Strange Harm

by Ainslie Hogarth

From the author of Motherthing, an eerie, darkly funny novel about a sudden disappearance in a mysterious town, and a family’s search for answers

In the town of Gold River, there is a rumor that a spirit haunts the land. Centuries ago, Druda, the beloved daughter of the settlement’s founder, made a horrifying discovery about herself that resulted in her death. Some say Druda still lives on.

Another tragedy has befallen a young woman in Gold River. One night fifteen years ago, a girl named Janie disappeared. The town did an unsettling out-of-towner kidnap her? Could she still be alive somewhere? Meanwhile, her grieving parents become the object of everyone's unceasing attention. For her mother, Annette, the disappearance shaped her guilt and worry into an exquisite public face of strength and peace—no matter the storms that roiled inside her. For the father, Calvin, the disappearance broke something in him. He had no such composure, crying uncomfortably on television and prompting some to could his raw emotions in fact be a performance? Is he yet another violent man who got away with murder? Others still, including Calvin, have more supernatural suspicions. What if Druda, the town’s spirit, was actually behind this?

Now, fifteen years on, someone comes to help solve the case, a woman with a very unusual background, who knows a thing or two about public grief herself. Her strange past triggers something for Calvin and his tendency toward superstition, which might be exactly the thing they need to help them find their lost daughter. That is, if it doesn’t tear their family apart first.

Chilling, comic, ultimately heartfelt, Strange Harm is a story about how someone’s pain is another person’s entertainment, how we make sense of tragedy, and how the power of narrative shapes us all.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 2, 2027

About the author

Ainslie Hogarth is the author of five novels. You can find her short fiction in Hazlitt, Maisonneuve, Room Magazine, Black Static, and more.

Reviews

[Brandy Leigh]

Okay, I feel bad, but I just don’t think this was very good.

The POV time jumps were cleverly interwoven, but honestly I just didn’t care.

The cover, however? Immaculate.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm)]

📢 New book coming March 2027 from Ainslee Hogarth! I NEED THIS SO BADLY I CAN'T BREATH OMG!!!

[Ryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ainslie Hogarth is so back. This is a monumental step-up from Normal Women.

Strange Harm follows eight unique point of views nearly fifteen years after a teenager, Janie Yearling, disappears without a trace from her small town. There are a lot of theories and speculation as to what happened to Janie. Did a mysterious man known as Baby Face come into town with a stolen ID and a stolen car? Did Janie get swept up in the local Gold River? Or is there something more sinister at play?

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hogarth's storytelling is just so strange and chaotic that it keeps your eyes glued to the page. I desperately needed to know what happened to Janie, and each character's unique perspective keeps the novel fresh, engaging, and mysterious.

Hogarth, you won me back with this one...

*Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*

[Marla Moreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to be approved for this ARC! Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 - I have read 158 books so far this year and this is my 6th 5 star read.

I enjoyed Motherthing (4/5) by the same author, but Strange Harm completely blew it out of the water:

I loved how this book was structured, each section a different POV contributing a little bit more to the story. The way Hogarth did this was incredibly clever. She started out with one story as the catalyst and began a loosely connected chain. Seeing from the various characters' perspectives not only provided information a reader would otherwise not have, but it denied readers access to the motivations of those whose perspectives were not inhabited at the time. This was highly effective. It kept the sense of uncertainty pervasive on all fronts, especially given that several of the narrators were unreliable. Even the section I found the least compelling served a definitive purpose.

The author has a unique voice, a slightly uncanny way of describing things that made my mental images of scenes visceral, almost tangible. At parts I felt like I could almost eat the text. This was not always pleasant given some of the content, LMAO, but her writing was fantastic.

The reading experience was propulsive. It came in waves - during my initial readthrough I kept hitting swells where I literally could not tear my eyes away as I sped through the text, then things calmed for a bit before hitting another swell, and so on. It's been a while since I felt so glued to the page.

Everything was tightly plotted, but the details were revealed piecemeal. I was not certain which were most important to focus on until the end. After I finished reading, I skimmed through carefully and it was all there - every hint and clue. Not every question is answered - it does not need to be - but there are no loose ends. The book basically invites rereading to catch anything that might have been missed the first time. It's a very different book, but I remember feeling similarly impressed when I read The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - there are a lot of layers to keep track of, and the author presents them brilliantly.

Hogarth also did her research. I have some familiarity with certain subjects that were discussed and she got them exactly right - whether it was stating a historical fact or showing how something works. I can't go into details because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but her research was meticulous. I'm nitpicky about that, so it's something I appreciate.

I can't go into anything else I loved about this book without revealing too much - just read it! It's much more interesting than the blurb might lead you to believe.

Usually, when I rate something 5 stars it's instant and unquestionable. For this one, I wasn't certain until I went back and reread some parts to get the full scope of what the author accomplished - and then the more I thought about it, the more I loved it. So I'm not JUST going to highly recommend this, but I'm also going to recommend that you read it twice. I've already preordered a physical copy so I can have it on my shelves, which is probably the biggest compliment I can give a book.

#StrangeHarm #NetGalley

[Sam Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fuck. Ainslie Hogarth, you are a wizard.

I love an ancient haunting that continues to frighten and advise a community for generations to come. That’s the town of Gold River, plagued by an ages-old mourning woman who fends for her trinkets by cursing the folks she encounters.

Believe it or not, many townsfolk believe the lore, and let it impact their daily actions. When Janie Yearling goes missing one summer evening, it catapults one family into a rabbit hole of grief and bargaining with what’s a stake.

Told from multiple perspectives, we hear how each narrative is connected, both innocently and nefariously.

This one stuck to me DEEP, and I really can’t stop thinking about it.

I’m so thankful to our wonderful author, Doubleday Books, and NetGalley for advanced access prior to pub day March 2, 2027.

[Torrin Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ainslie Hogarth for restoring my faith in literary horror and in originality and in novel construction and in beautifully poignant observations about the world amidst perfectly gruesome scenes.

[Brandy Dougan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not quite sure how to structure this review. The first about 40-50% of this book was amazing! It took a minute to get into the flow and writing style but once I did I was fully immersed! Unfortunately it slowly started to fall apart once the multiple time periods and POV’s became more modern day. It almost felt like I was reading two different books.

I did enjoy how Ainslie Hogarth weaved the different POV’s together. You would go from one persons POV and then the next would pull from the previous and build upon it or explain it further. It helped propel the story forward even when I was struggling to stay engaged.

I really wish this had been more horror forward as I kept waiting for the big jump. I do think many people will love Strange Harm and I may just be an outlier. I think if I had been sucked in throughout the entire book I would have rated it higher but because I struggled to get through such a short book it I am settling at a 3.5/5. I will definitely read from Hogarth again as I did enjoy parts of this book!

Thank you to Ainslie Hogarth, Doubleday Books, & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

[mgn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆

I really struggled with rating this book because the first 35-40% had me quite obsessed but then there is a tone shift that is quite jarring & I am not sure I loved it. The beginning of the book felt super atmospheric and almost gothic in a way & then it randomly moved into the standard, modern 'weird girl lit' that we've come to see become very popularized recently. & at times it felt weird for the sake of weird.

Now, I don't think that in itself is a bad thing, but I did struggle with how quickly the shift occurred. It honestly felt like I started reading a whole new book after the half. But wow, the first half really did it for me. I really wanted more Druda. Give me more Druda.

If the book's tone stayed consistent throughout, this book would have been a 5☆ for me.

I know for a fact that this book is going to be a hit though. The author knows her audience and I think they are going to absolutely go feral for this book. I'm actually really excited to see the Booktok buzz as it happens.

Tons of thanks to Ainslie Hogarth, Doubleday, and Netgalley for the chance to read/review this title early!

[Danielle Dumke · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this author's eARC via NetGalley. I really enjoyed this. I loved the weird narration style, and I loved how the whole story was pieced together in multiple fragmented POVs. There were so many little quotes that stuck out to me, each character so different.
I'm actually dying for the release date now so that I can see what other friends will think of the ending, and I have questions to discuss.
The commentary on true crime, morbid curiosity for historical legend, the wariness that women hold in their daily lives, and opinions on victims and the expectations for their families really stood out to me.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could tell right away this story was going to be a 5 star read for me, and Hogarth totally sticks the landing (even elicits some tears from yours truly!) Dang, that story moved me! I’m always enraptured by Ainslie Hogarth’s character writing— they feel like people I know and understand. Not sure what that says about me, but it speaks volumes of her ability to communicate motivations and emotions deeply and realistically. Each character has a fully fleshed-out psychological profile and I buy it..I buy it so much! These characters act as trusted tour guides to lead us through whatever fresh hell our author has dreamed up. They also act as anchors to keep us there, fully immersed in the discomfort of any one flawed human’s journey. It’s amazing what trap you’ll willingly walk into when you trust the person leading you there. The writing here reminded me of early Chuck Palahniuk in a way—specifically Haunted, an all-time favorite of mine.
I appreciate the way our author puts words to the experience of deep loss, and it’s cathartic to nod along to something so inexpressible. Hogarth knows what it feels like, and knows how to make us feel it, too. This latest endeavor has officially cemented her as an “instant read” author for me.

[Alexandra Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provided as an ARC via Netgalley on exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this plot wise especially with the sudden abrupt shifts that happen a few times in the beginning set up, and a part of me is still unsure, but man was this heart breaking. A slow burn descent with so much grief, so much humanity, and so different from her previous work Motherthing. I loved this.

[Kate Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a journey through the minds and loves of a small town, centered around a missing girl, an urban legend, and a young woman who is unsure of her purpose. I would not quite classify this as horror, I think it's more in line with Otessa Moshfegh in terms of style and substance, but there is a horror aspect to the story. There is no clear-cut resolution at the end, so if you're not a fan of open interpretation, this is not for you. I enjoyed the novel even though I found most of the characters to be people I would not interact with or enjoy (Annette and Starling, looking at you). Overall, an intriguing look at what family gives us, nature and nurture, obsession, and loss. 4/5

When Janie Yearling went missing in Gold River, her parents became 'pain celebrities' (as one character in the book coins it), making the rounds on talk shows and news programs begging for the return of their daughter. Annette becomes an icon, working with 'The Foundation', whereas Calvin's crying left people thinking he was remorseful and somehow involved in the disappearance. Fifteen years later, Annette gets Calvin to agree to go on a podcast hosted by a young woman with her own unfortunate past. Starling grew up not thinking anything was off, until learning her mother was actually a nurse who took her from her real mother, a Jane Doe coma patient. Starling is looking to extend her own time in the limelight to make some money and figure out what she wants to do with her life.

There are many theories around town about what really happened to Janie. Most of the town, including Annette, believe it was a creepy drifter they call Baby Face, who went through town that night using an alias. Calvin's theory, shared by some of the more eccentric characters in town and intriguing to Starling, involves Druda, the tortured spirit that is said to haunt the river and has a tie to his family's past. He believes Druda pulled Janie into another world as punishment for his own mothers' actions. As motives and stories are revealed, the odd atmosphere of Gold River seeps into the mind of the reader, and each must decide whom they trust, and which story they believe.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction to Strange Harm is through Druda. She is a young teen girl whose family is among the original settlers in Gold River. When Druda is presented with a coveted Venetian glass mirror, she is horrified by what she sees in her reflection. Druda’s legacy results in the urban legend of her as a mythical bog witch, whose legend attracts visitors near and far who bring presents to curry her favor.

Each of the following chapters are stories tenuously tied to Druda. Some of the narrators are unreliable. In my opinion, these stories were the most interesting. The author is adept at making the setting feel immersive. You can almost hear the hum of the machines, or feel the sunlight in the room. In addition,some of the actions of the narrator feel visceral and uncomfortable. Those scenes are hard to forget, in the best way. A few of the chapters are from different periods of time. All of the stories are different strata that form the lore of Druda and how she impacted subsequent generations of Gold River. Strange Harm is unique and a story that stays with you long after the final page. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Ainslei Hogarth, Doubleday Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange Harm is a strange read that does involve strange harm. I wanted to read it because I loved Motherthing. I was warned that Ainslie Hogarth’s books are all quite different from each other, and that is true. Get out your pencil and paper because note-taking while reading this book is required. Every section, of which there are 8, jumps to someone else’s point of view and there are more characters added in each of those sections.

Small town drama, missing teen girl, creepy drifter, long-standing spirit haunting the town….also fem rage, visceral grossness, fear, longing, and mystery. Don’t worry, you DO find out what happened.

I really like Janie - a teen girl who feels real. Also, she loves 90s thriller movies, and she gave me a rec that I strangely haven’t seen. I’ll be seeking out Copycat shortly.

Thanks NetGalley and Doubleday Books! Pub date March 2, 2027.

[Deanna Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Harm is the kind of supernatural mystery that keeps you piecing things together right alongside its characters. Told through multiple perspectives, the story gradually builds a bigger picture of the disappearance at its center, with each new voice adding another layer to the mystery. I especially loved how immersive the character work was; you really get to inhabit these people’s lives and mentalities as the story unfolds.

This book genuinely scared me. After reading plenty of horror, I thought I was pretty well-equipped to handle a little supernatural dread, but this was my first time experiencing a genuine, stomach-dropping jump scare through a book. At ONE IN THE MORNING, no less.

5 stars, no notes!!

Shoutout to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for sharing this title with me.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize how short this book was when I requested in on NetGalley or when I started reading it. It's less than 200 pages, so I think a lot of readers will be able to get in done in one day or even one sitting.

I haven't read anything else by this author, but I've heard good things, so I was excited!

Sadly, this wasn't all that engaging for me. There was something very disconnecting about the writing style. It felt a little too matter-of-fact for this kind of story. I think a more personal writing style would've gotten me a bit more invested.

The characters were just too flat and almost cliche for my taste. Maybe that was on purpose, but it didn't feel that way.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an eArc from NetGalley. This is an interesting story that centers around the disappearance of a young girl named Janie. Was Janie abducted by a mysterious drifter spotted in town that evening, or was something more supernatural involved, like the malevolent forest spirit Druda? Throughout the tale, we get the perspectives of many people connected to Janie's disappearance or the effort to find her. The book also had a lot of prescient things to say about the true crime industry and how it uses people's pain for entertainment and "content." This book definitely has creepy and unsettling vibes, and overall I enjoyed it! It also has a satisfying conclusion, providing answers to what happened to Janie all those years ago.

[Autumn Ketchum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, honestly I still am digesting this book and trying to figure out my thoughts on this. It was very different than what I thought it would be. I think I was expecting some weird horror, but for me, it was more ‘weird girl lit’ with some eerie elements. I was very absorbed into the first half or so of the book. Books with multiple POVs can be hit or miss for me, but this was done well. I was getting pieces from different characters and learning things here and there. I was anticipating more Druda, maybe more of a clear cut answer? But this could have been all over my head. And sometimes stories don’t have clear cut answers! Thank you NetGalley, Double Day, and Ainsle Hogarth for the arc!

[Kayla Saurus · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a weird little book! The vibes are immaculate and fans of Ainslie Hogarth’s previous novel Motherthing are going to EAT THIS UP.

I loved the prose, the writing style, and the overall atmosphere so much. Where it fell a little flat for me was how disconnected I felt from the characters. The multiple POVs progress the story in such an interesting way, but it left me feeling a bit detached. I would have loved a few more pages to connect on a deeper level with some of those perspectives.

Despite my personal experience with the character connection, I really think this book is going to be HUGE in the weird girl lit community when it releases.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I am impressed. This book was beautiful and tragic.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ali]

I simply could not get into this. It was a struggle just to get to 8%. I think this author simply isn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy

[Ronnica Fatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Multiple POVs and lots of theories (many of which are very weird).

[Katie M. · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Strange Harm is definitely different than I was expecting, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. It is certainly well written and has some very poignant passages, but at the same time it didn't totally work for me. It's told from the perspective of eight different people connected to the disappearance of Janie Yearling. They're all well written and interesting vignettes, but for me it just felt a bit disjointed at times. I did like that we got to learn what happened from Janie's perspective. I have no doubt people will love this book and it's commentary on true crime. I also didn't find Strange Harm to be much of a horror novel, but we all have different litmus tests for what defines a genre.

Thank you Doubleday Books for the advance copy to review.

[LL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC

FIRST the cover, amazing and it leads into a fantastic read!! I will definitely be purchasing the physical copy. This was my first read from this author and thank you!! The first part will draw you in just have to stick with it!