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Invasive Species
“Dark and delectable. I gobbled this book up and enjoyed every last bite.“
—Kirsten Miller, author of The Change and The Women of Wild Hill
The women in Cold Harbor all have something to prove, and they'll have to do it in a world full of monsters.
Something’s not right in Cold Harbor—more so than usual. While this sleepy small town has seen its fair share of monsters in cheating husbands and leering bosses, none are as hungry as Mrs. Smith. The mysterious resident has finally emerged from her crumbling mansion on the hill, mesmerizing the townspeople with her beauty. Her secret? Nine human sacrifices to feed her immortality.
Natalie Scott is more worried about Mrs. Smith blocking her first real estate sale—the one that will take her from stay-at-home mom to working woman extraordinaire. She's eager to prove herself in a world where the social mores of 1980s suburbia reign, where she's expected to keep a magazine-perfect home and raise beautiful children, all while sticking to her husband's budget. Natalie's two best friends are facing their own demons, and Mrs. Smith and her deep, dark woods are an easy scapegoat for everyone's problems.
But Natalie's twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, and her Icelandic housekeeper, Una, can sense something deeper at play. Armed with library books and a whole lot of grit, Jill and Una team up to save the town once and for all. But as the rest of Cold Harbor sinks into anger, fear, and jealousy, they’ll have to confront the What does it really mean to be a monster?
—Kirsten Miller, author of The Change and The Women of Wild Hill
The women in Cold Harbor all have something to prove, and they'll have to do it in a world full of monsters.
Something’s not right in Cold Harbor—more so than usual. While this sleepy small town has seen its fair share of monsters in cheating husbands and leering bosses, none are as hungry as Mrs. Smith. The mysterious resident has finally emerged from her crumbling mansion on the hill, mesmerizing the townspeople with her beauty. Her secret? Nine human sacrifices to feed her immortality.
Natalie Scott is more worried about Mrs. Smith blocking her first real estate sale—the one that will take her from stay-at-home mom to working woman extraordinaire. She's eager to prove herself in a world where the social mores of 1980s suburbia reign, where she's expected to keep a magazine-perfect home and raise beautiful children, all while sticking to her husband's budget. Natalie's two best friends are facing their own demons, and Mrs. Smith and her deep, dark woods are an easy scapegoat for everyone's problems.
But Natalie's twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, and her Icelandic housekeeper, Una, can sense something deeper at play. Armed with library books and a whole lot of grit, Jill and Una team up to save the town once and for all. But as the rest of Cold Harbor sinks into anger, fear, and jealousy, they’ll have to confront the What does it really mean to be a monster?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2026
192 people are currently reading
5006 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
62 books5,358 followersUSA Today and New York Times bestseller author Ellery Adams has written over forty novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a Native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, and rescue animals. She likes to spend her free time rearranging the bookshelves in her home in central North Carolina.
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
May 4, 2026
The antagonist of this story is like if Miranda Priestly, Pennywise The Clown, and an octopus/eel/siren ancient sea god had a baby 😂
This takes place in a small New England coastal town and is about an ancient sea monster known as Mrs. Smith that’s hiding in suburbia. Every 100 years it has to eat 9 children in order to extend its life cycle, and as a new cycle nears, Mrs. Smith gets prepares to hunt.
I went into this completely blind and had an absolute blast!! About 50% of the story is told from Mrs. Smiths perspective, and it was some of the most fun I’ve had reading this year- her POVs are sharp and brutal while maintaining and sort of diva-esq comedy that was just so incredibly fun to read.
Unfortunately, the ending wasn’t as insane as I was hoping it would be and it was a little anticlimactic/rushed after the massive buildup, but I still really enjoyed it and will be recommending it often!
This takes place in a small New England coastal town and is about an ancient sea monster known as Mrs. Smith that’s hiding in suburbia. Every 100 years it has to eat 9 children in order to extend its life cycle, and as a new cycle nears, Mrs. Smith gets prepares to hunt.
I went into this completely blind and had an absolute blast!! About 50% of the story is told from Mrs. Smiths perspective, and it was some of the most fun I’ve had reading this year- her POVs are sharp and brutal while maintaining and sort of diva-esq comedy that was just so incredibly fun to read.
Unfortunately, the ending wasn’t as insane as I was hoping it would be and it was a little anticlimactic/rushed after the massive buildup, but I still really enjoyed it and will be recommending it often!
April 18, 2026
A cozy creature feature with good character development.
September 27, 2025
Wonderfully weird; I could not put this book down!!
Humorous at times, super creepy and unnerving at others, Invasive Species is a clash of 1980s-flavored domestic drama and mythological horror, with demons of both the supernatural and everyday sort.
I usually don't like it when a book offers the antagonist's POV, but this was definitely an exception, and I thought it was really well done. The whole thing felt super cinematic, and I could 100% see it being adapted into a movie or TV series.
I've been in a reading slump for over a month now, struggling to finish any book, but this one I devoured without pause. Highly recommend!
(Also, Ellery Adams, if you see this, I need an Una x Kristof prequel because I adored them and Una's backstory was incredible!)
Humorous at times, super creepy and unnerving at others, Invasive Species is a clash of 1980s-flavored domestic drama and mythological horror, with demons of both the supernatural and everyday sort.
I usually don't like it when a book offers the antagonist's POV, but this was definitely an exception, and I thought it was really well done. The whole thing felt super cinematic, and I could 100% see it being adapted into a movie or TV series.
I've been in a reading slump for over a month now, struggling to finish any book, but this one I devoured without pause. Highly recommend!
(Also, Ellery Adams, if you see this, I need an Una x Kristof prequel because I adored them and Una's backstory was incredible!)
April 10, 2026
OK.
This was weird! But in a good way?? Is that even a thing??
Mrs. Smith is definitely NOT your average neighbor. As a matter of fact… no one ever sees her leave her house! Yet she’s been living there for years!
So, when the Bernstein’s are having a Bar Mitzvah for their son, and they need to get permission from ‘Mrs. Smith’ to set them off near her land, well…all sorts of strange things start happening. She will only agree if certain terms are met… and then it gets really interesting!
While all of this is happening, strange things also start happening in the small town of Cold Harbor…on Long Island, NY. (aka Cold Spring Harbor?? Right near where I actually live?? Hmmmm…🫣🤔)
There’s a small group of neighborhood women who are all friends. They each have their own agenda, though… One is trying desperately to have a baby. One is trying to establish herself as a working woman…( This seems to take place in the 1980’s… so it’s not as easy as you might think…. )And one is very wealthy, and planning her son’s big party. However they are ALL interested in finding out WHO Mrs. Smith actually is! And, what she’s up to!
When one of the group’s husbands starts a dalliance with Mrs. Smith, after purchasing a very expensive car from him, well…they all want to get involved… to help her and protect her….
But they soon find out that Mrs. Smith has BIGGER plans…like, huge…
And, who are the ones who are actually going to intercede and try to fix all of this… none other than two youngsters and a housekeeper…who has her own theories on this wretched woman…
But what they go through to try and fix this, right this wrong… well, creepy and scary, to say the least.
Think…EELS…Big Eels…with lots of tentacles… and sharp razor like teeth…
If this catches your attention, don’t pass this one by! If you are freaked out by the description…please do not pick it up! As there’s a lot more gory stuff in this book…
#InvasiveSpecies by @ElleryAdams and narrated nicely by @CourtneyPatterson.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!
*** This one HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!!! Look 👀 for it starting on 4/14/26!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
This was weird! But in a good way?? Is that even a thing??
Mrs. Smith is definitely NOT your average neighbor. As a matter of fact… no one ever sees her leave her house! Yet she’s been living there for years!
So, when the Bernstein’s are having a Bar Mitzvah for their son, and they need to get permission from ‘Mrs. Smith’ to set them off near her land, well…all sorts of strange things start happening. She will only agree if certain terms are met… and then it gets really interesting!
While all of this is happening, strange things also start happening in the small town of Cold Harbor…on Long Island, NY. (aka Cold Spring Harbor?? Right near where I actually live?? Hmmmm…🫣🤔)
There’s a small group of neighborhood women who are all friends. They each have their own agenda, though… One is trying desperately to have a baby. One is trying to establish herself as a working woman…( This seems to take place in the 1980’s… so it’s not as easy as you might think…. )And one is very wealthy, and planning her son’s big party. However they are ALL interested in finding out WHO Mrs. Smith actually is! And, what she’s up to!
When one of the group’s husbands starts a dalliance with Mrs. Smith, after purchasing a very expensive car from him, well…they all want to get involved… to help her and protect her….
But they soon find out that Mrs. Smith has BIGGER plans…like, huge…
And, who are the ones who are actually going to intercede and try to fix all of this… none other than two youngsters and a housekeeper…who has her own theories on this wretched woman…
But what they go through to try and fix this, right this wrong… well, creepy and scary, to say the least.
Think…EELS…Big Eels…with lots of tentacles… and sharp razor like teeth…
If this catches your attention, don’t pass this one by! If you are freaked out by the description…please do not pick it up! As there’s a lot more gory stuff in this book…
#InvasiveSpecies by @ElleryAdams and narrated nicely by @CourtneyPatterson.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!
*** This one HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!!! Look 👀 for it starting on 4/14/26!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
April 17, 2026
Wow! I’ve read quite a few of Ellery’s books and I’ve loved them all. She's such a generous and kind-hearted person. You have to check out her latest release; it’s truly something special! I just finished “Invasive Species,” and let me tell you, it’s a thrilling mix of mystery, fantasy, horror, suspense, and so much packed into one book! It’s a major departure from her cozy mysteries, and I absolutely adored it. I’m thrilled to see her stepping out of her usual style. It gave me chills! Definitely a solid 5/5 shiny stars!
The story unfolds in a close-knit community of 1980s housewives and their suburban dramas. Enter Mrs. Smith, who is not your typical neighbor in Cold Harbor, Long Island. Everyone is trying to maintain a picture-perfect life until two children vanish during a youth regatta, shaking the town to its core. Mrs. Smith, a recluse who’s been living there for years, adds to the intrigue. My favorite characters, Jill and her Nanny Una, live next door and are both curious and wary of the mysterious woman in the old, eerie mansion. The townspeople have never really seen her. When Mrs. Smith finally steps out from the shadows, Jill and Una feel a sense of unease that something bad is on the horizon. However, the community welcomes her with open arms, even inviting her to a Bar Mitzvah, where every kid in town is present.
The story masterfully builds tension, chapter by chapter, leading up to an intense climax. I found myself turning the pages as quickly as I could. I even found moments of sympathy for Mrs. Smith, despite the red flags. Who’s the real invasive species here? I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone looking to dive into the horror genre. It’s a haunting tale that will change the way you look at eels, for sure!
Thank you, Ellery Adams for the gifted copy of your new book for my review and share it in my LFL after reading it.
The story unfolds in a close-knit community of 1980s housewives and their suburban dramas. Enter Mrs. Smith, who is not your typical neighbor in Cold Harbor, Long Island. Everyone is trying to maintain a picture-perfect life until two children vanish during a youth regatta, shaking the town to its core. Mrs. Smith, a recluse who’s been living there for years, adds to the intrigue. My favorite characters, Jill and her Nanny Una, live next door and are both curious and wary of the mysterious woman in the old, eerie mansion. The townspeople have never really seen her. When Mrs. Smith finally steps out from the shadows, Jill and Una feel a sense of unease that something bad is on the horizon. However, the community welcomes her with open arms, even inviting her to a Bar Mitzvah, where every kid in town is present.
The story masterfully builds tension, chapter by chapter, leading up to an intense climax. I found myself turning the pages as quickly as I could. I even found moments of sympathy for Mrs. Smith, despite the red flags. Who’s the real invasive species here? I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone looking to dive into the horror genre. It’s a haunting tale that will change the way you look at eels, for sure!
Thank you, Ellery Adams for the gifted copy of your new book for my review and share it in my LFL after reading it.
