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A Song at Dead Man's Cove
Never turn your back on the ocean...
2023. Another person has disappeared at Dead Man’s Cove in coastal Washington. Jaded from her job at the historic Irving Hotel, Zarya wanders to the scene of the tragedy. She has heard her Russian mother’s tales of rusalki—vengeful spirits that have died unclean deaths near a body of water—and never paid them much attention. But now, on a misty headland beside an abandoned lighthouse, Zarya locks eyes with the rusalka and is chosen to be the next victim. She must unearth the siren’s tragedy before Rusalka Week, a period in early summer when water-spirits roam freely on land.
1850. Josephine has just joined her newlywed husband in Washington, in the lighthouse erected by local businessman Hurley Irving. Marriage is not quite what she expected, and her melancholia grows over the course of the winter. The medic prescribes pregnancy as the antidote. What he doesn’t realize is how far Josephine is willing to go in order to become a mother.
“A chilling, atmospheric blend of contemporary mystery and gothic folklore, wrapped in lyrical prose and deep emotional undercurrents”
—Alex Norton from Likely Story
“Haunting, engaging, and heartbreaking”
—Anthony Avina
"The slow unraveling of secrets [...] keeps the tension taut and the pages turning"
—Jeyran Main from Review Tales
2023. Another person has disappeared at Dead Man’s Cove in coastal Washington. Jaded from her job at the historic Irving Hotel, Zarya wanders to the scene of the tragedy. She has heard her Russian mother’s tales of rusalki—vengeful spirits that have died unclean deaths near a body of water—and never paid them much attention. But now, on a misty headland beside an abandoned lighthouse, Zarya locks eyes with the rusalka and is chosen to be the next victim. She must unearth the siren’s tragedy before Rusalka Week, a period in early summer when water-spirits roam freely on land.
1850. Josephine has just joined her newlywed husband in Washington, in the lighthouse erected by local businessman Hurley Irving. Marriage is not quite what she expected, and her melancholia grows over the course of the winter. The medic prescribes pregnancy as the antidote. What he doesn’t realize is how far Josephine is willing to go in order to become a mother.
“A chilling, atmospheric blend of contemporary mystery and gothic folklore, wrapped in lyrical prose and deep emotional undercurrents”
—Alex Norton from Likely Story
“Haunting, engaging, and heartbreaking”
—Anthony Avina
"The slow unraveling of secrets [...] keeps the tension taut and the pages turning"
—Jeyran Main from Review Tales
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
18 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 8, 2025
P.S. I really didn’t want to turn off public comments, but as you can see, it was necessary. Comments are still open for friends so I can have some control over fake accounts.
Like many others here, I saw the video where the author talked about her new "hater," the inflated ratings, bots, and so on.
Obviously, something strange is going on with the ratings—they don’t seem genuine. But I’m not here to talk about that. I hope Goodreads handles it appropriately. What I am here to say is that her “hater” was actually right: the writing is not good.
Yes, you heard me—the writing is weak, the story is just okay, and the characters are pretty dull. In her YouTube video, the author confidently claimed this book was “very high quality.” And while book tastes are subjective, I will respectfully disagree.
I’m someone who reads everything—from fantasy to horror to romance. One week I’m reading Pride and Prejudice, the next Project Hail Mary, then The Way of Kings, and even Ice Planet Barbarians. These books have nothing in common, and that’s exactly the point. I’m not giving this book a low rating because I “don’t get” The Master Mind—I do. I just don’t think it’s anywhere near as clever or unique as the author seems to think it is.
This is my honest review. If the author has nothing to do with the bots, then I’m sorry she’s being accused (though some say her other books also have suspicious reviews—I haven’t checked). I also feel bad if she’s genuinely being harassed by a “hater.” No one deserves that. But none of this changes my opinion of the book itself. I’m not going to soften my rating out of sympathy.
A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is all vibe (not a good one), no substance. Flat dialogue, forgettable characters, and a “mystery” that couldn’t find suspense with a flashlight. I finished it and immediately forgot it — and honestly, that feels generous.
I don’t recommend this book. Save your money.
P.S. I’ve seen people say reviews are being posted by folks who haven’t read the book. Please don’t do that. It doesn’t matter what you think of the author—review fairly.
And I’ll leave you with a little snippet from the book so you guys can see what I'm talking about:
“Welcome,” Zarya called to the guests. She had already checked in the young couple yesterday afternoon, and now they made their way up to the room. They turned down the hallway without so much as an acknowledgment. Then it was just her and Bruno again, and she could feel Bruno’s eyes mocking her. “What is it?” she asked, her tone snippy. “You’re just a kiss-ass is all.” Bruno threw another log into the fire haphazardly. “You’re supposed to crisscross the logs,” she reminded him for the fortieth time. “Yeah, yeah, to ‘let the oxygen fan the flames,’ I know.” He rolled his eyes.
Like many others here, I saw the video where the author talked about her new "hater," the inflated ratings, bots, and so on.
Obviously, something strange is going on with the ratings—they don’t seem genuine. But I’m not here to talk about that. I hope Goodreads handles it appropriately. What I am here to say is that her “hater” was actually right: the writing is not good.
Yes, you heard me—the writing is weak, the story is just okay, and the characters are pretty dull. In her YouTube video, the author confidently claimed this book was “very high quality.” And while book tastes are subjective, I will respectfully disagree.
I’m someone who reads everything—from fantasy to horror to romance. One week I’m reading Pride and Prejudice, the next Project Hail Mary, then The Way of Kings, and even Ice Planet Barbarians. These books have nothing in common, and that’s exactly the point. I’m not giving this book a low rating because I “don’t get” The Master Mind—I do. I just don’t think it’s anywhere near as clever or unique as the author seems to think it is.
This is my honest review. If the author has nothing to do with the bots, then I’m sorry she’s being accused (though some say her other books also have suspicious reviews—I haven’t checked). I also feel bad if she’s genuinely being harassed by a “hater.” No one deserves that. But none of this changes my opinion of the book itself. I’m not going to soften my rating out of sympathy.
A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is all vibe (not a good one), no substance. Flat dialogue, forgettable characters, and a “mystery” that couldn’t find suspense with a flashlight. I finished it and immediately forgot it — and honestly, that feels generous.
I don’t recommend this book. Save your money.
P.S. I’ve seen people say reviews are being posted by folks who haven’t read the book. Please don’t do that. It doesn’t matter what you think of the author—review fairly.
And I’ll leave you with a little snippet from the book so you guys can see what I'm talking about:
“Welcome,” Zarya called to the guests. She had already checked in the young couple yesterday afternoon, and now they made their way up to the room. They turned down the hallway without so much as an acknowledgment. Then it was just her and Bruno again, and she could feel Bruno’s eyes mocking her. “What is it?” she asked, her tone snippy. “You’re just a kiss-ass is all.” Bruno threw another log into the fire haphazardly. “You’re supposed to crisscross the logs,” she reminded him for the fortieth time. “Yeah, yeah, to ‘let the oxygen fan the flames,’ I know.” He rolled his eyes.
June 14, 2025
What if I told you a coastal gothic novel could make you question how communities form their truths—and what those truths leave buried beneath the tide?
Ana Yudin’s A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is, at first glance, a modern paranormal mystery soaked in sea-salt suspense. But stay with it, and you’ll find something richer beneath its waterlogged bones: a tale that quietly interrogates grief, belief, history, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of tragedy.
The novel unfolds between two timelines—Zarya in 2023, working at a coastal hotel haunted by recent drownings, and Josephine in 1850, a lighthouse keeper’s wife tackling the isolations of frontier life. At the center of both narratives is Dead Man’s Cove, a real place, infused with eerie tension and community folklore. You’ll find no clumsy exposition here—Yudin trusts her readers. And that trust pays off.
Scientific evidence tells us that belief in mythical sea creatures stretches across continents. The Sirens of Greece. The Rusalki of Eastern Europe. The Selkies of Scotland. Neurologists might explain this by tapping into the brain’s pattern-seeking behavior—pareidolia, the tendency to assign meaning to ambiguous stimuli (like shapes in fog or songs in wind). But A Song at Dead Man’s Cove doesn’t try to explain it away. It understands that humans crave both logic and magic—and sometimes, in grief, we accept stories not because they’re real but because they soothe.
This book knows how trauma distorts a landscape. It knows that small towns don’t just carry legends—they reinforce them, live in them, sometimes die for them. The characters don’t just react to a tragedy; they metabolize it, each in their own way. Zarya, with her haunting connection to the water and its whispers, feels like a millennial Jane Eyre crossed with a maritime Nancy Drew. Josephine’s arc, on the other hand, gives voice to the silenced women of colonial history, those tucked behind lighthouses and expectations.
Yudin’s prose flows like a tide—sometimes lyrical, sometimes biting, always deliberate. Even casual observations (“the hotel always lacked sufficient firewood,” or “beauty is often gated by wealth”) reveal emotional undercurrents that go well beyond genre. It’s a rare book that can use rain not just as a setting but as emotional pressure, building across pages until it bursts.
Who is this book for? If you’ve ever walked by the ocean and felt like it was watching you, this one’s yours. If you enjoy speculative fiction grounded in lived emotion rather than high-concept gimmicks, welcome. Teachers, teens, therapists, book clubs—it works for all of you. But if you’re seeking light romance, loud plot twists, or superhero pacing, best let this one drift back out to sea.
And yet, here’s the paradox: A Song at Dead Man’s Cove doesn’t scream to be noticed. It lingers, like the scent of brine in the air or the ghost of a ship in the mist. You finish the book not by snapping it shut but by exhaling—because for a moment, you were deep underwater.
And somehow, you made it back.
-------------
Note: I received an ARC of this book; however, this has no bearing on my review, which reflects my honest opinion. I do not receive or accept payment or any form of compensation for my Goodreads reviews — they are all written voluntarily and independently.
Ana Yudin’s A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is, at first glance, a modern paranormal mystery soaked in sea-salt suspense. But stay with it, and you’ll find something richer beneath its waterlogged bones: a tale that quietly interrogates grief, belief, history, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of tragedy.
The novel unfolds between two timelines—Zarya in 2023, working at a coastal hotel haunted by recent drownings, and Josephine in 1850, a lighthouse keeper’s wife tackling the isolations of frontier life. At the center of both narratives is Dead Man’s Cove, a real place, infused with eerie tension and community folklore. You’ll find no clumsy exposition here—Yudin trusts her readers. And that trust pays off.
Scientific evidence tells us that belief in mythical sea creatures stretches across continents. The Sirens of Greece. The Rusalki of Eastern Europe. The Selkies of Scotland. Neurologists might explain this by tapping into the brain’s pattern-seeking behavior—pareidolia, the tendency to assign meaning to ambiguous stimuli (like shapes in fog or songs in wind). But A Song at Dead Man’s Cove doesn’t try to explain it away. It understands that humans crave both logic and magic—and sometimes, in grief, we accept stories not because they’re real but because they soothe.
This book knows how trauma distorts a landscape. It knows that small towns don’t just carry legends—they reinforce them, live in them, sometimes die for them. The characters don’t just react to a tragedy; they metabolize it, each in their own way. Zarya, with her haunting connection to the water and its whispers, feels like a millennial Jane Eyre crossed with a maritime Nancy Drew. Josephine’s arc, on the other hand, gives voice to the silenced women of colonial history, those tucked behind lighthouses and expectations.
Yudin’s prose flows like a tide—sometimes lyrical, sometimes biting, always deliberate. Even casual observations (“the hotel always lacked sufficient firewood,” or “beauty is often gated by wealth”) reveal emotional undercurrents that go well beyond genre. It’s a rare book that can use rain not just as a setting but as emotional pressure, building across pages until it bursts.
Who is this book for? If you’ve ever walked by the ocean and felt like it was watching you, this one’s yours. If you enjoy speculative fiction grounded in lived emotion rather than high-concept gimmicks, welcome. Teachers, teens, therapists, book clubs—it works for all of you. But if you’re seeking light romance, loud plot twists, or superhero pacing, best let this one drift back out to sea.
And yet, here’s the paradox: A Song at Dead Man’s Cove doesn’t scream to be noticed. It lingers, like the scent of brine in the air or the ghost of a ship in the mist. You finish the book not by snapping it shut but by exhaling—because for a moment, you were deep underwater.
And somehow, you made it back.
-------------
Note: I received an ARC of this book; however, this has no bearing on my review, which reflects my honest opinion. I do not receive or accept payment or any form of compensation for my Goodreads reviews — they are all written voluntarily and independently.
June 3, 2025
I normally don't read horror or horror mysteries. I absolutely Loved this book. I am going to add Ana Yudin to my list of authors. I can't wait to read more from her .
June 14, 2025
This book was ok. A quick read, but not incredibly notable. It wasn't easy to connect with the characters while the dialog felt stale and slightly boring.
It felt as if I was reading a book that thought it was important while not having anything new or profound to share.
Not the worst story, but i would recommend finding a different book to read.
It felt as if I was reading a book that thought it was important while not having anything new or profound to share.
Not the worst story, but i would recommend finding a different book to read.
June 4, 2025
Will you put your books on Audible, Ana? That would be so awesome.
July 2, 2025
Most of the five star reviewers are bots it’s so obvious. The writer made a video about one of her haters ‘harassing’ her and admits that she paid for reviews in it.
Above that the writing is, simply put, awful. This is not original or interesting or good in any way or form. Just because you are post partum does not mean you deserve sympathy.
There is nothing wrong with bad writing, we all start somewhere but the paid reviews makes me lose all respect for you.
Above that the writing is, simply put, awful. This is not original or interesting or good in any way or form. Just because you are post partum does not mean you deserve sympathy.
There is nothing wrong with bad writing, we all start somewhere but the paid reviews makes me lose all respect for you.
June 4, 2025
I’m enjoying this book.
July 9, 2025
This book is okay if you're into mediocre YA fiction (which it isn't YA, apparently?)
Maybe Ana Yudin aught to enter this book into one of the many Indie book competitions if she is so sure that her book is of such "high quality" and that she is "excellent at writing". I don't mean the pay to get nominations category either-- I mean the real merit-based variety competition. In fact, I challenge her to do so.
Maybe Ana Yudin aught to enter this book into one of the many Indie book competitions if she is so sure that her book is of such "high quality" and that she is "excellent at writing". I don't mean the pay to get nominations category either-- I mean the real merit-based variety competition. In fact, I challenge her to do so.
June 15, 2025
“She felt as though she were regurgitating the nothingness inside her. No matter how much she cried, there was more nothingness to purge” (p. 131).
Fiction in the horror, science fiction, or fantasy genres is at its best when it uses fantastical elements to explore complex issues in the real world. A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is a tale of supernatural horror and is steeped in European folklore, but at its core, it is an exploration of mental illness.
The author Ana Yudin has a doctorate in clinical psychology and brings deep psychological insights into her protagonists. A young woman named Josephine, living in the 1850s, is labeled by a physician as having “melancholia.” This condition resembles what we now call Bipolar Disorder, yet Yudin reveals in her afterword that her “novel is meant to explore the inner workings of a different affliction called Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)” (p. 305). She goes on to write that BPD’s “core components include a bottomless feeling of emptiness and a terrifying fear of abandonment” (p. 305). People with the disorder have unstable relationships—paradoxically, their terror of abandonment leads them to engage in extreme behavior that pushes people away. In Josephine’s case, her self-destructive search for love quite literally . Her feelings of emptiness are represented by the “nothingness” in her womb. Josephine fails to conceive a child; she believes that raising a child will fill the void inside of her.
The novel’s other main character is also deeply impacted by BPD. Zarya lives in 2023, and the reader sees that her mother has the symptoms of the disorder. Early on, this statement is made: “Her mother was like a leaky bottle that, no matter how much Zarya tried to pour into, would always end up empty again" (p. 72). Her unstable childhood has left Zarya with her own ongoing problems with developing healthy human connections, with the reader seeing the young woman steering away from people who show her genuine affection:
“But no, it could not happen. She had brought him back to her room to bed him once before, and something had stopped her even then. It was something about the way he looked at her. There was not only desire in his eyes but something dangerously close to affection.” (p. 195).
It is Zarya’s own internal emptiness that leaves her vulnerable to the supernatural force in A Song at Dead Man’s Cove. Call it a siren or “rusalki” (p. 16), the archetype of the water-woman appears in folklore across the world and represents a certain kind of pain inherent to many human societies. This is another theme that Yudin explores.
A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is a fine work of modern gothic-style horror with two well-developed lead characters, a wonderfully gloomy setting in a small Pacific Northwest coastal town, and multiple genuinely scary moments. It’s not a perfect novel, though. I find the male characters to be underdeveloped and the to be too easy. The prose is sometimes awkward, revealing, as Yudin readily admits, “that English isn’t my mother tongue” (p. 305). For example, a suspenseful moment was ruined for me by the clunky phrase “Zarya could not see the lock too well in the darkness” (p. 280). Even with these minor criticisms, I strongly recommend this novel.
Quotes
(the addition of the bold highlights on words is my own):
*
“No one was safe from this. When the ocean called, it required no permission” (p. 10).
*
“And then, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, ripping the heavens open. With that flash of lightning, for the briefest moment, the ocean was filled with light. The contours of every surface shone crisply. Zarya could see the entire expanse of water, the edge of the peninsula, the trees, and most importantly, she could see the creature that locked eyes with her from the ocean.” (p. 37).
*
“It was like nothing had changed. With just a five-minute drive, Zarya had arrived right back where she had started—surrounded by the constant stream of chatter from her mother and the silence from her father. They were like a ball of gas and a black hole, one producing nuclear heat and the other swallowing it whole. Together, they had produced Zarya, whose main purpose in life was to avoid being completely engulfed.” (p. 69).
*
“‘Rusalki were originally a legend from Slavic Paganism. They were not considered evil. Rather, they helped with fertility and watering the fields of crops. The legend took on a more sinister connotation over time, as Paganism itself started to develop a bad reputation. And besides, the legend pertains to freshwater spirits in Russia, not ocean creatures.’
‘Don’t listen to him, Zarya. There are evil spirits out there, and you see the proof for yourself. Those who died violent deaths never stay underwater forever. Their spirits are angry. They want retribution.’” (p. 71).
*
“It was a most sad legend, thought Josephine. Why should a woman have to choose between freedom and companionship?
[...]
