Nowhere: A Novel

by Allison Gunn

Genres: Horror

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Kayla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not familiar with Allison Gunn’s game…which is probably bc this is a debut which makes it all the more impressive. I loved most that Gunn was never afraid to “go there” with her characters, who are all infuriating in the best way possible. The way that this story straight up fell apart I thought was bold and was not how I expected it to go.

Most of all I love that the queer main character is not depicted only as one-faced saint, but instead a WHOLE person who is good and bad, often at the same time. It’s my thought that THESE depictions of us are what’s needed at the forefront of publishing to continue to make strides in tolerance and human rights.

[CB · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely flawed, but very cool debut novel

[Geralyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not a horror fan, but always open to mystery and good writing. The plot summary held potential and had me curious.
Unfortunately, the book did not deliver.
The two main characters were sad and lacked dimension (Rachel was always angry, Finn was portrayed as sad) The dialogue was very repetitive- Rachel Kennan wanted to be called Chief, Finn’s thoughts were full of self loathing, everyone in the small town disliked them. It was all very cliche.
There is a lot of anger present, that didn’t seem to go with the horror story line, especially the domestic violence. Did the author want to write about the failing of a marriage, the depths a couple will go to hurt each other, but packaged it as a horror story to sell it?

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rachel Kennan is such an unlikeable, hateful, angry, unreasonable and just plain annoying main character that she ruins this novel. She’s so hung up on being called CHIEF. Slamming, shrieking, hissing, snatching, grumbling, stomping, charging … Rachel is always stomping or charging everywhere. So mad. At literally everything. Sheesh. Grow up. There’s zero hint of Appalachian life here, which is what interested me to pick this up. Didn’t finish. Thanks, CHIEF Kennan.

[Jennifer McQuiston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I look for and creepy/horror/suspense! Allison Gunn’s debut novel, brings Appalachia folklore and suspense into this gripping story, revolving around some creepy children! I really hope she writes more novels because I will be the first one to purchase them! If you like folklore/creepy children/spooky vibes this is 1000% your type of book

[Cailey Doering · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book had me racing to reach the end & finished in a way i did not anticipate