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Newbourne Park
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26From the USA Today bestselling author of Diavola comes a darkly funny, blood-soaked horror novel about the terrifying seduction of unlimited power.
After years of caring for her dying mother, Martha Shaw feels empty, exhausted, and far older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to a weekend getaway at the opulent, two-hundred-acre country estate where his friend works, Martha reluctantly agrees. After all, what’s the harm? The owners and all their staff will be gone. Security cameras will be off. The house will be theirs. For the first time in years, Martha might actually have fun.
And it is fun, taking advantage of the historic mega-mansion and its vast grounds. Martha begins to feel human again. But when night falls, the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns—and she’s not alone. Suddenly, being caught trespassing is the least of their worries, because what steps out into the moonlight is something vicious. And hungry.
What began as a lark becomes a bloody battle for survival, where greed and morality collide—and a woman must choose to bow, break, or bite back.
After years of caring for her dying mother, Martha Shaw feels empty, exhausted, and far older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to a weekend getaway at the opulent, two-hundred-acre country estate where his friend works, Martha reluctantly agrees. After all, what’s the harm? The owners and all their staff will be gone. Security cameras will be off. The house will be theirs. For the first time in years, Martha might actually have fun.
And it is fun, taking advantage of the historic mega-mansion and its vast grounds. Martha begins to feel human again. But when night falls, the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns—and she’s not alone. Suddenly, being caught trespassing is the least of their worries, because what steps out into the moonlight is something vicious. And hungry.
What began as a lark becomes a bloody battle for survival, where greed and morality collide—and a woman must choose to bow, break, or bite back.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Marie Thorne
14 books1,205 followersJennifer Thorne is the British-American author of Lute and Diavola (a USA Today bestseller), published by Tor/Nightfire, and the forthcoming Newbourne Park (Putnam). With Lee Kelly, she is co-author of The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024), and My Fair Frauds (2025) published by HarperMuse, as well as The Midnight Show (2026) published by Crown. As Jenn Marie Thorne, she is the author of the YA novels The Wrong Side of Right, The Inside of Out, and Night Music. Her short fiction has appeared in horror anthology One Bad Night and Other Stories and YA anthology Battle of the Bands. She is also the author of the picture book Construction Zoo. She currently lives in Gloucestershire, England with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved it almost as much as I loved Diavola. A must-read for horror fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Class divides and female rage meet supernatural suspense in Newbourne Park, a werewolf story with teeth. This book went directions I didn’t expect when I started it, but I was hooked all the way through!
When Martha joins her brother and some friends for an evening sneaking into and squatting in the beautiful, old, and (they think) empty Newbourne Park, she expects the most dangerous part of the night to be avoiding security cameras or guards; but what they find is far more dangerous. Faced with folkloric beings that are very real and very hungry, Martha finds herself drawn into a battle of survival, class, and wills; and the winner will be whoever (or whatever) is willing to be the most monstrous.
I try not to have spoilers in my reviews, and I will be sure to blur out any I do write about here on Goodreads for anyone who doesn’t want to see them; but while I really enjoyed this book, I expected something different from the story as it is, so I will be a bit more spoiler-ey than I normally am to discuss where the story surprised me. For those who do not want spoilers, I will say that this is a great book, especially for fans of female-led horror, supernatural / psychological suspense, and stories of women who embrace a role of darkness or monstrosity. It was a really fun exploration of werewolf myths from the POV of a woman, which is always fascinating to me; I think werewolves are so “anti” what society tells women to be, and for me at least that makes female werewolves a very satisfying thing to read about. If you like creature features that explore the character of the main monster more than the terror it instills, and if you are a fan of stories that make you think “Good for her”, I think you will love Newbourne Park.
Now, for a more spoiler-y analysis:
I would recommend Newbourne Park to fans of Such Sharp Teeth and You Did Nothing Wrong, and to any readers who love werewolves. (I would also recommend reading this one as a buddy-read to Milkteeth by Caitlin Starling; they both have very different but fascinating things to say about monstrous women, and I’m so glad I read them one right after another!)
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the digital arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.
When Martha joins her brother and some friends for an evening sneaking into and squatting in the beautiful, old, and (they think) empty Newbourne Park, she expects the most dangerous part of the night to be avoiding security cameras or guards; but what they find is far more dangerous. Faced with folkloric beings that are very real and very hungry, Martha finds herself drawn into a battle of survival, class, and wills; and the winner will be whoever (or whatever) is willing to be the most monstrous.
