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Old Grove Lake #1
Assisted Living
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26You’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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Gianaclis Caldwell
13 books42 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.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 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
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 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
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.
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.
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
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a scary-lite, fun to read book, with a plot that holds your interest and great characters. A very likeable main character who you're rooting for the entire time.
Also, probably the most unique storyline I've read in quite a while, and a thrilling ride to boot.
Highly recommended, especially if you're in the mood for something a bit different, yet still quality.
I was provided an ARC copy by the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review. (Thank you!)
Also, probably the most unique storyline I've read in quite a while, and a thrilling ride to boot.
Highly recommended, especially if you're in the mood for something a bit different, yet still quality.
I was provided an ARC copy by the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review. (Thank you!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🕯️🏚️Assisted Living 🏚️🕯️
This one was too slow paced for me. I really struggled to keep reading it, nothing really grabs at you.
What to Expect
🫣 Folk eco horror
🏚️ Isolated assisted living facility
❄️ Blizzard locked setting
🖤 Widow main character
🌲 Forest witch lore
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
📝 Thank you to GC Publishing, IBPA Members' Titles, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This one was too slow paced for me. I really struggled to keep reading it, nothing really grabs at you.
What to Expect
🫣 Folk eco horror
🏚️ Isolated assisted living facility
❄️ Blizzard locked setting
🖤 Widow main character
🌲 Forest witch lore
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
📝 Thank you to GC Publishing, IBPA Members' Titles, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cozy horror
Excellent story, a little bit slow getting into it but overall enjoyed the story.
Definitely one to read at night in bed
Thank you netgalley for the ARC of this
Excellent story, a little bit slow getting into it but overall enjoyed the story.
Definitely one to read at night in bed
Thank you netgalley for the ARC of this
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Assisted Living is a slow read, but it's still at least an enjoyable time. It's an eco-horror story with theming around loss and grief .
My issue with this one was how overwritten it felt - lots of long sections, difficult to comprehend the story at times due to a lot happening.
My issue with this one was how overwritten it felt - lots of long sections, difficult to comprehend the story at times due to a lot happening.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews