They Call Her Regret

by Channelle Desamours

In this young adult speculative mystery, a teen must find a way to free a cursed witch in order to save her best friend before time runs out.

Every year horror-loving Simone Washington throws an epic Halloween party for her classmates. Party-planning is her favorite escape from the dark secrets in her past, and this year, she’s taking things up a notch with an invitation-only event to celebrate her eighteenth birthday—something that will leave the halls of Pinegrove Academy flooded with gossip about the big ghoulish bash. The overnight stay at Doll’s Head Lake will be filled with spooky pranks and scary stories told by the fire—including the legend of a local witch named Regret.

But those dark secrets from Simone’s past are forced to the surface at the party when her best friend Kira dies under questionable circumstances. The witch appears and offers Simone a if Simone can figure out how to release Regret from the curse trapping her at the lake within fourteen days, all of Simone’s regrets will be erased. If Simone accepts, Kira’s life will be immediately restored. But if she fails, Kira will die again—and Simone will be the one to kill her.

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller, High School

Audible Audio

Expected publication February 17, 2026

About the author

Channelle Desamours is an author and a high school science teacher. When she’s not napping to recover from her five a.m. writing sessions, Channelle can be found building tiny homes on The Sims 4 or cheering for Atlanta United at soccer matches. NEEDY LITTLE THINGS is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Brittany’sBoundByBloodBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only regret I have about They Call Her Regret is that I didn’t clear my schedule before starting it because once I opened it, this witchy mystery had me absolutely spellbound. 🧙‍♀️

I won this book right around Halloween, which felt like perfect timing for a story that leans hard into spooky season: haunted lakes, creepy legends, and an overnight Halloween party that goes terribly, tragically wrong. Simone Washington, horror obsessed party planner and queen of distraction, is such a compelling lead. On the surface she’s all vibes and pranks, but underneath she’s carrying some heavy secrets. When her best friend Kira dies at the party and the legendary witch Regret appears with a horrifying bargain free Regret from her curse in fourteen days or lose Kira forever, the book shifts into a tense, time ticking mystery that blends grief, guilt, and supernatural danger in really satisfying ways.

The writing is beautifully balanced: spooky but not cheesy, emotional without getting melodramatic. The prose flows so smoothly that chapters just… disappear. One minute you’re “just reading a few pages,” and the next thing you know, you’ve burned through half the book and your real regret is how late it suddenly is. The pacing is fast without feeling rushed, every scene feels purposeful, and the tension builds steadily as Simone digs deeper into Regret’s past and her own. I really liked how the story used the witch’s curse as a metaphor for the weight of regret and the temptation to rewrite your past, while still delivering all the eerie campfire story vibes promised by Doll’s Head Lake.

What really worked for me was how grounded the relationships felt, especially Simone’s connection to Kira and the messy, very human ways friends can hurt and fail each other. The supernatural stakes are high, but the emotional stakes are just as sharp, and that’s what makes the ending land so well. This isn’t just a haunted lake story; it’s a story about grief, forgiveness, and what it costs to try to undo the past.

If you like YA horror with heart, cursed witches, and mysteries that keep you turning pages long past your bedtime, They Call Her Regret is absolutely worth conjuring onto your TBR. No hexes needed. 🕯️📖

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s tradition for horror-loving Simone Washington to throw the best and spookiest parties for Halloween. So this year was no different, except that it was going to be on her eighteenth birthday. The thrill of planning and scaring her friends masks her regrets and dark past; she doesn’t want to confront. And if there’s one thing about Simone, it’s that she has many, many masks.

Planning to throw her birthday party at Doll’s Head Lake, Simone thinks of ways to prank her friends, staying true to the spooky past the lake is rumored for, including the legend of a ghost witch named Regret. But when her friend, Kira, dies after falling into the lake, Simone is desperate to do anything to bring her friend back to life–even if it means having to make a deal with a witch. But there’s a catch: Kira will come back to life, but Simone must learn how to set Regret free from the curse of the lake. If she fails to do so, Kira will die again, but Simone will be the one to do it.

I have never been a fan of the horror genre. I am a scaredy cat and have been for a long time. 😅 That is, until recently, when I became a fan of watching gamers play horror games, which helped me overcome my fear of scary stuff. Heck, I even watched The Conjuring series and want to watch all the movies again. 🤷‍♀😂

So, in light of spooky season being here and Halloween quickly approaching (time is flying! 😱), I thought it was fitting that I should read possibly my first horror book. That’s where this gem comes in.

Granted, it’s not as scary as I was hoping it would be. I finished this book at like two o’clock in the morning and slept just fine, whereas The Wasp Trap kept me awake for some inexplicable reason. Make it make sense, Sarah. 🤦‍♀ But it was still deliciously creepy and oh so crazy because ho-ly cow! I was not expecting those plot twists and correlations at all! And that ending? I mean, it’s horror. What did I expect? 😅

Although all the characters were great and did their jobs as characters, I will say it drove me crazy how the lover of horror, Simone, was literally doing everything you are NOT supposed to do when you strike up a deal with a witch. I’m not going to go into too much detail (you have to read the book to find out 😉), but there are certain things you don’t touch, you don’t talk to, and you don’t. Let. In. And I’m going to leave it at that.
But Cory, Simone’s friend and crush, was by far my favorite character. He was so freaking sweet, kind, and such a good friend and person, overall. He’s the best! ☺

Everything else about this book was fantastic. The writing was balanced, flowed flawlessly, and told the story well. There were parts that I didn’t understand, but I think that’s due to editing, so I’m not going to worry about it. The plot was super interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, and made my jaw drop! 😲 I’m still in shock at how everything that went down, and the latter half of the book will live rent-free in my mind until another book takes that place. 😅

If you are looking for an intriguing and creepy story, this book is for you! I totally recommend it! 👻🎃🧡

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own!

❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, & drug and alcohol use.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–just kissing and mentioning it, too. (🌶/5)

[Alyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t exactly a scary horror (maybe more moody/reflective) but there were definitely creepy aspects that were done really well. Sometimes I find it difficult to get into YA but this was everything I like about good YA—the teenagers actually read like teenagers, they mess up, overthink, and don’t magically act like tiny adults with perfect insight. The stakes feel personal and urgent but not world-ending. And like all good horror (IMO), it draws a straight line between the supernatural stuff and how horrifying just being a person can be. Great October read.

[Joseph Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC, winning it on Goodreads.

This is truly a roller coaster of a ride. Twists and turns. A creepy doll and a ghost witch, that wants to be released, from the curse that keeps her at Doll Head Lake.

When Simone, throws a Halloween party at a cabin near Doll Head Lake. A friend ends up dead. Was it an accident, or was he killed?

Regret, shows herself to Simone and gives her 14 days to release her. The stakes are high, because Simone can right everything that went wrong that night.

Or it can get so much worse!

A fast paced page turner, you will not want to put down.

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's her senior year, and to celebrate, Simone is throwing herself a spooky birthday party at a cabin on the lake. She knows to expect some drinking and maybe some poor decisions, but she never thought her party would end with a life-ending accident. But a witch named Regret appears and offers Simone the chance to change things, as long as Simone can figure out how to free Regret from her cursed existence. But that means Simone will have to uncover her own secrets she's kept buried for years, and face her own regrets.

This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I stuck with this one -- I was about a third of the way through the book and when I found myself pretty invested. Definitely a compelling story and appropriately mysterious, with eerie talking dolls and a chilling but complex villain. Elements of the plot are reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.

This is a thriller, so not a feel-good read, but still so compelling. Overall, I liked this!


Violence/murder. Substance abuse.
Some language, including a couple of f-bombs, but not as many as I expected.


Thanks to Libro.fm for the advanced listening copy!

[Rachel Auer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am happy to report that this book is not scary, and I didn't have to DNF it. I thought it would be horror, but it isn't at all.

It's a story about regret, forgiveness, and justice.

I loved that this book wasn't so black and white about what was right and wrong. There were things a lot of the characters were holding onto to protect those they loved, and setting those burdens free helped not only them but those around them. As it was said in the book, "justice for one could be justice for all." That really was the ultimate theme of the story. I loved how it all came together on October 30th, but I also loved all the moments of Simone collecting the information to get her there and break the curse.

It was a well-thought-out story that I'm glad I got to read during spooky season!

*I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.*

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this book in a giveaway and I wanted to read it right away so I could give a review.

Well, this book surpassed my expectations. I have one if few books in the past, some good some bad.

From the beginning, this book grabs you.

A refreshing book about a young girl who gives a party each year for her birthday for all her friends.
This year she wants a party to be different and finds an old cabin in the woods where she can do lots of pranks and scary stuff to our friends.

Let your imagination run for the pranks and cool stuff that could happen in addition to all of this stories wrapped around history of a family and small town.

Really enjoyed the book and so glad that I won it. I not have read it otherwise. But I will read her books in the future.

Thank you for the giveaway
Happy reading:)

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF..

I couldn't finish the book. It just didn't hold my interest. The story was just ok. It dragged on at times.

[Kara Garn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect going into this book, and before long I was drawn into this world that had many layers and twists. I found myself trying to guess what would happen next, and the story really kept me guessing along the way!
It even gave me some nostalgic feels to reading Goosebumps as a kid.