I try not to have spoilers in my reviews, and I will be sure to blur out any I do write about here on Goodreads for anyone who doesn’t want to see them; but while I really enjoyed this book, I expected something different from the story as it is, so I will be a bit more spoiler-ey than I normally am to discuss where the story surprised me. For those who do not want spoilers, I will say that this is a great book, especially for fans of female-led horror, supernatural / psychological suspense, and stories of women who embrace a role of darkness or monstrosity. It was a really fun exploration of werewolf myths from the POV of a woman, which is always fascinating to me; I think werewolves are so “anti” what society tells women to be, and for me at least that makes female werewolves a very satisfying thing to read about. If you like creature features that explore the character of the main monster more than the terror it instills, and if you are a fan of stories that make you think “Good for her”, I think you will love Newbourne Park.
Now, for a more spoiler-y analysis:
I would recommend Newbourne Park to fans of Such Sharp Teeth and You Did Nothing Wrong, and to any readers who love werewolves. (I would also recommend reading this one as a buddy-read to Milkteeth by Caitlin Starling; they both have very different but fascinating things to say about monstrous women, and I’m so glad I read them one right after another!)
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the digital arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Martha Shaw has spent years putting her life on hold to care for her dying mother, leaving little room for friendships, romance, or her dreams of Oxford. Now, with that chapter closing, she’s ready to reclaim something for herself—even if it means leaning into a darker, more reckless side. A weekend “squatting” adventure with her brother & friends at a vacant estate, seems just the ticket....despite the bad vibes the place stirs in her. The main house is beyond her wildest dreams, and her brother’s friend brings an added benefit. That is until things go horribly wrong.
At first glance, Newbourne Park seems poised to deliver a familiar setup: a group of twenty-somethings, an eerie mansion, and a looming werewolf threat. Not typically my favorite horror formula. But Jennifer Thorne quickly proves there’s far more lurking beneath the surface. Martha is no helpless victim—she’s complex, cunning, and increasingly dangerous in her own right, making this story difficult to put down.
Yes, there are werewolves here. But this novel digs deeper, weaving in sharp commentary on class, privilege, and belonging. Martha’s transformation becomes more than physical, it’s a calculated ascent. When she’s bitten and unexpectedly welcomed into the world of the wealthy Lambert family, she recognizes opportunity when she sees it. Under the influence of the enigmatic Lady Olivia Lambert, she begins to feel something she hasn’t in years: a sense of home.
But Martha isn’t content to simply belong. So when young Freddie Lambert becomes captivated by her, she proves she knows exactly how to turn the rules of privilege to her advantage. After all, you don’t need to be born with a silver spoon to learn how to wield one.
Dark and unexpectedly sharp, Newbourne Park offers more than supernatural thrills. It’s a character-driven descent into ambition, identity, and securing your place in the pack.
******************
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Putnam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At first glance, Newbourne Park seems poised to deliver a familiar setup: a group of twenty-somethings, an eerie mansion, and a looming werewolf threat. Not typically my favorite horror formula. But Jennifer Thorne quickly proves there’s far more lurking beneath the surface. Martha is no helpless victim—she’s complex, cunning, and increasingly dangerous in her own right, making this story difficult to put down.
Yes, there are werewolves here. But this novel digs deeper, weaving in sharp commentary on class, privilege, and belonging. Martha’s transformation becomes more than physical, it’s a calculated ascent. When she’s bitten and unexpectedly welcomed into the world of the wealthy Lambert family, she recognizes opportunity when she sees it. Under the influence of the enigmatic Lady Olivia Lambert, she begins to feel something she hasn’t in years: a sense of home.
But Martha isn’t content to simply belong. So when young Freddie Lambert becomes captivated by her, she proves she knows exactly how to turn the rules of privilege to her advantage. After all, you don’t need to be born with a silver spoon to learn how to wield one.
Dark and unexpectedly sharp, Newbourne Park offers more than supernatural thrills. It’s a character-driven descent into ambition, identity, and securing your place in the pack.
******************
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Putnam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"A biting, blood-drenched, eat-the-rich gothic thriller."
