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The Night Pool
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26
The Night Pool
is a blood-soaked, page-turning horror set in the Gold Rush West, where three women must battle monsters both human and inhuman to survive—perfect for fans of Alma Katsu’s
The Hunger
and Victor LaValle’s
Lone Women.
The American West is no safe haven for women—least of all in the Gold Rush town of Coloma, California. Not for Clara Tice, the blacksmith’s strange and stubborn daughter. Not for Mei, the healer whose calm presence the makeshift camp for Chinese immigrants contrasts sharply with her brother’s hard-eyed pursuit of riches. And certainly not for Haloke, a Nisenan Shaman’s granddaughter whose native village has been devastated by smallpox, hunger, and the relentless greed of Outsiders.
One night, Clara and Haloke meet at the river’s edge and watch in horror as Clementine Cobb, the town beauty, is lured across the water. Together they witness something terrible in the Night Pool. Soon after, an unseen attacker descends upon the mining men of Coloma, abandoning heartless bodies one-by-one. As the gruesome killings in Coloma threaten to incite further violence, Clara, Haloke, and Mei find themselves unlikely allies—without the gangs, guns, or bravado of the men who claim Coloma’s riches. The three women must work together to confront the evil that menaces them from both monsters and men.
A gripping tale of sisterhood, vengeance, and survival, The Night Pool explores the horrors of greed and lust, and the hidden strength of the most vulnerable among us.
The American West is no safe haven for women—least of all in the Gold Rush town of Coloma, California. Not for Clara Tice, the blacksmith’s strange and stubborn daughter. Not for Mei, the healer whose calm presence the makeshift camp for Chinese immigrants contrasts sharply with her brother’s hard-eyed pursuit of riches. And certainly not for Haloke, a Nisenan Shaman’s granddaughter whose native village has been devastated by smallpox, hunger, and the relentless greed of Outsiders.
One night, Clara and Haloke meet at the river’s edge and watch in horror as Clementine Cobb, the town beauty, is lured across the water. Together they witness something terrible in the Night Pool. Soon after, an unseen attacker descends upon the mining men of Coloma, abandoning heartless bodies one-by-one. As the gruesome killings in Coloma threaten to incite further violence, Clara, Haloke, and Mei find themselves unlikely allies—without the gangs, guns, or bravado of the men who claim Coloma’s riches. The three women must work together to confront the evil that menaces them from both monsters and men.
A gripping tale of sisterhood, vengeance, and survival, The Night Pool explores the horrors of greed and lust, and the hidden strength of the most vulnerable among us.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Lauren Lee Smith
2 books10 followersLauren Lee Smith was born and raised in rural Northern California Gold Country on Nisenan land, and grew up with history all around her, from pioneer cemeteries to gold mines to Native American caves and grinding rocks. As a mother, mental health advocate, and history lover, her work often explores maternal mental health, trauma, male brutality, and the historical intersections of diverse cultures through the lens of feminist horror. She lives by the sea in Southern California with her family, four dogs, two cats, and enjoys growing old fashioned roses and writing scary movies for Hollywood that confront the darker, more taboo elements of the feminine experience.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 19, 2026
a stunning debut that tackles greed and grief in equal measure at the height of the American Gold Rush.
wow. where to begin. there is so much to love about this book. first off, the writing was gorgeous; flowing and thoughtful, I was swept away. there were some delicate themes and serious historical references balanced here, and I thought Lauren Lee Smith delivered them beautifully.
in terms of the horror elements… you know it’s bad when the town runs out of lumber for coffins. there were some cringing, gasping moments with an overall haunting aura that was very fun.
the themes and ideas here were very powerful and this story serves as a great reminder to recall the mistakes of our recent past. the displacement of Indigenous communities was unjust and shameful, and completely changed the physical and social landscape of North America. further, the treatment of women (ongoing, by the way) was disheartening. at the same time, it was empowering to read about three women who stood by their beliefs despite the social repercussions and setbacks they endured.
one of my critiques was the delivery of themes and commentary was sometimes overly transparent and repetitive (i.e., greed, human capacity for violence, dark desires, power, morality, etc). as a reader, I want to be invited to draw conclusions, not have them explicitly stated for me. although they were still meaningful, the impact was lost on me. another critique was how the flow of the central plot felt a bit disjointed at times.
however, I think this was an incredible debut. I can’t wait to see more from Lauren Lee Smith in the future.
thank you very much to Blackwell Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
4 stars
wow. where to begin. there is so much to love about this book. first off, the writing was gorgeous; flowing and thoughtful, I was swept away. there were some delicate themes and serious historical references balanced here, and I thought Lauren Lee Smith delivered them beautifully.
in terms of the horror elements… you know it’s bad when the town runs out of lumber for coffins. there were some cringing, gasping moments with an overall haunting aura that was very fun.
the themes and ideas here were very powerful and this story serves as a great reminder to recall the mistakes of our recent past. the displacement of Indigenous communities was unjust and shameful, and completely changed the physical and social landscape of North America. further, the treatment of women (ongoing, by the way) was disheartening. at the same time, it was empowering to read about three women who stood by their beliefs despite the social repercussions and setbacks they endured.
one of my critiques was the delivery of themes and commentary was sometimes overly transparent and repetitive (i.e., greed, human capacity for violence, dark desires, power, morality, etc). as a reader, I want to be invited to draw conclusions, not have them explicitly stated for me. although they were still meaningful, the impact was lost on me. another critique was how the flow of the central plot felt a bit disjointed at times.
however, I think this was an incredible debut. I can’t wait to see more from Lauren Lee Smith in the future.
thank you very much to Blackwell Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A stunning and gruesome tale of greed and vengeance in this amazing debut horror novel. This is a true horror story, with many layers of horror: 1) the despicable treatment of Indigenous people and immigrants in the US by settlers/miners and the government, 2) the general misogyny of the time period toward the female main characters, and 3) all overlaid with the supernatural horrors of the evil slaughtering the inhabitants of the town.
The writing is very atmospheric, instantly drawing the reader into this world. The characters are nice and complex, in particular our two main POVs (Clara, the newly arrived blacksmith's daughter, and Haloke, the Nisenan shaman's granddaughter) and several of the inhabitants of the town. The steady pace of the plot held attention throughout, making this a true page-turner (I was compelled to finish the book in two sessions!).
Overall, a superb debut from Lauren Lee Smith, and I'll definitely be reading whatever else she chooses to write in the future. Highly recommended for all horror fans!
A stunning and gruesome tale of greed and vengeance in this amazing debut horror novel. This is a true horror story, with many layers of horror: 1) the despicable treatment of Indigenous people and immigrants in the US by settlers/miners and the government, 2) the general misogyny of the time period toward the female main characters, and 3) all overlaid with the supernatural horrors of the evil slaughtering the inhabitants of the town.
The writing is very atmospheric, instantly drawing the reader into this world. The characters are nice and complex, in particular our two main POVs (Clara, the newly arrived blacksmith's daughter, and Haloke, the Nisenan shaman's granddaughter) and several of the inhabitants of the town. The steady pace of the plot held attention throughout, making this a true page-turner (I was compelled to finish the book in two sessions!).
Overall, a superb debut from Lauren Lee Smith, and I'll definitely be reading whatever else she chooses to write in the future. Highly recommended for all horror fans!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Night Pool
By Lauren Lee Smith
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Genres: Mystery / Feminist Horror / Historical Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Story
Set against the brutal backdrop of the 1850s California Gold Rush, The Night Pool follows two young women bound by grief and an ancient, burgeoning terror.
• Haloke, a Nisenan teenager, mourns her murdered brother while sensing a predatory spirit lurking in the Sierra Nevada shadows.
• Clara, newly arrived in the settlement of Coloma, carries the heavy silence of her own lost sibling.
Their lives collide one night when they witness a local beauty lured into a warm sulfur spring by a "man beast"—a horrific hybrid of mountain lion and man. As the creature’s influence spreads, the men of Coloma are found mutilated, and Haloke begins to suffer "waking dreams" where she finds herself elbow-deep in the victims' chest cavities. Together with Mei, a Chinese immigrant, the women must navigate a landscape of rising body counts and ancient curses to find a way to survive.
