Spider, Spider: Revenge takes root as poison blooms

by L.C. Winter

Vengeance is theirs and theirs alone. But who will deal the fatal blow?

Young Nancy Ratcliffe is on the run. Her father had sought refuge for his family with the Brethren, led by the charismatic but dangerous Prophet. But now her father is gravely ill, and even the sooty streets of Victorian London hold less terror for Nancy than the brutality of Brethren Hall.

Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time. Wrapped in dreams and visions, she paces the dark corridors and hidden staircases of the crumbling house she grew up in. The man who murdered a part of her disappeared many years ago, but still she hopes for revenge.

Jet-black and thrilling, Spider, Spider is an unforgettable tale of a woman who has lost herself in the poison of vengeance, and the knife-sharp girl who might just bring her back.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Horror, Gothic, Audiobook, Victorian, Fantasy

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Steph's_Creepy _Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational! This lived up to every expectation I had and more.
I absolutely loved a gothic story and everything that I adore was in here.
Spooky. Mysterious. Witchy. Asylum. Depravity. Kindness. Cruelty. Victorian. Botanical. Revenge. Survival. Strange.
Spider is a character that endured. She grit her teeth and had to become what she despised in order to survive. Patiently waiting until the day that she could pounce on much deserved prey.
I haven't a single fault with this book. I wish it didn't end, but it ended poetically.

[Lana C · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Listened to Through NetGalley*

I listened to this on audio without having a physical copy, and I definitely think that made it harder to follow. For at least the first quarter of the book, I was just trying to piece together who was who and what was actually going on. There are time jumps, multiple perspectives, and characters being called different names, which gets confusing fast. Add in the fact that the narrator does not really change her voice for the main female characters, and they all start to blend together. The beginning felt more frustrating than mysterious.

Once everything settles a bit, the story itself is interesting. It digs into religious control and how women were treated as hysterical or less than in Victorian England, with a layer of possible witchcraft mixed in. The oracle sticks and the talking to crows give it a creepy vibe, and you are never totally sure what is real and what is in Sarah’s head. That uncertainty does add to the eeriness around Spider (Sarah), which I liked.

My favorite parts were the sections in the asylum. The writing felt clearer there and way easier to follow. I found myself more pulled into the story during those chapters, and I actually cared more about what was happening.

The ending was pretty predictable and did not really shock me. Overall, it was just okay. Not terrible, not amazing. If you read it, you will probably have a fine time, but I do not think you are missing out on anything huge if you skip it either.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gothic, horror, and for me it was overwhelming. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent every word felt considered. I think I only could keep going because she was so good. At times her narration and the story made me cry, not something that happens often for me. Others have described it far better but my experience was a complex story of trauma and how adults harm children who are vulnerable. It shows how those children go on to seek revenge and how that trauma impacts on them. The writing is excellent and the characters jump off the page in a visceral way. The book feels like a labour of love for the author with so much thought and attention to detail.

The storyline has so many potential triggers and I would suggest that you do not read if you are sensitive to dark topics.
There is trauma related to a cult throughout with an overwhelming sense of forbearance with a constant presence and threat of violence. I struggle with children being harmed and in peril and it’s consistent.

I didn’t find the first part overly confusing but I’m also struggling to describe the story line, especially without spoilers. It does jump around quite a bit but that’s how I tend to read so I enjoyed that.

The asylum part of the story scared the crap out of me, thinking what those institutions were brutal at that point in history.

I loved the Crow character and some of the witchcraft details were really intriguing and I would have liked more of that and less of the trauma and abuse.

I’d so recommend you don’t read this if you are feeling low. Actually thinking about it if you enjoy horror, especially the unrelenting darkness of a zombie story you would probably love it..

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advanced copy for free, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spider, Spider by L.C. Winter (Narrated by Molly Hanson)

If you’re a fan of gothic thrillers with a dark, witchy edge, Spider, Spider is absolutely worth the listen.

This story weaves together an eerie, atmospheric setting with layered characters and an undercurrent of unease that builds steadily throughout. At its core, it’s a gothic tale that explores secrets, identity, and the quiet power simmering beneath the surface, perfect for readers who enjoy a haunting, slow-burn experience.

L.C. Winter does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each one feels intentional and distinct, and the writing pulls you deeper into the story with every chapter. The gothic tone is consistent and immersive, which I personally loved, especially with that subtle witchy vibe woven throughout.