Newbourne Park is one of those books that starts by pulling you into the fantasy and then slowly makes you regret ever wanting in.
At the start, there is something almost inviting about it. Martha has spent so long worn down by grief and just trying to survive that sneaking away to this massive estate feels like stepping into a different life for a minute. The house is gorgeous. The grounds are beautiful. There is champagne and sunlight and all the usual rich-people nonsense. But it never feels fully safe. Even early on, you can feel that something is wrong with this place.
What I liked most was the atmosphere. To me, that’s where the book really shines. Newbourne Park feels old and beautiful, yet you know that there's something just not right lying below the surface. The poison garden. The bone pit. The sense that the whole estate has been hiding something ugly for a very long time. I also liked Martha a lot. Her voice gives the story some real "bite". She is angry, funny, and very aware of how ridiculous wealthy people can be. It keeps the book from feeling stiff or too impressed with its own message.
One thing that surprised me was how well the story shifts once the horror really kicks in. The class commentary is there from the beginning, so when the book goes all in on the “eat the rich” angle, it feels earned. And it is not subtle. At all. But honestly, it shouldn't be. This book has teeth, and once it decides to sink them in, it does. The horror gets brutal, but the anger underneath it is what really gives it weight.
By the end, Newbourne Park feels like a beautiful place built on rot.
ARC provided by Putnam through NetGalley. Many thanks for the early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book expecting more of a mystery-thriller, and while there are definitely suspenseful elements, the story ultimately leans much more heavily into the supernatural than I anticipated. That shift caught me off guard, though not necessarily in a bad way at first.
What really worked for me was the setup. The first half — and honestly even into the three-quarter mark — was incredibly compelling. The author did an excellent job establishing atmosphere, tension, and intrigue. The way the plot unfolded early on felt smart and deliberate, and I was genuinely invested in uncovering what was happening beneath the surface.
However, as the story progressed, it started moving in a direction that felt increasingly elitist and morally detached. To be fair, there were hints of that throughout the novel, so it didn’t come entirely out of nowhere, but I kept expecting a larger twist or revelation that would reframe those elements in a more satisfying way.
There was also a lot of vague foreshadowing and an ongoing sense that the reader was supposed to already understand certain things that hadn’t fully been explained yet. Maybe that disorientation was intentional, but for me it created more confusion than suspense by the end. Instead of feeling intrigued, I was left uncertain about what exactly had happened and what I was meant to take away from it.
Overall, this is a book with a brilliantly constructed opening and a strong atmospheric pull, but the later shift in tone and direction didn’t fully work for me personally.
I went into this book expecting more of a mystery-thriller, and while there are definitely suspenseful elements, the story ultimately leans much more heavily into the supernatural than I anticipated. That shift caught me off guard, though not necessarily in a bad way at first.
What really worked for me was the setup. The first half — and honestly even into the three-quarter mark — was incredibly compelling. The author did an excellent job establishing atmosphere, tension, and intrigue. The way the plot unfolded early on felt smart and deliberate, and I was genuinely invested in uncovering what was happening beneath the surface.
However, as the story progressed, it started moving in a direction that felt increasingly elitist and morally detached. To be fair, there were hints of that throughout the novel, so it didn’t come entirely out of nowhere, but I kept expecting a larger twist or revelation that would reframe those elements in a more satisfying way.
There was also a lot of vague foreshadowing and an ongoing sense that the reader was supposed to already understand certain things that hadn’t fully been explained yet. Maybe that disorientation was intentional, but for me it created more confusion than suspense by the end. Instead of feeling intrigued, I was left uncertain about what exactly had happened and what I was meant to take away from it.
Overall, this is a book with a brilliantly constructed opening and a strong atmospheric pull, but the later shift in tone and direction didn’t fully work for me personally.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thorne writes anything, and I am THERE. I have been anxiously awaiting Newbourne Park, and I am not disappointed.
I loved Diavola SO MUCH that it took me a bit to get into this one, I must admit. I think with this author, you should suspend expectation, and go into this one coming away with a new mindset on horror in general.