My Thoughts
This novel is a searing look at autonomy and the trapped circumstances of women in the mid-19th century. Whether escaping domineering parents or the stigma of being a "misfit," Haloke and Clara are both burdened by the painful realization that their parents might have preferred they be the ones lost to death instead of their siblings.
What I Loved:
• Character Growth: Witnessing Haloke’s transformation from an anger-filled avenging sister into a powerful shaman of deep compassion was the highlight of the book.
• The Atmospheric Blend: I wasn't initially thrilled by the "Wild West" setting, but the deeper I delved, the more fascinated I became. It is a surprising, gory blend of historical fiction and psychological introspection.
• The Emotional Weight: The prose captures the physical sensation of grief beautifully—like "incremental pressure" around the throat.
Final Verdict
The Night Pool is a must-read for fans of historical horror who don't mind getting their hands a little dirty. It is a 5-star journey into the dark heart of the Gold Rush.
⚠️ Content Warning: This book contains graphic accounts of violence, sexual assault, and extreme gore. It is not recommended for readers sensitive to depictions of dismembered bodies or sexual assault.
Favorite Quotes:
"Peace of mind, perhaps. A rarer thing than gold in this world, and something I doubt I’ll ever find for myself." — Haloke
"It is such a horrible sensation, the impulse to weep. Like someone has you round the throat and they’re squeezing with agonizingly slow, incremental pressure." — Clara
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Lauren Lee Smith for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. Thankfully, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lauren’s characters in the old American West.
It’s 1856 in the Gold Rush town of Coloma, and all is not well. Newly arrived blacksmith’s daughter Clara Tice and Nisenan shaman’s granddaughter Haloke meet and witness a horrific act at the titular Night Pool, before a monstrous force descends on the town to tear through its inhabitants – quite literally.
Together with Chinese immigrant Mei, Clara and Haloke become unlikely allies, forced to confront the evil stalking the streets of Coloma, from monsters and men alike.
The themes aren’t subtle, but they don’t need to be. Lauren Lee Smith deftly weaves together multiple strands of horror: the misogyny, sexual violence and physical brutality faced by women; the violent displacement of Indigenous people; and finally, the more traditional supernatural horrors lurking in the dark.
The writing is gorgeous, atmospheric and visceral. The pages drip with tension, just as the gore drips from the town’s trees.
The characters are complex and well written, especially the two narrators. Clara and Haloke are given distinct voices and viewpoints, each growing and developing throughout the story. I was intrigued whenever the dark and mysterious Will Fury entered a scene, and I was also a big fan of brothel madame Texas Ellen. The most monstrous character in the book, however, isn’t the entity tearing people limb from limb, but the Irish dandy Liam Murphy – a hateful mix of pride, greed, violence and perversion, who I wanted to punch through the pages myself.
My one issue with the book – and it is a small one – is that jumping back and forth between Clara and Haloke’s perspectives in alternating chapters occasionally left the plot feeling a little disjointed. However, I was deeply invested regardless, and this is a minor complaint in what is otherwise a hugely compelling read.
For a debut author, this is thoroughly impressive stuff. The Night Pool is bloody, atmospheric and emotionally charged historical horror, and I’m very much looking forward to its physical release later this year. Lauren Lee Smith is definitely an author to watch.
It’s 1856 in the Gold Rush town of Coloma, and all is not well. Newly arrived blacksmith’s daughter Clara Tice and Nisenan shaman’s granddaughter Haloke meet and witness a horrific act at the titular Night Pool, before a monstrous force descends on the town to tear through its inhabitants – quite literally.
Together with Chinese immigrant Mei, Clara and Haloke become unlikely allies, forced to confront the evil stalking the streets of Coloma, from monsters and men alike.
The themes aren’t subtle, but they don’t need to be. Lauren Lee Smith deftly weaves together multiple strands of horror: the misogyny, sexual violence and physical brutality faced by women; the violent displacement of Indigenous people; and finally, the more traditional supernatural horrors lurking in the dark.
The writing is gorgeous, atmospheric and visceral. The pages drip with tension, just as the gore drips from the town’s trees.
The characters are complex and well written, especially the two narrators. Clara and Haloke are given distinct voices and viewpoints, each growing and developing throughout the story. I was intrigued whenever the dark and mysterious Will Fury entered a scene, and I was also a big fan of brothel madame Texas Ellen. The most monstrous character in the book, however, isn’t the entity tearing people limb from limb, but the Irish dandy Liam Murphy – a hateful mix of pride, greed, violence and perversion, who I wanted to punch through the pages myself.
My one issue with the book – and it is a small one – is that jumping back and forth between Clara and Haloke’s perspectives in alternating chapters occasionally left the plot feeling a little disjointed. However, I was deeply invested regardless, and this is a minor complaint in what is otherwise a hugely compelling read.
For a debut author, this is thoroughly impressive stuff. The Night Pool is bloody, atmospheric and emotionally charged historical horror, and I’m very much looking forward to its physical release later this year. Lauren Lee Smith is definitely an author to watch.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of the most highly anticipated books releasing in 2026, “The Night Pool” is a compelling, violent, and stunning debut novel from author Lauren Lee Smith.
The California Gold Rush provides a backdrop of greed, misogamy, and all manner of horrors, both human and supernatural, with a well-researched and little-known connection to early Native American lore.
The lives of three young women, Clara, Mei, and Haloke, unfold as each is forced to confront turbulence, abuse, and desperation in circumstances Smith expertly defines with visceral descriptions.
Their unlikely bonds ground this story of survival in unforgettable scenes of determination, vivid characters, and, ultimately, the consequences of actions forced on them by those around them, including men who demand control of their fate.
The writing is razor-sharp, and the author doesn’t shy away from the sights, smells, and gore surrounding the harsh personal environment that all three women struggle to overcome; she scratches at every emotion, sometimes with sharp claws!
When we’re introduced to the creature of Night Pool, there’s a dreadful originality to the monster that is positively cinematic in its satisfaction.
Smith crafts not only a uniquely harrowing story but also a poignant one that will leave the reader satisfied long after her relevant concluding notes.
“The land never forgets,” and neither will readers of “The Night Pool.”
Lauren Lee Smith is poised not only as an important writer to watch but also as one who understands and champions the force of nature that is exclusively female.
The California Gold Rush provides a backdrop of greed, misogamy, and all manner of horrors, both human and supernatural, with a well-researched and little-known connection to early Native American lore.
The lives of three young women, Clara, Mei, and Haloke, unfold as each is forced to confront turbulence, abuse, and desperation in circumstances Smith expertly defines with visceral descriptions.
Their unlikely bonds ground this story of survival in unforgettable scenes of determination, vivid characters, and, ultimately, the consequences of actions forced on them by those around them, including men who demand control of their fate.
The writing is razor-sharp, and the author doesn’t shy away from the sights, smells, and gore surrounding the harsh personal environment that all three women struggle to overcome; she scratches at every emotion, sometimes with sharp claws!
When we’re introduced to the creature of Night Pool, there’s a dreadful originality to the monster that is positively cinematic in its satisfaction.
Smith crafts not only a uniquely harrowing story but also a poignant one that will leave the reader satisfied long after her relevant concluding notes.
“The land never forgets,” and neither will readers of “The Night Pool.”
Lauren Lee Smith is poised not only as an important writer to watch but also as one who understands and champions the force of nature that is exclusively female.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was sent this book by the publisher through Netgally so thank you for that. This had everything I like, historical. female lead horror stories. I wanted to like this more than I ended up when I finished. It had some really interesting parts like I like the premise and the time period of people moving west when Gold had been found plus the horror. It was very bloody with the scenes and I liked the monster and the similarities between Clementine and Lucy from Dracula was cool too. I felt things moved along kinda fast it seemed like it took all of 3 days for things to unfold and the character of Liam kinda bugged me. He's meant to be a bad and a weasel and he did something very bad to Clara but even with her not trusting him and a lot of her early chapters ending with her making a comment on him shit eating grin or something, at points in the book Clara calls on him to be her witness or to tell the truth like you know he won't so why are you banking on him helping you. Same with Will Fury I wasn't sure if we were meant to like him and by the end I'm not too sure why he was even at the confirmation. Either way it's a decent book and it will defiantly be recommended as a suggestion in the future too
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF @ 12%
I really wanted to like this book but I can’t force myself to read something that I’m not enjoying, it takes the fun out of reading. The premise of this book seemed promising but the execution did not deliver. It seems that the author focused more on this book being lyrical and poetic than actually telling the story. This story was not compelling at all and nothing about the authors story telling abilities kept me engaged enough, I just found myself being annoyed with every page trying connect with the characters and focus on the storyline when everything is desperately trying to be melodic.
I really wanted to like this book but I can’t force myself to read something that I’m not enjoying, it takes the fun out of reading. The premise of this book seemed promising but the execution did not deliver. It seems that the author focused more on this book being lyrical and poetic than actually telling the story. This story was not compelling at all and nothing about the authors story telling abilities kept me engaged enough, I just found myself being annoyed with every page trying connect with the characters and focus on the storyline when everything is desperately trying to be melodic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
This book is beautifully written -- unlike anything else, the storyline, characters--strong and jaw dropping. The horror, the greed and the survival. A book that has it all weaved throughout eachother and This book will haunt you long after youve finished. I am going to patiently be waiting for what Lauren has coming for us next.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Historical Fiction, Horror, Greed, Survival
Thank you NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, & Lauren Lee Smith, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Releasing on August 25, 2026!
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
This book is beautifully written -- unlike anything else, the storyline, characters--strong and jaw dropping. The horror, the greed and the survival. A book that has it all weaved throughout eachother and This book will haunt you long after youve finished. I am going to patiently be waiting for what Lauren has coming for us next.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Historical Fiction, Horror, Greed, Survival
Thank you NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, & Lauren Lee Smith, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Releasing on August 25, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky to receive this book from the publisher. Lauren Lee Smith did a wonderful job writing this novel. I was captivated with each page turned. I favored the ease to read through each chapter as a mom of 4, if I wanted a 5 minute quick page turning update I would be able to do so without stopping mid way through a scene. I love the culture mix, the spiritual horror, gender dynamic and power gaps, the grief and pain, just everything was beautiful and respectfully written. (Honestly started my deep dive into my own Taino culture.) I will be recommending this book.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The Night Pool is a gruesome tale of vengeance and greed.
Lauren Lee Smith writes her characters with claws in the very best way. We need more female horrorwriters - and I'm sure that Lauren Lee Smith will be a rising star in the horrorverse.
This was an incredible debut and I recommend it to all horror readers out there.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+ and Blackstone Publishing for this DRC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lauren Lee Smith writes her characters with claws in the very best way. We need more female horrorwriters - and I'm sure that Lauren Lee Smith will be a rising star in the horrorverse.
This was an incredible debut and I recommend it to all horror readers out there.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+ and Blackstone Publishing for this DRC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for letting me have the ARC of the book through Netgalley.
I did struggle through this book. I did finish it though.
The book brings you into the gold rush days only adds the twist of men and monsters.
I do believe the author had a great idea and they definitely can write as they are very flowery with their wording. Unfortunately the prettiness of the passages and the constant poetic wording drew me out of the story.
I did struggle through this book. I did finish it though.
The book brings you into the gold rush days only adds the twist of men and monsters.
I do believe the author had a great idea and they definitely can write as they are very flowery with their wording. Unfortunately the prettiness of the passages and the constant poetic wording drew me out of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The language here was thick, in a way, slow and lyrical in a way that made it difficult for me to get through. I like the premise and think it deals with both interesting and important themes. Ultimately, I just really struggled my way through and feel as if it would have worked better in a shorter form.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews