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Possession Island: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26Women bite back in this queer gothic thriller, perfect for fans of Interview with the Vampire and Plain Bad Heroines.
It wasn't easy for Angela Bell growing up on Possession island, the remote Pacific Northwest setting of her late mother's wildly popular vampire novel. When she returns home from college and her estranged best friend, Mo, is murdered, she's forced to reckon with yet another loss—and finds herself in the crosshairs of the bungled police investigation.
Sally Raleigh has longed to leave the island for years, but she's trapped by her father's declining health and her devotion to her charismatic twin brother Adrian. The last thing she needs is her high-school nemesis Angela back in town. But Sally is also devastated by Mo's death, and finds herself forging an unlikely alliance with her former enemy to find Mo's killer.
As Angie and Sally delve deeper into the island's sinister underbelly, they must confront just how far they're willing to go to protect the people they love. And they'll soon find that the secrets they've been keeping from each other won't stay buried for long...
It wasn't easy for Angela Bell growing up on Possession island, the remote Pacific Northwest setting of her late mother's wildly popular vampire novel. When she returns home from college and her estranged best friend, Mo, is murdered, she's forced to reckon with yet another loss—and finds herself in the crosshairs of the bungled police investigation.
Sally Raleigh has longed to leave the island for years, but she's trapped by her father's declining health and her devotion to her charismatic twin brother Adrian. The last thing she needs is her high-school nemesis Angela back in town. But Sally is also devastated by Mo's death, and finds herself forging an unlikely alliance with her former enemy to find Mo's killer.
As Angie and Sally delve deeper into the island's sinister underbelly, they must confront just how far they're willing to go to protect the people they love. And they'll soon find that the secrets they've been keeping from each other won't stay buried for long...
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
21 people are currently reading
7080 people want to read
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April 26, 2026
"Women bite back in this queer gothic thriller."
enough said. i'll take five
enough said. i'll take five
April 16, 2026
“Possession Island” by Sarah McCarry is a haunting queer gothic thriller filled with buried secrets clawing their way back to the surface. The atmosphere is rich and unsettling, with a slow, creeping tension that builds as the past refuses to stay hidden. A compelling and eerie read—4 stars for me.
April 24, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was really good and extremely entertaining. Clearly inspired by things like Interview With a Vampire but still unique enough to be enjoyable. I will say at times the writing could get a little unnecessarily flowery but after the first 15% or so it gets better. This book takes a minute to find its footing but once you get into it gets really good. I think the excerpts from the in universe Possession Island book were kind of unnecessary but I get the parallel they were going for. The underlying romance felt like it was added just to be able to say there was a romance but it didn’t take away from the story. The mystery aspect was the best part for me and I thought the plotwist was good. The ended was a little rushed and I wouldn’t have minded if this was a little bit longer. Overall really good and I would recommend this one.
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April 3, 2026Thanks to Saturday Books and NetGalley for this ARC! Possession Island by Sarah McCarry comes out on December 1, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* Thank you NetGalley & Saturday Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
"it's the women you have to watch out for. We're the ones who bite."
Possession Island is a book about a book, and a book with a heart made up of complicated girls and very uncomplicated men. Which is to say, my favorite kind of book. Set on Possession Island, a creepy-dreamy little Washington island, and also about Possession Island, a sapphic vampire book. The story follows Angela Bell, the daughter of the infamous Possession Island author, and Sally Raleigh, stuck on the island because of her complicated family, who both find themselves embroiled in the recent gruesome murder of Mo, their mutual friend.
Alright. You got me. I loved this book.
This is an incredibly haunted book. Mo, dead from the first pages, lurks in the background of every interaction. You can sense her just beyond the edges, just out of reach. She's a complicated girl, which is both the best and only kind you can be. She is both very dead and very alive in these pages, as if you could just hold onto her if you tried hard enough. And just like Mo haunts the narrative, Possession Island (the book) hangs like a guillotine above the neck of this story.
"I knew it's vivid heart, its magnificent vision. In that book, girls were rampageous. They ate and fucked and dreamed and did. They did not experience regret."
If I had anything negative to say, I'd say that the first 10% is a bit slow and was harder for me to get into (I didn't love the Possession Island chapters) but after that initial lull, I flew through the book. I personally loved Angela the best, though I did also really like Sally, and felt a deep affinity for Mo.
I don't want to talk much about the contents of the book itself, as it is best to go in confused. But you should definitely go into it if you're a fan of queer gothic thrillers, as I am.
This is one of the few mysteries that surprised me, and for that, and many other things, I bestow it my 5 star.
"it's the women you have to watch out for. We're the ones who bite."
Possession Island is a book about a book, and a book with a heart made up of complicated girls and very uncomplicated men. Which is to say, my favorite kind of book. Set on Possession Island, a creepy-dreamy little Washington island, and also about Possession Island, a sapphic vampire book. The story follows Angela Bell, the daughter of the infamous Possession Island author, and Sally Raleigh, stuck on the island because of her complicated family, who both find themselves embroiled in the recent gruesome murder of Mo, their mutual friend.
Alright. You got me. I loved this book.
This is an incredibly haunted book. Mo, dead from the first pages, lurks in the background of every interaction. You can sense her just beyond the edges, just out of reach. She's a complicated girl, which is both the best and only kind you can be. She is both very dead and very alive in these pages, as if you could just hold onto her if you tried hard enough. And just like Mo haunts the narrative, Possession Island (the book) hangs like a guillotine above the neck of this story.
"I knew it's vivid heart, its magnificent vision. In that book, girls were rampageous. They ate and fucked and dreamed and did. They did not experience regret."
If I had anything negative to say, I'd say that the first 10% is a bit slow and was harder for me to get into (I didn't love the Possession Island chapters) but after that initial lull, I flew through the book. I personally loved Angela the best, though I did also really like Sally, and felt a deep affinity for Mo.
I don't want to talk much about the contents of the book itself, as it is best to go in confused. But you should definitely go into it if you're a fan of queer gothic thrillers, as I am.
