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Only The Dark Knows
Ace Summers and his seven friends meet every year for a fun get-away. This year it's at Ace's cabin, the only cabin located on a secluded mysterious Irish island.
The friends think it's going to be a laid back time like all of their other trips. Once there Ace reveals truths about the island and his family, who have all been terrified to stay there. Someone or something dark controls the forests surrounding the cabin.
They experience heart pounding, unfathomable events that will lead to them questioning reality and to all of their dark secrets being revealed.
How much do they really know each other? Will they all make it off the island alive?
The friends think it's going to be a laid back time like all of their other trips. Once there Ace reveals truths about the island and his family, who have all been terrified to stay there. Someone or something dark controls the forests surrounding the cabin.
They experience heart pounding, unfathomable events that will lead to them questioning reality and to all of their dark secrets being revealed.
How much do they really know each other? Will they all make it off the island alive?
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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October 14, 2025So grateful for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book hooked me from the very first page. Only the Dark Knows follows Ace Summer and his seven friends on what’s supposed to be their annual fun getaway, only this time, they’re heading to Ace’s secluded cabin on a mysterious Irish island. What should have been a laid-back trip quickly spirals into a nightmare as Ace reveals the island’s haunting history and the dark force that rules its forests. From there, the story plunges into heart-pounding, reality-bending events where secrets come to light and the question becomes: how well do these friends really know each other, and will any of them make it off the island?
What I loved about this book is that it’s short and sharp (more of a novella) which makes it such a quick, easy, and fun read. The pacing never drags, and the dialogue-heavy style almost feels like you’re reading a screenplay, which adds to the eerie, cinematic atmosphere. It reminded me at times of the original Scream movies with its tense group dynamics and snappy exchanges, but it also carried echoes of The Haunting of Hill House in how it balanced supernatural elements with the characters’ very human guilt, trauma, and secrets. That blend of horror with emotional depth is what kept me turning pages.
The prologue had me instantly hooked, setting the tone for the spooky, mysterious ride that followed. I especially loved the recurring idea of “the beating of a guilty heart,” it gave the story this haunting rhythm, and tied in beautifully with the way each character’s past slowly unfolded. In some ways, it even reminded me of the Saw series, not in gore, but in the way every character’s hidden truths are peeled back layer by layer.
Overall, this was such a satisfying read: spooky, thrilling, mysterious, and unputdownable. It’s the perfect book for when you want something quick yet atmospheric, something that gives you chills while also digging into the darker corners of human guilt and fear. I devoured it in one sitting and loved every bit of it.
This book hooked me from the very first page. Only the Dark Knows follows Ace Summer and his seven friends on what’s supposed to be their annual fun getaway, only this time, they’re heading to Ace’s secluded cabin on a mysterious Irish island. What should have been a laid-back trip quickly spirals into a nightmare as Ace reveals the island’s haunting history and the dark force that rules its forests. From there, the story plunges into heart-pounding, reality-bending events where secrets come to light and the question becomes: how well do these friends really know each other, and will any of them make it off the island?
What I loved about this book is that it’s short and sharp (more of a novella) which makes it such a quick, easy, and fun read. The pacing never drags, and the dialogue-heavy style almost feels like you’re reading a screenplay, which adds to the eerie, cinematic atmosphere. It reminded me at times of the original Scream movies with its tense group dynamics and snappy exchanges, but it also carried echoes of The Haunting of Hill House in how it balanced supernatural elements with the characters’ very human guilt, trauma, and secrets. That blend of horror with emotional depth is what kept me turning pages.
The prologue had me instantly hooked, setting the tone for the spooky, mysterious ride that followed. I especially loved the recurring idea of “the beating of a guilty heart,” it gave the story this haunting rhythm, and tied in beautifully with the way each character’s past slowly unfolded. In some ways, it even reminded me of the Saw series, not in gore, but in the way every character’s hidden truths are peeled back layer by layer.
Overall, this was such a satisfying read: spooky, thrilling, mysterious, and unputdownable. It’s the perfect book for when you want something quick yet atmospheric, something that gives you chills while also digging into the darker corners of human guilt and fear. I devoured it in one sitting and loved every bit of it.
August 27, 2025
What stood out most to me was the flawed character arcs development. All the friends were initially painted as innocent humans getting together for their annual vacation, but as the story progressed & their secrets slowly unraveled a truly flawed picture was revealed. This created an unsettling tension within the group, leaving you to wonder whether it was the island’s curse haunting them, or simply their own past mistakes demanding payback...📷☘️🌊
Overall, this storyline was dark and gripping. There were moments that left me a little puzzled and with questions that didn’t always have clear answers, but that only added to the unsettling, mysterious vibe of the story...📷🌊😶🌫️
Overall, this storyline was dark and gripping. There were moments that left me a little puzzled and with questions that didn’t always have clear answers, but that only added to the unsettling, mysterious vibe of the story...📷🌊😶🌫️
September 8, 2025
Every year Ace and his 7 friends go on vacation. This year they are going to his secluded cabin on a remote Irish island. Something is after them and they all are trying to figure out who or what is out there in the woods. While this story unfolds, can everyone be trusted? How well do you know your friends? This book is eerie and has spooky vibes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 28, 2025
A cursed secluded island with only one lavish ‘cabin’. Ace invited his long time friends to visit. Things go bump in the night, shadows are seen running towards the woods. Soon people go missing. And found unalived. Is it the legend of the demon or someone you know? Suspense, horror, and excitement is delivered to the reader in spades and keeps you guessing until the very end!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of your ARC team!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of your ARC team!
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!! I’m a huge fan of thrillers, and this one hit the mark. It’s such an easy yet spooky read, perfect for the fall season.
The prologue hooked me right away. It was super intriguing and even gave me a bit of Verity vibes. By the time I reached Chapter 6, the story had really taken off, and that’s when things started to get intense and creepy 😳. I found myself getting goosebumps more than once as I read, which is exactly what I want from a thriller.
If you’re looking for something atmospheric, suspenseful, and a little unsettling, this is definitely a great pick! ✨️
The prologue hooked me right away. It was super intriguing and even gave me a bit of Verity vibes. By the time I reached Chapter 6, the story had really taken off, and that’s when things started to get intense and creepy 😳. I found myself getting goosebumps more than once as I read, which is exactly what I want from a thriller.
If you’re looking for something atmospheric, suspenseful, and a little unsettling, this is definitely a great pick! ✨️
August 30, 2025
A fun, quick, somewhat gory read. I enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable young adults (when I was young) thank you! Can't wait for the next one!🎉
May 18, 2026
I just finished reading Only the Dark Knows. It is such a fun read that I cannot stop thinking about. I wanted to leave a review here, so others can hopefully discover the talented author, Mary Cathereene Brown.
The story follows a group of friends who have known one another since high school. Every few years, they get together for a vacation somewhere around the world. This year, they decided to vacation on an island in Ireland that one of the friends recently inherited.
The island has been in his family for more than 100 years. It comes with warnings from previous generations, along with the mainland residents. Shortly after arriving, the friends begin to experience strange things and find that the legends might be true. They set out to unravel the mysteries.
The characters and their friendships are described in detail. There is a long history between them, with secrets revealed along the way. I enjoyed the humor that their friendships brought into the story. There were many areas where I laughed out loud.
I enjoyed the settings of the book. The prologue takes place on a beach in California. The remainder of the book occurs on the island in Ireland that only has one cabin on it, along with a charming seaside village that is a ferry ride away. I could picture all of the places while reading the story.
The pacing of the book is perfect. It kept me interested from the first page to the last. As the story unfolds, there are many unexpected twists and turns. All of my theories would be set, then the story would jog, changing everything. I loved continuously trying to solve the mysteries.
Mary has an amazing way of bringing the reader into the story. I felt like I was there with the characters, following along with them as they explored. The scenes were painted beautifully, with a lot of unique sensory details. For example, I have never seen water drops splashing across the page, and it made me really pause to hear them.
The book is a wonderful read for any time of year. It would be perfect to enjoy during the summer, given the island and getaway setting. The fall would also be fitting, with its spooky and jumpy elements, along with the mysteries and legends surrounding the island.
I highly recommend the book to anyone looking for an exciting story to read. I am looking forward to reading the prequel that Mary is currently writing, along with the Missy Porter series that she previously wrote.
The story follows a group of friends who have known one another since high school. Every few years, they get together for a vacation somewhere around the world. This year, they decided to vacation on an island in Ireland that one of the friends recently inherited.
The island has been in his family for more than 100 years. It comes with warnings from previous generations, along with the mainland residents. Shortly after arriving, the friends begin to experience strange things and find that the legends might be true. They set out to unravel the mysteries.
The characters and their friendships are described in detail. There is a long history between them, with secrets revealed along the way. I enjoyed the humor that their friendships brought into the story. There were many areas where I laughed out loud.
I enjoyed the settings of the book. The prologue takes place on a beach in California. The remainder of the book occurs on the island in Ireland that only has one cabin on it, along with a charming seaside village that is a ferry ride away. I could picture all of the places while reading the story.
The pacing of the book is perfect. It kept me interested from the first page to the last. As the story unfolds, there are many unexpected twists and turns. All of my theories would be set, then the story would jog, changing everything. I loved continuously trying to solve the mysteries.
Mary has an amazing way of bringing the reader into the story. I felt like I was there with the characters, following along with them as they explored. The scenes were painted beautifully, with a lot of unique sensory details. For example, I have never seen water drops splashing across the page, and it made me really pause to hear them.
The book is a wonderful read for any time of year. It would be perfect to enjoy during the summer, given the island and getaway setting. The fall would also be fitting, with its spooky and jumpy elements, along with the mysteries and legends surrounding the island.
I highly recommend the book to anyone looking for an exciting story to read. I am looking forward to reading the prequel that Mary is currently writing, along with the Missy Porter series that she previously wrote.
September 7, 2025
A MASTERFUL HORROR DEBUT
It was with great interest that I dove into the final version of Mary Cathereene Brown’s ‘Only The Dark Knows,” knowing right up front that it was her first foray into the horror genre. Known primarily for her fun-filled YA adventure books, it was a bold shift to be sure.
Well, I can say with certainty, the author not only succeeded in pulling off the genre switch with this riveting debut, but she did so with impressive flair.
Creepy and unsettling, it’s Southern Gothic horror at its finest, a very Poe-esque tale told with subtlety at times, and full-blown graphic imagery at others. A very original and well told story centered around an Island dwelling creature that’s sure to bring you more than a few sleepless nights. Highly recommended.
It was with great interest that I dove into the final version of Mary Cathereene Brown’s ‘Only The Dark Knows,” knowing right up front that it was her first foray into the horror genre. Known primarily for her fun-filled YA adventure books, it was a bold shift to be sure.
Well, I can say with certainty, the author not only succeeded in pulling off the genre switch with this riveting debut, but she did so with impressive flair.
Creepy and unsettling, it’s Southern Gothic horror at its finest, a very Poe-esque tale told with subtlety at times, and full-blown graphic imagery at others. A very original and well told story centered around an Island dwelling creature that’s sure to bring you more than a few sleepless nights. Highly recommended.
May 4, 2026
This was a short, fun and spooky read! A bit different from my usual genre but I really enjoyed it. It's fast-paced and very bingeable. It starts off as what seems like a fun vacation between old friends, but things quickly take a dark turn when the group realizes that not only are they haunted by a dark creature, but they also are all hiding secrets. I liked how complex the characters were, something that can be hard to pull off with such a short book and so many characters. Nothing is what it seems. Suspense build slowly and some twists I didn't see coming. Definitely recommend this to readers who love horror / thriller / paranormal fiction. I received a review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2025
This was such a great low stakes mystery thriller. It’s perfect for those who can’t handle too much horror or spookiness. I was hooked from the first page and loved the storyline. We have a group of friends who are getting away for the weekend holiday. It’s a very interesting and diverse group of friends with such different personalities. The cabin was very creepy and eerie. Any time someone was left alone or off somewhere outside, I would be holding my breath. The lion spirit ended up feeling like a guardian instead of a ghost. The ending shocked me as I didn’t see it coming at all. Great book for the spooky season.
September 15, 2025
This is a fast-paced straight to the point story but still gave you the satisfying story. Beware of the shadow lurking, but watch out for your enemies....they may be closer than you expected.
I really love how easy the writing and characters are likeable (but...). The story set in a small family island, where a stay-cation became their worst nightmares. The island was cursed, what your heart desire could be the end of you.
I wish each characters have their own POV, but it's a fun thrilling book nevertheless.
I really love how easy the writing and characters are likeable (but...). The story set in a small family island, where a stay-cation became their worst nightmares. The island was cursed, what your heart desire could be the end of you.
I wish each characters have their own POV, but it's a fun thrilling book nevertheless.
May 21, 2026
This was such an enjoyable read from the very beginning. What I loved most was the band of friends (and all the secrets!), the eerie atmosphere, and the mystery of it all. It had this constant “something strange is happening” feeling that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter 👀
Oh and also, due to this being a novella and with the short chapters it was a breeze to read!
This is available now, so I suggest you grab your copy ASAP!
Oh and also, due to this being a novella and with the short chapters it was a breeze to read!
This is available now, so I suggest you grab your copy ASAP!
January 26, 2026
This book surprised me in the best way. It’s moody and psychological, relying more on implication than explicit detail. The author creates a strong sense of unease without overexplaining, which I really appreciated. I enjoyed this a lot and would recommend it to readers who like slow-burn, atmospheric darkness.
May 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️OMG was I so blessed to have received my first PR box from Mary Cathereene Brown!!! This book was amazing and addicting!!! I couldn’t put it down it was just what I needed I felt like I was getting in a reading slump and this book hit the spot! 🔪🏝️🐈⬛ Thank you so much! Definitely recommend 💯 #onlythedarkknows #friends #oreo #sphinx #marycathereenebrown
June 24, 2026
Only the Dark Knows is a suspenseful and enjoyable read. I loved the tense storyline and all the characters in it. I would’ve, however, loved to see this as a full novel rather than a novella so we could’ve gotten more depth on the background and the characters. With that being said, the ending rounded out beautifully and was satisfyingly gruesome. A fun “camp story” horror story!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews