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Bloodstains by Gaslight
It’s 1997, senior year, and aspiring astronomy student, Reese, has her eyes set on the stars. The only thing holding her back is her jealous boyfriend, Michael, whose increasingly manipulative and abusive behavior cannot be tolerated any longer. However, moments before Reese gathers the courage to break up with him, Michael is in a tragic accident. There are no rational explanations that can make sense of the changes Reese sees in him, but it is clear Michael is becoming something inhuman—something impossible. Intoxicated with unbridled power, he sinks his teeth into her jugular and traps Reese in a life of inescapable horror.
Bloodstains by Gaslight takes an uncomfortable look at intimate partner violence, exploring the monsters of humanity through the lens of a vampire tale.
Bloodstains by Gaslight takes an uncomfortable look at intimate partner violence, exploring the monsters of humanity through the lens of a vampire tale.
248 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2025
3 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Red Lagoe
40 books79 followersRed Lagoe grew up on 80’s and 90’s horror and carried her fear of slashers, sewer creatures, Hitchcockian birds, and psychos into adulthood where she now purges her horror-ridden mind onto the page. She is the author of the upcoming novel "Bloodstains by Gaslight" (Brigids Gate Press 2025), "In Excess of Dark" (Sobelo Books), and three horror collections including "Impulses of a Necrotic Heart". Red has stories published in various anthologies and magazines, and she enjoyed her role as curator and editor of "Nightmare Sky: Stories of Astronomical Horror". Red also worked as a staff writer for Crystal Lake Publishing’s "Still Water Bay" series. In addition to writing, Red loves creating art using traditional fine art mediums like paint, ink, and charcoal. She is also the owner of Death Knell Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 3, 2025
3.5⭐️s
“Reese was a nebula. The remnant of what used to be a star, her matter too scattered and disorganized to regroup”.
The use of the nebula analogy is an apt one here, although you all should know that nebula can form from the extinction of a star, but they can also form by a collection of gases, which become star-forming regions themselves. I prefer to think of the antagonist’s journey along those lines, as a star ready to shine.
Thank you NetGalley and to Brigids Gate Press for the ARC. This book was very good, and it’s clear that the author has a ton of potential. She is someone waiting to shine herself.
The good…
This book touched on very important, but very delicate subjects, and did so deftly. The ongoing interior struggle we experienced with Reese throughout the book skillfully bridged the competing tensions present in an abusive relationship. I always understood the antagonist’s decisions, and none of them felt inauthentic.
Lagoe also took this book is some pretty gruesome and surprising directions in terms of the horror, which is always welcome in a trope recycling world.
The less good…
There is some for growth by this author. Parts of the story dragged and weren’t plot-essential. Some of the characters lacked depth, and I had to double back a few times to remember who some of them were. These are all things that come with time and experience.
To read, or not to read
Yes, you should read. I’m excited about Lagoe’s future.
“Reese was a nebula. The remnant of what used to be a star, her matter too scattered and disorganized to regroup”.
The use of the nebula analogy is an apt one here, although you all should know that nebula can form from the extinction of a star, but they can also form by a collection of gases, which become star-forming regions themselves. I prefer to think of the antagonist’s journey along those lines, as a star ready to shine.
Thank you NetGalley and to Brigids Gate Press for the ARC. This book was very good, and it’s clear that the author has a ton of potential. She is someone waiting to shine herself.
The good…
This book touched on very important, but very delicate subjects, and did so deftly. The ongoing interior struggle we experienced with Reese throughout the book skillfully bridged the competing tensions present in an abusive relationship. I always understood the antagonist’s decisions, and none of them felt inauthentic.
Lagoe also took this book is some pretty gruesome and surprising directions in terms of the horror, which is always welcome in a trope recycling world.
The less good…
There is some for growth by this author. Parts of the story dragged and weren’t plot-essential. Some of the characters lacked depth, and I had to double back a few times to remember who some of them were. These are all things that come with time and experience.
To read, or not to read
Yes, you should read. I’m excited about Lagoe’s future.
December 12, 2024
Red shows her prowess for crafting compelling and engaging characters in BLOOD STAINS BY GAS LIGHT, as I found myself completely invested in Reese and her story, an unapologetic and devastatingly heartbreaking novel, the very real horrors of domestic violence are perfectly balanced with the supernatural threat of vampires, utterly smart and scary, a bloody (lol) phenomenal book
November 3, 2024
This incredibly disturbing novel walks a tightrope between real life issues and horror fiction and does so with a perfect balance. Both are equally horrifying.
Reese is finishing her senior year of high school. For the past few years she's been dating her best friend, Michael. But he has turned overly possessive, jealous, and often leaves bruises on her wrists and arms when his temper has been set off.
She's decided to break up with him until a horrific accident he's involved in turns him into a vampire. With new found strength, speed, and an unquenchable thirst for blood, Reese finds herself trapped with a monster, Michael's temper and jealousies making her a virtual prisoner. And as people around her begin dying horrifically, she might never be able to escape.
The horrors of domestic abuse are just as frightening as the vampires in this book. You feel as helpless as Reese as she's controlled and manipulated by Michael even before his change. This makes for a very intense gripping narrative.
But the vampires in here are truly terrifying as well. Their incredible speed and strength add another layer of fear as they feed to satisfy their hunger.
Add to that some other characters, both human and otherwise, which have their own agendas and you have a dark story with very real undertones. This is a heartfelt and effective vampire novel and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Reese is finishing her senior year of high school. For the past few years she's been dating her best friend, Michael. But he has turned overly possessive, jealous, and often leaves bruises on her wrists and arms when his temper has been set off.
