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The Rushes: A Horror Novel
In 1928, Hollywood screenwriter Martie Sedgwick is tasked with working on her first 'talkie', alongside her long-time lover and star of silent cinema, Joe Calico. When strange happenings begin to occur in the studio, Martie's mind begins to unravel. Her scripts spontaneously combust, gaffers fall to grim deaths, and a strange shadow stalks her in the hallways. With the money-hungry producers turning a blind-eye, it soon becomes clear that they may not finish this film unscathed. Something dark stirs in the roots of this set. Will they survive this new era of cinema and avoid fading into obscurity? Or will this deadly project ensure their infamy?
'The Rushes' is the first novel by British horror author Magda O'Toole.
'The Rushes' is the first novel by British horror author Magda O'Toole.
- GenresHorror
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
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13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 1, 2026
Historical fiction isn’t usually my thing, but when it taps into something I love like cinema, it immediately has my attention. The Rushes dives into a pivotal era of early Hollywood, and you can feel the research on every page. The world building is immersive and clearly written by someone who understands the time period.
It’s definitely a slow burn, but one that uses the time well to introduce us to the chaRacters. I ended up really attached to Joe and Martie; their relationship feels so real, which makes everything that follows hit harder.
And when the horror kicks in, it doesn’t just flicker past. The gore and the more visceral moments linger, and Martie’s unraveling-seeing things, smelling things, doubting her own senses-was genuinely unsettling.
If you’re into anxiety-heavy slow burns, historical settings, graphic body horror, and a tragic love story at the center, this one is worth picking up.
It’s definitely a slow burn, but one that uses the time well to introduce us to the chaRacters. I ended up really attached to Joe and Martie; their relationship feels so real, which makes everything that follows hit harder.
And when the horror kicks in, it doesn’t just flicker past. The gore and the more visceral moments linger, and Martie’s unraveling-seeing things, smelling things, doubting her own senses-was genuinely unsettling.
If you’re into anxiety-heavy slow burns, historical settings, graphic body horror, and a tragic love story at the center, this one is worth picking up.
February 1, 2026
3.5-375
So this is probably gonna be a bit of a longer review but I will try my best to keep it short and not to contain spoilers. Also I am an amateur at reviewing, so take everything I say with a grain of salt please. This is all my own personal opinion:
First of all I do think the pace of the book was done quite well. It starts with the author setting up the two main characters and their environment while also implementing the first mysteries. The suspension is built very well and I was waiting for that moment of clarity while coming up with my own theories. I do think the ending left the story a bit open-ended in my opinion. You do get to know what might be the motives of the presence but there are aspects that will not be concluded so to say. There is one aspect that did bother me in the revelation of the whole mystery and that is how directly the motive of the presence is presented. I think the author did an amazing job of giving the reader enough hints to figure it out themselves as long as they pay attention, so when the MC directly says it I felt a bit deflated, cause I felt my effort of analysing the text did not matter. I don't think it had to be spelled out quite so clearly, BUT I do think the overall message and sentiment of the book was amazing.
The setting and atmosphere of the novel was also done quite well. You can tell the author enjoys silent movies and movie making. I felt as if I could imagine it all quite perfectly. I cannot comment on the historical accuracy of it all. There was one moment that did take me out of 1928 and that was when the MC said "are you my therapist?". This is a very modern phrase, but other than that nothing sprung out to me and it did all feel very historically well done, especially regarding filmmaking, screenwriting etc.
The author also discussed mental health in the historical setting and I think she did an amazing job describing how doctors looked at women's mental health as pure hysteria or nerves. It genuinely was hard to get appropriate help in that regard.
The writing was unique. At first I did not know whether I liked it or not and in the first chapter it felt like the author used a lot of similes where it disrupted the flow for me. However, either I got used to it or it was done less and I ended up really enjoying this author's writing style. You could tell she is putting a lot of effort into her prose.
I also liked the foreboding/foreshadowing in the beginning chapters a lot. It really helped build the suspense as you wanted to figure out why our MC would regret this project. There was one foreshadowing at the end I thought could have been left out to sustain the suspense, however I have conflicting feelings on that and I can completely understand why it was done the way it was.
Nearly forgot to talk about the characters. Honestly I think all the characters had a great depth to them. You could really feel for them even though they were all morally grey. I think the author did a great job at portraying all their inner workings and also how people would unravel in a situation like this. Even characters that might seem like they should be disliked were saying things you could sympathise with. So I genuinely enjoyed the characters and their inner worlds. Although I do think that each character never really reflects on their own wrongdoings in a negative light as much as I had hoped, but overall I really do think the characters are a strong aspect of this book.
So overall I'd say this book is very well done. The author is very good at building suspense and describing gory details, while also having an in depth setting and characters.
So this is probably gonna be a bit of a longer review but I will try my best to keep it short and not to contain spoilers. Also I am an amateur at reviewing, so take everything I say with a grain of salt please. This is all my own personal opinion:
First of all I do think the pace of the book was done quite well. It starts with the author setting up the two main characters and their environment while also implementing the first mysteries. The suspension is built very well and I was waiting for that moment of clarity while coming up with my own theories. I do think the ending left the story a bit open-ended in my opinion. You do get to know what might be the motives of the presence but there are aspects that will not be concluded so to say. There is one aspect that did bother me in the revelation of the whole mystery and that is how directly the motive of the presence is presented. I think the author did an amazing job of giving the reader enough hints to figure it out themselves as long as they pay attention, so when the MC directly says it I felt a bit deflated, cause I felt my effort of analysing the text did not matter. I don't think it had to be spelled out quite so clearly, BUT I do think the overall message and sentiment of the book was amazing.
The setting and atmosphere of the novel was also done quite well. You can tell the author enjoys silent movies and movie making. I felt as if I could imagine it all quite perfectly. I cannot comment on the historical accuracy of it all. There was one moment that did take me out of 1928 and that was when the MC said "are you my therapist?". This is a very modern phrase, but other than that nothing sprung out to me and it did all feel very historically well done, especially regarding filmmaking, screenwriting etc.
The author also discussed mental health in the historical setting and I think she did an amazing job describing how doctors looked at women's mental health as pure hysteria or nerves. It genuinely was hard to get appropriate help in that regard.
The writing was unique. At first I did not know whether I liked it or not and in the first chapter it felt like the author used a lot of similes where it disrupted the flow for me. However, either I got used to it or it was done less and I ended up really enjoying this author's writing style. You could tell she is putting a lot of effort into her prose.
I also liked the foreboding/foreshadowing in the beginning chapters a lot. It really helped build the suspense as you wanted to figure out why our MC would regret this project. There was one foreshadowing at the end I thought could have been left out to sustain the suspense, however I have conflicting feelings on that and I can completely understand why it was done the way it was.
Nearly forgot to talk about the characters. Honestly I think all the characters had a great depth to them. You could really feel for them even though they were all morally grey. I think the author did a great job at portraying all their inner workings and also how people would unravel in a situation like this. Even characters that might seem like they should be disliked were saying things you could sympathise with. So I genuinely enjoyed the characters and their inner worlds. Although I do think that each character never really reflects on their own wrongdoings in a negative light as much as I had hoped, but overall I really do think the characters are a strong aspect of this book.
So overall I'd say this book is very well done. The author is very good at building suspense and describing gory details, while also having an in depth setting and characters.
February 1, 2026
Wow, where do I even begin? Thank you to Magda for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is insane and in the way that I absolutely love. The descriptions are so visceral and dark, and overall the writing is so rich and beautiful I cannot get enough.
The plot development and character development throughout just continues to get better, and I was genuinely impressed and intrigued by the plot twists and how it all unfolded throughout the entire story.
This is a must read!
January 16, 2026
Martie a script writer in 1920’s Hollywood has been talked into producing her first ‘talkie’.
The writing is enticing and the world building rich. Joe and Martie have a ‘working’ relationship whilst Joe is trapped in a loveless marriage.
Things start to go wrong for Martie after a fire at her office.
The story quickly descends into an anxiety inducing horror. Martie begins to see things. Are they real? She can sense things, smell things, but is it real?
Overall this was such a polished, well researched and enjoyable read combining body horror and supernatural horror. This story had me feeling every emotion and the scenes of tenderness, grief and trauma really shone through.
The writing is enticing and the world building rich. Joe and Martie have a ‘working’ relationship whilst Joe is trapped in a loveless marriage.
Things start to go wrong for Martie after a fire at her office.
The story quickly descends into an anxiety inducing horror. Martie begins to see things. Are they real? She can sense things, smell things, but is it real?
Overall this was such a polished, well researched and enjoyable read combining body horror and supernatural horror. This story had me feeling every emotion and the scenes of tenderness, grief and trauma really shone through.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'd like to start by saying thank you so much to Magda for the ARC copy, as well as a HUGE congratulations on her first novel! Although Magda is a very dear friend to me, my review is 100% honest as always.
The Rushes is a slow burn, historical horror novel. It explores the silent film era of the 1920s, when the world was just beginning to experience "talkies". As an ex-history student, I am a sucker for anything historical. In this case, I really enjoyed it as I'm not well versed in this time period, so I learnt a lot about it! Magda's love for film really shines throughout the story.
The relationship between Martie and Joe was very believable and, at times, heartbreaking. Joe was a very kind and gentle man to Martie, which I loved.
The horror elements of the story had me wincing, especially anything that involved body horror. I am getting better at dealing with this 😂 I absolutely loved the concept of the book, but I don't want to say too much more as I may give it away. I would love a prequel exploring the background a little more!
Overall, I definitely think you should check this one out. The Rushes will be available from 30/01/2026 on Kindle, and will also be on Kindle Unlimited.
The Rushes is a slow burn, historical horror novel. It explores the silent film era of the 1920s, when the world was just beginning to experience "talkies". As an ex-history student, I am a sucker for anything historical. In this case, I really enjoyed it as I'm not well versed in this time period, so I learnt a lot about it! Magda's love for film really shines throughout the story.
The relationship between Martie and Joe was very believable and, at times, heartbreaking. Joe was a very kind and gentle man to Martie, which I loved.
The horror elements of the story had me wincing, especially anything that involved body horror. I am getting better at dealing with this 😂 I absolutely loved the concept of the book, but I don't want to say too much more as I may give it away. I would love a prequel exploring the background a little more!
Overall, I definitely think you should check this one out. The Rushes will be available from 30/01/2026 on Kindle, and will also be on Kindle Unlimited.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Magda, for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Life is easy when we are on auto-pilot. But then along comes some new tech to master. We were used to writing in Python and the new project demands JavaScript…or the lab won a grant and upgrades their Hitachi S-520 scanning electron microscopes to Thermo Fisher's new Titan Krios Cryo-EM (causing scientists simultaneously to pump their fists and swallow hard at the 1,000 page manual).
Our protagonist, Martie, is a screenwriter caught in a similarly stressful transition…the shift from silent movies to “talkies.” We follow her and her love interest (Joe) as they contend with money-grubbing execs, power dynamics at the studio, and the stress of being forced to add sound to their art form to stay relevant. So when things begin go to inexplicably wrong during the film shoot, Martie questions her sanity and reality. Even the people she surrounds herself with suggest it might be stress. Except... the situations are too bizarre and uncanny to be accounted for by a tired mind, right?
An aspect of the novel I really appreciated was how O'Toole never rushed over action. Rather, she gave us rich layers of detail, slowing time in poignant scenes. During horrific situations where I might have wanted to look away…Magda says NOPE!. Her writing lashed me to a stake in the middle of the scene, cut my eyelids off and said, “You’re gonna see it all! And I’m gonna make you hear the sounds, smell the blood and taste the smoke at the back of your throat!” (And that’s, really, all I’m asking for in a book!!!!)
Magda’s character work blew me away. I LOVE books with interiority and reflection. Seeing Martie's progression of thoughts and emotions made me feel like I was living this story myself. You will NEVER encounter flimsy characters in this novel.
This was my first time reading O'Toole's work and a comparison that came to mind was The Girl From Rawblood. In that novel, Catriona Ward had a similar style of making the atmosphere feel alive and oppressive, and she spilled the character’s minds onto the page. If you liked that writing style, you might try The Rushes.
Life is easy when we are on auto-pilot. But then along comes some new tech to master. We were used to writing in Python and the new project demands JavaScript…or the lab won a grant and upgrades their Hitachi S-520 scanning electron microscopes to Thermo Fisher's new Titan Krios Cryo-EM (causing scientists simultaneously to pump their fists and swallow hard at the 1,000 page manual).
Our protagonist, Martie, is a screenwriter caught in a similarly stressful transition…the shift from silent movies to “talkies.” We follow her and her love interest (Joe) as they contend with money-grubbing execs, power dynamics at the studio, and the stress of being forced to add sound to their art form to stay relevant. So when things begin go to inexplicably wrong during the film shoot, Martie questions her sanity and reality. Even the people she surrounds herself with suggest it might be stress. Except... the situations are too bizarre and uncanny to be accounted for by a tired mind, right?
An aspect of the novel I really appreciated was how O'Toole never rushed over action. Rather, she gave us rich layers of detail, slowing time in poignant scenes. During horrific situations where I might have wanted to look away…Magda says NOPE!. Her writing lashed me to a stake in the middle of the scene, cut my eyelids off and said, “You’re gonna see it all! And I’m gonna make you hear the sounds, smell the blood and taste the smoke at the back of your throat!” (And that’s, really, all I’m asking for in a book!!!!)
Magda’s character work blew me away. I LOVE books with interiority and reflection. Seeing Martie's progression of thoughts and emotions made me feel like I was living this story myself. You will NEVER encounter flimsy characters in this novel.
This was my first time reading O'Toole's work and a comparison that came to mind was The Girl From Rawblood. In that novel, Catriona Ward had a similar style of making the atmosphere feel alive and oppressive, and she spilled the character’s minds onto the page. If you liked that writing style, you might try The Rushes.
December 21, 2025
Thank you Magda for the ARC!
An absolutely stunning read. The way Magda writes is mesmerising. The rich descriptions, the historical aspects, the depth of the characters all of which comes together to create something really special.
The story itself flows beautifully from chapter to chapter. It takes you on an immersive journey through the eyes of Martie, who you can't help but feel her emotions, her love, her frustration, her fears. It's impossible not to connect to her as character.
Magda has a real talent for writing, especially with gory, graphic scenes. There's just something about it that's subtle but horrifying at the same time. Everything is just really well done.
My review really doesn't do the book much justice, it is a book that NEEDS to be read by everyone. Please go and experience "The Rushes" for yourself, you won't regret it!
An absolutely stunning read. The way Magda writes is mesmerising. The rich descriptions, the historical aspects, the depth of the characters all of which comes together to create something really special.
The story itself flows beautifully from chapter to chapter. It takes you on an immersive journey through the eyes of Martie, who you can't help but feel her emotions, her love, her frustration, her fears. It's impossible not to connect to her as character.
Magda has a real talent for writing, especially with gory, graphic scenes. There's just something about it that's subtle but horrifying at the same time. Everything is just really well done.
My review really doesn't do the book much justice, it is a book that NEEDS to be read by everyone. Please go and experience "The Rushes" for yourself, you won't regret it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Magda O'Toole's The Rushes is an outstanding horror novel debut!
First and foremost, it feels like a privilege to receive a backstage glimpse at such a pivotal moment in cinema history. It is clear that the author is interested in the topic and cares so much for the research, the novel, and the reader. The style of writing fits the era so well yet goes beyond with a comedic twist and astute expressions. The author has an impressive way with words, weaving analogies, metaphors, epithets, and similes in an unexpected manner.
The 1920s are largely presented as lavish parties, music, and dance in popular print and digital media. Here, the atmosphere comes alive in a different way. Playful alliteration contributes to the eeriness of the book as well as its sinister plot—the author creates an atmospheric journey that the likes of Poe or Shelley would commend. The slow introduction of horror brings a carefully curated image of something menacing and dark. As a reader, the imagery thrives in my very real goosebumps and slightly elevated pulse as I scan page after page. The moments of horror are prolonged and quite detailed and one could vividly imagine the scenes as if plucked from old black and white films (the creepy, startling sounds that support the terror-inducing descriptions of the macabre). The murders or visions get progressively gorier, which plunges the narrative into a place of unsettled excitement. The ambiguity of the haunting terror leaves room for imagination and fantasizing: all things that insert the reader directly into the narrative. It is the ultimate element of mystery.
Character-wise, the effortless banter between our main protagonists, Martie and Joe, feels refreshing, authentic, relatable even. Through their conversations and inner monologues, the author handles topics relevant to the era—sexism, inequality, capitalism, creativity, love—and, thus, enriches the already rich plot of the book. The underlying commentaries on these issues feel like a sign of the times as much as valuable plot devices. What the author succeeds at most is shaping an incredible love story amidst a gradual infusion of horror, which is why the ending is heart-wrenching and emotional.
What I was missing was dynamism in the first half of the book. Specifically through character interactions and dialogue. We see a lot from Martie and Joe, which is inherently important as a way to settle their relationship. However, I think that some of those scenes and inner monologues could have benefitted from other characters butting their heads in (example: the scenes between Martie and Mae in the second half brought so much spark and lividity that I would love to have met Mae earlier in the story, rather than have her be characterized through others' eyes and accounts).
Overall, The Rushes is an incredible addition to the ever-growing horror genre. The unique idea, the spectacular writing, and the emotional impact of the novel compose a beautiful symphony of love and horror!
First and foremost, it feels like a privilege to receive a backstage glimpse at such a pivotal moment in cinema history. It is clear that the author is interested in the topic and cares so much for the research, the novel, and the reader. The style of writing fits the era so well yet goes beyond with a comedic twist and astute expressions. The author has an impressive way with words, weaving analogies, metaphors, epithets, and similes in an unexpected manner.
The 1920s are largely presented as lavish parties, music, and dance in popular print and digital media. Here, the atmosphere comes alive in a different way. Playful alliteration contributes to the eeriness of the book as well as its sinister plot—the author creates an atmospheric journey that the likes of Poe or Shelley would commend. The slow introduction of horror brings a carefully curated image of something menacing and dark. As a reader, the imagery thrives in my very real goosebumps and slightly elevated pulse as I scan page after page. The moments of horror are prolonged and quite detailed and one could vividly imagine the scenes as if plucked from old black and white films (the creepy, startling sounds that support the terror-inducing descriptions of the macabre). The murders or visions get progressively gorier, which plunges the narrative into a place of unsettled excitement. The ambiguity of the haunting terror leaves room for imagination and fantasizing: all things that insert the reader directly into the narrative. It is the ultimate element of mystery.
Character-wise, the effortless banter between our main protagonists, Martie and Joe, feels refreshing, authentic, relatable even. Through their conversations and inner monologues, the author handles topics relevant to the era—sexism, inequality, capitalism, creativity, love—and, thus, enriches the already rich plot of the book. The underlying commentaries on these issues feel like a sign of the times as much as valuable plot devices. What the author succeeds at most is shaping an incredible love story amidst a gradual infusion of horror, which is why the ending is heart-wrenching and emotional.
What I was missing was dynamism in the first half of the book. Specifically through character interactions and dialogue. We see a lot from Martie and Joe, which is inherently important as a way to settle their relationship. However, I think that some of those scenes and inner monologues could have benefitted from other characters butting their heads in (example: the scenes between Martie and Mae in the second half brought so much spark and lividity that I would love to have met Mae earlier in the story, rather than have her be characterized through others' eyes and accounts).
Overall, The Rushes is an incredible addition to the ever-growing horror genre. The unique idea, the spectacular writing, and the emotional impact of the novel compose a beautiful symphony of love and horror!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You alright in there?” His eyes flickered over my shoulder and beyond. He looked into the gloomy corridor with suspicious reproach. “You look like you’ve seen a damn ghost.”
“You could say that,” I said, breathlessly.
Martie Sedgwick and Joe Calico are finally working together on their first 'talkie' - a budding genre of film that is taking more than a little effort to fully comprehend and manifest. All is going swell until a series of strange and disturbing events puts the filmmaking process in jeopardy, causing Martie and Joe to begin wondering if either they're going crazy or some dark evil force is at work, determined to destroy Rouge Bullet from ever making it to screen.
This one has me gripped every time I started reading it, expertly crafted and written with some of the most well-flowing and beautiful use of creative depictions I've read this year, despite it's often grisly nature! O' Toole really does the plot justice in this one, taking the reader straight back to the 1920s while using a sense of paranoia and desperation to the max! Fully rendered and established characters that truly feel real with complex lives and weight. Very well researched and interesting to read a story set in such a time period, while exploring the filmmaking process, as horrors lurk around every turn. This was a true treat to read! Looking forward to seeing what Magda has next on offer because if it's anything like the quality of this writing, then I want it ASAP!
“You could say that,” I said, breathlessly.
Martie Sedgwick and Joe Calico are finally working together on their first 'talkie' - a budding genre of film that is taking more than a little effort to fully comprehend and manifest. All is going swell until a series of strange and disturbing events puts the filmmaking process in jeopardy, causing Martie and Joe to begin wondering if either they're going crazy or some dark evil force is at work, determined to destroy Rouge Bullet from ever making it to screen.
This one has me gripped every time I started reading it, expertly crafted and written with some of the most well-flowing and beautiful use of creative depictions I've read this year, despite it's often grisly nature! O' Toole really does the plot justice in this one, taking the reader straight back to the 1920s while using a sense of paranoia and desperation to the max! Fully rendered and established characters that truly feel real with complex lives and weight. Very well researched and interesting to read a story set in such a time period, while exploring the filmmaking process, as horrors lurk around every turn. This was a true treat to read! Looking forward to seeing what Magda has next on offer because if it's anything like the quality of this writing, then I want it ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Rushes by Magda O'Toole is a period horror novel set in Hollywood during the tail-end of the Roaring '20's, with new-fangled "talking pictures" arriving on the scene to compete with (and eventually kill) silent film.
Screenwriter Martie Sedgwick and her longtime lover, silent film star Joe Calico, are making the awkward transition to "talkies" with the mob comedy "Rogue Bullet". In order to prove their relevance in this new cinematic landscape, they need the movie to be a hit. So does the director, the producers, and the various studio backers. Unfortunately for everyone concerned, a malign entity lurking behind the scenes has other plans. As the accidents pile up amongst cast and crew and strange happenings haunt the studio's halls, Martie is left fighting for her career, her lover, and her life.
This novel has the usual beautiful prose I've come to expect from the author, along with a colourful cast of characters that bring old school Hollywoodland to vivid life. The author's clear love and knowledge of cinematic history, particularly the liminal time-period in which silence reluctantly gave way to sound, is evident in every page.
Come for the "cursed movie" tropes and sharp-edged film biz hustle and bustle, stay for the ethereal sense of dread that haunts every chapter, and the tragic love story at the novel's core.
Screenwriter Martie Sedgwick and her longtime lover, silent film star Joe Calico, are making the awkward transition to "talkies" with the mob comedy "Rogue Bullet". In order to prove their relevance in this new cinematic landscape, they need the movie to be a hit. So does the director, the producers, and the various studio backers. Unfortunately for everyone concerned, a malign entity lurking behind the scenes has other plans. As the accidents pile up amongst cast and crew and strange happenings haunt the studio's halls, Martie is left fighting for her career, her lover, and her life.
This novel has the usual beautiful prose I've come to expect from the author, along with a colourful cast of characters that bring old school Hollywoodland to vivid life. The author's clear love and knowledge of cinematic history, particularly the liminal time-period in which silence reluctantly gave way to sound, is evident in every page.
Come for the "cursed movie" tropes and sharp-edged film biz hustle and bustle, stay for the ethereal sense of dread that haunts every chapter, and the tragic love story at the novel's core.
February 4, 2026
I’m making a conscious effort to read more indie horror this year, and I’m so glad I started with this one!
Martie and her lover Joe are stuck in a conundrum making their first talking picture in the era of silent cinema: the studio is haunted and strange occurrences indicate their days on set are numbered.
This is a slow burn horror, that really takes its time to introduce us to its characters. It makes what happens later in the novel all the more impactful. Martie is a protagonist that I found myself growing attached to, and the a gradual beginning quickly ramps up towards the end, becoming packed with grizzly body horror and creepy scenes. The sense of danger, desperation and time running out is palpable.
The writing is lush and descriptive and the historical setting always feels authentic. Like others have said on here, you can tell the author took great care to research their the time period its set in. I don’t know an awful lot about the 1920s or Hollywood during that time period, but nothing felt jarring or out of place.
Overall, I really loved this! There’s a great sense of mystery to it, and I found myself wondering about the origins of the haunting that takes place in this book a lot. I really recommend giving it a try - especially if you like some heartfelt horror with a bit of romance, too!
Martie and her lover Joe are stuck in a conundrum making their first talking picture in the era of silent cinema: the studio is haunted and strange occurrences indicate their days on set are numbered.
This is a slow burn horror, that really takes its time to introduce us to its characters. It makes what happens later in the novel all the more impactful. Martie is a protagonist that I found myself growing attached to, and the a gradual beginning quickly ramps up towards the end, becoming packed with grizzly body horror and creepy scenes. The sense of danger, desperation and time running out is palpable.
The writing is lush and descriptive and the historical setting always feels authentic. Like others have said on here, you can tell the author took great care to research their the time period its set in. I don’t know an awful lot about the 1920s or Hollywood during that time period, but nothing felt jarring or out of place.
Overall, I really loved this! There’s a great sense of mystery to it, and I found myself wondering about the origins of the haunting that takes place in this book a lot. I really recommend giving it a try - especially if you like some heartfelt horror with a bit of romance, too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My entire life, I have dreamed of classic Hollywood. As I got older, I fell in love with pre-code Hollywood and what that was really like. There's something unique about that time period, and Magda O'Toole has really captured that in her first novel THE RUSHES.
What really captured me in THE RUSHES was the world that Magda has created. You can tell how much love and research was put into this meticulously curated story. The 1928 Hollywood setting feels very real, and Martie, a woman who is working as a screenwriter, is such an awesome perspective for the entire story. There's an unsettling sense of dread throughout the entire story that really pays off in the end. It feels so much like classic horror, yet it also feels unique and refreshing. The horror is such a slow burn and it creeps up into the story and hits you with a force that will take your breath away.
Every character comes alive on the pages, and the relationship between Martie and Joe is spectacular. It's perfect for anyone who loves their historical fiction with a lot of horror.
Giant thank you to Magda for the ARC- I am more than happy to leave this review as my honest opinion.
What really captured me in THE RUSHES was the world that Magda has created. You can tell how much love and research was put into this meticulously curated story. The 1928 Hollywood setting feels very real, and Martie, a woman who is working as a screenwriter, is such an awesome perspective for the entire story. There's an unsettling sense of dread throughout the entire story that really pays off in the end. It feels so much like classic horror, yet it also feels unique and refreshing. The horror is such a slow burn and it creeps up into the story and hits you with a force that will take your breath away.
Every character comes alive on the pages, and the relationship between Martie and Joe is spectacular. It's perfect for anyone who loves their historical fiction with a lot of horror.
Giant thank you to Magda for the ARC- I am more than happy to leave this review as my honest opinion.
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