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you discover a book purely by chance and end up genuinely grateful for whatever twist of fate put it in your hands. They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours was exactly that kind of unexpected find for me, a book I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own but ended up thoroughly enjoying despite some frustrations along the way.

The setup immediately establishes the kind of teenage energy that drives so many great horror stories: Simone throws elaborate birthday parties for her friend group every year, and this time she wants to elevate things beyond the usual celebrations. She discovers an old cabin deep in the woods that seems perfect for creating the kind of memorable, scary experience her friends will talk about for years.

What starts as party planning quickly spirals into something far more dangerous when the cabin’s history reveals itself. Desamours weaves together the immediate teenage drama with the darker backstory of the location, connecting present-day shenanigans to a family’s tragic past and the small town secrets that never quite stay buried.

The pacing grabbed me from the opening chapters and maintained momentum throughout. Desamours understands how to structure reveals so you’re constantly learning new information that recontextualizes what you thought you understood. The layers of history surrounding the cabin and the town itself add depth that elevates this beyond simple slasher fare.

The characterization across the board felt solid—each friend in the group has distinct personality and purpose rather than simply existing as potential victims. Desamours gives them enough individuality that you care about their fates while also understanding how their specific traits make them vulnerable to the unfolding horror.

However, and this is where I wanted to reach through the pages and shake someone, Simone’s choices drove me absolutely insane. Here is a character who supposedly loves horror, who should theoretically know all the rules about what not to do when supernatural forces are involved. And yet she proceeds to violate basically every single guideline about dealing with witches and curses. It created this particular kind of horror movie frustration where you’re screaming at the protagonist to stop being so recklessly stupid while also understanding that without those choices, there wouldn’t be a story.

The witch-related mythology and the specific nature of the curse felt fresh rather than recycled from a dozen other books. Desamours has clearly thought through the rules of her supernatural world, creating something that feels internally consistent even when characters are making terrible decisions about engaging with it.

The small town setting with its buried secrets and complicated family histories provides rich material. Desamours explores how communities carry trauma across generations, how some stories get preserved while others get deliberately forgotten, and how the past refuses to stay buried no matter how hard people try to ignore it.

The prank elements that initially seem like harmless fun take on darker implications as the real danger reveals itself. What the friends thought would be controlled scares become genuinely threatening situations, and Desamours handles that escalation effectively without making the shift feel abrupt or unmotivated.

Desamours’ writing style flows smoothly, maintaining readability even during more complex revelations about the cabin’s history and the curse’s mechanics. She balances exposition with action well, providing necessary context without bogging down the forward momentum.

I did encounter some sections that confused me, moments where character motivations or plot developments didn’t quite track. These felt like editing issues rather than fundamental story problems, places where perhaps a scene got cut or rearranged during revision without fully adjusting the surrounding material. They were noticeable but not frequent enough to seriously damage my overall enjoyment.

The balance between teenage friendship dynamics and supernatural horror worked well. The relationships feel authentic, these read like actual friend groups with their own histories, inside jokes, and tensions. When the horror elements intrude on their celebration, the disruption feels genuinely threatening because we’ve invested in their connections.

The stakes escalate naturally as more information about the cabin and its previous occupants comes to light. Desamours doesn’t rush toward the climax but instead builds tension steadily, allowing dread to accumulate as the friends realize they’ve gotten themselves into something far more dangerous than they understood.

They Call Her Regret demonstrates real promise from Desamours as a horror writer. She understands genre conventions well enough to both honor and subvert them, creating something that feels familiar without being derivative.

For readers who like:
The Final Girls Support Group or There’s Someone Inside Your House, anyone who enjoyed The Witch for its folklore elements, readers seeking YA horror with genuine scares, and those who appreciate small town secrets mixed with supernatural threats.

Final Verdict
They Call Her Regret is an engaging supernatural horror novel that succeeds more often than it stumbles. While protagonist choices may frustrate genre-savvy readers and some editing issues create occasional confusion, Channelle Desamours has crafted an entertaining story with solid pacing and genuinely creepy elements. The combination of teenage friendship dynamics with witch-based horror creates something that will appeal to YA readers while also satisfying adult horror fans seeking quick, engaging reads. I’m genuinely curious to see what Desamours writes next, as this debut shows real skill at balancing character work with supernatural threats. Sometimes the books you stumble across accidentally turn out to be the most rewarding, and this was definitely one of those happy accidents.

Grateful to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Channelle Desamours for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[CrackCabbage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters: Not many likable (main) characters, but that’s not really an issue. The characters were fleshed out, had their own issues and internal struggles, they had secrets and distinct personalities. I didn’t find myself flipping back and forth trying to remember who was who because everyone was different, even in the way they spoke. Even side characters who phased out of relevance after a few chapters all had things that set them apart. I could tell you the names of side characters I liked and couldn’t stand (hypothetically, it’s 6 in the morning).

