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Daughters of the Mire
Daughters of the Mire is a haunting gothic tale set in Willow’s Mire, where the Turner sisters are shrouded in whispers of miracles and monstrosities. As rumours blur truth and myth, the real story emerges through hidden diaries, letters, and fragments of the past, uncovering a chilling legacy of secrets, loss, and lives claimed by the mire. Bound by blood yet divided by what they conceal, the sisters are trapped in a history that refuses to stay buried, pulling them inexorably toward a dark and inescapable truth.
478 pages, Perfect Binding
Published May 10, 2026
About the author
Shareen Ho
1 book7 followersShareen Ho is a Malaysian writer with a background in advertising. A lifelong lover of books, she has always been drawn to storytelling, even as life led her through different creative paths. Those years shaped her voice, perspective, and understanding of people, ultimately guiding her back to writing at the right moment. Living with dwarfism has informed her resilience and deepened her empathy, and through her work she seeks to give voice to women’s struggles, pain, and strength.
Daughters of the Mire is her debut novel, born from a dream that refused to let go.
Daughters of the Mire is her debut novel, born from a dream that refused to let go.
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May 24, 20263.5/5
'daughters of the mire' is a haunting story about two sisters as they face the life they were dealt with, and how they each reacted to trauma and pain. written in an epistolary fashion, the diary entries let us enter the minds of each sister and their rationale for their actions. this gothic tale, while set in a historical background, tells a tale of what many women go through even til this day. its raw and painful, but a very much needed read as it can make other women feel like they are less alone.
the plot moved slowly from the beginning as we get to know the characters and how they have ended up, a slow burn that eventually takes a left turn and a nosedive into action. its intense. i enjoyed the characters and how each of the sisters are their own distinct characters, though their voices did blend quite a bit in the beginning. however, once they have taken their own separate paths, their voices became much stronger. the diary entries, while an interesting story-telling method, did seem out of place at times, and there were quite a few repetitions that felt redundant. overall however, it was quite an interesting read.
the story really shines through its language, as the author's prose really shines through with the descriptions of the mire and the atmosphere. i could almost see the gloomy town of willow's mire and its constant fog, hanging over the characters like a bad omen.
finally, this book was such a rollercoaster to read, and it poses some really hard questions; are we the consequences of our actions, and does trauma excuse our actions? it was a book that really had me pondering these questions, which led to a wonderful discussion with the book club members.
i received a copy of the book from the publisher through the badass bookclub in exchange for a review. all thoughts are my own 🩷
'daughters of the mire' is a haunting story about two sisters as they face the life they were dealt with, and how they each reacted to trauma and pain. written in an epistolary fashion, the diary entries let us enter the minds of each sister and their rationale for their actions. this gothic tale, while set in a historical background, tells a tale of what many women go through even til this day. its raw and painful, but a very much needed read as it can make other women feel like they are less alone.
the plot moved slowly from the beginning as we get to know the characters and how they have ended up, a slow burn that eventually takes a left turn and a nosedive into action. its intense. i enjoyed the characters and how each of the sisters are their own distinct characters, though their voices did blend quite a bit in the beginning. however, once they have taken their own separate paths, their voices became much stronger. the diary entries, while an interesting story-telling method, did seem out of place at times, and there were quite a few repetitions that felt redundant. overall however, it was quite an interesting read.
the story really shines through its language, as the author's prose really shines through with the descriptions of the mire and the atmosphere. i could almost see the gloomy town of willow's mire and its constant fog, hanging over the characters like a bad omen.
finally, this book was such a rollercoaster to read, and it poses some really hard questions; are we the consequences of our actions, and does trauma excuse our actions? it was a book that really had me pondering these questions, which led to a wonderful discussion with the book club members.
i received a copy of the book from the publisher through the badass bookclub in exchange for a review. all thoughts are my own 🩷
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February 23, 2026So… this book and I have been through things.
Over two years of plotting, rewriting, overthinking, doubting, fixing, breaking, and fixing again. It was fun at the start. Then it got complicated, like any good story should. There were moments I almost abandoned it… but thankfully, like in fiction, plot twists can work in your favour too.
This story is for those who have carried things quietly. I hope it opens up the conversations we have struggled to have and gives someone the words they were missing. If it helps even one person feel a little less alone, then it has done what it was meant to do.
It’s my first novel, not my last. So if you’ve read it, leave a review and tell me honestly what worked, what didn’t, and what made you feel something, good or bad. I’m here to learn and to keep learning. Thank you to everyone who has supported me.
Over two years of plotting, rewriting, overthinking, doubting, fixing, breaking, and fixing again. It was fun at the start. Then it got complicated, like any good story should. There were moments I almost abandoned it… but thankfully, like in fiction, plot twists can work in your favour too.
This story is for those who have carried things quietly. I hope it opens up the conversations we have struggled to have and gives someone the words they were missing. If it helps even one person feel a little less alone, then it has done what it was meant to do.
It’s my first novel, not my last. So if you’ve read it, leave a review and tell me honestly what worked, what didn’t, and what made you feel something, good or bad. I’m here to learn and to keep learning. Thank you to everyone who has supported me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Daughters of the Mire is dark and emotionally heavy from the beginning. The setting pulled me in first, but what really stayed with me were the sisters. Their relationship feels layered and complicated in a way that makes sense. It’s protective and loving, but also flawed and messy.
The diary format makes everything feel personal. At times it’s uncomfortable, but that’s what gives the story its weight. The themes around trauma and survival feel grounded rather than dramatic. The tension builds slowly and relies more on atmosphere than big twists.
It’s not the kind of book you rush through. It’s one you sit with.
If you’re looking for something dark, reflective, and emotionally layered, this is worth reading.
The diary format makes everything feel personal. At times it’s uncomfortable, but that’s what gives the story its weight. The themes around trauma and survival feel grounded rather than dramatic. The tension builds slowly and relies more on atmosphere than big twists.
It’s not the kind of book you rush through. It’s one you sit with.
If you’re looking for something dark, reflective, and emotionally layered, this is worth reading.
April 12, 2026
At the heart of this novel by Shareen Ho are sisters Amelia and Sarah Turner. Both carry the weight of the same traumatic childhood marked by instability, abuse, and early homelessness. Through their letters and diary entries, we become privy to their different worlds, watching their lives unfold through recollections of fleeting happiness and moments of vulnerability.
Each sister also endures formative encounters with men who harm and manipulate them. While these relationships deepen their suffering, they also become defining forces that shape how the sisters learn to survive and assert themselves.
In my mind, the sisters are fancasted as Mia Wasikowska (Amelia) and Mia Goth (Sarah).
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel’s compelling structural choice. The story, both past and present, unfolds through letters, diary entries, newspaper clippings, and *gasp* hospital records!
Tip: pay attention to the surrounding articles in the newspaper XD
Despite these strengths, the novel does feel somewhat disjointed in places. Early on, the sisters’ personalities are not clearly distinguished, and their voices occasionally blur together. It can be difficult to determine which sister is meant to be stronger, more guarded, or more vulnerable until much later in the book. By the end, these distinctions do become clearer, but the story might have felt richer with a few more defining details in the earlier chapters.
Where the novel consistently excels is in its language. The prose is lyrical and atmospheric, reinforcing the gothic mood throughout. It would be exciting to see this distinctive voice developed further in future works.
I appreciate receiving the ARC from Penwings Publishing to members of Eat Books Club. Thank you!
Each sister also endures formative encounters with men who harm and manipulate them. While these relationships deepen their suffering, they also become defining forces that shape how the sisters learn to survive and assert themselves.
In my mind, the sisters are fancasted as Mia Wasikowska (Amelia) and Mia Goth (Sarah).
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel’s compelling structural choice. The story, both past and present, unfolds through letters, diary entries, newspaper clippings, and *gasp* hospital records!
Tip: pay attention to the surrounding articles in the newspaper XD
Despite these strengths, the novel does feel somewhat disjointed in places. Early on, the sisters’ personalities are not clearly distinguished, and their voices occasionally blur together. It can be difficult to determine which sister is meant to be stronger, more guarded, or more vulnerable until much later in the book. By the end, these distinctions do become clearer, but the story might have felt richer with a few more defining details in the earlier chapters.
Where the novel consistently excels is in its language. The prose is lyrical and atmospheric, reinforcing the gothic mood throughout. It would be exciting to see this distinctive voice developed further in future works.
I appreciate receiving the ARC from Penwings Publishing to members of Eat Books Club. Thank you!
May 27, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐️
Note: Advanced Reader’s Copy is provided by Penwings Publishing in exchange of the published review
I’m usually a fan of exploring different formats on writings, and diary entries are usually quite an interesting way to tell stories.
But after reading over 300 pages of diary entries in the novel, I have to say: maybe there is a limit on how much diary entries you should put in one book.
The premise of the book is very interesting, and I love how Shareen explored the dynamics of sisterhood. The strings of unfortunate events became a recurring theme that woven perfectly throughout the plot. It’s like plot twist after plot twist, after plot twist. A plot twist-ception, if you may.
I love how little documents like newspaper clippings or police reports suppots the plot and give more depth into the story. But I do wonder why Shareen choose the book entirely on diary format. Because, after readng those diary entries fo over half of the book, I feel it was geting redudant, and I actually had to put down the book for few days before I have the interest back to read it.
I will give the book a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. The book did give me an emotional roller coaster, and gave a perfect representation on how trauma and grief works differently on people. Shareen can perfectly potrays emotions that grasp readers and the turmoils the main characters after turns of events. But structure-wise, I do think Shareen could do better.
Note: Advanced Reader’s Copy is provided by Penwings Publishing in exchange of the published review
I’m usually a fan of exploring different formats on writings, and diary entries are usually quite an interesting way to tell stories.
But after reading over 300 pages of diary entries in the novel, I have to say: maybe there is a limit on how much diary entries you should put in one book.
The premise of the book is very interesting, and I love how Shareen explored the dynamics of sisterhood. The strings of unfortunate events became a recurring theme that woven perfectly throughout the plot. It’s like plot twist after plot twist, after plot twist. A plot twist-ception, if you may.
I love how little documents like newspaper clippings or police reports suppots the plot and give more depth into the story. But I do wonder why Shareen choose the book entirely on diary format. Because, after readng those diary entries fo over half of the book, I feel it was geting redudant, and I actually had to put down the book for few days before I have the interest back to read it.
I will give the book a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. The book did give me an emotional roller coaster, and gave a perfect representation on how trauma and grief works differently on people. Shareen can perfectly potrays emotions that grasp readers and the turmoils the main characters after turns of events. But structure-wise, I do think Shareen could do better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t usually gravitate toward gothic fiction, but Daughters of the Mire surprised me.
What I found most compelling wasn’t just the mystery of Willow’s Mire, but the structure. The diaries, letters, and fragments make you work for the truth a little -- you’re constantly questioning what’s real, what’s remembered, and what’s reshaped by rumour. It feels intentional. Nothing is handed to you too easily.
The Turner sisters are the emotional core of the story. Their bond -- and the dramas within it -- felt more unsettling than the mire itself. It’s less about overt horror and more of the silence and secrets between Sarah and Amelia.
The whole novel feels very atmospheric without being indulgent.
If you like slow-burn tension and stories that linger quietly after you’ve finished, this one might be worth picking up.
What I found most compelling wasn’t just the mystery of Willow’s Mire, but the structure. The diaries, letters, and fragments make you work for the truth a little -- you’re constantly questioning what’s real, what’s remembered, and what’s reshaped by rumour. It feels intentional. Nothing is handed to you too easily.
The Turner sisters are the emotional core of the story. Their bond -- and the dramas within it -- felt more unsettling than the mire itself. It’s less about overt horror and more of the silence and secrets between Sarah and Amelia.
The whole novel feels very atmospheric without being indulgent.
If you like slow-burn tension and stories that linger quietly after you’ve finished, this one might be worth picking up.
May 3, 2026
urm—
i am speechless
i just love it and now,
i am staring at the ceiling
so,
maybe later i can write a better review
i am speechless
i just love it and now,
i am staring at the ceiling
so,
maybe later i can write a better review
May 31, 2026
4.75 ⭐
What can I say just OMG. Like literally what has this book done to me???!!! Okay fuh I have to calm down 😮💨. Okay. First of all I don't like Lewis, and what happened to him, he deserved that. Secondly is uncle Ben a pedo???!! Like why he likes to assault kids???!! Thirdly, why Arthur died OMG. I was shocked and flabbergasted when I was in that scene. And the one's fault is Amelia like why??! Why did you make your sister's life become like that??!! At the end of the day, only Sarah the good one 😮💨.
What can I say just OMG. Like literally what has this book done to me???!!! Okay fuh I have to calm down 😮💨. Okay. First of all I don't like Lewis, and what happened to him, he deserved that. Secondly is uncle Ben a pedo???!! Like why he likes to assault kids???!! Thirdly, why Arthur died OMG. I was shocked and flabbergasted when I was in that scene. And the one's fault is Amelia like why??! Why did you make your sister's life become like that??!! At the end of the day, only Sarah the good one 😮💨.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
How does writing on paper carry emotion between a writer and a reader, when so much is left unsaid?
"Daughter of The Mire", the debut novel by Shareen Ho, unfolds through diary entries and letters written by the Turner twins, Sarah and Amelia. Through these past fragments, we follow their traumatic and hopeful upbringing across different phases of life in Willow’s Mire.
Trigger warnings: sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, child neglect, psychological trauma, mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation.
Moving between the sisters’ accounts, I often had to put the book down just to breathe. What Sarah and Amelia endure is difficult to read and painful to imagine.
The novel moves at a slow pace, and it takes time to fully grasp their circumstances. This comes from the density and detail in their writing. Every action and thought is carefully laid out, revealing the imperfect realities of love, sisterhood, motherhood, and family. After their parents’ death, the twins are left to survive in the slums, shaped by grief, vulnerability, and the limits imposed on them by society.
The story also examines how tragedy shapes people into what others might call “monsters.” Their choices are constrained, their paths narrow, raising a lingering question: are we living for ourselves, or for others?
Silence appears in many forms. The twins do not always tell each other about the abuse they suffer. Sometimes it feels like protection, a way to shield one another from further pain. Other times, it becomes a quiet form of support, where understanding exists without words. There are also moments when they remain silent about their own mental struggles, allowing that weight to build internally.
Writing then becomes an extension of that silence. The diaries and letters hold what cannot be spoken aloud. They act as controlled releases of emotion, shaped and contained on paper. As a reader, you take in what is written while sensing what is withheld.
The only downside for me is that the novel can feel overly long and dense, which may not appeal to everyone.
Still, it is clear that this story draws from deeply personal and difficult ground for Shareen Ho. Her intention is to offer a sense of solidarity to survivors, shaped by the experiences of people around her and the emotional weight of the subject matter. Some scenes feel especially heavy, as if they were difficult to write, carrying the kind of truth that is not easily put into words.
If you choose to pick up this book, it requires patience. Take your time with it. Pause when needed. Sit with the words written by Amelia and Sarah, particularly if they echo the experiences of someone you know.
As Shareen wrote in her author's note, "Because we can change things. And we can be better for each other. So let's keep talking, keep listening, and keep standing together, because that's how change begins."
"Daughter of The Mire", the debut novel by Shareen Ho, unfolds through diary entries and letters written by the Turner twins, Sarah and Amelia. Through these past fragments, we follow their traumatic and hopeful upbringing across different phases of life in Willow’s Mire.
Trigger warnings: sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, child neglect, psychological trauma, mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation.
Moving between the sisters’ accounts, I often had to put the book down just to breathe. What Sarah and Amelia endure is difficult to read and painful to imagine.
The novel moves at a slow pace, and it takes time to fully grasp their circumstances. This comes from the density and detail in their writing. Every action and thought is carefully laid out, revealing the imperfect realities of love, sisterhood, motherhood, and family. After their parents’ death, the twins are left to survive in the slums, shaped by grief, vulnerability, and the limits imposed on them by society.
The story also examines how tragedy shapes people into what others might call “monsters.” Their choices are constrained, their paths narrow, raising a lingering question: are we living for ourselves, or for others?
Silence appears in many forms. The twins do not always tell each other about the abuse they suffer. Sometimes it feels like protection, a way to shield one another from further pain. Other times, it becomes a quiet form of support, where understanding exists without words. There are also moments when they remain silent about their own mental struggles, allowing that weight to build internally.
Writing then becomes an extension of that silence. The diaries and letters hold what cannot be spoken aloud. They act as controlled releases of emotion, shaped and contained on paper. As a reader, you take in what is written while sensing what is withheld.
The only downside for me is that the novel can feel overly long and dense, which may not appeal to everyone.
Still, it is clear that this story draws from deeply personal and difficult ground for Shareen Ho. Her intention is to offer a sense of solidarity to survivors, shaped by the experiences of people around her and the emotional weight of the subject matter. Some scenes feel especially heavy, as if they were difficult to write, carrying the kind of truth that is not easily put into words.
If you choose to pick up this book, it requires patience. Take your time with it. Pause when needed. Sit with the words written by Amelia and Sarah, particularly if they echo the experiences of someone you know.
As Shareen wrote in her author's note, "Because we can change things. And we can be better for each other. So let's keep talking, keep listening, and keep standing together, because that's how change begins."
May 29, 2026
My first ARC, and I personally loved this debut novel by Shareen Ho, and I think it’s absolutely fantastic for many, many reasons.
This gothic suspense thriller novel follows the life of the Turner sisters, Amelia and Sarah in a fictional town of Willow’s Mire. As we learned about the truth of their tragic lives circumstances as the story progresses along the way, we’re also open and being reminded of how cruel the fate works.
Especially with my background as a gender studies scholar, this book would be an excellent solid read to dissect and discuss in class since this book speaks heavily on violence against women and girls which is a pervasive and concerning issue worldwide.
Among the gender-related topics brought up:
1. Intimate partner violence
2. Myth that sex workers cannot be victims of sexual violence, abuse or rape.
3. Violent crime against children
4. Child rape, sodomy & sexual abuse
5. Bystander aid & intervention (what to do if you see sexual assault & harassment)
6. Power, control, & how power imbalance silenced women
7. Patriarchal mentality that we need a man in the house to manage finances
8. Marriage only beneficial for men with their wives as free labour (unpaid care work)
9. Generational trauma (and the choice to walk away / break free of it)
10. Bodies, labour, class structure
But here’s the thing that makes this book entirely different from any other book. It makes you question about “monsters”. Who are the “villains”? And what makes them the villains of the story? Are their actions justifiable? Then, it also makes you question about “victims”. Are they any victims in the story? Who are the real victims? Are they victims because of the choices they made in life? Or are they just victims because of the unchangeable cruel fate itself? But what makes this story great is the fact it’s never about victim blaming.
One takeaway that’s unable to escape from my thoughts from the read - I like to think that a girl/woman can stand tall like a tree. Whether you find a good person or not as your life companion, you can still find your own place in this world.
Overall, the storytelling is a slow burn, dark yet beautifully written with raw emotional prowess. As the story and characters progress along, it makes me feel so deeply in my bones. Shareen is definitely a local author I’ll be watching and rooting for. There’s only few Malaysian authors that I truly loved for their works - Preeta Samarasan, Tan Twan Eng, Zen Cho, Hanna Alkaf, Tash Aw, Choo Yangsze - and Shareen is definitely joining in the list.
This gothic suspense thriller novel follows the life of the Turner sisters, Amelia and Sarah in a fictional town of Willow’s Mire. As we learned about the truth of their tragic lives circumstances as the story progresses along the way, we’re also open and being reminded of how cruel the fate works.
Especially with my background as a gender studies scholar, this book would be an excellent solid read to dissect and discuss in class since this book speaks heavily on violence against women and girls which is a pervasive and concerning issue worldwide.
Among the gender-related topics brought up:
1. Intimate partner violence
2. Myth that sex workers cannot be victims of sexual violence, abuse or rape.
3. Violent crime against children
4. Child rape, sodomy & sexual abuse
5. Bystander aid & intervention (what to do if you see sexual assault & harassment)
6. Power, control, & how power imbalance silenced women
7. Patriarchal mentality that we need a man in the house to manage finances
8. Marriage only beneficial for men with their wives as free labour (unpaid care work)
9. Generational trauma (and the choice to walk away / break free of it)
10. Bodies, labour, class structure
But here’s the thing that makes this book entirely different from any other book. It makes you question about “monsters”. Who are the “villains”? And what makes them the villains of the story? Are their actions justifiable? Then, it also makes you question about “victims”. Are they any victims in the story? Who are the real victims? Are they victims because of the choices they made in life? Or are they just victims because of the unchangeable cruel fate itself? But what makes this story great is the fact it’s never about victim blaming.
One takeaway that’s unable to escape from my thoughts from the read - I like to think that a girl/woman can stand tall like a tree. Whether you find a good person or not as your life companion, you can still find your own place in this world.
Overall, the storytelling is a slow burn, dark yet beautifully written with raw emotional prowess. As the story and characters progress along, it makes me feel so deeply in my bones. Shareen is definitely a local author I’ll be watching and rooting for. There’s only few Malaysian authors that I truly loved for their works - Preeta Samarasan, Tan Twan Eng, Zen Cho, Hanna Alkaf, Tash Aw, Choo Yangsze - and Shareen is definitely joining in the list.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Shareen brought me into the Mire - started with an eerie setting that felt almost supernatural like, but the real monsters are not supernatural but within us instead….
Honestly not an easy book to read through, as the story brings us through the lives of two twin sisters, orphaned at a young age, fighting for survival on the streets. While both of them carved their own path to eventually find their own homes, the journey is filled with hardships, abuse, questionable decisions amongst the cruel reality thrown at them. Like anything that could go wrong…went wrong….FRFR….It’s a book where you will need breaks reading through it as the imagery portrayed is so visceral and gruesome - you will wonder how the twins braved through it all.
I loved the fact that it is structured as an epistolary novel - which incorporates diary entries, letters, newspaper clippings, hospital records to tell the story. It makes readers like us feel like we are the ones piecing together a mystery with the evidences like detectives haha its a really fun and refreshing change to the usual chronological book chapters
Also, I loved how the book brought out the complex relationship dynamics of sibling relationships, whereby its a whole mix of dependency, fear of losing each other, envy/ jealously and also sibling love!! Both the sisters characters are so distinctive and rich in their own ways - Amelia more of a leader, always taking charge and planning ahead while Sarah is more free spirited and just take actions intuitively, more focused in the moment. Both of them endured horrific hardships in their life and their different approaches to what life throws at them really makes me think: does nurture > nature really play such a big role in our lives?
Overall, I enjoyed the book (esp the ending) much more than I expected! but definitely not a lighthearted read, gotta be mentally prepped for the darker societal themes explored - consider yourself warned!
Also, thanks Penwings Publishing & EBC for the advanced reader copy <3
Honestly not an easy book to read through, as the story brings us through the lives of two twin sisters, orphaned at a young age, fighting for survival on the streets. While both of them carved their own path to eventually find their own homes, the journey is filled with hardships, abuse, questionable decisions amongst the cruel reality thrown at them. Like anything that could go wrong…went wrong….FRFR….It’s a book where you will need breaks reading through it as the imagery portrayed is so visceral and gruesome - you will wonder how the twins braved through it all.
I loved the fact that it is structured as an epistolary novel - which incorporates diary entries, letters, newspaper clippings, hospital records to tell the story. It makes readers like us feel like we are the ones piecing together a mystery with the evidences like detectives haha its a really fun and refreshing change to the usual chronological book chapters
Also, I loved how the book brought out the complex relationship dynamics of sibling relationships, whereby its a whole mix of dependency, fear of losing each other, envy/ jealously and also sibling love!! Both the sisters characters are so distinctive and rich in their own ways - Amelia more of a leader, always taking charge and planning ahead while Sarah is more free spirited and just take actions intuitively, more focused in the moment. Both of them endured horrific hardships in their life and their different approaches to what life throws at them really makes me think: does nurture > nature really play such a big role in our lives?
Overall, I enjoyed the book (esp the ending) much more than I expected! but definitely not a lighthearted read, gotta be mentally prepped for the darker societal themes explored - consider yourself warned!
Also, thanks Penwings Publishing & EBC for the advanced reader copy <3
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in the eerie landscape of Willow’s Mire, the story follows twin sisters whose lives begin in warmth and stability before being shattered by tragedy, forcing them into a harsh and uncertain world at a young age. What unfolds is a deeply layered narrative of survival, separation, and the invisible ties that continue to bind them even when they choose different paths.
I enjoy that the author chose to use diaries, letters, and reports to deliver her story. This structure adds to the suspense, drawing readers into a mystery where nothing feels entirely certain but at the same time not leaving out too much details. Towards the ending, the story intensifies, revealing a dark legacy shaped by secrets, loss, and the inescapable pull of the past.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of gender-based violence, not just through the lens of victimhood, but also by examining the complexity of perpetrators. It challenges readers to question their assumptions, constantly asking: who is the real monster here? This moral ambiguity gives the story emotional weight and depth, making it more than just a gothic thriller.
The pacing is compelling, maintaining a steady tension that keeps readers hooked without feeling rushed. The writing style is immersive and evocative, perfectly capturing the bleak beauty of the mire and the psychological turmoil of the characters.
Overall, Daughters of the Mire is a gripping and thought-provoking read. It’s an excellent choice for fans of mystery and thriller, but also highly accessible for those new to the genre. With its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and gothic atmosphere, it’s a story that invites readers to lose themselves in its shadows and question what they find there.
I enjoy that the author chose to use diaries, letters, and reports to deliver her story. This structure adds to the suspense, drawing readers into a mystery where nothing feels entirely certain but at the same time not leaving out too much details. Towards the ending, the story intensifies, revealing a dark legacy shaped by secrets, loss, and the inescapable pull of the past.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of gender-based violence, not just through the lens of victimhood, but also by examining the complexity of perpetrators. It challenges readers to question their assumptions, constantly asking: who is the real monster here? This moral ambiguity gives the story emotional weight and depth, making it more than just a gothic thriller.
The pacing is compelling, maintaining a steady tension that keeps readers hooked without feeling rushed. The writing style is immersive and evocative, perfectly capturing the bleak beauty of the mire and the psychological turmoil of the characters.
Overall, Daughters of the Mire is a gripping and thought-provoking read. It’s an excellent choice for fans of mystery and thriller, but also highly accessible for those new to the genre. With its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and gothic atmosphere, it’s a story that invites readers to lose themselves in its shadows and question what they find there.
June 7, 2026
Daughters of the Mire is a girmdark historical fiction that is not for the weak of heart. It is a tragic story of perseverance and survival. It lays bare to us the horrors women have to go through in the hands of men and how these experiences shaped them in different ways. This tale of two sisters shows us how their environment, and the people around them, had them process their trauma differently.
DotM had me captivated from the first sentence. The poetic cadence of Shareen’s writing resonates with my soul. The words flowed smoothly, allowing me to easily immerse myself in the world she crafted. I love how she painted her world with beautiful prose. The way her sentences danced and tangoed was enchanting.
While her writing style may not appeal to new age readers who prefer straightforward writing, I do believe still that anyone would stay for the plot. It was well paced, and engaging. I could not help but to turn the pages without stopping because of how gripping the plot is. I also love how Shareen would randomly drop heavy plot points that would leave us in shock. So much so, that I'd have to take a step back to process things before diving in again.
The story of two sisters, Amelia and Sarah, is close to my heart. I find myself closely relating to them in different parts of their lives. Despite knowing that their story is that of endless tragedy, I adore them and wished them a better life. I knew better than to hope for it, yet I still do.
DotM reminded me of how lucky I was, that I was able to start over and move forward. It reflects the stark reality of countless women who had to go through the same horrors and had no chance of a better life.
You should pick this up should you be given the chance. <3
DotM had me captivated from the first sentence. The poetic cadence of Shareen’s writing resonates with my soul. The words flowed smoothly, allowing me to easily immerse myself in the world she crafted. I love how she painted her world with beautiful prose. The way her sentences danced and tangoed was enchanting.
While her writing style may not appeal to new age readers who prefer straightforward writing, I do believe still that anyone would stay for the plot. It was well paced, and engaging. I could not help but to turn the pages without stopping because of how gripping the plot is. I also love how Shareen would randomly drop heavy plot points that would leave us in shock. So much so, that I'd have to take a step back to process things before diving in again.
The story of two sisters, Amelia and Sarah, is close to my heart. I find myself closely relating to them in different parts of their lives. Despite knowing that their story is that of endless tragedy, I adore them and wished them a better life. I knew better than to hope for it, yet I still do.
DotM reminded me of how lucky I was, that I was able to start over and move forward. It reflects the stark reality of countless women who had to go through the same horrors and had no chance of a better life.
You should pick this up should you be given the chance. <3
May 29, 2026
Content/Trigger Warnings: Sexual abuse, sexual assault, child neglect, domestic violence, and suicidal ideation.
Daughters of the Mire is a book I really wanted to completely fall in love with, and while it didn't quite get a full five stars from me, it’s still a very memorable read. The absolute best part is the dark, vivid aesthetic. If you’ve read House of Hollow, you’ll immediately recognize the mood. It has that same modern dark fairytale feel, built on intense sisterly bonds and visceral, floral-decay body horror. The world-building makes Willow’s Mire feel beautifully heavy and alive, and the eerie imagery of nature reclaiming the body is brilliantly done.
The pacing of the Part 1 got me a little lost. I had a hard time to finally done with Part 1. The beginning takes its time as a massive slowburn. It relies heavily on diaries and letters to gently build the mystery, but the plot does tend to crawl for a while while circling the same rumors. However, as the story progresses, the momentum suddenly shifts into overdrive. Everything starts moving incredibly fast, which created a bit of whiplash for me. Those dark, generational truths deserved a slower, more agonizing unraveling, so they felt a little rushed by the time we hit the ending.
Overall I think while the unique gothic setting and beautiful prose are absolute standouts, the sudden shift in structure just disrupted my reading flow a bit. It is still well worth picking up if you love a gorgeous, creepy settings. But you just have to be prepared for a quiet, slower start before the story really takes off.
Thank you Penwings Publsihing for the review copy.
Daughters of the Mire is a book I really wanted to completely fall in love with, and while it didn't quite get a full five stars from me, it’s still a very memorable read. The absolute best part is the dark, vivid aesthetic. If you’ve read House of Hollow, you’ll immediately recognize the mood. It has that same modern dark fairytale feel, built on intense sisterly bonds and visceral, floral-decay body horror. The world-building makes Willow’s Mire feel beautifully heavy and alive, and the eerie imagery of nature reclaiming the body is brilliantly done.
The pacing of the Part 1 got me a little lost. I had a hard time to finally done with Part 1. The beginning takes its time as a massive slowburn. It relies heavily on diaries and letters to gently build the mystery, but the plot does tend to crawl for a while while circling the same rumors. However, as the story progresses, the momentum suddenly shifts into overdrive. Everything starts moving incredibly fast, which created a bit of whiplash for me. Those dark, generational truths deserved a slower, more agonizing unraveling, so they felt a little rushed by the time we hit the ending.
Overall I think while the unique gothic setting and beautiful prose are absolute standouts, the sudden shift in structure just disrupted my reading flow a bit. It is still well worth picking up if you love a gorgeous, creepy settings. But you just have to be prepared for a quiet, slower start before the story really takes off.
Thank you Penwings Publsihing for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
TW: sexual abuse, child abuse, incest, graphic violence, animal abuse
This book is definitely not for the lighthearted. In Shareen Ho’s debut novel, we unpack the horrific stories these two sisters live through, and it was a difficult journey to sit through and witness, to say the least. There were many instances where I wish I could have reach out through the pages and done something to prevent an awful event, but all I could do was sit through and watch it unfold.
Daughters of the Mire tells its story through the sisters’ diary entries, letters, and newspaper clippings. It starts off a little slow, but it covers a wide array of topics surrounding abuse – particularly sexual abuse. It also contains graphic scenes of violence and gore, which was hard to stomach at times – even harder when you think about how the characters have to live through it all.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed were the dynamics between the two sisters. It’s not a typical sibling relationship, considering that most of their bond towards each other seems to come from shared trauma and dependency towards each other. It was an interesting topic to explore, especially in the setting this story was based on.
Thanks to Penwings and Eat Books Club for giving me the opportunity to have an advanced reader copy! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through the mire.
This book is definitely not for the lighthearted. In Shareen Ho’s debut novel, we unpack the horrific stories these two sisters live through, and it was a difficult journey to sit through and witness, to say the least. There were many instances where I wish I could have reach out through the pages and done something to prevent an awful event, but all I could do was sit through and watch it unfold.
Daughters of the Mire tells its story through the sisters’ diary entries, letters, and newspaper clippings. It starts off a little slow, but it covers a wide array of topics surrounding abuse – particularly sexual abuse. It also contains graphic scenes of violence and gore, which was hard to stomach at times – even harder when you think about how the characters have to live through it all.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed were the dynamics between the two sisters. It’s not a typical sibling relationship, considering that most of their bond towards each other seems to come from shared trauma and dependency towards each other. It was an interesting topic to explore, especially in the setting this story was based on.
Thanks to Penwings and Eat Books Club for giving me the opportunity to have an advanced reader copy! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through the mire.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Shareen brought to life the brutality of DV/SA through a gothic tale of two sisters navigating their own unfortunate journeys (UNFORTUNATELY having men in their orbit), and you can't help but empathise with their experiences as women in the patriarchal system. I enjoyed the writing style and the use of letters as a storytelling device to propel the story forward, but found that a lot of it was repetitive and could be concised in the way that leaves readers with more room to make our own connections.
while some scenes were graphic and visceral, i wouldve liked for more suspense/high stakes elements throughout the story- are the narrators reliable? is this what really happened? who did this? these parts fell a little flat for me (i wanna be at the edge of my seat!) as i felt like the answers were already there, but may just be my personal preference. appreciated the newspaper cuttings graphics and hospital reports though, so fun!
a true (tragic) reflection of society, of victims and monsters, injustice and trauma. thank you to Penwings Publishing for this ARC and congrats Shareen on this powerful debut!
the novel is now available for pre-order here: https://penwings.com/product/daughter...
while some scenes were graphic and visceral, i wouldve liked for more suspense/high stakes elements throughout the story- are the narrators reliable? is this what really happened? who did this? these parts fell a little flat for me (i wanna be at the edge of my seat!) as i felt like the answers were already there, but may just be my personal preference. appreciated the newspaper cuttings graphics and hospital reports though, so fun!
a true (tragic) reflection of society, of victims and monsters, injustice and trauma. thank you to Penwings Publishing for this ARC and congrats Shareen on this powerful debut!
the novel is now available for pre-order here: https://penwings.com/product/daughter...
June 8, 2026
Disclaimer: Received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for this review.
This book was beautifully written and prose-heavy. We follow the point of view of Sarah and Amelia Turner, two twin sisters swept into their own tragic tale and we get to see this unfold through their diary entries as well as letters they write to each other.
It is a dark and suspenseful thriller novel that covers themes of sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and suicidal ideation. While I was reading, it felt difficult to continue at times due to the emotional heaviness of what the characters were going through but the writing was compelling and immersive enough for me to keep flipping the page.
I think the author is very talented in crafting detailed accounts of the lives of the characters and they did not feel one-dimensional at all, which was intriguing and an important feature in a well-written book. The world-building was just right and the action-filled scenes definitely had me reeling. Some parts did feel like a hefty read with miminal payoff for someone like me who usually reaches for romance and fantasy so if you enjoy a grimdark story then this is for you, however I would not recommend this to fantasy readers.
This book was beautifully written and prose-heavy. We follow the point of view of Sarah and Amelia Turner, two twin sisters swept into their own tragic tale and we get to see this unfold through their diary entries as well as letters they write to each other.
It is a dark and suspenseful thriller novel that covers themes of sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and suicidal ideation. While I was reading, it felt difficult to continue at times due to the emotional heaviness of what the characters were going through but the writing was compelling and immersive enough for me to keep flipping the page.
I think the author is very talented in crafting detailed accounts of the lives of the characters and they did not feel one-dimensional at all, which was intriguing and an important feature in a well-written book. The world-building was just right and the action-filled scenes definitely had me reeling. Some parts did feel like a hefty read with miminal payoff for someone like me who usually reaches for romance and fantasy so if you enjoy a grimdark story then this is for you, however I would not recommend this to fantasy readers.
June 15, 2026
Shareen Ho's debut Daughters of the Mire opens with Thomas, a gentleman drawn back to Willow's Mire after his mother's dying wish. She wanted him to reconnect with her past at The Daniels Manor, where she spent most of her life.
A generation earlier, the manor belonged to the Turner Twin Sisters - a pair haunted by sorrow and misfortune. Rumours of their past spark Thomas's curiosity about his mother's connection, even though some secrets are better left buried. What unfolds are diary entries, reports, and clippings that reveal the horrors they endured.
I enjoyed the mix of diary format, letters, and visual reports. It kept me turning pages. The mystery between the sisters pulled me in especially the reveals about their trauma, their bond, and what they had to do to survive. It made me question their choices and motivations.
The plot went in directions I didn't expect, which kept things interesting. The story felt personal, and I'm glad the author shared it with us. My only downside: the pacing drags at times, and the non-linear diary entries with flashbacks may not work for everyone.
If you pick this up, please check content warnings first.
Pace yourself and pause when needed especially if the sisters' story mirrors someone you know or if you've ever experience it yourself. Their tragedies and the truth of how it ends will stay with you.
Congrats Shareen on your debut and for bringing Willow's Mire to lifeThank you for sending your book my way✨
A generation earlier, the manor belonged to the Turner Twin Sisters - a pair haunted by sorrow and misfortune. Rumours of their past spark Thomas's curiosity about his mother's connection, even though some secrets are better left buried. What unfolds are diary entries, reports, and clippings that reveal the horrors they endured.
I enjoyed the mix of diary format, letters, and visual reports. It kept me turning pages. The mystery between the sisters pulled me in especially the reveals about their trauma, their bond, and what they had to do to survive. It made me question their choices and motivations.
The plot went in directions I didn't expect, which kept things interesting. The story felt personal, and I'm glad the author shared it with us. My only downside: the pacing drags at times, and the non-linear diary entries with flashbacks may not work for everyone.
If you pick this up, please check content warnings first.
Pace yourself and pause when needed especially if the sisters' story mirrors someone you know or if you've ever experience it yourself. Their tragedies and the truth of how it ends will stay with you.
Congrats Shareen on your debut and for bringing Willow's Mire to lifeThank you for sending your book my way✨
July 9, 2026
An absolute 5-star masterpiece! 🔥 The plot twists are brilliantly woven into the story—they make total sense and never feel like cheap shock value dropped out of thin air.
👤I went into this thinking there would be literal ghosts or monsters, but the real monsters are actually living among us, pretending to care for us. I'm looking at you Ben and Lewis!
📈This is a slow-paced book, but it uses that time beautifully to build up intense tension and deeply develop the characters. ⏳
🤯 What truly elevates this book is how raw and authentic the trauma feels. 🥺 It is incredibly realistic and handled with a level of care that gives the characters massive emotional weight. 💔📖
Forget a straightforward story! 🛑 Reading through secret diaries, old letters, newspaper clippings, and messy, fragmented memories. 📜✍️ Discovery quickly follows that the twins' childhood was an absolute nightmare filled with severe neglect and abuse. 😢
🧭 It builds up to a massive, mind-blowing truth that will literally leave me staring at the wall in pure shock for a few minutes after you close the final page! 🧱👁️👄👁️
Drop everything you are doing right now and read this book. Seriously, your TBR list can wait! 🚨📚
👤I went into this thinking there would be literal ghosts or monsters, but the real monsters are actually living among us, pretending to care for us. I'm looking at you Ben and Lewis!
📈This is a slow-paced book, but it uses that time beautifully to build up intense tension and deeply develop the characters. ⏳
🤯 What truly elevates this book is how raw and authentic the trauma feels. 🥺 It is incredibly realistic and handled with a level of care that gives the characters massive emotional weight. 💔📖
Forget a straightforward story! 🛑 Reading through secret diaries, old letters, newspaper clippings, and messy, fragmented memories. 📜✍️ Discovery quickly follows that the twins' childhood was an absolute nightmare filled with severe neglect and abuse. 😢
🧭 It builds up to a massive, mind-blowing truth that will literally leave me staring at the wall in pure shock for a few minutes after you close the final page! 🧱👁️👄👁️
Drop everything you are doing right now and read this book. Seriously, your TBR list can wait! 🚨📚
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I found the book to explore several core values that are continuously challenged throughout the story. The plot took a direction I didn’t initially expect, which kept things interesting.
I really enjoyed the writing style and the way the story was narrated—it felt personal, and the characters’ imperfections came across as authentic and believable. The narrative incorporates numerous gruesome elements which, by the end, felt necessary in maintaining the story’s consistency and depth.
The pain the sisters' went through was palpable and translated well onto the page. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of accountability for certain mistakes, as these didn’t seem to influence later decisions in a meaningful way.
The book does a great job of capturing realism, particularly in how not everything resolves neatly. That said, some characters felt underdeveloped, and I would have appreciated more insight into the motivations behind their actions.
The final stretch introduced several unexpected turns, which is where my interest really peaked. Overall, I saw the book as a promising start, a slight dip in the middle, and an engaging finish.
I really enjoyed the writing style and the way the story was narrated—it felt personal, and the characters’ imperfections came across as authentic and believable. The narrative incorporates numerous gruesome elements which, by the end, felt necessary in maintaining the story’s consistency and depth.
The pain the sisters' went through was palpable and translated well onto the page. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of accountability for certain mistakes, as these didn’t seem to influence later decisions in a meaningful way.
The book does a great job of capturing realism, particularly in how not everything resolves neatly. That said, some characters felt underdeveloped, and I would have appreciated more insight into the motivations behind their actions.
The final stretch introduced several unexpected turns, which is where my interest really peaked. Overall, I saw the book as a promising start, a slight dip in the middle, and an engaging finish.
May 23, 2026
4.2/5🌟
First of all, thanks to Penswing publication for the ARC!
Dark, Eerie, Unsettling, Sorrow, Tragic.
I wish the story could have a happy ending, at least for the side characters— but the author forbid any happiness in it HAHAHAH
I love how the book portrayed traumatic experience that could lead to mental illness and depression. In my opinion, the author did a great job showing how trauma and anxiety could do to someone. Sometimes I feel like blaming for their action, but I understand so well that they have no choice and I might as well act the same way.
Tbh i’m not a fan of prose writing and this book was not an easy read. But my curiousity everytime a tragedy strucked that pushed me to read until the end. The way my jaw dropped everytime bad thing happened (and everytime the “newspaper” page pop up), totally immersive HAHAHAH
I’m looking forward for more stories from the author. Keep it up and keep shining dear author!
First of all, thanks to Penswing publication for the ARC!
Dark, Eerie, Unsettling, Sorrow, Tragic.
I wish the story could have a happy ending, at least for the side characters— but the author forbid any happiness in it HAHAHAH
I love how the book portrayed traumatic experience that could lead to mental illness and depression. In my opinion, the author did a great job showing how trauma and anxiety could do to someone. Sometimes I feel like blaming for their action, but I understand so well that they have no choice and I might as well act the same way.
Tbh i’m not a fan of prose writing and this book was not an easy read. But my curiousity everytime a tragedy strucked that pushed me to read until the end. The way my jaw dropped everytime bad thing happened (and everytime the “newspaper” page pop up), totally immersive HAHAHAH
I’m looking forward for more stories from the author. Keep it up and keep shining dear author!
June 25, 2026
This haunting gothic tale of two sisters' misfortunes as young women, who had no choice but to adapt to the world around them, is a stark reminder of the daily struggles women go through, even till this day and age. Written as diary entries and letter, this format gives an interesting and more intimate perspective of the Turner sisters' inner turmoils and their need to connect with each other.
Their stories were absolutely brutal, but written beautifully. Shareen's flair for the written word no doubt comes naturally and never forced. She has shared in person that a lot of what the Turner sisters have been through are real accounts of harassment and abuse, shared by real women whose voices have been shunned and whose power have been taken away from them, which I feel makes this book more personal as it is more of a reflection of reality than I thought it would be.
Brilliantly done for your first book, Shareen! You have all my support.
Their stories were absolutely brutal, but written beautifully. Shareen's flair for the written word no doubt comes naturally and never forced. She has shared in person that a lot of what the Turner sisters have been through are real accounts of harassment and abuse, shared by real women whose voices have been shunned and whose power have been taken away from them, which I feel makes this book more personal as it is more of a reflection of reality than I thought it would be.
Brilliantly done for your first book, Shareen! You have all my support.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My very first ARC, thank you Eat Books Club and Penwings!
In true Gothic Lit fashion, we begin the tale with a mysterious man's account of unearthing secrets in the abandoned, decaying Daniel's Manor. What are his connections to this place? And what horrifying events have led to the demise of the Turner sisters?
Daughters of the Mire is a harrowing tale of cruelty, injustice, and betrayal endured by the Turner sisters. The author is unrelenting in her approach to storytelling, as each diary entry reveals the shocking trauma faced by the sisters. Snippets of news articles add a unique texture to the storytelling and some visual appeal. It is a tale of sisterhood and survivorship, inspired by the author's personal experiences and stories shared over the years.
What I liked was that there was never a dull moment in this book, with many twists and turns thrown your way. Unfortunately, I think that was the only appeal for me, because at times the storytelling can get a little overdramatic. Perhaps it's a stylistic choice, but I found the constant use of flowery metaphors and idioms a little over the top and distracting. While some melodrama is to be expected, I personally felt it dampened the impact of their emotions as the intensity/frequency of it can be fatiguing. I also felt that the book's setting was a little ambiguous and the antagonists were somewhat underdeveloped— perhaps to focus more on the sisters but gothic tales are often layered and there is always more than meets the eye for all characters.
That said, while it may not be for me, this debut may intrigue readers who are into gothic tales, mystery, and drama.
5/10
In true Gothic Lit fashion, we begin the tale with a mysterious man's account of unearthing secrets in the abandoned, decaying Daniel's Manor. What are his connections to this place? And what horrifying events have led to the demise of the Turner sisters?
Daughters of the Mire is a harrowing tale of cruelty, injustice, and betrayal endured by the Turner sisters. The author is unrelenting in her approach to storytelling, as each diary entry reveals the shocking trauma faced by the sisters. Snippets of news articles add a unique texture to the storytelling and some visual appeal. It is a tale of sisterhood and survivorship, inspired by the author's personal experiences and stories shared over the years.
What I liked was that there was never a dull moment in this book, with many twists and turns thrown your way. Unfortunately, I think that was the only appeal for me, because at times the storytelling can get a little overdramatic. Perhaps it's a stylistic choice, but I found the constant use of flowery metaphors and idioms a little over the top and distracting. While some melodrama is to be expected, I personally felt it dampened the impact of their emotions as the intensity/frequency of it can be fatiguing. I also felt that the book's setting was a little ambiguous and the antagonists were somewhat underdeveloped— perhaps to focus more on the sisters but gothic tales are often layered and there is always more than meets the eye for all characters.
That said, while it may not be for me, this debut may intrigue readers who are into gothic tales, mystery, and drama.
5/10
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The author tackles some difficult and dark topics in this book like SA which I think is admirable for a debut novel so kudos on that. Personally I didn't like the diary format that was used for majority of the book and felt like it would've been better if used sparingly because at a lot of the points the entries felt more like just regular narrative storytelling, rather than what someone would actually write in their diary. Also, as the whole book itself is almost 500 pages, I felt like the story was rather slow and drawn out in the beginning however it does begin to pick up pace around the 120 page mark and I found myself becoming more intrigued in the story.
Thanks to Penwings and Eat Books Club for giving me the chance to get my hands on my first ARC and congrats to Shareen Ho on your debut novel, wishing you all the best :)
Thanks to Penwings and Eat Books Club for giving me the chance to get my hands on my first ARC and congrats to Shareen Ho on your debut novel, wishing you all the best :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
The brutal reality of victimhood is one thing, but remaining unaware as you become your own abuser, victimising yourself, is truly tragic. Getting to know Amelia and Sarah, the daughters of the Mire, proved both fascinating and painful.
Shareen brilliantly employs epistolary writing in her debut, offering an intimate window into her main characters' minds. I loved how brutally honest it was, with no attempt to sugarcoat anything.
Where I felt room for improvement was in pacing, world-building, and the development of characters beyond Sarah and Amelia. That said, for a debut novel, this is a strong start.
Thank you to @eatbooksclub and @penwingspublishing for the opportunity to join this ARC discussion!
Shareen brilliantly employs epistolary writing in her debut, offering an intimate window into her main characters' minds. I loved how brutally honest it was, with no attempt to sugarcoat anything.
Where I felt room for improvement was in pacing, world-building, and the development of characters beyond Sarah and Amelia. That said, for a debut novel, this is a strong start.
Thank you to @eatbooksclub and @penwingspublishing for the opportunity to join this ARC discussion!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received the book from the author.
I truly enjoyed the book. Generally I like books which delve into the psychological aspects of its characters. This book helps shed light on little known aspects of and what it means to be a woman revealing insights that resonate not only with the period it portrays but also with the realities women face today.
I liked the atmospheric gothic thriller and storytelling format of the book as the mystery slowly unravels itself via letters and individual accounts. A bit of a warning at times, it got quite devastating to the point i had to put it down.
Overall a great read if you like unravelling mysteries.
I truly enjoyed the book. Generally I like books which delve into the psychological aspects of its characters. This book helps shed light on little known aspects of and what it means to be a woman revealing insights that resonate not only with the period it portrays but also with the realities women face today.
I liked the atmospheric gothic thriller and storytelling format of the book as the mystery slowly unravels itself via letters and individual accounts. A bit of a warning at times, it got quite devastating to the point i had to put it down.
Overall a great read if you like unravelling mysteries.
August 9, 2026
this book got me out of my reading slump! bought it honestly for the cover and it got a gothic Crimson Peak/Wuthering Heights vibe but stayed through it for the PLOT??? i cant say much but the whole story got me WANTING to keep reading it. I love how the whole novel is from different perspective from the twins writing in their diary, it makes me understand things from their perspective in an intimate and personal way.
my only take for this book is that it has a lot of triggering stuff so it gets uncomfortable through it, but like i said it is told in an intimate personal way so its not really a downside. LOVE THIS BOOK i recommended ittt if youre intooo dark gothic vibess
my only take for this book is that it has a lot of triggering stuff so it gets uncomfortable through it, but like i said it is told in an intimate personal way so its not really a downside. LOVE THIS BOOK i recommended ittt if youre intooo dark gothic vibess
Read
April 13, 2026The book reads a little slow in Part 1, I expected a little more supernatural intrigue but it opens immediately into the lives of the twins. The intensity picks up from Part 2 onwards and the continuous dread kept me hooked till then end.
I appreciate the story telling style - told through a series of letters and diaries. Which could've also affected the pacing, as some information was repeated from letter to diary which I felt only dragged the novel. I wish there was more mystery and supernatural elements at the start, to what was otherwise a solid debut novel
I appreciate the story telling style - told through a series of letters and diaries. Which could've also affected the pacing, as some information was repeated from letter to diary which I felt only dragged the novel. I wish there was more mystery and supernatural elements at the start, to what was otherwise a solid debut novel
Review of advance copy received from Author
There's a reason why I read all 500 pages in one sitting. I'm a fan of true crime, and this fictional true crime is the epitome of what I love in great suspense novels. The whole book is in a journal format, you have cutouts of newspapers and reports, making the whole experience even more real.
I'm so excited for the world to read this book. Welcoming Penwings Publishing's second novel in our booklist!
I'm so excited for the world to read this book. Welcoming Penwings Publishing's second novel in our booklist!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you EBC & Penwings for the ARC 💚
The story of the Turner sisters tackles many important issues surrounding abuse against women, making it impossible not to root for the victims (even with some questionable choices they made). It was really engaging throughout and I enjoyed the epistolary format! However, despite its length, I think that there wasn’t enough context or world-building to fully establish the setting - which I think would’ve made the story much more impactful for me.
The story of the Turner sisters tackles many important issues surrounding abuse against women, making it impossible not to root for the victims (even with some questionable choices they made). It was really engaging throughout and I enjoyed the epistolary format! However, despite its length, I think that there wasn’t enough context or world-building to fully establish the setting - which I think would’ve made the story much more impactful for me.
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