Martha Shaw is our main character- she is 26, pretty vacant inside, and so tired in all the ways after being a caretaker for her now deceased mother. At a real cusp in her life, her brother invites her to a retreat for a few days to get her mind off the grief and sameness of her existence. I'll leave the description at that, and say our characters are so flawed and human and clearly stuck and grieving. This one is written with genuine snark in mind, and for all the ways Martha annoyed me with her downright negativity, I couldn't help but beam at her utter alacrity and quick wittedness. I'd dare to say some development happened all across the board, and leave it vague with that. I love this author and enjoyed the experience of this book as a whole- this dissection of horror and making it unique, this blend of genres and page turning amazement even in the moments where dialogue takes a lull, and the bravery of Thorne for even daring to invent in a time where everyone is a copy. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Putnam/ G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
I loved Diavola SO MUCH that it took me a bit to get into this one, I must admit. I think with this author, you should suspend expectation, and go into this one coming away with a new mindset on horror in general.
Martha Shaw is our main character- she is 26, pretty vacant inside, and so tired in all the ways after being a caretaker for her now deceased mother. At a real cusp in her life, her brother invites her to a retreat for a few days to get her mind off the grief and sameness of her existence. I'll leave the description at that, and say our characters are so flawed and human and clearly stuck and grieving. This one is written with genuine snark in mind, and for all the ways Martha annoyed me with her downright negativity, I couldn't help but beam at her utter alacrity and quick wittedness. I'd dare to say some development happened all across the board, and leave it vague with that. I love this author and enjoyed the experience of this book as a whole- this dissection of horror and making it unique, this blend of genres and page turning amazement even in the moments where dialogue takes a lull, and the bravery of Thorne for even daring to invent in a time where everyone is a copy. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Putnam/ G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc.
I, like many others, went into this book expecting Ready or Not or The Hunger Games-style antics, but the story was nothing like that. It was so much more.
When we first meet Martha, she is a shell of her once ambitious self after spending years caring for her mother. But when a couple of nights at an empty, sprawling country manor take a dark turn, so does Martha’s life.
The first 30% of the book creates an intensely unsettling atmosphere. The sense of foreboding is evident from the very first chapter. Martha is reluctant to be part of the plan — and for good reason. I kept wondering, “What more could possibly happen?” to which the author responded with even more drama, action, and complexity that I absolutely devoured.
This book is beautifully gruesome. Newbourne Manor is extravagant and alluring, yet filled with secrets lurking beneath its surface.
Martha isn’t an immediately likeable FMC, but I think that’s because she carries such understandable resentment toward the wealthy upper-class people surrounding her. Her narration is layered and compelling; she has a dark streak, sharp anger, biting wit, and genuine comedic timing. The author blends horror, thriller, folk elements, and family drama effortlessly.
The story unfolds subtly, always carrying a tense undercurrent that guides Martha through her constantly shifting life, errupting into well-earned ending that somehow left satisfyingly sad.
I, like many others, went into this book expecting Ready or Not or The Hunger Games-style antics, but the story was nothing like that. It was so much more.
When we first meet Martha, she is a shell of her once ambitious self after spending years caring for her mother. But when a couple of nights at an empty, sprawling country manor take a dark turn, so does Martha’s life.
The first 30% of the book creates an intensely unsettling atmosphere. The sense of foreboding is evident from the very first chapter. Martha is reluctant to be part of the plan — and for good reason. I kept wondering, “What more could possibly happen?” to which the author responded with even more drama, action, and complexity that I absolutely devoured.
This book is beautifully gruesome. Newbourne Manor is extravagant and alluring, yet filled with secrets lurking beneath its surface.
Martha isn’t an immediately likeable FMC, but I think that’s because she carries such understandable resentment toward the wealthy upper-class people surrounding her. Her narration is layered and compelling; she has a dark streak, sharp anger, biting wit, and genuine comedic timing. The author blends horror, thriller, folk elements, and family drama effortlessly.
The story unfolds subtly, always carrying a tense undercurrent that guides Martha through her constantly shifting life, errupting into well-earned ending that somehow left satisfyingly sad.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Newbourne Park is a darkly humorous and socially observant horror set on a sprawling, elegant country estate. Exploring themes of class, power, and greed, it adds rich texture to the story’s creeping horror. The novel follows Martha, a woman seeking escape at the grand estate, only to find the mansion itself almost alive, and her retreat slowly twisting into a terrifying, monstrous nightmare.
Rating 3.5
As Martha wanders the luxurious halls, she enjoys newfound freedom and reconnects with herself but the tone gradually darkens. A supernatural presence resurfaces unexpectedly, transforming her leisurely indulgence into tense, suspenseful horror. The mansion’s atmosphere is masterfully rendered: every echoing hallway, shadowed corner, and opulent room ratchets up the tension.
Newbourne Park is a smart, atmospheric horror that seamlessly blends suspense, social commentary, and dark humor. It will appeal to readers who savor slow-building dread, richly detailed settings, and a horror that lingers in both mood and thought.
Overall, its strength lies in the gradual accumulation of unease. The shift from carefree indulgence to creeping dread proves far more unsettling than sudden chaos, making the novel a compelling experience for fans of atmospheric horror.
Rating 3.5
As Martha wanders the luxurious halls, she enjoys newfound freedom and reconnects with herself but the tone gradually darkens. A supernatural presence resurfaces unexpectedly, transforming her leisurely indulgence into tense, suspenseful horror. The mansion’s atmosphere is masterfully rendered: every echoing hallway, shadowed corner, and opulent room ratchets up the tension.
Newbourne Park is a smart, atmospheric horror that seamlessly blends suspense, social commentary, and dark humor. It will appeal to readers who savor slow-building dread, richly detailed settings, and a horror that lingers in both mood and thought.
Overall, its strength lies in the gradual accumulation of unease. The shift from carefree indulgence to creeping dread proves far more unsettling than sudden chaos, making the novel a compelling experience for fans of atmospheric horror.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam, and Jennifer Thorne for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. My favorite read of 2026 so far!!! Ugh it just had everything I wanted and more, and I knew I’d be falling down a gleefully horrendous rabbit hole (or should I say bone pit?) from the first sentence. Martha is a little like all of us while being entirely unique and fully formed. The plot unfurled with delightful pacing, and Thorne masterfully balances shock and awe with deep emotion, conflict, and humanity. Who are we if not monsters every once in a while??
I could write an essay on this book, and I likely will put something on my Substack when it comes out that goes more in depth into just how much I loved this and why. People will love the characters with their flaws, unabashed and nakedly vulnerable (except when they work oh so hard to hide themselves). People will love Newbourne, imagining just how they might live in a place like that. Thank you again for this wonderful book.
I could write an essay on this book, and I likely will put something on my Substack when it comes out that goes more in depth into just how much I loved this and why. People will love the characters with their flaws, unabashed and nakedly vulnerable (except when they work oh so hard to hide themselves). People will love Newbourne, imagining just how they might live in a place like that. Thank you again for this wonderful book.
May 18, 2026
I love Jennifer Thorne's other horror books (see Diavola and Lute) and this is another excellent read. Main character Martha feels much older than her 26 years. Down on her luck and recently grieving her mother after a long illness where she was the primary caretaker, Martha is rudderless. Her older brother -- golden child and screwup who barely helped with their mom -- invites her on a weekend excursion to a manor house where his friend works. The family is away and the staff have been given the weekend off, leaving Newbourne Park -- and its well-appointed bedrooms, fully-stocked kitchen, and giant swimming pool -- ripe for the taking. A weekend away at a fancy manor is supposed to offer a distraction, a chance for Martha to have some fun again. But almost immediately, things take a horrific turn, leaving Martha with no choice but to adapt to her new life, or what's left of it.
I love Thorne's relatable, imperfect protagonists. The opening chapters were a perfect short story, in my opinion. Very cinematic. The rest of the book is very compelling, but I thought there was a slight tonal shift and I was sorry that certain characters did not feature in more of the story. Martha's choices and motivations would make great fodder for book club discussion. Rich themes of class, upward mobility, moral codes, loyalty, greed, and lineage throughout this tale. There is also a folk horror element to the town surrounding Newbourne Park, as its inhabitants are aware of and complicit in the goings-on at the manor house. If you enjoy smart, self-aware horror, this is a must-read.
I am still thinking about this book two months after reading it and it will be a fantastic addition to any "spooky season" reading list. Can't wait to see what horror trope Thorne tackles next!
Many thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I love Thorne's relatable, imperfect protagonists. The opening chapters were a perfect short story, in my opinion. Very cinematic. The rest of the book is very compelling, but I thought there was a slight tonal shift and I was sorry that certain characters did not feature in more of the story. Martha's choices and motivations would make great fodder for book club discussion. Rich themes of class, upward mobility, moral codes, loyalty, greed, and lineage throughout this tale. There is also a folk horror element to the town surrounding Newbourne Park, as its inhabitants are aware of and complicit in the goings-on at the manor house. If you enjoy smart, self-aware horror, this is a must-read.
I am still thinking about this book two months after reading it and it will be a fantastic addition to any "spooky season" reading list. Can't wait to see what horror trope Thorne tackles next!
Many thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC review:
To start, this is incredibly hard to review because of how devotedly in love I am with Diavola. So my expectations here were through the roof. The writing was phenomenal, as always. I loved the main character, she was delightfully wretched. It kept my interest piqued the entire way through, though I never hit that "oh shit" moment where fear takes over. This is a book about grief and revenge and class divides. While the themes were fantastically fleshed out, it didn't give me that horrific sense of dread the same way Diavola did.
To start, this is incredibly hard to review because of how devotedly in love I am with Diavola. So my expectations here were through the roof. The writing was phenomenal, as always. I loved the main character, she was delightfully wretched. It kept my interest piqued the entire way through, though I never hit that "oh shit" moment where fear takes over. This is a book about grief and revenge and class divides. While the themes were fantastically fleshed out, it didn't give me that horrific sense of dread the same way Diavola did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The blurb doesn't really give a lot away, but ya know, "bloody battle for survival" sold me. That's not exactly what this was, but I'm not disappointed. Newbourne Park was much more about Martha's coming to terms with her change. The character growth from beginning to end was fantastic. I didn't expect to like this as much as I did, but if I wasn't working or sleeping, I was reading this. Definitely need to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a proper female rage style book, whether intended or not. The relationships are complicated, back-stabbing, and monstrous. I felt the ending was satisfactorily bittersweet, and pretty grounded in real world behaviors.
There were some parts in the middle that delve into "high society" type antics that I didn't connect with (since I'm not a part of that scene), but it's not too hard to follow. My main gripe is the shallow talk of the ghosts on the property and who they are/where they come from.
The prose is easy to read, and moves fast where it needs to!
There were some parts in the middle that delve into "high society" type antics that I didn't connect with (since I'm not a part of that scene), but it's not too hard to follow. My main gripe is the shallow talk of the ghosts on the property and who they are/where they come from.
The prose is easy to read, and moves fast where it needs to!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Newbourne Park
By Jennifer Thorne
Pub Date: Sep 29 2026
This is the first book I've ever read that I can honestly say I don't know what to think about it. It was weird in so many ways that it managed to keep my interest. The characters are well written but all seem morally gray. I felt like I was reading a weird cult story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Jennifer Thorne
Pub Date: Sep 29 2026
This is the first book I've ever read that I can honestly say I don't know what to think about it. It was weird in so many ways that it managed to keep my interest. The characters are well written but all seem morally gray. I felt like I was reading a weird cult story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC!
I really enjoy this author's writing style, especially her main characters, which are never fully likeable, but are always fascinating. The story had the potential to be a by the books monster story, but really took advantage of the concepts of class and the "haves vs have nots", which I feel like is usually reserved for vampire stories. Refreshing and well paced throughout!
I really enjoy this author's writing style, especially her main characters, which are never fully likeable, but are always fascinating. The story had the potential to be a by the books monster story, but really took advantage of the concepts of class and the "haves vs have nots", which I feel like is usually reserved for vampire stories. Refreshing and well paced throughout!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a 4.5, to be clear!
I really loved Diavola, so I picked this up without even seeing what it was about. Those who found the narrator frustrating in Diavola (couldn't be me) will be pleased-- Martha is imperfect and annoying but much more understandable. Not much mystery, but engaging horror with a great sense of place. More!
I really loved Diavola, so I picked this up without even seeing what it was about. Those who found the narrator frustrating in Diavola (couldn't be me) will be pleased-- Martha is imperfect and annoying but much more understandable. Not much mystery, but engaging horror with a great sense of place. More!
Did Not Finish
May 14, 2026Interesting premise but I am just biologically predisposed to not being into werewolves
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thorne's Diavola was one of my favorite books last year. Of course, I was very excited to see her latest pop up on Netgalley and requested it immediately, plot unread and cover unseen.
In retrospect, I believe that's the best way to experience this book, because talking about the plot would give away some of the delightfully dark twists and turns it offers.
So, let's talk around the plot.
It stands to mention that I didn't love it immediately as I did Diavola. It took me a bit to get into, because it starts with a bunch of people in their 20s, out for nice trespassing vacation at a fancy estate. (I generally prefer protagonists that are older, but as it is pretty much the only detractor for me here, that's pretty good.) As one might expect from a book with a cover like that, soon enough things go very wrong for the revelers. But it's the survival of said things going wrong and the consequences thereof that are a focus of this novel - and oh, it's a doozy.
The main reason I enjoy Thorne's books so much is her daring. Yes, she still keeps her books within marketable expectations (female characters all around, etc.), but she makes it so much darker than one might expect. She dares to write conventionally unlikable characters or conventionally likable ones who do morally reprehensive things. She dares to rewrite the very concept of a happy ending. he dares to subvert a well-known trope and make it her own.
She's also a genuinely good wordsmith, admirably skilled at genre elements and literary writing, and she blends both seamlessly and expertly.
All in all, a great read. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
In retrospect, I believe that's the best way to experience this book, because talking about the plot would give away some of the delightfully dark twists and turns it offers.
So, let's talk around the plot.
It stands to mention that I didn't love it immediately as I did Diavola. It took me a bit to get into, because it starts with a bunch of people in their 20s, out for nice trespassing vacation at a fancy estate. (I generally prefer protagonists that are older, but as it is pretty much the only detractor for me here, that's pretty good.) As one might expect from a book with a cover like that, soon enough things go very wrong for the revelers. But it's the survival of said things going wrong and the consequences thereof that are a focus of this novel - and oh, it's a doozy.
The main reason I enjoy Thorne's books so much is her daring. Yes, she still keeps her books within marketable expectations (female characters all around, etc.), but she makes it so much darker than one might expect. She dares to write conventionally unlikable characters or conventionally likable ones who do morally reprehensive things. She dares to rewrite the very concept of a happy ending. he dares to subvert a well-known trope and make it her own.
She's also a genuinely good wordsmith, admirably skilled at genre elements and literary writing, and she blends both seamlessly and expertly.
All in all, a great read. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
April 6, 2026
Jennifer Thorne hits it out of the park again. Nobody does horror set in the modern world better than she does and this is another super readable and enjoyable example of her talent.
Poor Martha is adrift after the death of her mother, whom she had put her own life and ambitions on hold to care for. So when her brother offers her the chance for a fun weekend away with his girlfriend and a potential romantic interest for Martha, she looks forward to what might be the first step toward new life. The setting is the glorious estate of a wealthy family who are all away, along with all the servants except said romantic interest. The two couples swan around and enjoy themselves until all hell literally breaks loose and Martha’s plans for her future are turned upside down: an attack by an unthinkable assailant has left her permanently changed.
We follow Martha as she adjusts to her new situation and new self, a glimpse into a world different from her prior life in myriad ways. On the one hand, she is permanently “handicapped” and has experienced loss upon loss. On the other, she has been afforded a chance to live out her dreams with material wealth and opportunities previously unknown to her. But throughout it all, Martha still keeps pulling threads with a single-minded goal: to figure out why this happened to her and who is responsible.
Fantastic writing with great world building and character development. Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for a chance to read this ARC.
Poor Martha is adrift after the death of her mother, whom she had put her own life and ambitions on hold to care for. So when her brother offers her the chance for a fun weekend away with his girlfriend and a potential romantic interest for Martha, she looks forward to what might be the first step toward new life. The setting is the glorious estate of a wealthy family who are all away, along with all the servants except said romantic interest. The two couples swan around and enjoy themselves until all hell literally breaks loose and Martha’s plans for her future are turned upside down: an attack by an unthinkable assailant has left her permanently changed.
We follow Martha as she adjusts to her new situation and new self, a glimpse into a world different from her prior life in myriad ways. On the one hand, she is permanently “handicapped” and has experienced loss upon loss. On the other, she has been afforded a chance to live out her dreams with material wealth and opportunities previously unknown to her. But throughout it all, Martha still keeps pulling threads with a single-minded goal: to figure out why this happened to her and who is responsible.
Fantastic writing with great world building and character development. Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for a chance to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: I'm only 2/3 of the way through first pass pages, but I'm gonna go ahead and give it five stars.
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