Setting: The setting wasn’t very memorable for me, all that really came through was that it was in a small-ish town with a lot of history behind it. The general setting wasn’t
too big of a deal, moreso certain areas of the town, so that’s a non-issue. I will say the way the characters speak doesn’t date the novel. There wasn’t much usage of modern slang, which is always good to me. If the year of the story isn’t integral to the plot, it’s best to leave out certain slang terms, in my opinion.

Plot: I’m a big fan of the plot line, there were some things that I felt didn’t add much or were slightly overdone, but overall it kept me hooked for the three hours it took to read and I didn’t find myself wanting to put the book down.

☆☆☆

Someone really likes be more chill (guy named rich catches fire, anyone?). It wasn’t until 56% that my brain stopped reading cameron as cameroon.

My new year’s resolution (only one this year, trying to be realistic for once) is to read more books. It’s January 1st and I’m locked in. I’m really liking this book and the pacing. I started at around 2:45am and almost exactly two hours later I’m at 73%. I thought at first the timeline the book gave would be too short, but I enjoy it a lot. I’m a huge hater of book endings usually (I’ve just always been like that, even my favorite book needed more, but that might just be due to enjoyment), but I have hopes for this story. I have an idea of where it’ll end up, but there have been a bunch of small clues that I know will mean something and I’m actually excited to see how it gets wrapped up.

I don’t know if it’s because they live in a small town or what, I grew up in a decent sized city and less than a month after my 18th birthday, I was caught in a similar (but not similar at all) situation (long story, someone died, they knew who did it, but they still needed to ask questions bc I was there and that’s their job) where I wasn’t allowed any of the same things that they would’ve given me had I still been 17. I was treated like a full adult and it was rough. Ended up with PTSD which goes great with my other acronyms. Not a diss on the story, but is it really a review by me if I don’t go off on a personal tangent at least once? Nope!

I’m at 84% and I felt kinda bad for the main character up until this point, but knowing what I know now, I really hope this falls into the trope where the only way to release someone from a spell is to take their place. This bitch is lowkey evil.

At the end of the book and lowkey every single character sucks ass. Like I get having flawed characters, but damn everyone’s a criminal. The only one that wasn’t was Rich. And he fuckin died. He sucked, but his only crime was being, excuse the language, a man-whore.

I didn’t expect the book to end on new year’s which is a bit silly, but it makes me happy :)

As expected, I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, but it’s one of the better ones I’ve read recently.

Finished the book at 5:35am~ so about a three hour read, I enjoyed it and besides some minor issues, I would recommend this book. Characters don’t have to be good people for a book to be good. I really want mcdonald’s. I’ve been craving it this entire time, they put subliminal messaging into this book.

4.5/5



if my review doesn’t seem too good, just know that i’ve been awake for way too long and am ending my day at 6am after powering through the entire book in one sitting 🙏

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Channelle Desamours’ “They Call Her Regret” is a haunting, emotional, and deeply human exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the ghosts (both literal and metaphorical) that we carry with us. Equal parts mystery, supernatural thriller, and lyrical coming-of-age tale, this story combines atmosphere, heartache, and suspense into something unforgettable.

Set around the eerie Doll Head Lake, the story follows Simone, a teenager still reeling from shared trauma and guilt tied to her ex–best friend Cory. When she throws a Halloween party at a cabin near the lake, tragedy strikes; a friend ends up dead, and Simone’s life spirals into a tangled web of secrets, supernatural warnings, and buried regret. Soon, a ghost known as “Regret” appears, giving Simone fourteen days to uncover the truth behind her death and the curse that binds her. The mystery that follows is layered, emotional, and surprisingly tender, combining ghostly horror with a grounded look at grief and redemption.

Desamours’ writing is strikingly beautiful; it’s poetic without pretension, rich in emotional depth, and filled with haunting imagery that lingers long after the final page. The atmosphere is thick with tension: abandoned dolls in the woods, ghostly whispers, and a creeping sense that something or someone is always watching. Yet the book never relies solely on scares. Instead, it uses its supernatural elements to mirror the horror of real human emotions: guilt, loss, and the fear of never being able to make things right.

Simone is a standout protagonist. She is flawed, sometimes impulsive, and achingly real. Her regret over her past mistakes drives the story, and her search for forgiveness feels both personal and universal. The dynamic between Simone and Cory is a highlight: their friendship, fractured by trauma but laced with love, slowly rebuilds into something genuine and moving. Readers will find themselves rooting for both characters as they face not only the curse of Doll Head Lake but also their own inner demons.

