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Invasive Species
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26“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?
Audible Audio
Expected publication April 14, 2026
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About the author
Ellery Adams
62 books5,333 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 81 reviews
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!)
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.
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 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.
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!
August 9, 2025
What a weird and good book.
March 31, 2026
This was a fun audiobook — a silly telling of 1980s suburbia, with *that* strange neighbor in a house covered in invasive poisonous vines vs. the fiercest person imaginable: a Realtor trying to close her first sale.
Courtney Patterson brings Ellery Adams’ cozy horror story (I think that’s the genre) to a hilarious life as working mom Natalie is finally going to somehow meet her opulent street’s weird unseen neighbor, Mrs. Smith, whose seaside mansion also borders on the prime property Natalie has for sale. Unfortunately, this also corresponds with Mrs. Smith’s 100 year reproductive cycle, wherein she uses her seven tentacles to eat semi-ripe humans (pre-teens are the tastiest and she needs 9 of them), plus seducing all the men of the town in order to rev up her fertility. Only Jill, Natalie’s teen daughter, and Una, an Icelandic housekeeper who lost her sister to a sea monster are on alert.
It’s a super amusing story that only requires that you listen and laugh. It’s an enjoyable break from reality as you contemplate all those eels surrounding the junior regatta (yum, yum). 4.5 stars
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Although the green eyes do not belong to humans.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Oriental bittersweet voice nes really are that invasive.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy!
Courtney Patterson brings Ellery Adams’ cozy horror story (I think that’s the genre) to a hilarious life as working mom Natalie is finally going to somehow meet her opulent street’s weird unseen neighbor, Mrs. Smith, whose seaside mansion also borders on the prime property Natalie has for sale. Unfortunately, this also corresponds with Mrs. Smith’s 100 year reproductive cycle, wherein she uses her seven tentacles to eat semi-ripe humans (pre-teens are the tastiest and she needs 9 of them), plus seducing all the men of the town in order to rev up her fertility. Only Jill, Natalie’s teen daughter, and Una, an Icelandic housekeeper who lost her sister to a sea monster are on alert.
It’s a super amusing story that only requires that you listen and laugh. It’s an enjoyable break from reality as you contemplate all those eels surrounding the junior regatta (yum, yum). 4.5 stars
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Although the green eyes do not belong to humans.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Oriental bittersweet voice nes really are that invasive.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy!
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.
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.
January 28, 2026
This was the weirdest but best book! I loved the realness of all the characters. There are multiple POVs and it works so well. The different POVs give so much more depth to all the characters. It allows you to see all their flaws as well as the other character’s flaws. Mrs. Smith was the perfect villain. Nothing redeemable about her. You’ll hate her and it makes the story that much better. I had no idea how the story was going to play out but I ate it up! I was hooked and finished this in less than a day.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the 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!
October 5, 2025
The Mother of Eels needs to consume nine Pure Ones—children between 10 and 14—every hundred years to renew. For centuries, humans upheld a bargain: sacrifice a few to save the many. As the oceans grew crowded with oil and ships, people forgot the pact and forced her ashore. Still herself, still hungry, she takes human form as Mrs. Smith.
Invasive Species opens with Mrs. Smith on land (well, in a hot tub) reading fashion magazines from her estate high in Cold Harbor. She’s the neighborhood “witch”: kids dare each other to trespass; adults gossip. As the end of her century nears, she must emerge to feed.
Cold Harbor is an upper-class White suburb where children join swim teams and take sailing lessons. Natalie wants her first big success as a realtor—her very first listing backs up to Mrs. Smith’s property, and she sees Mrs. Smith as the obstacle to sealing the deal. Beth wants, more than anything, to be a mother; she’s known for her marriage’s heat (until Mrs. Smith starts an affair with her husband) and her Polish cookies. Elaine is determined to throw the bar mitzvah that finally wins friends for her odd child, Charles, and she needs Mrs. Smith’s approval for the fireworks she’s set on.
At the story’s center are Jill (Natalie’s daughter, all big crush and bigger sweet tooth), Charles (Elaine’s offbeat son), and Una (the Polish nanny/cleaner who works for all three women and once watched the Mother of Eels devour her sister). The board is set: Mrs. Smith must procreate and consume nine children; the women chase their own versions of success, with Mrs. Smith in the way; the children don’t intend to be eaten; Una wants protection…and revenge.
