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Hellebore: An illustrated thriller novella
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 26, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author
When Heather’s best friend, Francesca, is found dead, she is left feeling lost as she tries to continue living without her. But her sister is now acting strange, and the more time goes on the more Heather feels something isn’t right about her situation. As Heather pieces together what really happened to her best friend, she must navigate her ridgid community’s standards for women, the secrets that those who are closest to her kept, and her own complex feelings about Francesca.
The writing and pacing of this novella was just perfect. There were a few twists that I predicted early on, but I did not see the ending coming at all. The author did an amazing job at hiding specific details behind the more obvious twists that were happening. I thought that the themes of religion and womanhood were well done throughout. I do wish that the ending had more to it, but overall it was a good ending for the novella.
I definitely recommend this novellaonce it is published; thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
When Heather’s best friend, Francesca, is found dead, she is left feeling lost as she tries to continue living without her. But her sister is now acting strange, and the more time goes on the more Heather feels something isn’t right about her situation. As Heather pieces together what really happened to her best friend, she must navigate her ridgid community’s standards for women, the secrets that those who are closest to her kept, and her own complex feelings about Francesca.
The writing and pacing of this novella was just perfect. There were a few twists that I predicted early on, but I did not see the ending coming at all. The author did an amazing job at hiding specific details behind the more obvious twists that were happening. I thought that the themes of religion and womanhood were well done throughout. I do wish that the ending had more to it, but overall it was a good ending for the novella.
I definitely recommend this novellaonce it is published; thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
August 29, 2026
A wonderfully darkly whimsical tale of sisterhood and unrequited obsession. Would I call it love? No. But the way Heather’s feelings for Francesca were explored and portrayed is something that hits so close to home for many queer people because it’s more than just an unrequited crush.
I had my theories early on, and even a correct one fairly early on, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad writing. Quite the opposite, good foreshadowing makes an ending satisfying, rather than pulling plot twists out of thin air, and the author definitely accomplished that with this book.
Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous!
You should definitely add this to your TBR if you’re into books that keep you on your toes and scratch that specific itch inside your head you’ve been wanting to get scratched.
Thank you for the ARC!
I had my theories early on, and even a correct one fairly early on, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad writing. Quite the opposite, good foreshadowing makes an ending satisfying, rather than pulling plot twists out of thin air, and the author definitely accomplished that with this book.
Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous!
You should definitely add this to your TBR if you’re into books that keep you on your toes and scratch that specific itch inside your head you’ve been wanting to get scratched.
Thank you for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Need a minute. Umm wtf
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
There is so much packed into such a short novella.
Hellbore follows Heather after the body of her best friend, Francesca, is found in the bush surrounding their small, deeply conservative Christian community. As Heather and her younger sister Isabel grieve, memories of the time leading up to Francesca’s death begin to reveal that there was far more happening beneath the surface.
I loved the atmosphere of this. It almost feels cosy at first, with the Australian bush setting, food, baking and this strong sense of community, but there’s always something slightly unsettling underneath it. As the story progresses, that feeling slowly shifts into something eerie and genuinely haunting.
What stood out most to me, though, were the themes around religious indoctrination and the expectations placed on women within fundamentalist Christianity. White explores what happens when beliefs are instilled in people before they are old enough to question them, and what it can mean to begin pushing against those beliefs. There are some incredibly uncomfortable moments surrounding ideas of obedience, womanhood and women belonging to men, particularly as Heather, Francesca and Isabel each grapple in different ways with who they are allowed to be. I highlighted so many passages throughout this.
I also really appreciated that the religious community isn’t frightening because it’s presented as some exaggerated, horror-movie version of a cult. The unsettling part is how normal these beliefs are within their world, and how easily judgement, control and even terrible things can be rationalised through them.
The mystery itself unfolds through Heather’s memories and increasingly unsettling events in the present. I did predict part of the reveal fairly early, which took a little of the impact out of that particular twist for me, but I absolutely did not have everything figured out. That final chapter gave me one last ohhhh moment that made the ending land.
And I have to mention the illustrations. G. M. White illustrated the novella herself and they are absolutely beautiful. They add another layer to the haunting, almost fairytale-like quality of the story, and I cannot wait to see them properly when I get my hands on a physical copy.
Beautiful, unsettling and surprisingly layered for roughly 150 pages. A really solid little Australian gothic novella about grief, faith, control and women trying to reclaim themselves.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There is so much packed into such a short novella.
Hellbore follows Heather after the body of her best friend, Francesca, is found in the bush surrounding their small, deeply conservative Christian community. As Heather and her younger sister Isabel grieve, memories of the time leading up to Francesca’s death begin to reveal that there was far more happening beneath the surface.
I loved the atmosphere of this. It almost feels cosy at first, with the Australian bush setting, food, baking and this strong sense of community, but there’s always something slightly unsettling underneath it. As the story progresses, that feeling slowly shifts into something eerie and genuinely haunting.
What stood out most to me, though, were the themes around religious indoctrination and the expectations placed on women within fundamentalist Christianity. White explores what happens when beliefs are instilled in people before they are old enough to question them, and what it can mean to begin pushing against those beliefs. There are some incredibly uncomfortable moments surrounding ideas of obedience, womanhood and women belonging to men, particularly as Heather, Francesca and Isabel each grapple in different ways with who they are allowed to be. I highlighted so many passages throughout this.
I also really appreciated that the religious community isn’t frightening because it’s presented as some exaggerated, horror-movie version of a cult. The unsettling part is how normal these beliefs are within their world, and how easily judgement, control and even terrible things can be rationalised through them.
The mystery itself unfolds through Heather’s memories and increasingly unsettling events in the present. I did predict part of the reveal fairly early, which took a little of the impact out of that particular twist for me, but I absolutely did not have everything figured out. That final chapter gave me one last ohhhh moment that made the ending land.
And I have to mention the illustrations. G. M. White illustrated the novella herself and they are absolutely beautiful. They add another layer to the haunting, almost fairytale-like quality of the story, and I cannot wait to see them properly when I get my hands on a physical copy.
Beautiful, unsettling and surprisingly layered for roughly 150 pages. A really solid little Australian gothic novella about grief, faith, control and women trying to reclaim themselves.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first of G.M. White's books that I have read, and I can say for certain I will be reading everything else they have written!
The atmosphere alone in this novella was so tangible and vivid; I could almost hear the tense sounds of the mother in the kitchen endlessly preparing foods, feel the heat, sweat and suffocation of that house, and smell the crisp, intoxicating aroma of pines and damp soil of the forest.
The way that the author explores and exposes this perspective of the impact and pressures of religion on youth was very refreshing to read. It was written in such a raw and clean way that I felt every moment of doubt, confusion, frustration and fear, as well as the confliction within oneself; where the line rests between staying true to yourself, or being faithful and devoted to family and loved ones.
The mystery itself whilst I clued on pretty early to one portion, I was still pleasantly surprised and satisfied with the ending and unravelling of what had occurred. The path to truth is twisted and blurred, and I loved every dark turn.
The illustrations included throughout are absolutely beautiful and add that little bit more depth to the reading experience.
Would highly recommend this novella!
The atmosphere alone in this novella was so tangible and vivid; I could almost hear the tense sounds of the mother in the kitchen endlessly preparing foods, feel the heat, sweat and suffocation of that house, and smell the crisp, intoxicating aroma of pines and damp soil of the forest.
The way that the author explores and exposes this perspective of the impact and pressures of religion on youth was very refreshing to read. It was written in such a raw and clean way that I felt every moment of doubt, confusion, frustration and fear, as well as the confliction within oneself; where the line rests between staying true to yourself, or being faithful and devoted to family and loved ones.
The mystery itself whilst I clued on pretty early to one portion, I was still pleasantly surprised and satisfied with the ending and unravelling of what had occurred. The path to truth is twisted and blurred, and I loved every dark turn.
The illustrations included throughout are absolutely beautiful and add that little bit more depth to the reading experience.
Would highly recommend this novella!
September 1, 2026
Hellebore by G. M. White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ rounded up
ARC READ thank you for allowing me this wonderful opportunity.
Hellebore is a beautifully atmospheric little novella that manages to pack grief, mystery, religion, control and the expectations placed on women into just 155 pages. I loved the eerie Australian setting and the way the story slowly revealed what really happened to Francesca.
Heather’s conflicting feelings about Francesca added another emotional layer, especially as she struggled between what she had been taught and what she actually felt. I guessed part of the mystery fairly early, but there were still surprises waiting for me at the end.
Written AND illustrated by one very talented lady! the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They suit the dark, almost fairytale like atmosphere perfectly and make the whole reading experience feel a little more special.
Hellebore is eerie, beautifully illustrated and a thought provoking little Australian gothic thriller that proves a story doesn’t need hundreds of pages to leave an impression.
The missing half star is because I didn’t want it to end I know it’s a novella and it’s meant to be short but I wanted the story to continue that would be my only complaint.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ rounded up
ARC READ thank you for allowing me this wonderful opportunity.
Hellebore is a beautifully atmospheric little novella that manages to pack grief, mystery, religion, control and the expectations placed on women into just 155 pages. I loved the eerie Australian setting and the way the story slowly revealed what really happened to Francesca.
Heather’s conflicting feelings about Francesca added another emotional layer, especially as she struggled between what she had been taught and what she actually felt. I guessed part of the mystery fairly early, but there were still surprises waiting for me at the end.
Written AND illustrated by one very talented lady! the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They suit the dark, almost fairytale like atmosphere perfectly and make the whole reading experience feel a little more special.
Hellebore is eerie, beautifully illustrated and a thought provoking little Australian gothic thriller that proves a story doesn’t need hundreds of pages to leave an impression.
The missing half star is because I didn’t want it to end I know it’s a novella and it’s meant to be short but I wanted the story to continue that would be my only complaint.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an ARC of Hellebore!
I absolutely DEVOURED this. It was beautifully written, beautifully illustrated and all round beautifully executed. It is a well-paced, short novella that keeps you hooked as you linger between the past and present, gradually learning the different relationship dynamics between the main characters. I would say it’s a very character-driven story, but the plot does not suffer for that. The characters and storyline blend really well together, and there is a good balance between moving the story forward and exploring the characters.
I do not want to spoil anything but WOW, the ending really got me. Although I had seen *some* of the reveals coming, the major one completely caught me off guard. But it makes so much sense and I am just in absolute disbelief and awe.
The atmosphere and vibes kind of reminded me of the film The Village—one of my favourite movies—and also The Bone Drenched Woods by L.V. Russell, but less horror and more cosy thriller.
All in all, I definitely recommend this novella, especially for anyone who loves a good Christmas thriller hehe.
I absolutely DEVOURED this. It was beautifully written, beautifully illustrated and all round beautifully executed. It is a well-paced, short novella that keeps you hooked as you linger between the past and present, gradually learning the different relationship dynamics between the main characters. I would say it’s a very character-driven story, but the plot does not suffer for that. The characters and storyline blend really well together, and there is a good balance between moving the story forward and exploring the characters.
I do not want to spoil anything but WOW, the ending really got me. Although I had seen *some* of the reveals coming, the major one completely caught me off guard. But it makes so much sense and I am just in absolute disbelief and awe.
The atmosphere and vibes kind of reminded me of the film The Village—one of my favourite movies—and also The Bone Drenched Woods by L.V. Russell, but less horror and more cosy thriller.
All in all, I definitely recommend this novella, especially for anyone who loves a good Christmas thriller hehe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute pleasure of early reading through the ebook proof for this, and I was hooked from the start.
Shorter in length, i found Hellebore to be less overwhelming than some of the longer books you find, which was already a bonus for me. But Whites writing is beautifully atmospheric, and combined with her self-drawn illustrations I was in aphantasia-reader-heaven. She sets the tone, setting, and overall vibe perfectly.
The story its self was nostalgic in a sense that it reminded me of some of my favorite horror/thriller films growing up (which I wont name for spoilers sake), but injected with twist after twist so that every time I thought I had a solid theory I was left flummoxed with an open mouth.
If you enjoy eerie, subtle, faith-questioning, coming-of-age-esque books, that keep you guessing while you battle with a creeping feeling on unease and unrest, then I highly recommend keeping an eye out for Hellebore.
Shorter in length, i found Hellebore to be less overwhelming than some of the longer books you find, which was already a bonus for me. But Whites writing is beautifully atmospheric, and combined with her self-drawn illustrations I was in aphantasia-reader-heaven. She sets the tone, setting, and overall vibe perfectly.
The story its self was nostalgic in a sense that it reminded me of some of my favorite horror/thriller films growing up (which I wont name for spoilers sake), but injected with twist after twist so that every time I thought I had a solid theory I was left flummoxed with an open mouth.
If you enjoy eerie, subtle, faith-questioning, coming-of-age-esque books, that keep you guessing while you battle with a creeping feeling on unease and unrest, then I highly recommend keeping an eye out for Hellebore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
G.M. White is sooooo good at creating a truly unsettling atmosphere in everything she writes. Hellebore explores religious trauma, sisterhood, and sapphic longing, all wrapped up in a dark and eerie novella that had me questioning everything.
The illustrations throughout were such a great addition and really helped me visualise the story, especially as someone who has crickets in their head while reading approximately 90% of the time 😂
I had theories from the very beginning, but somehow only managed to get ONE tiny element right. I did NOT see that ending coming, but looking back there were so many crumbs (including some superrr clever ones) that I’m shocked I didn’t catch!
If you love an unsettling thriller with descriptive, poetic writing and an ending that makes you want to immediately go back and look for all the clues you missed, this one is for you!! 🖤
4.5 upgraded to 5 stars for Goodreads 🥰
The illustrations throughout were such a great addition and really helped me visualise the story, especially as someone who has crickets in their head while reading approximately 90% of the time 😂
I had theories from the very beginning, but somehow only managed to get ONE tiny element right. I did NOT see that ending coming, but looking back there were so many crumbs (including some superrr clever ones) that I’m shocked I didn’t catch!
If you love an unsettling thriller with descriptive, poetic writing and an ending that makes you want to immediately go back and look for all the clues you missed, this one is for you!! 🖤
4.5 upgraded to 5 stars for Goodreads 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I want to say thank you for sending me an ARC of this novella!
I’m usually not a fan of novellas simply because I believe it’s hard to flesh out a story or build suspense but I was GLADLY proven wrong with this one! I could not put it down and was constantly trying to figure out what was happening and I loved every minute of it!
This was an introduction to G.M White’s writing for me and i truly could not be more pleased. The writing was atmospheric and beautifully done. The illustrations were well done and added a level of immersion to the story that was wonderful.
I finished this an hour ago and I’m STILL thinking back and connecting things and there’s nothing I love more than something that I cannot stop thinking about.
If you want a something not too short but not too long, with a well thought out plot and beautiful writing, I highly recommend picking this one up.
I’m usually not a fan of novellas simply because I believe it’s hard to flesh out a story or build suspense but I was GLADLY proven wrong with this one! I could not put it down and was constantly trying to figure out what was happening and I loved every minute of it!
This was an introduction to G.M White’s writing for me and i truly could not be more pleased. The writing was atmospheric and beautifully done. The illustrations were well done and added a level of immersion to the story that was wonderful.
I finished this an hour ago and I’m STILL thinking back and connecting things and there’s nothing I love more than something that I cannot stop thinking about.
If you want a something not too short but not too long, with a well thought out plot and beautiful writing, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars
Book sent by author
Hellebore is an Australian sapphic thriller following Heather after her best friend, Francesca goes missing, and then her body is found. I did not expect this to go the way it did, but WOW. That ending literally had my jaw on the floor, it was so twisty! The relationship between Heather and Francesca is obviously toxic, and I had my theories throughout, but even though I was close, I would've never guessed some things. This has a lot of religious bigotry, which I always love seeing in sapphic books (religious trauma, rise up babes). I definitely wouldn't consider this a romance, but there is a subplot to it, with the main focus being the thriller aspect. This is also an illustrated novella, and the artwork throughout is so beautiful and really does the story justice. I'm definitely keeping this author on my radar.
Book sent by author
Hellebore is an Australian sapphic thriller following Heather after her best friend, Francesca goes missing, and then her body is found. I did not expect this to go the way it did, but WOW. That ending literally had my jaw on the floor, it was so twisty! The relationship between Heather and Francesca is obviously toxic, and I had my theories throughout, but even though I was close, I would've never guessed some things. This has a lot of religious bigotry, which I always love seeing in sapphic books (religious trauma, rise up babes). I definitely wouldn't consider this a romance, but there is a subplot to it, with the main focus being the thriller aspect. This is also an illustrated novella, and the artwork throughout is so beautiful and really does the story justice. I'm definitely keeping this author on my radar.
September 29, 2026
Review of an advanced copy received from the author:
Set within a close-knit community, Heather is forced to confront the mysterious death of her best friend while navigating a new reality where nothing is quite as it seems.
I’ll admit that I worked out the ending relatively early in the story, but the journey to get there was generally well paced. The premise was promising, and most of the characters were engaging enough to keep me invested.
That said, I did struggle at times. Certain elements felt repetitive, which occasionally caused me to lose track of the storyline and slowed the momentum for me. There were also aspects that didn’t seem to add much to the overall narrative, while other threads left me wanting more detail and exploration.
Overall, Hellebore offers an intriguing mystery with a compelling concept, but for me, the execution didn’t quite live up to its potential.
Set within a close-knit community, Heather is forced to confront the mysterious death of her best friend while navigating a new reality where nothing is quite as it seems.
I’ll admit that I worked out the ending relatively early in the story, but the journey to get there was generally well paced. The premise was promising, and most of the characters were engaging enough to keep me invested.
That said, I did struggle at times. Certain elements felt repetitive, which occasionally caused me to lose track of the storyline and slowed the momentum for me. There were also aspects that didn’t seem to add much to the overall narrative, while other threads left me wanting more detail and exploration.
Overall, Hellebore offers an intriguing mystery with a compelling concept, but for me, the execution didn’t quite live up to its potential.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author.
What an incredible story! With gothic themes, sapphic yearning, folklore at its heart, mysteries and secrets take root within this suspenseful horror novella. I was gripped from the beginning. The ending had my jaw on the floor. And I simultaneously wanted to devour the book in one day, and cherish each page, because I felt completely captured in the story. White’s descriptive prose takes the reader directly into Heather’s shoes. And the artwork that adorns the pages is like a little gift, whether it’s full-page character art, or a drawing to separate scene breaks. There is no end to the author’s talent.
If you love folk horror with suspense, romance, sapphic longing and gothic twists, then Hellebore is the book for you!
What an incredible story! With gothic themes, sapphic yearning, folklore at its heart, mysteries and secrets take root within this suspenseful horror novella. I was gripped from the beginning. The ending had my jaw on the floor. And I simultaneously wanted to devour the book in one day, and cherish each page, because I felt completely captured in the story. White’s descriptive prose takes the reader directly into Heather’s shoes. And the artwork that adorns the pages is like a little gift, whether it’s full-page character art, or a drawing to separate scene breaks. There is no end to the author’s talent.
If you love folk horror with suspense, romance, sapphic longing and gothic twists, then Hellebore is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is unlike any I’ve read before. The illustrations throughout were absolutely stunning and the story itself was immersive with the details and poetic way G M White writes. It’s a dark story, but with elements that feel nostalgic at the same time. You feel the grief, you feel the darkness, you questions things. If you love a story that’s thought provoking you should give Hellebore a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hellebore is an illustrated novella that has the most GORGEOUS illustrations that added so much depth to the tone of the book, those illustrations alone deserve 5 stars!
I am currently moving house and will be back with a more in-depth and thoughtful review but my gosh is this a book to have on your 2026 radar!
I am currently moving house and will be back with a more in-depth and thoughtful review but my gosh is this a book to have on your 2026 radar!
Review of advance copy received from Author
We flew through this delightfully devilish sapphic novella quicker than Dolly eats her breakfast. Hellbore is filled with things we love in a creepy read - gothic setting, religious zealots and cults, murder and betrayal, yearning and unreliable narrators. And if that wasnt enough the prose is beautifully poetic and the novella features wonderful illustrations throughout. This is the fourth book we've read from Gradie and we love watching her author voice and writing grow. This may be our favourite yet. Hellbore releases October 1st.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm generally the kind of person who doesn't get fully invested in a book until around two thirds of the way through, but Hellebore had me hooked from the start!
Everything about it was just so perfect and seamless. I absolutely adored the world building & character development and the plot was not predictable at all.
Everything about it was just so perfect and seamless. I absolutely adored the world building & character development and the plot was not predictable at all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full review soon
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow. just wow. I was captivated at this first couple of sentences and the illustrations inside were stunning. The twist had me setting my kindle down and screaming into my pillow. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity of reading this novella early. It was such an enjoyable read!
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