While “They Call Her Regret” delivers plenty of eerie moments like with haunted dolls, vengeful ghosts, and bone-chilling warnings, it’s more moody and reflective than outright terrifying. The horror here is psychological, emotional, and deeply introspective. Desamours excels at connecting the supernatural with the human, showing how our own regrets can haunt us just as much as any spirit.

By the time the final revelations unfold, the story crescendos into a powerful, bittersweet ending that ties its mysteries together while leaving just enough open-ended possibility for reflection or perhaps a sequel.

Overall, “They Call Her Regret” is a haunting, beautifully written ghost story that focuses on emotional reckoning. Channelle Desamours delivers a chilling yet tender meditation on grief, guilt, and the courage it takes to forgive yourself. Lyrical, layered, and deeply affecting, this is not just a horror story; it’s an elegy for the mistakes that make us human.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚They Call Her Regret
✍🏻Channelle Desamours
Blurb:
In this young adult speculative mystery, a teen must find a way to free a cursed witch in order to save her best friend before time runs out.

Every year horror-loving Simone Washington throws an epic Halloween party for her classmates. Party-planning is her favorite escape from the dark secrets in her past, and this year, she’s taking things up a notch with an invitation-only event to celebrate her eighteenth birthday—something that will leave the halls of Pinegrove Academy flooded with gossip about the big ghoulish bash. The overnight stay at Doll’s Head Lake will be filled with spooky pranks and scary stories told by the fire—including the legend of a local witch named Regret.

But those dark secrets from Simone’s past are forced to the surface at the party when her best friend Kira dies under questionable circumstances. The witch appears and offers Simone a deal: if Simone can figure out how to release Regret from the curse trapping her at the lake within fourteen days, all of Simone’s regrets will be erased. If Simone accepts, Kira’s life will be immediately restored. But if she fails, Kira will die again—and Simone will be the one to kill her.
My Thoughts:
When Simone Washington's friend, Kira, dies at her annual Halloween party under questionable circumstances, a witch called Regret offers Simone a deal: choose someone else to die and then figure out how to free Regret in 14 days or her friend will d*e again. If she accepts, Kira's life will be restored, if not Kira will d*e at Simone's hand. I was hooked from beginning to end. A creepy doll and a ghost witch, that wants to be released, from the curse that keeps her at Doll Head Lake. I highly recommend this book, Add it to you TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Wednesday Books and Author Channel Desamours for the advanced copy of "They Call Her Regret" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#WednesdayBooks
#ChannelDesamours
#TheyCallHerRegret
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Child death, Grief

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Simone has been living with serious regret for a long time, but now she's living with regret AND Regret. Like most YA novels, the symbolism and messaging are very clear here, and Desamours takes an intriguing approach to teaching readers important life lessons in a fun and creepy way.

Simone loves to party plan, and this is a great deflection from her daily struggles. She's been living with feelings of abandonment by her mother for a long time, and she also has a great deal of guilt around the death of an important person in her life. That guilt is layered, and learning more about what it is and why her feelings are so complex is a true highlight of the novel. While Simone has high hopes for this party, things go so wrong there, and this puts her into the strange, supernatural realm of all things speculative. If you, like me, are a diehard fan of the utterly bonkers 1987 hit (that might be a strong word here) _Dolls_ (and I am a fan of any movie where someone is unironically dressed like '80s Madonna), then you, too, will be very into the way Desamours integrates the witchy elements here.

Clearly, Simone has a lot to manage and learn, but the good news is that she's a YA protagonist. She's not guaranteed a happy ending, but she will learn and she will grow, and readers will enjoy watching her on this journey. On a related note, I really liked the budding relationship in Simone's life, but I appreciated even more that it wasn't all she was about. There's much more to her and to her journey. She's a character audiences of all ages can root for and learn from, too.

On top of the supernatural and character driven wins in this novel, there are some nice twists and solidly creepy horror elements. There is a lot to like here, and for me, this is another consecutive hit from this author. I'll look forward to recommending it to students and beyond.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Libro.fm for this arc and alc respectively, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

THEY CALL HER REGRET by Channelle Desamours (Feb 17, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the earc

When Simone Washington's friend, Kira, d*es at her annual Halloween party under questionable circumstances, a witch called Regret offers Simone a deal: choose someone else to die and then figure out how to free Regret in 14 days or her friend will d*e again. If she accepts, Kira's life will be restored, if not Kira will d*e at Simone's hand.
THEY CALL HER REGRET is a haunting novel about how far one will go to save their best friend, how far one will go to save their own life. This YA novel is intriguing, and though the premise is familiar, Desamours' take on making a deal with the "Devil" (the woman called Regret) per se is unique and wicked.
The beginning of this started a tad slow. That's not a bad thing. I felt that it helped lead to the bigger picture, slowly building up the suspense---plus the mention of the creepy dolls added to the horror. As the story progressed (which is when Kira d*es), everything takes a turn. One that is emotionally turbulent, vicious, and witchy. THEY CALL HER REGRET is quite the tale. There's a darkness that coats the characters who are rich in dramatics and flaws. Simone, the main character most of all.
I really enjoyed Desamours' debut, and THEY CALL HER REGRET has similar vibes: speculative in nature with mystery mixed throughout. This plays out in a way that had me feeling sorry for the characters as I judged their many, many terrible decisions. Though, a lot of Simone's decisions were understandable.
As this book came to a close, a lot is revealed about Simone, about a lot of the characters actually. There were a few twists that added to the plot, and a few were even shocking. There was one in particular that left me speechless---specifically the whodunit in the bigger picture. Highly recommend

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Stepping a little outside my usual thriller comfort zone paid off in a big way with this one. ✨

Speculative YA fiction isn’t typically my go-to, but this story immediately intrigued me—and it absolutely delivered. I chose to experience it as an immersion read, which was the perfect decision and allowed me to fully sink into the world Channelle Desamours so thoughtfully created.

One of the standout elements for me was the way cultural influences were woven into the story. They added meaningful texture and made the world feel grounded and authentic without slowing the pacing. The audiobook narration by Kristolyn Loyd enhanced this even further. Her voice felt completely age-appropriate for the FMC, and her pacing worked beautifully at 1x speed. From a technical standpoint, her inflection and tone remained clear even when adjusting playback speed—which is always appreciated.

I really enjoyed the mashup of thriller and paranormal elements. The story is full of twists that keep the momentum going while still leaving room for character growth. What stood out most was the focus on the FMC and the decisions she’s forced to make. These choices aren’t impulsive or fleeting—she has to reflect on them, live with them, and understand their consequences. That reflective element gives the story a subtle coming-of-age feel as she learns more about herself, her limits, and what she’s willing to risk for the people she cares about.

🖤 In the end, this slightly spooky YA thriller doesn’t just entertain—it invites readers to think about how their own choices might look when the stakes are high and there’s no easy answer.


I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC and eARC from Macmillan Audio and Wednesday Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing UK, the author and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exhange for an honest review! :-)

This is all I like in a good mystery novel: a witchy mystery with a plot twist that changes the life of our main character.

If I had to describe They Call Her Regret in a few words I would say : birthday party, haunted lake, best friend, witch and mystery.
Simone Washington, horror lover and incredible party planner decided that her eighteenth birthday will take place at Doll’s Head Lake. However, she had no idea it would become the worst day of her life. Her best friend, Kira dies this evening, and she is forced to seal a deal with legendary local witch, Regret. Will she be able to free the witch within fourteen days to save the life of her best friend?

This time ticking mystery is quite well constructed. I also think it is right in its age range: not too scary but scary enough that you are pulled into the story and want to know what will happen.
The characters are well written - you can sense the entertwined relationships all have. For instance, I instantly felt how heavy Kira, Richard and Simone’s relatinship was. I loooved Cory, Simone’s friend (and crush), supernatural blog author and co-investigator. He was so sweet and kind, but also stable, something Simone needs during her quest.

I read it during Christmas but I would say it is a perfect quick read for October, in light of spooky season!!

If you are looking for a small town mystery, a cool duo and creepy vibes, then this book is for you!

4 ⭐

[Kandace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway months ago, and I kept telling myself pick it up and start it, but I just couldn’t. Not until this week. And let me tell you, when I started I couldn’t stop.

The gist of They Call Her Regret? Horror-loving Simone Washington always plans the best Halloween parties. She goes all out. She’s got secrets she’s hiding, people and relationships she’s hiding— and when her friends invite one of those secrets to her annual party she has to make plans for a new party. Her best friend Kira dies in a murky way, and a ghost/spirit/specter/lost soul offers Simone a deal: she’ll bring Kira back and erase her regrets if she agrees to free Regret from her curse by Halloween. If she fails? Kira’s fated to die by Simone’s hands.

We watch Simone as she tries to free Regret, learning about who she was and how her story is tied to her town’s history. Along the way she has to face ugly truths and pasts that she’s tried to bury. It seems like everything with crumple around her until the dots start connecting.

Marketing this as a thriller and suspenseful book was right. The twists and turns the story took caught me by surprise and had me on the edge of my seat. It’s not just a paranormal book though. It’s a book about forgiveness. A book about grief. Friendship. About regret.

4 ⭐️ / 5. It was slow to start, but once Simone meets Regret, all bets are off and things ramp up quick. How Channelle Desamours connected all the pieces together in this book was truly something. Doing that and giving a story on a young girl having to come to terms with some dark secrets? She told a fantastic story. Truly something all should at least try to read.