At times charming, tragic, and unsettling, Invasive Species asks the question that lingers: Who is the real monster? The creature following her nature, or the humans who claim dominion over land and sea while abandoning the old pacts? The pacing drags in places, but the moral depth and folkloric unease make this one stick.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Invasive Species opens with Mrs. Smith on land (well, in a hot tub) reading fashion magazines from her estate high in Cold Harbor. She’s the neighborhood “witch”: kids dare each other to trespass; adults gossip. As the end of her century nears, she must emerge to feed.
Cold Harbor is an upper-class White suburb where children join swim teams and take sailing lessons. Natalie wants her first big success as a realtor—her very first listing backs up to Mrs. Smith’s property, and she sees Mrs. Smith as the obstacle to sealing the deal. Beth wants, more than anything, to be a mother; she’s known for her marriage’s heat (until Mrs. Smith starts an affair with her husband) and her Polish cookies. Elaine is determined to throw the bar mitzvah that finally wins friends for her odd child, Charles, and she needs Mrs. Smith’s approval for the fireworks she’s set on.
At the story’s center are Jill (Natalie’s daughter, all big crush and bigger sweet tooth), Charles (Elaine’s offbeat son), and Una (the Polish nanny/cleaner who works for all three women and once watched the Mother of Eels devour her sister). The board is set: Mrs. Smith must procreate and consume nine children; the women chase their own versions of success, with Mrs. Smith in the way; the children don’t intend to be eaten; Una wants protection…and revenge.
At times charming, tragic, and unsettling, Invasive Species asks the question that lingers: Who is the real monster? The creature following her nature, or the humans who claim dominion over land and sea while abandoning the old pacts? The pacing drags in places, but the moral depth and folkloric unease make this one stick.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2026
4.5/5
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 🙌
October 6, 2025
thank you netgalley for the ARC!
This is such an entertaining read! Right away Mrs Smith, drew me into this strange and wonderful book. The multiple POVs made this book feel so well rounded, bringing us right into this neighbourhood. Also the difference in the writing between the others and Mrs. Smith was shocking, making her feel so other worldly. I did find myself wanting to skip over to a chapter with Jill or Una because they were my favourites by far.
****4 stars ****
This is such an entertaining read! Right away Mrs Smith, drew me into this strange and wonderful book. The multiple POVs made this book feel so well rounded, bringing us right into this neighbourhood. Also the difference in the writing between the others and Mrs. Smith was shocking, making her feel so other worldly. I did find myself wanting to skip over to a chapter with Jill or Una because they were my favourites by far.
****4 stars ****
October 14, 2025
Ellery Adams delivers a spellbinding tale of womanhood, ambition, and cozy horror in Invasive Species. Set in the 1980s town of Cold Harbor, this story explores what happens when everyday monsters meet something truly supernatural. Adams weaves subtle horror through the familiar rhythms of suburban life, creating a world where PTA meetings, real estate dreams, and whispered gossip hide something far more sinister. This was such a fun departure into a new genre for Ellery!
January 7, 2026
The neighbor everyone ignored is done being ignored.
Invasive Species by Ellery Adams is an off-beat, often funny horror novel with serious suburban creep factor. Set in the 1980s, it follows a quiet neighborhood shaken when reclusive Mrs. Smith, who’s been unseen for years, decides it’s time to re-enter society and wreak havoc. And reclaim her monstrous power.
Told through multiple POVs (including the monster’s), this fast-paced story shines thanks to Jill, a sharp and kind 12-year-old who senses something is very wrong, and Una, the family’s Icelandic housekeeper who still believes in the old ways. Their bond and their determination to protect the town’s children gives this horror story real heart.
I loved the suburban horror, 1980s vibes, and a monster who gets her own POV. If you like fast-paced, slightly unhinged horror with dark humor and heart, put this on your radar. This is a layered, darkly funny, and wildly entertaining story. I loved every minute of it.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Invasive Species by Ellery Adams is an off-beat, often funny horror novel with serious suburban creep factor. Set in the 1980s, it follows a quiet neighborhood shaken when reclusive Mrs. Smith, who’s been unseen for years, decides it’s time to re-enter society and wreak havoc. And reclaim her monstrous power.