“In all the tales of water-women, there was a common thread—the betraying husband. Josephine was not sure why, but she had understood, even as a little girl, that certain legends spoke to something so true that they permeated across country borders and cultural dialects. Certain tales ran so deep that they were recognized in every part of the world.” (p. 82)
*
“Zarya thought about what her father had once told her about the ocean—that all life originated from it. The first single-cell organism, their most primeval ancestor, first formed out of that vast body of water. And when a child is in the womb, he had explained, tilting his glasses to the tip of his nose, it is like being in those primordial waters, in a sense. As an unborn child, you are cushioned in an oceanlike amniotic fluid. You go through the same process of evolution as the human race did—first resembling something like an amoeba, then a fish, then an amphibian, then a reptile, and finally a primate.” (p. 92)
*
“Josephine decided that there must be something sacred about the water and the animals that inhabited it. Why else did all creatures need water to survive? Why else were humans at the mercy of water when growing crops? Why else did priests dunk newborns into a bowl of water? The baptism was but a cleansing initiation, a passageway into the kingdom of Heaven, a return to the cosmic womb. Josephine herself had felt the way the ocean washed away her suffering, even just for a few hours. She longed to curl up in it for all eternity.” (p. 157).
*
“The ocean was not as quiet as she imagined it. There was a heavy, rhythmic pulse running through it, deafening her ears. It sounded almost like a heartbeat. She imagined this was what it must have felt like to be in her mother’s womb.” (p. 205).
*
“...as the Vandalia mounted another wave, he found what he was looking for in the water. A woman’s skin, pallid as moonbeams, floating along the swell effortlessly. She disappeared into the wave as the ship came roaring down the swell.” (p. 220).
*
“...one cannot take love by force…love must be freely given to be real” (p. 246).
*
“But lately, Zarya was starting to believe a different story. The story of a little girl who had been indoctrinated by her mother’s unspoken rule—the rule that, when you let someone do something nice for you, it means that person now gets to control your life. Every time she had gone about her day or said no to a hug, that little girl had been breaking the conditions of an invisible contract. A contract someone else had signed for her.” (p. 256).
*
“Empathy doesn’t mean letting someone take over your life…Sometimes, empathy means saying enough” (p. 290).
*
***************************************************************************
[Image: Book Cover]
Citation:
Yudin, A. (2025). A song at Dead Man's Cove (eBook). Ana Yudin. https://www.amazon.com/Song-Dead-Mans...
Title: A Song at Dead Man's Cove
Author(s): Ana Yudin
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction - Novel: Gothic Horror
Page count: 315 pages
Date(s) read: 6/3/25 - 6/6/25
Book 117 in 2025
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June 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The psychologic background supported the story in a captivating way, the prose was beautiful and the plot made for a compelling read.
June 5, 2025
I’ve been a casual viewer of the author’s YouTube channel for not even a year now and feel no parasocial connection to her so I didn’t go into reading this book with a bias towards leaving a positive review. In fact I thought I might not like it much based on the synopsis. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is not so much a spooky siren thriller as it is a thorough examination of what the siren represents- manipulative bad actors who see opportunities in another’s vulnerability for personal gain- and how these real-life sirens manifest themselves in platonic, romantic, sexual, and familial relationships. At times I almost felt like I was reading 3 case studies and I mean that in the best way. This is exactly the sort of quality writing about dysfunctional attachment, toxic family dynamics, trauma, and the impacts of extended loneliness & isolation you would expect from a doctor of psychology.
There were a few specific little details I loved, for example: the bit of commentary on how in the past (and even in certain spaces today) talking about mental health was frowned upon and treated much differently from physical health despite being directly related to each other. If I have any complaints it’s that I felt like the antagonism between Mrs. Irving and Zarya wasn’t developed that well in the beginning of the book. Zarya immediately describes Mrs. Irving when we’re introduced to her as this terrible demon but her behavior is more like that of an average stern hotel boss. But this is a minor issue that I soon forgot as Mrs. Irving’s character developed further (and she became without a doubt one of my favorites).
I’m glad I gave this a read despite my initial hesitation. It proved to be more than I thought it would be and I’m looking forward to what this author does next.
There were a few specific little details I loved, for example: the bit of commentary on how in the past (and even in certain spaces today) talking about mental health was frowned upon and treated much differently from physical health despite being directly related to each other. If I have any complaints it’s that I felt like the antagonism between Mrs. Irving and Zarya wasn’t developed that well in the beginning of the book. Zarya immediately describes Mrs. Irving when we’re introduced to her as this terrible demon but her behavior is more like that of an average stern hotel boss. But this is a minor issue that I soon forgot as Mrs. Irving’s character developed further (and she became without a doubt one of my favorites).
I’m glad I gave this a read despite my initial hesitation. It proved to be more than I thought it would be and I’m looking forward to what this author does next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
This hauntingly atmospheric novel blends folklore, gothic horror, and emotional depth in a truly captivating way. Ana Yudin masterfully weaves together two timelines—modern-day Zarya and 1850s Josephine—each facing the eerie pull of the sea and the painful search for meaning and connection. The story is eerie, poetic, and deeply human. A must-read for fans of gothic fiction with heart.
June 21, 2025
a book I would recommend to anyone, because it is that good
June 8, 2025
Some books are fast-paced and easy to read, this book is one such book. Plot moved quickly and I genuinely found it hard to put down. Had it read through in an evening and an afternoon, not unheard of for what I would call light reading. The book has a little over 300 pages.
The story jumps from past to present, one woman to another, but at least it stays with one for the whole chapter. Easier to follow than if it switched mid chapter like some I've read.
Overall, fun story and quick to read. Enjoyed the trip.
The story jumps from past to present, one woman to another, but at least it stays with one for the whole chapter. Easier to follow than if it switched mid chapter like some I've read.
Overall, fun story and quick to read. Enjoyed the trip.
June 5, 2025
Spoooooky! Don't read this one late at night!
July 24, 2025
I had a blast reading it, once I laid my eyes on the first page I was hooked. The storyline is clean and culminates in an emotional and satisfying way. Perhaps my greatest compliment is that I've read all descriptions even tho they usually bore me and are skipped. In this case I couldn't get enough of them.