She's decided to break up with him until a horrific accident he's involved in turns him into a vampire. With new found strength, speed, and an unquenchable thirst for blood, Reese finds herself trapped with a monster, Michael's temper and jealousies making her a virtual prisoner. And as people around her begin dying horrifically, she might never be able to escape.
The horrors of domestic abuse are just as frightening as the vampires in this book. You feel as helpless as Reese as she's controlled and manipulated by Michael even before his change. This makes for a very intense gripping narrative.
But the vampires in here are truly terrifying as well. Their incredible speed and strength add another layer of fear as they feed to satisfy their hunger.
Add to that some other characters, both human and otherwise, which have their own agendas and you have a dark story with very real undertones. This is a heartfelt and effective vampire novel and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
February 5, 2025
The year is 1997 and high school student Reese has big plans for what she wants to do with her life. First on the list is breaking up with her abusive boyfriend, Michael. She has wanted to end the relationship for some time now, but he always manipulates her into one more chance. This time, she has had enough and no amount of pleading or threatening will make her stay.
But then it happens. The horrible accident that nearly takes his life. She feels compelled to help him through his recovery. She worries what people will think if she turns her back on him now. His recovery is remarkably quick, and suddenly he is stronger, more aggressive, and more dangerous than before. Is there any chance for escape?
I feel like if you took away the vampires, almost every woman in the world has a story like this somewhere in her past. Reese knows she deserves to be treated better, but Michael isn't just her first love, he has been her best and only friend. It's hard to walk away from that. Especially when you have hidden the dark parts of his personality, to the point that even your own mother might not take your side.
How fitting to combine domestic violence with vampires, since abusers share many of the same traits. After all, they drain us, don't they? They drain us of energy, time, emotion, friends, trust, and sometimes blood. If we don't escape they feed off us until there is nothing left of who we used to be or who we would have been.
4 out of 5 stars
My Thanks to Brigids Gate Press for the e-ARC.
But then it happens. The horrible accident that nearly takes his life. She feels compelled to help him through his recovery. She worries what people will think if she turns her back on him now. His recovery is remarkably quick, and suddenly he is stronger, more aggressive, and more dangerous than before. Is there any chance for escape?
I feel like if you took away the vampires, almost every woman in the world has a story like this somewhere in her past. Reese knows she deserves to be treated better, but Michael isn't just her first love, he has been her best and only friend. It's hard to walk away from that. Especially when you have hidden the dark parts of his personality, to the point that even your own mother might not take your side.
How fitting to combine domestic violence with vampires, since abusers share many of the same traits. After all, they drain us, don't they? They drain us of energy, time, emotion, friends, trust, and sometimes blood. If we don't escape they feed off us until there is nothing left of who we used to be or who we would have been.
4 out of 5 stars
My Thanks to Brigids Gate Press for the e-ARC.
March 27, 2025
After years of being isolated in an abusive relationship with Michael, Reese has decided to finally call things off for good so she can focus on her future. She dreams of escaping the small world he has curated for her by going away to college to study astronomy.
Michael can sense her pulling away and will do whatever he can to make sure she never leaves him. The night that she finally works up the courage to break it off, Michael is in a terrible car accident. He is left directionless with newfound inhuman abilities that cause him to become even more unpredictable and violent.
Overcome by guilt and codependency, Reese goes back to Michael with the intention to help him get better before she leaves. Seeing what he’s become,she quickly realizes her mistake. Still, she feels an obligation to save Michael from himself, even if she needs to sacrifice her well being to do so.
In some situations, victims of abuse become conditioned to make excuses for their oppressor, and in turn normalize problematic behaviors as a way to cope. We see this struggle with Reese trying to wrap her head around the actual monster Michael has become and the monster he has been for their entire relationship. The focus on the violence of vampirism as opposed to the heavily romanticized version pairs seamlessly when applied to domestic violence, and the author managed to blend real life horror in such an unflinching way it was a little difficult at times and I needed to pace myself. That said, the narrative is heavy and you should definitely check TW and CW before reading.
Thanks to NetGalley Red Lagoe and Brigids Gate Press LLC for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
#brigidsgatepressllc
#brigidsgatepress #netgalley
#bloodstainsbygaslight #redlagoe
Michael can sense her pulling away and will do whatever he can to make sure she never leaves him. The night that she finally works up the courage to break it off, Michael is in a terrible car accident. He is left directionless with newfound inhuman abilities that cause him to become even more unpredictable and violent.
Overcome by guilt and codependency, Reese goes back to Michael with the intention to help him get better before she leaves. Seeing what he’s become,she quickly realizes her mistake. Still, she feels an obligation to save Michael from himself, even if she needs to sacrifice her well being to do so.
In some situations, victims of abuse become conditioned to make excuses for their oppressor, and in turn normalize problematic behaviors as a way to cope. We see this struggle with Reese trying to wrap her head around the actual monster Michael has become and the monster he has been for their entire relationship. The focus on the violence of vampirism as opposed to the heavily romanticized version pairs seamlessly when applied to domestic violence, and the author managed to blend real life horror in such an unflinching way it was a little difficult at times and I needed to pace myself. That said, the narrative is heavy and you should definitely check TW and CW before reading.
Thanks to NetGalley Red Lagoe and Brigids Gate Press LLC for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
#brigidsgatepressllc
#brigidsgatepress #netgalley
#bloodstainsbygaslight #redlagoe
November 30, 2024
This took me a good week to think of where to even start with this review - it was just SO good. I'm so excited for this book to be released so I can force it down everyone's throats so I can talk about it.