[Karis · Rating 3 out of 5]

~~Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!~~

I really wanted to love this, especially after Desamours' amazing debut last February, but it just didn't live up to those expectations for me.

If the title of the book didn't make the themes obvious, then the story will sure beat you over the head with it consistently. Simone is riddled with a lot of regret that constantly haunt her, pushing her to do what she does. Although the exact stories behind those regrets are sprinkled/revealed in pieces, her thoughts constantly revolving around them gets repetitive after a while. Her flaws and questionable choices do make up for it, though, making her an interesting character to follow. There's also a lot of side characters who don't do a lot besides give info Simone needs to solve the mystery, but the few that are important, like Kira, Cory, and Regret, do get their moments. Mama Dede only had one chapter, but she was the one who intrigued me the most; I wish she was present more in the story.

The mystery was on and off for me. On one hand, I really liked the exploration of Regret's backstory and what lead her to become the haunting she became. On the other hand, there were moments were it dragged, especially when the paragraphs were thick and blocky. So much of the details could've been separated into different paragraphs; it would've made it easier for me to read, personally.

All in all, this was a fine read, but not quite what I wanted from Desamours. I can only hope I'll enjoy her next work whenever that comes.

[Julie Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Simone loves all things spooky, scary, and Halloween. In fact, she's well known for throwing the best Halloween parties every year. When she reads a blog post by her former friend, Corey, about Doll's Head Lake, she decides to throw the party two weeks early, on her 18th birthday. Her best friend Kira helps to plan, excited that Simone is finally celebrating her birthday, and Kira's older sister offers the perfect location--her aunt's cabin right on Doll's Head Lake. The night starts off like any Halloween party with candy, games and spooky stories around the campfire. However, the night takes a turn when Kira dies after a fall in the lake, and Simone meets Regret. Regret offers Simone a deal-she'll swap Kira's life for another of Simone's choice, and Simone has until Halloween to free Regret from her purgatory.

This book was so good and truly creepy. It was a great YA Horror. To be honest, Kira annoyed me. She was a terrible friend to Simone for 99% of the book and super passive aggressive, Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book. The author did such a good job of creating each seen that I felt like I was with Simone at Mama Dee's and the lake. I do feel like there were a few threads that didn't make sense at the end, but I won't get into that too much as you'll have to read.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press/Wednesday Books along with the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although this is Channelle's sophomore release, I have yet to read anything from her. I do have her first book currently on my TBR and I am even more excited to get to it now, after enjoying my reading experience with "They Call Her Regret".

The story centres around a girl named Simone Washington. She loves party planning and this year decides to celebrate her 18th birthday by holding an invite-only event. Little does she know that the night will take an unexpected turn for the worst. Secrets from the past will come to fruition while she goes toe to toe with the town's urban legend, a witch called Regret.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Simone is a character that has so much depth and you want to learn more about her past to help you better understand her actions during the present day. The supplementary cast is also a joy to read about.

If YA horror/thrillers are your vibe, definitely check this out...just be careful not to make a deal with Regret....

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Call Her Regret is an emotional and atmospheric YA story that blends urban legend with personal grief and impossible choices. Simone, who loves all things spooky and Halloween, decides to throw a birthday party at Doll’s Head Lake, a place tied to the chilling legend of a witch named Regret. The night begins with games and campfire stories, but takes a tragic turn when Simone’s best friend Kira dies after falling into the lake.

Regret, the fabled witch, offers Simone a deal. She will trade another life to bring Kira back. But Simone needs to free Regret from her purgatory before Halloween or Kira will die again. I was deeply invested in how Simone might navigate this haunting bargain and save her friend. The eerie setting and slow-building tension kept me hooked, and the ending was satisfying and well placed. This is a compelling YA read with emotional stakes and a haunting atmosphere.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[DizzyWisp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simone(a horror loving teen) is turning 18 and decides to throw a birthday bash at Doll's Head Lake. A spooky themed party that comes with a spooky legend of a witch named Regret!

After party fun turns to tragedy, Simone is faced with making a deal with the witch Regret. Little did Simone know, she now has a deadline to free Regret's soul, save her best friend, and face the personal regrets she's been hiding from herself.

Read this chilling book to find out what happens when a past of regrets meets the witch of regret. The tension, the twists, and the ending. *chef's kiss*

My only reason for 4 stars is because the pacing was too fast for me. I wanted more detail, maybe more interactions with characters. Otherwise it is perfect! Well written and structured.

Also side-note: I loved Mama Dee. Also Gabby Greta scenes were top notch. My spooky middle schooler can't wait to dive in and tell her friends about it too.

**Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity of this early release copy!

[Estibaliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, thank you to Wednesday Books and Goodreads for providing me with an ARC of 'They Call Her Regret', that should be hitting the shelves on my birthday (February 17th).

This was the perfect mix of horror, sleuthing and teen drama, giving you enough of all of those elements to keep you thoroughly engaged and entertained, from the first page till the very last one. Although I have to say, one of my main problems with this story, preventing it from getting a higher rating that the actual 4.25 stars I am actually giving it; one of my little issues with this book, then, is that ending, that didn't personally give me the resolution I was hoping for, even though one could say it's still fit for the story.

I also would have liked it if the narration wouldn't have been so centered in our MC, Simone, and we would have had the opportunity to see more of other characters, mainly Kira, but also maybe Cory too, or even Regret herself.

Nonetheless, this was a propulsive YA read, with both a plot and a narrative that makes it easy to read and enjoyable. Fun!

[Kimmie Cury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a fast paced thriller mystery ( not horror) YA story that I surprisingly enjoyed very much! It is certainly more of a speculative mystery with some heartfelt and serious themes and that was a good thing. Simone Washington is a horror loving high school over-achiever and when it comes to throwing the best Halloween party she doesn't disappoint. But when A friend ends up dead, Was it an accident, or was he killed? A witch named Regret appears and offers Simone the chance to change things, as long as Simone can figure out how to free Regret from her cursed existence. But that means Simone will have to uncover her own secrets she's kept buried for years, and face her own regrets. What unfolds is a story of regret and redemption and the journey to get there- complete with some spooky twists and turns.

A solid story that I would recommend for fans of spooky genres and thrillers.

[Singe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for early access of this story.


They call her Regret…and I regret to say that this was not good…. The concept was interesting and could have been something. But the author stirred it into a different direction.

Right off the bat, Simone feels like Bella Swan written by Disney Channel. The pick me girl.. most of the main characters were frustrating.

The pacing wasn’t bad, it was consistent until the middle of the book where it slowed down and started to feel repetitive. Every clue was like “ A clue!! ……..Anyway” Felt like we weren’t going anywhere.
The ending did have a very good twist but it didn’t happen until chapter 35… there are 37 chapters…. It felt rushed .

Also this is a thriller and a horror. Wasn’t scary at all…Even though there is a creepy ghost witch from the lake…felt nothing…

Overall I’m sad that this ended up only being 2⭐️

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenager Simone throws a Halloween party for a few friends at a local remote spot called Doll’s Head Lake which ends with the accidental death of her best friend Kira. A witch called Regret appears and offers her a deal – if she can find a way to free Regret within fourteen days, the evening’s events will be reversed and Kira will live.
This is a perfect Halloween read; its not horror, rather it is spooky/creepy/chilling with an element of the paranormal thrown in. The characters are typical teenagers: they mess up, ignore common sense rules and only see their own view of the world but still their efforts to discover the truth are Regret’s best chance at release.
This is an intriguing and well plotted mystery, a story of finding justice and letting go of regrets. I loved the ending – this is how all creepy stories should end!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

[Sierra Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. Although this is an advance reader copy, I won it in a Goodreads drawing. **


With that disclaimer out of the way I would love to share my genuine thoughts about this book, They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours. I absolutely loved it! The author did such a good job bringing together some of my favorite horror elements. Including but not limited to Black girl magic, mystery, metal health/psychological thriller components, and unpredictable twists and turns! I also love the author's writing style where she immerses you the story. The settings, characters, and plot are so well developed and I found myself feeling emotionally invested from page 1!!! 5 star read!

[Kate R H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Negally Arc for allowing me to read this book!

This book had me in so many twists and turn just from the beginning of it.
I'd say if you like to be on the edge of your seat & like reading thrillers this book is for you.

I have to say the witch is very spooky she gives me the creeps.
The girl Simone plans her 18th birthday party at a haunted lake for Halloween.
Before she knows it her bestfriend is drowning in the lake & now she will have to pay the price of regret.

The witch allows her to save her bestfriend & bring her back to life. Simone must learn how to set Regret free from the curse of the lake. If she fails to do so, Kira will die again, but Simone will be the one to do it.

I have never been a fan of the horror genre. I am a scaredy cat and have been for a long time.

[Mathilde Frederiksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually reading horror mysteries, so I was happy to be able to get through it (… I can get spooked easily!). I enjoyed how the story slowly built up, the introduction of more and more characters as we progressed, the role magic takes in this modern day world, and the internal journey Simone (the main protagonist) is going through.

Some good plot twists, a very intriguing investigation leading to juicy family secrets being revealed, and enough spookiness to keep you reading until the end.
I enjoyed how no character is perfect, and that despite their past actions, they can find their way to redemption and mutual forgiveness….

Overall really interesting read, well-written and entertaining! Definitely recommending it ✨