I also want to add how happy I am for the wirter herself, her first book was also a great read but it's a pleasure to see how she has grown while writing this one. I can't wait to read upcoming books from You Ana 😍
I also want to add how happy I am for the wirter herself, her first book was also a great read but it's a pleasure to see how she has grown while writing this one. I can't wait to read upcoming books from You Ana 😍
August 16, 2025
This book was so much fun! Once I got past about the 50% mark I couldn't put it down. The prose was universally excellent, and the pacing felt like a breeze. I highly recommend for fans of horror/thrillers. Not the most scary book by any means, but definitely macabre enough to be creepy in certain places.
The only reason it gets a four instead of a five is that it didn't blow me away at any point. Still, this is a quality book and I can easily see myself coming back and giving it a five after I've had time to process everything.
I appreciated the character work, particularly how it related to attachment theory. Josephine's anxious, devouring, jaded form of love struck home to me as somebody who deals with my own personal attachment issues. A lot of her fears and frantic actions have been things I've had to work on in my life as well. In my opinion, Josephine was the perfect tragic villain -- her story was sad enough for me to empathize with her, but her actions were horrendous enough to see her as evil.
Zarya presented an avoidant style of attachment throughout the book. Even though Zarya was traumatized and afraid of love in the start of the book, her journey toward self-discovery at no point felt hopeless to me. I could tell that the author took great care in making it clear that Zarya's troubles were things to be overcome, and were not all-consuming. Her ultimate decisions that left her on a path toward healing were inspiring and grounded.
Zarya's relationship with Sean showed how important a healthy attachment can be for somebody who is trying to heal their attachment-related trauma. I love how their romance was slow building and not just insta-love. I like how their future was left ambiguous in the end and they didn't just drop everything for each other like hopeless romantics. It feels like these were real adults making real life, responsible decisions.
Zarya's mother drew many parallels with Josphine -- they were both anxious, devouring and controlling people. I liked that Zarya had to fight off the more fantastical version of her demons before confronting their "real life" counterparts.
However, I do have a criticism of how the author portrays anxiously attached characters (note: I'm no psychologist by any means so I can be completely wrong in my analysis). It seemed like all the "anxious" characters -- Bruno, Zarya's mother, and Josephine -- were all portrayed as villains. I understand this fits tightly with the themes of the story, but I still would have liked to see an anxious character also find room to grow and mature in the same way Zarya got to. It could have been a side character like Bruno, or even Josephine herself. On one hand, Zarya's unhealthy attachment was portrayed was something to overcome, while other characters with different unhealthy attachments were portrayed as unfixable monsters. I think there could have been a cool "come to jesus" moment here with at least one of those characters.
Ultimately, I felt like this novel was about choice. The choice of whether to be stuck in a viscious cycle of desperation that destroys yourself and the people around you, or whether to face yourself and the way you handle love. The choice to do the right things that you have been too afraid to do. The choice to take the risk of losing the relationships in your life that have been dragging you down in order to be free.
The only reason it gets a four instead of a five is that it didn't blow me away at any point. Still, this is a quality book and I can easily see myself coming back and giving it a five after I've had time to process everything.
I appreciated the character work, particularly how it related to attachment theory. Josephine's anxious, devouring, jaded form of love struck home to me as somebody who deals with my own personal attachment issues. A lot of her fears and frantic actions have been things I've had to work on in my life as well. In my opinion, Josephine was the perfect tragic villain -- her story was sad enough for me to empathize with her, but her actions were horrendous enough to see her as evil.
Zarya presented an avoidant style of attachment throughout the book. Even though Zarya was traumatized and afraid of love in the start of the book, her journey toward self-discovery at no point felt hopeless to me. I could tell that the author took great care in making it clear that Zarya's troubles were things to be overcome, and were not all-consuming. Her ultimate decisions that left her on a path toward healing were inspiring and grounded.
Zarya's relationship with Sean showed how important a healthy attachment can be for somebody who is trying to heal their attachment-related trauma. I love how their romance was slow building and not just insta-love. I like how their future was left ambiguous in the end and they didn't just drop everything for each other like hopeless romantics. It feels like these were real adults making real life, responsible decisions.
Zarya's mother drew many parallels with Josphine -- they were both anxious, devouring and controlling people. I liked that Zarya had to fight off the more fantastical version of her demons before confronting their "real life" counterparts.
However, I do have a criticism of how the author portrays anxiously attached characters (note: I'm no psychologist by any means so I can be completely wrong in my analysis). It seemed like all the "anxious" characters -- Bruno, Zarya's mother, and Josephine -- were all portrayed as villains. I understand this fits tightly with the themes of the story, but I still would have liked to see an anxious character also find room to grow and mature in the same way Zarya got to. It could have been a side character like Bruno, or even Josephine herself. On one hand, Zarya's unhealthy attachment was portrayed was something to overcome, while other characters with different unhealthy attachments were portrayed as unfixable monsters. I think there could have been a cool "come to jesus" moment here with at least one of those characters.
Ultimately, I felt like this novel was about choice. The choice of whether to be stuck in a viscious cycle of desperation that destroys yourself and the people around you, or whether to face yourself and the way you handle love. The choice to do the right things that you have been too afraid to do. The choice to take the risk of losing the relationships in your life that have been dragging you down in order to be free.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
Ana Yudin’s A Song at Dead Man’s Cove is a chilling, atmospheric blend of contemporary mystery and gothic folklore, wrapped in lyrical prose and deep emotional undercurrents. Set in a sleepy coastal town plagued by a history of disappearances, shipwrecks, and lingering spirits, the novel expertly straddles two timelines—1850s and present-day—to tell a tale as haunting as the sea itself.
The story follows Zarya, a concierge at the historic Irving Hotel, who becomes entangled in a series of eerie events that link back to the tragic story of Josephine Byrne, a 19th-century woman whose love affair, mental anguish, and suicide cast a long shadow over the town. When modern-day women begin vanishing under similar circumstances, Zarya must uncover the dark legacy left behind—one connected to mythic sirens, sunken ships, and generational secrets.
What sets this book apart is its rich, evocative atmosphere. Yudin conjures foggy coves, crumbling lighthouses, and salt-bitten ghosts with the kind of vivid detail that lingers in your mind like brine in the air. Her depiction of grief, longing, and the desire for connection—across time and beyond death—adds layers of emotional complexity to what could have easily been a simple supernatural thriller.