Molly Hanson’s narration elevates the entire experience. Her accent adds an extra layer of authenticity and mood, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and making the story feel even more vivid and grounded.

While the ending was a bit predictable for me, it ultimately worked. It tied everything together in a way that felt complete and satisfying, which I always appreciate, especially in a genre that can sometimes leave too many loose ends.

As someone who reads a high volume of thrillers, it’s not easy to surprise me, but this one still managed to fully engage me with its tone, character development, and immersive setting.

Thank you to NetGalley, L.C. Winter, and Bolinda Audio for the advanced copy of this audiobook. This was a great listen, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of gothic, atmospheric thrillers.

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far would you go for vengeance?
This poignant tale set in ancient times follows two girls. One is running away from the Brethren in search of freedom, the other is running towards them for revenge.

The gothic elements were woven into the tale beautifully. The historical representations, including the penance, strict rules of the church, and almost psychotic governing bodies that make your blood boil, were everything that worked right in this plot. The protagonists do have depth, so much so that you will find yourself nodding along with the reasoning behind their actions. I do wish a similar depth had been given to the supporting characters as well.

The audiobook version had flawless narration. The husky tone of Spider and the naive tone for the younger girl felt like I was watching a play in my mind. I enjoyed most of the story and would definitely recommend it to people looking for a medium-length read with a bit of a spooky vibe.

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

👤⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📜⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🪓⭐️⭐️⭐️
✌🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐️3.75

🎧 Molly Hanson - wonderfully narrated and added to the authenticity of the story - I felt like I was in Victorian London for sure!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ALC 🫶🏻

Gothic historical fiction set in Victorian London with sprinkles of occult and ultimately a quest for vengeance while navigating themes of trauma and survival.

Check your triggers

📜Wee Nancy, think she’s 13, was staying at Brethren Hall ill with her very ill da and her younger sister Pigeon. He had sought refuge for them but don’t think he really knew what he was getting into. The Brethren is lead by a charismatic but dangerous “prophet” who could sniff out sin in a saint.

Nancy decides the mockit streets of Victorian London are better than the brutality of Brethren hall and she escapes - promising to come back for her Da and Pigeon. The Prophet, Darner, wants to bring her back. His way of punishing her sets her on a quest for retribution.

Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time. She too seeks vengeance against the same prophet who years ago killed her spirit.

Fate brings Spider and Nancy together - can seek revenge without losing themselves? And who will deal the final blow?

👤 Corbeau 🫶🏻🐦‍⬛I do adore a sassy crow - dusny talk or anything but I feel he had flair

Spiders backstory made for a really compelling complex character - her time at the asylum just pulls your heart strings

Wee Nancy is razor sharp but definitely thinks with her heart and not her head - often leading to a bit of impulsivity

The side characters were great too - not necessarily overly unique but I liked them

🪓 The time jumps and several perspectives made it hard to follow at first - especially as some characters were called different things - but got to grips with it eventually. This could have been due to it being the audio, not as easy to just flick back a bit

Hot theme of the book is around religious control and also how women were treated as lunatics or hysterical and sent to facilities at the behest of the “man of the house”. My favourite chapters were in the asylum it was kinda brutal and built my sympathy for the character.

Ending was a bit predictable, no jaw dropping plot twists but not mad about that. This book delivered through the characters and the atmosphere.

✌🏼The gothic mood and vibes were pretty consistent throughout. I loved the subtle use of witchcraft - mainly using oracle sticks and potion making/alchemy.

🥡 If you like witchy weird girl fiction with feminine rage - this is probably for you

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Insta Book Tours and to the publisher Duckworth Books for the finished copy, it hasn’t affected my honest review.

TW: child abuse, religion, cults, institutionalization, torture, abuse, injury, grief

1857, London. Nancy Ratcliffe, a young girl, along with her father and little sister Pigeon are caught up in a religious cult called the Brethren led by the charismatic and terrifying figure called Prophet Darner. He preaches against sinners and particularly seems to hate Nancy, who refuses to be broken by him no matter what he puts her through. When her father becomes gravely ill, and circumstances drive her to the London streets, Nancy runs- not caring that it might be the end of her. Nearby, a woman named Spider bides her time. Living in her childhood rundown home with only the company of an old crow and a maid more like a friend, Spider is haunted by the terrible events of her past- and wants nothing more than revenge on the man who killed her former self, no matter the cost.

This is an incredible debut novel, weaving together the story of a vengeful woman wronged and a little girl who wants nothing more than to find some freedom for her family. It’s an incredibly dark and often disturbing story, dealing with themes of religion, abuse, institutionalization and trauma, but there’s an ever constant hope in Nancy’s sections that really stuck with me. I was obsessed with the character of Spider, especially once we dug into her backstory and saw how she became the haunted woman in a big house surrounded by plants and bones. She has defined herself by needing revenge on Darner and is willing to do whatever she has to get him- even teaming up with a deeply traumatised girl and her sister. ‘Spider, Spider’ is a beautiful example of Gothic fiction, unafraid to dive into the worst parts of the Victorian era and explore two deeply complex and damaged female characters. There were parts of Nancy’s narration where my interest wavered and I felt one fate was a little too easily wrapped up. I genuinely couldn’t stop reading as I got closer to the end, the tension and atmosphere were exactly what I wanted when I picked this book up. I’m very excited to see whatever L.C. Winter writes next because this was excellent.

[Helen Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from the perspectives of two young women but centred on their experiences with one man, the antagonist Mr Darner. The two women don't know each other but when their paths cross they are drawn into a web of lies and danger.

About the Book 📖

Nancy lives with her ailing father and younger sister in a group known as the charitable brethren, a religious group that offers shelter and salvation to anyone repentant enough to work for it. The head of the order is Mr Darner, a strict believer in using a firm hand to expel the sin from those in his flock. When Darner’s right-hand man beats Nancy's little sister she steps in and receives an even harsher punishment. At her limit, Nancy runs away, promising to return for her family when settled.

Her escape is witnessed by Spider, a woman with a personal vendetta against Darner. Spider sees Nancy as her way to Darner, but Nancy disappears into the dark depths of London. Nancy scrapes by living rough with a friend of her mother’s but then Darner does something that Nancy cannot forgive and her and Spider's intentions begin to align.

My Thoughts 💭

At first, I struggled to like spider, she was mysterious and clearly a little unhinged but as the story progresses we see the events in her past that lead her down the path of revenge. Her whole life has been one of deceit, tragedy and abandonment. Left to deal with her awful uncle alone and put through awful things I was cheering her on by the end of the book. Nancy's story begins to parallel spiders and the two women share a common goal and this is what had me hooked.

This book is about women, how they're treated, the expectations put upon them by men and the consequences of what happens when men believe they have sinned. The realities of what happened to women in the 1880s are frightening and Spider, Spider explores how women with perceived mental health and behavioural problems were treated with so little care and consideration. The women’s united strength is what makes this a great book and I love that despite the tenuous start of their acquaintance they work together towards a common goal and stand up against the men who have wronged them and undoubtedly many other women.

[Kuu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC!

AOURGH this was so good. Genuinely. So good. The pretty cover did NOT lie.

I was planning on doing a tandem read with the audiobook and the written version, but after I read the first couple chapters and then switched to the audiobook, I just stuck to the audiobook completely. The narrator did an AMAZING job, doing so much to add feelings and vibes that she herself already deserves extra stars for how great of a job she did. The book was already great anyway, but the narrator just added a special something that really made the audiobook exceptional. I'd definitely recommend the audiobook specifically.

This book is amazing and I really don't know how to review it in a way that does it justice. Just the right kind and amount of creepy, with a hint of (plausibly deniable) witchcraft, this book is immaculately gothic, and I finished it in one sitting. The descriptions of both the environment (Spider's house especially) and the characters, the vibes, everything about it is perfect, and I immediately want to re-read it because it's just that good. There was no major plot twists, really, and especially if you read the blurb the events in this novel will seem pretty predictable, but that did not affect my reading experience at all. I didn't NEED any shocking plot twists, as just following the story along, as written by Winter and (again, amazingly!!!!) narrated by Hanson, was already enough to really draw me in and keep me focused on it until the very end (and I do not usually manage to stay focused that long!).

All the characters had an important role in the story, and while not all of them were three dimensional, exactly, they perfectly fulfilled their function, and it did not feel like there was any unnecessary or missing character. It all just fits perfectly.

The themes of the story, too, really gripped me, at times causing physical reactions (especially poor Spider's time in the asylum because what the HELL), attesting to Winter's incredible skill as a writer. This was a very, very easy 5 star read for me.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you all know by now, I'm a sucker for a beautiful front cover - and I seem to be collecting a fair few books with birds on the cover!

