What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
16 days and 19:30:00
100 copies available
U.S. only
Old Grove Lake #1
Assisted Living
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
16 days and 19:30:00
100 copies available
U.S. only
You’re never to old to be a final girl.
Recent widow Margie Thermopolis just wants to finish her last years of bureaucratic work and retire with her cats, plenty of IPA, and a good game of roller derby. Instead, she's haunted by her husband's medical debt-and his secret bonsai obsession. Sent to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge, Margie is forced back to the site of her little brother's bizarre death fifty years earlier, and dubious memories of a murderous forest witch.
Trapped by a blizzard with a ruthless lumber baron, his dying mother, and nature itself, Margie digs up more than just the secrets of her past, for something ancient is awakening-and it remembers her.
Recent widow Margie Thermopolis just wants to finish her last years of bureaucratic work and retire with her cats, plenty of IPA, and a good game of roller derby. Instead, she's haunted by her husband's medical debt-and his secret bonsai obsession. Sent to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge, Margie is forced back to the site of her little brother's bizarre death fifty years earlier, and dubious memories of a murderous forest witch.
Trapped by a blizzard with a ruthless lumber baron, his dying mother, and nature itself, Margie digs up more than just the secrets of her past, for something ancient is awakening-and it remembers her.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Gianaclis Caldwell
12 books45 followersA not-so-little old lady fending off the grim reaper with sharpened quill and mostly nimble keyboard skills. Gianaclis’s (gee-on-a-klees) explores the humor and horror of life through writing fiction. She/xe’s been a nurse, artist, farrier, foster-adoptive-birth mom, goat farmer, and cheesemaker. She lives in Oregon with her long-time husband and seriously cute pets xe wishes would live forever.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 10, 2026
Margie lost her husband to cancer and is just hoping to get through until her retirement. When she has to inspect a new assisted living facility things start to come undone.
Excellent book. Earth horror? Mother Nature horror? Tree horror maybe? It was great whatever kind of horror it is. I enjoyed all the characters and their arcs. The ending was super satisfying even though it was a little sad. Margie was a great main character and I enjoyed reading a book about a woman who is older.
Excellent book. Earth horror? Mother Nature horror? Tree horror maybe? It was great whatever kind of horror it is. I enjoyed all the characters and their arcs. The ending was super satisfying even though it was a little sad. Margie was a great main character and I enjoyed reading a book about a woman who is older.
May 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book and am super excited it’s a series. Margie is relatable and I immediately became so invested in her mysterious story. The symbolism in this novel is beautiful. The characters are diverse and come together in this strange but synchronous setting that leaves the reader feeling each creak of wood to their bones. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Although not terrifying, Assisted Living can easily be categorised as ‘Goosebumps for adults’ - something I think we all need from time to time!”
Assisted Living is a novel that starts off feeling like a comfy, cosy read about a lovely old lady who’s dealing with the loss of her husband – but very quickly, the author reminds you that this is in fact an eco/psychological horror full of the unexpected. Based mostly in an assisted living facility of Oregon, this character-driven story will have you rooting for Margie from the off - and wincing at every situation she finds herself in!
Plot: 8/10
Although the plot from a far may seem like a bit of a slow burner, it is far from that. A very well written story from start to finish, the author does a great job at making you feel cosy, like you’re settling down for the night, right before you’re made to feel itchy and uncomfortable. An eco-horror plot very well done.
Characters: 8/10
You’ve got to love Margie, and you will! These types of novels can very easily fall flat when it comes to characters, with the focus being on the horror and eerie aspect. But here, you get the best of both worlds – clearly a strong point of the author!
Worldbuilding: 7/10
Not the main point of the book but still very well done. There’s a great sense of remoteness and ‘weird’ which simply comes from the excellent way the surroundings are described throughout.
Writing Style: 8/10
Not something I’ve come across before, but the combination of cosy and horror has been combined extremely well by the author. I haven’t read any of her other works, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s the same vibe – simply a really easy read, utilising a cosy feel mixed with ‘uncomfortable’ language to make to feel a little itchy now and then.
Summary
Although not terrifying, Assisted Living can easily be categorised as ‘Goosebumps for adults’ - something I think we all need from time to time! I’d imagine this book would fit into the world of Jeff Vandermeer, if Jeff was sat with a hot water bottle and a cup of tea on a calm Sunday afternoon. I personally haven’t read a ‘cosy’ eco-horror before, but here it is – and what a great combination it is! Expect the unexpected - and brace for book 2!
Overall rating: 8/10
Assisted Living is a novel that starts off feeling like a comfy, cosy read about a lovely old lady who’s dealing with the loss of her husband – but very quickly, the author reminds you that this is in fact an eco/psychological horror full of the unexpected. Based mostly in an assisted living facility of Oregon, this character-driven story will have you rooting for Margie from the off - and wincing at every situation she finds herself in!
Plot: 8/10
Although the plot from a far may seem like a bit of a slow burner, it is far from that. A very well written story from start to finish, the author does a great job at making you feel cosy, like you’re settling down for the night, right before you’re made to feel itchy and uncomfortable. An eco-horror plot very well done.
Characters: 8/10
You’ve got to love Margie, and you will! These types of novels can very easily fall flat when it comes to characters, with the focus being on the horror and eerie aspect. But here, you get the best of both worlds – clearly a strong point of the author!
Worldbuilding: 7/10
Not the main point of the book but still very well done. There’s a great sense of remoteness and ‘weird’ which simply comes from the excellent way the surroundings are described throughout.
Writing Style: 8/10
Not something I’ve come across before, but the combination of cosy and horror has been combined extremely well by the author. I haven’t read any of her other works, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s the same vibe – simply a really easy read, utilising a cosy feel mixed with ‘uncomfortable’ language to make to feel a little itchy now and then.
Summary
Although not terrifying, Assisted Living can easily be categorised as ‘Goosebumps for adults’ - something I think we all need from time to time! I’d imagine this book would fit into the world of Jeff Vandermeer, if Jeff was sat with a hot water bottle and a cup of tea on a calm Sunday afternoon. I personally haven’t read a ‘cosy’ eco-horror before, but here it is – and what a great combination it is! Expect the unexpected - and brace for book 2!
Overall rating: 8/10
August 15, 2026
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have no idea what I expected of this book, but it was TERRIFYING.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this book; I do read a fair bit of horror/thrillers, but this one… I was not prepared. I had to stop reading at certain points because I was afraid I would have nightmares. I’ve read several books that people think are scary, but rarely find myself actually fearful.
The book follows Margie as she navigates life after her husband’s untimely death. She is forced to take a job at the location her younger brother died 50 years ago. She relives a lot of trauma on this excursion, and definitely notices something is off. There are so many twists and turns in this one, you’ll be guessing up until the end.
The relationships between the characters are a lot of fun to watch develop. The cast is small, but pretty diverse. Each character has an important role to play, but don’t get too connected with them…
The writing feels a bit formal, but still easy to absorb. This reads similar to an Agatha Christie book, but more modern and with way more horror involved. The tone really sets the mood; it’s very dark and foreboding and draws you in.
This was a solid (and honestly scary) read. It is a trilogy, but it stands alone well. I’ll say if I see the next installment available, I’ll likely pick it up. 4.25⭐️
I have no idea what I expected of this book, but it was TERRIFYING.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this book; I do read a fair bit of horror/thrillers, but this one… I was not prepared. I had to stop reading at certain points because I was afraid I would have nightmares. I’ve read several books that people think are scary, but rarely find myself actually fearful.
The book follows Margie as she navigates life after her husband’s untimely death. She is forced to take a job at the location her younger brother died 50 years ago. She relives a lot of trauma on this excursion, and definitely notices something is off. There are so many twists and turns in this one, you’ll be guessing up until the end.
The relationships between the characters are a lot of fun to watch develop. The cast is small, but pretty diverse. Each character has an important role to play, but don’t get too connected with them…
The writing feels a bit formal, but still easy to absorb. This reads similar to an Agatha Christie book, but more modern and with way more horror involved. The tone really sets the mood; it’s very dark and foreboding and draws you in.
This was a solid (and honestly scary) read. It is a trilogy, but it stands alone well. I’ll say if I see the next installment available, I’ll likely pick it up. 4.25⭐️
April 28, 2026
This was a fun spooky read! The main character, Margie is so likable and sweet, though anxiety ridden after the death of her husband, and revisiting the place that her brother died when she was a child. When she gets stuck in a lodge with an awful lumber baron who has constructed a luxury assisted living facility for his equally terrible mother and other rich jerks to live.
I would call this book “cozy eco/botanical horror”. At no point was I terrified but I did get spooked enough that I flipped my night light on a couple times.
It did slow down a bit in the middle, but not enough to take me out of the story. I found myself rooting for minor characters, and also wishing for others to get what’s coming to them 😂 The setting was perfect for the story, being from Oregon I know that the scariest place is the deep dark woods and those places “up the road and by the lake” that everyone knows. Add a murder mystery and some witchy vibes and that’s why this book kept me entertained throughout.
Because of the slowing down in the middle and the need for a bit of editing, I gave this 4⭐️. I would definitely recommend this and will also read a sequel.
I would call this book “cozy eco/botanical horror”. At no point was I terrified but I did get spooked enough that I flipped my night light on a couple times.
It did slow down a bit in the middle, but not enough to take me out of the story. I found myself rooting for minor characters, and also wishing for others to get what’s coming to them 😂 The setting was perfect for the story, being from Oregon I know that the scariest place is the deep dark woods and those places “up the road and by the lake” that everyone knows. Add a murder mystery and some witchy vibes and that’s why this book kept me entertained throughout.
Because of the slowing down in the middle and the need for a bit of editing, I gave this 4⭐️. I would definitely recommend this and will also read a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to GC Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. So much that I got to page 211/234 and I called it quits (that's 90%). Described as quiet eco-horror, it's more cozy mystery. My main irritation with this story was what felt like the author telling rather than showing, to the point where it felt like the author was reeaaaallly trying to make sure we understood the buildup of dread that's supposed to be happening, ie:
"her breath quickens. A band of steel cinches around her chest. Her lungs refuse to fully inflate"
or "her skin tightens"
or "Margie feels everything inside her cinching tight"
or "the lump in her stomach roils"
or" knees are suddenly wobbly"
-all of this seems fine when listed in this way but not once did these descriptions actually feel intriguing or ominous; it did nothing to instill dread but rather made me roll my eyes and sigh. Nothing scary was actually happening in these sections except for our FMC's anxiety flaring up. By 17% the repetition was already unbearable I wanted to DNF. At 23% there was word for word repetition within two sentences! But...I persisted nonetheless.
Annddd, I was disappointed again. Really, I just didn't care for our main character. She's got no backbone.
"Surely it would be safety glass, wouldn't it? It darned shooting better be." ----- "She wants away from here, staffing plan be gosh-darned! To heck with her need to balance the scales of justice."
And if you noticed, the quirky, elderly talk? Not for me. Cheesy would be an understatement.
I would say my last straw was at 35% when the FMC is "forced" to go out onto a hill in the forest to make a call, because it was very important to keep the landline clear for emergency services. As she's walking there, she sees the lights of the ambulance. Does she then turn around so she can use the landline or does she continue into the forest where then her phone's battery is quickly dropping from 20%, and she left her reading glasses, and now it's nighttime...? Guess.
Well I'm a sucker for punishment and continue to 90%. I didn't like any of the characters, even the happy-go-lucky cook who felt like a caricature. And even now, as I'm revisiting the story to write this review, I'm getting angry.
At 50% we have: "...gripped by the woman's impossible strength, the scaled, bark-like skin touching hers..."
At 51% we have: "Her palms tingle at the UNEXPECTED dryness of the woman's skin and the raised, gnarled patches. It reminds her of the rough bark of a tree."
UNEXPECTED? Not one page passed where it was described as such.
This is where I leave you: "No, Margie no longer gives a flying fish" to which I wrote a note on my ereader: lol says the pushover.
1.5 star
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. So much that I got to page 211/234 and I called it quits (that's 90%). Described as quiet eco-horror, it's more cozy mystery. My main irritation with this story was what felt like the author telling rather than showing, to the point where it felt like the author was reeaaaallly trying to make sure we understood the buildup of dread that's supposed to be happening, ie:
"her breath quickens. A band of steel cinches around her chest. Her lungs refuse to fully inflate"
or "her skin tightens"
or "Margie feels everything inside her cinching tight"
or "the lump in her stomach roils"
or" knees are suddenly wobbly"
-all of this seems fine when listed in this way but not once did these descriptions actually feel intriguing or ominous; it did nothing to instill dread but rather made me roll my eyes and sigh. Nothing scary was actually happening in these sections except for our FMC's anxiety flaring up. By 17% the repetition was already unbearable I wanted to DNF. At 23% there was word for word repetition within two sentences! But...I persisted nonetheless.
Annddd, I was disappointed again. Really, I just didn't care for our main character. She's got no backbone.
"Surely it would be safety glass, wouldn't it? It darned shooting better be." ----- "She wants away from here, staffing plan be gosh-darned! To heck with her need to balance the scales of justice."
And if you noticed, the quirky, elderly talk? Not for me. Cheesy would be an understatement.
I would say my last straw was at 35% when the FMC is "forced" to go out onto a hill in the forest to make a call, because it was very important to keep the landline clear for emergency services. As she's walking there, she sees the lights of the ambulance. Does she then turn around so she can use the landline or does she continue into the forest where then her phone's battery is quickly dropping from 20%, and she left her reading glasses, and now it's nighttime...? Guess.
Well I'm a sucker for punishment and continue to 90%. I didn't like any of the characters, even the happy-go-lucky cook who felt like a caricature. And even now, as I'm revisiting the story to write this review, I'm getting angry.
At 50% we have: "...gripped by the woman's impossible strength, the scaled, bark-like skin touching hers..."
At 51% we have: "Her palms tingle at the UNEXPECTED dryness of the woman's skin and the raised, gnarled patches. It reminds her of the rough bark of a tree."
UNEXPECTED? Not one page passed where it was described as such.
This is where I leave you: "No, Margie no longer gives a flying fish" to which I wrote a note on my ereader: lol says the pushover.
1.5 star
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Assisted Living wasn't quite what I expected. In some ways that made it really fun, but in other ways it was frustrating. There are a lot of typos throughout the book, including entire missing words. There are editors listed, so I'm not sure how that's the case this close to the publishing date. There were also some formatting issues, including a skipped line, mid-sentence, in act three.
Most of the characters felt hollow, or like token representatives of minority groups. There were a few times that it gave me pause, and I couldn't tell if the author was actually trying to be inclusive or just make the FMC sound accepting of others. Character accents come and go, with points feeling like the author is trying to remind you that the cast is diverse. There's also a character that extends her vowels, and rather than just say that, you get drawn out words to pair with the typos.
Margie as the FMC was not somebody I liked or rooted for. She centers herself in everything, including the maiming and death of others. She intentionally holds back on information multiple times, causing others to be harmed because they were kept in the dark. She's petty and mean towards her dead husband's ashes of all things, to a point where I can't believe they had a happy marriage.
My favorite thing to dislike about Margie, though, was the way she talks under stress. She does not swear, but says enough replacement words that she may as well have sworn. There comes a point where you don't get credit for "clean" language anymore. There came a point where I started reading some of the lines aloud and someone said "What is this strange aversion to cursing?!"
There are conveniences and plot holes that let the story progress, rather than the characters really growing or succeeding in a believable way. There were also a lot of brand names that made me think of Hyacinth Bucket rather than Miss Marple. The horror was nonexistent and the suspense was absent. The bones of a good story are there, it just didn't quite deliver on its promises.
I'm giving it 2 stars because of all of the issues, but this is the kind of book that I'd still recommend to someone wanting an easy fiction with an older protagonist. I did really enjoy that Margie wasn't a teenager or young adult, she had an established career, and she was settled in her ways. It was very refreshing. I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
Most of the characters felt hollow, or like token representatives of minority groups. There were a few times that it gave me pause, and I couldn't tell if the author was actually trying to be inclusive or just make the FMC sound accepting of others. Character accents come and go, with points feeling like the author is trying to remind you that the cast is diverse. There's also a character that extends her vowels, and rather than just say that, you get drawn out words to pair with the typos.
Margie as the FMC was not somebody I liked or rooted for. She centers herself in everything, including the maiming and death of others. She intentionally holds back on information multiple times, causing others to be harmed because they were kept in the dark. She's petty and mean towards her dead husband's ashes of all things, to a point where I can't believe they had a happy marriage.
My favorite thing to dislike about Margie, though, was the way she talks under stress. She does not swear, but says enough replacement words that she may as well have sworn. There comes a point where you don't get credit for "clean" language anymore. There came a point where I started reading some of the lines aloud and someone said "What is this strange aversion to cursing?!"
There are conveniences and plot holes that let the story progress, rather than the characters really growing or succeeding in a believable way. There were also a lot of brand names that made me think of Hyacinth Bucket rather than Miss Marple. The horror was nonexistent and the suspense was absent. The bones of a good story are there, it just didn't quite deliver on its promises.
I'm giving it 2 stars because of all of the issues, but this is the kind of book that I'd still recommend to someone wanting an easy fiction with an older protagonist. I did really enjoy that Margie wasn't a teenager or young adult, she had an established career, and she was settled in her ways. It was very refreshing. I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Assisted Living tells the tale of Margie, recent widow and health inspector, who is sent back to the summer camp where her brother died years ago to face an evil capitalist and his questionably evil ancient mother. Along the way, there may be a forest spirit bent on revenge and more moral quandaries than you can shake a stick at.
This is a horror novel that relies deeply on slow-burn character development. If you don't care about Margie, the hints of folk horror and "eco-horror" won't be enough to satisfy you, so the author spends a lot of time developing Margie's inner world. From sudden snow storms to attempted bribery, Margie needs to make a lot of choices, and not all of them will be good or wise. Her coworkers are supportive, but she's just drifting through life right now, stalling on scattering her dead husband's ashes. Then she finds his secret bonsai collection, hidden away in a storage facility and mostly dead because he apparently left no instructions for their care in the event of his death, and he'd told Margie nothing about them.