As the threads between Zarya’s present and Josephine’s past tighten, the novel builds tension with finesse. It’s not just about what happened, but what it means. The sirens themselves are not one-note monsters, but spectral figures full of sadness and rage, blurring the line between victim and villain. This nuanced approach makes A Song at Dead Man’s Cove a standout in the genre.
The climax is both cinematic and intimate, offering moments of genuine horror as well as deep introspection. Themes of love, betrayal, womanhood, and the price of silence echo throughout, making the story feel as ancient and universal as the ocean itself.
If you love books with dual timelines, mythological influence, ghostly lore, and women reclaiming their power through untold stories, this book should absolutely be on your list.
Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/06/02/r...
The story follows Zarya, a concierge at the historic Irving Hotel, who becomes entangled in a series of eerie events that link back to the tragic story of Josephine Byrne, a 19th-century woman whose love affair, mental anguish, and suicide cast a long shadow over the town. When modern-day women begin vanishing under similar circumstances, Zarya must uncover the dark legacy left behind—one connected to mythic sirens, sunken ships, and generational secrets.
What sets this book apart is its rich, evocative atmosphere. Yudin conjures foggy coves, crumbling lighthouses, and salt-bitten ghosts with the kind of vivid detail that lingers in your mind like brine in the air. Her depiction of grief, longing, and the desire for connection—across time and beyond death—adds layers of emotional complexity to what could have easily been a simple supernatural thriller.
As the threads between Zarya’s present and Josephine’s past tighten, the novel builds tension with finesse. It’s not just about what happened, but what it means. The sirens themselves are not one-note monsters, but spectral figures full of sadness and rage, blurring the line between victim and villain. This nuanced approach makes A Song at Dead Man’s Cove a standout in the genre.
The climax is both cinematic and intimate, offering moments of genuine horror as well as deep introspection. Themes of love, betrayal, womanhood, and the price of silence echo throughout, making the story feel as ancient and universal as the ocean itself.
If you love books with dual timelines, mythological influence, ghostly lore, and women reclaiming their power through untold stories, this book should absolutely be on your list.
Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/06/02/r...
October 30, 2025
This Novel tells the tale of the curse that plagued a small coastal town throughout the centuries. It is well written with characters that are flawed and feel human. The story is told through the point of view of two different women who both suffer from different emotional and mental issues and yet both feel empty and alone. It is so interesting to see how two characters for different reasons and in vastly different times can both feel estranged from the rest of society. The more you read and unravel the mystery surrounding the coast the more you pity all parties involved. It is a great book that goes well with a good cup of coffee and your favorite pastry.
P.S I cannot wait to see what other fictional adventure you will cook up in the future.
P.S I cannot wait to see what other fictional adventure you will cook up in the future.
October 30, 2025
After months buried in academic reading, A Song at Dead Man’s Cove was exactly what I needed to fall back in love with fiction. It brought me right back to my teenage days of devouring YA ghost stories (some of my few fond memories of high school 😂).
I’d describe it as a ghost story disguised as monster horror. While it isn’t technically YA, it feels like one in the best way possible: easy to read, eerie, and just a lot of fun.
The story follows Zarya, a young woman trying to make it on her own in a small Pacific Northwest town to escape her overbearing mother… until she finds herself in the clutches of a siren haunting Dead Man’s Cove.
What I loved most? The dual timelines that blend the atmosphere of Victorian gothic novels with modern ghost stories. Add in Yudin’s background in psychology, and you get relatable, sympathetic characters that make the story linger long after you close the book.
If you love seaside gothic tales, tragic sirens, or stories that haunt you in the best way, this one’s for you.
My only reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5/5 is because I think it is more suited for YA audiences or adults who like YA. This isn’t to trash YA fiction (on the contrary, I personally love it). However, I think some of the negative reviews are coming from people who aren’t YA fans, and thus, were expecting something different. Since this book is marketed as adult fiction, I can see why there might be some disconnect. If I could give 4.5 stars, I would.
NOTE: I’d like to add a disclaimer that I was credited in the acknowledgments for an article I wrote, which Yudin used as a research source. In thanks, this book was sent to me as a gift. However, at no point did Yudin request a review. I’m leaving one because I genuinely enjoyed the book. I want to make this clear, as I’ve seen some people accuse her of buying fake reviews.
I’d describe it as a ghost story disguised as monster horror. While it isn’t technically YA, it feels like one in the best way possible: easy to read, eerie, and just a lot of fun.
The story follows Zarya, a young woman trying to make it on her own in a small Pacific Northwest town to escape her overbearing mother… until she finds herself in the clutches of a siren haunting Dead Man’s Cove.
What I loved most? The dual timelines that blend the atmosphere of Victorian gothic novels with modern ghost stories. Add in Yudin’s background in psychology, and you get relatable, sympathetic characters that make the story linger long after you close the book.
If you love seaside gothic tales, tragic sirens, or stories that haunt you in the best way, this one’s for you.
My only reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5/5 is because I think it is more suited for YA audiences or adults who like YA. This isn’t to trash YA fiction (on the contrary, I personally love it). However, I think some of the negative reviews are coming from people who aren’t YA fans, and thus, were expecting something different. Since this book is marketed as adult fiction, I can see why there might be some disconnect. If I could give 4.5 stars, I would.
NOTE: I’d like to add a disclaimer that I was credited in the acknowledgments for an article I wrote, which Yudin used as a research source. In thanks, this book was sent to me as a gift. However, at no point did Yudin request a review. I’m leaving one because I genuinely enjoyed the book. I want to make this clear, as I’ve seen some people accuse her of buying fake reviews.
August 11, 2025
I picked up this book because I really enjoy watching Dr. Ana’s videos, and gothic novels are my favorite. I enjoyed reading this, it was a nice summer read. I am from the PNW where the setting of this book takes place, and reading that the inspiration of the Irving Hotel, the Lighthouse, and the little town this takes place in are all places I’ve been to really made this novel that much more enjoyable. I am a bit biased on this, but if I wasn’t from the PNW and I hadn’t been to those same places Dr. Ana had been to, my review wouldn’t have been five stars. My personal connection to these places really did help push my score on this novel.
I do see potential within Dr. Ana’s prose. In my opinion, I see her writing style is very to the point—albeit, very detailed in imagery, but there was something lacking in terms of poeticism, almost like she was holding back in making it more eccentric, or whimsical. Her current writing style is almost like it was made for nonfiction, which is definitely not a bad thing! However, I do wish to see her play more with her word choices and “letting loose” on her syntax. I’m excited to see her growth the more she writes!
Nonetheless, I wanted to digest my thoughts on this book. It’s been nearly a month after I finished it, and to this day I still think about it from time to time. It’s left a lasting effect on me.
I really enjoyed the double POV between Zarya and Josephine as it kept the book interesting and leaving me wanting more from specific POV’s. When Josephine and Hurley were having a brooding sexual tension, I was itching to finish the next Zarya POV just so I could get to the next Josephine POV chapter!! Lol
I do see potential within Dr. Ana’s prose. In my opinion, I see her writing style is very to the point—albeit, very detailed in imagery, but there was something lacking in terms of poeticism, almost like she was holding back in making it more eccentric, or whimsical. Her current writing style is almost like it was made for nonfiction, which is definitely not a bad thing! However, I do wish to see her play more with her word choices and “letting loose” on her syntax. I’m excited to see her growth the more she writes!
Nonetheless, I wanted to digest my thoughts on this book. It’s been nearly a month after I finished it, and to this day I still think about it from time to time. It’s left a lasting effect on me.
I really enjoyed the double POV between Zarya and Josephine as it kept the book interesting and leaving me wanting more from specific POV’s. When Josephine and Hurley were having a brooding sexual tension, I was itching to finish the next Zarya POV just so I could get to the next Josephine POV chapter!! Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
The Review
What a truly emotional, compelling, and haunting gothic horror read. The atmospheric nature of the setting and tone this novel exuded from beginning to end was intense and mesmerizing, with the reader instantly transported to this small Northwestern Pacific town. This narrative also artfully handled the idea of small-town life and deep-rooted beliefs playing a role in how events are perceived.
The heart of this narrative was the rich history of life in the mid-nineteenth century, especially life in a coastal town, and the rich character development explored in both periods. The historical fiction bend in this gothic horror story was an excellent addition that made the narrative feel more alive and pronounced on the page. The root of both perspectives and protagonists, Zarya and Josephine, respectively, explored what it truly means to be haunted in life, both emotionally and psychologically, giving readers more depth to this horror story and inviting them down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
The Verdict
Haunting, engaging, and heartbreaking, author Ana Yudin’s “A Song at Dead Man’s Cove” is a must-read gothic horror novel that is impossible to put down. The twists and turns the story takes, and the question of what happens when the ghosts chasing us are those of people who never were, make this one book that readers will turn to time and time again, much like Henry James’s “The Turn of the Screw,” making it an instant classic.
What a truly emotional, compelling, and haunting gothic horror read. The atmospheric nature of the setting and tone this novel exuded from beginning to end was intense and mesmerizing, with the reader instantly transported to this small Northwestern Pacific town. This narrative also artfully handled the idea of small-town life and deep-rooted beliefs playing a role in how events are perceived.
The heart of this narrative was the rich history of life in the mid-nineteenth century, especially life in a coastal town, and the rich character development explored in both periods. The historical fiction bend in this gothic horror story was an excellent addition that made the narrative feel more alive and pronounced on the page. The root of both perspectives and protagonists, Zarya and Josephine, respectively, explored what it truly means to be haunted in life, both emotionally and psychologically, giving readers more depth to this horror story and inviting them down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
The Verdict
Haunting, engaging, and heartbreaking, author Ana Yudin’s “A Song at Dead Man’s Cove” is a must-read gothic horror novel that is impossible to put down. The twists and turns the story takes, and the question of what happens when the ghosts chasing us are those of people who never were, make this one book that readers will turn to time and time again, much like Henry James’s “The Turn of the Screw,” making it an instant classic.
August 17, 2025
I’d never read a gothic horror novel before this one. I first discovered Ana Yudin through her YouTube channel and was inspired by her personal journey. That probably makes me a little biased because I wanted to support her, but I was still curious. This book didn’t disappoint.
I feel the story is well-written. Ana Yudin is a talented writer, and her background in psychology adds a unique depth to the narrative. The way she weaves psychology into a fantasy setting isn’t something I come across often, and I feel it gives the book a distinctive edge. While there are a few anachronisms, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The descriptions are beautifully detailed, the pacing flows well, and the atmosphere is immersive.
If you only read one book a year and are looking for something groundbreaking, this might not be the one. But if you enjoy gothic horror and appreciate stories that combine psychology and fantasy, this is an enjoyable read. For me, the strengths outweigh the imperfections, and I’m glad I picked this up.
I feel the story is well-written. Ana Yudin is a talented writer, and her background in psychology adds a unique depth to the narrative. The way she weaves psychology into a fantasy setting isn’t something I come across often, and I feel it gives the book a distinctive edge. While there are a few anachronisms, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The descriptions are beautifully detailed, the pacing flows well, and the atmosphere is immersive.
If you only read one book a year and are looking for something groundbreaking, this might not be the one. But if you enjoy gothic horror and appreciate stories that combine psychology and fantasy, this is an enjoyable read. For me, the strengths outweigh the imperfections, and I’m glad I picked this up.
August 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is deliciously detailed, easily inserting me in each scene and time. I hope to visit a misty beach soon!! What I love most is the elements of psychology that are intertwined with each character and the storyline. As someone who has dealt with loss, (albeit i did not handle it in the best fashion :/ ) this story helped me unwrap and process my own emotions.
Side note.. the dual POV didn't excite me at first since I haven't fully enjoyed other books that attempt this but I found myself really enjoying each split. It was an excellent execution and left me in such suspense as I progressed through the story.
Thank you, Ana! I look forward to reading your future work as well!
Side note.. the dual POV didn't excite me at first since I haven't fully enjoyed other books that attempt this but I found myself really enjoying each split. It was an excellent execution and left me in such suspense as I progressed through the story.
Thank you, Ana! I look forward to reading your future work as well!
July 20, 2025
I really enjoyed the story and characters in this book. The setting was very evocative and it's a perfect summer read (especially since I haven't gotten to the beach yet!).