You might remember that I have an odd fear of birds (especially large black birds!) ....yet I have to admit that I grew to really quite like Corbeau (?) the crow throughout this read.

 

This was a dark read with a wonderful gothic atmosphere running throughout.

Whilst Nancy seeks to take revenge for the death of her father at the hands of the brethren he sought refuge with, Spider has been biding her time to get her own revenge on the man who killed her spirit many years before.

 

I listened to this on audio and I have to say that I spent a good 25/30% of the book feeling extremely out of touch and confused.

There were many timeline jumps and sections from different pov's that I struggled to follow in that form.

I think that this would have been much easier to follow if there had been a visual or some indication that the settings etc had changed.

 

Having said that, I just had to focus much more and eventually the narrative came through and things settled into a pattern that I could follow much more easily.

 

I loved Spider's story and found that I really sympathised with her mission, despite the outcome being one of revenge and potential murder.

The trauma she'd lived through whilst at the asylum with Dana was brutal and harrowing - but all so tragic that nobody really ever spoke up for the women there.

 

Eventually, it becomes much clearer how the connection between Spider and Nancy came about - and I fear that the ending was pretty predictable - but not in any way that spoiled the reading of this book.

 

The writing style draws us into this setting so well and I found it easy to visualise both the asylum scenes and the events playing out at the house in present day.

 

Despite the initial confusion, this was a great read and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future.



 

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spider, Spider AUDIO by L.C. Winter was a harrowing tale of abuse, homelessness, and revenge in Victorian England. We saw the abuse of several victims: Nancy, a child in the settlement of the Brethren run by the Prophet; and Sarah, who sent to an asylum which was visited by the same man as spiritual guidance for the inmates. The Victorian asylum was horrendous and the people running it were relatively good people so think what the others were like. Nancy was too independent for the Prophet who abused her repeatedly so she ran, despite the fact she had to leave her younger sister and her father, who had become a shadow of himself. The Prophet controlled every facet of their lives including receiving any mail sent to them. Nancy found her parents’ friend on the streets, a woman named Lil, who was not much better off than Nancy.

This is the story of how the two eventually came together to get revenge for all they had suffered. This was a well-written, authentic story of what like could be like during the Victorian era when women had no control over themselves at all. It was almost a horror story, but even in modern times there are cults where the head of the cult has ultimate power. Rarely are these “leaders” good people. But, for it to happen to a child is enough to give one nightmares. Nancy was a good character who wanted nothing more than her family together again. Even that was denied her. Frightening.

The narrator was Molly Hanson who did a competent job. Her voice was good and she kept an even keel as the story unfolded.

I was invited to listen to Spider, Spider by Bolinda Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BolindaAudio #MollyHanson #LCWinter #SpiderSpider

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spider, Spider by L.C. Winter initially caught my eye because of its strikingly beautiful floral cover but as soon as I read the synopsis I knew that this was a book I needed to read.
Nancy is a young woman on a mission, to save her little sister Pigeon and their father from the Brethren, a strict religious sect run by a man known as the Prophet. Having escaped following a particularly malicious punishment Nancy is on the run but worried that the Prophet will take out his anger on her family, a worry that proves to be well founded when her father is found battered and bloody on the streets.
Spider as she is called is a woman who had her own punishing encounters with the sadistic Prophet long before he founded the Brethren, when he was the spiritual advisor at an asylum where she was confined following an apparent attempt to murder her uncle. She thought she would never see the man again but when she spots him on the street she immediately begins working on a plan for revenge, and Nancy will be a key player, but only if Spider can convince her that she must be patient and not take matters into her own hands.
Dark and disturbing at times this was a highly immersive read. Spider in particular was a truly fascinating character, and her backstory was probably the most interesting part of the book. The author's descriptions of her incredibly creepy living situation and unusual companions was particularly compelling and had me immediately invested in her story.
Who doesn't enjoy a well told tale of women exerting vengeance on those who wronged them? If that sounds like your cup of tea this is definitely a book I recommend.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Dan Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Nancy Ratcliffe is on the run, forever looking over her shoulder or jumping at any shadow she casts, nerves frayed beyond repair, haunted by her past.
Her father only wished to seek refuge and survival for his small family with the Brethren, led by the charismatic, pious, holy Prophet who promised salvation for all who seek it, yet like the calling of a Siren, his words were sharper than a double-edged sword and the price for what he is offering could never be paid in full…
Nancy’s father is gravely ill, wasting away before her very eyes, and with little options left, she finds the sooty streets of Victorian London hold far less terrors than that of the brutal and dangerous Brethren Hall.
Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time, awake throughout a sea of visions and dreams, Spider paces the crumbling and dark corridors, staircases and rooms within her cocoon of the house she grew up in, and she shall have revenge on the man who murdered a part of her many years ago, and he may have thought himself free of her fangs, he would be foolish to think she would ever forget, or indeed forgive…
Through a set of circumstances akin to a chess board, the two meet and find solace in the fact that there may be a way for Nancy to finally help her family, and for Spider to finally make her kill yet the pair should be wary as the Prophet has just as many eyes as Spider, and his fangs may indeed be sharper and filled with a much deadlier poison…
Like the most insistent of toxins, this novel will get into your system, infect your senses, and leaves you obsessed and wanting more until the very last word. A stand-out debut of gothic delights!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling and incredibly dark tale of vengeance. A little plant knowledge can go a long way in concocting deadly potions. But they are tricky to administer....timing must be spot on. And when you have another person waiting to get their own revenge in a more physical way, you might miss your chance to fullfil your long held desire.
Nancy and Spider have both crossed the vile and cruel "Prophet" in their times in care....brethren home and mental asylum. Rich in detail, we learn about their past, their present and their vision for future revenge.
Spider (formally known as Sara) is a damaged young woman now living in a big maze like gloomy house, growing plants, befriending a crow, constructing bizarre mobiles, biding her time and planning her revenge for the trauma she suffered.
Nancy is a young girl on the run having escaped the Prophet and his congregation operating as a Brethren home. Her father paid the ultimate price for her rebellion so she has risked everything to liberate her sister Pigeon from the institution. Now Nancy has nothing left to lose and she is fired by thoughts of revenge.
Spider has Nancy on her radar and when they meet, they find that their wounds were dealt by the same man, and they both want to have their vengeance.....in a permanent way!
"Spider Spider" is a gothic graphic tale by L C Winter. I loved the theme of witchy potions from plants (which grow in my garden). There are shockingly hard scenes of torture, so not for the faint hearted. Triumphs throughout are heartening though.
Thanks to NetGalley, Duckworth Books and the author for my copy.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great read. A young girl and an older woman both have reason to hate a man who leads a cult called the Brethren. Calling himself the Reverend Prophet, Mr Jacob Darner is a cruel and violent man, a sadistic monster who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others. Told from the POVs of Nancy Ratcliffe and Spider/Sara and in multiple timelines, during the 1800’s, this is a compulsive read.

Briefly, Sara lives with her uncle. Neither of them are very demonstrative and are not close but even so the treatment he metes out when he believes she tried to poison him is shocking. Nancy, her younger sister Polly/Pigeon and their father are members of the Brethren. However, Nancy is feisty and is often in trouble with Darner so she decides to escape from the Brethren and make a home for her father and sister. Spider is wealthy but lives with her housekeeper Patience but her life is ruled by her obsessive need to exact vengeance on Darner.

This is an atmospheric gothic read. The tension level is high and it’s a great storyline. The writing was so good I genuinely hated Darner and if they’d asked me, I would’ve happily helped Spider and Nancy in their quest. You could see just how a cult can indoctrinate their followers, Pigeon still felt they should return after Nancy managed to get her out. The violence and so called punishments inflicted, mainly by Darner, was terrible and quite distressing. A fantastic Victorian gothic novel that was very entertaining. I loved it.

[The Addiction of Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it absolutely did not let me down. Spider Spider is a creepy, gothic dream and an easy five star read for me.

From the very beginning, the author creates a deeply menacing atmosphere. There’s a constant undercurrent of unease and creeping dread that runs through the story, leaving you slightly on edge at all times. Told through dual perspectives and two timelines that slowly converge, I found myself completely hooked and needing to keep reading to understand what was really going on.

The characters are wonderfully unsettling; complex and revealed gradually, layer by layer. 🖤 I was never quite sure who I could fully trust. Everything felt morally grey and that constant uncertainty made me feel deeply uncomfortable as a reader. I loved it! There is a little hint of witchiness which I wasn’t expecting but was absolutely delighted by. 🕸️

At the heart of the story, though, is a terrible sadness. Beneath the darkness and menace there is a deeply emotional and tragic story, which makes the unsettling elements even more powerful.

