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The Residency
The opportunity of a lifetime, or the worst mistake of your life?Life in London is hard for Ginny as a single mother barely scraping by. Once she was a promising artist with a glittering future ahead. On a whim, she applies for an artist’s residency – all expenses paid – and is astonished to be accepted.
Soon, Ginny is on a boat to a remote Scottish island, her daughter by her side. But was she too hasty, attracted by the promise of security and a chance to make art again? Locals she meets are tightlipped about the man who is Ginny’s benefactor, but she senses underlying fear. Her contract contains odd rules about avoiding the gallery at the vast property where she is living, and there is an undeniable eeriness to the place. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she could hear whispers, and that the people in the paintings were changing overnight…
By the time Ginny realises what a grave mistake she has made, she is stranded. Accepting the invitation has sealed her fate and the only way to survive is through escape – or sacrifice.
An atmospheric gothic suspense novel to send a chill down your spine and keep you reading late into the night.
Praise for The Residency'Skin crawlingly good. I was screaming at the page as the boat approached the island. C.D. Major has written a belter. Claustrophobic, isolated, unnerving ... I was on edge from the first page. Loved it.' Rachel Wolf
'An unsettling, atmospheric mystery you'll race through right to the chilling supernatural twist. Loved it!' Ellery Lloyd, NYT Bestselling author of The Club
'Atmospheric, compelling, genuinely chilling. The only thing that stopped me staying up all night to finish was being too scared to read it in the dark!' Tammy Cohen
‘Beautifully written and utterly chilling’ Susi Holliday
‘This modern gothic tale has it all. Creepy, atmospheric, and scarily addictive, you’ll never look at a painting the same way again’ Amanda Jennings
Soon, Ginny is on a boat to a remote Scottish island, her daughter by her side. But was she too hasty, attracted by the promise of security and a chance to make art again? Locals she meets are tightlipped about the man who is Ginny’s benefactor, but she senses underlying fear. Her contract contains odd rules about avoiding the gallery at the vast property where she is living, and there is an undeniable eeriness to the place. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she could hear whispers, and that the people in the paintings were changing overnight…
By the time Ginny realises what a grave mistake she has made, she is stranded. Accepting the invitation has sealed her fate and the only way to survive is through escape – or sacrifice.
An atmospheric gothic suspense novel to send a chill down your spine and keep you reading late into the night.
Praise for The Residency'Skin crawlingly good. I was screaming at the page as the boat approached the island. C.D. Major has written a belter. Claustrophobic, isolated, unnerving ... I was on edge from the first page. Loved it.' Rachel Wolf
'An unsettling, atmospheric mystery you'll race through right to the chilling supernatural twist. Loved it!' Ellery Lloyd, NYT Bestselling author of The Club
'Atmospheric, compelling, genuinely chilling. The only thing that stopped me staying up all night to finish was being too scared to read it in the dark!' Tammy Cohen
‘Beautifully written and utterly chilling’ Susi Holliday
‘This modern gothic tale has it all. Creepy, atmospheric, and scarily addictive, you’ll never look at a painting the same way again’ Amanda Jennings
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2026
About the author
C.D. Major
5 books206 followersWebsite: www.cescamajor.com
Twitter: @CescaMajor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 7, 2026
When Art Becomes Something to Fear
What if the opportunity that could save your career as well as your family came with rules you didn’t understand and a benefactor no one was willing to talk about?
In The Residency, C.D. Major takes the idyllic concept of an artist retreat on a remote Scottish island and slowly transforms it into something dark and treacherous.
Ginny is a struggling artist and single mother who believes she has finally caught a much-needed break when she is offered a three-month, all-expenses-paid artist residency. Money is running out, and her daughter, Isla, has been bullied at school because of her disabilities. The residency offers Ginny a chance to escape their problems for a while and provide some financial security. Perhaps most importantly, it may help her return to the art she once loved.
At first, the opportunity seems almost too good to be true. The house where Ginny and Isla will stay is enormous, and even the expensive art supplies she could never afford herself have been provided. But there is something distinctly wrong with Stark Island. The locals are quiet and evasive, particularly whenever Ginny asks about Phillip, the elderly benefactor responsible for bringing her there.
Then there are the paintings.
Some of the artwork inside the house is morose or grotesque, depicting subjects with an unnerving realism, including people captured in apparent agony. The house itself comes with equally strange rules: Ginny is warned about where she can go, what she can touch, and even how closely she can approach certain pieces of art. When Phillip finally appears, he seems elderly and physically frail, even friendly. Yet the islanders clearly fear him.
Why would an entire community be frightened of one infirm old man?
Through divided perspectives, C.D. Major gradually reveals Phillip’s history and how Stark Island came to exist under his influence. His chapters add an entirely different kind of darkness to the story. The more I learned about his thoughts and past, the more disturbing he became. A person like this should never be given power, which makes the question of exactly how Phillip maintains his grip over the island even more compelling.
The isolated Scottish setting works particularly well for this story. Ginny has entered a community with its own history, secrets, and rules, while having very little understanding of what she has actually agreed to. That creates a creeping sense of unease rather than relying solely on sudden scares. The artwork adds another layer of gothic horror because something that should represent beauty and creativity gradually becomes threatening.
Sarah Cullum gives an impressive audiobook performance. She moves between different accents, ages, and genders with ease, but what stood out to me most was how well she captures the emotional performances happening within the characters themselves. She deftly portrays the confusion and fear beneath their words, as well as the forced cheerfulness of people pretending everything is perfectly normal when it clearly isn’t.
The Residency reminded me of a cross between the isolated, secretive community of Apple TV+‘s Widow’s Bay and the disturbing relationship between art, morality, and corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray. It has that wonderful gothic quality of making you question not only what is happening, but what has happened before the story even began.
If you enjoy atmospheric gothic suspense, remote settings, sinister artwork, morally disturbing characters, and communities hiding dark secrets, The Residency is well worth visiting.
Just don’t expect to feel particularly comfortable once you arrive on Stark Island.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
What if the opportunity that could save your career as well as your family came with rules you didn’t understand and a benefactor no one was willing to talk about?
In The Residency, C.D. Major takes the idyllic concept of an artist retreat on a remote Scottish island and slowly transforms it into something dark and treacherous.
Ginny is a struggling artist and single mother who believes she has finally caught a much-needed break when she is offered a three-month, all-expenses-paid artist residency. Money is running out, and her daughter, Isla, has been bullied at school because of her disabilities. The residency offers Ginny a chance to escape their problems for a while and provide some financial security. Perhaps most importantly, it may help her return to the art she once loved.
At first, the opportunity seems almost too good to be true. The house where Ginny and Isla will stay is enormous, and even the expensive art supplies she could never afford herself have been provided. But there is something distinctly wrong with Stark Island. The locals are quiet and evasive, particularly whenever Ginny asks about Phillip, the elderly benefactor responsible for bringing her there.
Then there are the paintings.
Some of the artwork inside the house is morose or grotesque, depicting subjects with an unnerving realism, including people captured in apparent agony. The house itself comes with equally strange rules: Ginny is warned about where she can go, what she can touch, and even how closely she can approach certain pieces of art. When Phillip finally appears, he seems elderly and physically frail, even friendly. Yet the islanders clearly fear him.
Why would an entire community be frightened of one infirm old man?
Through divided perspectives, C.D. Major gradually reveals Phillip’s history and how Stark Island came to exist under his influence. His chapters add an entirely different kind of darkness to the story. The more I learned about his thoughts and past, the more disturbing he became. A person like this should never be given power, which makes the question of exactly how Phillip maintains his grip over the island even more compelling.
The isolated Scottish setting works particularly well for this story. Ginny has entered a community with its own history, secrets, and rules, while having very little understanding of what she has actually agreed to. That creates a creeping sense of unease rather than relying solely on sudden scares. The artwork adds another layer of gothic horror because something that should represent beauty and creativity gradually becomes threatening.
Sarah Cullum gives an impressive audiobook performance. She moves between different accents, ages, and genders with ease, but what stood out to me most was how well she captures the emotional performances happening within the characters themselves. She deftly portrays the confusion and fear beneath their words, as well as the forced cheerfulness of people pretending everything is perfectly normal when it clearly isn’t.
The Residency reminded me of a cross between the isolated, secretive community of Apple TV+‘s Widow’s Bay and the disturbing relationship between art, morality, and corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray. It has that wonderful gothic quality of making you question not only what is happening, but what has happened before the story even began.
If you enjoy atmospheric gothic suspense, remote settings, sinister artwork, morally disturbing characters, and communities hiding dark secrets, The Residency is well worth visiting.
Just don’t expect to feel particularly comfortable once you arrive on Stark Island.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 24, 2026
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and I was so excited to start it as the cover really intrigued me.
The character in this book annoyed me from the get go because she was clearly suspicious of everything moving to the island with her young daughter, but just brushed everything off?
The book definitely had a spooky/uneasy feeling from the beginning but I think the first few chapters of the book are extremely clunky and they were hard to get through. It definitely picked up in the second half where I enjoyed it a lot more but I would’ve liked the pacing to be better across the entire book☺️
The character in this book annoyed me from the get go because she was clearly suspicious of everything moving to the island with her young daughter, but just brushed everything off?
The book definitely had a spooky/uneasy feeling from the beginning but I think the first few chapters of the book are extremely clunky and they were hard to get through. It definitely picked up in the second half where I enjoyed it a lot more but I would’ve liked the pacing to be better across the entire book☺️
August 3, 2026
Single mother and artist Ginny accepts a three-month residency on a remote Scottish island, bringing her daughter Isla along for the opportunity of a lifetime. But the isolated island and the strange house they stay in are filled with secrets, strange noises, and unexplained occurrences that leave Ginny feeling trapped and unwelcome. With no way to contact the outside world, Ginny must uncover the dark history of the house before its secrets put her and Isla in danger.
I was immediately drawn to the premise of this novel. Having been involved in artist residencies, I was excited to see how the creative setting would be written into a gothic horror story. Unfortunately, it took me a long time to become invested in the story.