I think future books would benefit from simplifying the language somewhat. Because there are so many complicated sentences it takes away from the really beautiful passages. There are also some words that are almost the ones you want but not quite so one more edit might help.
I'm looking forward to your future novels!
I think future books would benefit from simplifying the language somewhat. Because there are so many complicated sentences it takes away from the really beautiful passages. There are also some words that are almost the ones you want but not quite so one more edit might help.
I'm looking forward to your future novels!
October 24, 2025
EDIT: what y'all arguing with me about? The author admitted she paid for reviews and awards. Which is unethical. Are you arguing it's not? Or that everyone should stay quiet and not bring this practice to light like I did?
Bad book and bad rating manipulation
My previous review was deleted. I don’t understand what’s the point of this censorship? It’s just delaying inevitable cuz here we are. You can read the old version of the review where I extensively talk about rating manipulation here.
But in this review I'll mostly focus on the book.
The language of this book isn’t bad. But that’s the only non-bad thing about it. The rest is really bad.
Let’s start with the main characters. Both Zarya and Josephine are so bland. They are so generic that I have trouble trying to describe them. They have no personality or individuality. They have no inner world. And there’s nothing to connect with them on an emotional level because they are so empty. Some of the side characters like Bruno or Amelia or even Zarya’s borderline mom, had more stuff going on than supposedly main heroes of the story.
The dialogue is executed very poorly. Everyone talks the same way. It’s impossible to distinguish characters by the way they talk. And the dialogue in general is dry and verbose. Also Sean telling Zariya “I've been wanting to do that for a long time“ right after they had sex felt so cringe.
The author is so over explaining everything that it gets annoying. It’s all “tell” instead of “show.” And nothing was properly contextualised within the settings of the story. Instead an explanation is just dumped on you. I find it pretty disrespectful when the author won’t let the reader come to their own conclusions and instead dumps a huge amount of info on them. Your audience aren’t idiots, you know.
Also there are moments when the author describes a scene and what is happening but they are missing like chunks of important information. And only after some time this information is revealed, usually in a dialogue, and you're just scratching your head and be like “didn't I just read that entire scene? why wasn't this mentioned if it happened during that scene?”
The narrative lacks any focus and is just meandering all over the place. Nothing is explored in any deep or meaningful way. It’s all pretty shallow.
Transitions between the scenes were jarring and confusing. Sometimes it was really hard to follow the simple time or space of the story.
I didn't like the ending. In the epilogue the author says how we shouldn't vilify people with BPD. But that's what she's doing the entire book. Josephine was never given even a single chance at redemption. I felt no sympathy or compassion from the author towards Josephine. The epilogue felt just like a lip service.
Overall it's bad. It really has nothing interesting to say and it felt pretty slow and boring and drawn out.
As for the rating manipulation, I wrote about it in my previous review. Dr Ana contacted me. She said she paid only for a press release, an editorial review and two awards nominations. She acknowledged that somethin shady was going on with the rating but denied that she has anything to do with it. On my suggestion that she might have profited from this situation Dr Ana said that she has never thought that she has profited from something dishonest. She said that if a bot farm was used she had no knowledge of that and in that case she's also a victim. Think of this as you will but I personally don't believe her. I did ask her to publicly address this.But so far she hasn't. Apparently she did by personally attacking me.
I wish Dr Ana good luck with her writing career and hopefully it will be free of any questionable moments like this.
Bad book and bad rating manipulation
My previous review was deleted. I don’t understand what’s the point of this censorship? It’s just delaying inevitable cuz here we are. You can read the old version of the review where I extensively talk about rating manipulation here.
But in this review I'll mostly focus on the book.
The language of this book isn’t bad. But that’s the only non-bad thing about it. The rest is really bad.
Let’s start with the main characters. Both Zarya and Josephine are so bland. They are so generic that I have trouble trying to describe them. They have no personality or individuality. They have no inner world. And there’s nothing to connect with them on an emotional level because they are so empty. Some of the side characters like Bruno or Amelia or even Zarya’s borderline mom, had more stuff going on than supposedly main heroes of the story.
The dialogue is executed very poorly. Everyone talks the same way. It’s impossible to distinguish characters by the way they talk. And the dialogue in general is dry and verbose. Also Sean telling Zariya “I've been wanting to do that for a long time“ right after they had sex felt so cringe.
The author is so over explaining everything that it gets annoying. It’s all “tell” instead of “show.” And nothing was properly contextualised within the settings of the story. Instead an explanation is just dumped on you. I find it pretty disrespectful when the author won’t let the reader come to their own conclusions and instead dumps a huge amount of info on them. Your audience aren’t idiots, you know.
Also there are moments when the author describes a scene and what is happening but they are missing like chunks of important information. And only after some time this information is revealed, usually in a dialogue, and you're just scratching your head and be like “didn't I just read that entire scene? why wasn't this mentioned if it happened during that scene?”
The narrative lacks any focus and is just meandering all over the place. Nothing is explored in any deep or meaningful way. It’s all pretty shallow.
Transitions between the scenes were jarring and confusing. Sometimes it was really hard to follow the simple time or space of the story.
I didn't like the ending. In the epilogue the author says how we shouldn't vilify people with BPD. But that's what she's doing the entire book. Josephine was never given even a single chance at redemption. I felt no sympathy or compassion from the author towards Josephine. The epilogue felt just like a lip service.
Overall it's bad. It really has nothing interesting to say and it felt pretty slow and boring and drawn out.
As for the rating manipulation, I wrote about it in my previous review. Dr Ana contacted me. She said she paid only for a press release, an editorial review and two awards nominations. She acknowledged that somethin shady was going on with the rating but denied that she has anything to do with it. On my suggestion that she might have profited from this situation Dr Ana said that she has never thought that she has profited from something dishonest. She said that if a bot farm was used she had no knowledge of that and in that case she's also a victim. Think of this as you will but I personally don't believe her. I did ask her to publicly address this.
I wish Dr Ana good luck with her writing career and hopefully it will be free of any questionable moments like this.
April 23, 2025
amazing
June 3, 2025
Love Ana and this book!
June 20, 2025
A beautifully eerie and lyrical tale set against the haunting backdrop of Dead Man’s Cove.
June 20, 2025
amazing!! good book
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