March 19, 2026
*audiobook
“They would wait for the Mother of Eels to call to them. They would wait until it was time for the next hunt.“
Thanks to Ellery and Harlequin Audio for my #gifted copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a fun read about a creepy neighbor-lady who just so happens to be a monster, a Mother of Eels to be exact.
It has a folksy / fairytale vibe to it which I enjoyed.
Mrs. Smith has a secret…a very old secret. She’s been around for centuries, just doing her thing and feeding. Life was good until it wasn’t. She lived on sacrifices for many centuries but eventually the sacrifices were no more. Eventually she had to find another way to find sustenance. Now, more than ever she has to keep her wicked feeding ways on the DL.
Very descriptive & atmospheric…you can almost smell the Briney Sea air and feel the itch from the weeds in Mrs. Smith’s yard.
This would make a cool Netflix series like 4-6 episodes. Would be a fun watch. I’d love to see what Mrs. Smith’s monster form would look like IRL.
“They would wait for the Mother of Eels to call to them. They would wait until it was time for the next hunt.“
Thanks to Ellery and Harlequin Audio for my #gifted copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a fun read about a creepy neighbor-lady who just so happens to be a monster, a Mother of Eels to be exact.
It has a folksy / fairytale vibe to it which I enjoyed.
Mrs. Smith has a secret…a very old secret. She’s been around for centuries, just doing her thing and feeding. Life was good until it wasn’t. She lived on sacrifices for many centuries but eventually the sacrifices were no more. Eventually she had to find another way to find sustenance. Now, more than ever she has to keep her wicked feeding ways on the DL.
Very descriptive & atmospheric…you can almost smell the Briney Sea air and feel the itch from the weeds in Mrs. Smith’s yard.
This would make a cool Netflix series like 4-6 episodes. Would be a fun watch. I’d love to see what Mrs. Smith’s monster form would look like IRL.
March 28, 2026
I went into Invasive Species by Ellery Adams expecting a mystery, but what I got was something so much darker…this is full-on morbidity drama in the best way. It leans into the unsettling, the uncomfortable, and the deeply human, and I was completely hooked because of it.
The multiple POVs really made this stand out for me. Each perspective added another layer, another piece of tension, and it kept the story moving in a way that made it impossible to put down. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, another voice would shift everything.
There’s an intensity to this book that doesn’t let up. It’s eerie, emotional, and at times downright disturbing…but that’s what made it so compelling. It felt immersive in a way that stuck with me even after I put it down.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This one absolutely delivered.
The multiple POVs really made this stand out for me. Each perspective added another layer, another piece of tension, and it kept the story moving in a way that made it impossible to put down. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, another voice would shift everything.
There’s an intensity to this book that doesn’t let up. It’s eerie, emotional, and at times downright disturbing…but that’s what made it so compelling. It felt immersive in a way that stuck with me even after I put it down.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This one absolutely delivered.
March 31, 2026
We’re not in Miracle Springs anymore, darlings… IYKYK.
Ellery Adams, NYT bestselling author of the beloved “Secret, Book & Scone Society” series, takes a sharp unexpected turn completely out of her cozy comfort zone with Invasive Species.
This is horror. This is women’s fiction. This is suspense. This is… honestly, whatever you want it to be… and that’s part of what makes it so wildly compelling.
Invasive Species is a strange, bold genre mashup unlike anything I’ve picked up in a long time: think Desperate Housewives in the 1980s, but with a sea witch lurking on Wisteria Lane.
It’s funny. It’s grotesque. It’s raw in all the right ways. And it’s damn well written.
Most of all? It’s entertaining… and completely unforgettable.
Ellery Adams, NYT bestselling author of the beloved “Secret, Book & Scone Society” series, takes a sharp unexpected turn completely out of her cozy comfort zone with Invasive Species.
This is horror. This is women’s fiction. This is suspense. This is… honestly, whatever you want it to be… and that’s part of what makes it so wildly compelling.
Invasive Species is a strange, bold genre mashup unlike anything I’ve picked up in a long time: think Desperate Housewives in the 1980s, but with a sea witch lurking on Wisteria Lane.
It’s funny. It’s grotesque. It’s raw in all the right ways. And it’s damn well written.
Most of all? It’s entertaining… and completely unforgettable.
April 17, 2026
The second I saw this book was coming out I knew I had to read it. I’ve been reading Ellery Adams’ cozy mysteries for a long time now. Cozy mystery is my comfort genre when I want to relax with something fun and comfortable. Ellery has always been an A+ there already. But as someone who primarily reads horror and weird lit fic, I was so excited to see Ellery expanding into my favorite genres. And what an expansion this is!
There was so much to embrace here. I love that Ellery managed to retain this small town atmosphere that is basically a signature while tackling this fantastical horror. I also love that it’s just such a fun and weird ride. Mrs. Smith was such an intriguing character so getting to see her perspective was exactly what I wanted. And Jill’s chapters? So much fun. I love the multiple POVs because you get to really see what’s going on with each character and it made me want to keep reading to learn more about the next character.
I love that this book was so character-driven. There’s definitely a plot and major things that happen in the story, but I’m so in love with character studies and seeing how all the characters affect each other in the community. I’d call this entrance into the horror genre a big success and I’ll be a reader of any future endeavors into the genre!
4.5 rounded up! Thanks to NetGalley and HTP Hive for the gifted eARC.
There was so much to embrace here. I love that Ellery managed to retain this small town atmosphere that is basically a signature while tackling this fantastical horror. I also love that it’s just such a fun and weird ride. Mrs. Smith was such an intriguing character so getting to see her perspective was exactly what I wanted. And Jill’s chapters? So much fun. I love the multiple POVs because you get to really see what’s going on with each character and it made me want to keep reading to learn more about the next character.
I love that this book was so character-driven. There’s definitely a plot and major things that happen in the story, but I’m so in love with character studies and seeing how all the characters affect each other in the community. I’d call this entrance into the horror genre a big success and I’ll be a reader of any future endeavors into the genre!
4.5 rounded up! Thanks to NetGalley and HTP Hive for the gifted eARC.
April 16, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
I loved this book. It was a strange book, but I loved it. The characters are written in a very interesting way. I also loved the atmosphere. It was very well crafted. I loved the creepy elements and some sections that were unsettling. The narrator did a great job with the reading of this book as well.
I loved this book. It was a strange book, but I loved it. The characters are written in a very interesting way. I also loved the atmosphere. It was very well crafted. I loved the creepy elements and some sections that were unsettling. The narrator did a great job with the reading of this book as well.
October 18, 2025
Wow! I loved this one I took my time to savor this read as I got wrapped up with all the characters and the different points of view. I had my favorites Jill, Una and Charlie as they all and together to try and figure out the truth behind Mrs. Smith their odd neighbor. It was also very unique to the get the view from the monster. Every person had their own set of issues to deal and I liked all the flawed characters. Some parts made me laugh, some made me cringe, other times made me angry and some sad but that’s what makes the story so good as it draws you in and plays with your emotions.
April 29, 2026
Is Cozy Horror a sub-genre? If not, Ellery Adams just made it one.
Invasive Species was fun, but if I'm reading a book about female rage and a monster terrorizing a town, I REALLY want to get into it. I also wasn't crazy about most of the characters, so I'll be rounding my 3.5 stars down for this one.
Invasive Species was fun, but if I'm reading a book about female rage and a monster terrorizing a town, I REALLY want to get into it. I also wasn't crazy about most of the characters, so I'll be rounding my 3.5 stars down for this one.
April 14, 2026
4.5 stars. Albeit this was a strange one.. I couldn’t quit reading. It’s so darn good.. a heart-thumping, dark ‘n chilling, goosebumps tale that takes care to “show” insight into this “invasive species,” aka the ravenously hungry, Mrs. Smith!
What looks to be a sleepy town, Cold Harbor is anything but. Among 1980’s housewives, their families, friends.. and all their personal drama, lives their neighbor.. a centuries old (mythological?) creature—the so called, Mother of Eels. Once living on sacrifices, she now must hunt. Her specific target, teenaged humans.
I really enjoyed how unusual this was. Never knowing what to expect. Never having read anything like this is a rarity. And that it was funny at times made it that much better.
Really interesting and unusual. Fun too, and do recommend adding it to your summer TBR! Pub. 4/14/26
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What looks to be a sleepy town, Cold Harbor is anything but. Among 1980’s housewives, their families, friends.. and all their personal drama, lives their neighbor.. a centuries old (mythological?) creature—the so called, Mother of Eels. Once living on sacrifices, she now must hunt. Her specific target, teenaged humans.
I really enjoyed how unusual this was. Never knowing what to expect. Never having read anything like this is a rarity. And that it was funny at times made it that much better.
Really interesting and unusual. Fun too, and do recommend adding it to your summer TBR! Pub. 4/14/26
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2026
A young teen with a sweet tooth and a crush on her brother's friend. Her mother, a suburban housewife turned conniving realtor. Their Icelandic expat housekeeper who once lost her sister to a sea monster. The sea monster, who is ready for her once in a century feast on children (and endlessly bitter about the fact that nobody just sacrifices their children to her anymore). All of these POVs come together in a Long Island suburb in the 80s.
There's some tonal dissonance between the chapters about 80s suburban life and the ones narrated by the monster herself. That's to be expected. What threw me more was the difference in tone between the beginning and end of the book. Invasive Species starts off as a cozy monster mystery with plucky teen protagonists, and ends with at least one rape scene (it's hard to explain, but I don't know how many of the sex scenes count as rape) and a massacre. It doesn't seem to know when to be a mystery and when to be horror. For that reason, it hits all the wrong beats in the last few chapters.
I'm still trying to work through how much I loved the first half of the book, compared to how disappointing I found the final encounter. Giving it 3 stars until I figure it out.
There's some tonal dissonance between the chapters about 80s suburban life and the ones narrated by the monster herself. That's to be expected. What threw me more was the difference in tone between the beginning and end of the book. Invasive Species starts off as a cozy monster mystery with plucky teen protagonists, and ends with at least one rape scene (it's hard to explain, but I don't know how many of the sex scenes count as rape) and a massacre. It doesn't seem to know when to be a mystery and when to be horror. For that reason, it hits all the wrong beats in the last few chapters.
I'm still trying to work through how much I loved the first half of the book, compared to how disappointing I found the final encounter. Giving it 3 stars until I figure it out.
May 3, 2026
I've read a few of Ellery Adams' cozy mysteries and have always enjoyed her writing, so when I heard about her first foray into horror, I was very intrigued. I am obsessed with Invasive Species! I didn't know I needed an 80s sea creature horror with Jaws vibes until I started this book, but here we are! It felt like watching one of those 80s horror/adventure movies where, inexplicably, the teenagers save the day. I absolutely loved the atmosphere, the characters, and most of all, the nostalgia.
Invasive Species was interesting, totally original, and the narration by Courtney Patterson was incredibly well done.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Invasive Species was interesting, totally original, and the narration by Courtney Patterson was incredibly well done.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 16, 2026
This was an interesting read.
It had this unique type of cozy horror feel. The characters in the neighborhood weren’t particularly likable. They all had their own issues. Mrs. Smith certainly wasn’t likable, but she sure was fascinating.
I enjoyed the story, but really wish we had gotten more of a backstory behind Mrs. Smith. We got a little bit of information, but it wasn’t enough for me to fully grasp it.
I also kind of felt like there wasn’t a ton of character depth and development, so it was tough to get attached to any of them.
Overall, I thought the story itself was on the fun side of horror reads. Yes, there’s a giant sea monster killing children, but this isn’t really one that will keep you up at night, scared. It’s perfect for those who like more of a light horror read.
It had this unique type of cozy horror feel. The characters in the neighborhood weren’t particularly likable. They all had their own issues. Mrs. Smith certainly wasn’t likable, but she sure was fascinating.
