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The Secrets Of Blacklace Bay
“Blacklace Bay won’t let us leave. And now you’re trapped, too…”
After a stress-related psychotic episode, Nora Took flees to the silent town of Blacklace Bay, seeking peace and a fresh start. She lands a job as a homeschool teacher for the town’s founding the Blackwoods.
But not all is as it seems in this quaint coastal town.
Blackwood House’s whispering walls haunt Nora’s working days and consume her nightmares. And the dolls that her strangely-quiet student keeps lining the walls of her bedroom watch her every move with hungry eyes.
As unexplainable events escalate around her, Nora uncovers a chilling connection to the local doll shop and its owner, whose evil grin and all-seeing eyes hide a terrible secret.
Can Nora save her student’s soul before the darkness consumes them all?
After a stress-related psychotic episode, Nora Took flees to the silent town of Blacklace Bay, seeking peace and a fresh start. She lands a job as a homeschool teacher for the town’s founding the Blackwoods.
But not all is as it seems in this quaint coastal town.
Blackwood House’s whispering walls haunt Nora’s working days and consume her nightmares. And the dolls that her strangely-quiet student keeps lining the walls of her bedroom watch her every move with hungry eyes.
As unexplainable events escalate around her, Nora uncovers a chilling connection to the local doll shop and its owner, whose evil grin and all-seeing eyes hide a terrible secret.
Can Nora save her student’s soul before the darkness consumes them all?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 1, 2026
I received an advanced digital copy of The Secrets of Blacklace Bay by Athena Wynyard in exchange for my honest review.
Well. I absolutely loved it!
This is hands down one of the most horrific and psychologically frightening books I’ve read from a new to me indie author. From the very first chapters, there was this creeping unease that never once let up. The slow burn tension was masterfully done, tightening scene by scene until I felt completely trapped within the story.
The red herrings were clever and deliberate, constantly shifting my suspicions. Just when I thought I had worked something out, the narrative twisted again. The mistrusting FMC added another layer of instability that made everything feel even more unsettling. You are never quite sure who to believe, and that uncertainty is deliciously terrifying.
The small town setting is everything you want in supernatural horror. Insular, secretive, quietly hostile toward outsiders. Ambrosius Dolls itself feels like a living, breathing entity. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the imagery is vivid and cinematic without ever feeling overdone.
Every major reveal had me gasping, squirming, and occasionally raging in the best possible way. This book does not just aim to scare you. It aims to disturb you. And i felt very disturbed!
For horror fans who love slow burn psychological tension, layered secrets, and a setting that crawls under your skin, this one is an absolute must read. Graham Masterton and Stephen King, eat your heart out.
I am so grateful I got early access to this novel, and I cannot wait to dive into her other book, Inside the Mushroom Farm. Athena Wynyard has officially become an author I will be watching closely.
If you’re a horror reader, give this one a crack. You won’t regret it.
Well. I absolutely loved it!
This is hands down one of the most horrific and psychologically frightening books I’ve read from a new to me indie author. From the very first chapters, there was this creeping unease that never once let up. The slow burn tension was masterfully done, tightening scene by scene until I felt completely trapped within the story.
The red herrings were clever and deliberate, constantly shifting my suspicions. Just when I thought I had worked something out, the narrative twisted again. The mistrusting FMC added another layer of instability that made everything feel even more unsettling. You are never quite sure who to believe, and that uncertainty is deliciously terrifying.
The small town setting is everything you want in supernatural horror. Insular, secretive, quietly hostile toward outsiders. Ambrosius Dolls itself feels like a living, breathing entity. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the imagery is vivid and cinematic without ever feeling overdone.
Every major reveal had me gasping, squirming, and occasionally raging in the best possible way. This book does not just aim to scare you. It aims to disturb you. And i felt very disturbed!
For horror fans who love slow burn psychological tension, layered secrets, and a setting that crawls under your skin, this one is an absolute must read. Graham Masterton and Stephen King, eat your heart out.
I am so grateful I got early access to this novel, and I cannot wait to dive into her other book, Inside the Mushroom Farm. Athena Wynyard has officially become an author I will be watching closely.
If you’re a horror reader, give this one a crack. You won’t regret it.
May 8, 2026
The best book I’ve read so far this year! It was unsettling, mysterious, and had twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat! The horror was so good that I actually got scared, which does not happen to me when reading. I really enjoyed the eeriness and uncertainty, as well as not knowing who to trust. Although I did predict most of the revelations, the ending had me staring at a wall, trying to process it all. If anyone brings a doll anywhere near me, I will crash out. I HIGHLY recommend this book, it’s a new favourite I won’t shut up about!
March 12, 2026
Nora gets the job of teacher at Blackwood House. But there’s some creepy things going on in that house! Cold draughts, a feeling of cold touch, objects that move of their own accord.
“Blacklace Bay eats its children!” But it’s not just the house, it’s the whole town and Nora sets up investigating what has been happening in the town for generations.
The story is told across multiple timelines. Nora’s timeline and that of a found diary. I mean I thought dolls were creepy before but this takes it to a whole other dimension. Read this if you like supernatural horror, you won’t regret it!
“Blacklace Bay eats its children!” But it’s not just the house, it’s the whole town and Nora sets up investigating what has been happening in the town for generations.
The story is told across multiple timelines. Nora’s timeline and that of a found diary. I mean I thought dolls were creepy before but this takes it to a whole other dimension. Read this if you like supernatural horror, you won’t regret it!
March 7, 2026
I am honored to have been chosen to be an ARC reader for The Secrets of Blacklace Bay. This is the perfect mix of horror and Gothic. Athena Wynyard is one of my favorite authors. The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is amazingly written and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I had a hard time putting it down. This book is one of my favorite books. I highly recommend this one.
February 26, 2026
A huge thanks to Athena Wynyard for this ARC read.
This slow-burn, psychological thriller really got inside my head! Nora Took is basically running from her past and ends up in this quiet coastal town called Blacklace Bay thinking she’ll finally catch a break. But things feel off from day one, like everyone is holding onto their own dark secrets.
Without giving too much away… she is hired as a homeschool teacher to the Blackwood family and ends up dealing with creepy dolls and whispers that keep her up at night.
Athena Wynyard weaves psychological horror with descriptive atmospheric suspense.
If you’re into books that build unease instead of jump scares, love small-town secrets that turn sinister, or just want an eerie read, you’ll want to grab this one!
This slow-burn, psychological thriller really got inside my head! Nora Took is basically running from her past and ends up in this quiet coastal town called Blacklace Bay thinking she’ll finally catch a break. But things feel off from day one, like everyone is holding onto their own dark secrets.
Without giving too much away… she is hired as a homeschool teacher to the Blackwood family and ends up dealing with creepy dolls and whispers that keep her up at night.
Athena Wynyard weaves psychological horror with descriptive atmospheric suspense.
If you’re into books that build unease instead of jump scares, love small-town secrets that turn sinister, or just want an eerie read, you’ll want to grab this one!
March 21, 2026
This book completely captivated me in the eerie atmosphere of Blacklace Bay.
From the very first few chapters, the tone is dark, unsettling, and incredibly atmospheric. The author’s description of Blackwood House makes it feel like a living entity—watching, breathing, and manipulating everything within its walls.
Nora’s arrival to teach Violet appears to be a simple task, but it quickly becomes evident that something deeply sinister is unfolding within these walls. The unsettling dolls, the peculiar behavior of the family, the hidden history of the town, and the diary entries gradually unravel a mystery that deepens with each passing chapter.
What I particularly enjoyed:
- The gothic haunted house vibe
- The creepy dolls (seriously unsettling)
- The psychological tension
- The gradual revelation of Blacklace Bay’s secrets
This book definitely leans into supernatural horror and doesn’t shy away from dark themes, so be sure to check the content warnings.
If you’re a fan of eerie, atmospheric horror with haunting imagery and psychological twists, this book is definitely worth reading.
From the very first few chapters, the tone is dark, unsettling, and incredibly atmospheric. The author’s description of Blackwood House makes it feel like a living entity—watching, breathing, and manipulating everything within its walls.
Nora’s arrival to teach Violet appears to be a simple task, but it quickly becomes evident that something deeply sinister is unfolding within these walls. The unsettling dolls, the peculiar behavior of the family, the hidden history of the town, and the diary entries gradually unravel a mystery that deepens with each passing chapter.
What I particularly enjoyed:
- The gothic haunted house vibe
- The creepy dolls (seriously unsettling)
- The psychological tension
- The gradual revelation of Blacklace Bay’s secrets
This book definitely leans into supernatural horror and doesn’t shy away from dark themes, so be sure to check the content warnings.
If you’re a fan of eerie, atmospheric horror with haunting imagery and psychological twists, this book is definitely worth reading.
March 19, 2026
Nora flees to a quiet town after a stress related psychotic episode.
she gets a job homeschooling for the towns founding family: The Blackwoods.
The whole town gives off a whole creepy unwelcoming vibe which I just had googled to see if it's a real town incase I wanted a road trip.
It's not which is good because I'd be having a word with Tammy about her attitude.
Just looking at the cover I'm so thankful that I got rid of my porcelain doll because she was creepy af and I don't know how I'd cope having her in my house after reading this
the story had me hooked and now I have a beef with a very minor character.
she gets a job homeschooling for the towns founding family: The Blackwoods.
The whole town gives off a whole creepy unwelcoming vibe which I just had googled to see if it's a real town incase I wanted a road trip.
It's not which is good because I'd be having a word with Tammy about her attitude.
Just looking at the cover I'm so thankful that I got rid of my porcelain doll because she was creepy af and I don't know how I'd cope having her in my house after reading this
the story had me hooked and now I have a beef with a very minor character.
March 20, 2026
Hooked from the very first page!
Blacklace Bay will stay with you long after you read it. So will the dolls....
If you want a story that will haunt you. This is it.
Blacklace Bay will stay with you long after you read it. So will the dolls....
If you want a story that will haunt you. This is it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is a psychological thriller with strong horror undertones, and it completely pulled me in.
I sat with this book for a couple of days after finishing because there is a lot woven into the story. It is layered, tense, and full of moments that slowly build into something much bigger than you first expect.
The atmosphere immediately reminded me of classic 80s thrillers. There is that same creeping tension where the story quietly shifts beneath your feet while you are reading. As the layers unfold, you realise there is more than one narrative thread moving through the book, and the moment you notice it is incredibly satisfying. The storytelling feels deliberate and immersive without relying on shock value.
I genuinely loved every page. I was on edge the entire time, the kind of suspense that makes you keep reading even when your anxiety is buzzing. The ending was so unexpected which made this story even more satisfying.
I also want to acknowledge something that stood out to me on a personal level.
As a neurodivergent parent who home educates neurodivergent children, one element of the story made me pause. My lived experience with education has been very different to Nora’s. In my family, mainstream schooling did not work for my children. In this story, we see the ways the system fails an educator instead.
What stayed with me is that both realities can exist at the same time. Systems can fail students, and they can also fail the educators who genuinely care about the work they do. That nuance added an emotional layer to the story that I did not expect, and I felt the weight of it more than I thought I would.
Kudos to the author for weaving a thoughtful reflection on real systemic pressures into such a gripping fictional story.
This was a tense, atmospheric read that kept me hooked the whole way through.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
I sat with this book for a couple of days after finishing because there is a lot woven into the story. It is layered, tense, and full of moments that slowly build into something much bigger than you first expect.
The atmosphere immediately reminded me of classic 80s thrillers. There is that same creeping tension where the story quietly shifts beneath your feet while you are reading. As the layers unfold, you realise there is more than one narrative thread moving through the book, and the moment you notice it is incredibly satisfying. The storytelling feels deliberate and immersive without relying on shock value.
I genuinely loved every page. I was on edge the entire time, the kind of suspense that makes you keep reading even when your anxiety is buzzing. The ending was so unexpected which made this story even more satisfying.
I also want to acknowledge something that stood out to me on a personal level.
As a neurodivergent parent who home educates neurodivergent children, one element of the story made me pause. My lived experience with education has been very different to Nora’s. In my family, mainstream schooling did not work for my children. In this story, we see the ways the system fails an educator instead.
What stayed with me is that both realities can exist at the same time. Systems can fail students, and they can also fail the educators who genuinely care about the work they do. That nuance added an emotional layer to the story that I did not expect, and I felt the weight of it more than I thought I would.
Kudos to the author for weaving a thoughtful reflection on real systemic pressures into such a gripping fictional story.
This was a tense, atmospheric read that kept me hooked the whole way through.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
March 18, 2026
Holy crap, you're in for a journey. First, make sure you're reading this with the lights on and only around people you can trust 🤣 You'll be a combination of scared, shocked, laughing, curious, kicking your feet, second guessing all your theories, and outright gobsmacked at any given moment. Even the ending has you hooked and unsure until the very last line! 😮👀😬
You really get inside Nora's head and experience her struggles, fear, determination, curiosity, hope, grief, and everything in between. Many parts I found relatable which was validating as well. She took this job out of desperation & as an escape. In ways it was much needed, she was needed there, but alas, things aren't always what you wish for 🫣
I wanted to snatch up Nora & Violet and take them to a safe place faaaar far away from Blacklace Bay from the very start 🙃 The surprises kept on coming one day or journal entry at a time 😳 It's only March now, but this is no doubt one of my top reads of 2026 as well as one of my all-time favorite psychological thriller/horror novels!!!
Thank you so much Athena for my ARC copy! I adore Inside the Mushroom Farm, but you took off running and absolutely blew it out of the water with this baby!! Can't wait to see what that brilliant, diabolical brain of yours has up your sleeve next 🫶😈
You really get inside Nora's head and experience her struggles, fear, determination, curiosity, hope, grief, and everything in between. Many parts I found relatable which was validating as well. She took this job out of desperation & as an escape. In ways it was much needed, she was needed there, but alas, things aren't always what you wish for 🫣
I wanted to snatch up Nora & Violet and take them to a safe place faaaar far away from Blacklace Bay from the very start 🙃 The surprises kept on coming one day or journal entry at a time 😳 It's only March now, but this is no doubt one of my top reads of 2026 as well as one of my all-time favorite psychological thriller/horror novels!!!
Thank you so much Athena for my ARC copy! I adore Inside the Mushroom Farm, but you took off running and absolutely blew it out of the water with this baby!! Can't wait to see what that brilliant, diabolical brain of yours has up your sleeve next 🫶😈
April 12, 2026
The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is a gripping and atmospheric read that hooked me from start to finish. The suspense is wonderfully intense - there were moments that genuinely freaked me out. The scenes involving the dolls, especially their unsettling eyes, were so vividly described that I could picture them perfectly… perhaps a little too perfectly.
I also appreciated how well-researched the story is, particularly when it touches on sensitive topics and the experience of educators. To all the educators out there - thank for everything you do. This book reminded me just how much patience and compassion teachers give every day.
A gripping, atmospheric, and unexpectedly heartfelt read. Highly recommend.
I also appreciated how well-researched the story is, particularly when it touches on sensitive topics and the experience of educators. To all the educators out there - thank for everything you do. This book reminded me just how much patience and compassion teachers give every day.
A gripping, atmospheric, and unexpectedly heartfelt read. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Athena is one of my favorite indie authors of all time!
The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is one of those books you instantly become trapped in.
I was wrapped in this world with these characters and I loved every second of this book! I am obsessed with the way Athena writes, an almost cozy chilling writing that is so enjoyable!
The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is going on my shelf among my favorites!
I won't spoil anything but I think everyone who loves supernatural horror or scary stories should add this book to their collection!
Thank you again to Athena Wynyard for allowing me to be one of her ARC readers once again!
Athena is one of my favorite indie authors of all time!
The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is one of those books you instantly become trapped in.
I was wrapped in this world with these characters and I loved every second of this book! I am obsessed with the way Athena writes, an almost cozy chilling writing that is so enjoyable!
The Secrets of Blacklace Bay is going on my shelf among my favorites!
I won't spoil anything but I think everyone who loves supernatural horror or scary stories should add this book to their collection!
Thank you again to Athena Wynyard for allowing me to be one of her ARC readers once again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to receive an ARC from the author.
I've read her previous work, Inside the Mushroom Farm, and absolutely loved it!
With The Secrets of Blacklace Bay, Athena successfully spins a twisted supernatural horror story where, just when you think you've got it figured out, something causes doubt and you second guess everything!
Creepy dolls, hauntings, strange people...what's real, what isn't?
Disturbing, chilling and gripping!
I've read her previous work, Inside the Mushroom Farm, and absolutely loved it!
With The Secrets of Blacklace Bay, Athena successfully spins a twisted supernatural horror story where, just when you think you've got it figured out, something causes doubt and you second guess everything!
Creepy dolls, hauntings, strange people...what's real, what isn't?
Disturbing, chilling and gripping!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free copy as an ARC reader from this author!
I absolutely loved this book, it was such a thrilling keep you on the edge of your seat read, I’ll never be able to look at dolls the same way again.
Thank you for giving me a chance to read this wonderful book.
I absolutely loved this book, it was such a thrilling keep you on the edge of your seat read, I’ll never be able to look at dolls the same way again.
Thank you for giving me a chance to read this wonderful book.
April 11, 2026
I would classify this book more as a young adult book. It was an enjoyable read though at times went in too many directions at once. Definitely creepy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thoughts:
If you're into:
✅Haunted Houses/Towns
✅Creepy Dolls
✅Coraline
Then I think this book is for you!
Characters:
I do think the characters are quite interesting, I mean from the get go you immediately want to know the backstory of the main character. Where did she come from? Why did she quit her job so suddenly? Why this town, why now? And not just her, her employer acts fidgety, the doll shop owner gives off creepy vibes. Every. Single. One. Leaving you with this sense of wanting more this, is she the bad guy or is he??
Pacing:
I would say it starts off pretty fast paced, it does slow down a bit mid way but continue on and you'll get through it real quick.
Ending:
I was shockeddddd! I obviously won't drop spoilers but THAT. IS. AN. ENDING. Although, I felt it was a tad bit rushed in some way- I can't put my finger on it. Definitely a must read though.
Some extra thoughts:
I'm with Nora here honestly, baby dolls are CREEPY. My parents got me one before when I was little, the kind that could close it's eyes. I would always keep it on the other side of my room, NOWHERE near my bed ever. Though my brother would have other plans and place it under my covers to give me a scare every time I go to bed. Mind you I was 6.
Now I can say that I learned a new word from this book, pedophobia huh that's a new one.
TW:
Mentions of rape, cheating, a bit of swearing, trauma, suicide, murder, abuse, the occult
If you're into:
✅Haunted Houses/Towns
✅Creepy Dolls
✅Coraline
Then I think this book is for you!
Characters:
I do think the characters are quite interesting, I mean from the get go you immediately want to know the backstory of the main character. Where did she come from? Why did she quit her job so suddenly? Why this town, why now? And not just her, her employer acts fidgety, the doll shop owner gives off creepy vibes. Every. Single. One. Leaving you with this sense of wanting more this, is she the bad guy or is he??
Pacing:
I would say it starts off pretty fast paced, it does slow down a bit mid way but continue on and you'll get through it real quick.
Ending:
I was shockeddddd! I obviously won't drop spoilers but THAT. IS. AN. ENDING. Although, I felt it was a tad bit rushed in some way- I can't put my finger on it. Definitely a must read though.
Some extra thoughts:
I'm with Nora here honestly, baby dolls are CREEPY. My parents got me one before when I was little, the kind that could close it's eyes. I would always keep it on the other side of my room, NOWHERE near my bed ever. Though my brother would have other plans and place it under my covers to give me a scare every time I go to bed. Mind you I was 6.
Now I can say that I learned a new word from this book, pedophobia huh that's a new one.
TW:
Mentions of rape, cheating, a bit of swearing, trauma, suicide, murder, abuse, the occult
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews