The Residency

by C.D. Major

Don't linger in the gallery. Don't look too closely at the artwork. Don't ask questions.

Artist and single mom Ginny is offered a place on a three-month artist retreat on a remote Scottish island. She leaps at the chance. Even better, her host is happy for her to bring her daughter Isla.

But the island is not what it seems. The inhabitants greet Ginny and Isla with stares and avoid contact wherever possible. And the house they're staying in is old and strange. Eerie whispers follow Ginny through the corridors. Artworks once covered become uncovered. And unexplained smells clings to the walls lavender, cigar smoke and vomit.

With no WiFi on the island, no help from the locals and no regular transport back to the mainland, Ginny is stranded and all alone. She must unravel the dark secrets of the house before they claim her and her beloved daughter.

An unsettling gothic horror novel set on an isolated Scottish island. Perfect for fans of Sarah Pinborough, Rebecca Netley and Laura Purcell.

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Scotland

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

Website: www.cescamajor.com
Twitter: @CescaMajor
Instagram/FB: CescaMajorAuthor

Reviews

[Emily Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and I was so excited to start it as the cover really intrigued me.

The character in this book annoyed me from the get go because she was clearly suspicious of everything moving to the island with her young daughter, but just brushed everything off?

The book definitely had a spooky/uneasy feeling from the beginning but I think the first few chapters of the book are extremely clunky and they were hard to get through. It definitely picked up in the second half where I enjoyed it a lot more but I would’ve liked the pacing to be better across the entire book☺️

[Sookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goth thrillers rely on mood and setting to build an eerie atmosphere with undertones of unreliable narrator who's tattered perception stems out of trauma. While unreliable narrators make plot stimulating by peppered moments of confusion, paranoia and anxiety.

Ginny, our narrator, worries so much that it distracts from the plot, the atmosphere. While she has some justifiable worries (her ex finding them, lack of financial freedom etc), her distrust in others never becomes her strength in this setting. It just makes the narration dense for the first half of the book but then rushes the final act to answer lingering questions.

The setting is good and the author sets up psychological isolation well with slow burn exploration of Ginny's adjustment to residency and the house itself. Life slowly unraveled is an excellent addition to the already gloomy mood. It was a decent read overall.

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for providing me with a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

From early on in The Residency, there’s a subtle but constant uneasy feeling, and it just builds steadily the further you get into the story which really kept me hooked.

I loved the remote Scottish island setting, with the descriptions being so immersive that it’s easy to picture everything clearly, which makes the whole atmosphere feel even more intense and a bit claustrophobic at times. It’s definitely a slow burn, but in a good way, as the tension keeps building and really gets under your skin.

If there’s one downside, it’s the ending, not because it isn’t a great twist, because it is, but after such a careful build-up, it feels a little rushed, and I found myself wishing it had been drawn out just a bit longer to really let everything land.

Overall though, it’s a gripping and atmospheric read. If you like stories that rely heavily on tension and that lingering sense of unease, this is definitely one to pick up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the advanced reader copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Rating rounded up: 3.5/5 stars

The Residency is one of those reads that kept me completely engrossed and wondering what would happen next, even when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake the main character.

Premise:
We follow a single mother dealing with PTSD who moves to an isolated Scottish island for an art residency. It’s got that perfect atmospheric dread—a self-sufficient community, a "too good to be true" vibe, and an elusive head figure, Philip, who is cloaked in mystery. Add in a "mad" boat captain, who might be the only one telling the truth, and the stage is set for some seriously spooky speculation.

Frustrations:
For the first 60–70% of the book, the MC was frustratingly weak. I get that she has trauma, but as a reader, the lack of growth for the majority of the story was aggravating. She approaches nothing logically and asks the most surface-level questions without ever digging into the why. Honestly, her six-year-old daughter seemed like the smarter one for a good chunk of the book.
The narrative also felt a bit repetitive with the repeated references to her past in London. I kept thinking, “Girl, get a grip and start asking the real questions—if not for your own curiosity, then for your daughter’s safety!”

Atmosphere & Pacing:
Despite my gripes with the MC, the book has incredible propulsive readability. It reads smoothly and lightly, even with the British terminology and spelling. The vibe is eerie and heavy with an undertone of isolation; that specific kind of dread where you’re the only person in the room not in on the secret.

Ending (No Spoilers!):
By 80%, I had deduced the "what," but I stayed glued to the page to find out the "how". While I saw some reviews that felt the ending was rushed, I actually really liked it. It left me satisfied, and the afterword made the entire story feel even creepier in hindsight. I also appreciated that the MC eventually found her inner strength and acknowledged her own timidity and conflict avoidance.

Final Thoughts:
The themes of tyranny, control, and finding strength within oneself gave this story a nice layer of depth, even if they lacked a bit early on. If you’re looking for something that isn't too heavy or dark but offers a great atmospheric vibe, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that you'll want to devour in one sitting.

Themes: Familial love, Identity (self-discovery/belonging), Misogyny in the art world, Good vs. Evil
Vibe: Atmospheric dread, creepy, and eerie.

[Mihaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC.

Trigger warnings: domestic violence, school bullying, animal cruelty


This lives up to its description of an atmospheric gothic suspense novel. The way the author describes stuff, down to the shade of the color, immerses you in their life, like you are a shadow following Ginny around.

Ginny is a single mom, anxious and paranoid after living through hell with her husband, trying to give her daughter, Isla, a good life. The opportunity dropping in her lap is like a godsent to their struggling lives. From the first chapters, you can feel how much she loves Isla, how she only feels strong at the thought of doing it for her.

But those exact traits are what help her when things start going wrong. The isolation of the island, from wi-fi and outside world, only helps in feeding her paranoia, only painting and Isla calming her down. Being the new person anywhere sucks, especially so when everyone on the island are wary of her and act a bit weird.

The mansion is a mish-mash of gothic old and modern new, Philip having strict rules about his stuff. Rules Ginny should want to follow so she can make a better life for herself and Isla. But when the weirdness starts emerging from the shadows, from the walls, growing longer towards them, she knows she has to be strong so they can both survive.

The atmospheric suspense was greatly described, and I felt like I could walk through those places, feel the same shudder at something that weirded Ginny out. It was a bit slow in the beginning until the action picked out, but it was something that grew over time, slow and steady until it was too late. Sometimes, the jump to the past was a bit confusing until you understood the timeline and how it connects to what's happening in the present.

Ginny is a woman trying to live in a world run by men. She wants to feel secure and confident, but past experiences have shown her nothing is stronger than a man's ego and anger. You can see how this affects her day to day life. But a mother's love can and will overpower those insecurities she has every time she feels like losing against the world. I loved how she wasn't a perfect person or mother, struggling with decisions and actions. The author fleshed her out really well, and Isla was a delight to read about and listen to her excited storytelling.

This being my first book from C. D. Major, I can say I will keep an eye out for anything she'll put out next, and go read her past work as well.

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into *The Residency* by C. D. Major expecting a tightly wound thriller, and for the most part, it absolutely delivered. The premise alone is gripping—an isolated, high-stakes setting packed with power, secrets, and simmering tension—and Major wastes no time pulling you into the intrigue.

What really worked for me was the atmosphere. There’s a constant sense of unease running through the story, like something is always just about to go wrong. The setting feels claustrophobic in the best way, and the political undercurrents add an extra layer of complexity that keeps things interesting beyond the central mystery.

The pacing is mostly strong, especially in the first half where the tension builds steadily and the stakes become increasingly clear. I found myself flying through chapters, eager to piece together what was really happening. There are also some genuinely surprising twists that kept me guessing, which is always a plus in this genre.

