. I’ve been through nighttime power outages when there was problems with the substation that serviced my house – they’re not fun. Swanson reignited those memories and made them worse with them being daily or rather nightly and for longer periods!
But then she introduces The Night – Grace’s stalker/burglar. I didn’t like the idea of someone breaking into Grace’s house whilst she was sleeping and leaving things for her. Things that made no sense. Totally unsettling for me. I really wouldn’t like it no matter what the intended sentiment. Someone, a potential stranger sneaking around my house whilst I’m snuggling up in the land of nod? No thank you!!
Lights Out is a very unnerving read. Swanson has captured a very real prospect that the human race could face and added atmosphere and intrigue, not to mention a weirdo on the loose around Leeds (my home city). I had chills as I followed Grace through her life, tense as she woke each day to see what had been left for her by The Night. I loved what Swanson did with End Of Story and had high hopes for Lights Out. I was far from disappointed!!
The idea of enforced power outages has been talked about in recent years by the UK Government, only as a possibility but Swanson has created a world where this happens. I’ve been through nighttime power outages when there was problems with the substation that serviced my house – they’re not fun. Swanson reignited those memories and made them worse with them being daily or rather nightly and for longer periods!
But then she introduces The Night – Grace’s stalker/burglar. I didn’t like the idea of someone breaking into Grace’s house whilst she was sleeping and leaving things for her. Things that made no sense. Totally unsettling for me. I really wouldn’t like it no matter what the intended sentiment. Someone, a potential stranger sneaking around my house whilst I’m snuggling up in the land of nod? No thank you!!
Lights Out is a very unnerving read. Swanson has captured a very real prospect that the human race could face and added atmosphere and intrigue, not to mention a weirdo on the loose around Leeds (my home city). I had chills as I followed Grace through her life, tense as she woke each day to see what had been left for her by The Night. I loved what Swanson did with End Of Story and had high hopes for Lights Out. I was far from disappointed!!
September 6, 2024
Grace is a carer in a hospice and, after an incident that happened when she was a child, she's afraid of the dark so, when the Government introduce a new initiative called Lights Out, where all electricity is switched off between 8pm and 7am, it's Grace's worst nightmare and she doesn't know how she'll get through it. Added to her fear is the fact someone is coming into her home every night and leaving messages for her and she becomes more convinced each day that it's someone that knows about her past. How will she ever overcome her fears when she doesn't even feel safe in her own home?
Lights Out is the latest speculative/dystopian thriller by Swanson with an intriguing and well crafted premise. Told on a daily basis from the start of the Lights Out initiative introduced by the government, we learn how it affects the public, especially the less well off who are already struggling without this being added to their woes. There are some great characters in this book and Grace, in particular, was one of my favourites, we all have doubts and insecurities and she had them by the bucketload. This is a creepy and atmospheric read that, if you're scared of the dark like Grace, should definitely not be read after lights out! Another fabulous tale by this author and I can't wait to see what she delights us with next.
I'd like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Lights Out is the latest speculative/dystopian thriller by Swanson with an intriguing and well crafted premise. Told on a daily basis from the start of the Lights Out initiative introduced by the government, we learn how it affects the public, especially the less well off who are already struggling without this being added to their woes. There are some great characters in this book and Grace, in particular, was one of my favourites, we all have doubts and insecurities and she had them by the bucketload. This is a creepy and atmospheric read that, if you're scared of the dark like Grace, should definitely not be read after lights out! Another fabulous tale by this author and I can't wait to see what she delights us with next.
I'd like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
September 5, 2024
This was quite a surreal book to read. I liked the concept, in order to save fuel, the lights will be turned out between 8pm and 7 am, plunging the country into darkness. We then follow the strange occurrences that happen in the dark and witness the terror of our lead character, Grace, who has a fear of the dark and then strange things keep happening in her home at night.
As I have said the premise is good and for the most part it was executed well, I was certainly kept gripped by it. When the truth of what has been happening to Grace is revealed I have to confess to being a bit disappointed. It was a bit weak and I could not help but think is that it? The book in the lead up to this though was very strong. I particularly liked Swanson's characters, they were realistic and strong as well as flawed. The major strength in this book is that I could see the events happening in the real world which makes them all the more terrifying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
As I have said the premise is good and for the most part it was executed well, I was certainly kept gripped by it. When the truth of what has been happening to Grace is revealed I have to confess to being a bit disappointed. It was a bit weak and I could not help but think is that it? The book in the lead up to this though was very strong. I particularly liked Swanson's characters, they were realistic and strong as well as flawed. The major strength in this book is that I could see the events happening in the real world which makes them all the more terrifying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
September 22, 2024
There is an energy crisis, the government attempt to deal with this by switching off everyone's electric at 8pm every night.