This is one of the few mysteries that surprised me, and for that, and many other things, I bestow it my 5 star.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah McCarry’s “Possession Island”, set in the late ’90’s, centers on a book by the same name about an island of female vampires that became a cult classic, later made into a movie by the same name. The book was written by Valentine de Sanglante, who later moved to the island on which her book was based, buying an imposing old mansion. Shortly afterwards she disappeared aboard a boat and is presumed dead in the same manner as the protagonist in her famous book.
Angela, Valentine’s daughter, befriends Mo at grade school and they become inseparable through high school. Angela loves Mo even though she knows that Mo is heterosexual and will never love her the same way. Not long after Mo starts dating Adrian, Angela and Mo have a very public falling out in the high school cafeteria their senior year. Two years later, Angela returns to the island after leaving for college on the mainland and the next day, Mo’s burnt remains are found in the high school parking lot.
Some of the island’s inhabitants suspect Angela, while others thought the murderer might be Adrian. Sally, Adrian’s twin sister, who built a close friendship with Mo after Sally returned to the island from Art School, hates Angela with a passion. She blames her for creating the widening gap between Sally and Adrian, who had once been close before high school and the triangle of Angela, Mo and Adrian, from which Sally was excluded.
“Possession Island” is unlike any book I’ve ever read. Part love story, part dark fairy tale, part LGBTQ, more than anything it speaks of female empowerment and freedom. The female protagonists all long for the unrestrained and unapologetic freedom enjoyed by the female vampires in their favorite novel. The language in the book is profound and lyrical, seeming to plumb the very meaning of life, freedom and self. The twist at the end added an emotional punch and surprise that further strengthened an already excellent book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
Angela, Valentine’s daughter, befriends Mo at grade school and they become inseparable through high school. Angela loves Mo even though she knows that Mo is heterosexual and will never love her the same way. Not long after Mo starts dating Adrian, Angela and Mo have a very public falling out in the high school cafeteria their senior year. Two years later, Angela returns to the island after leaving for college on the mainland and the next day, Mo’s burnt remains are found in the high school parking lot.
Some of the island’s inhabitants suspect Angela, while others thought the murderer might be Adrian. Sally, Adrian’s twin sister, who built a close friendship with Mo after Sally returned to the island from Art School, hates Angela with a passion. She blames her for creating the widening gap between Sally and Adrian, who had once been close before high school and the triangle of Angela, Mo and Adrian, from which Sally was excluded.
“Possession Island” is unlike any book I’ve ever read. Part love story, part dark fairy tale, part LGBTQ, more than anything it speaks of female empowerment and freedom. The female protagonists all long for the unrestrained and unapologetic freedom enjoyed by the female vampires in their favorite novel. The language in the book is profound and lyrical, seeming to plumb the very meaning of life, freedom and self. The twist at the end added an emotional punch and surprise that further strengthened an already excellent book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for this ARC.
A story revolving around a novel that is essentially Interview With the Vampire meets twilight? With dykes? Sign me the fuck up!
The first half is dominated by an incredibly messy quartet of teens/young adults, each more tangled up in the next one's life, and not one of them being honest with one another. The second half of the novel reveals the secrets they keep: some gasp-worthy and others heartbreaking. The trio of girls at the heart of this book all felt very real, with several details feeling plucked out of my own high school experiences and friends (hello band-tee-clad teen girl with a rider-waite deck... hello young lesbian from the middle of nowhere not knowing it was possible for there to be more than one per town...... hello consuming obsession with leaving That Place..........). The plot is compelling, but ultimately it is the characters that carry this novel.
A couple complaints:
- The extent to which the fictional Possession Island permeates every scene, not just in spirit, but in a very literal sense, was a little eye-rolly. Was definitely suspending my disbelief a little more consciously at the frequency with which every character mentions/interacts with it.
- I find myself making this comment frequently these days, but I think this could have benefitted from another 100 pages of development between our main duo; the jump from hookup to suppressed declarations of love was jarring.
All around a very enjoyable book! Nibbled away for the first 20% and all but devoured the rest.
(3.75)
A story revolving around a novel that is essentially Interview With the Vampire meets twilight? With dykes? Sign me the fuck up!
The first half is dominated by an incredibly messy quartet of teens/young adults, each more tangled up in the next one's life, and not one of them being honest with one another. The second half of the novel reveals the secrets they keep: some gasp-worthy and others heartbreaking. The trio of girls at the heart of this book all felt very real, with several details feeling plucked out of my own high school experiences and friends (hello band-tee-clad teen girl with a rider-waite deck... hello young lesbian from the middle of nowhere not knowing it was possible for there to be more than one per town...... hello consuming obsession with leaving That Place..........). The plot is compelling, but ultimately it is the characters that carry this novel.
A couple complaints:
- The extent to which the fictional Possession Island permeates every scene, not just in spirit, but in a very literal sense, was a little eye-rolly. Was definitely suspending my disbelief a little more consciously at the frequency with which every character mentions/interacts with it.
- I find myself making this comment frequently these days, but I think this could have benefitted from another 100 pages of development between our main duo; the jump from hookup to suppressed declarations of love was jarring.
All around a very enjoyable book! Nibbled away for the first 20% and all but devoured the rest.
(3.75)
May 4, 2026
I received an ARC of Possession Island by Sarah McCarry from Macmillan Publishing.
At its heart, Possession Island is a tender, aching coming-of-age story, exploring how girls experience formative first loves as infatuations that leave them irrevocably changed. These moments feel fragile and consuming, capturing how first love can be everything at once: a sickness, a balm, an absolution, and a sacrifice.
This novel asks what women are willing to do to claim their freedom, and who gets labeled a monster for it. The female relationships feel essential and alive, layered with loyalty, tension, and a kind of devotion that borders on dangerous. None of these women are “good” in the traditional sense, and yet they are all deeply lovable—each of their so-called monstrous choices rendered understandable, even necessary.
All of the characters are shaped by the titular vampire novel left behind by one character’s mother before her death, held up by society as a seminal work of lesbian erotica. In its wake, the girls are influenced in how they see the world, how others perceive them, and what power they believe they have to change their own fate. McCarry also reflects on the formative power of romance and monster stories in shaping young girls, often as a replacement for a parental figure. That idea echoes in one of my favorite lines: “Like a woman, a vampire is made, not born. She is a creature of her own invention. And in all the best stories, the monster always wins. As she should.”
The writing is thoughtful and atmospheric, with complex characters who resist easy categorization. This is a story about power, transformation, and the quiet, feral insistence on becoming something more.
At its heart, Possession Island is a tender, aching coming-of-age story, exploring how girls experience formative first loves as infatuations that leave them irrevocably changed. These moments feel fragile and consuming, capturing how first love can be everything at once: a sickness, a balm, an absolution, and a sacrifice.
This novel asks what women are willing to do to claim their freedom, and who gets labeled a monster for it. The female relationships feel essential and alive, layered with loyalty, tension, and a kind of devotion that borders on dangerous. None of these women are “good” in the traditional sense, and yet they are all deeply lovable—each of their so-called monstrous choices rendered understandable, even necessary.
All of the characters are shaped by the titular vampire novel left behind by one character’s mother before her death, held up by society as a seminal work of lesbian erotica. In its wake, the girls are influenced in how they see the world, how others perceive them, and what power they believe they have to change their own fate. McCarry also reflects on the formative power of romance and monster stories in shaping young girls, often as a replacement for a parental figure. That idea echoes in one of my favorite lines: “Like a woman, a vampire is made, not born. She is a creature of her own invention. And in all the best stories, the monster always wins. As she should.”
The writing is thoughtful and atmospheric, with complex characters who resist easy categorization. This is a story about power, transformation, and the quiet, feral insistence on becoming something more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 5, 2026“What did it mean to be in love with an idea of a person, to love someone you had never known at all?”
Possession Island by Sarah McCarry
3.75/5✨
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
Possession Island is a small island town with little in the way of intrigue or excitement for those who live there. The only reason it’s so well known is for the queer vampire novel and movie adaptation called Possession Island written before the authors mysterious death, leaving her husband and daughter Angela behind.
Angela was not a very sociable child or teenager, and was quite content to spend all her time with her friend Mo. That is until twins Adrian and Sally move into town and Adrian starts dating Mo and begins creating a rift between the two girls. They have a huge fight just as High School ends and Angela moves to New York leaving Mo and Possession Island behind. When Angela returns to town for winter vacation people become suspicious of her true intentions when Mo’s dead body is discovered.
Determined to clear her name and have Mo’s killer convicted, Angela makes an unlikely alliance with Sally as they investigate the clues Mo left behind and try to ignore the feelings they have for each other that lie underneath their hatred.
This book was a little tough for me to get invested in at the beginning, but I found myself really engaged as the story went on! I was completely caught of guard by the big reveal and enjoyed both Angela and Sally’s characters. I did feel the book was paced a little too quickly which made the romance feel a little forced, but overall a really fun read!
Possession Island by Sarah McCarry
3.75/5✨
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
Possession Island is a small island town with little in the way of intrigue or excitement for those who live there. The only reason it’s so well known is for the queer vampire novel and movie adaptation called Possession Island written before the authors mysterious death, leaving her husband and daughter Angela behind.
Angela was not a very sociable child or teenager, and was quite content to spend all her time with her friend Mo. That is until twins Adrian and Sally move into town and Adrian starts dating Mo and begins creating a rift between the two girls. They have a huge fight just as High School ends and Angela moves to New York leaving Mo and Possession Island behind. When Angela returns to town for winter vacation people become suspicious of her true intentions when Mo’s dead body is discovered.
Determined to clear her name and have Mo’s killer convicted, Angela makes an unlikely alliance with Sally as they investigate the clues Mo left behind and try to ignore the feelings they have for each other that lie underneath their hatred.
This book was a little tough for me to get invested in at the beginning, but I found myself really engaged as the story went on! I was completely caught of guard by the big reveal and enjoyed both Angela and Sally’s characters. I did feel the book was paced a little too quickly which made the romance feel a little forced, but overall a really fun read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for the arc !
Firstly: I love books set in Washington! I was pleasantly tickled to read all the references and try and figure out where Possession Island would actually be situated. I think,, following the Elliot Bay references it would be situated as a smaller version of Bainbridge but spiritually I imagined more of Whidbey. Anyways.
I was a little confused at the beginning because the author throws a lot of proper nouns on page 1 and it was a bit difficult to figure out what to pay attention to right away and remember, as well as the epub formatting being a little messed up in terms of lumping together the first chapter title, epigraph, and dedication without proper spacing and line/page breaks. but after the first bit it really hooked me.
I really enjoyed the cyclical nature of the story, in terms of following and breaking away from the frame tale novel (would love to read the faux Possession Island) and still having surprises. I also really enjoyed the romance, but let's just say there was the common trope in one intimate scene being much shorter/less in depth than the other. I guess you could argue for the nature of that secondary relationship being stronger at the time, but it is still always something that makes me sigh a bit.
I say this all but I had a lot to chew on for this book! Would be a great pick for a book club or for anyone who likes to poke fun at the idea of Twilight/50 shades from a more local perspective. I would very much read another book from this author.
Firstly: I love books set in Washington! I was pleasantly tickled to read all the references and try and figure out where Possession Island would actually be situated. I think,, following the Elliot Bay references it would be situated as a smaller version of Bainbridge but spiritually I imagined more of Whidbey. Anyways.
I was a little confused at the beginning because the author throws a lot of proper nouns on page 1 and it was a bit difficult to figure out what to pay attention to right away and remember, as well as the epub formatting being a little messed up in terms of lumping together the first chapter title, epigraph, and dedication without proper spacing and line/page breaks. but after the first bit it really hooked me.
I really enjoyed the cyclical nature of the story, in terms of following and breaking away from the frame tale novel (would love to read the faux Possession Island) and still having surprises. I also really enjoyed the romance, but let's just say there was the common trope in one intimate scene being much shorter/less in depth than the other. I guess you could argue for the nature of that secondary relationship being stronger at the time, but it is still always something that makes me sigh a bit.
I say this all but I had a lot to chew on for this book! Would be a great pick for a book club or for anyone who likes to poke fun at the idea of Twilight/50 shades from a more local perspective. I would very much read another book from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn’t expect to have this much fun with this one… but here we are.
Devious women. Lesbian Vampires. Unreliable narrators.
And moments that made me laugh out loud.
Possession Island leans fully into its chaos—and somehow keeps you hooked the entire time. The writing pulls you in quickly, and once you’re in, it’s hard to step away… and even harder to stop thinking about the characters when you do. But underneath all of it—the twists, the shifting perspectives, the constant question of what’s real—there’s something else holding it together: loyalty. The kind that says I’d do anything for you.
Depth
Beneath the chaos and shifting perspectives, this explores loyalty, identity, and how far someone will go for love.
Connection
Even when the narrators can’t be trusted, the emotional pull—especially around loyalty and desire—keeps you invested.
Momentum
The constant twists, unreliable narration, and sharp shifts make it hard to put down and even harder to stop thinking about.
Final Call
This earns shelf space for doing something different—and fully committing to it. It is deviously delicious and would make a great special edition for a horror book box.
Who this is and isn’t for:
For readers who like messy, character-driven stories with morally gray women and layered relationships. Not for those who want something straightforward or fully reliable—this one thrives in ambiguity.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC
Devious women. Lesbian Vampires. Unreliable narrators.
And moments that made me laugh out loud.
Possession Island leans fully into its chaos—and somehow keeps you hooked the entire time. The writing pulls you in quickly, and once you’re in, it’s hard to step away… and even harder to stop thinking about the characters when you do. But underneath all of it—the twists, the shifting perspectives, the constant question of what’s real—there’s something else holding it together: loyalty. The kind that says I’d do anything for you.
Depth
Beneath the chaos and shifting perspectives, this explores loyalty, identity, and how far someone will go for love.
Connection
Even when the narrators can’t be trusted, the emotional pull—especially around loyalty and desire—keeps you invested.
Momentum
The constant twists, unreliable narration, and sharp shifts make it hard to put down and even harder to stop thinking about.
Final Call
This earns shelf space for doing something different—and fully committing to it. It is deviously delicious and would make a great special edition for a horror book box.
Who this is and isn’t for:
For readers who like messy, character-driven stories with morally gray women and layered relationships. Not for those who want something straightforward or fully reliable—this one thrives in ambiguity.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
I went in knowing very little about this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I then had the pleasure to read. The first thing that will always hook me into a book, is if the author is able to describe the weather and atmosphere so well I feel either hot, sweaty, damp, or cold. For this, I felt the overwhelming persistence of pacific northwestern rain and clouds, and that immediately set the tone for the rest of the book. Locations that also serve as characters of their own are also a huge favorite of mine.
Possession Island is a great slow burn of a novel where things are revealed to the audience slowly and from both povs simultaneously as the murder mystery progresses. Both leads feel incredibly solid and relatable, each with their own distinctive voices and quirks. I did not feel that they were interchangeable with one another and each held their own.
The tumultuous reality of being young and queer teenage girls and the friendship and relationship dynamics that exists within these small town and then the realities of then being young adult women are explored through both povs and each are treated and given the space to breathe. While not super similar in subject matter, Bliss by Lauren Myracle comes to mind as a similar work that explores these ideas and the pitfalls that occur within these dynamics.
Overall, this is a very strong novel and I look forward to reading what else this author publishes.
I went in knowing very little about this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I then had the pleasure to read. The first thing that will always hook me into a book, is if the author is able to describe the weather and atmosphere so well I feel either hot, sweaty, damp, or cold. For this, I felt the overwhelming persistence of pacific northwestern rain and clouds, and that immediately set the tone for the rest of the book. Locations that also serve as characters of their own are also a huge favorite of mine.
Possession Island is a great slow burn of a novel where things are revealed to the audience slowly and from both povs simultaneously as the murder mystery progresses. Both leads feel incredibly solid and relatable, each with their own distinctive voices and quirks. I did not feel that they were interchangeable with one another and each held their own.
The tumultuous reality of being young and queer teenage girls and the friendship and relationship dynamics that exists within these small town and then the realities of then being young adult women are explored through both povs and each are treated and given the space to breathe. While not super similar in subject matter, Bliss by Lauren Myracle comes to mind as a similar work that explores these ideas and the pitfalls that occur within these dynamics.
Overall, this is a very strong novel and I look forward to reading what else this author publishes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was gifted an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Saturday Books for this opportunity.
This book is the book I’ve been looking for. I loved absolutely everything about it, from the setting, to the characters, to the format. The island is its own character here, and that’s my favorite type of backdrop for a book. Wild, moody, ugly, and beautiful, all at the same time. The premise (a book about a matriarchal vampire colony written in 1985 and how feral all the female characters in this book were for it) took me back to my love of growing up on Anne Rice.
The writing is raw and visceral and explores the fierce loyalty and urgency that comes with true teenage female friendship, delving into a love that blurs the lines of sexuality. It also depicts how infatuation can overwhelm and overcome in a way that causes you to lose yourself with startling accuracy. The way the internal experience of each character is woven into the fabric of the story is expertly executed, and the gruesome murder keeps the stakes high throughout.
I cannot overstate that the vibes of this entire work are immaculate. I would call this a feminist triumph, an exploration and examination of women who dare to become what they call monsters, simply by reclaiming the privileges of what men have had all along, highlighted by the vampire metaphor throughout. 5 stars, 10/10, I would read anything else this author puts out.
This book is the book I’ve been looking for. I loved absolutely everything about it, from the setting, to the characters, to the format. The island is its own character here, and that’s my favorite type of backdrop for a book. Wild, moody, ugly, and beautiful, all at the same time. The premise (a book about a matriarchal vampire colony written in 1985 and how feral all the female characters in this book were for it) took me back to my love of growing up on Anne Rice.
The writing is raw and visceral and explores the fierce loyalty and urgency that comes with true teenage female friendship, delving into a love that blurs the lines of sexuality. It also depicts how infatuation can overwhelm and overcome in a way that causes you to lose yourself with startling accuracy. The way the internal experience of each character is woven into the fabric of the story is expertly executed, and the gruesome murder keeps the stakes high throughout.
I cannot overstate that the vibes of this entire work are immaculate. I would call this a feminist triumph, an exploration and examination of women who dare to become what they call monsters, simply by reclaiming the privileges of what men have had all along, highlighted by the vampire metaphor throughout. 5 stars, 10/10, I would read anything else this author puts out.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
*Advanced copy received through goodreads giveaway*
4.5 ⭐️
If you took a grab bag of all the buzz words you could possibly use to catch my attention, and then fleshed it out into a book, I think you’d end up with Possession Island. I fucking loved this book. It’s messy, it’s absurd, its characters are all doing too much, and I love it all the more for it.
This having been said, I thought the beginning of the book to be just a touch odd. I was set back by the chapters alternating between one that was unnamed, into a passage from the fictional novel, then to chapters attributed to Angela and Sally. I’m not convinced this was the most effective way to begin the novel, but if you muscle through the messy start it’s easy sailing from there.
I may just be a sucker for books that dangle lesbians and vampires in front of my eyes, but who can blame a girl? All the characters were complicated and confused and the girls wormed their way into my heart as if it were a rotten apple. Sure this book has flaws, if you took a microscope to the mystery premise it’d likely fall apart a bit. But, the feeling of being a young queer woman who would do absolutely anything for the women in her life rings so perfectly that that it’s easy to look past that. It was never truly about that anyways.
It’s my dearest wish that when this book is out, it finds the messy sapphic audience it deserves, if only so I can really gush about it with someone else.
4.5 ⭐️
If you took a grab bag of all the buzz words you could possibly use to catch my attention, and then fleshed it out into a book, I think you’d end up with Possession Island. I fucking loved this book. It’s messy, it’s absurd, its characters are all doing too much, and I love it all the more for it.
This having been said, I thought the beginning of the book to be just a touch odd. I was set back by the chapters alternating between one that was unnamed, into a passage from the fictional novel, then to chapters attributed to Angela and Sally. I’m not convinced this was the most effective way to begin the novel, but if you muscle through the messy start it’s easy sailing from there.
I may just be a sucker for books that dangle lesbians and vampires in front of my eyes, but who can blame a girl? All the characters were complicated and confused and the girls wormed their way into my heart as if it were a rotten apple. Sure this book has flaws, if you took a microscope to the mystery premise it’d likely fall apart a bit. But, the feeling of being a young queer woman who would do absolutely anything for the women in her life rings so perfectly that that it’s easy to look past that. It was never truly about that anyways.
It’s my dearest wish that when this book is out, it finds the messy sapphic audience it deserves, if only so I can really gush about it with someone else.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book to review.
Based on the title and cover alone (I know, don't just by just that) I thought this might veered into the fantasy lane a bit more, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the story.
I'd probably put it in the slow-burn thriller and romance section. So a slo-thril-mance?
I love anything set on a semi-isolated island (even if it has a ferry that's remote to me) and it's a good metaphor for growing up in a small town, feeling different, and expecting that your life will be infinitely better once you can escape. In my own life, I've found that has varying results, but for the main characters, it did seem like escaping Possession Island was vital to their emotional fulfillment.
I was concerned the ending wouldn't be satisfying as I was getting closer and closer to the end without resolution. In the end (literally), I was happy with the ending and it could be interesting to see what a follow up, or likely more intriguing, a prequel would look like. Angela's mother's fate is somewhat ambiguous so I'd like to know what her experience was like writing the original Possession Island novel. AND what she'd think of Angela's take on the second book.
Regardless, this was a quick, fun read and a fairly unique take on the slothrilmance genre.
Based on the title and cover alone (I know, don't just by just that) I thought this might veered into the fantasy lane a bit more, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the story.
I'd probably put it in the slow-burn thriller and romance section. So a slo-thril-mance?
I love anything set on a semi-isolated island (even if it has a ferry that's remote to me) and it's a good metaphor for growing up in a small town, feeling different, and expecting that your life will be infinitely better once you can escape. In my own life, I've found that has varying results, but for the main characters, it did seem like escaping Possession Island was vital to their emotional fulfillment.
I was concerned the ending wouldn't be satisfying as I was getting closer and closer to the end without resolution. In the end (literally), I was happy with the ending and it could be interesting to see what a follow up, or likely more intriguing, a prequel would look like. Angela's mother's fate is somewhat ambiguous so I'd like to know what her experience was like writing the original Possession Island novel. AND what she'd think of Angela's take on the second book.
Regardless, this was a quick, fun read and a fairly unique take on the slothrilmance genre.
May 4, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley
Possession Island really pulled me in with its intriguing premise, layered friendships, and emotional depth. I especially appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation, which felt naturally woven into the story and added meaningful complexity to the relationships.
The novel follows Angela as she returns home and is forced to confront a past tragedy involving her close-knit group of friends. The dual timeline works well to slowly reveal pieces of the story, and I found myself genuinely invested in uncovering what happened. The strength of this book really lies in its characters—their dynamics, tensions, and history kept me turning the pages.
While this leans more character-driven than action-packed, I enjoyed the steady buildup and the way the story unfolds over time. It has a reflective, almost intimate feel that gives you a deeper look into each character’s motivations and emotions.
There’s a strong sense of intrigue throughout, and even when the pacing is more measured, I still found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything would come together.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and engaging read with a compelling mystery at its core. If you enjoy character-focused stories with emotional depth and a steady unraveling of secrets, this is definitely one to pick up.
Possession Island really pulled me in with its intriguing premise, layered friendships, and emotional depth. I especially appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation, which felt naturally woven into the story and added meaningful complexity to the relationships.
The novel follows Angela as she returns home and is forced to confront a past tragedy involving her close-knit group of friends. The dual timeline works well to slowly reveal pieces of the story, and I found myself genuinely invested in uncovering what happened. The strength of this book really lies in its characters—their dynamics, tensions, and history kept me turning the pages.
While this leans more character-driven than action-packed, I enjoyed the steady buildup and the way the story unfolds over time. It has a reflective, almost intimate feel that gives you a deeper look into each character’s motivations and emotions.
There’s a strong sense of intrigue throughout, and even when the pacing is more measured, I still found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything would come together.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and engaging read with a compelling mystery at its core. If you enjoy character-focused stories with emotional depth and a steady unraveling of secrets, this is definitely one to pick up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise promises a thriller with a dead best friend, a remote island, and secrets buried in the past. But the reality is something quieter, stranger, and more lingering than expected.
What stood out for me were the messy, complicated relationships and the queer gothic undercurrent, though it’s really the atmosphere that carries the book. The writing is immersive, almost hypnotic at times. The isolation of the island, the steady hum of tension, and the gothic mood. None of it feels decorative. It’s all woven into the emotional stakes and the unfolding mystery.
The author leans heavily into tone and interiority rather than action, and embraces ambiguity instead of tidy explanations. If you’re someone who wants everything clearly resolved, that might be frustrating. It also shapes the pacing: this is a slow, moody story, not a fast-moving, plot-driven thriller.
Ultimately, Possession Island is a vibe-rich, character-focused queer gothic mystery rather than a conventional thriller. If you go in expecting atmosphere, emotional complexity, and a slow burn, it will likely resonate. If you’re looking for tight plotting and constant twists, it may feel a bit diffuse. It’s a book that will absolutely work for some readers, especially those who enjoy introspective, lingering stories but I found myself wishing for a little more momentum and clarity.
What stood out for me were the messy, complicated relationships and the queer gothic undercurrent, though it’s really the atmosphere that carries the book. The writing is immersive, almost hypnotic at times. The isolation of the island, the steady hum of tension, and the gothic mood. None of it feels decorative. It’s all woven into the emotional stakes and the unfolding mystery.
The author leans heavily into tone and interiority rather than action, and embraces ambiguity instead of tidy explanations. If you’re someone who wants everything clearly resolved, that might be frustrating. It also shapes the pacing: this is a slow, moody story, not a fast-moving, plot-driven thriller.
Ultimately, Possession Island is a vibe-rich, character-focused queer gothic mystery rather than a conventional thriller. If you go in expecting atmosphere, emotional complexity, and a slow burn, it will likely resonate. If you’re looking for tight plotting and constant twists, it may feel a bit diffuse. It’s a book that will absolutely work for some readers, especially those who enjoy introspective, lingering stories but I found myself wishing for a little more momentum and clarity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was enjoyable read. I liked how everything was laid out and how it all came together. This book is the equivalent of angst and nostalgia, first loves andbhow they can shape you,the inherent understanding between women, and the deepest of bonds between them. The weaving of vampires into this plot was particularly clever and the Sapphic romance sub-plot was real and beautiful. I appreciated the honesty of it. There was a heavy sense of nostalgia for me despite not growing up on an island in the PNW, but those feelings invoked within each of our main characters felt familiar. I found the shifting between PoVs engaging. Sometimes that can feel disruptive, but not with this story. It felt like a steady current, the rolling over of waves. Everything led right into the next with assured ease.
With this being a Thriller, I think I expected something a little more...spooky, maybe? I sort of felt like I was just along for the ride. Like going on a ghost tour, I simply hearing the chain of events. That's not a bad thing either, I just enjoyed the story for what it was and came away from it with a soft smile. If you're looking for a quick read with an interesting plot and solid characters, check Possession Island out.
With this being a Thriller, I think I expected something a little more...spooky, maybe? I sort of felt like I was just along for the ride. Like going on a ghost tour, I simply hearing the chain of events. That's not a bad thing either, I just enjoyed the story for what it was and came away from it with a soft smile. If you're looking for a quick read with an interesting plot and solid characters, check Possession Island out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Less gothic, more about the anguished relationship between four young adults: one male, two females, one female vampire. Less horror, more intense interpersonal relationships dealing with first loves. The writing is particularly lyrical, oftentimes presenting itself as if it were an album-length song written and sung by Lana Del Rey. Possession Island refers both to an actual island where almost all of the story takes place and to a bestselling novel written by one of the character's deceased mother. Masterfully, the island and the book, both hold an almost supernatural grip on the main protagonists, becoming characters in and of themselves. The quartet of young adults are extremely well drawn and heartrending in their inner torture.
Vampire lore in this book posits that vampires are female only and lesbians, distaining men on every level, except (it seems) for food.
This is a high-octane fever-dream of a novel, at times perhaps overheated but necessarily so. The adolescent longing of the three young women is often painful to behold, credit to McCarry. Only a late book development trope mars an otherwise deliciously ripe read.
Vampire lore in this book posits that vampires are female only and lesbians, distaining men on every level, except (it seems) for food.
This is a high-octane fever-dream of a novel, at times perhaps overheated but necessarily so. The adolescent longing of the three young women is often painful to behold, credit to McCarry. Only a late book development trope mars an otherwise deliciously ripe read.
April 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this early copy of “Possession Island” by Sarah McCarry. This book comes out December 1, 2026.
I really enjoyed this story. It initially sounded like the perfect book for me, and it truly lived up to my expectations. I loved the writing style, and the emotions felt real.
“You’re a liar, I thought suddenly. The feeling was horrible, hot as an abscess.”
The twist at the end actually surprised me too. I love it when I’m so invested in a book that I don’t “see through it” and guess the plot. When I actually care about what is happening to the characters, I react the same way they do. I feel so good about this book that I will probably purchase the finished copy and reread it in December. I can tell a lot of love when into this book, and that made me enjoy it more.
I got a little confused with the different timelines, but that might just be me. I read this over the course of a couple weeks, so I probably just got confused because I took breaks.
Overall, this book was great. I really enjoyed reading it.
I really enjoyed this story. It initially sounded like the perfect book for me, and it truly lived up to my expectations. I loved the writing style, and the emotions felt real.
“You’re a liar, I thought suddenly. The feeling was horrible, hot as an abscess.”
The twist at the end actually surprised me too. I love it when I’m so invested in a book that I don’t “see through it” and guess the plot. When I actually care about what is happening to the characters, I react the same way they do. I feel so good about this book that I will probably purchase the finished copy and reread it in December. I can tell a lot of love when into this book, and that made me enjoy it more.
I got a little confused with the different timelines, but that might just be me. I read this over the course of a couple weeks, so I probably just got confused because I took breaks.
Overall, this book was great. I really enjoyed reading it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Possession Island is not a bad book, but it was not quite what I was expecting. There is a central mystery with a twist that surprised me, but I felt like mainly this was a melancholy story about teenage girls. First love, first heartbreak, friendships, figuring out who you are, longing for things you can't have, etc. I think I expected it to be more of a thriller than it was. It was more like a coming-of-age story. Also, I thought the vampires would be more important to the story, but they were only in Angela's mother's novel and didn't really matter at all. I did like the setting and atmosphere, the characters and the author's writing style. However, there were a few times it was too smutty for my liking. It was more gross than sexy, in my opinion. As I said though, the twist really surprised me! In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't see it coming but I was totally expecting something else. I give Possession Island 3.5 stars and would definitely read this author again in the future!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Possession Island is gripping from the very first pages, Sarah McCarry has crafted something genuinely hard to pin down?? part thriller, part slow-burn romance, part mystery?? it works as all three.
The story is told through multiple points of view, and this is what gives this novel its particular power. Each perspective adds another layer to an already intricate puzzle, and watching those pieces click together is SO satisfying. As the final stretch approached, I grew anxious that the ending wasn’t going to be satisfying. But right up to the very last pages, the story resolves in a way that felt both very complete. I was really happy with it.
It’s also a very quick read, I would pick up for a chapter or two and resurface hours later having devoured half the book lol. Recommended for anyone who loves their mysteries, with a hint of vampires. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough vampires lmfao.
Possession Island is gripping from the very first pages, Sarah McCarry has crafted something genuinely hard to pin down?? part thriller, part slow-burn romance, part mystery?? it works as all three.
The story is told through multiple points of view, and this is what gives this novel its particular power. Each perspective adds another layer to an already intricate puzzle, and watching those pieces click together is SO satisfying. As the final stretch approached, I grew anxious that the ending wasn’t going to be satisfying. But right up to the very last pages, the story resolves in a way that felt both very complete. I was really happy with it.
It’s also a very quick read, I would pick up for a chapter or two and resurface hours later having devoured half the book lol. Recommended for anyone who loves their mysteries, with a hint of vampires. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough vampires lmfao.
May 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley!
The synopsis of this book had me hooked immediately, I mean gay vampires? A book inside a book? Hell yes. However I was completely unprepared for just how hooked I would be from page one all the way to the very last page.
I am a sucker for some good drama and lore and found myself immediately wanting to know everything about the mystery, the island, the book, the characters, all of it. The writing style was immaculate and elevated the story so much. I loved the different povs and the snippets from the book written by Angela’s mother.
Overall this story was absolutely incredible. It’s queer and mystical and mysterious. It’s a “small town mystery” but it’s really so much more than just that. This is a story for the girls for sure. Female freedom and empowerment are strong themes here that were refreshing and welcomed! Definitely added to my list of favorites!
The synopsis of this book had me hooked immediately, I mean gay vampires? A book inside a book? Hell yes. However I was completely unprepared for just how hooked I would be from page one all the way to the very last page.
I am a sucker for some good drama and lore and found myself immediately wanting to know everything about the mystery, the island, the book, the characters, all of it. The writing style was immaculate and elevated the story so much. I loved the different povs and the snippets from the book written by Angela’s mother.
Overall this story was absolutely incredible. It’s queer and mystical and mysterious. It’s a “small town mystery” but it’s really so much more than just that. This is a story for the girls for sure. Female freedom and empowerment are strong themes here that were refreshing and welcomed! Definitely added to my list of favorites!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advanced copy recieved from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Posession Island.
The book description had me excited from the start, a "queer Gothic thriller", and also vampire lore, enough said.
Set on a small island most famous for the main character Angela's mothers book, Posession Island. The story explores young love, the reality of living in a small town and the drama that comes with it, and has an unexpected twist!
I liked the excerpts and references back to the original book throughout the story and the implications it has had on the town as well as the characters. If Angela's mothers book were real- I would read it! All of the 90s nostalgic references were fun. Angela was my favorite character.
I will say this reads less of a thriller and more of a romance with a little mystery and supernatural phenomenon vibes thrown in, but I enjoyed the book none the less. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Posession Island.
The book description had me excited from the start, a "queer Gothic thriller", and also vampire lore, enough said.
Set on a small island most famous for the main character Angela's mothers book, Posession Island. The story explores young love, the reality of living in a small town and the drama that comes with it, and has an unexpected twist!
I liked the excerpts and references back to the original book throughout the story and the implications it has had on the town as well as the characters. If Angela's mothers book were real- I would read it! All of the 90s nostalgic references were fun. Angela was my favorite character.
I will say this reads less of a thriller and more of a romance with a little mystery and supernatural phenomenon vibes thrown in, but I enjoyed the book none the less. 3.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
Yes this book is dark, told in multiple timelines, has parts of "Possession Island" the story in the book - the one book with sapphic vampiress that kill men. We have a trust fund, love and lust stories, betrayal going on.
I was literally gasping at 11 pm-when my husband who doesn't sleep well to begin with, who was asleep, because the book took a turn that I couldn't believe. Like "gurrrllll what's going on?" kind of turn.
Overall, I really loved this book - I was shocked, by the surprise at the end, I was surprised about all the twists and turns - and people you thought you know but they really were something else - and I really did like the end of the story -it did give me some hope for a happily ever after for our characters.
Yes this book is dark, told in multiple timelines, has parts of "Possession Island" the story in the book - the one book with sapphic vampiress that kill men. We have a trust fund, love and lust stories, betrayal going on.
I was literally gasping at 11 pm-when my husband who doesn't sleep well to begin with, who was asleep, because the book took a turn that I couldn't believe. Like "gurrrllll what's going on?" kind of turn.
Overall, I really loved this book - I was shocked, by the surprise at the end, I was surprised about all the twists and turns - and people you thought you know but they really were something else - and I really did like the end of the story -it did give me some hope for a happily ever after for our characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fantastic read.
The writing is so atmospheric. It sucks you into this island and the small time lives of its characters. While reading, you forget you're not right there with them.
While this story stands from the perspectives of mostly Sally and Angela, you are also read excerpts from the book Angela's mother wrote and you get one last delicious POV before the end.
Maybe what goes on isn't morally right, but I was just so satisfied at the end. With every single character.
The way it ended? So very Interview With the Vampire and Anne Rice. Even though Possesion Island the sapphic vampire book isn't real, I also found myself taken in by excerpts provided. So much that I wish it was real. We need a book like that. So I appreciate the nod, the tribute, the whatever you want to call it from the author to the late Anne Rice for those chapters.
The writing is so atmospheric. It sucks you into this island and the small time lives of its characters. While reading, you forget you're not right there with them.
While this story stands from the perspectives of mostly Sally and Angela, you are also read excerpts from the book Angela's mother wrote and you get one last delicious POV before the end.
Maybe what goes on isn't morally right, but I was just so satisfied at the end. With every single character.
The way it ended? So very Interview With the Vampire and Anne Rice. Even though Possesion Island the sapphic vampire book isn't real, I also found myself taken in by excerpts provided. So much that I wish it was real. We need a book like that. So I appreciate the nod, the tribute, the whatever you want to call it from the author to the late Anne Rice for those chapters.
April 28, 2026
*note: I read this as an ARC but this review is entirely my own opinion
This was strange. Peculiar in a way and it was unlike anything I have ever read before. This certainly isn’t my preferred genre, but I definitely did not, not enjoy my time reading this. I think you like mysteries, vampires and dark,gothic topics this is for you. I would be interested in visiting Possession Island myself and I think the author did a create job describing the scene
What I liked: the plot development as the way the events played out connected nicely together
What I didn’t like: the excessive use of em dashes… I felt they took away from the story. I would have preferred brackets or entirely separate sentences to convey the intentions. I legit felt there were SO many on each page
This was strange. Peculiar in a way and it was unlike anything I have ever read before. This certainly isn’t my preferred genre, but I definitely did not, not enjoy my time reading this. I think you like mysteries, vampires and dark,gothic topics this is for you. I would be interested in visiting Possession Island myself and I think the author did a create job describing the scene
What I liked: the plot development as the way the events played out connected nicely together
What I didn’t like: the excessive use of em dashes… I felt they took away from the story. I would have preferred brackets or entirely separate sentences to convey the intentions. I legit felt there were SO many on each page
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Possession Island was an intriguing book. I would describe it as a psychological thriller with a queer romance.
I enjoyed the spectre of Angie’s mom’s vampire book looming in the background, the beautiful but dark Pacific Northwest island they lived on, and the odd dynamics between the four main characters that made it unique. I was completely taken by surprise by the main plot twist, but ultimately decided to move my rating from a 4 to a 3 because of how implausible it was. The book was definitely interesting enough for me to finish, and despite the implausibility I did enjoy the neatly wrapped up ending.
The book was fun enough that I’d read another by the author.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy.
I enjoyed the spectre of Angie’s mom’s vampire book looming in the background, the beautiful but dark Pacific Northwest island they lived on, and the odd dynamics between the four main characters that made it unique. I was completely taken by surprise by the main plot twist, but ultimately decided to move my rating from a 4 to a 3 because of how implausible it was. The book was definitely interesting enough for me to finish, and despite the implausibility I did enjoy the neatly wrapped up ending.
The book was fun enough that I’d read another by the author.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Possession Island is a lusty vampire series written by a woman named Valentine. This book follows her daughter, Angela, and her murdered bestie, Mo. When the police absolutely flounder in the investigation, our MC's take it upon themselves to backtrack on Mo. I LOVED the humanity on display here transposed with the goofy transcripts, that spoke so much nuance and truth in between corny dialogue. I ate up the 90's scenery- some of the Easter eggs and nods were so cute. Some of the bits were GRISLY and gruesome, in the most positive way, but definitely be aware of that. Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and Saturday Books for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Saturday books for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book. It was fragmented just enough in the beginning (switching from different POV's) to make me question what was going on and try to piece the events together and seek out different perspectives, and as the pieces began to come together, they just fell into place so quickly and shockingly, I absolutely loved it! I do feel the ending was a little bit rushed, and would have liked a little bit more to bring things together in the end. But overall I really enjoyed this book. It was mysterious, dark, gothic, nostalgic. Perfect for a cozy day of reading!
I really enjoyed this book. It was fragmented just enough in the beginning (switching from different POV's) to make me question what was going on and try to piece the events together and seek out different perspectives, and as the pieces began to come together, they just fell into place so quickly and shockingly, I absolutely loved it! I do feel the ending was a little bit rushed, and would have liked a little bit more to bring things together in the end. But overall I really enjoyed this book. It was mysterious, dark, gothic, nostalgic. Perfect for a cozy day of reading!
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