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Light
This is a story about a monster. Her name is Connie, and she's being watched by a real monster outside her window.
Connie is a 53-year-old woman who has just moved to the countryside of West Virginia with her cat, Serendipity, when a mysterious light appears in her backyard.
Alone and confused, Connie must now figure out what the light wants as it gets closer . . . and closer.
The problem is, Connie is a curmudgeon who doesn't like being bothered by anything or anyone, including this strange light.
If she doesn't stop drinking her wine and cursing at shadows long enough to focus on why the light is targeting her, she might not survive until morning because one thing is clear:
The light is no longer safe.
Content warnings: emotional abuse, addiction, mild graphic imagery, child death, profanity, general curmudgeon-ness, Connie
Connie is a 53-year-old woman who has just moved to the countryside of West Virginia with her cat, Serendipity, when a mysterious light appears in her backyard.
Alone and confused, Connie must now figure out what the light wants as it gets closer . . . and closer.
The problem is, Connie is a curmudgeon who doesn't like being bothered by anything or anyone, including this strange light.
If she doesn't stop drinking her wine and cursing at shadows long enough to focus on why the light is targeting her, she might not survive until morning because one thing is clear:
The light is no longer safe.
Content warnings: emotional abuse, addiction, mild graphic imagery, child death, profanity, general curmudgeon-ness, Connie
- GenresThriller
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
July 17, 2026
3.5 stars!
In my recent unboxing, I received a PR package that was quite eerie, filled with unsettling messages and drawings that reveal themselves under black light. If that doesn’t send shivers down your spine, I don’t know what will!
Connie, a 53-year-old woman who has recently relocated to rural West Virginia with her cat, Serendipity, finds herself troubled by a mysterious light appearing in her backyard. As the light draws nearer, Connie's curmudgeonly nature and preference for solitude complicate her understanding of its intent. Consumed by her wine and frustrations, she risks her safety as she confronts the ominous presence, realizing that the light is a potential threat.
The story unfolds much like the blurb suggests. We meet Connie, a character who evokes deep sympathy. She’s bitter and discontented, having lost her closest relationships. Her response is to isolate herself with her cat, Serendipity. Through flashbacks, we learn about Connie’s troubled childhood, her tumultuous marriage to Chuck, and the moments spent with her son, Paul. It makes you wonder if she had some undiagnosed condition, given the turmoil swirling in her mind. While the narrative clarifies her thought processes at the end, I couldn’t shake the sadness she inspired in me. Connie grapples with childhood trauma and a sense of worthlessness; she also mourns the loss of her daughter, grappling with profound loneliness as Paul rarely visits anymore. When he does, it feels as though he can’t stand her caring nature—something that embodies what mothers often do: they care and protect their children. I felt an overwhelming urge to offer her a comforting hug.
The book’s unique style is striking; instead of a linear timeline, we are taken on a journey through Connie's past—her relationship with her mother, her childhood experiences, and the widening chasm in her marriage. From the very start, you sense the weight of her upbringing in a household with addiction, which profoundly shapes her worldview.
While the book is categorized as a thriller or horror, with unexplainable occurrences that surface, particularly toward the end, much of our time is spent in Connie’s emotional landscape. The surrounding events often fade into the background, overshadowed by her internal struggles. This story unfolds slowly, rich in detail, and commands interest. The frightening elements don’t emerge until the latter part, and they feel somewhat disconnected from the overall narrative, which is primarily focused on Connie's personal battles.
Overall, the pacing of the story is deliberate, yet I found myself engrossed enough to turn the pages. I felt intimately acquainted with Connie during her vulnerably raw moments, sensing her loneliness and her need for professional support. Depression and negative thoughts can often manifest as personal demons, much like addiction does. I appreciated this book; although it wasn’t what I initially expected, it has its own distinct audience.
I’m genuinely honest in my reviews, as I don’t want to deter anyone from experiencing it. I’m curious to hear your thoughts, especially since I’ve seen other reviews that differ from my perspective. This isn’t a horror story in the traditional sense; instead, it’s poignant and thought-provoking, focusing on Connie's internal struggles amidst her family's absence when she needed them most. A truly unique read.
Thank you, TheIndieAuthorInsider and author, for gifting me this amazing PR Package with an ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In my recent unboxing, I received a PR package that was quite eerie, filled with unsettling messages and drawings that reveal themselves under black light. If that doesn’t send shivers down your spine, I don’t know what will!
Connie, a 53-year-old woman who has recently relocated to rural West Virginia with her cat, Serendipity, finds herself troubled by a mysterious light appearing in her backyard. As the light draws nearer, Connie's curmudgeonly nature and preference for solitude complicate her understanding of its intent. Consumed by her wine and frustrations, she risks her safety as she confronts the ominous presence, realizing that the light is a potential threat.
The story unfolds much like the blurb suggests. We meet Connie, a character who evokes deep sympathy. She’s bitter and discontented, having lost her closest relationships. Her response is to isolate herself with her cat, Serendipity. Through flashbacks, we learn about Connie’s troubled childhood, her tumultuous marriage to Chuck, and the moments spent with her son, Paul. It makes you wonder if she had some undiagnosed condition, given the turmoil swirling in her mind. While the narrative clarifies her thought processes at the end, I couldn’t shake the sadness she inspired in me. Connie grapples with childhood trauma and a sense of worthlessness; she also mourns the loss of her daughter, grappling with profound loneliness as Paul rarely visits anymore. When he does, it feels as though he can’t stand her caring nature—something that embodies what mothers often do: they care and protect their children. I felt an overwhelming urge to offer her a comforting hug.
The book’s unique style is striking; instead of a linear timeline, we are taken on a journey through Connie's past—her relationship with her mother, her childhood experiences, and the widening chasm in her marriage. From the very start, you sense the weight of her upbringing in a household with addiction, which profoundly shapes her worldview.
While the book is categorized as a thriller or horror, with unexplainable occurrences that surface, particularly toward the end, much of our time is spent in Connie’s emotional landscape. The surrounding events often fade into the background, overshadowed by her internal struggles. This story unfolds slowly, rich in detail, and commands interest. The frightening elements don’t emerge until the latter part, and they feel somewhat disconnected from the overall narrative, which is primarily focused on Connie's personal battles.
Overall, the pacing of the story is deliberate, yet I found myself engrossed enough to turn the pages. I felt intimately acquainted with Connie during her vulnerably raw moments, sensing her loneliness and her need for professional support. Depression and negative thoughts can often manifest as personal demons, much like addiction does. I appreciated this book; although it wasn’t what I initially expected, it has its own distinct audience.
I’m genuinely honest in my reviews, as I don’t want to deter anyone from experiencing it. I’m curious to hear your thoughts, especially since I’ve seen other reviews that differ from my perspective. This isn’t a horror story in the traditional sense; instead, it’s poignant and thought-provoking, focusing on Connie's internal struggles amidst her family's absence when she needed them most. A truly unique read.
Thank you, TheIndieAuthorInsider and author, for gifting me this amazing PR Package with an ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2026
This book was such a wild ride. It was creepy, cringey in the best possible way, and packed with suspense from beginning to end. Some moments genuinely made me uncomfortable, but that only added to how immersive and effective the story was. Overall, a gripping and entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves dark, suspenseful stories.
July 8, 2026
Sooooo… what did I just read? I honestly have no words for this book. I caught myself putting it down thinking, “WTF?”, only to pick it back up again and read more. I could not stop reading this! Finished it in one setting, less than 4hrs! The way I say I devoured this book doesn’t do it justice. It will have you questioning if what is happening is real or imagined and I’m here for it!
July 16, 2026
Creepy, Thoughtful, and Completely Unsettling!
Light by Michelle Koubek follows Connie, a fifty-three-year-old woman who has recently moved to the West Virginia countryside with her cat, Serendipity.
Connie is a true curmudgeon. She likes her wine, her privacy, and being left alone. But her quiet new life becomes increasingly unsettling when a mysterious light appears in her backyard and begins moving closer to her home.
I really liked this book. The supernatural mystery kept me curious, but the deeper themes made the story stand out. It explores anger, addiction, grief, emotional abuse, and what can happen when resentment begins controlling the way we see the world.
The message that stayed with me most was the importance of letting go of the little things that aggravate us. When we carry every frustration, we risk allowing bitterness to change us into the kind of person we never wanted to become.
Connie is difficult, stubborn, complicated, and sometimes frustrating, but that is also what made her feel so real.
This was a creepy and thought-provoking four-star read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Please check the content warnings for emotional abuse, addiction, mild graphic imagery, child death, profanity, and general curmudgeon-ness.
Light by Michelle Koubek follows Connie, a fifty-three-year-old woman who has recently moved to the West Virginia countryside with her cat, Serendipity.
Connie is a true curmudgeon. She likes her wine, her privacy, and being left alone. But her quiet new life becomes increasingly unsettling when a mysterious light appears in her backyard and begins moving closer to her home.
I really liked this book. The supernatural mystery kept me curious, but the deeper themes made the story stand out. It explores anger, addiction, grief, emotional abuse, and what can happen when resentment begins controlling the way we see the world.
The message that stayed with me most was the importance of letting go of the little things that aggravate us. When we carry every frustration, we risk allowing bitterness to change us into the kind of person we never wanted to become.
Connie is difficult, stubborn, complicated, and sometimes frustrating, but that is also what made her feel so real.
This was a creepy and thought-provoking four-star read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Please check the content warnings for emotional abuse, addiction, mild graphic imagery, child death, profanity, and general curmudgeon-ness.
July 22, 2026
this book was such a wild ride and nothing like i’ve ever experienced in a psychological thriller/horror novel. i loved the aspect of connie being preoccupied with her past and how she believes it is currently affecting her. i also think it was able to convey why she is the way that she is. i was constantly guessing what would happen next and truly was never able to predict what was coming. huge huge thank you to both author michelle koubek and the indie author insider for providing me with a physical ARC copy of this book and allowing me to jump into the chaos with you. be sure to order special edition glow copies from michelle’s website!! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Plenty of people are afraid of the dark, but have you ever been afraid of the light?
You will be.
Connie's dealt with a lot in her life—she's been divorced for years, her son hardly speaks to her, much less visits, and her boss seems to have it out for her, even though she's the best employee they have (if Connie does say so herself)—and now this crazy light thing is harassing her in what's supposed to be her sanctuary now that she's on her own in the West Virginia countryside, away from people and the utter chaos that is just society in general. All she has on her side are her cat, Serendipity, and previous life experiences that guide her through how to handle this new threat as the night progresses.
Connie is not a very likeable character at all, though that's entirely the point. We learn more about her past and how she got to be this way as the story goes on, filling in her history here and there in connection with what's happening in the present. There's a reason she's all alone, as that's actually what she prefers—although in this case, she may wind up regretting it.
This book had me hooked from the start, and I wish I'd been able to sit down and read it in its entirety in one sitting. However, I actually had to deal with my own severe thunderstorm and power outage during the first few chapters, and let me tell you, reading this particular story by candlelight was quite an interesting adventure. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a good suspense tale, especially those with an ending you won't see coming.
4.5 stars
**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
You will be.
Connie's dealt with a lot in her life—she's been divorced for years, her son hardly speaks to her, much less visits, and her boss seems to have it out for her, even though she's the best employee they have (if Connie does say so herself)—and now this crazy light thing is harassing her in what's supposed to be her sanctuary now that she's on her own in the West Virginia countryside, away from people and the utter chaos that is just society in general. All she has on her side are her cat, Serendipity, and previous life experiences that guide her through how to handle this new threat as the night progresses.
Connie is not a very likeable character at all, though that's entirely the point. We learn more about her past and how she got to be this way as the story goes on, filling in her history here and there in connection with what's happening in the present. There's a reason she's all alone, as that's actually what she prefers—although in this case, she may wind up regretting it.
This book had me hooked from the start, and I wish I'd been able to sit down and read it in its entirety in one sitting. However, I actually had to deal with my own severe thunderstorm and power outage during the first few chapters, and let me tell you, reading this particular story by candlelight was quite an interesting adventure. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a good suspense tale, especially those with an ending you won't see coming.
4.5 stars
**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
July 15, 2026
I absolutely adored this book!!! What I loved about it the most was the creepiness to me, those are my favorite kind of books. This was a wild ride that you couldn't get off of, it just kept freaking you out lol and makes you even more afraid of the dark and being alone!! I had a really fun time reading this
July 18, 2026
This book had me hooked. I finished it in one sitting, which is something I’ve never done, even with my favorite authors or books. The book is about a woman living alone with a sinister presence lingering in her home. I was second guessing if she was crazy or if it was real. I highly suggest checking this one out. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to everyone I know. A five star read!
July 21, 2026
Please buy direct from the indie author! You get an amazing package full of so much creepy and amazing things! The story was equally creepy and amazing! Really tells an amazing story about how your childhood can shape you and even make you stronger! A must read!
July 19, 2026
I honestly found this book to be incredibly crafty! I really loved that the monster was one we all know yet can go so unnoticed for so long. Over all I enjoyed the pacing and the writing style. It was very different from my typical reads and the interactive option was so much fun.
July 16, 2026
When I tell you some parts of this book scared me! Hahahahhaha. Once I locked into the book it got so good!!! Thank you Michelle for giving me an advanced physical copy. I appreciate you so much for this opportunity!!!
July 6, 2026
This book was very interesting in an odd way. Wasn’t what I expected. Nothing like thinking you are absolutely loosing your mind every night, by imaginary beings. The only way to stop it is to literally say NO.
Now if only that could work in real life.
Now if only that could work in real life.
July 16, 2026
Review for ARC : if you are into psychological/suspense thrillers you’ll love this story ….. it definitely made me guess what was happening through the whole story and I did not see the ending coming totally didn’t end like most thrillers and that made it stand out to me …. Michelle wrote the FMC so well that it made you feel like you were her with the inner monologue, opinions and the creepy happenings …. When you think you should be afraid of the Dark …. It’s really the LIGHT that gets under your skin
July 15, 2026
Spoiler-Free
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Light by Michelle Koubek as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review, and it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
I’ll be honest—the beginning felt slower than I expected. It takes its time introducing the story, and I wasn’t immediately hooked. But once it found its rhythm, I simply couldn’t put it down. Every chapter left me wanting to know what would happen next, and the twists were genuinely unexpected. The ending? I never saw it coming.
One thing I found particularly fascinating was the way the story unfolds over such a short period of time. Although the events take place over the course of a single night, it feels as though you’ve travelled through years of emotion and experience with Connie. It’s an unusual feeling…
At first, I questioned whether some of the quieter moments could have been shortened. But by the end, I realised they were all necessary. Every seemingly small detail contributes to the bigger picture, and looking back, I wouldn’t remove them.
More than anything, this isn’t simply a suspense novel. It’s a story that encourages reflection. It explores relationships, motherhood, loneliness, resentment, forgiveness and the lasting impact our actions have on the people around us.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
If you’re patient through the opening chapters, you’re rewarded with a beautifully layered story that is gripping, emotional and deeply thought-provoking.
⸻
Spoiler Warning
If you haven’t read the book yet, stop here!
⸻
My Thoughts After Finishing
The biggest emotion I was left with wasn’t shock—it was sadness.
I found myself feeling deeply sorry for the protagonist. As a mother, reading about her loneliness and feeling so unseen was heartbreaking. Yet as the story unfolded, I also realised how bitterness had slowly become part of who she was - and also they why…
That was probably the most fascinating part of the novel for me.
You begin by sympathising with her, but gradually you also start questioning her. Was she simply a victim of circumstance, or had her resentment become so consuming that it changed the way she saw everyone around her?
For me, that became the real story.
The suspense kept me turning the pages, but the emotional and philosophical questions are what stayed with me after I finished reading.
The novel reminded me how easily bitterness can grow if it isn’t dealt with. It also made me reflect on how we treat the people around us. Relationships aren’t built or broken in one dramatic moment—they’re shaped by countless small interactions over time. We often assume people will always be there, until one day they aren’t.
Looking back, I also understand why some of the slower sections were necessary. Initially, they felt like pauses in the action, but by the end I realised they were quietly building the emotional foundation for everything that followed.
For me, Light isn’t just a thriller or a mystery.
It’s a story about human nature.
About loneliness.
About the stories we tell ourselves.
And about the consequences—both seen and unseen—of how we love, neglect and remember one another.
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Light by Michelle Koubek as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review, and it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
I’ll be honest—the beginning felt slower than I expected. It takes its time introducing the story, and I wasn’t immediately hooked. But once it found its rhythm, I simply couldn’t put it down. Every chapter left me wanting to know what would happen next, and the twists were genuinely unexpected. The ending? I never saw it coming.
One thing I found particularly fascinating was the way the story unfolds over such a short period of time. Although the events take place over the course of a single night, it feels as though you’ve travelled through years of emotion and experience with Connie. It’s an unusual feeling…
At first, I questioned whether some of the quieter moments could have been shortened. But by the end, I realised they were all necessary. Every seemingly small detail contributes to the bigger picture, and looking back, I wouldn’t remove them.
More than anything, this isn’t simply a suspense novel. It’s a story that encourages reflection. It explores relationships, motherhood, loneliness, resentment, forgiveness and the lasting impact our actions have on the people around us.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
If you’re patient through the opening chapters, you’re rewarded with a beautifully layered story that is gripping, emotional and deeply thought-provoking.
⸻
Spoiler Warning
If you haven’t read the book yet, stop here!
⸻
My Thoughts After Finishing
The biggest emotion I was left with wasn’t shock—it was sadness.
I found myself feeling deeply sorry for the protagonist. As a mother, reading about her loneliness and feeling so unseen was heartbreaking. Yet as the story unfolded, I also realised how bitterness had slowly become part of who she was - and also they why…
That was probably the most fascinating part of the novel for me.
You begin by sympathising with her, but gradually you also start questioning her. Was she simply a victim of circumstance, or had her resentment become so consuming that it changed the way she saw everyone around her?
For me, that became the real story.
The suspense kept me turning the pages, but the emotional and philosophical questions are what stayed with me after I finished reading.
The novel reminded me how easily bitterness can grow if it isn’t dealt with. It also made me reflect on how we treat the people around us. Relationships aren’t built or broken in one dramatic moment—they’re shaped by countless small interactions over time. We often assume people will always be there, until one day they aren’t.
Looking back, I also understand why some of the slower sections were necessary. Initially, they felt like pauses in the action, but by the end I realised they were quietly building the emotional foundation for everything that followed.
For me, Light isn’t just a thriller or a mystery.
It’s a story about human nature.
About loneliness.
About the stories we tell ourselves.
And about the consequences—both seen and unseen—of how we love, neglect and remember one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2026
I went into this book completely blind. I vaguely knew that it was a spooky thriller book about a woman named Connie who was very unlikeable. Besides that, it was all a surprise.
Connie definitely was the most unlikable character i’ve ever read about. I felt frustrated with a lot of her decisions and internal monologues. I also found myself sympathizing with her at some points. Her life kinda sucked, but she also sucks.
I got a little confused with the time jumps and flashbacks. I do wish those sections would’ve had a “title” to indicate where at in her story we were, but I got the hang of it!
My biggest qualm with this book is that I was hoping for more horror/spooky scenes. There were definitely a few scenes that gave me the creepy crawlies and had me a little spooked, but I was hoping for more. There was a lot of backstory on Connie’s life and how she became who she is, which is necessary, but I would’ve loved just a little more “horror”.
I loved the epilogue and the contrast it has with the rest of the book. I thought that was really clever, and was also so grateful for the outcome it portrayed!
Truly, the message of this book is sooooo good and is a perfect example of how choosing to live your life always giving into the negatives and being consumed by it will ultimately destroy you!
One thing that made this read super interesting and unique was the option to interact using “glow notes”. In the ARC copy, the author added hidden glow notes and doodles throughout the book for the readers to find. This added another level of fun to reading this book! I enjoyed scanning each page with my black light looking for hidden messages. There were a few doodles and notes that had the hairs on my arms standing up! Such a fun way to involve the reader in the experience!
Thank you to Michelle for letting me be an ARC reader on this fun read! 🫶🏼
Connie definitely was the most unlikable character i’ve ever read about. I felt frustrated with a lot of her decisions and internal monologues. I also found myself sympathizing with her at some points. Her life kinda sucked, but she also sucks.
I got a little confused with the time jumps and flashbacks. I do wish those sections would’ve had a “title” to indicate where at in her story we were, but I got the hang of it!
My biggest qualm with this book is that I was hoping for more horror/spooky scenes. There were definitely a few scenes that gave me the creepy crawlies and had me a little spooked, but I was hoping for more. There was a lot of backstory on Connie’s life and how she became who she is, which is necessary, but I would’ve loved just a little more “horror”.
I loved the epilogue and the contrast it has with the rest of the book. I thought that was really clever, and was also so grateful for the outcome it portrayed!
Truly, the message of this book is sooooo good and is a perfect example of how choosing to live your life always giving into the negatives and being consumed by it will ultimately destroy you!
One thing that made this read super interesting and unique was the option to interact using “glow notes”. In the ARC copy, the author added hidden glow notes and doodles throughout the book for the readers to find. This added another level of fun to reading this book! I enjoyed scanning each page with my black light looking for hidden messages. There were a few doodles and notes that had the hairs on my arms standing up! Such a fun way to involve the reader in the experience!
Thank you to Michelle for letting me be an ARC reader on this fun read! 🫶🏼
July 15, 2026
I received a physical ARC of Light by Michelle Koubek in exchange for my honest review. So in honor of release day here are my thoughts☺️
Going into this I expected a creepy story about a mysterious light lurking in the woods. It definitely delivered on the eerie atmosphere, But I wasn’t expecting how emotional and character driven it would be.
Connie is a 53 year old woman who lives alone in rural West Virginia with nothing but her cat, her wine, and a desire to be left alone. Then all of a sudden this strange glowing light starts appearing outside her home getting closer and closer forcing her to confront parts of her past she’s spent years trying to bury.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how seamlessly it moved between the present and Connie’s past. Learning about her childhood and everything else that made her who she is. It made the story feel so much deeper.
I won’t lie…for some Connie may not be the easiest character to love. She’s sarcastic, grumpy, and often pushes people away. But the more I learned about her the more I found myself rooting for her. She felt flawed in a very REAL way and I appreciated that.
The atmosphere was one of this book’s biggest strengths. There was this constant feeling of unease that kept me turning the pages. It isn’t packed with nonstop action or scares but it slowly builds tension until you realize you’re completely invested.
The ending hit harder than I expected and wrapped everything up in a way that felt satisfying. This is a slower, more reflective horror novel that leans just as heavily into grief, loneliness, and confronting the past as it does the mystery itself.
If you enjoy atmospheric horror with strong character development and a story that’s just as emotional as it is unsettling, I’d definitely recommend giving Light a chance.
Going into this I expected a creepy story about a mysterious light lurking in the woods. It definitely delivered on the eerie atmosphere, But I wasn’t expecting how emotional and character driven it would be.
Connie is a 53 year old woman who lives alone in rural West Virginia with nothing but her cat, her wine, and a desire to be left alone. Then all of a sudden this strange glowing light starts appearing outside her home getting closer and closer forcing her to confront parts of her past she’s spent years trying to bury.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how seamlessly it moved between the present and Connie’s past. Learning about her childhood and everything else that made her who she is. It made the story feel so much deeper.
I won’t lie…for some Connie may not be the easiest character to love. She’s sarcastic, grumpy, and often pushes people away. But the more I learned about her the more I found myself rooting for her. She felt flawed in a very REAL way and I appreciated that.
The atmosphere was one of this book’s biggest strengths. There was this constant feeling of unease that kept me turning the pages. It isn’t packed with nonstop action or scares but it slowly builds tension until you realize you’re completely invested.
The ending hit harder than I expected and wrapped everything up in a way that felt satisfying. This is a slower, more reflective horror novel that leans just as heavily into grief, loneliness, and confronting the past as it does the mystery itself.
If you enjoy atmospheric horror with strong character development and a story that’s just as emotional as it is unsettling, I’d definitely recommend giving Light a chance.
July 16, 2026
Connie is a monster. There, I said it. However - I do think that's what the over-arching theme of the book is. This was such a fun read and I have never read anything like this before. You get to be inside the head of Connie, a 53-year-old woman who has no friends, an ex-husband, and a grown son who barely speaks to her. She lives by herself in a big house and is haunted by a "light".
Here's the thing - Connie also drinks a ton of Chianti (red wine) - so throughout the book both the reader as well as the people she calls are trying to figure out if she's just drunk or if something sinister is actually going on. The writing in this book was incredibly compelling. There were elements of humor sprinkled in throughout which I absolutely LOVED. It's also fun that she has a cat named, Serendipity.
I have so many thoughts about this book and wish I had a book club to discuss it with! There are several "hidden messages" throughout. Hatred is an incredibly powerful emotion and it can eat you alive. On top of that, the flashbacks in Connie's life add so much to her character development! Here's just ONE of the many quotes I highlighted as Connie describes the light:
"It feels like it hates me but also desires me too, and I can't make sense of that. If I could figure it out, maybe I would have a chance of getting out of this, but I am lost. I can tell by how my poor house groans louder than normal: we're both in its grasp. It's toying with us, but it's only a matter of time before it takes what it wants."
I highly recommend this! Thanks to Michelle Koubek for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
Here's the thing - Connie also drinks a ton of Chianti (red wine) - so throughout the book both the reader as well as the people she calls are trying to figure out if she's just drunk or if something sinister is actually going on. The writing in this book was incredibly compelling. There were elements of humor sprinkled in throughout which I absolutely LOVED. It's also fun that she has a cat named, Serendipity.
I have so many thoughts about this book and wish I had a book club to discuss it with! There are several "hidden messages" throughout. Hatred is an incredibly powerful emotion and it can eat you alive. On top of that, the flashbacks in Connie's life add so much to her character development! Here's just ONE of the many quotes I highlighted as Connie describes the light:
"It feels like it hates me but also desires me too, and I can't make sense of that. If I could figure it out, maybe I would have a chance of getting out of this, but I am lost. I can tell by how my poor house groans louder than normal: we're both in its grasp. It's toying with us, but it's only a matter of time before it takes what it wants."
I highly recommend this! Thanks to Michelle Koubek for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 17, 2026
Light by Michelle Kubek
🌟🌟🌟.75
All unbiased thoughts and opinions are presented by Shan and Maxine.
This is a psychological thriller that Michelle presents in a unique and creative way with glow notes and pictures that allow you to interact if you choose.
This story is a true slow burn; where portions felt drawn out as Connie reflects on her past throughout the book. There are several creepy, disturbing moments when describing what Connie sees, that push the story along. She is definitely an unreliable narrator throughout the novels entirety.
Not knowing what is real makes you wants to see it to the end just to find out.
This would be a great book club or buddy read to compare thoughts on as you read through. We had a great time making predictions and throwing out ideas.
We tried the glow note suggestion that the author included in the PR package and results are: We’e safe… for now…
This definitely left a lot to the imagination and by the end we had some unanswered questions but it was a fun time.
Thank you for the copies Michelle!
July 15, 2026
This book was unique and eerie in the best of ways. In this book you meet Connie who lives in West Virginia, she's divorced women who's son avoids here like a plague. Her job isn't much better with her boss seeming to have it out for her. All she has left is her cat Serendipity with that being said some weird things start to happen with a light creature and she has to handle this new threat for not only herself but her home as well. This book not only held me captive but also suprised me with a unique ending unlike most thrillers I've read in the past. The Fmc in this book was written with so much depth that it felt like you were in her shoes living through her. If you love a psychological thriller that'll have you guessing on what will happen next then this is the read for you. Highly Recommend! I got this book via the author and this is my voluntary review.
July 16, 2026
Light by Michelle Koubek is a psychological thriller that had me putting in this book down, trying to figure out what was going on for most of the book. Miss Connie had me since the first page when she saw the light, then lost me with all the memories, at the same time I was wondering, why did she keep bringing us to all her childhood, marriage, divorce, lost/ grief. This thing that was watching her had me going back to this book because I really wanted to know the mystery behind the monster (the light) I feel the trauma behind her past manifested with past memories to bring out this house Guests , but I can’t give you all the details. I really enjoyed the monster aspects since I love horror movies my favorite chapters are 17 till the end of the book. I also wonder what happened to serendipity I’m glad I read through the whole book. I enjoyed the ending, and I’m glad that everything came full circle at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Wow what can I say just Wow!! This book was cringy creepy and kinda scary!! It was full of surprises and suspense from the very beginning to the end!! It really had me thinking as someone who believes in spirits!! I absolutely loved this interactive book and if you love psychological thrillers with suspense you definitely need to read this!
“Connie is a 53-year old woman who has just moved to the countryside of West Virginia with her cat, Serendipity, when a mysterious light appears in her backyard.
Alone and confused, Connie must now figure out what the light wants as it gets closer…and closer.”
“Connie is a 53-year old woman who has just moved to the countryside of West Virginia with her cat, Serendipity, when a mysterious light appears in her backyard.
Alone and confused, Connie must now figure out what the light wants as it gets closer…and closer.”
July 14, 2026
This was a 3.5 Read for me !
This book was a bit difficult to read and I worried I would DNF at certain points as the FMC triggered me quite a bit as I’ve known quite a few Connie’s in my time and I try my best to NOT be a Connie myself everyday. However, there were instances where I could understand her and ALMOST feel bad for her. From what I gather the fear or thriller part of this book was the doubt and hate that we allow to eat at us day in and day out especially as women and whether we allow it to consume us and turn us bitter or “raise above.” I feel like this was a book where it could be left open to interpretation and this was mine and what I felt from reading and finishing it. I am rating it a 3.5 as the time jump made it a bit difficult to read sometimes although I held out and attributed it as further demonstrating how much more Connie was losing herself to the negativity she harbored. The end I thought connecting to the epilogue was really good and saved it for me.
This book was a bit difficult to read and I worried I would DNF at certain points as the FMC triggered me quite a bit as I’ve known quite a few Connie’s in my time and I try my best to NOT be a Connie myself everyday. However, there were instances where I could understand her and ALMOST feel bad for her. From what I gather the fear or thriller part of this book was the doubt and hate that we allow to eat at us day in and day out especially as women and whether we allow it to consume us and turn us bitter or “raise above.” I feel like this was a book where it could be left open to interpretation and this was mine and what I felt from reading and finishing it. I am rating it a 3.5 as the time jump made it a bit difficult to read sometimes although I held out and attributed it as further demonstrating how much more Connie was losing herself to the negativity she harbored. The end I thought connecting to the epilogue was really good and saved it for me.
July 17, 2026
A psychological thriller that Michelle presents in a unique and creative way with glow notes and pictures that allow you to interact if you choose.
The story is a slower read; where portions felt drawn out as Connie reflects on her past throughout the book. There are several creepy, disturbing moments when describing what Connie sees, that push the story along. Not knowing what is real makes you wants to see it to the end just to find out.
This would be a great book club or buddy read to compare thoughts on as you read through.
I tried the glow note suggestion that the author included in the PR package and results are: I’m safe… for now
Thank you Maxine for the buddy read so much fun bouncing our ideas around
Thank you Michelle for the advanced copy!!
The story is a slower read; where portions felt drawn out as Connie reflects on her past throughout the book. There are several creepy, disturbing moments when describing what Connie sees, that push the story along. Not knowing what is real makes you wants to see it to the end just to find out.
This would be a great book club or buddy read to compare thoughts on as you read through.
I tried the glow note suggestion that the author included in the PR package and results are: I’m safe… for now
Thank you Maxine for the buddy read so much fun bouncing our ideas around
Thank you Michelle for the advanced copy!!
July 15, 2026
Y’all, Light is the kind of horror that creeps under your skin one unsettling page at a time. Michelle Koubek blends eerie atmosphere, dark humor, and emotional depth into a story that feels as strange as it is compelling.
Connie, a grumpy, wine-loving 53-year-old, just wants peace and quiet with her cat, Serendipity. Instead, a mysterious light outside her West Virginia home keeps creeping closer, forcing her to confront far more than what’s lurking in the dark. Koubek’s writing is vivid, offbeat, and deliciously tense, making every shadow feel like a threat. Definitely check the content warnings before diving in, but if you love quirky, character-driven horror with plenty of heart and chills, this one shines.
Connie, a grumpy, wine-loving 53-year-old, just wants peace and quiet with her cat, Serendipity. Instead, a mysterious light outside her West Virginia home keeps creeping closer, forcing her to confront far more than what’s lurking in the dark. Koubek’s writing is vivid, offbeat, and deliciously tense, making every shadow feel like a threat. Definitely check the content warnings before diving in, but if you love quirky, character-driven horror with plenty of heart and chills, this one shines.
July 20, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
The story follows Connie, a 53 year old woman with a traumatic past who moves to the countryside, where she begins seeing things. The story goes back and forth between Connie's past and present, and you really get a sense of everything she's been through. It gives you a better understanding of why she's so bitter. I will say the last few chapters were the most interesting to me because the horror aspect becomes much more present than in the earlier chapters where it's a lot of flashbacks. It was eerie and heartbreaking, and I did like the ending.
The story follows Connie, a 53 year old woman with a traumatic past who moves to the countryside, where she begins seeing things. The story goes back and forth between Connie's past and present, and you really get a sense of everything she's been through. It gives you a better understanding of why she's so bitter. I will say the last few chapters were the most interesting to me because the horror aspect becomes much more present than in the earlier chapters where it's a lot of flashbacks. It was eerie and heartbreaking, and I did like the ending.
Did Not Finish
July 5, 2026Well... this one and I were never going to survive together.
It actually sounded right up my street, and I went in feeling pretty optimistic. I haven't read any other reviews yet, so I don't know if I'm in the minority here, but after four days of forcing myself through just 20%, I finally accepted defeat.
My nan would be absolutely ashamed... because she did, in fact, raise a quitter. 💀
For me, the story just dragged. I also struggled with the way the timeline was handled. There wasn't really anything to clearly separate the present-day chapters from the flashbacks, and while it eventually became obvious as I was reading, I prefer knowing from the start. Constantly having to work it out pulled me out of the story every time.
And then there's Connie...
I know she's probably written that way intentionally, but I found her completely insufferable. She reminded me so much of my own mother that every chapter felt like a panic attack waiting to happen, and I just couldn't spend another minute in her company.
Normally, when I DNF a book, I skip to the last few pages to see how it all ends. Not this time. I genuinely couldn't bring myself to read another single word.
As always, this is just my opinion. Despite having impeccable taste in almost everything... 😉 books are subjective. If this sounds like your kind of read, don't let my experience stop you from giving it a go.
Also... if you've actually finished it, please message me and tell me how it ends, because I'm nosy enough to want spoilers, just not enough to read the rest.
🩸 The Panic Verdict: DNF. Sometimes you have to know when to escape.
It actually sounded right up my street, and I went in feeling pretty optimistic. I haven't read any other reviews yet, so I don't know if I'm in the minority here, but after four days of forcing myself through just 20%, I finally accepted defeat.
My nan would be absolutely ashamed... because she did, in fact, raise a quitter. 💀
For me, the story just dragged. I also struggled with the way the timeline was handled. There wasn't really anything to clearly separate the present-day chapters from the flashbacks, and while it eventually became obvious as I was reading, I prefer knowing from the start. Constantly having to work it out pulled me out of the story every time.
And then there's Connie...
I know she's probably written that way intentionally, but I found her completely insufferable. She reminded me so much of my own mother that every chapter felt like a panic attack waiting to happen, and I just couldn't spend another minute in her company.
Normally, when I DNF a book, I skip to the last few pages to see how it all ends. Not this time. I genuinely couldn't bring myself to read another single word.
As always, this is just my opinion. Despite having impeccable taste in almost everything... 😉 books are subjective. If this sounds like your kind of read, don't let my experience stop you from giving it a go.
Also... if you've actually finished it, please message me and tell me how it ends, because I'm nosy enough to want spoilers, just not enough to read the rest.
🩸 The Panic Verdict: DNF. Sometimes you have to know when to escape.
May 21, 2026
What a story! Light by Michelle Koubek was completely different from what I expected. I was a little skeptical at first, but I ended up absolutely loving it! The psychological elements were done so well, and the creepy atmosphere had me looking around my own house while reading. Definitely one that got under my skin and kept me hooked!
July 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ If you want a quick read full of suspense, that’ll have you questioning what just happened, this is it. This book will keep you guessing if what you just read is real or in Connie’s head and you won’t want to put it down. Oh and the ending doesn’t disappoint. I’d definitely recommend. I can’t say anything else because I don’t want to give anything away. ❤️
July 19, 2026
The triggers containing Connie is still so funny to me.
It’s true though, she is a trigger, my goodness. I’m careful about the horror books and this one I couldn’t read in the dark. The answers that come throughout the book are so well disguised.
I’ve never read such a good unreliable narrator book!
The darkness has not gotten me yet. The light lies!
It’s true though, she is a trigger, my goodness. I’m careful about the horror books and this one I couldn’t read in the dark. The answers that come throughout the book are so well disguised.
I’ve never read such a good unreliable narrator book!
The darkness has not gotten me yet. The light lies!
July 13, 2026
Not my usual genre. Connie had a tough upbringing and wanted to make a better life for herself. But bad things happen and it’s the choices you make and have to learn to live with them. This book kept me engaged and wanting to know what happens next
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