Grace, though, is afraid of the dark! To make matters worse for her, when the lights go out someone is entering her house and leaving items and notes for her to find. With the named 'feather man' serial killer on the loose, her fears are especially heightened.
Louise Swanson's 'End of story' was a stand out read for me last year, so I couldn't wait to read this. Grace is a fantastic character and I really felt for her. Her husband Riley, however, I disliked from the start! There's quite a lot going on in the story, but it was easy to follow and the pacing was excellent. I liked the inserts of the government announcements and news articles, it all felt very realistic. My only fault was I was expecting more from the ending. It all just seemed to wrap up far too nicely, without the dramatic reveal I was hoping for, after such a tense and compelling read.
Grace, though, is afraid of the dark! To make matters worse for her, when the lights go out someone is entering her house and leaving items and notes for her to find. With the named 'feather man' serial killer on the loose, her fears are especially heightened.
Louise Swanson's 'End of story' was a stand out read for me last year, so I couldn't wait to read this. Grace is a fantastic character and I really felt for her. Her husband Riley, however, I disliked from the start! There's quite a lot going on in the story, but it was easy to follow and the pacing was excellent. I liked the inserts of the government announcements and news articles, it all felt very realistic. My only fault was I was expecting more from the ending. It all just seemed to wrap up far too nicely, without the dramatic reveal I was hoping for, after such a tense and compelling read.
April 11, 2025
Wow. Yet another fantastic novel from Louise.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lights Out was well written, with a compelling storyline. I love a good sci-fi thriller, and this definitely hit the mark for me.
The concept was great and scary at the same time, as it seems all too possible, especially the part of the government trying to exert more power, forgetting that they are meant to be working for the country and it's people, not the other way around. That's unfortunately all too easy to imagine.
I liked that it was told from dual points of view. The twists were very clever, I didn't see them coming at all.
Louise is a master storyteller. She drew me in immediately, and I devoured it in one sitting.
I also loved her novel End of Story. She is fast becoming a favourite. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Especially for fans of Alice Feeney, Tarryn Fisher, J.P. Delaney, and John Marrs.
I highly recommend.
5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lights Out was well written, with a compelling storyline. I love a good sci-fi thriller, and this definitely hit the mark for me.
The concept was great and scary at the same time, as it seems all too possible, especially the part of the government trying to exert more power, forgetting that they are meant to be working for the country and it's people, not the other way around. That's unfortunately all too easy to imagine.
I liked that it was told from dual points of view. The twists were very clever, I didn't see them coming at all.
Louise is a master storyteller. She drew me in immediately, and I devoured it in one sitting.
I also loved her novel End of Story. She is fast becoming a favourite. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Especially for fans of Alice Feeney, Tarryn Fisher, J.P. Delaney, and John Marrs.
I highly recommend.
5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 1, 2024
4.25*
Nightly government mandated blackouts and a fear of the dark don’t make for great bedfellows and for Grace and it’s all made worse by a ‘visitor’ who is getting into her home and leaving terrifying notes and presents.
Who is it, what does he want and how will she get through that along with the blackouts and managing her crumbling marriage? It all makes for an absorbing and engaging story that is part mystery, part domestic thriller, and part social commentary on the impact of government policy.
It's a 'what if' story looking at the possible end results if the cost of living crisis had worsened in the UK and makes for uncomfortable reading, playing on our natural fears of the dark whilst also feeling very family centred with a lot of humanity and empathy, especially the end of life care setting.
As with End of Story, I loved Louise Swanson's writing and plot synopsis and love that we get a creepy, almost horror set up that ends up with very human focused reveals. Some of the characters didn't work for me initially and it took me a little while to get into but as the story ramped it gripped my attention and couldn't stop reading on to see what would come next.
I look forward to what comes next!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this digital review copy of "Lights Out" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Nightly government mandated blackouts and a fear of the dark don’t make for great bedfellows and for Grace and it’s all made worse by a ‘visitor’ who is getting into her home and leaving terrifying notes and presents.
Who is it, what does he want and how will she get through that along with the blackouts and managing her crumbling marriage? It all makes for an absorbing and engaging story that is part mystery, part domestic thriller, and part social commentary on the impact of government policy.
It's a 'what if' story looking at the possible end results if the cost of living crisis had worsened in the UK and makes for uncomfortable reading, playing on our natural fears of the dark whilst also feeling very family centred with a lot of humanity and empathy, especially the end of life care setting.
As with End of Story, I loved Louise Swanson's writing and plot synopsis and love that we get a creepy, almost horror set up that ends up with very human focused reveals. Some of the characters didn't work for me initially and it took me a little while to get into but as the story ramped it gripped my attention and couldn't stop reading on to see what would come next.
I look forward to what comes next!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this digital review copy of "Lights Out" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
September 14, 2025
This book kept me on my toes wanting to know more!! Chilling occurrences that could scarily happen in real life.
The reason I have given 4 stars is due to typos in the text (sorry, this is one of my bugbears - maybe I should become a proofreader). Also, I got confused and thought it was Grace who threw objects away but it was actually Tom, this played on my mind for the rest of the book (My mistake, thanks for clarifying Louise).
Plus I didn’t really get the reason for the Feather Man being part of this story as there was no explanation of who he was or why he did what he did.
The reason I have given 4 stars is due to typos in the text (sorry, this is one of my bugbears - maybe I should become a proofreader). Also, I got confused and thought it was Grace who threw objects away but it was actually Tom, this played on my mind for the rest of the book (My mistake, thanks for clarifying Louise).
Plus I didn’t really get the reason for the Feather Man being part of this story as there was no explanation of who he was or why he did what he did.
July 25, 2024
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Well this was an addictive read! The author does a very good job of capturing the essence of the darkness. Centred around Grace a very needy and unstable character with a backstory of secrets and is convincingly portrayed. Wonderfully written this book is so much more than just a thriller, more a journey of discovery and how people’s lives entwine. A few red herrings and a nice twist add depth. A different type of read for me but one I found very enjoyable
September 3, 2024
Every time I read something by this author I just am hypnotised by it.
The way of writing and the storylines, just keep me in there with it.
The story itself, I can’t even imagine what this would be like! The time it was written explained at the end was cold enough & bad enough. This would be a nightmare.
The characters, Tom ok weird but bless him. Grace, strength & definitely amazing.
Fab book
The way of writing and the storylines, just keep me in there with it.
The story itself, I can’t even imagine what this would be like! The time it was written explained at the end was cold enough & bad enough. This would be a nightmare.
The characters, Tom ok weird but bless him. Grace, strength & definitely amazing.
Fab book
March 23, 2025
Loved this book it’s such an original idea. I loved the characters Grace and Tom and their relationship that builds. I enjoyed learning about Grace and her relationship with her father and her husband, overall a great story.
June 19, 2025
Found the book really interesting for the first five or six chapters and also for the last five or so chapters but did struggle with the middle section as I found it quite repetitive. I finished the book but didn't feel gripped unfortunately.
October 21, 2024
I agree with some of the other reviews about it being a little slow and repetitive, but well worth it as the last quarter was brilliant and really tugged at the heartstrings.
December 9, 2024
Gave up at 30% … surprised I got that far!
December 2, 2024
3.5 rounded up
September 6, 2025
3 3/4 ⭐️
I LOVED this book so much, it was so eerie and I was thinking that the ending would have a crazy twist… but it didn’t. This would have been an easy 4 1/2⭐️ read if it wasn’t for the ending! So disappointed with how this ended, but I loved the rest of this book
I LOVED this book so much, it was so eerie and I was thinking that the ending would have a crazy twist… but it didn’t. This would have been an easy 4 1/2⭐️ read if it wasn’t for the ending! So disappointed with how this ended, but I loved the rest of this book
September 6, 2024
I have loved all of Louise Swanson/Beech’s books. Every book covers various fears and emotions that many of us are touched by at one point or another. Loss, grief, sadness, mental health and all are interspersed with humour, compassion and honesty.
Lights Out is Louise’s second dystopian novel and her literary style in a very real setting make her novels all the more edgy and compelling.
Grace is one of those wonderful characters who is so much more than she first realises. Parts of this book made me laugh out loud with typical author humour. Others I cried. And I cheered when she made a huge decision that she needed to. What a fantastic character and story.
I hope to see more dystopian novels from Louise Swanson as I was as glued as ever by her writing and insight into the world.
An extremely highly recommended book.
With thanks to Louise Swanson and Kimberley Nyamhondera from Hodder and Stoughton for the advanced reading copy of this book.
Lights Out is Louise’s second dystopian novel and her literary style in a very real setting make her novels all the more edgy and compelling.
Grace is one of those wonderful characters who is so much more than she first realises. Parts of this book made me laugh out loud with typical author humour. Others I cried. And I cheered when she made a huge decision that she needed to. What a fantastic character and story.
I hope to see more dystopian novels from Louise Swanson as I was as glued as ever by her writing and insight into the world.
An extremely highly recommended book.
With thanks to Louise Swanson and Kimberley Nyamhondera from Hodder and Stoughton for the advanced reading copy of this book.
August 26, 2025
This book had me in such a chokehold I finished it within a day
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