This begins some of my issues with the book. I love folk horror, and the eco-horror aspects always get me, but there were just a lot of hints in this book that don't always play out very satisfyingly. It is the start of a series, however, so maybe we'll get more information on "why bonsai?" later; until then, it's just a quirk that tangentially ties into the major narrative, but is never really explained.
In all, this book will appeal to people who appreciate older protagonists struggling with a changing world but trying to do their best to be a good person when nothing around them makes sense anymore. Margie has no support network to speak of, so she's on her own and doing the best she can with what she has.
This book will annoy anyone who expects the emphasis to be on horror or gore, or who wants to be scared by anything other than selfishness run amok. There's a lot of predictability in this one, but it's worth reading for the interesting way Caldwell uses the usual "forest strikes back" tropes and a look at how different women (and woman-like beings) approach concepts like "aging" and "family."
I received early access to this book via NetGalley in return for a fair review.
This is a horror novel that relies deeply on slow-burn character development. If you don't care about Margie, the hints of folk horror and "eco-horror" won't be enough to satisfy you, so the author spends a lot of time developing Margie's inner world. From sudden snow storms to attempted bribery, Margie needs to make a lot of choices, and not all of them will be good or wise. Her coworkers are supportive, but she's just drifting through life right now, stalling on scattering her dead husband's ashes. Then she finds his secret bonsai collection, hidden away in a storage facility and mostly dead because he apparently left no instructions for their care in the event of his death, and he'd told Margie nothing about them.
This begins some of my issues with the book. I love folk horror, and the eco-horror aspects always get me, but there were just a lot of hints in this book that don't always play out very satisfyingly. It is the start of a series, however, so maybe we'll get more information on "why bonsai?" later; until then, it's just a quirk that tangentially ties into the major narrative, but is never really explained.
In all, this book will appeal to people who appreciate older protagonists struggling with a changing world but trying to do their best to be a good person when nothing around them makes sense anymore. Margie has no support network to speak of, so she's on her own and doing the best she can with what she has.
This book will annoy anyone who expects the emphasis to be on horror or gore, or who wants to be scared by anything other than selfishness run amok. There's a lot of predictability in this one, but it's worth reading for the interesting way Caldwell uses the usual "forest strikes back" tropes and a look at how different women (and woman-like beings) approach concepts like "aging" and "family."
I received early access to this book via NetGalley in return for a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4☆
Assisted Living is the first book in the upcoming series, Old Grove Lake Trilogy. Immediately I appreciated Caldwell's obvious reverence for nature. The care she takes to describe the trees and the destruction of Mother Earth is palpable.
Part man made horror and part cautionary tale, Assisted Living teaches that you don't fool with Mother Earth or a human mother's love. There will be consequences.
Initially, when we are introduced to 62 year old Margie, we find a woman in a state of grief over the death of her husband. In her grief Margie has settled into a routine of avoidance to the task of spreading her husband's cremaines, in large part because to follow his wishes she will have to return to the site of her family tragedy from 50 years earlier at Old Grove Lake.
When a work assignment draws Margie to Old Grove Lake things start to feel wrong. Margie experiences the disregard, near distain the wealthy lumber baron has for the old growth trees. Margie also sees a woman and little boy no one else seems to notice.
This novel slowly bubbles with eeriness and tension, and just before the suspense begins to boil the temperature is turned down, only to start bubbling again. I could feel myself reacting to this cycle throughout my reading. Then, the bubbling begins to roil into a hot boiling conclusion.
Caldwell pulls pieces from many cultures to demonstrate that people from all over the world have strong beliefs about the Earth, Mother Nature, Gaia. I wish those pieces had been given more space in the pages.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Favorite Quote:
"'Our people believe there is great power, old and ancient, in the forest. They believe the only evil, the only monsters, are human-spawned'"
Jackie
Assisted Living is the first book in the upcoming series, Old Grove Lake Trilogy. Immediately I appreciated Caldwell's obvious reverence for nature. The care she takes to describe the trees and the destruction of Mother Earth is palpable.
Part man made horror and part cautionary tale, Assisted Living teaches that you don't fool with Mother Earth or a human mother's love. There will be consequences.
Initially, when we are introduced to 62 year old Margie, we find a woman in a state of grief over the death of her husband. In her grief Margie has settled into a routine of avoidance to the task of spreading her husband's cremaines, in large part because to follow his wishes she will have to return to the site of her family tragedy from 50 years earlier at Old Grove Lake.
When a work assignment draws Margie to Old Grove Lake things start to feel wrong. Margie experiences the disregard, near distain the wealthy lumber baron has for the old growth trees. Margie also sees a woman and little boy no one else seems to notice.
This novel slowly bubbles with eeriness and tension, and just before the suspense begins to boil the temperature is turned down, only to start bubbling again. I could feel myself reacting to this cycle throughout my reading. Then, the bubbling begins to roil into a hot boiling conclusion.
Caldwell pulls pieces from many cultures to demonstrate that people from all over the world have strong beliefs about the Earth, Mother Nature, Gaia. I wish those pieces had been given more space in the pages.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Favorite Quote:
"'Our people believe there is great power, old and ancient, in the forest. They believe the only evil, the only monsters, are human-spawned'"
Jackie
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You’re never to old to be a final girl.
Recent widow Margie Thermopolis just wants to finish her last years of bureaucratic work and retire with her cats, plenty of IPA, and a good game of roller derby. Instead, she's haunted by her husband's medical debt-and his secret bonsai obsession. Sent to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge, Margie is forced back to the site of her little brother's bizarre death fifty years earlier, and dubious memories of a murderous forest witch.
Trapped by a blizzard with a ruthless lumber baron, his dying mother, and nature itself, Margie digs up more than just the secrets of her past, for something ancient is awakening-and it remembers her.
I love love LOVED this novel. I rarely see stories written from the perspective of older generations, and this novel is a testament as to why these kinds of perspectives are rising in popularity and demand. Not only was it intriguing to view the world of horror through an "older" protagonist's gaze, but it was intriguing to see how the mindset of a full-grown adult differed from younger individuals, especially in a setting where it's "do or die". I absolutely loved Margie's character, her quick-thinking and smart decisions (as well as her not-so-smart ones!) throughout the narrative.
I think my favorite part of this novel was how easy it was to read - and how satisfying the conclusion was. Equal parts haunting and lovely, it was a story I'm not soon to forget. I especially loved the cast of older characters and how everyone worked together toward the end. There were a few lines that stuck to me, especially the gruesome ones (ewww, the nose!) and I am thrilled to have received this book from both NetGalley and the author as an ARC. Wonderfully written, and I cannot wait to discover what else this author has scribed!
Recent widow Margie Thermopolis just wants to finish her last years of bureaucratic work and retire with her cats, plenty of IPA, and a good game of roller derby. Instead, she's haunted by her husband's medical debt-and his secret bonsai obsession. Sent to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge, Margie is forced back to the site of her little brother's bizarre death fifty years earlier, and dubious memories of a murderous forest witch.
Trapped by a blizzard with a ruthless lumber baron, his dying mother, and nature itself, Margie digs up more than just the secrets of her past, for something ancient is awakening-and it remembers her.
I love love LOVED this novel. I rarely see stories written from the perspective of older generations, and this novel is a testament as to why these kinds of perspectives are rising in popularity and demand. Not only was it intriguing to view the world of horror through an "older" protagonist's gaze, but it was intriguing to see how the mindset of a full-grown adult differed from younger individuals, especially in a setting where it's "do or die". I absolutely loved Margie's character, her quick-thinking and smart decisions (as well as her not-so-smart ones!) throughout the narrative.
I think my favorite part of this novel was how easy it was to read - and how satisfying the conclusion was. Equal parts haunting and lovely, it was a story I'm not soon to forget. I especially loved the cast of older characters and how everyone worked together toward the end. There were a few lines that stuck to me, especially the gruesome ones (ewww, the nose!) and I am thrilled to have received this book from both NetGalley and the author as an ARC. Wonderfully written, and I cannot wait to discover what else this author has scribed!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Drawing on the general reader feedback that praised the book’s blend of eco-gothic horror, warmth, humor, and unusual supernatural elements, here's a slightly funny 3-star review: ([NetGalley][1])
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
*Assisted Living* by Gianaclis Caldwell is one of those books that made me say, “Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting an angry tree spirit today.”
The premise is odd: an assisted living facility, a ghost with unresolved issues, nature seeking revenge, and enough eco-gothic atmosphere to make me side-eye every large tree I pass. Caldwell deserves credit for creating a story that is both creepy and surprisingly heartfelt.
The characters were likable, and there were several genuinely funny moments that balanced out the darker themes. I especially enjoyed the mix of horror and humor, it felt like *Golden Girls* wandered into a haunted forest and refused to leave.
That said, the pacing occasionally meandered like a retiree searching for the dining room, and some parts didn’t quite hold my attention as strongly as the premise promised. The story had plenty of charm, but I found myself wanting either a little more horror or a little more comedy.
Overall, this was an entertaining and unique read. Not every day you get senior citizens, ghosts, and vengeful vegetation in the same book. Three stars for originality, atmosphere, and making me reconsider my relationship with oak trees.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
*Assisted Living* by Gianaclis Caldwell is one of those books that made me say, “Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting an angry tree spirit today.”
The premise is odd: an assisted living facility, a ghost with unresolved issues, nature seeking revenge, and enough eco-gothic atmosphere to make me side-eye every large tree I pass. Caldwell deserves credit for creating a story that is both creepy and surprisingly heartfelt.
The characters were likable, and there were several genuinely funny moments that balanced out the darker themes. I especially enjoyed the mix of horror and humor, it felt like *Golden Girls* wandered into a haunted forest and refused to leave.
That said, the pacing occasionally meandered like a retiree searching for the dining room, and some parts didn’t quite hold my attention as strongly as the premise promised. The story had plenty of charm, but I found myself wanting either a little more horror or a little more comedy.
Overall, this was an entertaining and unique read. Not every day you get senior citizens, ghosts, and vengeful vegetation in the same book. Three stars for originality, atmosphere, and making me reconsider my relationship with oak trees.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
So I think I'll start off listing the good parts of this book: the dark secret behind the camp and the woods was compelling, Maggie's backstory involving the tragic death of her little brother was engaging, and the feeling of creeping dread as the forest starts to encroach closer and closer to the assisted living facility and affect its surroundings is actually quite good. So, in the eco-terror, folk-horror aspect, I thought this book delivered and is the main reason it's at 3 stars and not 2.
Now let's get into the bad: the characters all feel incredibly flat. Maggie is possibly the most fleshed out character, but even she has this odd thing where even in narration, she insists on using words like "hiney" or "oh to heck with it" instead, and when she's introducing herself to complete strangers, she says "I'm a widow and an inspector." I suppose you could argue that's just grief talking, but it did seem off. And all the other characters? They most exist to revolve around Maggie. So much of the cast is immediately open and friendly with Maggie, almost immediately considering her a good friend and forgiving her for any slights. Things work out far too easily, and the plot itself meanders around. It takes a long time for the horror aspects to really come into play, and even then, there's a lot of coincidences to get there.
It's not a bad folk-horror book, but if you're looking for deep characters or story, this isn't it.
So I think I'll start off listing the good parts of this book: the dark secret behind the camp and the woods was compelling, Maggie's backstory involving the tragic death of her little brother was engaging, and the feeling of creeping dread as the forest starts to encroach closer and closer to the assisted living facility and affect its surroundings is actually quite good. So, in the eco-terror, folk-horror aspect, I thought this book delivered and is the main reason it's at 3 stars and not 2.
Now let's get into the bad: the characters all feel incredibly flat. Maggie is possibly the most fleshed out character, but even she has this odd thing where even in narration, she insists on using words like "hiney" or "oh to heck with it" instead, and when she's introducing herself to complete strangers, she says "I'm a widow and an inspector." I suppose you could argue that's just grief talking, but it did seem off. And all the other characters? They most exist to revolve around Maggie. So much of the cast is immediately open and friendly with Maggie, almost immediately considering her a good friend and forgiving her for any slights. Things work out far too easily, and the plot itself meanders around. It takes a long time for the horror aspects to really come into play, and even then, there's a lot of coincidences to get there.
It's not a bad folk-horror book, but if you're looking for deep characters or story, this isn't it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Assisted Living is described as an atmospheric eco-horror, but doesn't quite live up to the billing.
Margie Thermopolis is a building inspector who is grieving the recent loss of her husband. As she nears retirement, she is given an assignment that takes her back to a place where childhood trauma still haunts her. A new assisted living facility is being built on the site of the Old Grove Lodge, where her younger brother's tragic death occurred and where her memory of the legend of a tree witch remains.
An unexpected storm prevents Margie from leaving the new facility which leads to her and her newfound friends having to face the ghosts of the past in order to survive.
This is one of those books with an interesting premise that just doesn't quite come together. The story alternates between almost slasher-like horror (but with trees) and a cozy mystery. In my opinion, it would have been a better book had the author chosen one or the other as its focus rather than trying to combine the two.
Overall, this was not a bad book, but not one I will find myself recommending to friends.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Margie Thermopolis is a building inspector who is grieving the recent loss of her husband. As she nears retirement, she is given an assignment that takes her back to a place where childhood trauma still haunts her. A new assisted living facility is being built on the site of the Old Grove Lodge, where her younger brother's tragic death occurred and where her memory of the legend of a tree witch remains.
An unexpected storm prevents Margie from leaving the new facility which leads to her and her newfound friends having to face the ghosts of the past in order to survive.
This is one of those books with an interesting premise that just doesn't quite come together. The story alternates between almost slasher-like horror (but with trees) and a cozy mystery. In my opinion, it would have been a better book had the author chosen one or the other as its focus rather than trying to combine the two.
Overall, this was not a bad book, but not one I will find myself recommending to friends.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mother Nature horror? I am officially obsessed.
The second I read the blurb I knew this one was for me, and it did not disappoint. It’s such a fun, clever mix of cosy, witty and genuinely unsettling eco-horror. It had me from the first page.
The setting is honestly brilliant. A snobby, high-end assisted living facility as the backdrop for environmental horror? Yes please! The over-the-top luxury paired with the slow, unsettling encroachment of nature is done so well.
And Margie… I adored her. She’s quirky, relatable and so easy to cheer for. The other characters add warmth and depth, which makes the whole story feel oddly wholesome for a horror novel. Don’t get me wrong though, it can absolutely get gruesome when Mother Nature decides she’s coming for you.
Honestly, who knew eco-horror could feel this cosy? Assisted Living absolutely delivered and the fact that this is only book one in a trilogy? Say less. I’m already waiting for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The second I read the blurb I knew this one was for me, and it did not disappoint. It’s such a fun, clever mix of cosy, witty and genuinely unsettling eco-horror. It had me from the first page.
The setting is honestly brilliant. A snobby, high-end assisted living facility as the backdrop for environmental horror? Yes please! The over-the-top luxury paired with the slow, unsettling encroachment of nature is done so well.
And Margie… I adored her. She’s quirky, relatable and so easy to cheer for. The other characters add warmth and depth, which makes the whole story feel oddly wholesome for a horror novel. Don’t get me wrong though, it can absolutely get gruesome when Mother Nature decides she’s coming for you.
Honestly, who knew eco-horror could feel this cosy? Assisted Living absolutely delivered and the fact that this is only book one in a trilogy? Say less. I’m already waiting for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5/5
This was a very slow read I feel like I dragged myself through the book and I didn't feel any emotional stakes in the story.
Margie Thermopolis' husband died of cancer recently, and she just wants to finish her time at her job as a safety inspector before retiring to spend quality time with her cats. Her husband's medical debt however leads to her cutting some corners at work when she is assigned to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge. This is also the site of her younger brothers' death fifty years ago that Margie still blames herself for. On her final visit to the site, Margie gets trapped when her car battery dies and a blizzard comes in. As the trapped individuals must deal with whatever haunts the grounds, Margie remembers the tree-witch she thought killed her brother.
It claims to be eco-horror but that felt so b-plot to the old lady and her cat's nature of the story that I kind of forgot that's what was happening until the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
This was a very slow read I feel like I dragged myself through the book and I didn't feel any emotional stakes in the story.
Margie Thermopolis' husband died of cancer recently, and she just wants to finish her time at her job as a safety inspector before retiring to spend quality time with her cats. Her husband's medical debt however leads to her cutting some corners at work when she is assigned to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge. This is also the site of her younger brothers' death fifty years ago that Margie still blames herself for. On her final visit to the site, Margie gets trapped when her car battery dies and a blizzard comes in. As the trapped individuals must deal with whatever haunts the grounds, Margie remembers the tree-witch she thought killed her brother.
It claims to be eco-horror but that felt so b-plot to the old lady and her cat's nature of the story that I kind of forgot that's what was happening until the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
In the first part of the story, there’s a lot of buildup happening. You get to know our protagonist Margie, who is recently widowed and still haunted by events from her childhood. She is sent to inspect a property site, where her brother died as a child. Not only is the owner trying to bribe Margie into passing the inspection but because of multiple accidents, she ends up stuck at the luxury assisted living facility, which is built on the property and, despite not having passed inspection yet, already lived in. While she’s stuck with the staff and residents, something ancient is awakening, and it will have its revenge.
Where the beginning of the book took its time and moved almost too slowly, the ending or the last part of it felt rushed, and the characters were just killed off page after page. I did like the Eco horror and the general idea of the story, but many times it felt predictable and there was just not enough suspense to interest me in the story.
It just wasn’t my read.
In the first part of the story, there’s a lot of buildup happening. You get to know our protagonist Margie, who is recently widowed and still haunted by events from her childhood. She is sent to inspect a property site, where her brother died as a child. Not only is the owner trying to bribe Margie into passing the inspection but because of multiple accidents, she ends up stuck at the luxury assisted living facility, which is built on the property and, despite not having passed inspection yet, already lived in. While she’s stuck with the staff and residents, something ancient is awakening, and it will have its revenge.
Where the beginning of the book took its time and moved almost too slowly, the ending or the last part of it felt rushed, and the characters were just killed off page after page. I did like the Eco horror and the general idea of the story, but many times it felt predictable and there was just not enough suspense to interest me in the story.
It just wasn’t my read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I so wanted to like this but was ultimately left very disappointed. Part of that comes from the marketing - comparing it to The Shining, Grady Hendrix, and T Kingfisher was a big mistake. This is a cozy mystery with a tinge of ridiculous pg-13 slasher vibes in the last third, not an eco/isolation-horror novel.
I was also looking forward to an elder protagonist in a horror novel, which it does have, but sadly the writing really let this one down. Most of the characters were one note, the endless coincidences didn't seem like a plot point, just poor plotting, and having people repeatedly get attacked by a tree wore thin very quickly.
This was a big miss unfortunately, but maybe if it was rebranded as a cozy mystery it might find a home with a more willing audience.
1.75/5 stars
Thank you, NetGalley, for lending me an ebook copy in exchange for a review.
I was also looking forward to an elder protagonist in a horror novel, which it does have, but sadly the writing really let this one down. Most of the characters were one note, the endless coincidences didn't seem like a plot point, just poor plotting, and having people repeatedly get attacked by a tree wore thin very quickly.
This was a big miss unfortunately, but maybe if it was rebranded as a cozy mystery it might find a home with a more willing audience.
1.75/5 stars
Thank you, NetGalley, for lending me an ebook copy in exchange for a review.
July 9, 2026
**Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC**
While I finished this book quickly, it wasn’t a totally engrossing read.
The mystery aspects I had figured out in some parts and other parts didn’t seem nearly fleshed out enough. For instance I would have liked much more about the Wylend family of Keturah’s generation.
I did appreciate the focus on trees having “family” or networks that underpinned the story. And I also enjoyed the literary quotes interspersed throughout.
The last night which comprises most of the second half of the book could have been condensed.
Overall I was less than impressed and don’t know if I’ll pick up something else from this author.
QUOTE: “It is the secret of the world that all things subsist and do not die, but retire a little from sight and afterwards return again.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
While I finished this book quickly, it wasn’t a totally engrossing read.
The mystery aspects I had figured out in some parts and other parts didn’t seem nearly fleshed out enough. For instance I would have liked much more about the Wylend family of Keturah’s generation.
I did appreciate the focus on trees having “family” or networks that underpinned the story. And I also enjoyed the literary quotes interspersed throughout.
The last night which comprises most of the second half of the book could have been condensed.
Overall I was less than impressed and don’t know if I’ll pick up something else from this author.
QUOTE: “It is the secret of the world that all things subsist and do not die, but retire a little from sight and afterwards return again.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A slow burn horror story about the havoc the environment can wreck on unsuspecting humans who don’t respect it enough - beware of trees!
Maggie Thermopolis, a recent widow, just wants to finish her last years of working in relative ease and simplicity. Instead she’s dealing with her husband’s medical debt and his bonsai obsession. Called to inspect a remote boutique assisted living facility built on the remains of the Old Grove Lodge where her brother died fifty years ago and where a murderous tree witch lives. When a blizzard hits Maggie’s visit, she’s forced to stay with the owners who are anything but nice.
This isn’t a scary book per se unless you consider its criticism of capitalism and environmental damage. I liked that. I just didn’t resonate with the writing.
My thanks to NetGalley and BPA for granting me access to this ARC.
Maggie Thermopolis, a recent widow, just wants to finish her last years of working in relative ease and simplicity. Instead she’s dealing with her husband’s medical debt and his bonsai obsession. Called to inspect a remote boutique assisted living facility built on the remains of the Old Grove Lodge where her brother died fifty years ago and where a murderous tree witch lives. When a blizzard hits Maggie’s visit, she’s forced to stay with the owners who are anything but nice.
This isn’t a scary book per se unless you consider its criticism of capitalism and environmental damage. I liked that. I just didn’t resonate with the writing.
My thanks to NetGalley and BPA for granting me access to this ARC.
March 31, 2026
3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC that you provided me with!
How is life, even one lived to the edge of its biological frontier, so short?
This twisted tale full of knarled tree branches follows Margie as she grieves the loss of her husband & grapples with the loss of her younger brother 50 years ago. At work, Margie is sent to the site of her brother’s death, one that is being made into an assisted living facility. Strange things have happened in those woods, tales of trees coming to life and killing those who wander too far.
I enjoyed the baseline of this story, but it did feel a bit wordy at times. I think it was a stylistic choice, but sometimes it made me get a bit distracted and loose myself from the intended creepy vibe of the story.
How is life, even one lived to the edge of its biological frontier, so short?
This twisted tale full of knarled tree branches follows Margie as she grieves the loss of her husband & grapples with the loss of her younger brother 50 years ago. At work, Margie is sent to the site of her brother’s death, one that is being made into an assisted living facility. Strange things have happened in those woods, tales of trees coming to life and killing those who wander too far.
I enjoyed the baseline of this story, but it did feel a bit wordy at times. I think it was a stylistic choice, but sometimes it made me get a bit distracted and loose myself from the intended creepy vibe of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Described as, "folk/eco horror with a cozy tone," Assisted Living certainly fits that genre.
It's got a cozy murder mystery vibe along with the building horror at Old Grove Lodge. It's also got a plucky main character in Margie Thermopolis. I liked the story and Margie, I just wish this had a better edit. I feel like at least 15% of Margie's inner dialogue could be easily cut--'kill your darlings' and all of that. Also, when things pick up at the facility, it's a little confusing in parts with too many things happening all at once.
3.5 rounded up to 4
That said, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC.
It's got a cozy murder mystery vibe along with the building horror at Old Grove Lodge. It's also got a plucky main character in Margie Thermopolis. I liked the story and Margie, I just wish this had a better edit. I feel like at least 15% of Margie's inner dialogue could be easily cut--'kill your darlings' and all of that. Also, when things pick up at the facility, it's a little confusing in parts with too many things happening all at once.
3.5 rounded up to 4
That said, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher*
Margie is middle-aged, recently widowed and looking forwards to retirement, though she is still a few years off.
Margie is sent to inspect Old Grove Lodge and returns to the site of her brother's death 50 years earlier, a place she has avoided due to the murderous forest witch she is sure had something to do with her brother's death.
I was really hoping to love this one but sadly it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I enjoyed following the story of a middle-aged woman, someone that is not often the main character in a book. I liked the representation within the book and particularly warmed to Connor and Alejandro.
Unfortunately I just didn't feel particularly invested in the story and found the Wylend's to be so incredibly unlikeable that they became unbelievable as characters. Unfortunately I was not surprised by the twists having made similar assumptions in my reading.
My enjoyment was greatly impacted by my reading experience, with many incomplete, repeated and nonsensical sentences. I'm not sure if it was just my ARC but the grammatical errors really affected the story flow, hoping that will be addressed for the final copy and others experiences won't be similarly impacted.
Margie is middle-aged, recently widowed and looking forwards to retirement, though she is still a few years off.
Margie is sent to inspect Old Grove Lodge and returns to the site of her brother's death 50 years earlier, a place she has avoided due to the murderous forest witch she is sure had something to do with her brother's death.
I was really hoping to love this one but sadly it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I enjoyed following the story of a middle-aged woman, someone that is not often the main character in a book. I liked the representation within the book and particularly warmed to Connor and Alejandro.
Unfortunately I just didn't feel particularly invested in the story and found the Wylend's to be so incredibly unlikeable that they became unbelievable as characters. Unfortunately I was not surprised by the twists having made similar assumptions in my reading.
My enjoyment was greatly impacted by my reading experience, with many incomplete, repeated and nonsensical sentences. I'm not sure if it was just my ARC but the grammatical errors really affected the story flow, hoping that will be addressed for the final copy and others experiences won't be similarly impacted.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Margie a safety inspector must face her childhood trauma and the loss of her husband by returning to the place where her nightmare began.
A nice spooky yarn with an older, extremely likeable protagonist who is just trying to make it day to day with her fuzzy feline friends.
The story-telling slowly builds the creepiness of this tale, it takes a bit to ramp up but midway, makes it impossible to put down. This story is great for those who love nature, haunted woods related horror, witchy and ghost stories. Nice vinelike twists and turns. Also a sweet tale of love and friendship.
I definitely recommend.
A nice spooky yarn with an older, extremely likeable protagonist who is just trying to make it day to day with her fuzzy feline friends.
The story-telling slowly builds the creepiness of this tale, it takes a bit to ramp up but midway, makes it impossible to put down. This story is great for those who love nature, haunted woods related horror, witchy and ghost stories. Nice vinelike twists and turns. Also a sweet tale of love and friendship.
I definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a arc. a lady who is now a widow she is just looking forward to retiring but doesn't want to do it to early. when she comes home to destress all she really enjoys is watching a good game of roller derby. she has to clean out like a storage area of her husbands items. she finds her husband had a obsession for bonsai trees that she didn't even know about. and a lot of medical expenses that she is left with. she decides to take one of the bonsai trees that look like its in good condition and still alive. she puts it in her garage so her cats cannot get. she gets her finger pricked with it that's where all the weirdness starts she thinks. her brothers suspicious death happened 50 years ago in a town that she never thought shed have to go back to. she ends up having to go do a inspection of a assisted living facility. she is getting all these memories. Margie is uncovering something weird she is looking into her past as well but something is coming...
Review of advance copy
I chose this book for the name, thinking I was going to be reading a bunch of short stories about older people and their lives. I also chose it because I have worked in assisted living as a director of nursing and enjoy hearing about the residents lives.
I WAS SO WRONG!!! This is a horror/thriller book and it had my anxiety up and heart pounding at times. It was SO GOOD! There was a couple of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I never had the realization of what was going to be happening before it would happen.
I am looking forward to her next book and highly recommend this one to anyone that likes to add a little thrill to their read!
I WAS SO WRONG!!! This is a horror/thriller book and it had my anxiety up and heart pounding at times. It was SO GOOD! There was a couple of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I never had the realization of what was going to be happening before it would happen.
I am looking forward to her next book and highly recommend this one to anyone that likes to add a little thrill to their read!
Read
March 31, 2026Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read "Assisted Living." I love a good botanical horror story that includes folklore elements. While the first half of the story was very slow and highly focused on the main character's internal workings, the second half picked up and gave me the story I was hoping for. I enjoyed the unexpected relationships between characters and the redemption arc at the end. While I enjoyed the overall story and themes, it came up just a little short of my expectations.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review Copy
Assisted Living was an ok read, a bit wordy but ok. It was one of those books where the author appeared not to have done research, which I found irritating, hence the lower rating.
I picked up the book because of the title, thinking it would be about a group of old people in a home. Wee, that would be a yes and no - but not really. It's not a great title. The Old Grove Lake might have been a better pick.
But, I finished it, and was a little disappointed in how some of the things wrapped, and others didn't. That's me. Pick, pick, Check it out, see what you think.
Assisted Living was an ok read, a bit wordy but ok. It was one of those books where the author appeared not to have done research, which I found irritating, hence the lower rating.
I picked up the book because of the title, thinking it would be about a group of old people in a home. Wee, that would be a yes and no - but not really. It's not a great title. The Old Grove Lake might have been a better pick.
But, I finished it, and was a little disappointed in how some of the things wrapped, and others didn't. That's me. Pick, pick, Check it out, see what you think.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Snagged an ARC of Assisted Living by Caldwell and so glad I did! Haven't had this much fun reading horror since The Shining. The author has created a feisty middle-aged protagonist (think Jessica Fletcher) in the throes of mourning her deceased husband, when the "witch tree" comes roaring - or should I say leafing - back into her life. I won't reveal any more, you need to read it for yourself. Much more thoughtful than genre horror with its beautiful descriptions of the locale and deeper themes of loss and found family. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise of Assisted Living by Gianaclis Caldwell checked every single box on my reading radar: a mature protagonist,eco-horror, and an eerie vibe. The concept is fresh, and I really enjoyed the bonsai components (and all things trees, really). However, my love of trees was not enough to get me through this book without concerted effort. The pacing is an absolute test of endurance. A solid concept for patient horror fans, but the execution ultimately failed keep me engaged.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy
Thanks for the advanced copy from BookSirens. Gianaclis brings us a mix of eco horror, elderly main character, and psychological suspense in this hard to put down book. We follow Margie, who after recently losing her husband to cancer, is called to inspect an assisted living facility. The horror and characters take you off from there. The piece is character driven and is hard to put down. While not scary, the tenseness keeps you on the edge and waiting for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews