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The Residency
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26
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.
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.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 4, 2026
About the author
C.D. Major
5 books199 followersWebsite: www.cescamajor.com
Twitter: @CescaMajor
Instagram/FB: CescaMajorAuthor
Twitter: @CescaMajor
Instagram/FB: CescaMajorAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 24, 2026
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☺️
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☺️
June 10, 2026
This book is about an artist down on her luck that gets offered a residency on a remote island. She and her daughter take up this residency and everything seems idyllic. Soon though weird things start to happen on the island and she realizes that they're completely isolated.
I enjoyed this book it was a fun time. I liked all of the twists. I will definitely read more from this author. I think you'll like this if you like light horror, little twists, a bit of historical fiction and how to escape an island books.
I enjoyed this book it was a fun time. I liked all of the twists. I will definitely read more from this author. I think you'll like this if you like light horror, little twists, a bit of historical fiction and how to escape an island books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
April 16, 2026
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 15, 2026
I wanted so badly to enjoy this book. I had so much hope for the story, but I just could not get into it. There's no pull, there's no draw, there's hardly even any suspense. Enough hasn't been revealed to keep me interested. The pacing was like being read the story by Ben Stein.
The concept was interesting enough, the setting was perfect. The story just fell flat.
The concept was interesting enough, the setting was perfect. The story just fell flat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Residency by C.D. Major is a brisk, suspenseful thriller wrapped in the guise of an artist’s journey. It follows a single mother and creative soul who accepts a unique opportunity: an artistic residency on a remote Scottish island. What begins as an exciting, almost idyllic escape quickly unravels into something darker and more unpredictable. The premise alone is compelling—a fresh take on isolation and the creative mind under pressure—but what really makes this book stand out is its clever blend of atmospheric tension and pop culture nostalgia.
Reading The Residency felt very much like sitting down to an episode of Friday the 13th: The Series—an eerie mix of mystery, suspense, and a slight supernatural vibe that keeps you hooked from the first page. C.D. Major’s prose captures that unsettling mood perfectly, balancing moments of quiet reflection with sudden bursts of thrilling action. The Scottish island setting itself acts almost like a character—wild, brooding, and suffused with an intangible menace that echoes in the forests and crashing waves.
The protagonist, a single mother and artist, is crafted with warmth and relatability amid the suspense. Her role is not just a vehicle for the thrill but adds emotional depth; her conflicting desires for artistic success and the safety of her family ground the story in very human stakes. The narrative doesn’t delve too deeply into introspection, which keeps the pace taut and focused, but there are moments when the character’s vulnerability shines through, lending authenticity to her reactions as the odd events unfold.
One of the book’s notable strengths is its pacing. Major knows when to slow down and savor the eerie atmosphere and when to accelerate into tense, sometimes chilling sequences. That rhythm makes the story feel less like a novel and more like a binge-worthy mini-series. The occasional cryptic hints and plot twists keep the reader guessing, too, although purists might find some resolutions a little too neat or familiar for the genre.
On the downside, certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to enrich the social dynamics on the island and heighten the sense of isolation and unease. Additionally, some readers might find the thriller elements somewhat predictable if they’re seasoned fans of the genre. However, the novel’s compactness means it never overstays its welcome or becomes bogged down in unnecessary details.
Overall, The Residency is an engaging, stylish thriller with a distinctive flair. It’s an excellent choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers with an artistic twist and a bit of nostalgic horror charm. Those looking for a fast-paced story with a moody, evocative setting and relatable characters will find this a fun read that cleverly balances heart and suspense.
For anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity and mystery, or who longs for a story that evokes the creepy yet captivating vibe of vintage supernatural thrillers, this book offers a satisfying escape. It poses an interesting question: what happens when the place meant to inspire you becomes the very source of your nightmares?
Reading The Residency felt very much like sitting down to an episode of Friday the 13th: The Series—an eerie mix of mystery, suspense, and a slight supernatural vibe that keeps you hooked from the first page. C.D. Major’s prose captures that unsettling mood perfectly, balancing moments of quiet reflection with sudden bursts of thrilling action. The Scottish island setting itself acts almost like a character—wild, brooding, and suffused with an intangible menace that echoes in the forests and crashing waves.
The protagonist, a single mother and artist, is crafted with warmth and relatability amid the suspense. Her role is not just a vehicle for the thrill but adds emotional depth; her conflicting desires for artistic success and the safety of her family ground the story in very human stakes. The narrative doesn’t delve too deeply into introspection, which keeps the pace taut and focused, but there are moments when the character’s vulnerability shines through, lending authenticity to her reactions as the odd events unfold.
One of the book’s notable strengths is its pacing. Major knows when to slow down and savor the eerie atmosphere and when to accelerate into tense, sometimes chilling sequences. That rhythm makes the story feel less like a novel and more like a binge-worthy mini-series. The occasional cryptic hints and plot twists keep the reader guessing, too, although purists might find some resolutions a little too neat or familiar for the genre.
On the downside, certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to enrich the social dynamics on the island and heighten the sense of isolation and unease. Additionally, some readers might find the thriller elements somewhat predictable if they’re seasoned fans of the genre. However, the novel’s compactness means it never overstays its welcome or becomes bogged down in unnecessary details.
Overall, The Residency is an engaging, stylish thriller with a distinctive flair. It’s an excellent choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers with an artistic twist and a bit of nostalgic horror charm. Those looking for a fast-paced story with a moody, evocative setting and relatable characters will find this a fun read that cleverly balances heart and suspense.
For anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity and mystery, or who longs for a story that evokes the creepy yet captivating vibe of vintage supernatural thrillers, this book offers a satisfying escape. It poses an interesting question: what happens when the place meant to inspire you becomes the very source of your nightmares?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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📚
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📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚
SPOILERS...
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I was not a fan of this one. The concept was a good one, and I also really enjoyed the author's style of writing. However the story was filled with so many holes and felt so haphazardly thrown together, that it really just didnt work for me.
First how the heck did Kingsley somehow get stuck in a painting in another country painted before his death, and how did that allow Phillip to trap other people in paintings that were somehow painted on Kinglsey and then recreated for the gallery but the gallery ones were magic too because they moved and made sound?
Why was the dad actually in the priest hole in real life? No one else in the painting was hidden anywhere and it makes no sense. He would have wanted his dad alive as long as possible to suffer in the painting. Thats the point right?
If the person he paints basically becomes catatonic, how did he force Cookie and someone else to throw themselves off of the cliffside? Why did the town blame Ginny for Walt. He knew what he was doing when he tried to warn her. He's a grown ass man.
After over 40 years basically a vegetable Susan just gets up and throws on a suit and jewelry to wave Ginny off at the dock and is like, "Bye darling maybe we'll share a gallery at some point".
How are all of the other artists going to explain where they were for the years they were stuck? They aren't the tiniest bit mad at the townsfolk for not warning them or trying to help?
These and so many other things make absolutely no sense. I know being a reader of paranormal and horror means I need to put my logic on hold sometimes. However, these just seemed to be massive plot holes in a book that was haphazardly thrown together.
I would like to thank C D Major, Canelo, and Netgalley for an ARC copy in exchange for a review.
SPOILERS...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I was not a fan of this one. The concept was a good one, and I also really enjoyed the author's style of writing. However the story was filled with so many holes and felt so haphazardly thrown together, that it really just didnt work for me.
First how the heck did Kingsley somehow get stuck in a painting in another country painted before his death, and how did that allow Phillip to trap other people in paintings that were somehow painted on Kinglsey and then recreated for the gallery but the gallery ones were magic too because they moved and made sound?
Why was the dad actually in the priest hole in real life? No one else in the painting was hidden anywhere and it makes no sense. He would have wanted his dad alive as long as possible to suffer in the painting. Thats the point right?
If the person he paints basically becomes catatonic, how did he force Cookie and someone else to throw themselves off of the cliffside? Why did the town blame Ginny for Walt. He knew what he was doing when he tried to warn her. He's a grown ass man.
After over 40 years basically a vegetable Susan just gets up and throws on a suit and jewelry to wave Ginny off at the dock and is like, "Bye darling maybe we'll share a gallery at some point".
How are all of the other artists going to explain where they were for the years they were stuck? They aren't the tiniest bit mad at the townsfolk for not warning them or trying to help?
These and so many other things make absolutely no sense. I know being a reader of paranormal and horror means I need to put my logic on hold sometimes. However, these just seemed to be massive plot holes in a book that was haphazardly thrown together.