This book looks at domestic violence under a scope of vampires, while fictional, often a more 'rational' fear in the public eye, and a physical sense of a monster. Reese, in her senior year, attempts to break up with her sorry excuse of a boyfriend, Michael, who is holding her back in EVERY single sense (the amount of times I was yelling at my kindle about him was innumerable). As soon as she's about to break up with him, the man gets into a ~little~ accident then turns into a vampire. Suddenly he has the upper hand physically and emotionally, and Reese struggles to break herself out of this cycle.
I enjoyed reading this so much, and a lot of that was to do with the strong cast of characters. This story is heavily driven by the characters and their actions, and I felt sick to my stomach several times because of the things they did (another important aspect of reading horror for me). It also wrapped up really satisfactorily in my opinion. Really excited to check out the rest of Lagoe's books!
Huge thanks to Brigids Gate Press and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!
This book looks at domestic violence under a scope of vampires, while fictional, often a more 'rational' fear in the public eye, and a physical sense of a monster. Reese, in her senior year, attempts to break up with her sorry excuse of a boyfriend, Michael, who is holding her back in EVERY single sense (the amount of times I was yelling at my kindle about him was innumerable). As soon as she's about to break up with him, the man gets into a ~little~ accident then turns into a vampire. Suddenly he has the upper hand physically and emotionally, and Reese struggles to break herself out of this cycle.
I enjoyed reading this so much, and a lot of that was to do with the strong cast of characters. This story is heavily driven by the characters and their actions, and I felt sick to my stomach several times because of the things they did (another important aspect of reading horror for me). It also wrapped up really satisfactorily in my opinion. Really excited to check out the rest of Lagoe's books!
Huge thanks to Brigids Gate Press and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!
December 11, 2024
Bloodstains by Gaslight. Wow. Now that's a title, right?
I've been a fan of Red's work since her early short story collections, and here she really has excelled herself. The idea of infusing domestic violence with vampires is not only admirable, given the circumstances, but it's also an absolute stroke of genius. Talk about turning it up... jeez. Tons to admire here, truly. A believable timeline for a start. Not always easy to pull off. Characters, of course. Class. Pacing feels just right. And it's all handled with real care, too. The violent scenes hit hard and fast, yes, but it's not full-on all the way, and that's a good thing . We get to breathe a little. We need it as readers as much as the characters.
This deserves five stars. It really does.
I actually feel quite proud of Red for writing this.
Well done.
I've been a fan of Red's work since her early short story collections, and here she really has excelled herself. The idea of infusing domestic violence with vampires is not only admirable, given the circumstances, but it's also an absolute stroke of genius. Talk about turning it up... jeez. Tons to admire here, truly. A believable timeline for a start. Not always easy to pull off. Characters, of course. Class. Pacing feels just right. And it's all handled with real care, too. The violent scenes hit hard and fast, yes, but it's not full-on all the way, and that's a good thing . We get to breathe a little. We need it as readers as much as the characters.
This deserves five stars. It really does.
I actually feel quite proud of Red for writing this.
Well done.
April 4, 2025
I congratulate the author being brave in dealing with domestic abuse in this way. A very different vampire story with a delusional, coercive and abusive boyfriend. Vampires are meant to be monsters, and here they definitely are. The start of the story was mildly uncomfortable, but the horror just kept ramping up. Unfortunately this sort of situation happens with so many people in real life; obviously not the vampirism, but then again who knows because there are many real monsters out there. Thank you to Brigids Gate Press, LLC and NetGalley for the ARC. The views are all mine, freely given.
November 5, 2024
This is such a devastating, brilliantly written, and important book. I am going to be thinking about this book for a long time. Lagoe is so courageous, so fearless in her writing, I’m just in awe of her and this book. Wow. This book truly hurts, but needs to be read
August 22, 2025
Horror isn't normally my genre of choice but I loved this!!!!
The cover is excellent. It's dark and the colours are excellent.
The book is well written and flows nicely. The writing kept me on edge. This one will definitely live rent free in my head.
Red is very honest about her own experiences with domestic violence in her author note. You can feel the authenticity in the writing. It is written about with complete care and sensitivity.
The characters were good. They all fit in so well. I felt so sad for Reese. Michael was a monster. I loved the vampire element to the story!
I one hundred and ten per cent recommend this to you all.
The cover is excellent. It's dark and the colours are excellent.
The book is well written and flows nicely. The writing kept me on edge. This one will definitely live rent free in my head.
Red is very honest about her own experiences with domestic violence in her author note. You can feel the authenticity in the writing. It is written about with complete care and sensitivity.
The characters were good. They all fit in so well. I felt so sad for Reese. Michael was a monster. I loved the vampire element to the story!
I one hundred and ten per cent recommend this to you all.
December 11, 2024
In Bloodstains by Gaslight, Lagoe gives us a deeply unsettling, highly relatable story of manipulation and complicated love along with a violent vampire tale. So many times I found myself reading a passage featuring a situation that I had experienced firsthand, and my response was strong and visceral. You can feel the personal nature of this story, and it only adds to its effect. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2025
“If he hadn’t let his anger take over. If he didn’t drive away her friends, if he hadn’t undergone this transformation from high school sweetheart to controlling asshole…If she stepped inside, she felt she’d never come out, but if she screamed or ran, it would be far worse.”
If. If. If.
There are monsters who live exclusively on the movie screen, in the pages of books, and in our imagination. They can be avoided. Real monsters, however, live among us and sometimes need to be exposed to the light to be eradicated. Red Lagoe tackles a real monster here with some deft character development and pacing. If you’ve ever encountered an abusive or controlling partner, this one is going to pinch a painful nerve, and that’s to Lagoe’s credit: she pulls no punches in her smart use of vampirism to represent the nightmarish power domestic violence can wield, and the result is an engaging, heartfelt, and terrifying tale.
If. If. If.
There are monsters who live exclusively on the movie screen, in the pages of books, and in our imagination. They can be avoided. Real monsters, however, live among us and sometimes need to be exposed to the light to be eradicated. Red Lagoe tackles a real monster here with some deft character development and pacing. If you’ve ever encountered an abusive or controlling partner, this one is going to pinch a painful nerve, and that’s to Lagoe’s credit: she pulls no punches in her smart use of vampirism to represent the nightmarish power domestic violence can wield, and the result is an engaging, heartfelt, and terrifying tale.
December 22, 2024
This book was amazing. I'm a big vampire lover but i did not know what to expect. I absolutely loved the characters..it was believable and brutal and I dont think i could say enough good things. This should be talked about. I will talk about it as much as I can in as many places as possible. This is a special kind of book.
5 stars no question 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛
5 stars no question 🧛🧛🧛🧛🧛
August 25, 2025
Here is my review for Bloodstains By Gaslight by Red Lagoe
This is such a fantastic vampire horror story that I was hooked right from the start of the book. The story was written in a very vivid descriptive style that made everything come alive like a film does. As soon as I started reading this story I felt like I was seeing this story play out in my head like a film, in stunning colour, as I was reading it. It was a very detailed account and I liked how descriptive it was. I felt sorry for Reese who had been trying to break away from Michael for a while and he had been making it so difficult. He had changed so much since they had started going out. First off, it was small things, then she couldn’t see her friends, then she had no friends, he hit her then apologised. He became controlling and wanted to know where she was all the time and Reese didn’t want that type of life. Michael didn’t want to be like his dad but he was becoming like him. Reese wanted a life, she was into her astronomy and after some encouragement she was debating about applying for a college place. Little did she know how her life was to change. I loved reading this horror story as that is one of my favourite genres and I don’t read it often enough nowadays so I make the most of it when I do. The story was brilliantly written and had been well thought out. The plot was a good one, domestic abuse with a vampire story twist. There is a forewarning at the front of the book naming trigger warnings to be concerned of in the book so read at your peril! It is fiction but it is written with such realism by the author. This is one of the greatest books I have read so far this year. The characters were superb and acted their parts well. The story was told in diary format by Reese, Michael and Trevor which are the type of books I like to read. I like the author’s writing style and it was a very easy style to get into. I really liked the synopsis which drew me to read the story and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed! Also, I really like how the book covers look and I think they have been well designed with the story in mind. I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Blurb :
It’s 1997, senior year, and aspiring astronomy student, Reese, has her eyes set on the stars. The only thing holding her back is her jealous boyfriend, Michael, whose increasingly manipulative and abusive behavior cannot be tolerated any longer. However, moments before Reese gathers the courage to break up with him, Michael is in a tragic accident. There are no rational explanations that can make sense of the changes Reese sees in him, but it is clear Michael is becoming something inhuman—something impossible. Intoxicated with unbridled power, he sinks his teeth into her jugular and traps Reese in a life of inescapable horror.
Bloodstains by Gaslight takes an uncomfortable look at intimate partner violence, exploring the monsters of humanity through the lens of a vampire tale.
This is such a fantastic vampire horror story that I was hooked right from the start of the book. The story was written in a very vivid descriptive style that made everything come alive like a film does. As soon as I started reading this story I felt like I was seeing this story play out in my head like a film, in stunning colour, as I was reading it. It was a very detailed account and I liked how descriptive it was. I felt sorry for Reese who had been trying to break away from Michael for a while and he had been making it so difficult. He had changed so much since they had started going out. First off, it was small things, then she couldn’t see her friends, then she had no friends, he hit her then apologised. He became controlling and wanted to know where she was all the time and Reese didn’t want that type of life. Michael didn’t want to be like his dad but he was becoming like him. Reese wanted a life, she was into her astronomy and after some encouragement she was debating about applying for a college place. Little did she know how her life was to change. I loved reading this horror story as that is one of my favourite genres and I don’t read it often enough nowadays so I make the most of it when I do. The story was brilliantly written and had been well thought out. The plot was a good one, domestic abuse with a vampire story twist. There is a forewarning at the front of the book naming trigger warnings to be concerned of in the book so read at your peril! It is fiction but it is written with such realism by the author. This is one of the greatest books I have read so far this year. The characters were superb and acted their parts well. The story was told in diary format by Reese, Michael and Trevor which are the type of books I like to read. I like the author’s writing style and it was a very easy style to get into. I really liked the synopsis which drew me to read the story and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed! Also, I really like how the book covers look and I think they have been well designed with the story in mind. I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Blurb :
It’s 1997, senior year, and aspiring astronomy student, Reese, has her eyes set on the stars. The only thing holding her back is her jealous boyfriend, Michael, whose increasingly manipulative and abusive behavior cannot be tolerated any longer. However, moments before Reese gathers the courage to break up with him, Michael is in a tragic accident. There are no rational explanations that can make sense of the changes Reese sees in him, but it is clear Michael is becoming something inhuman—something impossible. Intoxicated with unbridled power, he sinks his teeth into her jugular and traps Reese in a life of inescapable horror.
Bloodstains by Gaslight takes an uncomfortable look at intimate partner violence, exploring the monsters of humanity through the lens of a vampire tale.