Told through multiple POVs (including the monster’s), this fast-paced story shines thanks to Jill, a sharp and kind 12-year-old who senses something is very wrong, and Una, the family’s Icelandic housekeeper who still believes in the old ways. Their bond and their determination to protect the town’s children gives this horror story real heart.
I loved the suburban horror, 1980s vibes, and a monster who gets her own POV. If you like fast-paced, slightly unhinged horror with dark humor and heart, put this on your radar. This is a layered, darkly funny, and wildly entertaining story. I loved every minute of it.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
February 26, 2026
Ellery brings us into 1980’s suburbia, where women strive for perfection, status, and a body that screams “put together”. Women like one of our FMC’s, Natalie, are also determined to prove they can do it all-family, job, perfect house, etc. She’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen, including putting immense pressure on her daughter, Jill, to eat healthy so she won’t be fat. For her part, Jill just wants to be an average girl, and be able to eat, or even do, something without fear of criticism from her mother.
While the adults are busy running their picture perfect lives, the kids, specifically Jill, and her friend, Charlie, are growing suspicious of who is in the crumbling mansion. They know something is wrong-they can feel it-and the author creates a growing tension between those who refuse to ignore the danger bubbling under the surface, and those who are more concerned with making a societal splash. But the kids do have an ally, Una, who knows she has seen the enemy before-when she was a child. She always knew the stories were real, and she’s determined to help the children defeat the monster.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. She gave us real life nightmares-misogyny, unrealistic expectations, keeping up appearances, jealousy, etc-and blended it with supernatural horror, and nightmares from the deep. It was a gripping ride from start to finish, and one that I recommend. 4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, and Hanover Square Press, for my arc. My opinion is my own.
While the adults are busy running their picture perfect lives, the kids, specifically Jill, and her friend, Charlie, are growing suspicious of who is in the crumbling mansion. They know something is wrong-they can feel it-and the author creates a growing tension between those who refuse to ignore the danger bubbling under the surface, and those who are more concerned with making a societal splash. But the kids do have an ally, Una, who knows she has seen the enemy before-when she was a child. She always knew the stories were real, and she’s determined to help the children defeat the monster.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. She gave us real life nightmares-misogyny, unrealistic expectations, keeping up appearances, jealousy, etc-and blended it with supernatural horror, and nightmares from the deep. It was a gripping ride from start to finish, and one that I recommend. 4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, and Hanover Square Press, for my arc. My opinion is my own.
April 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this ARC! The vibe of an 80s beach town haunted by the presence of a suspiciously private neighbor (also a sea monster, but oh well) was the blanket of coziness that only an old horror movie can provide. I loved Jill and Charles, two kids traumatized by their parents (in very different ways) who have to come together to attempt to save the town from this monster that nobody wants to believe is real. Una, though, was my favorite character by leaps and bounds, she was so sweet to those kids, so fierce in her determination and a good narrator for all the housewife drama. This was a good cozy horror for me!
November 30, 2025
I got this ARC as a new Hive influencer and boy this was a doozy.
This wild and wonderfully weird story was just the right amount of creepy, funny, and anxiety inducing. A mix of 80’s suburban drama and mythological horror, Invasive Species definitely gave off Stranger Things vibes and I was here for it.
A perfect match for Grandy Hendrix fans, Ellery Adams delivers such a vivid world in such a small coastal town. I could 100% see this being a TV mini series in the future!
Lastly, I absolutely adored Una’s POV and her relationship with her husband Kristoffer was beyond precious. While it’s sometimes jarring to get the point of view of the monster in the story, aka Mrs. Smith, I actually really enjoyed it. She’s a sea monster baddie.
Comes out April 14, 2026!
This wild and wonderfully weird story was just the right amount of creepy, funny, and anxiety inducing. A mix of 80’s suburban drama and mythological horror, Invasive Species definitely gave off Stranger Things vibes and I was here for it.
A perfect match for Grandy Hendrix fans, Ellery Adams delivers such a vivid world in such a small coastal town. I could 100% see this being a TV mini series in the future!
Lastly, I absolutely adored Una’s POV and her relationship with her husband Kristoffer was beyond precious. While it’s sometimes jarring to get the point of view of the monster in the story, aka Mrs. Smith, I actually really enjoyed it. She’s a sea monster baddie.
Comes out April 14, 2026!
March 2, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for access to this free eARC in exchange for an honest review. This was such a wild ride. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but once I got into it I was hooked. It takes place in the 1980s and has a pretty campy feel. Multiple POVs, including the monsters POV which was a fun touch. Overall would recommend to anyone wanting a mystery/horror novel without too much gore and just enough 80s nostalgia.
November 23, 2025
The villain concept here is pretty unique but overall I did nooooot enjoy this. I couldn’t tell if the audience was meant to be children, teens or adults (obviously adults but some of the storytelling was quite juvenile), I couldn’t tell why it was seemingly arbitrarily set in the 80s, and in general just did not think it was very well written.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hanover Square Press for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hanover Square Press for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The kids are disappearing but where and why make this a uniquely interesting story. Ever have a fear there is something in that dark murky water you cant see? This may or may not be the book for you....this was an enjoyable cooky read!!!
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to review this story.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to review this story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was...weird. But also, wildly compelling. We've got a bit of desperate housewives in the 1980's, but also a legit sea monster.
It was funny and interesting, but also a pretty surface level read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
It was funny and interesting, but also a pretty surface level read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really weird book but in the best possible way! It was like watching an '80s sci-fi movie. As you read it you really do get a full cinematic experience in your head. I would not be surprised if down the road we see this being adapted into a movie or a TV show.
It did take me a little while to get into this book just because there are so many different perspectives you read from but once you really get into the flow of the book it's all laid out and very organized so it doesn't really get confusing.
It was interesting to read from the perspective of the monster. I absolutely love how when you get to a chapter from Mrs Smith's perspective it is written in almost a different style so you can very clearly see the difference between her and everyone else.
The juxtaposition you get from this being a horror supernatural book with the everyday elements of regular suburban life was very cool. I am a big fan of Ellery Adams writing I love her cozy mystery books so it was really fun to read something vastly different. She is such an incredibly talented writer I'm excited to see what's going to come next.
It did take me a little while to get into this book just because there are so many different perspectives you read from but once you really get into the flow of the book it's all laid out and very organized so it doesn't really get confusing.
It was interesting to read from the perspective of the monster. I absolutely love how when you get to a chapter from Mrs Smith's perspective it is written in almost a different style so you can very clearly see the difference between her and everyone else.
The juxtaposition you get from this being a horror supernatural book with the everyday elements of regular suburban life was very cool. I am a big fan of Ellery Adams writing I love her cozy mystery books so it was really fun to read something vastly different. She is such an incredibly talented writer I'm excited to see what's going to come next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Harlequin Audio for the chance to read and listen to an advance copy of Invasive Species by Ellery Adams.
While this book is not my usual fare (I do read a variety of genres, but not much in the way of horror), I decided to take a chance because I’m a huge fan of the author, Ellery Adams. And I’m glad I did.
I might call this “horror light” but then again, since I don’t read (or watch!) a lot of horror, that might not be the right description. All I know is that it was a really interesting, gripping tale.
We are transported to a small town/suburb on the north shore of Long Island, New York, called Cold Harbor in the 1980s. It’s an old town with some history, including fishing and oystering. But its proximity to New York City means it’s mainly a bedroom community for commuters these days. And yet. In a creepy old house on the shore of Long Island Sound, lives a recluse people call Mrs. Smith. It turns out that she’s no ordinary recluse. She’s actually a sea monster, a giant eel of some sort, who preys on young teens (“man child” is the term she uses for her most sought-after victims). The descriptions of the regatta were quite vivid and disturbing.
The story is told through a number of viewpoints: Mrs. Smith herself (very eerie/creepy), Natalie, a mother of three who is trying to establish herself as a local real estate agent, Jill, her 12-year-old daughter, and Una, their housekeeper (who works by cleaning other neighbors houses as well). There are several important main/side characters, including Jill’s older brother; neighbor Beth, who is an expert baker; and neighbor Elaine, who is planning an over-the-top Bar Mitzvah party for her shy and awkward son Charles. I wasn’t sure how I felt about how Elaine was portrayed, but the over-the-top party was necessary for the eventual denouement of this creepy story, so I was okay with it in the end. I loved Una, who emigrated from Iceland a long time ago, and has her own backstory. The husbands - well, meh, they were not “book boyfriend” material, that’s for sure. Except Una’s husband, Kristofer!
I bounced between the ebook and the audiobook, which was beautifully narrated by Courtney Patterson, a new-to-me narrator. I was pleased to hear Hebrew and Yiddish words pronounced correctly.
Highly recommended for those who like a creepy story, with a bit of gore and a ton of atmosphere!
Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Harlequin Audio for the chance to read and listen to an advance copy of Invasive Species by Ellery Adams.
While this book is not my usual fare (I do read a variety of genres, but not much in the way of horror), I decided to take a chance because I’m a huge fan of the author, Ellery Adams. And I’m glad I did.
I might call this “horror light” but then again, since I don’t read (or watch!) a lot of horror, that might not be the right description. All I know is that it was a really interesting, gripping tale.
We are transported to a small town/suburb on the north shore of Long Island, New York, called Cold Harbor in the 1980s. It’s an old town with some history, including fishing and oystering. But its proximity to New York City means it’s mainly a bedroom community for commuters these days. And yet. In a creepy old house on the shore of Long Island Sound, lives a recluse people call Mrs. Smith. It turns out that she’s no ordinary recluse. She’s actually a sea monster, a giant eel of some sort, who preys on young teens (“man child” is the term she uses for her most sought-after victims). The descriptions of the regatta were quite vivid and disturbing.
The story is told through a number of viewpoints: Mrs. Smith herself (very eerie/creepy), Natalie, a mother of three who is trying to establish herself as a local real estate agent, Jill, her 12-year-old daughter, and Una, their housekeeper (who works by cleaning other neighbors houses as well). There are several important main/side characters, including Jill’s older brother; neighbor Beth, who is an expert baker; and neighbor Elaine, who is planning an over-the-top Bar Mitzvah party for her shy and awkward son Charles. I wasn’t sure how I felt about how Elaine was portrayed, but the over-the-top party was necessary for the eventual denouement of this creepy story, so I was okay with it in the end. I loved Una, who emigrated from Iceland a long time ago, and has her own backstory. The husbands - well, meh, they were not “book boyfriend” material, that’s for sure. Except Una’s husband, Kristofer!
I bounced between the ebook and the audiobook, which was beautifully narrated by Courtney Patterson, a new-to-me narrator. I was pleased to hear Hebrew and Yiddish words pronounced correctly.
Highly recommended for those who like a creepy story, with a bit of gore and a ton of atmosphere!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a fun new storytelling direction from Ellery Adams! Feminist, satirical, and steeped in folklore, this is part supernatural horror, part suburban thriller. It's richly imagined, eerie, and dark but full of heart. I loved it!
Nostalgically set in the early 1980s in a quiet Long Island suburb, this multi-POV story follows Natalie Scott as she begins her real estate career while facing a misogynistic boss and a neighbor's rundown house. Unbeknownst to her, the neighbor is a monstrous sea creature demanding human sacrifices, prompting Natalie's daughter, Jill, and Una, their housekeeper, to fight for their town's survival.
Full of atmospheric dread and visuals that had me squirming, the story is wonderfully strange and layered. It explores themes that include misogyny, body-shaming, motherhood, relationships, and intense societal pressures on women, while satirizing outwardly perfect suburban life. And taking the creepy neighbor vibe to the next level, this unlocked a new fear for me—eels!
Even though this is primarily horror, the story has a strong emotional layer with the heart and humanity that Adams is known for in her books. The characters leap off the page, and I particularly enjoyed the bond between Jill and Una. And adding to the fun were lots of 80s references and mythology. I can't wait to see what Adams has up her sleeve next!
🎧 Courtney Patterson narrates the audiobook and does a phenomenal job bringing the story to life. The book shifts between adults, kids, and the monster, and I was impressed by Patterson's ability to make each sound unique. She leans into the atmosphere and tension, as well as the wry humor, giving the audiobook an immersive feel and making it very entertainining!
Thank you to Harlequin Books, Hanover Square Press, and Harlequin Audio for the gifted book and audiobook
Nostalgically set in the early 1980s in a quiet Long Island suburb, this multi-POV story follows Natalie Scott as she begins her real estate career while facing a misogynistic boss and a neighbor's rundown house. Unbeknownst to her, the neighbor is a monstrous sea creature demanding human sacrifices, prompting Natalie's daughter, Jill, and Una, their housekeeper, to fight for their town's survival.
Full of atmospheric dread and visuals that had me squirming, the story is wonderfully strange and layered. It explores themes that include misogyny, body-shaming, motherhood, relationships, and intense societal pressures on women, while satirizing outwardly perfect suburban life. And taking the creepy neighbor vibe to the next level, this unlocked a new fear for me—eels!
Even though this is primarily horror, the story has a strong emotional layer with the heart and humanity that Adams is known for in her books. The characters leap off the page, and I particularly enjoyed the bond between Jill and Una. And adding to the fun were lots of 80s references and mythology. I can't wait to see what Adams has up her sleeve next!
🎧 Courtney Patterson narrates the audiobook and does a phenomenal job bringing the story to life. The book shifts between adults, kids, and the monster, and I was impressed by Patterson's ability to make each sound unique. She leans into the atmosphere and tension, as well as the wry humor, giving the audiobook an immersive feel and making it very entertainining!
Thank you to Harlequin Books, Hanover Square Press, and Harlequin Audio for the gifted book and audiobook
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The cover reeled me in and I’m glad it did! What a fun trip back to Cold Harbor.
Premise - The gorgeous Mrs. Smith of Cold Harbor’s creepy, crumbling mansion feeds her eternal beauty with human sacrifice. But that’s not what worries Natalie Scott.
No, she’s more bothered about Mrs. Smith blocking a career-making real estate deal, the kind that’ll finally free her of her SAHM status in a world where women are expected to be perfect homemakers, and nothing else.
Things aren’t going great for Natalie’s BFFs, or the town as a whole, either, and Mrs. Smith and the creepy woods soon become the scapegoat.
It’s only Natalie’s 12 year old daughter, Jill, and Icelandic housekeeper, Una, who see there’s something more going on. So, naturally, it’s up to them to save the town, once and for all.
The story is told from multiple POVs and, frankly, I could have done without Mrs. Smiths perspective. The humans and their reactions were sooo much more interesting to me (and I loved their ambitious small town vibes!).
There are also quite a few explicit scenes of bestiality that I would have really rather done without… they were super gross and, worse, boring.
That said, I loved so much of this! The folktale-ish voice, the retelling of not-well-known (in the US, at least) fairytales, the cast of very strong characters, the beautiful and repugnant monster, the way the story really brought the sea world to life… *chef’s kiss.*
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Courtney Patterson. She was perfect for this story! It made me feel like I was a kid listening to an amazing story time reading, but with a story that engaged me as an adult.
Thanks, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - The gorgeous Mrs. Smith of Cold Harbor’s creepy, crumbling mansion feeds her eternal beauty with human sacrifice. But that’s not what worries Natalie Scott.
No, she’s more bothered about Mrs. Smith blocking a career-making real estate deal, the kind that’ll finally free her of her SAHM status in a world where women are expected to be perfect homemakers, and nothing else.
Things aren’t going great for Natalie’s BFFs, or the town as a whole, either, and Mrs. Smith and the creepy woods soon become the scapegoat.
It’s only Natalie’s 12 year old daughter, Jill, and Icelandic housekeeper, Una, who see there’s something more going on. So, naturally, it’s up to them to save the town, once and for all.
The story is told from multiple POVs and, frankly, I could have done without Mrs. Smiths perspective. The humans and their reactions were sooo much more interesting to me (and I loved their ambitious small town vibes!).
There are also quite a few explicit scenes of bestiality that I would have really rather done without… they were super gross and, worse, boring.
That said, I loved so much of this! The folktale-ish voice, the retelling of not-well-known (in the US, at least) fairytales, the cast of very strong characters, the beautiful and repugnant monster, the way the story really brought the sea world to life… *chef’s kiss.*
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Courtney Patterson. She was perfect for this story! It made me feel like I was a kid listening to an amazing story time reading, but with a story that engaged me as an adult.
Thanks, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While I am a fan of Adam’s works I have to admit the only series I am completely cought up on is the Books By the Bay series, with which I fell in love (or, at least author-crush) with her. There was something about her characters that spoke to me. I have yet to be able to fully connect with the crew of the Secrets, Books and Scone Society, but I do like it. This one here, though, allowed me to attatch myself to the characters, even if I hated them. Each of these characters are flawed, sometimes self-centered… but never boring. I loved that I got see the story through so many different view points- including the mysterious Mrs. Smith. The premise was amazing, I loved how she created a little, deeply flawed, community. It was wicked and delicious. I devoured it, leaving no bones… I mean, crumbs.
Filled with moments of humor, this book gave a twisted edge to a 1980’s domestic drama with just a touch of the paranormal. I felt like it was slightly different than what I have yet seen from Adams, and I was excited to see what she would do. Cinnematic and atmospheric, I was captivated by the book. Four stars all the way!
As far as adult content, there’s a good amount of violence- some going into quite a lot of detail. Then there’s sexual content; not over-the-top explicit, I would say spice level two, maybe three. There’s drinking, language, bullying, cheating, references to sexual assault/ harassment, and marginalization of women. It might be a lot to take in for a younger reader. Perhaps New Adult?
I was lucky enough to recieve an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Press in exchange for an honest review. As always, the (definitely opinionated) views here are wholly my own. Thank you for the opprtunity.
Filled with moments of humor, this book gave a twisted edge to a 1980’s domestic drama with just a touch of the paranormal. I felt like it was slightly different than what I have yet seen from Adams, and I was excited to see what she would do. Cinnematic and atmospheric, I was captivated by the book. Four stars all the way!
As far as adult content, there’s a good amount of violence- some going into quite a lot of detail. Then there’s sexual content; not over-the-top explicit, I would say spice level two, maybe three. There’s drinking, language, bullying, cheating, references to sexual assault/ harassment, and marginalization of women. It might be a lot to take in for a younger reader. Perhaps New Adult?
I was lucky enough to recieve an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Press in exchange for an honest review. As always, the (definitely opinionated) views here are wholly my own. Thank you for the opprtunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I felt a bit "Monstery", so I was thrilled to find 𝑰𝑵𝑽𝑨𝑺𝑰𝑽𝑬 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑬𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒔
𝑵𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 available in @netgalley from @hanoversquarepress & @htpbooks_audio and will be out April 14th.
This was a complete escapist delight for me!
A monster of ancient lore masquerading as an old woman in a village must consume the perfect adolescent children to maintain her power. As a species go, these humans don't seem to care about her or her environment anymore, so no qualms as the annual young people's regata is nearing, bringing her many opportunities to snatch her meals. Another need she has now is to reproduce, despite her repulsion to the human males. However, needs must, and on she goes toward her quest.
The cast of women in Cold Harbor have enough to deal with without this meddlesome monster, but one 12-year-old girl and an Icelandic housekeeper are sure something is afoot. Will they be able to defeat the real monster with so many tangled in her tentacles?
This was really just a fun read with some underlying messages of how we are toward one another as humanity. It was funny, a bit campy but in a delightful way, and easy to slip under and let the story take me away from some heavy real world issues for a moment. I liked the not so subtle questions of blame, responsibility, & culpability while still keeping it light.
Patterson is a new narrator to me, I think, and I found her voices to be perfect fits for the characters. It made this format a win for me!
For a bit of a cozy (are severed floating limbs cozy?) horror mystery with some darker edges, I definitely recommend this one!
𝑵𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 available in @netgalley from @hanoversquarepress & @htpbooks_audio and will be out April 14th.
This was a complete escapist delight for me!
A monster of ancient lore masquerading as an old woman in a village must consume the perfect adolescent children to maintain her power. As a species go, these humans don't seem to care about her or her environment anymore, so no qualms as the annual young people's regata is nearing, bringing her many opportunities to snatch her meals. Another need she has now is to reproduce, despite her repulsion to the human males. However, needs must, and on she goes toward her quest.
The cast of women in Cold Harbor have enough to deal with without this meddlesome monster, but one 12-year-old girl and an Icelandic housekeeper are sure something is afoot. Will they be able to defeat the real monster with so many tangled in her tentacles?
This was really just a fun read with some underlying messages of how we are toward one another as humanity. It was funny, a bit campy but in a delightful way, and easy to slip under and let the story take me away from some heavy real world issues for a moment. I liked the not so subtle questions of blame, responsibility, & culpability while still keeping it light.
Patterson is a new narrator to me, I think, and I found her voices to be perfect fits for the characters. It made this format a win for me!
For a bit of a cozy (are severed floating limbs cozy?) horror mystery with some darker edges, I definitely recommend this one!
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