I would like to thank C D Major, Canelo, and Netgalley for an ARC copy in exchange for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖 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
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Thriller Thursday that will give you chills, with 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑰𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑪𝒀 𝒃𝒚 𝑪.𝑫. 𝑴𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 coming out August 6th from @canelo_co !
I have been a fan of Major's for years, and first fell for her gothic thrillers before she became more known as the Cesca Major of Maybe Next Time, which I also enjoyed!
This particular spooky story has a single mum looking for a safe option before her ex is released from prison, when she gets accepted to a residency that sounds amazing. She will get to live in an historic home of a renowned artist, hopefully gain insight from his tutelage, and have her daughter attend a small school where she may have a new start.
I was quite excited to be able to grab this from @netgalley and dove in immediately! The chapters flowed so quickly and I was drawn into this gothic, atmospheric story. The dual timeline style gives a pace-perfect brush of history inside the walls of this art-filled suspense. I hesitate to say too much, but there were some truly creepy moments in this tale. My only wish is that the ending would have been drawn out a bit more, but it was a satisfying ending for me!
I appreciated the nod to childhood physical disabilities, and how it was handled with truth and grace. It gave a depth to the need of Ginny to provide and do whatever it takes for her daughter.
I won't lie, I am a fan of @cescamajorauthor and she has an automatic credit with me! This story was a really fun, darker horror than her previous mysteries, and I am here for it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I have been a fan of Major's for years, and first fell for her gothic thrillers before she became more known as the Cesca Major of Maybe Next Time, which I also enjoyed!
This particular spooky story has a single mum looking for a safe option before her ex is released from prison, when she gets accepted to a residency that sounds amazing. She will get to live in an historic home of a renowned artist, hopefully gain insight from his tutelage, and have her daughter attend a small school where she may have a new start.
I was quite excited to be able to grab this from @netgalley and dove in immediately! The chapters flowed so quickly and I was drawn into this gothic, atmospheric story. The dual timeline style gives a pace-perfect brush of history inside the walls of this art-filled suspense. I hesitate to say too much, but there were some truly creepy moments in this tale. My only wish is that the ending would have been drawn out a bit more, but it was a satisfying ending for me!
I appreciated the nod to childhood physical disabilities, and how it was handled with truth and grace. It gave a depth to the need of Ginny to provide and do whatever it takes for her daughter.
I won't lie, I am a fan of @cescamajorauthor and she has an automatic credit with me! This story was a really fun, darker horror than her previous mysteries, and I am here for it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 21, 2026
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This was a disturbing, parasitic horror novel. Our main character is a down on her luck single mum. She’s struggling to make ends meet, her daughter is being bullied and she’s frightened about her ex-husband’s imminent release from prison. When an opportunity for a three month, well paid residency on a remotes Scottish island comes up she jumps at the chance. She’d been a promising artist but had to put her dreams on hold. When she arrives at the island it seems idyllic, her daughter flourishing at the local school. But things don’t take long to show they are not what they seem.
There was something so insidious about this book. There is an evil that I won’t detail to avoid spoilers, but even things like all the weird rules the islanders have to follow feel so disturbing. They are on an island with plenty of open spaces, the sea close by, but this still felt very claustrophobic. I liked these details that created quite a subtle creepy feeling in the book.
The desperation of the main character is critical here. Her situation forces her to take this residency and her lack of options give her pause to leave even when she starts to feel something is wrong.
I thought this was unnerving, well-written giving a growing sense of disquiet and exploring an interesting angle in horror and the art world.
This was a disturbing, parasitic horror novel. Our main character is a down on her luck single mum. She’s struggling to make ends meet, her daughter is being bullied and she’s frightened about her ex-husband’s imminent release from prison. When an opportunity for a three month, well paid residency on a remotes Scottish island comes up she jumps at the chance. She’d been a promising artist but had to put her dreams on hold. When she arrives at the island it seems idyllic, her daughter flourishing at the local school. But things don’t take long to show they are not what they seem.
There was something so insidious about this book. There is an evil that I won’t detail to avoid spoilers, but even things like all the weird rules the islanders have to follow feel so disturbing. They are on an island with plenty of open spaces, the sea close by, but this still felt very claustrophobic. I liked these details that created quite a subtle creepy feeling in the book.
The desperation of the main character is critical here. Her situation forces her to take this residency and her lack of options give her pause to leave even when she starts to feel something is wrong.
I thought this was unnerving, well-written giving a growing sense of disquiet and exploring an interesting angle in horror and the art world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Residency is an incredibly suspenseful and eerie gothic thriller that will keep you hooked from the very first page. It is 4/5 stars for me.
Right from the start, you can’t help but feel a massive wave of sympathy for Ginny. She’s a single mother struggling to make ends meet in London for herself and her daughter, Isla, when she spots a classified ad in her old art school magazine for an all-expenses-paid artist’s residency on a remote Scottish island. It feels like an absolute dream come true as a perfect chance to finally focus on her art again and secure a better future for her daughter. But the second they arrive, it becomes clear that something is deeply wrong with both the island and its tight-lipped inhabitants.
The pacing in this book is fantastic. CD Major does a brilliant job of drip-feeding you little breadcrumbs of information, making it impossible to put down because you are just desperate to solve the mysteries of the island and figure out the deal with Ginny’s creepy benefactor. The isolation factor is especially suspenseful as there are no phones on the island, meaning Ginny has absolutely no internet or way to contact the outside world. It adds such a great layer of claustrophobia to the story. If you’re looking for a gothic horror read tied to the art world that features a genuinely original twist at the end, I highly recommend checking this one out. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Right from the start, you can’t help but feel a massive wave of sympathy for Ginny. She’s a single mother struggling to make ends meet in London for herself and her daughter, Isla, when she spots a classified ad in her old art school magazine for an all-expenses-paid artist’s residency on a remote Scottish island. It feels like an absolute dream come true as a perfect chance to finally focus on her art again and secure a better future for her daughter. But the second they arrive, it becomes clear that something is deeply wrong with both the island and its tight-lipped inhabitants.
The pacing in this book is fantastic. CD Major does a brilliant job of drip-feeding you little breadcrumbs of information, making it impossible to put down because you are just desperate to solve the mysteries of the island and figure out the deal with Ginny’s creepy benefactor. The isolation factor is especially suspenseful as there are no phones on the island, meaning Ginny has absolutely no internet or way to contact the outside world. It adds such a great layer of claustrophobia to the story. If you’re looking for a gothic horror read tied to the art world that features a genuinely original twist at the end, I highly recommend checking this one out. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the advance copy.
June 6, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley & Canelo for an advanced digital copy of this novel.
This is somewhere between a 3 & 4 ⭐️.
Meet Ginny. A struggling, single mother who is offered an all-inclusive art residency on a mysterious island by a wealthy benefactor, when she needs it most.
Perhaps it’s the island, or the new found isolation, but immediately the agreement starts feeling too good to be true. Is something wicked afoot?
I’d describe this equal parts psychological thriller/mystery, and horror-fantasy. For avid thriller fans who don’t like anything “out there” or “far-fetched” this may be a reach for you. Take that into consideration before cracking the spine to avoid leaving bad reviews on things you shouldn’t have read.
I consider myself in that group and it was still an enjoyable read. It did not overdo the “mystical” portion and happy to report there were no eye rolls.
This screams late night, autumn read. If you’re going to an island anytime soon, might I recommend you take this dark and spooky island tale.
For fans of Riley Sagar, this should be an immediate favourite!
What I reduced stars for: I’d use the word gothic to describe this novel and would have benefitted from that world being further described for the reader. The characters were all fine but I had no investment in them as there was little development and nothing particularly interesting about them.
This is somewhere between a 3 & 4 ⭐️.
Meet Ginny. A struggling, single mother who is offered an all-inclusive art residency on a mysterious island by a wealthy benefactor, when she needs it most.
Perhaps it’s the island, or the new found isolation, but immediately the agreement starts feeling too good to be true. Is something wicked afoot?
I’d describe this equal parts psychological thriller/mystery, and horror-fantasy. For avid thriller fans who don’t like anything “out there” or “far-fetched” this may be a reach for you. Take that into consideration before cracking the spine to avoid leaving bad reviews on things you shouldn’t have read.
I consider myself in that group and it was still an enjoyable read. It did not overdo the “mystical” portion and happy to report there were no eye rolls.
This screams late night, autumn read. If you’re going to an island anytime soon, might I recommend you take this dark and spooky island tale.
For fans of Riley Sagar, this should be an immediate favourite!
What I reduced stars for: I’d use the word gothic to describe this novel and would have benefitted from that world being further described for the reader. The characters were all fine but I had no investment in them as there was little development and nothing particularly interesting about them.
June 18, 2026
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
This was one of those book that started strong and ended on the weaker side, although I will say it did somewhat redeem itself. I definitely found this to be mostly predictable and did have some frustrations with the FMC. Despite the predictability, I still found myself enjoying the story and seeing how Ginny and Isla would settle into the residency. Overall I can see a couple of things that would have increased my enjoyment. Firstly, while I liked the interleaving details/story of Peter’s life, I felt it made the story even more predictable than it already was, some of the placements of those details should have either been shifted later in the story or made to be less obvious. Secondly, there were some themes (protecting family, not letting men be in control) that were clear but felt like they needed to be fleshed out and threaded through the story a bit more. With Ginny, I could understand her turning a blind eye to initial events with how she wanted a fresh start. However, I felt that at the 75-90% mark my frustration with her reached its peak at how oblivious she was to what was happening to her own daughter. Up until this point I may have rated 4 stars.
Overall I did enjoy this book and will be keeping an eye out for the authors future works.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
This was one of those book that started strong and ended on the weaker side, although I will say it did somewhat redeem itself. I definitely found this to be mostly predictable and did have some frustrations with the FMC. Despite the predictability, I still found myself enjoying the story and seeing how Ginny and Isla would settle into the residency. Overall I can see a couple of things that would have increased my enjoyment. Firstly, while I liked the interleaving details/story of Peter’s life, I felt it made the story even more predictable than it already was, some of the placements of those details should have either been shifted later in the story or made to be less obvious. Secondly, there were some themes (protecting family, not letting men be in control) that were clear but felt like they needed to be fleshed out and threaded through the story a bit more. With Ginny, I could understand her turning a blind eye to initial events with how she wanted a fresh start. However, I felt that at the 75-90% mark my frustration with her reached its peak at how oblivious she was to what was happening to her own daughter. Up until this point I may have rated 4 stars.
Overall I did enjoy this book and will be keeping an eye out for the authors future works.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo Publishing, and CD Major for the eARC of The Residency in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, a solid 3.5 star read for me, rounded to 4 because I liked it enough not to round down.
The story follows single mom, Ginny, and her daughter Isla struggling to get by in London. Artist by night, cleaner by day, suddenly Ginny feels as if her luck has turned when she receives a letter accepting her into an all expenses paid, exclusive artist residency. But as they say, when things seem too good to be true…
The reclusive island in which the story is set, along with the haunting estate had its chilling moments. But overall, I felt the story was predictable, and I feel bad saying it, but it felt like a chore to read at times. There wasn’t any big surprise or twist, though I will say the ending was probably the book’s most redeeming part. I really liked the premise for the story, and the inspiration, but I guess I was hoping it would go a little deeper/darker? It felt dragged out at times, especially dealing with the mindless villagers, too scared to actually DO anything…
I think my favorite part was the very very end and reading about the story’s inspiration. I’m very familiar with both paintings, and saw a few of them first hand at Zak Bagan’s The Haunted Museum in Vegas! That part was cool, and makes me want to visit again!
Overall, a solid 3.5 star read for me, rounded to 4 because I liked it enough not to round down.
The story follows single mom, Ginny, and her daughter Isla struggling to get by in London. Artist by night, cleaner by day, suddenly Ginny feels as if her luck has turned when she receives a letter accepting her into an all expenses paid, exclusive artist residency. But as they say, when things seem too good to be true…
The reclusive island in which the story is set, along with the haunting estate had its chilling moments. But overall, I felt the story was predictable, and I feel bad saying it, but it felt like a chore to read at times. There wasn’t any big surprise or twist, though I will say the ending was probably the book’s most redeeming part. I really liked the premise for the story, and the inspiration, but I guess I was hoping it would go a little deeper/darker? It felt dragged out at times, especially dealing with the mindless villagers, too scared to actually DO anything…
I think my favorite part was the very very end and reading about the story’s inspiration. I’m very familiar with both paintings, and saw a few of them first hand at Zak Bagan’s The Haunted Museum in Vegas! That part was cool, and makes me want to visit again!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
May 2, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
May 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Please note this is a 3.5.
I think that I’ve rated this book mostly on vibes. I really did enjoy the way that it handled the twist, and I was quite impressed by the fact that it was so very unique in what it was doing. It’s not a standard horror, but it definitely did something innovative, and I appreciate it for this.
Ginny is a really interesting main character, but she’s not quite as punchy as I had hoped for. There could have been much more put into her as a person in terms of her courage, as she did seem to be a bit of a pushover. She didn’t really key into what the critical issue was on the island for a long period of time, and I felt like it was dragging a bit in terms of the story.
Isla was definitely a highlight of the book for me, but I did find the back and forth with the island folk a little frustrating. It felt a little repetitive at times, and it did draw out on and off. I did wish that some of the characters were expanded out a bit further, but they didn’t quite get there for me.
It wasn’t as scary as it could have been, but the twist was pretty solid as a whole, and I was left feeling pretty impressed with it.
Please note this is a 3.5.
I think that I’ve rated this book mostly on vibes. I really did enjoy the way that it handled the twist, and I was quite impressed by the fact that it was so very unique in what it was doing. It’s not a standard horror, but it definitely did something innovative, and I appreciate it for this.
Ginny is a really interesting main character, but she’s not quite as punchy as I had hoped for. There could have been much more put into her as a person in terms of her courage, as she did seem to be a bit of a pushover. She didn’t really key into what the critical issue was on the island for a long period of time, and I felt like it was dragging a bit in terms of the story.
Isla was definitely a highlight of the book for me, but I did find the back and forth with the island folk a little frustrating. It felt a little repetitive at times, and it did draw out on and off. I did wish that some of the characters were expanded out a bit further, but they didn’t quite get there for me.
It wasn’t as scary as it could have been, but the twist was pretty solid as a whole, and I was left feeling pretty impressed with it.
June 2, 2026
*I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This was a creepy gothic story about a single mother who is accepted into an artist’s residency on a remote Scottish island. The community is self-sustaining, the setting is idyllic, and everyone seems to know everyone else. What could possibly go wrong?
The atmosphere was wonderfully eerie, and the author did a fantastic job of building that creeping sense of dread that something was not quite right. I found the story very hard to put down and was eager to see where it would go.
I did, however, have a couple of issues. Firstly, I felt that the chapters set in the past took away some of the shock factor. Had the reader remained as clueless as the protagonist for longer, I think some of the reveals would have landed more effectively. Because I was more aware of what was happening, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the main character.
I also felt that even once she started putting the pieces together, she was slow to act, which added to that frustration.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic horror, isolated settings, and stories filled with creeping unease.
This was a creepy gothic story about a single mother who is accepted into an artist’s residency on a remote Scottish island. The community is self-sustaining, the setting is idyllic, and everyone seems to know everyone else. What could possibly go wrong?
The atmosphere was wonderfully eerie, and the author did a fantastic job of building that creeping sense of dread that something was not quite right. I found the story very hard to put down and was eager to see where it would go.
I did, however, have a couple of issues. Firstly, I felt that the chapters set in the past took away some of the shock factor. Had the reader remained as clueless as the protagonist for longer, I think some of the reveals would have landed more effectively. Because I was more aware of what was happening, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the main character.
I also felt that even once she started putting the pieces together, she was slow to act, which added to that frustration.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic horror, isolated settings, and stories filled with creeping unease.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for this advanced copy of The Residency.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book, and it didn't disappoint.
Ginny is a single mum and an artist, although the art has taken a backseat in life lately. So, it is a surprise when she receives an offer for an artist's residency on a small, remote Scottish island, a residency she didn't even apply for. At first, all seems perfect. The house is beautiful, her daughter is eagerly welcomed into the island's school, and the other residents on the island are kind, if a little odd. Soon, Ginny begins noticing things aren't quite right. She signed an agreement before coming to the island and may not have looked closely enough, or taken seriously enough, the rules of her residency.
This story deals with themes of failure and revenge. It brings to mind an episode of Charmed (yes, I'm going there) in season two, where a person gets magically locked in a painting. There are definitely Picture of Dorian Gray vibes, but crossed with the revenge of a failed artist.
I would love to have seen the dynamics of the towns' residents fleshed out more, and perhaps a little less obvious disregard of some red flags by the protagonist, but overall I really enjoyed this.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book, and it didn't disappoint.
Ginny is a single mum and an artist, although the art has taken a backseat in life lately. So, it is a surprise when she receives an offer for an artist's residency on a small, remote Scottish island, a residency she didn't even apply for. At first, all seems perfect. The house is beautiful, her daughter is eagerly welcomed into the island's school, and the other residents on the island are kind, if a little odd. Soon, Ginny begins noticing things aren't quite right. She signed an agreement before coming to the island and may not have looked closely enough, or taken seriously enough, the rules of her residency.
This story deals with themes of failure and revenge. It brings to mind an episode of Charmed (yes, I'm going there) in season two, where a person gets magically locked in a painting. There are definitely Picture of Dorian Gray vibes, but crossed with the revenge of a failed artist.
I would love to have seen the dynamics of the towns' residents fleshed out more, and perhaps a little less obvious disregard of some red flags by the protagonist, but overall I really enjoyed this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Residency by C D Major is a gothic thriller that contains the right amount of eerie atmosphere, but falls flat with an overly suspicious main narrator. It begins with Ginny being accepted to an artist residency on a remote island. Ginny sees that as an opportunity to better the lives of her and her young daughter. Shortly after arriving, Ginny begins to feel uneasy as strange occurrences begin happening in the house, and the islands inhabitants avoid her.
The premise and usage of art as the cause of the horrors occurring was excellent. It moved at a good pace, and was well-written. Atmosphere was perfect: dark, eerie, and uneasy. The house, its reclusive owner, and the mystery of the small paintings built up the right amount of psychological suspense. This should have all equaled to an intensely creepy and enjoyable gothic horror. Yet Ginny’s extreme suspicion caused me to just be irritated. While it’s understandable why Ginny is jumpy, considering her history with her ex, it ends up taking away from the story.
Although I enjoyed the over-arching idea, this novel just wasn’t my cup of tea. Thanks to C D Major, Canelo, and NetGalley for this ARC.
The premise and usage of art as the cause of the horrors occurring was excellent. It moved at a good pace, and was well-written. Atmosphere was perfect: dark, eerie, and uneasy. The house, its reclusive owner, and the mystery of the small paintings built up the right amount of psychological suspense. This should have all equaled to an intensely creepy and enjoyable gothic horror. Yet Ginny’s extreme suspicion caused me to just be irritated. While it’s understandable why Ginny is jumpy, considering her history with her ex, it ends up taking away from the story.
Although I enjoyed the over-arching idea, this novel just wasn’t my cup of tea. Thanks to C D Major, Canelo, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC.
I really love a creepy, atmospheric story in Scotland, so I was drawn to this one. The author does a really good job describing the island and writing the inner thoughts of Ginny, the main character. Isla, Ginny’s daughter, and the side characters were also well written and all fit well into the story.
Unfortunately, I tended to like the stories that this book was inspired by more than the actual book. I was hoping for more suspense and more creepy happenings on the island. There were long, drawn outs parts where nothing really happened. Not to mention, Ginny doesn’t seem to be too suspicious that the residency never begins. It’s mentioned a couple times in Ginny’s inner thoughts, but she soon tries to explain it away and keep going on as usual. That seems unbelievable for me for a woman who’s there to better her life and doesn’t have a backup option if this doesn’t work out.
It’s clear that the author is very talented, but I felt like the story missed the mark for me. Maybe I’m too desensitized by all my horror reading.
2.75 stars rounded up
I really love a creepy, atmospheric story in Scotland, so I was drawn to this one. The author does a really good job describing the island and writing the inner thoughts of Ginny, the main character. Isla, Ginny’s daughter, and the side characters were also well written and all fit well into the story.
Unfortunately, I tended to like the stories that this book was inspired by more than the actual book. I was hoping for more suspense and more creepy happenings on the island. There were long, drawn outs parts where nothing really happened. Not to mention, Ginny doesn’t seem to be too suspicious that the residency never begins. It’s mentioned a couple times in Ginny’s inner thoughts, but she soon tries to explain it away and keep going on as usual. That seems unbelievable for me for a woman who’s there to better her life and doesn’t have a backup option if this doesn’t work out.
It’s clear that the author is very talented, but I felt like the story missed the mark for me. Maybe I’m too desensitized by all my horror reading.
2.75 stars rounded up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
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