March 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was very heavy with themes of an abusive, toxic relationship (and -spoiler- an animal death, which broke my heart, but the author didn't go into the gory details which I was grateful for). I really appreciate the author telling this story, it was definitely hard to read at times. One thing I have to say about Red Lagoe's books is that they really make an impact, especially when they are based around trauma and abuse. I felt like sobbing after finishing this one, and even after sleeping on it before writing this review, my heart still feels heavy.
I found it extremely clever to tell a story of abuse (emotional and physical) by using a vampire, and to NOT glamorize it, the way they usually are in literature. Michael was absolutely diabolical, and he was only vaguely aware of the extent of his nastiness. By having the abuser also be a vampire, it really made it clear how difficult it can be for someone in an abusive, dangerous relationship have the courage to leave. People might find Reese's decisions frustrating at times, but I felt that her thought processes really helped me understand why she struggled. I felt terrified for her, hopeless and trapped. I think this book was absolutely phenomenal in conveying this story and message.
Obviously, if you're triggered by these themes, proceed with caution. I wasn't expecting to feel such an emotional response to a vampire story, and yet here we are. Red Lagoe is definitely one of my go-to authors when I need an emotional punch to the gut.
This book was very heavy with themes of an abusive, toxic relationship (and -spoiler- an animal death, which broke my heart, but the author didn't go into the gory details which I was grateful for). I really appreciate the author telling this story, it was definitely hard to read at times. One thing I have to say about Red Lagoe's books is that they really make an impact, especially when they are based around trauma and abuse. I felt like sobbing after finishing this one, and even after sleeping on it before writing this review, my heart still feels heavy.
I found it extremely clever to tell a story of abuse (emotional and physical) by using a vampire, and to NOT glamorize it, the way they usually are in literature. Michael was absolutely diabolical, and he was only vaguely aware of the extent of his nastiness. By having the abuser also be a vampire, it really made it clear how difficult it can be for someone in an abusive, dangerous relationship have the courage to leave. People might find Reese's decisions frustrating at times, but I felt that her thought processes really helped me understand why she struggled. I felt terrified for her, hopeless and trapped. I think this book was absolutely phenomenal in conveying this story and message.
Obviously, if you're triggered by these themes, proceed with caution. I wasn't expecting to feel such an emotional response to a vampire story, and yet here we are. Red Lagoe is definitely one of my go-to authors when I need an emotional punch to the gut.
January 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This book is vampire horror done right, and horror of a different kind in the form of coercive control done right too. You can absolutely feel the terror radiating off the main character in this novel, and it proves to make for a very tense ride. The character points of view all differ from each other significantly, and there is a wonderful amount of growth for the main character throughout the story, which is simultaneously awful and also integral.
The action in this novel does not hold back in any respect, and there are significant sections that feel incredibly harsh and dramatic. I expected perhaps a bit more hope in the bleakest parts, but also can admire the capability of the author to simply go for it and give a realistic perspective on an abusive partner. The whole of the vampire storyline ends in well-intentioned but terribly executed tragedy, and there is certainly a sense of terror that follows every movement that is made.
Michael is a horrific villain, partly because he does not want to be one, and Reese provides a counter in an incredibly strong and resilient young woman. Trevor is also an interesting character who is eaten by his guilt to an extent, and it all makes for riveting reading. While this is not a perfect novel in that it does get a little bogged down and repetitive in places, it is a pretty darn good one - and well worth the time.
This book is vampire horror done right, and horror of a different kind in the form of coercive control done right too. You can absolutely feel the terror radiating off the main character in this novel, and it proves to make for a very tense ride. The character points of view all differ from each other significantly, and there is a wonderful amount of growth for the main character throughout the story, which is simultaneously awful and also integral.
The action in this novel does not hold back in any respect, and there are significant sections that feel incredibly harsh and dramatic. I expected perhaps a bit more hope in the bleakest parts, but also can admire the capability of the author to simply go for it and give a realistic perspective on an abusive partner. The whole of the vampire storyline ends in well-intentioned but terribly executed tragedy, and there is certainly a sense of terror that follows every movement that is made.
Michael is a horrific villain, partly because he does not want to be one, and Reese provides a counter in an incredibly strong and resilient young woman. Trevor is also an interesting character who is eaten by his guilt to an extent, and it all makes for riveting reading. While this is not a perfect novel in that it does get a little bogged down and repetitive in places, it is a pretty darn good one - and well worth the time.
January 25, 2025
Reese is a senior in high school studying astronomy. She wants to cut ties with her abusive boyfriend Michael, but right before she does, he suddenly gets into a terrible accident. We see Michael struggle with his new life as a vampire as well as his breakup with Reese.
This story not only shows Michael’s life as a monster in the literal sense but also his monstrous acts against someone he claims to love. This story is by no means a light read. It deals with very real life struggles that many people, specifically women, go through. Michael is such a well-done yet hated character. This story shows the struggle of life for women stuck in an abusive relationship and how difficult it can be for them to get out. I think this book did a fantastic job balancing the reality of life with the fictional.
This book is a quick read, but can be emotionally taxing. Even so, I think this book offers up a unique perspective of domestic abuse and can help others gain insight and sympathy for the victims. The dedication in this book was perfect.
Please read the trigger warnings before diving into this book. There are several triggering scenes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my thoughts.
TW: domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, injury detail, rape, stalking, toxic relationship, violence, animal death
This story not only shows Michael’s life as a monster in the literal sense but also his monstrous acts against someone he claims to love. This story is by no means a light read. It deals with very real life struggles that many people, specifically women, go through. Michael is such a well-done yet hated character. This story shows the struggle of life for women stuck in an abusive relationship and how difficult it can be for them to get out. I think this book did a fantastic job balancing the reality of life with the fictional.
This book is a quick read, but can be emotionally taxing. Even so, I think this book offers up a unique perspective of domestic abuse and can help others gain insight and sympathy for the victims. The dedication in this book was perfect.
Please read the trigger warnings before diving into this book. There are several triggering scenes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my thoughts.
TW: domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, injury detail, rape, stalking, toxic relationship, violence, animal death
March 1, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.25/5
This was really good, but I feel the need to recommend checking the content warnings for this one. This is dark, unflinching and unsettling by design.
Set in the late 90's, we primarily follow Reese who is in their last year of highschool, and currently embroiled in a toxic relationship, and is looking for a way out, and has also developed feeling for a fellow classmate (and Nerd), and decides it's finally time to cut the cord on her abusive relationship and try and move on.
After her boyfriend is involved in a serious road accident,that night,things go from bad to worse as her better nature kicks in and she tries to help, before ending the relationship. But all is not well, as Michael has received a gift/curse, and won't be so easy to cast aside.
This takes an unflinching look at toxic relationships, gaslighting, emotional manipulation and assault in multiple ways, but never feels gratuitous, and adds a level of depth to Reese and Michael especially that makes them both feel sympathetic in some way, while acknowledging how unacceptable and wrong the behaviour is regardless.
This was a strong story, powerfully told, and I am looking forward to diving into more of Red Lagoe's work
4.25/5
This was really good, but I feel the need to recommend checking the content warnings for this one. This is dark, unflinching and unsettling by design.
Set in the late 90's, we primarily follow Reese who is in their last year of highschool, and currently embroiled in a toxic relationship, and is looking for a way out, and has also developed feeling for a fellow classmate (and Nerd), and decides it's finally time to cut the cord on her abusive relationship and try and move on.
After her boyfriend is involved in a serious road accident,that night,things go from bad to worse as her better nature kicks in and she tries to help, before ending the relationship. But all is not well, as Michael has received a gift/curse, and won't be so easy to cast aside.
This takes an unflinching look at toxic relationships, gaslighting, emotional manipulation and assault in multiple ways, but never feels gratuitous, and adds a level of depth to Reese and Michael especially that makes them both feel sympathetic in some way, while acknowledging how unacceptable and wrong the behaviour is regardless.
This was a strong story, powerfully told, and I am looking forward to diving into more of Red Lagoe's work
August 20, 2025
Red Lagoe’s Blood Stains by Gaslight is a sharp, haunting tale that stitches together the raw terror of intimate partner violence with the gothic shiver of vampirism. Set against the backdrop of the late nineties, Reese’s story is both painfully familiar and chillingly supernatural, as the lines blur between human cruelty and something far darker. Lagoe doesn’t flinch from uncomfortable truths, showing how control and obsession can transform love into a cage—and then into a nightmare.
The author's writing is taut, atmospheric, and unrelentingly tense, with imagery that lingers like bruises. Lagoe captures the sickening pull between fear and devotion with insightful precision. As a reader, I sat with the messy, uncomfortable reality of abuse while the shadow of a more literal monster was woven in. The vampire element heightens rather than softens the horror, making the allegory both powerful and unforgettable.
The secondary cast sometimes fades into the background, but it only reinforces Reese’s isolation. Her voice is the heartbeat of this novel, and it beats hard, fast, and true. Brutal yet beautiful, Blood Stains by Gaslight shines a cold light on the monsters we let too close, and the strength it takes to survive them.
This is a disturbing, unforgettable tale where horror bleeds into heartbreak—and it leaves its mark long after the final page.
The author's writing is taut, atmospheric, and unrelentingly tense, with imagery that lingers like bruises. Lagoe captures the sickening pull between fear and devotion with insightful precision. As a reader, I sat with the messy, uncomfortable reality of abuse while the shadow of a more literal monster was woven in. The vampire element heightens rather than softens the horror, making the allegory both powerful and unforgettable.
The secondary cast sometimes fades into the background, but it only reinforces Reese’s isolation. Her voice is the heartbeat of this novel, and it beats hard, fast, and true. Brutal yet beautiful, Blood Stains by Gaslight shines a cold light on the monsters we let too close, and the strength it takes to survive them.
This is a disturbing, unforgettable tale where horror bleeds into heartbreak—and it leaves its mark long after the final page.
August 21, 2025
This is a super hard review to write as this book hit uncomfortably close to home for me.
The FMC, Reese is trapped in an abusive, relationship which only becomes worse when her manipulative boyfriend Michael is involved in an accident and becomes a vampire.
Reece has been so conditioned by coercive control and gaslighting that she is unable to think clearly and rationally and chooses to stay in the relationship with Michael in the belief that she can help him.
In recent years vampires have become so romanticised that it was refreshing to see a different and horrifying take on them. In this book the author makes a connection between vampires and domestic abuse which can be a little difficult to read at times. I found the comparison to be very apt as intimate partner violence drains victims of energy, family, friendships and sometimes even life just as vampires drain their victims of blood. I often referred to my own abuser as an energy vampire.
This book also beautifully yet painfully illustrates how much courage and strength it takes to leave an abusive relationship.
I think this book could be really useful to open up discussions around what is often a difficult subject and I’ll definitely be recommending it to my book club.
Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours and the author for the free review copy.
The FMC, Reese is trapped in an abusive, relationship which only becomes worse when her manipulative boyfriend Michael is involved in an accident and becomes a vampire.
Reece has been so conditioned by coercive control and gaslighting that she is unable to think clearly and rationally and chooses to stay in the relationship with Michael in the belief that she can help him.
In recent years vampires have become so romanticised that it was refreshing to see a different and horrifying take on them. In this book the author makes a connection between vampires and domestic abuse which can be a little difficult to read at times. I found the comparison to be very apt as intimate partner violence drains victims of energy, family, friendships and sometimes even life just as vampires drain their victims of blood. I often referred to my own abuser as an energy vampire.
This book also beautifully yet painfully illustrates how much courage and strength it takes to leave an abusive relationship.
I think this book could be really useful to open up discussions around what is often a difficult subject and I’ll definitely be recommending it to my book club.
Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours and the author for the free review copy.
December 23, 2024
The best contemporary horror stories are stories about love, grief, trauma and redemption that also happen to be horror stories.
Blood Stains by Gaslight is a story about a smart independent HS senior trapped in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend.
Lagoe does a wonderful job building these characters, their histories and their families without bogging the reader down in details. Reese’s hands-off mother and absent alcoholic father, force her into adult decisions before she is ready. Michael’s abusive father and weak mother makes him overly reliant on Reese’s love and support. Their love story is sympathetic, heartbreaking and frustrating, as their situation spirals into blood and violence. Michael loses control and Reese makes bad choice after bad choice.
Because Michael has been turned into a vampire, through no fault of his own. And despite his love for Reese and his desire to never hurt her, his trauma and his hunger combine into horror and you just cannot look away.
Thank you NetGalley and Brigid Gate Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Blood Stains by Gaslight is a story about a smart independent HS senior trapped in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend.
Lagoe does a wonderful job building these characters, their histories and their families without bogging the reader down in details. Reese’s hands-off mother and absent alcoholic father, force her into adult decisions before she is ready. Michael’s abusive father and weak mother makes him overly reliant on Reese’s love and support. Their love story is sympathetic, heartbreaking and frustrating, as their situation spirals into blood and violence. Michael loses control and Reese makes bad choice after bad choice.
Because Michael has been turned into a vampire, through no fault of his own. And despite his love for Reese and his desire to never hurt her, his trauma and his hunger combine into horror and you just cannot look away.
Thank you NetGalley and Brigid Gate Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
April 4, 2025
BLOODSTAINS BY GASLIGHT – by Red Lagoe
Message From The Author —
‘This is the story of one girl and her fight against intimate partner violence. Every person who has experienced domestic violence has a different story, a different reason for staying, a different path of escape (if they’re lucky), and different thoughts, emotions, and reactions to their individual situations. Everyone has a unique story, and this is just one of them.’
‘It's 1997, senior year, and aspiring astronomy student, Reese, has her eyes set on the stars. The only thing holding her back is her jealous boyfriend, Michael, whose increasingly manipulative and abusive behavior cannot be tolerated any longer. However, moments before Reese gathers the courage to break up with him, Michael is in a tragic accident.’
In a word, WOW!
Also, MY HEART!
And—Vampires? Yes, Please, and Thank You!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Thank you, NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press, for providing me with an eBook of BLOODSTAINS BY GASLIGHT at the request of an honest review.
Message From The Author —
‘This is the story of one girl and her fight against intimate partner violence. Every person who has experienced domestic violence has a different story, a different reason for staying, a different path of escape (if they’re lucky), and different thoughts, emotions, and reactions to their individual situations. Everyone has a unique story, and this is just one of them.’
‘It's 1997, senior year, and aspiring astronomy student, Reese, has her eyes set on the stars. The only thing holding her back is her jealous boyfriend, Michael, whose increasingly manipulative and abusive behavior cannot be tolerated any longer. However, moments before Reese gathers the courage to break up with him, Michael is in a tragic accident.’
In a word, WOW!
Also, MY HEART!
And—Vampires? Yes, Please, and Thank You!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Thank you, NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press, for providing me with an eBook of BLOODSTAINS BY GASLIGHT at the request of an honest review.
March 23, 2025
To be honest, I struggled to get hooked on the book and its characters at first. Their reactions to events seemed unrealistic, which created a disconnect between me and the characters and the story.
However, the second part of the book is truly brutal, not so much because of the gore, but because it helps you understand what goes through the mind of a psychological and physically abused person, the mental process behind their decisions, and finally, the acceptance of their condition.
It could have been a non-vampire book, although I probably wouldn't have read it if it didn't have a touch of classic horror, and it would still have been a very raw, brutal book that leaves you thinking.
The last couple of chapters are excellent and perfectly summarize the context of the book.
Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, the second part of the book is truly brutal, not so much because of the gore, but because it helps you understand what goes through the mind of a psychological and physically abused person, the mental process behind their decisions, and finally, the acceptance of their condition.
It could have been a non-vampire book, although I probably wouldn't have read it if it didn't have a touch of classic horror, and it would still have been a very raw, brutal book that leaves you thinking.
The last couple of chapters are excellent and perfectly summarize the context of the book.
Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
Reese has decided that she’s had enough of her abusive boyfriend and that this time, she will end the relationship no matter what. But just as she’s about to end it, Michael is in a horrific accident. One that changes him, forever.
If you take this book at face value, it’s a vampire story. However, even if you get rid of the vampires, not much changes. This story is about domestic violence, told through a vampiric lens.
This is quite a heavy book, which broke my heart multiple times - especially knowing how for many women, there is so much truth within this story.
I adored the writing style, I worry with books of this style that abuse will be romanised but this absolutely wasn’t the case here. It shared (in my opinion), the cold hard truths of abuse, and the aftermath it can have on someone.
If you take this book at face value, it’s a vampire story. However, even if you get rid of the vampires, not much changes. This story is about domestic violence, told through a vampiric lens.
This is quite a heavy book, which broke my heart multiple times - especially knowing how for many women, there is so much truth within this story.
I adored the writing style, I worry with books of this style that abuse will be romanised but this absolutely wasn’t the case here. It shared (in my opinion), the cold hard truths of abuse, and the aftermath it can have on someone.
December 30, 2024
This is such an unforgiving and real story. The heartache and raw emotion this brought up from within me will stick with me for the remainder of my years on earth. I had to take some time to reflect on this story. This isn't a book you can easily review. Sometimes, there are no words when a story leaves you breathless.
Vampires - check
Love - check
Betrayal - check
Red Lagoe is a master at pulling your heartstrings and forcing you to face deep emotions. With the right words, she can weave a tale filled with gore, violence, death, assault, and most assuredly, love. Be prepared to have your heart ache and your mind go crazy mad.
Lagoe is an author that should be on your to-read list. She is going to be the author that can combine so many sub-genres into amazing stories.
Vampires - check
Love - check
Betrayal - check
Red Lagoe is a master at pulling your heartstrings and forcing you to face deep emotions. With the right words, she can weave a tale filled with gore, violence, death, assault, and most assuredly, love. Be prepared to have your heart ache and your mind go crazy mad.
Lagoe is an author that should be on your to-read list. She is going to be the author that can combine so many sub-genres into amazing stories.
August 19, 2025
A truly terrifying dark story, the brutality Reese suffers is terrible but add in the horror of the vampires although that makes it worse in a way it also lightens the mood as it reminded me it was fiction book.
A book I can feel would make a great group read as it opens up conversations more in depth about the comparisons between abusers and the dark characters of the vampires.
The way the book covered the brutality and heartbreak of abuse was very well done, I could totally relate to some of it. I will be looking out for more from this author.
A really great book I would buy it just from the cover and title alone.
Thank you for having me on this tour
#bloodstainsbygaslight
#redlagoe @redlagoe
#zooloosbooktours @zooloosbooktours #brigidsgatepress @brigidsgatepress
A book I can feel would make a great group read as it opens up conversations more in depth about the comparisons between abusers and the dark characters of the vampires.
The way the book covered the brutality and heartbreak of abuse was very well done, I could totally relate to some of it. I will be looking out for more from this author.
A really great book I would buy it just from the cover and title alone.
Thank you for having me on this tour
#bloodstainsbygaslight
#redlagoe @redlagoe
#zooloosbooktours @zooloosbooktours #brigidsgatepress @brigidsgatepress
March 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press for providing a review copy.
Reading the synopsis of Bloodstains by Gaslight, I found the concept of vampires against the backdrop of an abusive relationship very intriguing. Vampires lend themselves very well to abuse allegories. The book is made even more tragic by the fact that the main characters are teenagers. Older teens, yes, but someone should have protected Reese. A very personal story, Red Lagoe explains perfectly the myriad of emotions someone leaving an abusive relationship goes through. This is a rough read, with some heavy-hitting triggers, so tread lightly. 4.5 stars
Reading the synopsis of Bloodstains by Gaslight, I found the concept of vampires against the backdrop of an abusive relationship very intriguing. Vampires lend themselves very well to abuse allegories. The book is made even more tragic by the fact that the main characters are teenagers. Older teens, yes, but someone should have protected Reese. A very personal story, Red Lagoe explains perfectly the myriad of emotions someone leaving an abusive relationship goes through. This is a rough read, with some heavy-hitting triggers, so tread lightly. 4.5 stars
April 3, 2025
I was immediately hooked by the personal nature of this story. It took me a few days to read because I had to take breaks from Michael. Reese's reaction to him was deeply relatable and upsetting for me. Lagoe showed how impossible it can be to think clearly and objectively while being gaslight by the one you love.
I appreciate the courage it took for Lagoe to write this story. She perfectly blended the real life horrors of being trapped in an abusive relationship with the supernatural horrors of vampirism.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens and Brigids Gate Press for the opportunity to read this book.
I appreciate the courage it took for Lagoe to write this story. She perfectly blended the real life horrors of being trapped in an abusive relationship with the supernatural horrors of vampirism.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens and Brigids Gate Press for the opportunity to read this book.
May 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this take on the vampire trope. I read this not so much as a typical bloodsucker story, but as a tragic tale of emotional, and physical, leeching. I grew so frustrated with the female protagonist, Reese, as she kept choosing to do the wrong and scary thing out of kindness, and a misguided sense of loyalty towards her abusive and controlling boyfriend. But that's the nature of that particular beast. This story didn't slow down for a second. I read it in one sitting, it's that good.
Thank you so much for the ARC, Red. 🖤
The gorgeous cover art is by Red Lagoe.
Brilliant writer and artist.
Thank you so much for the ARC, Red. 🖤
The gorgeous cover art is by Red Lagoe.
Brilliant writer and artist.
May 18, 2025
Yes, this book had vampires and gore and all the scary things. Yes, there were parts that made me cringe. But the true horror for me was Reese and the abuse she withstood. My heart broke for her. The vampires gave it a nice edge, and it definitely swayed the power balance even more in Michael's favor. I wanted so bad to reach into the book and help Reese escape.
The book had a great flow to it, with very few moments that felt unnecessary. Red Lagoe is an author to watch out for!
Thank you to Netgalley, Red Lagoe and Brigid's Gate for a change to read this ARC! My review is left voluntarily. I can't wait to see what Lagoe has upcoming!
The book had a great flow to it, with very few moments that felt unnecessary. Red Lagoe is an author to watch out for!
Thank you to Netgalley, Red Lagoe and Brigid's Gate for a change to read this ARC! My review is left voluntarily. I can't wait to see what Lagoe has upcoming!
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