The writing is sharp and immersive, with tension that builds steadily rather than relying on shock. The result is an emotive, atmospheric story that is utterly gripping from start to finish.

Creepy, twisted, dark, unsettling and deliciously sinister, Spider Spider is a book that truly crawls under your skin. Absolutely unmissable 🕷️✨

Thank you to the author and the publisher for sending me an early proof for review.

[Becky Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to @duck_books for sending me this book and @instabooktours for having me on this fabulous tour.
 
This book promised a dark, Victorian, gothic, atmosphere filled with tension, mystery and unsettling undertones, while focusing on two women out on a path of revenge, and it did not disappoint.
 
This is the perfect read if you love a slow-building, haunting tale, that has a witchy element but is also about women who fight back and will not give up.
 
Darner, the leader of a religious cult called the Brethren, is a cruel and sadistic man who will go out of his way to inflict pain and suffering on others (oh, how I hated this man) ... Darner’s attention was especially on women it seemed … God forbid they have a voice.
This is what, in a build up of events, brings Spider and Nancy together - They want to seek out their revenge.
 
The storytelling from Winter was immersive and so unique. I particularly enjoyed Spider’s backstory and the darkness running throughout the novel. Following Nancy and Pigeon really struck a chord with me as well. Parts of the story were undeniably an unsettling read, yet I still found myself drawn in. The writing was provocative and skillful, even in the more uncomfortable parts.
 
The ending felt a little elusive, but on reflection and after a little re-read of the last chapter 😅, I came to a conclusion that was bittersweet but also very satisfying 🖤.
 
A fabulous debut from Winter. I cant wait to read more.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discover the locations in the novel here


Where do I start with this amazing book? There’s a young girl, Nancy, running from something called The Brethren. Her father thought they would do the family some good. It’s a group that appears to protect those who seek salvation from its Prophet. Yes, well…..

Then there’s someone called Spider. This has to be one of the most compelling and, quite frankly, chilling characters for many reasons. She stays at the great house with its dark corridors and even darker shadows. It’s a place that hides her as well as imprisons her. And all the while, she waits patiently, for the moment to strike.

The gem of this novel is when Nancy and Spider’s stories come together in a web of intrigue. There’s a cat and mouse game that is not unlike the most tense game of chess you can imagine. Moments when I held my breath, brushed my arm fearful I could feel the web on me, and moments when I put the book down to applaud the author.

This book is like a drug, poison, toxin of sorts that gets under your skin. Tell you what, I am pleased to have spent such a memorable time in this gothic feast for the senses. The film that played in my head when I read this….it would win best picture at the Oscars, that’s for sure!

[Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massively Menacing & Memorable

This was an easy five-star read for me — I was hooked from the very first line. I picked this up with no real expectations beyond the “Vengeance is theirs” hook in the NetGalley description, and still had absolutely no idea what I was walking into with “Spider Spider”.

If female protagonists and vengeance are your bag, then frankly, this is one you shouldn’t miss. The prose is phenomenal: richly detailed, atmospheric, and yet effortlessly readable. The characters — and indeed Hangcorner House itself — immediately come alive. The environs are so vividly drawn that, quite literally, the only thing missing was the smell — and, given the era, that omission was a genuine mercy.

The societal and familial obligations of the time are handled with real finesse, grounding the story and giving its darker elements real weight. Sara and Nancy may share a thirst for vengeance, but each arrives there by her own compelling, sharply drawn route.

“Spider Spider” (despite any arachnophobic qualms) is a viscerally different, darkly delicious, and beautifully written novel — one that proves even the ornithophobic reader has nothing to worry about.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for the DRC of “Spider Spider” by L. C. Winter.
“Spider Spider” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 5 March 2026.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I read this just because Natasha Pulley wrote a blurb for it? I plead the fifth.

A haunted young woman lives in a big, gloomy house, growing poisonous plants and planning her revenge. A young girl is on the run from a corrupt congregation, having left her father and sister behind in the clutches of the church. When the two meet, they find that their wounds were dealt by the same man, and they will have their vengeance.

Amazing vibes, if you like your vibes kind of freaky and messed up! The writing is super smooth, and the book focuses a lot more on Nancy and Spider as characters than on the plot itself. I really liked the scenes we get from Spider's past and just the idea of this twisted woman living in a run-down house full of poisonous flowers and dolls. I also think there was a nice feeling of cohesion to the gothic elements, which I find a lot of book struggle with. There are the oracle sticks and the dolls and Corbeau the crow and the poisonous flowers, but they all feel like they work together and contribute to the overall atmosphere. The ending was a little predictable and anti-climactic, but I enjoyed the journey there!

Gothic fans, you're going to love this story and all of its creaky, cobwebbed corners!

Thank you to L. C. Winter and Duckworth Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

Happy reading!

[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often that I read a gothic historical fiction/mystery book, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

It’s a tale set in the darkest places of Victorian London where we meet Sarah and Nancy, and their nemesis ‘Darner’: also known as The Prophet. The story is told in the third person, and alternates between the two females, who both want revenge against Darner.

The narrative had me gripped from beginning to end, as it weaves extracts from both Sarah and Nancy’s lives and we learn why they both seek to settle a score with Darner. Darner is evil personified; an utterly cruel member of society who demands the utmost obedience from anyone who crosses his path; and who enjoys watching people suffer under his deliverance.

We meet Sarah initially, as an older lady, who is now known as Spider. She lives a quiet, solitary life, in an old, rickety house, and has many quirks and fascinations. Interspersed throughout Spider’s story, is that of Nancy and her family who are currently suffering under Darner’s cruel punishments. When Nancy decides to run away, she faces a dangerous life on London streets with little chance of hope.

The resilience and determination of both Spider and Nancy shine through in this time of history when professional men were taken at their word, and the poor had little to no say over matters affecting them. They are two females, physically weak in the hands of men, but determined to wreak vengeance on the man who has inflicted so much pain on them.

Can they work together to bring this tyrant down, or will they fail and meet the hangman’s noose? It’s one to read if you want to find out…😉


With many thanks to the publisher for this proof copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, gothic, and utterly absorbing—Spider, Spider is the kind of novel that lingers long after the final page. L. C. Winter weaves a tale of vengeance and survival in Victorian London, where shadows seem to breathe and every corridor hides a secret.

Nancy Ratcliffe’s desperate flight from the brutality of Brethren Hall is heart-wrenching, and Spider herself—haunted, enigmatic, and driven by revenge—feels like a character born straight from the pages of a gothic classic. Winter’s prose is sharp yet lyrical, painting London’s soot-stained streets and crumbling houses with a vivid, unsettling beauty.

What makes this book so compelling is its atmosphere: the menace is palpable, but so too is the fragile hope that flickers in the darkness. It’s a story of women navigating danger, reclaiming power, and confronting the poison of vengeance.

Fans of Bridget Collins or Anna Mazzola will find themselves right at home here. Spider, Spider is black as night, cleverly woven, and gloriously gothic—a novel that grips you with its menace and refuses to let go.

With thanks to LC Winter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creepy, unnerving and disorienting historical novel. I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This has quite horrific elements, particularly with the treatment of some of the characters. However this is juxtaposed with some quite beautiful writing. They are strange fellows but it works so well. We’re led through some quite distressing scenes which are bathed in gorgeous prose. I really enjoyed the writing of this book, it stood out for me.

The book deliberately disorients the reader, leading you down different roads until you can make the connections for yourself. I really enjoyed the satisfying moments of realisation. The book is told over different timelines with new characters introduced. What’s prevalent throughout though is the cruelty of those with power, aimed particularly at women.

The story is painful at times, and trigger warnings should be considered. But it’s also a story of determination, bravery, beating the monsters. All dressed with creepy houses, perilous plants, historical detail. A great read.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this ever since I first saw it on Instagram and then read the synopsis. I thought I’d look on NetGalley, just on the off chance that I could request a digital copy, and I found the audiobook. I’m so glad that I did!! I love an atmospheric, gothic read/ listen!

Molly Hanson narrates this so well from the points of view of young Nancy Ratcliffe and a woman called Spider. Both have been abused at the hands of the same man. Anyone who calls himself “The Prophet” is a red flag in the first place!

Nancy’s experience is in the “current” Victorian day, and Spiders is in the past (I wasn’t sure how long ago, though). Both stories are told in alternating chapters for the most part - and their actions are completely understandable.

It’s a story of religious control, female rage and revenge. The story flowed really well, and I was drawn in, hoping that they would both got their revenge and get away with it!!
Many thanks to Bolinda Audio, L. C. Winter and NetGalley for my copy of this thrilling book.

[Tabathareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great gothic revenge story and the atmosphere was everything. The first 30 percent was a little confusing for me with the timeline and POV shifts. I felt slightly out of sync at first. But once I really locked in and captured what was happening, the story completely came together and I was hooked.

Nancy fleeing the Brethren and the terrifying Prophet felt tense and desperate. Spider’s storyline was the one that really gripped me though. Her trauma, her anger, and the way revenge slowly shaped her felt raw and tragic. Even when her path leans toward violence, I understood her.

The ending was a bit predictable, but in a way that it should have ended. It felt fitting and didn’t take away from the impact.I listened on audio and it was so well done. The narrator’s voice and emotion added a lot to the tension and helped ground the heavier moments.

Thanks to NetGalley & Bolinda Audio for the gifted copy!

[Chanté Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this novel to review.

‘Spider, Spider’ is a historical, gothic novel with heavy themes of religious persecution and witchcraft. It is a twisted and compelling read, and honestly made me feel a little uncomfortable at times with some of the vivid descriptions.

Our main characters Spider and Nancy are two headstrong women who are targeted by the head of a religious sect who makes it his mission to cleanse them of their sins. Given the historical setting, they stand no chance against a man of the church and vow to exact their revenge upon him.
The visceral reaction that the author is able to create in the reader as they experience the novel is profound and testament to their skill in storytelling. I enjoyed the dual timeline that helps unfold and reveal Spider’s character and the juxtaposition of her upbringing against Nancy’s.

Would definitely recommend

[Rune · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an advanced listener copy of this books audio format from Netgalley free of charge in return for an honest review.

The narration is quality is excellent however it feels like the narrator may not be experinced as all the characters sound the same and so it means that everything runs together leaving the reader wondering who is talking. I had to re listen to whole sections of this audio book because i lost track of who was talking to who.

It has time skips and jumps around from character to character which feels very jarring and almost pulls you out of the story. Maybe That's as intended ? I don't particularly enjoy that narrative style.

The story boils down to the abuse of two young women by the same man. He uses the church and has his followers call him prophet and believes that the small acts of cruelty he hands out like party favours are justified and will save souls.

The book had an unfinished quality and i was left feeling unsatisfied with it.

[one.too.many.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy if on the run, feeling from brutality at the hands of the Prophet who runs the organisation she and her family are staying with. Spider is waiting and watching, seeking revenge on the very man Nancy is fleeing from. Both however want him dead for what he has done to them. But who will get there first?

Spider, Spider is a debut novel about female revenge and abuse of power, especially towards poor individuals or ones with suspected and real mental health issues. It’s a historical setting with a small dash of the supernatural.

It at times felt a bit like a dream reading this and especially at the beginning I wasn’t quite sure what was going on. Overall I enjoyed this book. It was quite unique and the themes running through interesting, if hard to read at times. It has two distinct main characters that both had a POV with one of them remembering past events too.

All in all an interesting, thought-provoking and unique read that I would recommend!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful cover and title hooked me straight away.
Such a relief when the story lived up to its cover in merit.
Set in Victorian London, it follows the separate stories of Nancy and Spider.
The most intriguing is Spider. For a large part of the first half of the book, you read with trepidation, wondering who is or what is Spider. I love the whole Wednesday/Munster vibes.

Enter stage left, a zealous psychopathic prophet, hell bent on ridding the world of evil. Therein the lives of Nancy and Spider intertwine, for better or worse.

With a solid cast of secondary characters and such an intriguing tale of heartache and pain, this book has you hooked from cover to the end.
It’s the debut novel from L.C.Winter. I will definitely be reading any future work by this author.


Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #SpiderSpider

[Alyssa Woodwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book! I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. It has a very gothic witchy vibe which is right up my alley, and follows two individuals Spider and Nancy through their quest to bring down one man who has brought them both harm. The story definitely had some small gaps here and there, and it was never really clear to me what age Spider was supposed to be. I think the backstory for Spider could have been a little more fleshed out and oriented in time. It wasn’t obvious to me how much time had passed between Spider’s historical timeline and the current timeline of the book. That said, this was a fun read and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys gothic witchy stories focused on revenge.