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We Are for the Dark
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26What starts as a missing person investigation morphs into something much darker when an FBI-agent-turned-Catholic-priest and a junior constable arrive on a remote Newfoundland island
This murder-mystery-turned-nail-biting-horror is perfect for fans of religious horror like The Possession of Alba Díaz and the cult-classic movie The Wicker Man.
An isolated town. A missing priest. An ancient, hungry darkness.
When Father Shane Ryan is summoned to a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Jacobs, he’s confused. A recently ordained priest at a small Maryland parish, Father Ryan has no idea why His Eminence would want to meet him. When he arrives, the Cardinal opens by laying out Father Ryan’s past as an FBI analyst. It seems a priest has gone missing, and the case is…unusual.
Weeks ago, Constable Miriam Rideout from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary fielded a frantic call from a priest on a remote Newfoundland island. He begged for help, but then the line went dead, and no one has since been reported missing. When permission to perform a wellness check is denied by her superiors, Miriam takes some vacation time and books a ticket on the ferry.
Thrown together with friendly but cagey locals, Miriam and Father Ryan soon learn that something about the island isn’t right. There’s a fishing port without boats, a town with no stores and no cars, and strange, bulbous purple wildflowers are growing everywhere. The two don’t trust each other, but they begin to learn that an alliance, however uneasy, is a necessity. Because something evil lurks beneath the island—something ancient, eternal, hungry—and neither it nor the uncanny islanders have any intention of letting these newcomers leave.
A growing sense of dread intensifies until it explodes in this pulse-pounding supernatural horror.
This murder-mystery-turned-nail-biting-horror is perfect for fans of religious horror like The Possession of Alba Díaz and the cult-classic movie The Wicker Man.
An isolated town. A missing priest. An ancient, hungry darkness.
When Father Shane Ryan is summoned to a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Jacobs, he’s confused. A recently ordained priest at a small Maryland parish, Father Ryan has no idea why His Eminence would want to meet him. When he arrives, the Cardinal opens by laying out Father Ryan’s past as an FBI analyst. It seems a priest has gone missing, and the case is…unusual.
Weeks ago, Constable Miriam Rideout from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary fielded a frantic call from a priest on a remote Newfoundland island. He begged for help, but then the line went dead, and no one has since been reported missing. When permission to perform a wellness check is denied by her superiors, Miriam takes some vacation time and books a ticket on the ferry.
Thrown together with friendly but cagey locals, Miriam and Father Ryan soon learn that something about the island isn’t right. There’s a fishing port without boats, a town with no stores and no cars, and strange, bulbous purple wildflowers are growing everywhere. The two don’t trust each other, but they begin to learn that an alliance, however uneasy, is a necessity. Because something evil lurks beneath the island—something ancient, eternal, hungry—and neither it nor the uncanny islanders have any intention of letting these newcomers leave.
A growing sense of dread intensifies until it explodes in this pulse-pounding supernatural horror.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
5 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen McNeil
24 books2,181 followersGretchen McNeil is the author of the YA horror/suspense novels POSSESS, 3:59, RELIC, GET EVEN, GET DIRTY, and TEN (a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Horror Fiction for Youth) all with Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins. Gretchen’s first YA contemporary I’M NOT YOUR MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL, also with Balzer + Bray, hit shelves in 2016, and her next novel will be the horror-comedy #MURDERTRENDING for Disney/Freeform in August 2018.
Gretchen’s novels have been published internationally in Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, and Czech. The film adaptation of TEN starring China Anne McClain (Descendants 2, Black Lightning), Rome Flynn (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Callan McAuliffe (Flipped, I Am Number Four), directed by Chris Robert for Rain Maker Films, premiered on Lifetime on September 16, 2017.
Gretchen is repped by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown, Ltd. You can find Gretchen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on her website.
Gretchen’s novels have been published internationally in Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, and Czech. The film adaptation of TEN starring China Anne McClain (Descendants 2, Black Lightning), Rome Flynn (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Callan McAuliffe (Flipped, I Am Number Four), directed by Chris Robert for Rain Maker Films, premiered on Lifetime on September 16, 2017.
Gretchen is repped by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown, Ltd. You can find Gretchen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Want to Read
March 25, 2026⛪️ We Are For the Dark ⛪️
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🩸 What to Expect
• Religious horror
• Remote island
• Missing priest
• Folk horror
• Ancient evil
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
📝 Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🩸 What to Expect
• Religious horror
• Remote island
• Missing priest
• Folk horror
• Ancient evil
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
📝 Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Why are two romantically available adults in this adult horror acting like two lovestruck enemies in a young adult fantasy?
I was so here for the creepy island, eldritch horror vibes I was hoping to get, and the island being full of weird older people just made it more interesting. Unfortunately the plot kept getting derailed by the main character's relationship and how much they wanted to get to pound town, and it took me out of the horror every single time. If they can't take it seriously, why should I?
I need this author to never write another sex scene again. It was so vanilla, written as if it was the steamiest hottest thing, and I just cringed the entire time. Father Ryan (who is a barely a Priest, he's a former cop) is constantly referred to as having a vow of chastity, as if this is somehow supposed to make matters steamier. It did not.
I didn't think the answers were worth it, and the more I think about it, the more it was full of holes that didn't really make any sense. I didn't feel particularly surprised by the answers given, and the solution they came up with was absolutely ridiculous.
I was so here for the creepy island, eldritch horror vibes I was hoping to get, and the island being full of weird older people just made it more interesting. Unfortunately the plot kept getting derailed by the main character's relationship and how much they wanted to get to pound town, and it took me out of the horror every single time. If they can't take it seriously, why should I?
I need this author to never write another sex scene again. It was so vanilla, written as if it was the steamiest hottest thing, and I just cringed the entire time. Father Ryan (who is a barely a Priest, he's a former cop) is constantly referred to as having a vow of chastity, as if this is somehow supposed to make matters steamier. It did not.
I didn't think the answers were worth it, and the more I think about it, the more it was full of holes that didn't really make any sense. I didn't feel particularly surprised by the answers given, and the solution they came up with was absolutely ridiculous.
Want to Read
March 11, 2026A mystery turned to horror. I'm in!
Love this author
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Love this author
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and DAW for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“We Are For the Dark” by Gretchen McNeil is one of those books that absolutely nails the creepy atmosphere but might lose you a little depending on how you feel about romance in your horror.
The story follows Miriam, a constable who’s already got a complicated relationship with religion after her mother’s death, and Father Shane Ryan, a former FBI agent turned priest who’s basically running from his own guilt. The two end up on this super isolated island off the coast of Canada, investigating a distress call, and from the second they arrive, things are off. No cars, barely any technology, weirdly uniform townspeople, and a whole lot of unsettling devotion to old-school, borderline extreme Catholic practices.
Honestly, the setting is one of the best parts. The island feels suffocating in that quiet, eerie way where you just know something is wrong but can’t quite put your finger on it. There are hints of cult behavior, strange rituals, and even questions about how the town is surviving at all, like where they’re getting food if they don’t have any animals. It builds this constant tension that keeps you hooked, especially as the story leans more into supernatural horror.
I also really liked the dynamic between Miriam and Ryan—at least at first. They’ve got this interesting contrast: she’s skeptical and guarded, he’s deeply tied to faith but also full of doubt. Watching them investigate together and slowly uncover the island’s secrets is super engaging. There are even some chapters from a mysterious POV that hint at something darker going on behind the scenes, which adds to the intrigue.
For a horror book, this one has a lot of romance. It starts off subtle enough, but then it ramps up fast. Like, “we’re in mortal danger but also suddenly very into each other” fast. While it does add emotional weight to the story, especially toward the end, it also kind of derails the pacing; there’s even a moment where the plot basically pauses for a pretty explicit scene, which feels a little out of place in what starts as a tense horror mystery.
That said, the horror elements themselves are solid. There’s definitely something supernatural at play, possibly demonic, and the book leans hard into religious imagery, possession, and the idea of ancient evil lurking beneath the island. The mystery unfolds with some genuinely interesting twists, including reveals about the island and even Miriam herself.
The ending isn’t bad, but it leans heavily into a “love conquers evil” vibe that might feel a little predictable or too neat compared to how strong and unsettling the buildup is. Some parts feel rushed, while others hit that bittersweet, emotional note pretty well.
Overall, this is a great pick if you love isolated settings, culty religious horror, and a heavy dose of atmosphere. Just go in expecting a blend of horror and romance because this definitely ends up being as much about relationships and inner struggles as it is about whatever’s lurking in the dark.
“We Are For the Dark” by Gretchen McNeil is one of those books that absolutely nails the creepy atmosphere but might lose you a little depending on how you feel about romance in your horror.
The story follows Miriam, a constable who’s already got a complicated relationship with religion after her mother’s death, and Father Shane Ryan, a former FBI agent turned priest who’s basically running from his own guilt. The two end up on this super isolated island off the coast of Canada, investigating a distress call, and from the second they arrive, things are off. No cars, barely any technology, weirdly uniform townspeople, and a whole lot of unsettling devotion to old-school, borderline extreme Catholic practices.
Honestly, the setting is one of the best parts. The island feels suffocating in that quiet, eerie way where you just know something is wrong but can’t quite put your finger on it. There are hints of cult behavior, strange rituals, and even questions about how the town is surviving at all, like where they’re getting food if they don’t have any animals. It builds this constant tension that keeps you hooked, especially as the story leans more into supernatural horror.
I also really liked the dynamic between Miriam and Ryan—at least at first. They’ve got this interesting contrast: she’s skeptical and guarded, he’s deeply tied to faith but also full of doubt. Watching them investigate together and slowly uncover the island’s secrets is super engaging. There are even some chapters from a mysterious POV that hint at something darker going on behind the scenes, which adds to the intrigue.
For a horror book, this one has a lot of romance. It starts off subtle enough, but then it ramps up fast. Like, “we’re in mortal danger but also suddenly very into each other” fast. While it does add emotional weight to the story, especially toward the end, it also kind of derails the pacing; there’s even a moment where the plot basically pauses for a pretty explicit scene, which feels a little out of place in what starts as a tense horror mystery.
That said, the horror elements themselves are solid. There’s definitely something supernatural at play, possibly demonic, and the book leans hard into religious imagery, possession, and the idea of ancient evil lurking beneath the island. The mystery unfolds with some genuinely interesting twists, including reveals about the island and even Miriam herself.
The ending isn’t bad, but it leans heavily into a “love conquers evil” vibe that might feel a little predictable or too neat compared to how strong and unsettling the buildup is. Some parts feel rushed, while others hit that bittersweet, emotional note pretty well.
Overall, this is a great pick if you love isolated settings, culty religious horror, and a heavy dose of atmosphere. Just go in expecting a blend of horror and romance because this definitely ends up being as much about relationships and inner struggles as it is about whatever’s lurking in the dark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, thank you for the advanced copy via Netgalley!
This book was a mixed bag for me. McNeil has a command of language that can dance between lighthearted and genuinely exciting. They're also a stellar example of an author who has a clear mental picture of their story’s settings, describing them in detail that was rich, yet never overwrought.
However, I developed a certain sense of dread early on (by the end of chapter two) that lingered throughout. I’m not a fan of books where everyone other than the main characters are incompetent, freaks, and/or cruel for no real reason ; it doesn’t make me want to inhabit that world for 200+ pages.
The romance subplot wasn’t for me, either, though that may be a matter of trope preferences. Others may love it! I’ve just never enjoyed characters who immediately dislike each other for no real reason to, as abruptly, go doe-eyed. It comes across as characters doing things because it will move the plot forward, not because the actions were earned or natural. That energy followed the story in general for the last ~quarter of the book.
ALL OF THIS TO SAY, I kept reading. I found myself thinking about it and, even after I told myself I was done for the day, I would naturally reopen the document. My conclusion is that McNeil is an excellent author, however, this story in particular may have benefited from another draft (as most could). I’d definitely give this author another shot.
3.5 stars, rounding to 4 because some of this is subject to taste.
This book was a mixed bag for me. McNeil has a command of language that can dance between lighthearted and genuinely exciting. They're also a stellar example of an author who has a clear mental picture of their story’s settings, describing them in detail that was rich, yet never overwrought.
However, I developed a certain sense of dread early on (by the end of chapter two) that lingered throughout. I’m not a fan of books where everyone other than the main characters are incompetent, freaks, and/or cruel for no real reason ; it doesn’t make me want to inhabit that world for 200+ pages.
The romance subplot wasn’t for me, either, though that may be a matter of trope preferences. Others may love it! I’ve just never enjoyed characters who immediately dislike each other for no real reason to, as abruptly, go doe-eyed. It comes across as characters doing things because it will move the plot forward, not because the actions were earned or natural. That energy followed the story in general for the last ~quarter of the book.
ALL OF THIS TO SAY, I kept reading. I found myself thinking about it and, even after I told myself I was done for the day, I would naturally reopen the document. My conclusion is that McNeil is an excellent author, however, this story in particular may have benefited from another draft (as most could). I’d definitely give this author another shot.
3.5 stars, rounding to 4 because some of this is subject to taste.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
10/10 for setting and ambiance, I love cult mysteries in isolated locations so I knew this would be a good time. The east coast Canadian setting wasn't something I'm familiar with but I really liked that element. The tension creeps up fast as the mystery turns more horror/thriller and I appreciated that it kept me guessing as to how supernatural this was going to get. Overall I like where they went with the reveal, and I was pleasantly surprised that the ending didn't feel like a letdown for the premise.
My only complaint is the relationship between the two main characters, which I liked enough individually, but I did feel the romantic elements were a bit rushed. I don't mind the romance subplot but there's a bit of "I'm immediately attracted to the woman who looks like my lost love" thing happening in the beginning that for some reason gets on my nerves. Not a deal breaker or anything, but it's usually used as an excuse to rush the relationship and these people would be into each other regardless. There is some suggestion later in the book that there's some external influence that could excuse how quickly their relationship progressed so I'm willing to suspend disbelief there. Overall I did like how that element was incorporated into the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and DAW for the eARC!
My only complaint is the relationship between the two main characters, which I liked enough individually, but I did feel the romantic elements were a bit rushed. I don't mind the romance subplot but there's a bit of "I'm immediately attracted to the woman who looks like my lost love" thing happening in the beginning that for some reason gets on my nerves. Not a deal breaker or anything, but it's usually used as an excuse to rush the relationship and these people would be into each other regardless. There is some suggestion later in the book that there's some external influence that could excuse how quickly their relationship progressed so I'm willing to suspend disbelief there. Overall I did like how that element was incorporated into the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and DAW for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⛪️🪻
Reminded me of The Nun movies, but with it's own stong Irish-Newfoundland flavor.
There were a lot of things that annoyed me in the start and even further through the book, but they all made sense in the end, so I guess I accepted them now.
The thrilling plot and the catholic-horror worldbuilding were great, thought through, and authenticly ancient. Characters — my main annoyance — won my love in the end despite the constant disagreement actively flying from me before that. My only troble remains the fact that the mmc fit perfectly into his past job role and had so little connection with the current one. Not in thoughts, behavior, manners, authenticity, qualificatiom, or whatever else that could've felt to us like it (other than that he did the job's action in the story from time to time, but again without mentally being in it).
It took some time to get used to the writing style (probably due to the fact that I'm not a native Englsih speaker and Canadian/Irish dialects were a challange), but when I did, it became comfortable and interesting to read.
All in all in was a rather unique story that lead me through a very interesting and atmospheric journey. I highly recommend it to those who love religious horror themes!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Reminded me of The Nun movies, but with it's own stong Irish-Newfoundland flavor.
There were a lot of things that annoyed me in the start and even further through the book, but they all made sense in the end, so I guess I accepted them now.
The thrilling plot and the catholic-horror worldbuilding were great, thought through, and authenticly ancient. Characters — my main annoyance — won my love in the end despite the constant disagreement actively flying from me before that. My only troble remains the fact that the mmc fit perfectly into his past job role and had so little connection with the current one. Not in thoughts, behavior, manners, authenticity, qualificatiom, or whatever else that could've felt to us like it (other than that he did the job's action in the story from time to time, but again without mentally being in it).
It took some time to get used to the writing style (probably due to the fact that I'm not a native Englsih speaker and Canadian/Irish dialects were a challange), but when I did, it became comfortable and interesting to read.
All in all in was a rather unique story that lead me through a very interesting and atmospheric journey. I highly recommend it to those who love religious horror themes!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 26, 2026
This one gave me serious Twilight Zone vibes. Curled up in the dark with a little light to read by is my recommendation!
Religious zealotry, a missing catholic priest, and a Canadian officer who feels inexplicably drawn to an island she’s never visited (and isn’t on any map) set the stage for a deeply unsettling story. The island itself is practically a character, cloaked in gloom (except for the mysterious purple flowers) and behaving as though it has a mind of its own, weather patterns to match.
The narrative flips through only a few points of view (three, I believe), letting the mystery unfold from different angles without losing focus.
What really stands out is the atmosphere. It’s eerie, and consistently tinged with a sense that something isn’t quite right. That quiet unease lingers throughout, pulling you along as you try to piece together what’s actually happening underneath.
The author wastes no time hooking your interest, then carefully doles out information…just enough to keep you engaged while still leaving room for you to connect the dots yourself. It’s a slow, deliberate unraveling that rewards patient readers.
Perfect for mood readers, especially during spooky season. Highly recommended if you enjoy atmospheric mysteries.
Religious zealotry, a missing catholic priest, and a Canadian officer who feels inexplicably drawn to an island she’s never visited (and isn’t on any map) set the stage for a deeply unsettling story. The island itself is practically a character, cloaked in gloom (except for the mysterious purple flowers) and behaving as though it has a mind of its own, weather patterns to match.
The narrative flips through only a few points of view (three, I believe), letting the mystery unfold from different angles without losing focus.
What really stands out is the atmosphere. It’s eerie, and consistently tinged with a sense that something isn’t quite right. That quiet unease lingers throughout, pulling you along as you try to piece together what’s actually happening underneath.
The author wastes no time hooking your interest, then carefully doles out information…just enough to keep you engaged while still leaving room for you to connect the dots yourself. It’s a slow, deliberate unraveling that rewards patient readers.
Perfect for mood readers, especially during spooky season. Highly recommended if you enjoy atmospheric mysteries.
April 20, 2026
3.5
Laced with a brooding supernatural horror, We Are For the Dark delivers levels of fear, foreboding, and menace that are sure to satisfy fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
When a junior constable and an FBI agent turned priest land on the isolated and desolate Bale Isle, it quickly becomes apparent that all is not well with the sparse, aged population and their fervent devotion to archaic religious rituals.
McNeil does an excellent job creating tension and an atmosphere of dread, and while I particularly liked her ability to immerse the reader firmly in the claustrophobic island landscape, I wanted just a bit more character development, especially in the first half of the book. Around the 50% mark things really start to pick up, and we get a bit more from the two leads, including an interaction I haven’t yet encountered in a horror book (IYKYK) that left me a little surprised, but I understood the need for it in terms of moving the plot forward in a believable way, and it ultimately helped deliver an ending I didn’t see coming.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy.
Laced with a brooding supernatural horror, We Are For the Dark delivers levels of fear, foreboding, and menace that are sure to satisfy fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
When a junior constable and an FBI agent turned priest land on the isolated and desolate Bale Isle, it quickly becomes apparent that all is not well with the sparse, aged population and their fervent devotion to archaic religious rituals.
McNeil does an excellent job creating tension and an atmosphere of dread, and while I particularly liked her ability to immerse the reader firmly in the claustrophobic island landscape, I wanted just a bit more character development, especially in the first half of the book. Around the 50% mark things really start to pick up, and we get a bit more from the two leads, including an interaction I haven’t yet encountered in a horror book (IYKYK) that left me a little surprised, but I understood the need for it in terms of moving the plot forward in a believable way, and it ultimately helped deliver an ending I didn’t see coming.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3/5: We Are for the Dark
When a priest goes missing on a remote Newfoundland island, Miriam (a police officer) and Shane Ryan (an FBI agent turned Catholic priest) are sent to investigate.
The vibes to expect:::
-Mystery/Thriller
-Religious horror
-Remote island
-*some* Romance
My thoughts- I really enjoyed the premise of a remote island with an ancient evil lurking right under the surface! However, about halfway through the book turned kinda Romance-y (enemies to lovers) which I wasn't exactly expecting (or wanting). Then the end felt very rainbows and starshine and "yay love conquers all" which kinda made me roll my eyes.
All in all...if you are a fan of mystery books AND religious horror AAAAAND are okay (and expect) a romance subplot, then this book might be for you! For me, it landed 3 stars (which is my meh, it was *just okay* rating).
.......
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views expressed are my own.
When a priest goes missing on a remote Newfoundland island, Miriam (a police officer) and Shane Ryan (an FBI agent turned Catholic priest) are sent to investigate.
The vibes to expect:::
-Mystery/Thriller
-Religious horror
-Remote island
-*some* Romance
My thoughts- I really enjoyed the premise of a remote island with an ancient evil lurking right under the surface! However, about halfway through the book turned kinda Romance-y (enemies to lovers) which I wasn't exactly expecting (or wanting). Then the end felt very rainbows and starshine and "yay love conquers all" which kinda made me roll my eyes.
All in all...if you are a fan of mystery books AND religious horror AAAAAND are okay (and expect) a romance subplot, then this book might be for you! For me, it landed 3 stars (which is my meh, it was *just okay* rating).
.......
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Daw for this advanced readers copy.
Book description :
What starts as a missing person investigation morphs into something much darker when an FBI-agent-turned-Catholic-priest and a junior constable arrive on a remote Newfoundland island.
Review :
The premise of the book is very interesting. The author skillfully drapes the small, remote, Island In dread and an almost suffocating atmosphere. The beginning of the book is by far the strongest, and the mix between supernatural creepiness and procedural works well.
But at about the midway point the story slowly derails with a romance that feels unearned (and very enemies to lovers trope-y), and at one point the entire plot screeches to a halt because a sex scene.
This caused the ending to become trite and desperately unexciting.
I give this book three stars for the excellent atmosphere, interesting premise and place ultimately let down by a love conquers all ending.
Book description :
What starts as a missing person investigation morphs into something much darker when an FBI-agent-turned-Catholic-priest and a junior constable arrive on a remote Newfoundland island.
Review :
The premise of the book is very interesting. The author skillfully drapes the small, remote, Island In dread and an almost suffocating atmosphere. The beginning of the book is by far the strongest, and the mix between supernatural creepiness and procedural works well.
But at about the midway point the story slowly derails with a romance that feels unearned (and very enemies to lovers trope-y), and at one point the entire plot screeches to a halt because a sex scene.
This caused the ending to become trite and desperately unexciting.
I give this book three stars for the excellent atmosphere, interesting premise and place ultimately let down by a love conquers all ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Second time I'm trying this author, and it'll probably be my last. Romance? - this one has romance? and a sex scene? I hate romance and unnecessary sex scenes. Why not mention it beforehand? OK, romance aside, however, the premise is super-interesting and the story goes fast and easy. It combines many, many horror tropes (cults, religious horror, island horror, eldritch evil) into a nice blend of mystery and suspense, without skimping on the horror. However, very often it took me entirely by surprise by the insistent emphasis on dread and isolation, when everything looked like some heavy action was needed. Unfortunately, the ending didn't deliver: a bit too cozy and chockfull of "love conquers all" vibes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
a contestable fitting to be respected in the boys club, a priest who used to be a FBI agent, a disappearance and mystery on an isolated island. and creepy religious practices. this is how to do folk horror done well.
this book nails the something is not right felling, it is dripping with atmosphere, from creepy dark passageways and raging storms. it is told threw two narratives and this helps to add to the mystery, the pacing is great, i'd recommend going in blind and get lost within the mystery of this small creepy island
this book nails the something is not right felling, it is dripping with atmosphere, from creepy dark passageways and raging storms. it is told threw two narratives and this helps to add to the mystery, the pacing is great, i'd recommend going in blind and get lost within the mystery of this small creepy island
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Black Crow Books for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this story so much, supernatural horror, mystery, cult an isolated setting even a bit of romance. I liked the dynamic of the two main characters, it was well paced and built to an ending I did not expect but found thrilling. The setting gave such creepy vibes especially from one of the POVs which I feel really added to the horror of it all.
I really enjoyed this story so much, supernatural horror, mystery, cult an isolated setting even a bit of romance. I liked the dynamic of the two main characters, it was well paced and built to an ending I did not expect but found thrilling. The setting gave such creepy vibes especially from one of the POVs which I feel really added to the horror of it all.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We Are For the Dark
By Gretchen McNeil
Pub Date: Sep 01 2026
This book starts out as a mystery but flips the script into a horror novel. I don't see that very often it was a surprise for me. I really liked this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Gretchen McNeil
Pub Date: Sep 01 2026
This book starts out as a mystery but flips the script into a horror novel. I don't see that very often it was a surprise for me. I really liked this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
Did Not Finish
April 2, 2026I wanna thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc copy of We Are for the Dark
This book had a very interesting premise, creepy, and mysterious vibes. And a marvelous writing. But I think throughout the book there was not much happening and it was getting really boring. So unfortunately I will DNF this book.
Thank you so much!
This book had a very interesting premise, creepy, and mysterious vibes. And a marvelous writing. But I think throughout the book there was not much happening and it was getting really boring. So unfortunately I will DNF this book.
Thank you so much!
April 26, 2026
A fun folk horror/crime/mystery set in Canada, but put me in mind of Scandinavian thrillers as well.
This could easily have been set on a remote European island, and captures the weird atmosphere of remote locations and their inhabitants well.
The religious elements weren’t overwhelming, and the growing sense of unease and dread made this an enjoyable read.
This could easily have been set on a remote European island, and captures the weird atmosphere of remote locations and their inhabitants well.
The religious elements weren’t overwhelming, and the growing sense of unease and dread made this an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much for the eproof!
I read this after the correction was made - saw what it was and am disappointed it was used because it's 2026?!?! Like come on man.
3.25?!
I really enjoyed the vibes of this, not gonna lie the romance part took me by surprise as I went in blind and wasn't expecting it to go like that lol 😆
I wanted more horror?? For me I just might be picky
I read this after the correction was made - saw what it was and am disappointed it was used because it's 2026?!?! Like come on man.
3.25?!
I really enjoyed the vibes of this, not gonna lie the romance part took me by surprise as I went in blind and wasn't expecting it to go like that lol 😆
I wanted more horror?? For me I just might be picky
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a creepy religious thriller novel, the rich descriptive writing style perfectly serves up tension. I felt it was well paced and kept you guessing where the story was heading. It works well as a horror / crime cross genre, I really enjoyed it and highly recommend.
April 27, 2026
Give me cultish activity, weird religious fanatics, and a cutoff island and I am sat. I enjoyed this for the most part. Felt like the ending was a little clunky but definitely had creepy and suffocating vibes. This will be out in September of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an enjoyable, atmospheric folk horror that even had a little bit of romance. I loved the setting of this one as it was quite creepy. I will definitely read more by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 13, 2026
3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy!!
In this dreary tale, we follow junior constable Miriam and Catholic priest Shane, as they follow the trail of a priest gone missing on an isolated Newfoundland island. The townspeople are weird, they keep zoning out at Miriam and they keep harassing Shane to do Mass.
I loved the environment, it was very cold and isolating. I personally have weird beef with cop stories, but if I ignore that, it was pretty good and I was really interested in what would happen next! Solid writing, and I like this new path in writing that Gretchen McNeil is taking.
In this dreary tale, we follow junior constable Miriam and Catholic priest Shane, as they follow the trail of a priest gone missing on an isolated Newfoundland island. The townspeople are weird, they keep zoning out at Miriam and they keep harassing Shane to do Mass.
I loved the environment, it was very cold and isolating. I personally have weird beef with cop stories, but if I ignore that, it was pretty good and I was really interested in what would happen next! Solid writing, and I like this new path in writing that Gretchen McNeil is taking.
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