The pacing felt very slow, and it wasn't until around the 70% mark that I found myself genuinely intrigued by what was happening. The sections that kept me reading were the flashbacks to Phillip's life (the owner of the house), which revealed the history of the residency and the supernatural events surrounding it. The suspicious locals, the decaying house, and the sense of isolation all created a strong gothic feel, but I never felt the plot had enough momentum to fully capitalise on that atmosphere.
While I sympathised with Ginny and everything she had endured, particularly her past abusive relationship, I never truly connected with her. Her internal monologue often felt repetitive which prevented the tension building. As a result, I found myself feeling more detached from her journey than I wanted to.
Overall, while I admired the gothic atmosphere, the unique artist residency setting, and the historical inspiration behind the story, the slow pacing and lack of connection I felt with the main character meant it never fully came together for me. If you enjoy slow-burning gothic horror that prioritises atmosphere, this may still be for you. 2.5/5
Thanks to Canelo and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Available from the 4th August 2026.
I was immediately drawn to the premise of this novel. Having been involved in artist residencies, I was excited to see how the creative setting would be written into a gothic horror story. Unfortunately, it took me a long time to become invested in the story.
The pacing felt very slow, and it wasn't until around the 70% mark that I found myself genuinely intrigued by what was happening. The sections that kept me reading were the flashbacks to Phillip's life (the owner of the house), which revealed the history of the residency and the supernatural events surrounding it. The suspicious locals, the decaying house, and the sense of isolation all created a strong gothic feel, but I never felt the plot had enough momentum to fully capitalise on that atmosphere.
While I sympathised with Ginny and everything she had endured, particularly her past abusive relationship, I never truly connected with her. Her internal monologue often felt repetitive which prevented the tension building. As a result, I found myself feeling more detached from her journey than I wanted to.
Overall, while I admired the gothic atmosphere, the unique artist residency setting, and the historical inspiration behind the story, the slow pacing and lack of connection I felt with the main character meant it never fully came together for me. If you enjoy slow-burning gothic horror that prioritises atmosphere, this may still be for you. 2.5/5
Thanks to Canelo and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Available from the 4th August 2026.
August 13, 2026
✨ 3.5 stars ✨ I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed it. I haven’t read anything like this before and it was interesting to hear the authors inspiration in the note at the end. I think some people will be frustrated by our MC and other characters, but I tend to give a lot of leeway for bad decision making in horror/thrillers. I’m always appreciative of a feminism theme, even if this was quite heavy handed with it. The dual timeline was great and the ambience and descriptions of the house/island!
Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC.
August 14, 2026
The Residency follows Ginny, an artist and single mother who is down on her luck and gets the opportunity to work as an artist-in-residence on a small Scottish island. She and her daughter, Isla, arrive expecting a beautiful, peaceful place, but it doesn’t take long before things start to feel unsettling.
As strange events begin happening, Ginny realizes the island may not be as perfect as it first appeared. People seem frightened of the residence, Philip warns her not to go certain places, and the paintings themselves seem to have a voice of their own. I enjoyed the mysterious and eerie atmosphere and the way the story slowly revealed that there was much more going on beneath the surface.
My favourite chapters were the ones exploring Philip’s history. I found his past especially interesting and thought those sections added depth to the overall story.
Overall, this was an intriguing and atmospheric read with plenty of mystery and suspense. It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I enjoyed the setting, the secrets, and uncovering what was really happening on the island.
As strange events begin happening, Ginny realizes the island may not be as perfect as it first appeared. People seem frightened of the residence, Philip warns her not to go certain places, and the paintings themselves seem to have a voice of their own. I enjoyed the mysterious and eerie atmosphere and the way the story slowly revealed that there was much more going on beneath the surface.
My favourite chapters were the ones exploring Philip’s history. I found his past especially interesting and thought those sections added depth to the overall story.
Overall, this was an intriguing and atmospheric read with plenty of mystery and suspense. It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I enjoyed the setting, the secrets, and uncovering what was really happening on the island.
June 10, 2026
This book is about an artist down on her luck that gets offered a residency on a remote island. She and her daughter take up this residency and everything seems idyllic. Soon though weird things start to happen on the island and she realizes that they're completely isolated.
I enjoyed this book it was a fun time. I liked all of the twists. I will definitely read more from this author. I think you'll like this if you like light horror, little twists, a bit of historical fiction and how to escape an island books.
I enjoyed this book it was a fun time. I liked all of the twists. I will definitely read more from this author. I think you'll like this if you like light horror, little twists, a bit of historical fiction and how to escape an island books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Goth thrillers rely on mood and setting to build an eerie atmosphere with undertones of unreliable narrator who's tattered perception stems out of trauma. While unreliable narrators make plot stimulating by peppered moments of confusion, paranoia and anxiety.
Ginny, our narrator, worries so much that it distracts from the plot, the atmosphere. While she has some justifiable worries (her ex finding them, lack of financial freedom etc), her distrust in others never becomes her strength in this setting. It just makes the narration dense for the first half of the book but then rushes the final act to answer lingering questions.
The setting is good and the author sets up psychological isolation well with slow burn exploration of Ginny's adjustment to residency and the house itself. Life slowly unraveled is an excellent addition to the already gloomy mood. It was a decent read overall.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for providing me with a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Ginny, our narrator, worries so much that it distracts from the plot, the atmosphere. While she has some justifiable worries (her ex finding them, lack of financial freedom etc), her distrust in others never becomes her strength in this setting. It just makes the narration dense for the first half of the book but then rushes the final act to answer lingering questions.
The setting is good and the author sets up psychological isolation well with slow burn exploration of Ginny's adjustment to residency and the house itself. Life slowly unraveled is an excellent addition to the already gloomy mood. It was a decent read overall.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for providing me with a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2026
I received a copy from NetGalley
I don’t really have much to say about this book. I didn’t hate it, not did I like it. It has an interesting concept that I figured out quite early in the book. Around the 40% mark. It was confirmed around the 65% mark. Then the book just felt like it was dragging on and on. I honestly think this would have been a more interesting novel if it was shorter. Possibly even a novels. I just didn’t really care about the main female character. Not did I care about what was going on with the island. I just didn’t care. I can’t really explain it more than that. I can’t really recommend this book because I found it boring. My attention kept drifting away.
It’s slow with no real plot nor character development. Everyone is very one dimensional. There’s no big secret or anything really. It’s just very surface level.
I don’t really have much to say about this book. I didn’t hate it, not did I like it. It has an interesting concept that I figured out quite early in the book. Around the 40% mark. It was confirmed around the 65% mark. Then the book just felt like it was dragging on and on. I honestly think this would have been a more interesting novel if it was shorter. Possibly even a novels. I just didn’t really care about the main female character. Not did I care about what was going on with the island. I just didn’t care. I can’t really explain it more than that. I can’t really recommend this book because I found it boring. My attention kept drifting away.
It’s slow with no real plot nor character development. Everyone is very one dimensional. There’s no big secret or anything really. It’s just very surface level.
June 15, 2026
I wanted so badly to enjoy this book. I had so much hope for the story, but I just could not get into it. There's no pull, there's no draw, there's hardly even any suspense. Enough hasn't been revealed to keep me interested. The pacing was like being read the story by Ben Stein.
The concept was interesting enough, the setting was perfect. The story just fell flat.
The concept was interesting enough, the setting was perfect. The story just fell flat.
August 4, 2026
Creepy secluded island and a mysterious rich benefactor? Yes please. Sometimes I beg of FMC’s to be more socially aware because if a random guy offered for me to come to his island and paint for me my red flag alarm would go off so loudly that would be all I could hear. However, I’m glad she didn’t give a hoot because I loved watching the mystery unfold through her eyes.
Everyone on the island gave me the creeps. It was giving terrified brainwashed cult members. If you were the only sane person on an island surrounded by those people it’s only a matter of time before you’d lose it too.
I don’t really know how to say that I loved the magical aspect of this and exactly what I liked about it without spoiling it, but I really did like it. It felt so unique and then listening to the author’s note about how the idea was based on true stories made it even more intriguing.
Also, I received the ALC from NetGalley and I must say the narrators voice was perfect for the FMC and made it all so much more immersive. Even the old man’s voice and when he was struggling to breathe with whatever ailment he had was so good.
Everyone on the island gave me the creeps. It was giving terrified brainwashed cult members. If you were the only sane person on an island surrounded by those people it’s only a matter of time before you’d lose it too.
I don’t really know how to say that I loved the magical aspect of this and exactly what I liked about it without spoiling it, but I really did like it. It felt so unique and then listening to the author’s note about how the idea was based on true stories made it even more intriguing.
Also, I received the ALC from NetGalley and I must say the narrators voice was perfect for the FMC and made it all so much more immersive. Even the old man’s voice and when he was struggling to breathe with whatever ailment he had was so good.
April 16, 2026
From early on in The Residency, there’s a subtle but constant uneasy feeling, and it just builds steadily the further you get into the story which really kept me hooked.
I loved the remote Scottish island setting, with the descriptions being so immersive that it’s easy to picture everything clearly, which makes the whole atmosphere feel even more intense and a bit claustrophobic at times. It’s definitely a slow burn, but in a good way, as the tension keeps building and really gets under your skin.
If there’s one downside, it’s the ending, not because it isn’t a great twist, because it is, but after such a careful build-up, it feels a little rushed, and I found myself wishing it had been drawn out just a bit longer to really let everything land.
Overall though, it’s a gripping and atmospheric read. If you like stories that rely heavily on tension and that lingering sense of unease, this is definitely one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the advanced reader copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I loved the remote Scottish island setting, with the descriptions being so immersive that it’s easy to picture everything clearly, which makes the whole atmosphere feel even more intense and a bit claustrophobic at times. It’s definitely a slow burn, but in a good way, as the tension keeps building and really gets under your skin.
If there’s one downside, it’s the ending, not because it isn’t a great twist, because it is, but after such a careful build-up, it feels a little rushed, and I found myself wishing it had been drawn out just a bit longer to really let everything land.
Overall though, it’s a gripping and atmospheric read. If you like stories that rely heavily on tension and that lingering sense of unease, this is definitely one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the advanced reader copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 10, 2026
With a slightly disabled daughter, and a violent partner about to be released from prison, Ginny is determined to escape her London poverty.
Crikey. What a fabulous read. I loved The Residency even as I found it creepy and unsettling. It would be difficult to discover a more perfect exploration of being careful what you wish for and of the concept that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
The plot of The Residency would make a fantastic film or television series. There are chilling moments aplenty, but the real skill comes through the gradual build up of tension, the weird behavior of the inhabitants of the remote Scottish island and the way in which Ginny realises that an evil is lurking that is far more powerful than the fears sparked by creaking floorboards and strange aromas. I thought it inspired to have the dated events from Philip’s past because they mean the reader has an understanding of him that Ginny doesn’t realise, adding to the sense of danger and the pressure of feeling. The reader becomes as controlled by Philip and as unable to assist Ginny as the other residents on the island. Her first person account adds to this sense of danger.
The island setting of The Residency is brilliant because it lends a claustrophobic, locked-room feeling. As the residents become less friendly, and Ginny becomes more isolated, there’s a real sense of doom that is enhanced by the technique of condensed sentences at the ends of chapters that compel the reader on through the narrative. The house where Ginny and daughter Isla are accommodated is right out of the tradition of gothic horror with dark oppressive corridors, strange smells and noises, an attic and a literal locked room so that C D Major manipulates the reader into feeling unsettled even when seemingly innocent events are taking place.
Ginny might be a talented artist, but she is also a modern woman. Her fierce protection of Isla illustrates a mother’s love and the complications of her life in London as a single parent with an abusive criminal for a partner are very modern concepts. Transporting her to an all expenses paid artistic residency on a remote island is, therefore, attractive to her and all the more powerful because the reader realises this will not end well – especially with the underlying supernatural evil aspect rippling through the art work, the island and the house, but I’m not going to say more and spoil the read. Not all Ginny’s actions are rational, altruistic and benevolent, but these aspects make her all the more appealing.
Themes in The Residency are fascinating, engaging and explored with aplomb. Family rivalry, parental love (or lack of), control and fear on many levels pulsate through the story. I found them so convincing.
I thought The Residency was a corker of a read. I found it creepy, engaging and unnerving. If you want a fantastic gothic thriller to keep you up at night, read The Residency as I thoroughly recommend it. Oh – and remember, when given an attractive offer, always read the small print!
Crikey. What a fabulous read. I loved The Residency even as I found it creepy and unsettling. It would be difficult to discover a more perfect exploration of being careful what you wish for and of the concept that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
The plot of The Residency would make a fantastic film or television series. There are chilling moments aplenty, but the real skill comes through the gradual build up of tension, the weird behavior of the inhabitants of the remote Scottish island and the way in which Ginny realises that an evil is lurking that is far more powerful than the fears sparked by creaking floorboards and strange aromas. I thought it inspired to have the dated events from Philip’s past because they mean the reader has an understanding of him that Ginny doesn’t realise, adding to the sense of danger and the pressure of feeling. The reader becomes as controlled by Philip and as unable to assist Ginny as the other residents on the island. Her first person account adds to this sense of danger.
The island setting of The Residency is brilliant because it lends a claustrophobic, locked-room feeling. As the residents become less friendly, and Ginny becomes more isolated, there’s a real sense of doom that is enhanced by the technique of condensed sentences at the ends of chapters that compel the reader on through the narrative. The house where Ginny and daughter Isla are accommodated is right out of the tradition of gothic horror with dark oppressive corridors, strange smells and noises, an attic and a literal locked room so that C D Major manipulates the reader into feeling unsettled even when seemingly innocent events are taking place.
Ginny might be a talented artist, but she is also a modern woman. Her fierce protection of Isla illustrates a mother’s love and the complications of her life in London as a single parent with an abusive criminal for a partner are very modern concepts. Transporting her to an all expenses paid artistic residency on a remote island is, therefore, attractive to her and all the more powerful because the reader realises this will not end well – especially with the underlying supernatural evil aspect rippling through the art work, the island and the house, but I’m not going to say more and spoil the read. Not all Ginny’s actions are rational, altruistic and benevolent, but these aspects make her all the more appealing.
Themes in The Residency are fascinating, engaging and explored with aplomb. Family rivalry, parental love (or lack of), control and fear on many levels pulsate through the story. I found them so convincing.
I thought The Residency was a corker of a read. I found it creepy, engaging and unnerving. If you want a fantastic gothic thriller to keep you up at night, read The Residency as I thoroughly recommend it. Oh – and remember, when given an attractive offer, always read the small print!
July 26, 2026
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This concept and plot had me so intrigued and excited, only for the execution to bring it down for me.
The idea of this is great and grabbed my attention immediately. It’s pretty easy to parse out what’s happening in the story, and feels like it should be a great read.
The problem for me is how much the writing slows this down.
It feels as though it should be a fast paced book, but the writing slows it to a slow/medium feel. This really made me struggle. I found myself losing interest a few rimes, which is a shame considering how much I like the plot.
The characters are interesting enough, but I was ready to knock out Ginny multiple times because she just kept doing stupid typically horror movie stunts. I was yelling at my book I was so mad at one point. Other than that, I really like the characters.
All in all I don’t regret reading this, because I suspect the plot will stick in my brain far longer than the writing.
This concept and plot had me so intrigued and excited, only for the execution to bring it down for me.
The idea of this is great and grabbed my attention immediately. It’s pretty easy to parse out what’s happening in the story, and feels like it should be a great read.
The problem for me is how much the writing slows this down.
It feels as though it should be a fast paced book, but the writing slows it to a slow/medium feel. This really made me struggle. I found myself losing interest a few rimes, which is a shame considering how much I like the plot.
The characters are interesting enough, but I was ready to knock out Ginny multiple times because she just kept doing stupid typically horror movie stunts. I was yelling at my book I was so mad at one point. Other than that, I really like the characters.
All in all I don’t regret reading this, because I suspect the plot will stick in my brain far longer than the writing.
August 3, 2026
This was one of those books where my desire to love it outweighed my actual reading experience. The narrator, Sarah Collin, did a wonderful job overall, and her British accent was a pleasure to listen to. While I enjoyed her narration for most of the characters, her voice for the young child became somewhat grating over time.
There were certainly aspects of the story that I enjoyed, but I found the overall narrative repetitive. The plot never seemed to gain much momentum, and the story felt like a collection of separate—though very similar—tales rather than a cohesive novel. While there were threads connecting the different sections, they weren’t strong enough to create a compelling sense of progression or build toward a satisfying, propulsive conclusion.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Bolinda Audio via NetGalley ahead of publication.
There were certainly aspects of the story that I enjoyed, but I found the overall narrative repetitive. The plot never seemed to gain much momentum, and the story felt like a collection of separate—though very similar—tales rather than a cohesive novel. While there were threads connecting the different sections, they weren’t strong enough to create a compelling sense of progression or build toward a satisfying, propulsive conclusion.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Bolinda Audio via NetGalley ahead of publication.
August 8, 2026
Thank you for the gifted Audiobook Libro.fm!
The Residency is a feminist thriller- horror that I couldn’t put down. It follows a mother of a young girl while she hopes to escape London because of the impending release of her ex from prison. She receives a mysterious invitation to a residency in rural Scotland. The residency, of course, is not what it seems. Inspired by real stories of some seriously creepy paintings Major pulls off a gleefully Gothic thriller, where patriarchy is the real horror. The residency explores themes of grief, artistry, and resilience. The book asked the reader what would you do for your child? What lengths would you go to keep them safe?
The Residency is a feminist thriller- horror that I couldn’t put down. It follows a mother of a young girl while she hopes to escape London because of the impending release of her ex from prison. She receives a mysterious invitation to a residency in rural Scotland. The residency, of course, is not what it seems. Inspired by real stories of some seriously creepy paintings Major pulls off a gleefully Gothic thriller, where patriarchy is the real horror. The residency explores themes of grief, artistry, and resilience. The book asked the reader what would you do for your child? What lengths would you go to keep them safe?
August 15, 2026
Whoaaaaa! To fear art is a new nightmare unlocked.
Being a mom and an artist AND a survivor wasn’t all on her bucket list but, man, did Ginny kick butt!
This wasn’t a fast start but when it picked up around the 60% mark it really picked up. I didn’t connect with the characters but that’s likely a me problem. The creepy had me sat, though!
My favorite part up until that 60% mark was Phillip’s backstory. It added an extra layer of “eerie” that was definitely necessary.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC!
Being a mom and an artist AND a survivor wasn’t all on her bucket list but, man, did Ginny kick butt!
This wasn’t a fast start but when it picked up around the 60% mark it really picked up. I didn’t connect with the characters but that’s likely a me problem. The creepy had me sat, though!
My favorite part up until that 60% mark was Phillip’s backstory. It added an extra layer of “eerie” that was definitely necessary.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC!
August 4, 2026
3.3/5
I really wanted to love this one but something about it fell flat. I loved the premise, but the beginning of the book was so slow and the pacing just did not feel right until over half way in.
I did not connect to Ginny at all as a character, and I felt like she should have done something differently at the end of the book (not going to spoil it) but then the second to last chapter it made sense and was a satisfying ending.
I don't want to spoil anything but if anyone has played Persona 5? Phillip is giving Madarame vibes for sure.
I really wanted to love this one but something about it fell flat. I loved the premise, but the beginning of the book was so slow and the pacing just did not feel right until over half way in.
I did not connect to Ginny at all as a character, and I felt like she should have done something differently at the end of the book (not going to spoil it) but then the second to last chapter it made sense and was a satisfying ending.
I don't want to spoil anything but if anyone has played Persona 5? Phillip is giving Madarame vibes for sure.
August 18, 2026
3.5 stars
August 7, 2026
Ever since I saw that stunning cover, I’ve been looking forward to C.D. Major’s debut novel, The Residency. Ginny is a single mother to six-year-old Isla, and every day brings ever more challenges. Broke, needing a change from London, and wanting to restart her art career, Ginny accepts a paid art residency on a remote island in Scotland. This could help her and Isla get back on their feet, and Ginny will have a chance to learn from a successful artist. But as soon as she and Isla arrive at the isolated mansion, Ginny is uneasy. The islanders seem nice enough, but evasive and false. And why do the paintings in the house seem to move? They may be in a danger unlike any they could have imagined.
What I Liked:
- The scary side of art. I love horror that dives into creative pursuits, and I’ve been seeing more art-related spooky books lately. In The Residency, there’s something uncanny about the owner Phillip’s paintings. He creates miniature worlds, but why is there so much secrecy around them?
- Dual timeline. While most of this book comes from Ginny’s point of view in the present, there are flashbacks to Phillip’s childhood in the 1950s onward. The past portions actually captured my attention more, and they start to paint a clearer picture (pun intended) of the mysteries and tragedies plaguing the island.
- Gothic atmosphere: The remote island and large, mostly empty house; the strange islanders with all their secrets; the past mired in death and family drama… this book delivers on the Gothic vibes and growing sense of unease. The story itself also won me once the eerie and dark truth finally was revealed.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- There’s too much hardship in Ginny’s life. It felt like the author threw every bad circumstance she could think of Ginny, all to make her situation more sympathetic or to make her choices seem more logical. Her parents both being dead, her abusive ex getting out of prison, her daughter Isla’s medical issues, her stunted art career, her poverty, the traumatizing break-in, Isla’s issues with bullies… it was kind of overkill. I think half of those would have been sufficient. Instead, it was distractingly over-the-top.
- The ending felt rushed. Considering how complicated it all gets, I was hoping for a more thrilling and drawn-out ending. Ginny needs to really earn her win. Alas, it was fairly quick and painless, and so anti-climatic.
Audiobook:
Sarah Cullum does a great job of narrating The Residency. She captures Ginny’s voice well, especially in terms of the character’s distrust and overthinking about everything. She also does well with Phillip’s voice, complete with odd pauses and coughs interrupting his speech. From handling English and Scottish accents to voicing young Isla, Sarah Cullum makes The Residency an engaging listen.
Final Thoughts
The Residency is a chilling Gothic horror about ego, success, and a juxtaposition between expecting everything versus having nothing. I enjoyed the artistic aspect of this novel and the supernatural way it unfolds. I look forward to more horror from C.D. Major.
Special thanks to Canelo, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
What I Liked:
- The scary side of art. I love horror that dives into creative pursuits, and I’ve been seeing more art-related spooky books lately. In The Residency, there’s something uncanny about the owner Phillip’s paintings. He creates miniature worlds, but why is there so much secrecy around them?
- Dual timeline. While most of this book comes from Ginny’s point of view in the present, there are flashbacks to Phillip’s childhood in the 1950s onward. The past portions actually captured my attention more, and they start to paint a clearer picture (pun intended) of the mysteries and tragedies plaguing the island.
- Gothic atmosphere: The remote island and large, mostly empty house; the strange islanders with all their secrets; the past mired in death and family drama… this book delivers on the Gothic vibes and growing sense of unease. The story itself also won me once the eerie and dark truth finally was revealed.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- There’s too much hardship in Ginny’s life. It felt like the author threw every bad circumstance she could think of Ginny, all to make her situation more sympathetic or to make her choices seem more logical. Her parents both being dead, her abusive ex getting out of prison, her daughter Isla’s medical issues, her stunted art career, her poverty, the traumatizing break-in, Isla’s issues with bullies… it was kind of overkill. I think half of those would have been sufficient. Instead, it was distractingly over-the-top.
- The ending felt rushed. Considering how complicated it all gets, I was hoping for a more thrilling and drawn-out ending. Ginny needs to really earn her win. Alas, it was fairly quick and painless, and so anti-climatic.
Audiobook:
Sarah Cullum does a great job of narrating The Residency. She captures Ginny’s voice well, especially in terms of the character’s distrust and overthinking about everything. She also does well with Phillip’s voice, complete with odd pauses and coughs interrupting his speech. From handling English and Scottish accents to voicing young Isla, Sarah Cullum makes The Residency an engaging listen.
Final Thoughts
The Residency is a chilling Gothic horror about ego, success, and a juxtaposition between expecting everything versus having nothing. I enjoyed the artistic aspect of this novel and the supernatural way it unfolds. I look forward to more horror from C.D. Major.
Special thanks to Canelo, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don't linger in the gallery. Don't look too closely at the artwork. Don't ask questions.
Well I have to say that I enjoyed this little novel that gives a nod to The Picture of Dorian Gray, and has townspeople that seem to be related to The Stepford Wives! The reviews are all over- but it worked for me!
Ginny was once a promising up and coming artist until she married a man. This man ended up going to prison for robbery and assault, They have a 7 year old daughter, Isla. Isla was born with some issues, so Ginny gives up on pursuing art full time and works as a cleaner at a hospital. Life is hard and she is barely making ends meet. Then she is notified that her ex will be getting out of prison in 3 weeks and a sort of PTSD sets in. She is worried and anxious, and fearful of what he might do to she and Isla. Then she receives a letter that informs her that through her application (that she submitted weeks ago) she has been selected to be an art resident at a remote Scottish Island. She will receive a large amount of money at the end of the three months. There are rules to follow, one of them being do not look at any pictures that are in the gallery and covered by curtain. Ginny decides this is a lifesaving moment, packing she and Isla up, the and heads for the island.
Once arriving, Ginny finds the residents to be nice, the landscape beautiful. However, the artist is rarely seen and it takes a while until she finally meets him. Meanwhile, Bella is loving the little school, and Ginny has found her spark again. Then warnings begin, and strange noises, whispers, and the villagers lack of info on Phillip (the artist)- only rhapsodic praise and thanks for him- begin to add doubts in Ginny's mind about this place.
The story is told in alternating timelines. The past is from Phillip's perspective and what shaped him. Scary creep that he is! The present is from Ginny's perspective, and we feel the slowly dawning horror and fear she feels, especially when Isla is affected.
The atmosphere really embraced the gothic vibe: isolated island, strange host, stranger villagers, whispers and creepy paintings. Although at times Ginny got on my nerves with her worrying, overall it fit with the arc of the character. You instantly feel that something is off on the island and with the people. They refuse to answer questions, and always have a high praised response about anything relating to the island and the artist, Phillip. There is no wi-fi on the island, but Ginny persists in finding answers through searching the very creepy house. When Isla makes a grisly discovery, Ginny is frantic to get off the island, but the two boatsmen refuse to take her. The islanders know that something is not right, they fear Phillip, yet do not understand how he is controlling them.
I really liked the ending- I felt it was clever and haunting. And the author's notes at the end- really creepy and fascinating!
The first part is a little slower, but it picks up once we are on the island. It is reminiscent of Shirley Jackson, Wendy Webb and Barbara Michaels older books, Mary Stewart- some of my favorite gothic authors!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review."
Well I have to say that I enjoyed this little novel that gives a nod to The Picture of Dorian Gray, and has townspeople that seem to be related to The Stepford Wives! The reviews are all over- but it worked for me!
Ginny was once a promising up and coming artist until she married a man. This man ended up going to prison for robbery and assault, They have a 7 year old daughter, Isla. Isla was born with some issues, so Ginny gives up on pursuing art full time and works as a cleaner at a hospital. Life is hard and she is barely making ends meet. Then she is notified that her ex will be getting out of prison in 3 weeks and a sort of PTSD sets in. She is worried and anxious, and fearful of what he might do to she and Isla. Then she receives a letter that informs her that through her application (that she submitted weeks ago) she has been selected to be an art resident at a remote Scottish Island. She will receive a large amount of money at the end of the three months. There are rules to follow, one of them being do not look at any pictures that are in the gallery and covered by curtain. Ginny decides this is a lifesaving moment, packing she and Isla up, the and heads for the island.
Once arriving, Ginny finds the residents to be nice, the landscape beautiful. However, the artist is rarely seen and it takes a while until she finally meets him. Meanwhile, Bella is loving the little school, and Ginny has found her spark again. Then warnings begin, and strange noises, whispers, and the villagers lack of info on Phillip (the artist)- only rhapsodic praise and thanks for him- begin to add doubts in Ginny's mind about this place.
The story is told in alternating timelines. The past is from Phillip's perspective and what shaped him. Scary creep that he is! The present is from Ginny's perspective, and we feel the slowly dawning horror and fear she feels, especially when Isla is affected.
The atmosphere really embraced the gothic vibe: isolated island, strange host, stranger villagers, whispers and creepy paintings. Although at times Ginny got on my nerves with her worrying, overall it fit with the arc of the character. You instantly feel that something is off on the island and with the people. They refuse to answer questions, and always have a high praised response about anything relating to the island and the artist, Phillip. There is no wi-fi on the island, but Ginny persists in finding answers through searching the very creepy house. When Isla makes a grisly discovery, Ginny is frantic to get off the island, but the two boatsmen refuse to take her. The islanders know that something is not right, they fear Phillip, yet do not understand how he is controlling them.
I really liked the ending- I felt it was clever and haunting. And the author's notes at the end- really creepy and fascinating!
The first part is a little slower, but it picks up once we are on the island. It is reminiscent of Shirley Jackson, Wendy Webb and Barbara Michaels older books, Mary Stewart- some of my favorite gothic authors!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Warning major spoilers for the ending ahead!! Do not read if you do not want to know what happens in the end!!
I really wanted to love this story, but I could not get into it. I had read a prior book from this author and it took me a while to get into that one, but once I did I loved it. When I started and it wasn't clicking for me I was hoping the same thing would happen, but eventually I got too annoyed and skipped to the end to see how things were resolved. When I did I was so glad I didn't push through and read it all.
My main issue was the main character, Ginny, cannot use her brain and put 2 and 2 together to save her life. Things keep happening, the townspeople on the island keep acting strangely or saying strange things, and Ginny is just like huh. Odd. Oh well it's great here! Nothing wrong here! Which...obviously things aren't right. Obviously! Obviously the townsfolk are afraid of the old guy that gave her the residency! I mean I had forgotten what this was about when I picked it up and it was obvious what was going on, but could Ginny see anything wrong? Nope. It was so frustrating and finally after she saw one of the townspeople who tried to help her basically turned into a zombie and that person's son right afterwards yelled at her how she is responsible! She did this to him! And Ginny was like him? Him who?? I have no idea who he is talking about! I was like yeah, I can't with this and skipped to the end to see what happened.
And the ending was…not great. So the bad guy is this old guy who is on oxygen and can barely get around and his whole deal is he paints you in detail and then he can control you (if you are still alive in the outside world you basically become a zombie/are in a coma or something). He can torture you by putting you in other horrible paintings and yeah. But he is old and feeble and could easily be overpowered so…but Ginny finally opens her eyes and realizes what is going on when her daughter is affected (and somehow she is the only person to figure out that the old guys thing involves him painting you which I do not believe at all), and so she easy peasy goes back to the house, breaks into the locked room, and uses paint thinner to destroy the main painting with everyone in it. Then the people still alive on the outside “wake up” and are themselves again! Hooray! She then goes back to get her things (once she sees her daughter is once again herself) and has a “showdown” with the older guy which was very anticlimactic. Like he is just standing there all mwahaha! You thought you could really destroy everything? Well the one kid in the painting cannot be destroyed! I win! Which…was like okay, but I could easily make it so you cannot draw/paint anymore cause you are once again old and feeble! But the lady gets a better idea and draw the old guy into the painting with the kid and then he falls into a coma or whatever and she takes the painting with her to make sure he never gets out. Which sure, but it was so easy and was always going to be too easy. Like she was creeping around trying to not be noticed, but I am not sure why as he couldn’t really do anything to stop you unless he was right by the painting with you kid and torturing her with it or something. But even then you could easily overpower him and make him stop so…it had no tension. Because it felt like there were no stakes.
Oh and the final thing that was like yeah, sure, this is the way this happened was Ginny has an abusive ex who was in jail and is now out and that is part of the reason she took this residency - to get away from him and so he wouldn’t know where she is. Well when she gets cell service again (yeah no internet anywhere on the island) she has a text from him that is just hey, I’ll leave you alone, if my daughter ever wants to see me she can contact me. Like yeah that is what abusive assholes do - just leave you alone once you leave them. *cue huge eye roll* So yeah. I was really glad I didn’t read the entire book for that not great ending.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book
I really wanted to love this story, but I could not get into it. I had read a prior book from this author and it took me a while to get into that one, but once I did I loved it. When I started and it wasn't clicking for me I was hoping the same thing would happen, but eventually I got too annoyed and skipped to the end to see how things were resolved. When I did I was so glad I didn't push through and read it all.
My main issue was the main character, Ginny, cannot use her brain and put 2 and 2 together to save her life. Things keep happening, the townspeople on the island keep acting strangely or saying strange things, and Ginny is just like huh. Odd. Oh well it's great here! Nothing wrong here! Which...obviously things aren't right. Obviously! Obviously the townsfolk are afraid of the old guy that gave her the residency! I mean I had forgotten what this was about when I picked it up and it was obvious what was going on, but could Ginny see anything wrong? Nope. It was so frustrating and finally after she saw one of the townspeople who tried to help her basically turned into a zombie and that person's son right afterwards yelled at her how she is responsible! She did this to him! And Ginny was like him? Him who?? I have no idea who he is talking about! I was like yeah, I can't with this and skipped to the end to see what happened.
And the ending was…not great. So the bad guy is this old guy who is on oxygen and can barely get around and his whole deal is he paints you in detail and then he can control you (if you are still alive in the outside world you basically become a zombie/are in a coma or something). He can torture you by putting you in other horrible paintings and yeah. But he is old and feeble and could easily be overpowered so…but Ginny finally opens her eyes and realizes what is going on when her daughter is affected (and somehow she is the only person to figure out that the old guys thing involves him painting you which I do not believe at all), and so she easy peasy goes back to the house, breaks into the locked room, and uses paint thinner to destroy the main painting with everyone in it. Then the people still alive on the outside “wake up” and are themselves again! Hooray! She then goes back to get her things (once she sees her daughter is once again herself) and has a “showdown” with the older guy which was very anticlimactic. Like he is just standing there all mwahaha! You thought you could really destroy everything? Well the one kid in the painting cannot be destroyed! I win! Which…was like okay, but I could easily make it so you cannot draw/paint anymore cause you are once again old and feeble! But the lady gets a better idea and draw the old guy into the painting with the kid and then he falls into a coma or whatever and she takes the painting with her to make sure he never gets out. Which sure, but it was so easy and was always going to be too easy. Like she was creeping around trying to not be noticed, but I am not sure why as he couldn’t really do anything to stop you unless he was right by the painting with you kid and torturing her with it or something. But even then you could easily overpower him and make him stop so…it had no tension. Because it felt like there were no stakes.
Oh and the final thing that was like yeah, sure, this is the way this happened was Ginny has an abusive ex who was in jail and is now out and that is part of the reason she took this residency - to get away from him and so he wouldn’t know where she is. Well when she gets cell service again (yeah no internet anywhere on the island) she has a text from him that is just hey, I’ll leave you alone, if my daughter ever wants to see me she can contact me. Like yeah that is what abusive assholes do - just leave you alone once you leave them. *cue huge eye roll* So yeah. I was really glad I didn’t read the entire book for that not great ending.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book
August 6, 2026
Some horror stories find their way back to the exact fears that unsettled you as a child. The Residency gave me that wonderfully creepy, familiar feeling while still creating a mystery entirely its own.
The Residency by C.D. Major is being promoted as a Gothic horror novel set on a remote Scottish island. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sarah Cullum, which was released on August 6, 2026. I could definitely feel the Gothic influence in the old wood, the classic-style house, and the unsettling history surrounding the residency. It just did not feel particularly Victorian, if that is what you imagine when you hear Gothic. The overall atmosphere felt much more like isolated-island folk horror, with a small community that clearly knows more than it is willing to say and an outsider slowly realizing she has stepped into something much bigger than she understands.
Ginny is a struggling artist and single mother whose career never became what she once imagined. When she is unexpectedly accepted into an all-expenses-paid artist residency, it feels like the opportunity she has been waiting for. She and her daughter travel to the remote island, but the strange rules, unsettling property, and locals who refuse to give her clear answers quickly make it obvious that the invitation may not be as generous as it first appeared.
The isolated community reminded me of The Wicker Man and the village scenes in An American Werewolf in London. Ginny is entering a place where everyone else seems to understand what is happening, but nobody is willing to explain it to her. The locals are withholding information, old secrets are being protected, and there is a constant feeling that the entire community has quietly accepted something dangerous.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere C.D. Major created. The story has a strange, visual creepiness that reminded me of the stories that genuinely frightened me as a kid. Some of the imagery brought back the same uneasy feeling I had watching The Witches when I was younger. It felt familiar in that sense, but the author still created her own mystery around art, isolation, and the secrets surrounding the residency.
The audiobook narration worked well with the setting and helped create that feeling of being cut off from the mainland with no clear idea who could be trusted. The mystery kept me interested, and the horror elements were disturbing without making the story unnecessarily complicated.
There were a few stretches where the pacing dragged slightly, but they never lasted long enough for me to lose interest. I could see where parts of the story were heading, but the way everything came together still felt satisfying. The writing was strong, the concept was effective, and the story delivered a genuinely spooky experience.
The Residency is a great choice for readers who enjoy isolated communities, sinister artwork, suspicious locals, dark secrets, and small towns where everyone knows something they are not telling you. It was eerie, engaging, and unsettling in a way that felt both familiar and fresh.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Author Note: Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Residency by C.D. Major is being promoted as a Gothic horror novel set on a remote Scottish island. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sarah Cullum, which was released on August 6, 2026. I could definitely feel the Gothic influence in the old wood, the classic-style house, and the unsettling history surrounding the residency. It just did not feel particularly Victorian, if that is what you imagine when you hear Gothic. The overall atmosphere felt much more like isolated-island folk horror, with a small community that clearly knows more than it is willing to say and an outsider slowly realizing she has stepped into something much bigger than she understands.
Ginny is a struggling artist and single mother whose career never became what she once imagined. When she is unexpectedly accepted into an all-expenses-paid artist residency, it feels like the opportunity she has been waiting for. She and her daughter travel to the remote island, but the strange rules, unsettling property, and locals who refuse to give her clear answers quickly make it obvious that the invitation may not be as generous as it first appeared.
The isolated community reminded me of The Wicker Man and the village scenes in An American Werewolf in London. Ginny is entering a place where everyone else seems to understand what is happening, but nobody is willing to explain it to her. The locals are withholding information, old secrets are being protected, and there is a constant feeling that the entire community has quietly accepted something dangerous.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere C.D. Major created. The story has a strange, visual creepiness that reminded me of the stories that genuinely frightened me as a kid. Some of the imagery brought back the same uneasy feeling I had watching The Witches when I was younger. It felt familiar in that sense, but the author still created her own mystery around art, isolation, and the secrets surrounding the residency.
The audiobook narration worked well with the setting and helped create that feeling of being cut off from the mainland with no clear idea who could be trusted. The mystery kept me interested, and the horror elements were disturbing without making the story unnecessarily complicated.
There were a few stretches where the pacing dragged slightly, but they never lasted long enough for me to lose interest. I could see where parts of the story were heading, but the way everything came together still felt satisfying. The writing was strong, the concept was effective, and the story delivered a genuinely spooky experience.
The Residency is a great choice for readers who enjoy isolated communities, sinister artwork, suspicious locals, dark secrets, and small towns where everyone knows something they are not telling you. It was eerie, engaging, and unsettling in a way that felt both familiar and fresh.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Author Note: Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Residency by C.D. Major is a brisk, suspenseful thriller wrapped in the guise of an artist’s journey. It follows a single mother and creative soul who accepts a unique opportunity: an artistic residency on a remote Scottish island. What begins as an exciting, almost idyllic escape quickly unravels into something darker and more unpredictable. The premise alone is compelling—a fresh take on isolation and the creative mind under pressure—but what really makes this book stand out is its clever blend of atmospheric tension and pop culture nostalgia.
Reading The Residency felt very much like sitting down to an episode of Friday the 13th: The Series—an eerie mix of mystery, suspense, and a slight supernatural vibe that keeps you hooked from the first page. C.D. Major’s prose captures that unsettling mood perfectly, balancing moments of quiet reflection with sudden bursts of thrilling action. The Scottish island setting itself acts almost like a character—wild, brooding, and suffused with an intangible menace that echoes in the forests and crashing waves.
The protagonist, a single mother and artist, is crafted with warmth and relatability amid the suspense. Her role is not just a vehicle for the thrill but adds emotional depth; her conflicting desires for artistic success and the safety of her family ground the story in very human stakes. The narrative doesn’t delve too deeply into introspection, which keeps the pace taut and focused, but there are moments when the character’s vulnerability shines through, lending authenticity to her reactions as the odd events unfold.
One of the book’s notable strengths is its pacing. Major knows when to slow down and savor the eerie atmosphere and when to accelerate into tense, sometimes chilling sequences. That rhythm makes the story feel less like a novel and more like a binge-worthy mini-series. The occasional cryptic hints and plot twists keep the reader guessing, too, although purists might find some resolutions a little too neat or familiar for the genre.
On the downside, certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to enrich the social dynamics on the island and heighten the sense of isolation and unease. Additionally, some readers might find the thriller elements somewhat predictable if they’re seasoned fans of the genre. However, the novel’s compactness means it never overstays its welcome or becomes bogged down in unnecessary details.
Overall, The Residency is an engaging, stylish thriller with a distinctive flair. It’s an excellent choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers with an artistic twist and a bit of nostalgic horror charm. Those looking for a fast-paced story with a moody, evocative setting and relatable characters will find this a fun read that cleverly balances heart and suspense.
For anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity and mystery, or who longs for a story that evokes the creepy yet captivating vibe of vintage supernatural thrillers, this book offers a satisfying escape. It poses an interesting question: what happens when the place meant to inspire you becomes the very source of your nightmares?
Reading The Residency felt very much like sitting down to an episode of Friday the 13th: The Series—an eerie mix of mystery, suspense, and a slight supernatural vibe that keeps you hooked from the first page. C.D. Major’s prose captures that unsettling mood perfectly, balancing moments of quiet reflection with sudden bursts of thrilling action. The Scottish island setting itself acts almost like a character—wild, brooding, and suffused with an intangible menace that echoes in the forests and crashing waves.
The protagonist, a single mother and artist, is crafted with warmth and relatability amid the suspense. Her role is not just a vehicle for the thrill but adds emotional depth; her conflicting desires for artistic success and the safety of her family ground the story in very human stakes. The narrative doesn’t delve too deeply into introspection, which keeps the pace taut and focused, but there are moments when the character’s vulnerability shines through, lending authenticity to her reactions as the odd events unfold.
One of the book’s notable strengths is its pacing. Major knows when to slow down and savor the eerie atmosphere and when to accelerate into tense, sometimes chilling sequences. That rhythm makes the story feel less like a novel and more like a binge-worthy mini-series. The occasional cryptic hints and plot twists keep the reader guessing, too, although purists might find some resolutions a little too neat or familiar for the genre.
On the downside, certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to enrich the social dynamics on the island and heighten the sense of isolation and unease. Additionally, some readers might find the thriller elements somewhat predictable if they’re seasoned fans of the genre. However, the novel’s compactness means it never overstays its welcome or becomes bogged down in unnecessary details.
Overall, The Residency is an engaging, stylish thriller with a distinctive flair. It’s an excellent choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers with an artistic twist and a bit of nostalgic horror charm. Those looking for a fast-paced story with a moody, evocative setting and relatable characters will find this a fun read that cleverly balances heart and suspense.
For anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity and mystery, or who longs for a story that evokes the creepy yet captivating vibe of vintage supernatural thrillers, this book offers a satisfying escape. It poses an interesting question: what happens when the place meant to inspire you becomes the very source of your nightmares?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating rounded up: 3.5/5 stars
The Residency is one of those reads that kept me completely engrossed and wondering what would happen next, even when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake the main character.
Premise:
We follow a single mother dealing with PTSD who moves to an isolated Scottish island for an art residency. It’s got that perfect atmospheric dread—a self-sufficient community, a "too good to be true" vibe, and an elusive head figure, Philip, who is cloaked in mystery. Add in a "mad" boat captain, who might be the only one telling the truth, and the stage is set for some seriously spooky speculation.
Frustrations:
For the first 60–70% of the book, the MC was frustratingly weak. I get that she has trauma, but as a reader, the lack of growth for the majority of the story was aggravating. She approaches nothing logically and asks the most surface-level questions without ever digging into the why. Honestly, her six-year-old daughter seemed like the smarter one for a good chunk of the book.
The narrative also felt a bit repetitive with the repeated references to her past in London. I kept thinking, “Girl, get a grip and start asking the real questions—if not for your own curiosity, then for your daughter’s safety!”
Atmosphere & Pacing:
Despite my gripes with the MC, the book has incredible propulsive readability. It reads smoothly and lightly, even with the British terminology and spelling. The vibe is eerie and heavy with an undertone of isolation; that specific kind of dread where you’re the only person in the room not in on the secret.
Ending (No Spoilers!):
By 80%, I had deduced the "what," but I stayed glued to the page to find out the "how". While I saw some reviews that felt the ending was rushed, I actually really liked it. It left me satisfied, and the afterword made the entire story feel even creepier in hindsight. I also appreciated that the MC eventually found her inner strength and acknowledged her own timidity and conflict avoidance.
Final Thoughts:
The themes of tyranny, control, and finding strength within oneself gave this story a nice layer of depth, even if they lacked a bit early on. If you’re looking for something that isn't too heavy or dark but offers a great atmospheric vibe, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that you'll want to devour in one sitting.
Themes: Familial love, Identity (self-discovery/belonging), Misogyny in the art world, Good vs. Evil
Vibe: Atmospheric dread, creepy, and eerie.
Rating rounded up: 3.5/5 stars
The Residency is one of those reads that kept me completely engrossed and wondering what would happen next, even when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake the main character.
Premise:
We follow a single mother dealing with PTSD who moves to an isolated Scottish island for an art residency. It’s got that perfect atmospheric dread—a self-sufficient community, a "too good to be true" vibe, and an elusive head figure, Philip, who is cloaked in mystery. Add in a "mad" boat captain, who might be the only one telling the truth, and the stage is set for some seriously spooky speculation.
Frustrations:
For the first 60–70% of the book, the MC was frustratingly weak. I get that she has trauma, but as a reader, the lack of growth for the majority of the story was aggravating. She approaches nothing logically and asks the most surface-level questions without ever digging into the why. Honestly, her six-year-old daughter seemed like the smarter one for a good chunk of the book.
The narrative also felt a bit repetitive with the repeated references to her past in London. I kept thinking, “Girl, get a grip and start asking the real questions—if not for your own curiosity, then for your daughter’s safety!”
Atmosphere & Pacing:
Despite my gripes with the MC, the book has incredible propulsive readability. It reads smoothly and lightly, even with the British terminology and spelling. The vibe is eerie and heavy with an undertone of isolation; that specific kind of dread where you’re the only person in the room not in on the secret.
Ending (No Spoilers!):
By 80%, I had deduced the "what," but I stayed glued to the page to find out the "how". While I saw some reviews that felt the ending was rushed, I actually really liked it. It left me satisfied, and the afterword made the entire story feel even creepier in hindsight. I also appreciated that the MC eventually found her inner strength and acknowledged her own timidity and conflict avoidance.
Final Thoughts:
The themes of tyranny, control, and finding strength within oneself gave this story a nice layer of depth, even if they lacked a bit early on. If you’re looking for something that isn't too heavy or dark but offers a great atmospheric vibe, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that you'll want to devour in one sitting.
Themes: Familial love, Identity (self-discovery/belonging), Misogyny in the art world, Good vs. Evil
Vibe: Atmospheric dread, creepy, and eerie.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC.
Trigger warnings: domestic violence, school bullying, animal cruelty
This lives up to its description of an atmospheric gothic suspense novel. The way the author describes stuff, down to the shade of the color, immerses you in their life, like you are a shadow following Ginny around.
Ginny is a single mom, anxious and paranoid after living through hell with her husband, trying to give her daughter, Isla, a good life. The opportunity dropping in her lap is like a godsent to their struggling lives. From the first chapters, you can feel how much she loves Isla, how she only feels strong at the thought of doing it for her.
But those exact traits are what help her when things start going wrong. The isolation of the island, from wi-fi and outside world, only helps in feeding her paranoia, only painting and Isla calming her down. Being the new person anywhere sucks, especially so when everyone on the island are wary of her and act a bit weird.
The mansion is a mish-mash of gothic old and modern new, Philip having strict rules about his stuff. Rules Ginny should want to follow so she can make a better life for herself and Isla. But when the weirdness starts emerging from the shadows, from the walls, growing longer towards them, she knows she has to be strong so they can both survive.
The atmospheric suspense was greatly described, and I felt like I could walk through those places, feel the same shudder at something that weirded Ginny out. It was a bit slow in the beginning until the action picked out, but it was something that grew over time, slow and steady until it was too late. Sometimes, the jump to the past was a bit confusing until you understood the timeline and how it connects to what's happening in the present.
Ginny is a woman trying to live in a world run by men. She wants to feel secure and confident, but past experiences have shown her nothing is stronger than a man's ego and anger. You can see how this affects her day to day life. But a mother's love can and will overpower those insecurities she has every time she feels like losing against the world. I loved how she wasn't a perfect person or mother, struggling with decisions and actions. The author fleshed her out really well, and Isla was a delight to read about and listen to her excited storytelling.
This being my first book from C. D. Major, I can say I will keep an eye out for anything she'll put out next, and go read her past work as well.
Trigger warnings: domestic violence, school bullying, animal cruelty
This lives up to its description of an atmospheric gothic suspense novel. The way the author describes stuff, down to the shade of the color, immerses you in their life, like you are a shadow following Ginny around.
Ginny is a single mom, anxious and paranoid after living through hell with her husband, trying to give her daughter, Isla, a good life. The opportunity dropping in her lap is like a godsent to their struggling lives. From the first chapters, you can feel how much she loves Isla, how she only feels strong at the thought of doing it for her.
But those exact traits are what help her when things start going wrong. The isolation of the island, from wi-fi and outside world, only helps in feeding her paranoia, only painting and Isla calming her down. Being the new person anywhere sucks, especially so when everyone on the island are wary of her and act a bit weird.
The mansion is a mish-mash of gothic old and modern new, Philip having strict rules about his stuff. Rules Ginny should want to follow so she can make a better life for herself and Isla. But when the weirdness starts emerging from the shadows, from the walls, growing longer towards them, she knows she has to be strong so they can both survive.
The atmospheric suspense was greatly described, and I felt like I could walk through those places, feel the same shudder at something that weirded Ginny out. It was a bit slow in the beginning until the action picked out, but it was something that grew over time, slow and steady until it was too late. Sometimes, the jump to the past was a bit confusing until you understood the timeline and how it connects to what's happening in the present.
Ginny is a woman trying to live in a world run by men. She wants to feel secure and confident, but past experiences have shown her nothing is stronger than a man's ego and anger. You can see how this affects her day to day life. But a mother's love can and will overpower those insecurities she has every time she feels like losing against the world. I loved how she wasn't a perfect person or mother, struggling with decisions and actions. The author fleshed her out really well, and Isla was a delight to read about and listen to her excited storytelling.
This being my first book from C. D. Major, I can say I will keep an eye out for anything she'll put out next, and go read her past work as well.
August 5, 2026
3 stars
I had high hopes for The Residency because the premise sounded like something I would really enjoy: an artist’s residency on a remote Scottish island, a strange house, covered paintings, whispers, and residents who clearly know more than they are saying.
The atmosphere was probably the strongest part of the book. There was always a feeling that something wasn’t right, and the island, house, and paintings worked well together to create that uneasiness. It was definitely a slow burn, though, and my attention wandered in a few places.
I also wouldn’t call it especially scary. I can see it being considered a thriller or light horror, but it was quite mild for me compared with what I expected from the description and advance praise.
I could understand why Ginny ignored some of the red flags and accepted the residency. She was an abused mother struggling financially, with a medically challenged daughter who was being bullied at school. Was it stretched a little? Sure. But people grasp at straws when they are desperate, so I found her decision believable enough.
My biggest frustration was that several things seemed to be building toward a more interesting explanation than the one we eventually received. Philip’s resentment toward women being accepted as artists, the emphasis on Ginny bringing her daughter, and the rules surrounding the paintings all felt important, but they didn’t come together in a way that completely made sense to me. I understood the general direction of the story pretty much from the beginning, and the actual explanation left me with more questions rather than surprising me.
I felt sorry for Ginny and Isla and could relate to parts of their situation, but I never fully connected with them. They felt more like the familiar protective-mother-and-child combination than two characters I really got to know.
The ending had a clever idea behind it, especially with Ginny using her own artistic ability, but the way it happened felt a little too convenient. After the buildup, my final reaction was mostly “ehhh… okay.”
Sarah Cullum’s narration was very good and definitely improved my experience. I could differentiate most of the characters, none of the voices became annoying, and the performance added another layer to the atmosphere. The narration is what pushes this closer to 3.5 stars for me, but since NetGalley and Goodreads uses full stars, I’m settling on 3.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing the advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for The Residency because the premise sounded like something I would really enjoy: an artist’s residency on a remote Scottish island, a strange house, covered paintings, whispers, and residents who clearly know more than they are saying.
The atmosphere was probably the strongest part of the book. There was always a feeling that something wasn’t right, and the island, house, and paintings worked well together to create that uneasiness. It was definitely a slow burn, though, and my attention wandered in a few places.
I also wouldn’t call it especially scary. I can see it being considered a thriller or light horror, but it was quite mild for me compared with what I expected from the description and advance praise.
I could understand why Ginny ignored some of the red flags and accepted the residency. She was an abused mother struggling financially, with a medically challenged daughter who was being bullied at school. Was it stretched a little? Sure. But people grasp at straws when they are desperate, so I found her decision believable enough.
My biggest frustration was that several things seemed to be building toward a more interesting explanation than the one we eventually received. Philip’s resentment toward women being accepted as artists, the emphasis on Ginny bringing her daughter, and the rules surrounding the paintings all felt important, but they didn’t come together in a way that completely made sense to me. I understood the general direction of the story pretty much from the beginning, and the actual explanation left me with more questions rather than surprising me.
I felt sorry for Ginny and Isla and could relate to parts of their situation, but I never fully connected with them. They felt more like the familiar protective-mother-and-child combination than two characters I really got to know.
The ending had a clever idea behind it, especially with Ginny using her own artistic ability, but the way it happened felt a little too convenient. After the buildup, my final reaction was mostly “ehhh… okay.”
Sarah Cullum’s narration was very good and definitely improved my experience. I could differentiate most of the characters, none of the voices became annoying, and the performance added another layer to the atmosphere. The narration is what pushes this closer to 3.5 stars for me, but since NetGalley and Goodreads uses full stars, I’m settling on 3.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing the advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2026
To my eternal shame, although probably to be anticipated, this is the first book I have read by C. D. (Cesca) Major. Based on what I have read here, it most certainly won't be the last. A young mother and her beloved daughter, escaping a troubled past to start a fresh with the promise of great riches following an artist in residence opportunity on a remote Scottish Island ... I mean. What could possibly go wrong, right?
From the very beginning of this book, I could feel the tension slowly start to build, the atmosphere turn ever so slightly towards the creepy and unsettling, and dare I even say a tad oppressive. This story is told in two threads, the main one from the present, in which mother in question, Ginny, is trying to do the best by her daughter, Isla, spotting an opportunity which seems almost too good to be true. A fully expensed artist residency, after which she would get a decent pay out and hopefully the opportunity to create her own collection of works to exhibit. It's a dream Ginny had put on hold following Isla's birth, but one which refuses to really die. Impostor syndrome aside, she also has a very solid reason to want to flee her home, and not just because she is struggling financially to make ends meet. But when you arrive to the port waiting for your passage to the island, and the owner of the boat almost refuses to take you, making a whole song and dance over your daughter's presence, well ... A more rational, and less desperate person may well turn back. But that would have been a very short book, and thankfully for us readers, if not Ginny and Isla, that is not what Ms Major had planned.
The secondary thread to this story concerns the past of Stark Island and Ginny's most mysterious benefactor, Sir Philip Eastwick-Lang. Even on the island, which he owns exclusively and into which he has founded schools, hospitals and pretty much everything else of note, he is considered something of an enigma, seldom seen and yet ever present. The more we learn of Philip, the clearer the picture of the strange goings on in the present become, although the absolute truth is kept back until the prime moment much later in the book. We traverse Philip's childhood, his disappointments, and his triumphs, although whether everyone enjoys the latter so much is questionable. It's an intriguing passage through time, and although I perhaps guessed some elements of it, there is a lot which took me by surprise, in a twisted, delighted, way.
I love what the author has done with this book. Yes, the remote Island is a tried and tested format, and yes, it plays into the lack of external communications element of any good suspense mystery perfectly. But it is more than that. She has used the landscape, and the every changing elements of the natural world perfectly, but infused it into a story of a community who all act in strange and indecipherable ways. I mean, there are warning signs from the start, the somewhat archaic point of view with regards to the hostelry for a start, but we are also drip fed other key clues, certain words or events that start to set the warning bells not so much tolling as ringing their clangers/clappers off. And the house, the sprawling mansion which seems so very lost in time and space. It is the perfect dark gothic styling, with creepy pictures, out of bounds rooms and strange noises and goings on in the night that serve to keep the tension high and me, as a reader, on the edge of my seat. I was poised to expect the unexpected, sure, but even some of that is more expected than you might imagine.
I loved the styling, the premise and the execution of this book. I felt and believe in Ginny's desperation, and the reticence of the other island residents to help her really did just add to the whole unsettling nature of the story. It is a tale packed full of deception, half truths and perhaps even the harshest of punishments for those who have transgressed. But Ginny is a character of unexpected and exceptional personal resilience and strength, as perhaps only a mother could be, and I felt for her and was glued to her story from the start. Philip is just unnerving enough to be a brilliant antagonist, even if the reasons why he gets your dander up are not immediately clear. In fact, all of the characters add dimension, and in some cases, agency to the story, all authentic and well observed in their portrayal.
A wonderfully unsettling and atmospheric gothic tale and I will most certainly be looking for more from the author in future.
From the very beginning of this book, I could feel the tension slowly start to build, the atmosphere turn ever so slightly towards the creepy and unsettling, and dare I even say a tad oppressive. This story is told in two threads, the main one from the present, in which mother in question, Ginny, is trying to do the best by her daughter, Isla, spotting an opportunity which seems almost too good to be true. A fully expensed artist residency, after which she would get a decent pay out and hopefully the opportunity to create her own collection of works to exhibit. It's a dream Ginny had put on hold following Isla's birth, but one which refuses to really die. Impostor syndrome aside, she also has a very solid reason to want to flee her home, and not just because she is struggling financially to make ends meet. But when you arrive to the port waiting for your passage to the island, and the owner of the boat almost refuses to take you, making a whole song and dance over your daughter's presence, well ... A more rational, and less desperate person may well turn back. But that would have been a very short book, and thankfully for us readers, if not Ginny and Isla, that is not what Ms Major had planned.
The secondary thread to this story concerns the past of Stark Island and Ginny's most mysterious benefactor, Sir Philip Eastwick-Lang. Even on the island, which he owns exclusively and into which he has founded schools, hospitals and pretty much everything else of note, he is considered something of an enigma, seldom seen and yet ever present. The more we learn of Philip, the clearer the picture of the strange goings on in the present become, although the absolute truth is kept back until the prime moment much later in the book. We traverse Philip's childhood, his disappointments, and his triumphs, although whether everyone enjoys the latter so much is questionable. It's an intriguing passage through time, and although I perhaps guessed some elements of it, there is a lot which took me by surprise, in a twisted, delighted, way.
I love what the author has done with this book. Yes, the remote Island is a tried and tested format, and yes, it plays into the lack of external communications element of any good suspense mystery perfectly. But it is more than that. She has used the landscape, and the every changing elements of the natural world perfectly, but infused it into a story of a community who all act in strange and indecipherable ways. I mean, there are warning signs from the start, the somewhat archaic point of view with regards to the hostelry for a start, but we are also drip fed other key clues, certain words or events that start to set the warning bells not so much tolling as ringing their clangers/clappers off. And the house, the sprawling mansion which seems so very lost in time and space. It is the perfect dark gothic styling, with creepy pictures, out of bounds rooms and strange noises and goings on in the night that serve to keep the tension high and me, as a reader, on the edge of my seat. I was poised to expect the unexpected, sure, but even some of that is more expected than you might imagine.
I loved the styling, the premise and the execution of this book. I felt and believe in Ginny's desperation, and the reticence of the other island residents to help her really did just add to the whole unsettling nature of the story. It is a tale packed full of deception, half truths and perhaps even the harshest of punishments for those who have transgressed. But Ginny is a character of unexpected and exceptional personal resilience and strength, as perhaps only a mother could be, and I felt for her and was glued to her story from the start. Philip is just unnerving enough to be a brilliant antagonist, even if the reasons why he gets your dander up are not immediately clear. In fact, all of the characters add dimension, and in some cases, agency to the story, all authentic and well observed in their portrayal.
A wonderfully unsettling and atmospheric gothic tale and I will most certainly be looking for more from the author in future.
August 13, 2026
There was so much about this book that I wanted to love. As someone who loves painting, the idea of an artist residency on a remote Scottish island was immediately appealing, and the book absolutely delivers when it comes to atmosphere.
The isolated setting, strange house, unsettling artwork, and questionable legitimacy surrounding the residency all create exactly the kind of gothic atmosphere I was hoping for.
I also really loved the concept and the history behind the story. There is a really interesting horror story buried in here, and I think that's what kept me reading even when I was struggling with the pacing, because unfortunately, the pacing was probably my biggest issue.
The beginning is very slow, and the problem is that I felt like I understood that something sinister was happening almost immediately. Instead of the slow burn gradually building tension, I found myself becoming frustrated that Ginny seemed to take an incredibly long time to catch up with what I already suspected. There were moments where I wanted to yell at her to please just realize that something was wrong. I honestly struggled with her character as a whole.
Ginny's constant fear is understandable considering everything she's dealing with and the traumatic experiences in her past, but it completely controls her for most of the story. I kept waiting for her to have that moment where she finally takes control of the situation, and while she does gain some spirit toward the end, I didn't feel like she experienced the character growth I was hoping for.
That said, I loved Ginny's daughter Isla. Her addition brought such a nice contrast to the darkness of the story, and their relationship helped give the story some emotional weight beyond the mystery surrounding the house.
Overall, this was a book where I loved the idea of it almost as much as I loved the atmosphere. The setting and history are fantastic, and I can absolutely see why this story would work for readers who enjoy a slower gothic horror. It just didn't entirely work for me because of the pacing and Ginny's character. That said, I still found the history behind the book fascinating enough that I'm glad I read it, and I wouldn't let my 3-star rating stop you from giving this one a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced copy of this title!
The isolated setting, strange house, unsettling artwork, and questionable legitimacy surrounding the residency all create exactly the kind of gothic atmosphere I was hoping for.
I also really loved the concept and the history behind the story. There is a really interesting horror story buried in here, and I think that's what kept me reading even when I was struggling with the pacing, because unfortunately, the pacing was probably my biggest issue.
The beginning is very slow, and the problem is that I felt like I understood that something sinister was happening almost immediately. Instead of the slow burn gradually building tension, I found myself becoming frustrated that Ginny seemed to take an incredibly long time to catch up with what I already suspected. There were moments where I wanted to yell at her to please just realize that something was wrong. I honestly struggled with her character as a whole.
Ginny's constant fear is understandable considering everything she's dealing with and the traumatic experiences in her past, but it completely controls her for most of the story. I kept waiting for her to have that moment where she finally takes control of the situation, and while she does gain some spirit toward the end, I didn't feel like she experienced the character growth I was hoping for.
That said, I loved Ginny's daughter Isla. Her addition brought such a nice contrast to the darkness of the story, and their relationship helped give the story some emotional weight beyond the mystery surrounding the house.
Overall, this was a book where I loved the idea of it almost as much as I loved the atmosphere. The setting and history are fantastic, and I can absolutely see why this story would work for readers who enjoy a slower gothic horror. It just didn't entirely work for me because of the pacing and Ginny's character. That said, I still found the history behind the book fascinating enough that I'm glad I read it, and I wouldn't let my 3-star rating stop you from giving this one a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced copy of this title!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Residency by CD Major is about a single mother named Ginny who is struggling to make ends meet. When an opportunity for a residency arrives, all expenses paid AND she gets money at the end, she seizes it as the opportunity it is and travels to just off the Scottish coast with her daughter, Isla. The villagers seem friendly and very pleased with Philip Eastwick-Lang, who in addition to providing Ginny’s residency, also funds all the businesses, the school, the library, and the hospital. Isla is settling in well, and Ginny thinks this could be the break she needs. But the villagers turn hostile, some of them start to behave strangely, and there are strange sounds and smells in the house that makes Ginny think perhaps the place may be haunted. Just why must some of the paintings be kept covered, for example?
Negative thoughts:
-The characters were vast, and the book didn’t spend an overly long time with each of them, so I had to remind myself of a few of them (like trying to remember who Pippa, Laura, Julia, and Tina were). It makes sense, because the horror is more contained in the house, but it also had me stopping to try to remember who was who.
-Ginny’s actions are, at times, a little silly. I don’t know, man, if I found something disturbing at the house I’m staying at, I would immediately suspect the man who lives there of being behind it. She’s a little slow on catching on that Philip is not so benevolent as he seems, which of course we were clued into at the very beginning, but if mentioning a man leads everyone around you to paste on smiles, loudly extol his virtues, and hiss at you to stop asking questions, you’d think you’d start to wonder. I would.
Positive thoughts:
+I liked Ginny learning to assert herself more and standing her ground, taking up space, demanding help, and then readying to go to war to protect her child.
+The painting idea is an interesting one and definitely very atmospherically creepy. Might have been better for Ginny to have discovered the secret earlier in the book and been baffled as to what to do, but it was still fun to read regardless.
I recommend this for people who like spooky reads but in a modern setting.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Negative thoughts:
-The characters were vast, and the book didn’t spend an overly long time with each of them, so I had to remind myself of a few of them (like trying to remember who Pippa, Laura, Julia, and Tina were). It makes sense, because the horror is more contained in the house, but it also had me stopping to try to remember who was who.
-Ginny’s actions are, at times, a little silly. I don’t know, man, if I found something disturbing at the house I’m staying at, I would immediately suspect the man who lives there of being behind it. She’s a little slow on catching on that Philip is not so benevolent as he seems, which of course we were clued into at the very beginning, but if mentioning a man leads everyone around you to paste on smiles, loudly extol his virtues, and hiss at you to stop asking questions, you’d think you’d start to wonder. I would.
Positive thoughts:
+I liked Ginny learning to assert herself more and standing her ground, taking up space, demanding help, and then readying to go to war to protect her child.
+The painting idea is an interesting one and definitely very atmospherically creepy. Might have been better for Ginny to have discovered the secret earlier in the book and been baffled as to what to do, but it was still fun to read regardless.
I recommend this for people who like spooky reads but in a modern setting.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first read by this author across both genres and I'm so glad that I picked a spooky one first.
This is certainly my more favoured genre and I absolutely devoured this read.
After escaping an abusive relationship, Ginny needs to take herself away and applies for a residency with famous artist Philip who offers her the place with all expenses paid and the potential for a gallery show and finds afterwards too.
When she and her daughter, Isla, arrive on the remote Scottish island, she definitely feels like it and its community are a little strange - but wowed by the huge gothic mansion she gets to share, she sees this as an opportunity of a lifetime.
From the initial arrival, this immediately gives off an odd vibe that puts us on edge.
The other villagers run hot and cold and there are a list of rules to follow all over the island.
The biggest of all, don't look at the main gallery pictures - some of which are curtained.
As the story unfolds, more and more strange things start to happen, people going missing, stories of a death on the island, noises in the night and strange scents around the house.
Alongside this present day storyline, we head back to Philip's childhood and this is where we start to see a much different side to the now ailing and aging artist.
This definitely gave me chills in places and I honestly don't think I'd have been able to stay in a house with such oddities.
But Ginny stays and even breaks some of the rules too.
The tension builds throughout and gets increasingly more twisty and creepy.
I can't really say too much else as I don't want to spoiler anything - but this reminded me of a famous classic novel - although in the author's note, this isn't cited as an influence at all. I know it's a loose thread, but I loved the way this developed and the final conclusion had me both shocked and amused.
I've already pre-ordered my own copy of this, but I loved grabbing this early audio edition and devouring it whilst doing the housework.
A great read that kept me immersed from start to finish.
This is certainly my more favoured genre and I absolutely devoured this read.
After escaping an abusive relationship, Ginny needs to take herself away and applies for a residency with famous artist Philip who offers her the place with all expenses paid and the potential for a gallery show and finds afterwards too.
When she and her daughter, Isla, arrive on the remote Scottish island, she definitely feels like it and its community are a little strange - but wowed by the huge gothic mansion she gets to share, she sees this as an opportunity of a lifetime.
From the initial arrival, this immediately gives off an odd vibe that puts us on edge.
The other villagers run hot and cold and there are a list of rules to follow all over the island.
The biggest of all, don't look at the main gallery pictures - some of which are curtained.
As the story unfolds, more and more strange things start to happen, people going missing, stories of a death on the island, noises in the night and strange scents around the house.
Alongside this present day storyline, we head back to Philip's childhood and this is where we start to see a much different side to the now ailing and aging artist.
This definitely gave me chills in places and I honestly don't think I'd have been able to stay in a house with such oddities.
But Ginny stays and even breaks some of the rules too.
The tension builds throughout and gets increasingly more twisty and creepy.
I can't really say too much else as I don't want to spoiler anything - but this reminded me of a famous classic novel - although in the author's note, this isn't cited as an influence at all. I know it's a loose thread, but I loved the way this developed and the final conclusion had me both shocked and amused.
I've already pre-ordered my own copy of this, but I loved grabbing this early audio edition and devouring it whilst doing the housework.
A great read that kept me immersed from start to finish.
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