That said, the book didn’t quite hit five stars for me. Some of the characters felt a little underdeveloped, particularly when it came to their motivations, and there were moments in the latter half where the plot felt slightly rushed compared to the careful buildup at the start. A few reveals didn’t land with the impact I was hoping for, simply because I wanted more depth leading up to them.

Still, *The Residency* is a compelling, twisty read that delivers on suspense and keeps you hooked. If you enjoy political thrillers with a strong sense of place and plenty of intrigue, this is definitely worth picking up.

Overall: 4 stars — a gripping, atmospheric thriller with a few minor shortcomings but plenty to enjoy.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, C D Major and Canelo📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Jen’s Book Village · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to receive this ARC of THE RESIDENCY by C.D. Major. I was looking forward to mixing in some horror with what I had recently been reading. Ginny is a struggling single mom trying to make ends meet for herself and her young daughter, Isla. Things have been really hard to say the least. Isla’s father is in prison, but he is soon being released. Isla was born with fused fingers and has had multiple surgeries and other health complications. Ginny had been an up-and-coming artist, but all that had to be put on the back burner, until an intriguing offer for an artist residency on a Scottish island is offered. The residency comes with a lot of stipulations and odd rules, but it just might be what Ginny needs to get out of the financial hole she is in.
The beginning of the book is fairly slow going and slowly paced. It felt like a lot of standstills to get to the meat of the story. I wanted Ginny to snap to it and stop being so wishy-washy. The story is told in two parts, that of Ginny and that of the benefactor, Philip. For me, I was more drawn into Philip’s sections while Ginny’s were very much drawn out.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, but I don’t know that I would consider it horror. There was uneasiness, inexplicable behaviors, a creepy setting, and weird occurrences to decipher, but I never felt thoroughly creeped out. Additionally, I think the author tried too hard to pull in the “I have been wronged by men” angle. While it is true and Ginny had been put through deeply distressing experiences, I don’t think that area was written well and it was repetitive, unnecessarily. With better pacing and less repetition, I would’ve enjoyed this book more.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND CANELO FOR SENDING THIS BOOK FOR REVIEW CONSIDERATION. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

[booksofbells · Rating 3 out of 5]

C. D. Major’s The Residency is a compelling entry into the thriller genre, largely delivering on its promise of a tightly wound and suspenseful narrative. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its gripping premise, which utilizes an isolated, high-stakes setting to cultivate a palpable sense of unease.

This claustrophobic atmosphere is masterfully maintained, creating the impression that a catastrophe is perpetually looming just out of sight. Furthermore, the inclusion of intricate political undercurrents elevates the story, providing a sophisticated layer of complexity that extends well beyond the central mystery.

​For much of the book, the execution is seamless. The pacing in the first half is particularly effective, as the tension builds with calculated precision while the stakes are steadily raised. Major also manages to incorporate several genuinely surprising plot twists that successfully challenge the reader’s expectations—a vital component for any standout thriller.
​However, despite these strengths, the novel falls just short of a perfect rating.

The primary drawback lies in the characterization; several key figures feel somewhat underdeveloped, leaving their underlying motivations obscured or thin. This lack of depth becomes more apparent in the latter half of the book, where the plot begins to feel hurried in comparison to the meticulous world-building of the opening chapters.

Consequently, while the final reveals are clever, they lack the emotional resonance they might have achieved had there been a more substantial narrative foundation leading up to them.

[Sammyjo Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

📖 ARC Review

Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader copy of this atmospheric gothic suspense novel, due for release on 6th August 2026.

This was a bit of a mixed experience for me, but one that ultimately paid off.

The story starts off quite slow, with a lot of background detail and jargon that felt unnecessary at times. I also found the structure a little confusing, particularly with past events not being clearly separated, which disrupted the flow. It took me a few days to make real progress, and I didn’t feel that usual urge to keep picking it back up.

That said, once the story moves to the island, things definitely start to improve. The setting becomes much more immersive, with an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that really leans into the gothic suspense vibe. The behaviour of the characters — secretive, strange, and often frustrating — kept me questioning everything, even if it occasionally tipped into annoyance.

Walt was a standout in terms of intrigue — I never quite trusted him and constantly felt like he knew more than he was letting on. And then there’s Philip… who had me genuinely on edge and increasingly angry as the story unfolded.

By the final stretch, the tension ramps up significantly and the story becomes much more gripping. What started as a slow burn eventually turns into a suspenseful and emotionally charged read.

Overall, while it takes a while to get going and could have benefitted from tighter pacing, the payoff in the second half makes it worth sticking with.

⭐️ 3 stars

[Kate Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As typical of gothic horror, relies very heavily on mood and setting, a bit of a slow burn. A couple different tropes and horror classics woven into the story, from the men's only pub to the seemingly unanimous agreement for no internet. An interesting story but it didn't feel whole enough for five stars. With short, easily digestible chapters and a compelling central plot, it is a solid quick read. 3.75/5

Ginny is a single mother trying to raise her daughter, stay away from her daughter's father, and get a chance to continue her art, she had attended the Royal Academy of Arts. A letter arrives informing Ginny that she has been accepted for an artist's residency on a remote island, all expenses paid with a stipend and a nice school for her daughter Isla to attend. The residency is at the home of Sir Philip Eastwick-Lang, who Ginny learns owns the island. With a recent break in at their home, Isla having issues at school and the specter of Isla's father's return, the two quickly head off. The ferry keeper and his son seem a bit odd, but all the island's residents are kind and they quickly settle in, though the odd rules of the house and the tight-lipped locals leave Ginny feeling a bit on edge. As the two become enmeshed in life on the island, Ginny begins to wonder what she is willing to sacrifice for her art, and what she is willing to sacrifice for her daughter.

Some chapters also have shorter sections from Philip's POV as a younger man.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

[Michaela Sjödin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a fun read! I was convinced I would like it since it has some of my favorite tropes. Isolated island, check! Town with a secret, check! Mysterious mansion, check! But it even exceeded my expectations a bit.

The main character, Ginny, is not in a good place in life. So when the mysterious invitation for a fully paid painting residency arrives, she grabs her daughter Isla and jumps on a boat to the small Scottish island. Already on the boat people start to behave strangely, and this continues in almost all her encounters with the towns inhabitants. But this is her chance! She cannot let this ruin her chance! Then the paintings in the large mansion start to whisper (and sometimes scream)…

I really liked how C.J. Major built the story around haunted art. And that I could not guess at how every little piece of the mystery would fit together until the end. And no loose ends!

My favorite parts were the flashbacks to Philips story as a child. My dear boy, you are a psychopath. I was really looking forward to these sections since it kept the story moving forward.

The story was very well paced, a good amount of clues about what was going on was dropped continuously.

My big drawback was the inner monologue of the main character. It was a bit repetitive and she can only tell us about how she doesn’t trust people (because of past trauma) so many times. We know. You said.

A solid story and more of a mystery than a horror so I got a nice break from the usual spooky stuff I read (and I could sleep well at night for once). Thank you for letting me read it!

[Nikki Kossaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t trust places that come with rules before you even arrive. Especially not ones that tell you don’t look too closely.

The Residency by C. D. Major leans hard into that creeping, claustrophobic dread.

Ginny taking her daughter Isla to a remote Scottish artist retreat should feel like a reset. Instead, it feels off from the second they arrive. The kind of off where no one makes eye contact and the air feels heavy, Once the weird starts, it doesn’t stop. Covered artwork reappearing. Whispers that feel a little too intentional.

This is one of those slow-burn gothic horrors where the isolation does a lot of the heavy lifting. No WiFi. No easy escape. No one willing to explain anything. Just a mother, her child, and a place that clearly has a past it’s not done with.

I liked that the fear never felt rushed. It builds. It lingers. It gets under your skin in that quiet way where you start questioning everything alongside Ginny. And the stakes hit harder because Isla is there. That protective instinct adds an extra layer of tension that never really lets up.

If you like authors like Sarah Pinborough or Laura Purcell, this fits right into that eerie, atmospheric lane. Not overly graphic, but deeply unsettling.

[Tami Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

ARC provided by NetGalley

This was my first time reading C.D. Major, and I was immediately drawn in by the premise, cover, and description. The prologue hooked me right away, it’s intriguing from the start, and sets up a story that feels both eerie and mysterious.
The novel follows Ginny, a single mother, and her daughter, Isla, who are given what seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on a remote island. From early on, there’s an unsettling tone, small details, and interactions create a sense that something isn’t quite right. The setting is one of the book’s strongest elements, with vivid descriptions that really pull you into the environment and heighten the unease.
That said, the pacing didn’t fully work for me. While it starts off strong, the middle slows significantly, and some chapters feel drawn out, lacking enough tension or momentum. There are moments where the suspense picks up again, but they don’t always last long enough to maintain that intensity and my interest.
Overall, this is an atmospheric, slow-burning thriller with a compelling setup and strong sense of place. While I appreciated the eerie tone and concept, I found myself wanting a bit more consistency in pacing and suspense to keep me fully engaged.

[Jonnie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Residency is a book I wanted to like a lot more than I did. It has a supremely unsettling setting, plenty of unease and mystery, but the whole thing is weighed down by a protagonist I just couldn’t connect with.

Unreliable narrators are a staple of gothic horror, but Ginny’s desperation and paranoia from the very start made her difficult to warm to. I also found it increasingly frustrating that such an anxious character would ignore so many obvious red flags after moving to the mysterious and isolated Stark Island with her young daughter.

That said, C.D. Major’s scene-setting is excellent. There is plenty of intrigue, alongside a palpably gloomy atmosphere, and for much of the book I was genuinely trying to guess the reasoning behind the strangeness of the island’s small community.

However, there are some notable pacing issues, particularly as things suddenly ramp up in the final third. After such careful build-up, the ending felt rushed and not everything landed quite the way it should have.

Overall, this was still a decently tense and atmospheric read, and while it didn’t fully work for me, there was enough here to keep me intrigued.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the digital review copy.

[Mum With A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginny is a single mum living in South London, struggling to make ends meet. A talented artist, she’s doing her best to build a life for herself and her daughter, Isla. But with her ex about to be released from prison, anxiety begins to creep into her everyday life.
When a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity arises on a remote island in Scotland, Ginny doesn’t hesitate—this could be the fresh start they’ve both been craving.
However, once she arrives, things don’t feel quite right. The locals are polite but distant, and when she’s alone, Ginny begins to hear whispers and unsettling noises. As she meets the man who offered her the job, her instincts tell her something is off—and that she may have made a dangerous mistake.
This is a gripping, suspenseful novel packed with mystery. The eerie island setting and its dark past create a chilling atmosphere that hooks you from the very first page. I especially loved the historical notes behind the story, this was really fascinating. Let’s just say, I won’t be looking at paintings the same way again!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy gothic horror story set on a remote Scottish island is perfect for lovers of suspense novels.

Ginny, a single mother, receives a three-month residency with a prestigious artist - all expenses paid and money at the end for producing five paintings. This is too good to be true but also a gift in a way since Ginny’s been struggling. Ginny sets off with her daughter, Isla, but upon arrival the residents of the island avoid eye contact. A chilly sense seeps in. The house where they are to live is eerie too - strange sounds and smells pervade the place. And there is no WiFi - she is stranded.

Atmosphere is strong in this book. You can almost feel a chill in your bones as you read. But heart is at the center of the story - Ginny’s great love for her daughter vibrates in contrast to the awful upbringing of the artist. There are lots of spooky moments in this book. Great great for a spooky Halloween night - I may just re-read this then.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Canelo for allowing me to read this ARC.

I

[Maxine Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.

This was a really interesting wild story. Thought there were parts when the main character was slightly obnoxious with her self crippling anxiety, I did enjoy the premise of the story. Set in Scotland, on a remote island, starving artist Ginny and her daughter Isla take an invitation for a residency at a Scottish manor of an artist who promises a large amount of money in exchange for some paintings and to follow some basic rules. Place to live, a new life - they move. But soon Ginny finds that she’s giving up more than just WiFi and cell phone service.

There were points in the story that I felt like there was some rambling going on, and not a lot of plot happening. A lot of internal self talk in places where I felt were longer than they needed to be. I also was a bit disappointed in the ending, wishing for more of an altercation between the characters.

All in all, it was a fun interesting story

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gothic horror set on an isolated Scottish island wraps itself in a creeping, salt‑stung unease that never quite lets you breathe. The story moves with a deliberate, slow‑burn pace, letting the landscape do half the haunting: jagged cliffs, endless grey seas, and a village that feels like it’s holding its breath. 

As the protagonist settles into the island’s rhythms, the tension coils tighter strange noises in the night, locals who speak in half‑truths, and a sense that someone is watching. Nothing erupts outright; instead, the dread accumulates grain by grain, like sand filling a room. 

By the time the truth begins to surface, the atmosphere is thick with foreboding that even small revelations feel seismic. It’s a story that thrives on mood and restraint, rewarding readers who enjoy horror that whispers before it screams.

[Chelsea Carr Kinnear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by C. D. Major but certainly won’t be the last.

I’m always drawn to books set in Scotland and this one did not disappoint.

From the first page I was intrigued in by the mystery that was about to unfurl. I was unsure initially if it would be a traditional haunted house story, a coastal folktale set on a remote island or something entirely different. I was kept guessing in the best way until the climax.

The main character Ginny was incredibly likeable and I was rooting for her to succeed from the start. I love strong female characters and her journey was empowering to follow. This is the epitome of a “good for her” horror story.

If you enjoy books like The Silent Companions by Sarah Purcell or Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon I think you’ll enjoy this!

Thank you Net Galley and Canelo for the Advanced Copy!

[Harriet Pasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was 100%, totally, completely, my kind of book.

Dark, eerie and so atmospheric - the kind that pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. There’s this constant underlying unease running through it, where nothing quite feels right, and I was hooked the entire time.

I absolutely loved the art element woven through the story. It made everything feel more personal, more immersive, and just added something really special for me. It’s one of those reads where the setting and concept stick with you long after you’ve finished.

And the creepiness?? Subtle but constant. The kind that has you questioning everything and feeling slightly on edge the whole way through.
Also loved the note at the end about the real-life inspiration - immediately sent me down a rabbit hole researching haunted paintings 👀

A full 5⭐️ from me, and honestly, one of my favourite ARCs I’ve read.

[Enya Topi · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A unique, gripping read
The Residency hooked me right away with its fresh concept—blending art and mystery in a way you don’t see often. I ended up devouring it in just a couple of days because I couldn’t put it down. The pacing felt just right, giving enough detail to build tension while still keeping me guessing how Ginny would overcome everything.


Spoilers below
It was so satisfying to see Phillip finally get what was coming to him, and I loved how Ginny saved the island in the end. The subtle hints throughout—like the pipe smoke and rat scratches—added such a creepy atmosphere and made the payoff even better.
Overall, a well-paced, original, and immersive read that’s definitely worth picking up.

[Giovanna Reynoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

The setting and atmosphere where this takes place were so well illustrated. Creating a fictional island based on paintings and haunted portraits is super creative. It reminded me of The Picture of Dorian Gray, in that we have a haunted, isolated villain who seeks power.

I wish the main character weren’t as worrisome in the sense that all she did was question and seemed clueless, but at the end turned out to be the smartest person there. The last 20% felt rushed :/

It is worth reading because it’s different and thrilling. Also a little remnant of the movie Shutter Island. I love creepy settings that have people convinced of a new reality, I highly recommend adding this to your fall tbr this year!!

Thank you @netgalley & @cescamajorauthor for the acceptance! 🩶

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an e arc in exchange for an honest review!

The premise of this was right up my alley! a gothic atmospheric read that takes place on an isolated Scottish island with residents that just aren't quite right.

while I really enjoyed the main character Ginny and her daughter Isla, I did find the pacing from the first 30-40% to be quite slow and not very gripping. But I'm glad I held out because the last 40% had me not wanting to put it down. I also found the mystery/horror aspect to be intriguing and unlike anything else I've read in the horror genre, and really enjoyed that part.

[Tal.Bibliotek Chantale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The atmosphere is one that truly captured my attention. I love a creepy village with a “too good to be true” yet you’re not quite sure what is off about the situation and the people. C D Major has done a great job at writing a slow burn mystery that keeps you engaged and intrigued. I do not want to give anything away as to the actual reveal but rest assured that it is an original take on this particular horror trope. This one will keep you guessing and the slow reveal is worth the wait. I will also urge you to read the author’s afterword because the inspiration for this unique concept is quite fascinating and definitely adds to this spooky concept.

[Priscilla Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gothic horrors usually don't capture my attention, but The Residency absolutely enthralled me. I loved the easy, slower pacing as the story unfolded, which gave me a chance to get to know the characters and the underlying unease that grew into full-fledged creepiness as the story progresses. The author note at the end of the book about using actual art pieces as an inspiration for this book intrigued me. Considering this book was based on an artist and art, I felt the descriptiveness of scenery and other elements throughout the book to match the art theme carried through the story. I found the ending to be beyond satisfying and would definitely read more of C.D. Major's work.

[Jine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

This was so damn eerie
The description was accurate it had that gothic feel too it
We have a artist and her daughter who are struggling when she is offered an residency at this small island with a famous painting when she arrives someone is warning her but she doesn’t listen because this is everything she’s wanted As she stays longer the whole town and old man her weirder and weirder
I have never ever read a book like this before and I really did enjoy it: its creepy and eerie and you slowly figure out how he is controlling everyone and everything

[thisfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

It’s been a while since I last read a gothic thriller and I really enjoyed this one!

What I loved:
🖤gothic mansion
🖤Scottish island setting
🖤hints of supernatural
🖤mysterious community
🖤gripping storyline

This is definitely a book to pick up if you like the ‘slightly creepy’ vibe and solving decade-old mysteries.

The Residency is my first book by C.D Major and I’ll definitely be back to check out more!

✨thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy in exchange for an honest review✨

[eve ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I found this a little slow to begin with but there was an overall sense of dread and suspicion from the very beginning. Towards the last 30-40% mark I started to get SO anxious and couldn't wait for it to be over just so I could know it would end up okay!
The main character irked me - the conclusion happened quite fast and I wish there was a bit more lead up to it.
OVERALL, I did enjoy this and would recommend it for someone who's feelin' like a haunted/gothic anxiety inducing psychological thriller.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

[Grace Rymer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book was interesting, and I had high hopes. Unfortunately the whole book just felt like something was missing. I enjoyed the style of writing, but I felt the plot was lacklustre. The plot didn’t really seem to get going until 50% of the way in, and by that point I didn’t really care anymore. I don’t think the book was terrible, but I wouldn’t say I necessarily enjoyed it either.

[TD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

As a horror lover, I was super excited to get a copy of this book to read and I read this on a cold, windy day - which totally hit the spot. I ate it up in about a day. It's rare for me to find horror/spooky books that I truly enjoy and I loved this book. Super spooky and creepy and exactly the vibes I was looking for!! When I saw the words "horror" and "gothic", I knew I'd love this book.