I enjoyed the story, but really wish we had gotten more of a backstory behind Mrs. Smith. We got a little bit of information, but it wasn’t enough for me to fully grasp it.
I also kind of felt like there wasn’t a ton of character depth and development, so it was tough to get attached to any of them.
Overall, I thought the story itself was on the fun side of horror reads. Yes, there’s a giant sea monster killing children, but this isn’t really one that will keep you up at night, scared. It’s perfect for those who like more of a light horror read.
April 15, 2026
What’s it about?
Mrs. Smith is an unknown entity in a suburban neighborhood. She’s never been seen and no one talks to her. But there is something odd about the woman who lives on the vine-covered property. As things get weird for the surrounding neighbors and children go missing in an accident, the neighbors begin to question what’s really going on with Mrs. Smith.
My thoughts:
This was a delicious mix of suburban drama and horror. It was definitely giving 1950s vibes with how women were (are) treated in the work place, and the expectations for motherhood and children. It also explores mythical female monsters, and even reminded me a bit of “Other Mother” in Coraline. Loved this new genre for Ellery and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Mrs. Smith is an unknown entity in a suburban neighborhood. She’s never been seen and no one talks to her. But there is something odd about the woman who lives on the vine-covered property. As things get weird for the surrounding neighbors and children go missing in an accident, the neighbors begin to question what’s really going on with Mrs. Smith.
My thoughts:
This was a delicious mix of suburban drama and horror. It was definitely giving 1950s vibes with how women were (are) treated in the work place, and the expectations for motherhood and children. It also explores mythical female monsters, and even reminded me a bit of “Other Mother” in Coraline. Loved this new genre for Ellery and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
March 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this advanced listener copy of Invasive Species by Ellery Adams. This is my personal review.
5 STARS
Invasive Species offers a glimpse into the life four women, one child, and a centuries old monster who live on the same block in a Long Island town. What starts as a paranormal story morphs into something more cerebral and worthy of literary analysis. Rarely does a book capture my attention so well and make me think so much, but Invasive Species did just that.
I’m going to try really hard to summarize my feelings without giving away any spoilers…here we go. Wow. Set in the 1980’s, this story is chalk full of commentary on what it means to be a woman and what it means to be a monster. Throughout the characters we see the various roles and expectations that women are asked to fulfill in our society– mother, wife, friend, neighbor, professional. We also see how much of a woman’s life (and happiness and success) is determined by men. Within this group of women, there are also characters who defy the social norms and aren’t beholden to the men in their lives. Overall, the book does an amazing job of addressing feminism, social class, and even disability into a short book that still reads like an engaging paranormal fiction.
I cannot say enough about this story and how much I loved it. There is a loose plot leading up to a big event in the story, but the story itself is incredibly character driven. It took me a little while to get all of the characters straight, but the audio helped with that a lot. The narrator incorporated so many different voices and accents to the point where I often forgot that it was only one person reading the story. So good.
Absolutely pick this up if your a paranormal literary fiction fan who likes to read with a critical eye. But maybe you’re like me and rarely read literary fiction…you might love it too.
5 STARS
Invasive Species offers a glimpse into the life four women, one child, and a centuries old monster who live on the same block in a Long Island town. What starts as a paranormal story morphs into something more cerebral and worthy of literary analysis. Rarely does a book capture my attention so well and make me think so much, but Invasive Species did just that.
I’m going to try really hard to summarize my feelings without giving away any spoilers…here we go. Wow. Set in the 1980’s, this story is chalk full of commentary on what it means to be a woman and what it means to be a monster. Throughout the characters we see the various roles and expectations that women are asked to fulfill in our society– mother, wife, friend, neighbor, professional. We also see how much of a woman’s life (and happiness and success) is determined by men. Within this group of women, there are also characters who defy the social norms and aren’t beholden to the men in their lives. Overall, the book does an amazing job of addressing feminism, social class, and even disability into a short book that still reads like an engaging paranormal fiction.
I cannot say enough about this story and how much I loved it. There is a loose plot leading up to a big event in the story, but the story itself is incredibly character driven. It took me a little while to get all of the characters straight, but the audio helped with that a lot. The narrator incorporated so many different voices and accents to the point where I often forgot that it was only one person reading the story. So good.
Absolutely pick this up if your a paranormal literary fiction fan who likes to read with a critical eye. But maybe you’re like me and rarely read literary fiction…you might love it too.
April 29, 2026
INVASIVE SPECIES is a genre-bending cozy horror with a strong feminist vibe.
Ellery describes it as a mutt: part folklore, part mythology, part female rage, part small town drama, part coming of age story. It also balances horror with hope and asks: What does it mean to be a monster?
Life in the coastal town of Cold Harbor is not all it seems. One mother—Elaine—will do anything to make her son’s bar-mitzvah the event of the season; another mother—Natalie—is determined to launch her career as a real estate agent. Standing in their way is Mrs. Smith, their mysterious neighbor who lives in the creepy Victorian house with an overgrown poisonous garden.
Mrs. Smith, aka the Mother of Eels, is an ancient sea creature enduring a half-life as a human. During the day she stays in a special hot tub inside her house; at night, she swims with the eels. She despises humans. They have claimed dominion over her world and forced her into hiding. Gone are the days when she ruled the oceans, existed on human sacrifices, and could hunt at will.
But she must eat to feed her immortality and mate to ensure the survival of her species.
And it’s time, finally, to feast on nine men-children in order to restore her ancient power. Once she’s gorged on four or five, she can transform into a beautiful temptress and seduce any man, thereby becoming pregnant.
First, she must out-smart a new threat—local women.
Times are changing for human women. They no longer stay inside their homes breeding her next meal. And observant women have always been her enemy.
One of those women, Natalie’s Icelandic housekeeper, Una, knows all too well that monsters can hide behind human faces. And Natalie’s smart, curious twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, increasingly believes something evil lurks in the water, especially after a yacht race for local teens ends in tragedy.
In the pre-Internet world of the early eighties, Jill and Una retreat to the library to find information about the monster they suspect threatens their community.
Meanwhile, the tension rises beautifully as Elaine and Natalie try to bend Mrs. Smith to their will oblivious to the fact that she’s using them for her own evil needs. I loved every dark, humorous twist and every eighties cultural reference—to Jaws and ABBA. Yes, there are a few severed body parts, but nothing freaked out this wimp with zero tolerance for gore.
Ellery describes it as a mutt: part folklore, part mythology, part female rage, part small town drama, part coming of age story. It also balances horror with hope and asks: What does it mean to be a monster?
Life in the coastal town of Cold Harbor is not all it seems. One mother—Elaine—will do anything to make her son’s bar-mitzvah the event of the season; another mother—Natalie—is determined to launch her career as a real estate agent. Standing in their way is Mrs. Smith, their mysterious neighbor who lives in the creepy Victorian house with an overgrown poisonous garden.
Mrs. Smith, aka the Mother of Eels, is an ancient sea creature enduring a half-life as a human. During the day she stays in a special hot tub inside her house; at night, she swims with the eels. She despises humans. They have claimed dominion over her world and forced her into hiding. Gone are the days when she ruled the oceans, existed on human sacrifices, and could hunt at will.
But she must eat to feed her immortality and mate to ensure the survival of her species.
And it’s time, finally, to feast on nine men-children in order to restore her ancient power. Once she’s gorged on four or five, she can transform into a beautiful temptress and seduce any man, thereby becoming pregnant.
First, she must out-smart a new threat—local women.
Times are changing for human women. They no longer stay inside their homes breeding her next meal. And observant women have always been her enemy.
One of those women, Natalie’s Icelandic housekeeper, Una, knows all too well that monsters can hide behind human faces. And Natalie’s smart, curious twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, increasingly believes something evil lurks in the water, especially after a yacht race for local teens ends in tragedy.
In the pre-Internet world of the early eighties, Jill and Una retreat to the library to find information about the monster they suspect threatens their community.
Meanwhile, the tension rises beautifully as Elaine and Natalie try to bend Mrs. Smith to their will oblivious to the fact that she’s using them for her own evil needs. I loved every dark, humorous twist and every eighties cultural reference—to Jaws and ABBA. Yes, there are a few severed body parts, but nothing freaked out this wimp with zero tolerance for gore.
April 13, 2026
I have a lot of complicated feelings about Invasive Species, and I think that's why I loved it so much. This book follows multiple generations of women and their complex relationships like mother/daughter, adult female friendships, a childless friend surrounded by the neighborhood soccer moms, and the household help of the affluent. And none of that even touches on the true monster of the story.
It is absolutely fascinating to me how little the villain actually interacts with any other characters but still makes such a massive impact on this town. It speaks so much to how communities or relationships can tear themselves apart when they make selfish choices. Each character in Invasive Species has their own goal, but working together to accomplish anything? Absolutely out of the question. Many of the characters are unlikeable, and I think that makes them feel so real. You KNOW these characters. There is someone just like them in your life. To me, that's a staple of horror. The characters SHOULD be complex and flawed and they aren't necessarily owed redemption. And for all of that, I know that Invasive Species will stick with me for a while.
Now FINALLY I will talk about the TRUE villain. Mrs. Smith is an incredible entity. I don't want to give anything away, so I'm keeping this brief, but I do love how unapologetic Mrs. Smith is as a character. Her motivations are purely for survival and she has ZERO qualms about what that takes. And her actions are truly horrifying. As far as modern monsters in horror goes, Mrs. Smith deserves to be remembered.
If you want a story that is complex, dark, and does not shy away from the realities of women as mothers, in the workforce, and as they age, then I 100% recommend Invasive Species.
Thank you so much to HTP and Hanover Square Press for this ARC!
It is absolutely fascinating to me how little the villain actually interacts with any other characters but still makes such a massive impact on this town. It speaks so much to how communities or relationships can tear themselves apart when they make selfish choices. Each character in Invasive Species has their own goal, but working together to accomplish anything? Absolutely out of the question. Many of the characters are unlikeable, and I think that makes them feel so real. You KNOW these characters. There is someone just like them in your life. To me, that's a staple of horror. The characters SHOULD be complex and flawed and they aren't necessarily owed redemption. And for all of that, I know that Invasive Species will stick with me for a while.
Now FINALLY I will talk about the TRUE villain. Mrs. Smith is an incredible entity. I don't want to give anything away, so I'm keeping this brief, but I do love how unapologetic Mrs. Smith is as a character. Her motivations are purely for survival and she has ZERO qualms about what that takes. And her actions are truly horrifying. As far as modern monsters in horror goes, Mrs. Smith deserves to be remembered.
If you want a story that is complex, dark, and does not shy away from the realities of women as mothers, in the workforce, and as they age, then I 100% recommend Invasive Species.
Thank you so much to HTP and Hanover Square Press for this ARC!
May 8, 2026
Entertaining but didn’t “grab” me, 3,25
April 18, 2026
💚💕
I loved the atmosphere and all the 1980s and mythological vibes in this one. All the POVs were so fun for very different reasons. The town drama along with all the monstrous descriptions were perfect. It was fast paced and kept my attention the whole time. If this was ever turned into a movie, I’d watch it.
🎧 The audiobook was narrated by Courtney Patterson and I loved it! The narrator did a fantastic job of making each character sound unique so I always knew which POV I was in. It was really fun listening to this 1980s suburban horror story.
I loved the atmosphere and all the 1980s and mythological vibes in this one. All the POVs were so fun for very different reasons. The town drama along with all the monstrous descriptions were perfect. It was fast paced and kept my attention the whole time. If this was ever turned into a movie, I’d watch it.
🎧 The audiobook was narrated by Courtney Patterson and I loved it! The narrator did a fantastic job of making each character sound unique so I always knew which POV I was in. It was really fun listening to this 1980s suburban horror story.
April 18, 2026
Review:
Wow.....this book is absolutely and totally different from anything I have ever read and I mean that in the best way possible. This is one I will be thinking about and recommending for a long time! The FMC Jill is fantastic! She is determined and fearless and I love it! The ending had me feeling all the emotions! Sad, thrilled, a bit grossed out, scared. All of the things! Loved the spooky house vibes. The early set suburb America family drama. These ladies always do spill the tea. Although I wish Elaine had a worse ending 🙄 IYKYK. I feel like she has it coming. Once I started this one I had to finish! It even had me busting out my Bible at one point! Loved it!
Wow.....this book is absolutely and totally different from anything I have ever read and I mean that in the best way possible. This is one I will be thinking about and recommending for a long time! The FMC Jill is fantastic! She is determined and fearless and I love it! The ending had me feeling all the emotions! Sad, thrilled, a bit grossed out, scared. All of the things! Loved the spooky house vibes. The early set suburb America family drama. These ladies always do spill the tea. Although I wish Elaine had a worse ending 🙄 IYKYK. I feel like she has it coming. Once I started this one I had to finish! It even had me busting out my Bible at one point! Loved it!
April 19, 2026
I love how different this was from Ellery Adams' other works! I finished the audiobook in one day and had a blast. The book was repetitive in places but overall I really enjoyed it. I loved the 80s setting, the ambitions and priorities of all the different characters, the monsters and the kids.
April 20, 2026
Not what I was expecting
I couldn't stop reading this book. Quick, easy and eerily good. Would like to listen to the audio book as well
I couldn't stop reading this book. Quick, easy and eerily good. Would like to listen to the audio book as well
Read
April 19, 20264.5/5
Thank you @htp_hive @hanoversquarepress @htpbooks_audio #partner for the gifted copies of this book! #htphive #hivebooks
Okay Ellery Adams…WHAT DID YOU PUT IN THIS BOOK because my picky little horror heart absolutely ATE THIS UP 🔥 (and no…not kids…IYKYK😅)
Invasive Species is such a strangely unique, slightly unhinged and totally fun story set in 1980s Cape Cod!
In this book we follow a very…unusual presence observing and interacting with humans in ways that are equal parts fascinating and unsettling. In addition, of course we are set smack dab in the middle of suburbia with a colorful cast of characters!
Let’s talk about those characters now because WOW. They are so memorable but Mrs. Smith?! ICONIC. The way she morphs, studies humans and delivers these slightly off, almost cheeky observations had me smiling the entire time. And I’m sorry…her loving her hot tub?! She was a hoot and had me giggling more than once. 🤣
Also I would be remiss if I didn’t call out the audiobook. It was EPIC! It completely elevated the story and made everything feel even more alive.
I loved the multiple POV format. It just made me want to keep saying “just one more chapter”. I was constantly shifting between emotions too…smiling, cringing, blushing, side-eyeing 👀…this book really does it all.
And I’d like to just appreciate how Ellery stepped out of her cozy mystery lane (which I already love) and gave us something SO different?! This was a perfect blend of so many things. It was cozy, quirky, almost light horror with some darker edges mixed in. I genuinely don’t even know how to fully describe it…but I know I loved it.
Perfect for any readers who love:
🧠 weird & creative concepts
👀 unforgettable characters
🎧 amazing audiobooks
🖤 horror that’s a little lighter but still eerie
Such a fun hit for me 🙌
Thank you @htp_hive @hanoversquarepress @htpbooks_audio #partner for the gifted copies of this book! #htphive #hivebooks
Okay Ellery Adams…WHAT DID YOU PUT IN THIS BOOK because my picky little horror heart absolutely ATE THIS UP 🔥 (and no…not kids…IYKYK😅)
Invasive Species is such a strangely unique, slightly unhinged and totally fun story set in 1980s Cape Cod!
In this book we follow a very…unusual presence observing and interacting with humans in ways that are equal parts fascinating and unsettling. In addition, of course we are set smack dab in the middle of suburbia with a colorful cast of characters!
Let’s talk about those characters now because WOW. They are so memorable but Mrs. Smith?! ICONIC. The way she morphs, studies humans and delivers these slightly off, almost cheeky observations had me smiling the entire time. And I’m sorry…her loving her hot tub?! She was a hoot and had me giggling more than once. 🤣
Also I would be remiss if I didn’t call out the audiobook. It was EPIC! It completely elevated the story and made everything feel even more alive.
I loved the multiple POV format. It just made me want to keep saying “just one more chapter”. I was constantly shifting between emotions too…smiling, cringing, blushing, side-eyeing 👀…this book really does it all.
And I’d like to just appreciate how Ellery stepped out of her cozy mystery lane (which I already love) and gave us something SO different?! This was a perfect blend of so many things. It was cozy, quirky, almost light horror with some darker edges mixed in. I genuinely don’t even know how to fully describe it…but I know I loved it.
Perfect for any readers who love:
🧠 weird & creative concepts
👀 unforgettable characters
🎧 amazing audiobooks
🖤 horror that’s a little lighter but still eerie
Such a fun hit for me 🙌
February 17, 2026
Invasive Species by Ellery Adams
A 1980's cape town gets rocked to its core when two children disappear during a youth regatta. Ultimately, this leaves two participants with a chilling realization that there are monsters among them and no one to protect them from the horrors seeping into their town. The parents in the town are too focused on the small town politics and suburban drama that consumes their life. The only adult that listens to the children's worries is the neighborhood nanny who lost her sister in a similar tragedy years prior to the regatta incident. In a classic 80's style adventure film, its up to the kids and one heroic adult to figure out what's going on and defeat the evil that shadows their town.
The story is told from four very different perspectives: a housewife, daughter, nanny, and evil neighborhood recluse. They guide the reader along in dynamic ways highlighting toxic traits that invade the human race as a whole, such as misogyny, body-shaming criticism from a parent, over consumption and ecological overshoot. Each point-of-view left me wondering who really is the
"invasive species."
On a personal note, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the horror genre. The writing is easily digestible. At times, I felt the story dragged with over explanation of character descriptions and internal monologue. However, it did not take away from the story. This book was like jumping into a classic 80's movie like The Goonies. It was a little scary, a little gruesome and packed full of adventure.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
A 1980's cape town gets rocked to its core when two children disappear during a youth regatta. Ultimately, this leaves two participants with a chilling realization that there are monsters among them and no one to protect them from the horrors seeping into their town. The parents in the town are too focused on the small town politics and suburban drama that consumes their life. The only adult that listens to the children's worries is the neighborhood nanny who lost her sister in a similar tragedy years prior to the regatta incident. In a classic 80's style adventure film, its up to the kids and one heroic adult to figure out what's going on and defeat the evil that shadows their town.
The story is told from four very different perspectives: a housewife, daughter, nanny, and evil neighborhood recluse. They guide the reader along in dynamic ways highlighting toxic traits that invade the human race as a whole, such as misogyny, body-shaming criticism from a parent, over consumption and ecological overshoot. Each point-of-view left me wondering who really is the
"invasive species."
On a personal note, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the horror genre. The writing is easily digestible. At times, I felt the story dragged with over explanation of character descriptions and internal monologue. However, it did not take away from the story. This book was like jumping into a classic 80's movie like The Goonies. It was a little scary, a little gruesome and packed full of adventure.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While the concept and mythology behind Mrs. Smith is fascinating, (I was really hoping for more about her origin and history) I did not enjoy Invasive Species.
The book dives into the interior lives of several wealthy, 1980's housewives living on the coast with their ridiculously basic husbands and boring children--though I had no idea until almost halfway to the end that it wasn't supposed to be set in the modern day. Aside from the celebrity name drops popular at the time and lack of cellphones, there doesn't seem to be any narrative purpose for this.
Which brings up the weird writing that thinks itself quirky, when it's really just juvenile. This especially makes for a jarring experience due to the explicit content present in some scenes. Invasive Species attempts to dissect the idea of 'who is the real monster' without actually fleshing any of the human "monsters" out. They're annoying, judgemental hypocrites who inevitably get what they want in the end (for the most part)--but I wouldn't necessarily call them all monsters.
I don't know, the wacky horror and dumb neighborhood drama didn't do it for me at all. I might have liked it more if the novel had been mostly or entirely from Mrs. Smith's pov, but it isn't, so this suburban mom cosmic horror will be a hard pass.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author Ellery Adams for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
The book dives into the interior lives of several wealthy, 1980's housewives living on the coast with their ridiculously basic husbands and boring children--though I had no idea until almost halfway to the end that it wasn't supposed to be set in the modern day. Aside from the celebrity name drops popular at the time and lack of cellphones, there doesn't seem to be any narrative purpose for this.
Which brings up the weird writing that thinks itself quirky, when it's really just juvenile. This especially makes for a jarring experience due to the explicit content present in some scenes. Invasive Species attempts to dissect the idea of 'who is the real monster' without actually fleshing any of the human "monsters" out. They're annoying, judgemental hypocrites who inevitably get what they want in the end (for the most part)--but I wouldn't necessarily call them all monsters.
I don't know, the wacky horror and dumb neighborhood drama didn't do it for me at all. I might have liked it more if the novel had been mostly or entirely from Mrs. Smith's pov, but it isn't, so this suburban mom cosmic horror will be a hard pass.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author Ellery Adams for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2026
4 Stars
This was a really fun (and unsettling) blend of fantasy with thriller/horror. Thriller/horror is still a newer genre for me, so I didn’t fully know what to expect but I ended up loving it!
One of my favorite things about this book was getting Mrs. Smith’s POV. Being inside the “monster’s” head and seeing her motivations and thought process made the story so much more interesting (and creepier).
Una was the only adult who seemed to have intuition. The other adults felt distracted and checked out in a way that made the danger feel even more inevitable. Like the kids were being left unprotected, not because no one cared, but because no one was truly paying attention.
This story surprised me, pulled me through quickly, and left me thinking about autonomy, parental blind spots, and how easily evil can hide. For someone still getting into thriller/horror, it was a strong reminder of why I wanted to read more books in this genre!
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and Net Galley for the digital arc.
This was a really fun (and unsettling) blend of fantasy with thriller/horror. Thriller/horror is still a newer genre for me, so I didn’t fully know what to expect but I ended up loving it!
One of my favorite things about this book was getting Mrs. Smith’s POV. Being inside the “monster’s” head and seeing her motivations and thought process made the story so much more interesting (and creepier).
Una was the only adult who seemed to have intuition. The other adults felt distracted and checked out in a way that made the danger feel even more inevitable. Like the kids were being left unprotected, not because no one cared, but because no one was truly paying attention.
This story surprised me, pulled me through quickly, and left me thinking about autonomy, parental blind spots, and how easily evil can hide. For someone still getting into thriller/horror, it was a strong reminder of why I wanted to read more books in this genre!
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and Net Galley for the digital arc.
March 4, 2026
Invasive Species brings together 1980s suburbia and mythological horror in a story that will have you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.
I can say with confidence that I will never again swim in the ocean after reading this one …. Just nope.
I’m still new to the world of horror books and when I heard my favorite cozy mystery author was writing a horror story I knew I’d have to read it!
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It had the perfect amounts of suburban creepy neighbor vibes mixed with some truly gruesome scenes (TW for some gore/dismemberment). Mrs. Smith’s character was really interesting! I haven’t read anything that was creature horror yet and the mythology behind her character was interesting. Jill and Una were also wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading from their perspectives!
All in all a solid horror story with mythology aspects woven into the daily life of the 1980s suburbia! I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try!
I can say with confidence that I will never again swim in the ocean after reading this one …. Just nope.
I’m still new to the world of horror books and when I heard my favorite cozy mystery author was writing a horror story I knew I’d have to read it!
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It had the perfect amounts of suburban creepy neighbor vibes mixed with some truly gruesome scenes (TW for some gore/dismemberment). Mrs. Smith’s character was really interesting! I haven’t read anything that was creature horror yet and the mythology behind her character was interesting. Jill and Una were also wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading from their perspectives!
All in all a solid horror story with mythology aspects woven into the daily life of the 1980s suburbia! I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try!
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