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House. Tree. Person.
A year ago, she was happily married, running her beauty salon, raising her son, living in her dream house. Now Ali McGovern’s dreams are slipping away and all her old ghosts are rising.
A job at Howell Hall, the private psychiatric facility nearby, seems too good to be true. Why have they employed her? How can they afford her? And what are they hiding? When a body is discovered in a shallow grave on Ali’s first day at work, it feels like one last horror. But it’s just the beginning of her descent into a nightmare world she never imagined existed, far too close to home.
A job at Howell Hall, the private psychiatric facility nearby, seems too good to be true. Why have they employed her? How can they afford her? And what are they hiding? When a body is discovered in a shallow grave on Ali’s first day at work, it feels like one last horror. But it’s just the beginning of her descent into a nightmare world she never imagined existed, far too close to home.
337 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
33 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read
About the author
Catriona McPherson
52 books526 followersCatriona McPherson (she/her) was born in Scotland and immigrated to the US in 2010. She writes: preposterous 1930s private-detective stories about a toff; realistic 1940s amateur-sleuth stories about an oik; and contemporary psychothriller standalones. These are all set in Scotland with a lot of Scottish weather. She also writes modern comedies about a Scot-out-of-water in a “fictional” college town in Northern California.
She has won multiple Anthonys, Agathas, Leftys and Macavitys for her work and been shortlisted for an Edgar, three Mary Higgins Clark awards and a UK dagger
Catriona is a proud lifetime member and former national president of Sisters in Crime.
She has won multiple Anthonys, Agathas, Leftys and Macavitys for her work and been shortlisted for an Edgar, three Mary Higgins Clark awards and a UK dagger
Catriona is a proud lifetime member and former national president of Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 8, 2017
This is a terrific dark psychological thriller from Catriona McPherson, set in Dumfries and Galloway. Ali, Marco and their son, Angelo, have been forced to downsize to their present claustrophobic home. They are living in abject poverty, barely managing to make ends meet. This pushes Ali to use a fraudulent CV to land a beauty therapist position at the psychiatric facility, Howell House, run by the husband and wife team, referred to as Dr Ferris, who runs the place and Dr F. who manages the psychiatric care of the patients. There is the odd anomaly of the huge salary that goes with the job that does not make sense. If something is too good to be true, it behoves a person to beware! At the same time, Marco, gets a local part time position. More worryingly, on the same day at the ruined Abbey, close to Ali's home, a dead body emerges after heavy flooding, bringing her family unwanted attention from the police, with a special focus on Angel, Ali's troubled teenage son, who regularly haunts the Abbey.
Ali experienced some kind of illness from an unknown event ten years ago, which she recovered from with the help and support of Marco. Marco and Angel treat her as if she is incredibly fragile and needs to be protected. She clings on to the fact she has completely got over it, except that she really hasn't, she has panic attacks, hears sounds and is spooked by the faceless and a comfort doll. Her job brings her some crumbs of satisfaction as she gets close to two particular patients, Julia and Sylvie, something that brings rebukes from the head of the facility. Since Ali is getting responses from them that the psychiatrists are not, Ali becomes aware there is something strange afoot, but can she rely on her instincts, given that she is shaky and all over the place? Ali's co-workers have chequered backgrounds and qualities that apparently allow them to connect with the patients, and Ali begins to get strong support and help from Lars and Belle. Ali's heartfelt desire to help and protect Angel at any cost, has her investigating. This leads her to begin to understand the purpose of her employment at Howell House, make connections to the dead body, and takes her back to the harrowing cause of her illness ten years ago.
The title House. Tree. Person. refers to a technique which is used by psychiatrists to get patients to draw those items, from which they endeavour to make an analysis about their condition. It is instrumental in Ali's search for the truth in the novel. This is a wonderfully plotted dark and disturbing story, full of creepiness, tension and suspense. The central character of Ali is an impressive creation that has you wondering if she can relied upon, aware that she is suffering yet fiercely determined to be the best mother she can possibly be for her beloved son and that she will do anything to protect him. This is a great read which I recommend highly. Thanks to Midnight Ink for an ARC.
Ali experienced some kind of illness from an unknown event ten years ago, which she recovered from with the help and support of Marco. Marco and Angel treat her as if she is incredibly fragile and needs to be protected. She clings on to the fact she has completely got over it, except that she really hasn't, she has panic attacks, hears sounds and is spooked by the faceless and a comfort doll. Her job brings her some crumbs of satisfaction as she gets close to two particular patients, Julia and Sylvie, something that brings rebukes from the head of the facility. Since Ali is getting responses from them that the psychiatrists are not, Ali becomes aware there is something strange afoot, but can she rely on her instincts, given that she is shaky and all over the place? Ali's co-workers have chequered backgrounds and qualities that apparently allow them to connect with the patients, and Ali begins to get strong support and help from Lars and Belle. Ali's heartfelt desire to help and protect Angel at any cost, has her investigating. This leads her to begin to understand the purpose of her employment at Howell House, make connections to the dead body, and takes her back to the harrowing cause of her illness ten years ago.
The title House. Tree. Person. refers to a technique which is used by psychiatrists to get patients to draw those items, from which they endeavour to make an analysis about their condition. It is instrumental in Ali's search for the truth in the novel. This is a wonderfully plotted dark and disturbing story, full of creepiness, tension and suspense. The central character of Ali is an impressive creation that has you wondering if she can relied upon, aware that she is suffering yet fiercely determined to be the best mother she can possibly be for her beloved son and that she will do anything to protect him. This is a great read which I recommend highly. Thanks to Midnight Ink for an ARC.
August 30, 2017
I was trying to figure out why this author and her standalones appeal to me so much. They are not action filled, nor are there any graphic, blood laden scenes, they are instead insidiously dark, ominous. They are different, unique, and the settings always a bit creepy. Here it is mostly set in a private, psychiatrist facility which was once someone's family home. She always does such a great job with her characters, giving the reader one or more to cheer for, in this case two young residents of the facility, and Ali, a married woman with one son, who had in the past suffered a tragic loss and subsequent breakdown. Using an exaggerated resume she is hired to provide beauty and relaxation treatments at the facility.
Unreliable narrator, or suffering a further breakdown, this is what the reader needs to decide. The beginning is very muddled, as if mimicing the emotional state of Ali as she finds things about the facility to question. To further confuse the situation a dead body is found not far from her home and her son seems to be involved in some manner or other. A true psychological novel, clues are strewn here and there, secrets revealed when the author decides they will be, and the denoument is satisfying.
McPherson has total control of her psychological unveilings, I feel confident reading this author because I feel she is a confident writer, knows exactly where she is going and how to get there.. She slowly draws the reader in, and in my opinion, doesn't let them go.
ARC from Netgalley.
Unreliable narrator, or suffering a further breakdown, this is what the reader needs to decide. The beginning is very muddled, as if mimicing the emotional state of Ali as she finds things about the facility to question. To further confuse the situation a dead body is found not far from her home and her son seems to be involved in some manner or other. A true psychological novel, clues are strewn here and there, secrets revealed when the author decides they will be, and the denoument is satisfying.
McPherson has total control of her psychological unveilings, I feel confident reading this author because I feel she is a confident writer, knows exactly where she is going and how to get there.. She slowly draws the reader in, and in my opinion, doesn't let them go.
ARC from Netgalley.
October 21, 2018
This is funny... I was approved for this title via Netgalley on the original pub date on 9/8/17 and didn't have time to download it before it was archived. Funny enough.. it was sitting on my shelf few weeks ago? I ended up buying it last year when I couldn't get a copy before it was archived. So, It worked out I can now provide feedback :).
I was originally drawn in by the title of this book House. Tree. Person. and of course the book revolving around a psychiatric hospital. Ali, an employee who works for the hospital becomes very concerned about a body that recently was discovered close to her location. Did one of her patients do it? Or, is her own son responsible for the body who continues to be more and more secretive as each day passes.
I was a tad bit confused by the beginning of the book but feel this was intentional due to our main character Ali's mental state of mind. I would definitely categorize this as a very slow burning mystery. It had some twists and turns but nothing that was overly shocking. I was hoping for more from McPherson but overall this novel was well written with a creepiness and dark/ominious feel with the unreliable characters.
3.5 stars for House. Tree. Person
Thank you to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Publication date: 9/8/17
I was originally drawn in by the title of this book House. Tree. Person. and of course the book revolving around a psychiatric hospital. Ali, an employee who works for the hospital becomes very concerned about a body that recently was discovered close to her location. Did one of her patients do it? Or, is her own son responsible for the body who continues to be more and more secretive as each day passes.
I was a tad bit confused by the beginning of the book but feel this was intentional due to our main character Ali's mental state of mind. I would definitely categorize this as a very slow burning mystery. It had some twists and turns but nothing that was overly shocking. I was hoping for more from McPherson but overall this novel was well written with a creepiness and dark/ominious feel with the unreliable characters.
3.5 stars for House. Tree. Person
Thank you to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Publication date: 9/8/17
July 20, 2017
4 stars--I really liked it.
Another great female British crime writer! This is my first McPherson, but it won't be my last.
Though this book seemed confusing at first (it's deliberate, as it reflects Ali's mental fog), I quickly figured out what was going on and raced through to see how it would end. The strength of this book was the main character Ali--though a hot mess, she was relatable, funny, caring, determined, and very clearly written.
In fact, all the characters were written really well. And one element of this book (the voice of the angels, to be vague) was creepy and will stick with me. There are very dark elements here, yes, and lots of family secrets, but balanced with a satisfying ending.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
Another great female British crime writer! This is my first McPherson, but it won't be my last.
Though this book seemed confusing at first (it's deliberate, as it reflects Ali's mental fog), I quickly figured out what was going on and raced through to see how it would end. The strength of this book was the main character Ali--though a hot mess, she was relatable, funny, caring, determined, and very clearly written.
In fact, all the characters were written really well. And one element of this book (the voice of the angels, to be vague) was creepy and will stick with me. There are very dark elements here, yes, and lots of family secrets, but balanced with a satisfying ending.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
September 8, 2017
I found the title for House. Tree. Person to be very odd, but now after finishing the book do I understand the reference. It's actually a kind of clever kind of title and you have to read the book to figure out what it points to and what so important with it.
House. Tree. Person is a book that I felt did not really live up not my expectations. The mystery was in a way interesting, the book just lacked suspense and some really good twists. I did like this book, I found that I wanted to figure out what was wrong with Howell Hall, it was just that much of the twist was pretty obvious and it felt like I was one step ahead of Ali as she tried to figure out things like why was employed, who the dead person is that was found at the cemetery in a shallow grave.
Honestly, that Ali got the job, despite clearing not having any qualifications for it is the first hint that something is wrong. I knew that, she knew that. Then we have her husband and son her husband Marco is not really in the story that much, more like a figure in the background, but he is the one that found her the job, and he is also the reason they have financial problems which led to her taking the job. And, then we have their son, Angel, who is being questioned by the police after the body is found. Poor Ali has a lot to deal with.
House. Tree. Person was an interesting book. I just wish the story had been more intense and the ending more shocking.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
House. Tree. Person is a book that I felt did not really live up not my expectations. The mystery was in a way interesting, the book just lacked suspense and some really good twists. I did like this book, I found that I wanted to figure out what was wrong with Howell Hall, it was just that much of the twist was pretty obvious and it felt like I was one step ahead of Ali as she tried to figure out things like why was employed, who the dead person is that was found at the cemetery in a shallow grave.
Honestly, that Ali got the job, despite clearing not having any qualifications for it is the first hint that something is wrong. I knew that, she knew that. Then we have her husband and son her husband Marco is not really in the story that much, more like a figure in the background, but he is the one that found her the job, and he is also the reason they have financial problems which led to her taking the job. And, then we have their son, Angel, who is being questioned by the police after the body is found. Poor Ali has a lot to deal with.
House. Tree. Person was an interesting book. I just wish the story had been more intense and the ending more shocking.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
September 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this book. For me, it's one of those books you can pick up and just get stuck into and enjoy the journey of being immersed in a fictional tale.
The book is set mostly around an expensive in-patient psychiatric home which houses patients with varying conditions including alcohol issues, personality disorders, eating disorders to a young woman who is catatonic at the age of 30. This is not your average home - it's expensive and exclusive.
Our main character gets a job here offering the patients "wellbeing" treatments like facials, massage and make-up application plus art therapy. But it's not quite as clear cut as it seems - something very strange is going on in this place, something dark that must come into the light.
A body of bones is found. The plot around this is really good. It adds a lot of elements where you are left asking questions all the time. You also have family dramas and dark dynamics, loads of interesting characters and a flow of writing that makes this book a little gem to read.
There was nothing I didn't like. The author has weaved together a number of interesting plot lines to all come together in one big satisfying moment of truth and reveals. It's a great psychological thriller and I'd love to meet some characters from this book in the future - they grew on me that much.
A recommended 5 star read from me. If you like mystery, psychological thrillers, crime or just a darn good read then don't look past this one. A memorable book that I whizzed through as I liked it so much.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
The book is set mostly around an expensive in-patient psychiatric home which houses patients with varying conditions including alcohol issues, personality disorders, eating disorders to a young woman who is catatonic at the age of 30. This is not your average home - it's expensive and exclusive.
Our main character gets a job here offering the patients "wellbeing" treatments like facials, massage and make-up application plus art therapy. But it's not quite as clear cut as it seems - something very strange is going on in this place, something dark that must come into the light.
A body of bones is found. The plot around this is really good. It adds a lot of elements where you are left asking questions all the time. You also have family dramas and dark dynamics, loads of interesting characters and a flow of writing that makes this book a little gem to read.
There was nothing I didn't like. The author has weaved together a number of interesting plot lines to all come together in one big satisfying moment of truth and reveals. It's a great psychological thriller and I'd love to meet some characters from this book in the future - they grew on me that much.
A recommended 5 star read from me. If you like mystery, psychological thrillers, crime or just a darn good read then don't look past this one. A memorable book that I whizzed through as I liked it so much.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
November 26, 2017
It is an understatement to say Alison McGovern's family has had some setbacks. Once, they had a lovely house, she owned a thriving beauty salon called 'Face Value', and her husband, Marco, took over his successful family restaurant. But... Marco had other ideas. He wanted more - his ideas were grand, but he ended up taking their house AND her business along with his, when he overextended himself financially by borrowing against their assets. Now Alison, Marco, and their teenage son, Angelo live in a tiny rented cottage living on the cheapest of groceries and finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Their circumstances seem to be 'on the up' when, within just a few days of each other, they both procure employment. Ali gets work as a beautician/art therapist at an independent psychiatric hospital situated in the Galloway countryside. Her beautician experience was embellished on her resume, and she feels a sham, but the excellent salary offered causes her to push her guilt to the recesses of her mind. Despite her lack of psychiatric knowledge about her new position, she seems to form an immediate bond with one of the residents of 'Howell Hall'. Sylvie has been diagnosed as having hysterical catatonia - but she reacts to Ali's kind advances.
"Touch is a problem for British people and maybe Scots most of all. We're not huggers. But gentle touch can do wonders for someone feeling the ache of loss or loneliness."
She begins to enjoy the work, despite herself, but senses that there are many secrets being hidden at Howell Hall. Nothing is quite what they would have you assume...
"What was the rottenness at the heart of Howell Hall?"
The title of the novel references a psychiatric test called "House. Tree. Person." in which the patient is asked to draw these three things in order for the doctors to assess their personality.
The reader is made aware that Alison has a dark secret in her past. We know that she had been emotionally unwell, and that she herself had been hospitalized for six months - years ago. Her husband Marco is constantly referring to her past illness with jibes like "when you weren't so great", or "don't go down that road again". The reader is also made aware that Alison is estranged from her parents, who live in France. Alison's son Angelo, though moody and uncommunicative, demonstrates that he wants to protect her.
"that strange couple of days when they found the remains and we got jobs and for some reason the good news turned us sour instead of sweet."
With only the first day of work at Howell Hall under her belt, Ali returns home to their cottage to find that there has been a body found in the grounds of the Abbey across the lane. Her son, Angelo makes a strange remark when the body is discovered. "I'd just about given up, as it goes." This grisly discovery sets her life, and the lives of those she loves on an escalating and devastating spiral that will leave none of them unscathed.
This book was an excellent read - but extremely difficult to review as it would be only to easy to divulge too much of the plot and ruin it for future readers. Suffice it to say that I loved it just as much as a previous novel by this author that I read several years ago, "The day she died". The characters are so real that you feel you've met them before. The dialogue flows seamlessly, and to say the setting was atmospheric would be an understatement. The plot was complicated, yet had a brilliant resolution. Everything I like best when reading a thriller.
Very highly recommended by me!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Midnight Ink via NetGalley, and was delighted to be able to write this review.
Their circumstances seem to be 'on the up' when, within just a few days of each other, they both procure employment. Ali gets work as a beautician/art therapist at an independent psychiatric hospital situated in the Galloway countryside. Her beautician experience was embellished on her resume, and she feels a sham, but the excellent salary offered causes her to push her guilt to the recesses of her mind. Despite her lack of psychiatric knowledge about her new position, she seems to form an immediate bond with one of the residents of 'Howell Hall'. Sylvie has been diagnosed as having hysterical catatonia - but she reacts to Ali's kind advances.
"Touch is a problem for British people and maybe Scots most of all. We're not huggers. But gentle touch can do wonders for someone feeling the ache of loss or loneliness."
She begins to enjoy the work, despite herself, but senses that there are many secrets being hidden at Howell Hall. Nothing is quite what they would have you assume...
"What was the rottenness at the heart of Howell Hall?"
The title of the novel references a psychiatric test called "House. Tree. Person." in which the patient is asked to draw these three things in order for the doctors to assess their personality.
The reader is made aware that Alison has a dark secret in her past. We know that she had been emotionally unwell, and that she herself had been hospitalized for six months - years ago. Her husband Marco is constantly referring to her past illness with jibes like "when you weren't so great", or "don't go down that road again". The reader is also made aware that Alison is estranged from her parents, who live in France. Alison's son Angelo, though moody and uncommunicative, demonstrates that he wants to protect her.
"that strange couple of days when they found the remains and we got jobs and for some reason the good news turned us sour instead of sweet."
With only the first day of work at Howell Hall under her belt, Ali returns home to their cottage to find that there has been a body found in the grounds of the Abbey across the lane. Her son, Angelo makes a strange remark when the body is discovered. "I'd just about given up, as it goes." This grisly discovery sets her life, and the lives of those she loves on an escalating and devastating spiral that will leave none of them unscathed.
This book was an excellent read - but extremely difficult to review as it would be only to easy to divulge too much of the plot and ruin it for future readers. Suffice it to say that I loved it just as much as a previous novel by this author that I read several years ago, "The day she died". The characters are so real that you feel you've met them before. The dialogue flows seamlessly, and to say the setting was atmospheric would be an understatement. The plot was complicated, yet had a brilliant resolution. Everything I like best when reading a thriller.
Very highly recommended by me!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Midnight Ink via NetGalley, and was delighted to be able to write this review.
May 25, 2017
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
Wow. This book was amazing!
Ali McGovern and her family are starting from scratch. They just lost their businesses, their nice house, their good car. Ali is elated when she gets a job at a psychiatric facility, but almost immediately things seem off. Her resume is full of embellishments and lies, but the husband and wife duo who run the facility don't seem to notice. The rest of the staff are damaged - ex-cons, fired from previous jobs. And the patients are equally puzzling, especially Sylvie, a woman suffering from catatonia.
And then there's the body, discovered across the street from Ali's rundown flat. The police say that Ali's teenage son reported the body, but Angel claims his phone was stolen.
To add to the mystery, Ali herself is walking wounded. She had a mental health issue ten years before, and both her husband and son treat her like she's china, on the verge of breaking. Sometimes she doesn't know if what she's hearing or seeing is real.
I was completely intrigued with this book. Once I got past the first chapter (mostly that was me, getting used to the British slang), I zoomed through, so captivated about what was happening. And oh my! The reveal was intricate and satisfying.
This is the first book I read by Catriona McPherson, and it won't be my last.
Wow. This book was amazing!
Ali McGovern and her family are starting from scratch. They just lost their businesses, their nice house, their good car. Ali is elated when she gets a job at a psychiatric facility, but almost immediately things seem off. Her resume is full of embellishments and lies, but the husband and wife duo who run the facility don't seem to notice. The rest of the staff are damaged - ex-cons, fired from previous jobs. And the patients are equally puzzling, especially Sylvie, a woman suffering from catatonia.
And then there's the body, discovered across the street from Ali's rundown flat. The police say that Ali's teenage son reported the body, but Angel claims his phone was stolen.
To add to the mystery, Ali herself is walking wounded. She had a mental health issue ten years before, and both her husband and son treat her like she's china, on the verge of breaking. Sometimes she doesn't know if what she's hearing or seeing is real.
I was completely intrigued with this book. Once I got past the first chapter (mostly that was me, getting used to the British slang), I zoomed through, so captivated about what was happening. And oh my! The reveal was intricate and satisfying.
This is the first book I read by Catriona McPherson, and it won't be my last.
October 6, 2017
Oh my, having read her series time and again, I never saw this kind of study coming. Couldn't put it down read!
This is a cross between "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and a high end Agatha Christie. No exaggeration on the latter. Believe me, I'm shocked at myself for giving this a 5 star. Just a cut above series who-dun-its. It's in a genre and in a location that are not high point favorites for me on top of it, especially on the locale end aspect. Dialect and certain local colloquial and fad words made a few of the more rapid conversations murky, but I think most of the dialog between the husband Marco and the wife Ali!! 6 star for EXACTLY the kind of preconceived long marital nuance and intersect blame and compromise game that cuts an exact personality definition in far more literary genre novels. Done twice as well.
I'm impressed. Plus she gave the first 75 pages that especially creepy overall context with the job interview and the place it occurred, coupled with that faceless porcelain angel mmmmm mantra!! Wow, what a deep psychological angle even before our protagonist hits her first day at work.
No more detail of spoilers. Draw your own House. Tree. Person. And read this one.
Actually this perfectly worded and nuanced novel, even as late in the year as October, is one of my top 5 "2017" reads for the pure entertainment scale. And is #1 for the Mystery/ Psychological Thriller category. And is it well written! Linear and ominous. Holding scenes of incredible emotion depth for touch, as well. Next time you go to a hairdresser's you'll think of this book. It does hold some grave, difficult conditions, some foul language- but none of the graphic chewy you would find in a forensics or grit book. Nor even within a dire or starkly pieced Nordic.
And yet it never seems to abandon a spirit of rebound, hope for rebound. NOT morose.
The voice of the language is another exceptional feature. It's a full 5. Very recent, quite modern to youth and tech, full frontal exposure to a post 2010 economics of down slide- all rounded to detail and "sounding" present life actual.
Well done, Catriona McPherson. Please do more standalone novels, in this original and "eyes wide open" vein. You have the knowledge of touch and of words. Both twined with psychology bare eyed 20/20 without the nomenclature wall blocking the view.
Quote and do not read if you want no spoiler direction at all:
"No! I bellowed at him. "You say that over and over like it's some kind of slogan. And I never knew why it made me feel as if I was going mad. I don't 'upset myself,' Marco. Things 'upset me.' Things 'upset ' everyone unless they're catatonic or drugged to their eyeballs. It's called life."
This is a cross between "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and a high end Agatha Christie. No exaggeration on the latter. Believe me, I'm shocked at myself for giving this a 5 star. Just a cut above series who-dun-its. It's in a genre and in a location that are not high point favorites for me on top of it, especially on the locale end aspect. Dialect and certain local colloquial and fad words made a few of the more rapid conversations murky, but I think most of the dialog between the husband Marco and the wife Ali!! 6 star for EXACTLY the kind of preconceived long marital nuance and intersect blame and compromise game that cuts an exact personality definition in far more literary genre novels. Done twice as well.
I'm impressed. Plus she gave the first 75 pages that especially creepy overall context with the job interview and the place it occurred, coupled with that faceless porcelain angel mmmmm mantra!! Wow, what a deep psychological angle even before our protagonist hits her first day at work.
No more detail of spoilers. Draw your own House. Tree. Person. And read this one.
Actually this perfectly worded and nuanced novel, even as late in the year as October, is one of my top 5 "2017" reads for the pure entertainment scale. And is #1 for the Mystery/ Psychological Thriller category. And is it well written! Linear and ominous. Holding scenes of incredible emotion depth for touch, as well. Next time you go to a hairdresser's you'll think of this book. It does hold some grave, difficult conditions, some foul language- but none of the graphic chewy you would find in a forensics or grit book. Nor even within a dire or starkly pieced Nordic.
And yet it never seems to abandon a spirit of rebound, hope for rebound. NOT morose.
The voice of the language is another exceptional feature. It's a full 5. Very recent, quite modern to youth and tech, full frontal exposure to a post 2010 economics of down slide- all rounded to detail and "sounding" present life actual.
Well done, Catriona McPherson. Please do more standalone novels, in this original and "eyes wide open" vein. You have the knowledge of touch and of words. Both twined with psychology bare eyed 20/20 without the nomenclature wall blocking the view.
Quote and do not read if you want no spoiler direction at all:
"No! I bellowed at him. "You say that over and over like it's some kind of slogan. And I never knew why it made me feel as if I was going mad. I don't 'upset myself,' Marco. Things 'upset me.' Things 'upset ' everyone unless they're catatonic or drugged to their eyeballs. It's called life."
September 4, 2017
House. Tree. Person By Catriona McPherson
This cozy mystery was hard for me to enjoy until I got past 30 percent of the novel. After that point the suspense ratchets up and I couldn't put it down until I reached the final conclusion. Alison, Marco and Angelo live across the street where a body is discovered. Alison gets a job at a private psychiatric facility as a beauty therapist and artist. I really loved Alison's character and it is her compassion for Sylvie, who is been catatonic for fifteen years, who stole my heart. Alison is hired with false credentials and documentation that husband Marco creates. It is clear that Alison suffered a terrific trauma ten years earlier. As readers we don't find out what Alison has gone through until the conclusion of the story.
Dr. Ferris and her husband Dr. F are the owners of the psychiatric facility. Alison goes to work and lovingly cares for her patients. Alison and Marco's son Angelo is somehow involved with the unidentified human body that washes above the soils surface after the water from the flood dries up. Something is not quite right about the patients and the staff at Alison's new place of employment.
Throughout this taut, suspense driven mystery just about everything is not what it seems. This novel is full of surprises and full of plot twists and turns that electrify and keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the tension increases and doesn't let up until the final pages are turned.
Thank you to Net Galley, Catriona McPherson and Midnight Ink Publishing for my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This cozy mystery was hard for me to enjoy until I got past 30 percent of the novel. After that point the suspense ratchets up and I couldn't put it down until I reached the final conclusion. Alison, Marco and Angelo live across the street where a body is discovered. Alison gets a job at a private psychiatric facility as a beauty therapist and artist. I really loved Alison's character and it is her compassion for Sylvie, who is been catatonic for fifteen years, who stole my heart. Alison is hired with false credentials and documentation that husband Marco creates. It is clear that Alison suffered a terrific trauma ten years earlier. As readers we don't find out what Alison has gone through until the conclusion of the story.
Dr. Ferris and her husband Dr. F are the owners of the psychiatric facility. Alison goes to work and lovingly cares for her patients. Alison and Marco's son Angelo is somehow involved with the unidentified human body that washes above the soils surface after the water from the flood dries up. Something is not quite right about the patients and the staff at Alison's new place of employment.
Throughout this taut, suspense driven mystery just about everything is not what it seems. This novel is full of surprises and full of plot twists and turns that electrify and keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the tension increases and doesn't let up until the final pages are turned.
Thank you to Net Galley, Catriona McPherson and Midnight Ink Publishing for my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 18, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Midnight Ink for an advanced read of, "House. Tree. Person." in exchange for an honest review.
Ali McGovern had a mental breakdown 10 years ago but she is getting her life back together now. She and her husband lost their businesses and are trying to get back to living. Her husband spots a job advertisement for Ali and writes up a resume for her that is highly exaggerated with skills and licenses she does not have. The job is at a psychiatric facility working as a beauty aid giving massages and pedicures among other things. At first she isn't keen on going for the interview but does and gets the job without having the proper background checks which she knows isn't right. Nothing is as it seems at the facility. There are an assortment of other aids, nurses, assistants that are sort of a misfit of characters, not exactly legit, at the facility. The patients aren't much better than the employee's but hey they are in a psychiatric facility so what would one expect. Ali knows something is very wrong and that is the journey of this novel. What is going on at this place, who are these people and why are they there, what happened to her 10 years ago, why is she hearing voices, what is going on with her 16 year old son, and who's body is it that is found across from where they just moved into their apartment, and what is going on with her husband and his new job?
An unreliable narrator. As I read this book I kept thinking can I believe what the Ali is telling me, since she had a mental breakdown 10 years prior and now hears voices that aren't there. Just how reliable is this persons account of anything? Sometimes the use of this unreliable narrator made the story more intriguing but at other times it just made it annoying and confusing.
I had never heard of the use of having someone draw a house, a tree and a person and then having it interpreted by a psychiatrist. I thought that was particularly interesting. Think about it. How would you draw a house, a tree and a person on the same paper and what would one gather from how you had drawn those. What might be interpreted about you from your drawing?
I found the two primary patients at the facility very interesting and wanted to know their stories as well as a couple of the employees and the owners of the place. The ending of the book made me feel more compassionate towards Ali and her situation. I liked the way the writer pulled everything together at the end of the book.
Ali McGovern had a mental breakdown 10 years ago but she is getting her life back together now. She and her husband lost their businesses and are trying to get back to living. Her husband spots a job advertisement for Ali and writes up a resume for her that is highly exaggerated with skills and licenses she does not have. The job is at a psychiatric facility working as a beauty aid giving massages and pedicures among other things. At first she isn't keen on going for the interview but does and gets the job without having the proper background checks which she knows isn't right. Nothing is as it seems at the facility. There are an assortment of other aids, nurses, assistants that are sort of a misfit of characters, not exactly legit, at the facility. The patients aren't much better than the employee's but hey they are in a psychiatric facility so what would one expect. Ali knows something is very wrong and that is the journey of this novel. What is going on at this place, who are these people and why are they there, what happened to her 10 years ago, why is she hearing voices, what is going on with her 16 year old son, and who's body is it that is found across from where they just moved into their apartment, and what is going on with her husband and his new job?
An unreliable narrator. As I read this book I kept thinking can I believe what the Ali is telling me, since she had a mental breakdown 10 years prior and now hears voices that aren't there. Just how reliable is this persons account of anything? Sometimes the use of this unreliable narrator made the story more intriguing but at other times it just made it annoying and confusing.
I had never heard of the use of having someone draw a house, a tree and a person and then having it interpreted by a psychiatrist. I thought that was particularly interesting. Think about it. How would you draw a house, a tree and a person on the same paper and what would one gather from how you had drawn those. What might be interpreted about you from your drawing?
I found the two primary patients at the facility very interesting and wanted to know their stories as well as a couple of the employees and the owners of the place. The ending of the book made me feel more compassionate towards Ali and her situation. I liked the way the writer pulled everything together at the end of the book.
June 25, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
Usually I am wary of reading suspense/thriller books that use psychiatric facilities as a backdrop for tales of horror and murder. I was therefore nervous when I first started Catriona McPherson's House.Tree.Person., which revolves around a live-in care home (Howell Hall) for young people with mental illnesses.
However, the author did not rely upon stereotypical tropes, and instead breathed life and humanity into the psychiatric facility around which her story is centered. The story begins with the character of Ali McGovern, mother to a teenage son, Angelo, and wife to her husband, Marco. Ali's family are recovering from a difficult couple of years; both Ali and her husband had to close their businesses due to Marco's irresponsible business practices, forcing them out of their nice house and into an apartment that leaves a lot to desire. Ali also suffered from a mental breakdown 10 years ago, which haunts her and leaves her fighting to repair her relationship with Marco and Angelo.
To keep financially afloat, Ali applies for a job as an art/recreational therapist at a psychiatric facility known as Howell Hall. She lies about her experience with the help of her husband, who wrote her resume and cover letter. Her interview at Howell Hall lands her job despite her lack of qualifications and training, which makes her concerned about the quality of the facility and treatment of its patients.
As soon as she accepts the job offer, one that comes with an unexpectedly hefty salary, Ali begins to question why they hired her, and why the patients are at Howell Hall in the first place. The staff also seems to be unqualified for their jobs, which is a red flag to Ali. The way patients are treated is also concerning, and makes Ali want to quit. The only thing anchoring her to the job is her tight financial situation.
The secondary plot of the book involves a murder mystery. Ali's son is implicated in the murder because he was the one to find the body of an unidentifiable man. In a turn of events, Ali discovers that her son and Howell Hall are linked in the murder. In order to save herself, her son, and the patients at Howell Hall, Ali must solve the murder mystery.
I got lost in some of the plot because there was a lot going on. I really needed the author to spell a few things out for me, especially at the end. The author does a really good job developing her characters, which made the sometimes murky plot manageable.
Thank you to the author, Catriona McPherson, NetGalley, and Midnight Ink for the advanced reader copy of House.Tree.Person.
Usually I am wary of reading suspense/thriller books that use psychiatric facilities as a backdrop for tales of horror and murder. I was therefore nervous when I first started Catriona McPherson's House.Tree.Person., which revolves around a live-in care home (Howell Hall) for young people with mental illnesses.
However, the author did not rely upon stereotypical tropes, and instead breathed life and humanity into the psychiatric facility around which her story is centered. The story begins with the character of Ali McGovern, mother to a teenage son, Angelo, and wife to her husband, Marco. Ali's family are recovering from a difficult couple of years; both Ali and her husband had to close their businesses due to Marco's irresponsible business practices, forcing them out of their nice house and into an apartment that leaves a lot to desire. Ali also suffered from a mental breakdown 10 years ago, which haunts her and leaves her fighting to repair her relationship with Marco and Angelo.
To keep financially afloat, Ali applies for a job as an art/recreational therapist at a psychiatric facility known as Howell Hall. She lies about her experience with the help of her husband, who wrote her resume and cover letter. Her interview at Howell Hall lands her job despite her lack of qualifications and training, which makes her concerned about the quality of the facility and treatment of its patients.
As soon as she accepts the job offer, one that comes with an unexpectedly hefty salary, Ali begins to question why they hired her, and why the patients are at Howell Hall in the first place. The staff also seems to be unqualified for their jobs, which is a red flag to Ali. The way patients are treated is also concerning, and makes Ali want to quit. The only thing anchoring her to the job is her tight financial situation.
The secondary plot of the book involves a murder mystery. Ali's son is implicated in the murder because he was the one to find the body of an unidentifiable man. In a turn of events, Ali discovers that her son and Howell Hall are linked in the murder. In order to save herself, her son, and the patients at Howell Hall, Ali must solve the murder mystery.
I got lost in some of the plot because there was a lot going on. I really needed the author to spell a few things out for me, especially at the end. The author does a really good job developing her characters, which made the sometimes murky plot manageable.
Thank you to the author, Catriona McPherson, NetGalley, and Midnight Ink for the advanced reader copy of House.Tree.Person.
June 1, 2017
You know what you're getting with Catriona McPherson's novels: a likeable heroine, a not-too-dark mystery, some kind of family drama. Her writing is always enjoyable, and I enjoyed it. Maybe I won't remember it in a year (I read it a month ago and to be honest the details have already slipped away), but it passed some spare hours nicely, and sometimes that's just what you want from a book.
October 27, 2024
House. Tree. Person.
is my first book by Ms. McPherson and is a catchy title about a beautician turned art therapist working in a mental facility.
The family is struggling financially after her husband's poor decisions caused them to lose their large home, their car, their social status and self esteem.
When a dead body is unearthed from an abbey not far from where Alison and her husband and son live, she realizes the body is tied to the patients in her care and the devious machinations of the staff involved in the care of these innocent and troubled people.
First, I had trouble with the writing; it wasn't bad but the slang was incredibly distracting.
It felt like some sentences were missing prepositions and modifiers but maybe its just the way the author is speaking on behalf of the main character and it all takes place in Scotland but it was not fun to parse out what certain words meant.
Second, the main character, Ali, is a twit. A whiny, self indulgent woman who babies her fifteen year old son with coddles and kisses.
Okay, I get it, you lost a child ten years ago and you only have one left.
But there's no need for you to get all creepy, Freudian Norman Bates mothering on Angelo.
The loss of her child a decade ago caused a nervous breakdown, a stereotypical plot device used often by Ali's hunky husband, Marco, to discredit her when she begins to suspect something isn't kosher at her place of employment.
Once again, the man calls his wife crazy because that's how society demeans women and brings them down a notch. When in doubt, call them ill.
Naturally, Ali defers to her husband. She hears voices. That's what landed her in psychiatric care before.
She doubts herself even as her suspicions grow. She's so obsessed with trying to hug and kiss her teenage son that she doesn't see the signs that her husband is an adultering prick.
Another favorite literary device of many authors.
The convoluted plot is just that...incredibly hard to suspend belief for.
All the cliches are here and sensitive subjects touched upon include; sexual abuse, innocent female victims disregarded by society and family, a demented mother, a greedy doctor and her own clueless husband, plucky co-workers and a coincidental wrap up that touches upon on the loss of Ali's infant from years ago.
The plot had potential but poor execution, weak female characters and confusing writing made this a bit of a difficult read.
I will consider reading more of Ms. McPherson's other books but not any time soon.
The family is struggling financially after her husband's poor decisions caused them to lose their large home, their car, their social status and self esteem.
When a dead body is unearthed from an abbey not far from where Alison and her husband and son live, she realizes the body is tied to the patients in her care and the devious machinations of the staff involved in the care of these innocent and troubled people.
First, I had trouble with the writing; it wasn't bad but the slang was incredibly distracting.
It felt like some sentences were missing prepositions and modifiers but maybe its just the way the author is speaking on behalf of the main character and it all takes place in Scotland but it was not fun to parse out what certain words meant.
Second, the main character, Ali, is a twit. A whiny, self indulgent woman who babies her fifteen year old son with coddles and kisses.
Okay, I get it, you lost a child ten years ago and you only have one left.
But there's no need for you to get all creepy, Freudian Norman Bates mothering on Angelo.
The loss of her child a decade ago caused a nervous breakdown, a stereotypical plot device used often by Ali's hunky husband, Marco, to discredit her when she begins to suspect something isn't kosher at her place of employment.
Once again, the man calls his wife crazy because that's how society demeans women and brings them down a notch. When in doubt, call them ill.
Naturally, Ali defers to her husband. She hears voices. That's what landed her in psychiatric care before.
She doubts herself even as her suspicions grow. She's so obsessed with trying to hug and kiss her teenage son that she doesn't see the signs that her husband is an adultering prick.
Another favorite literary device of many authors.
The convoluted plot is just that...incredibly hard to suspend belief for.
All the cliches are here and sensitive subjects touched upon include; sexual abuse, innocent female victims disregarded by society and family, a demented mother, a greedy doctor and her own clueless husband, plucky co-workers and a coincidental wrap up that touches upon on the loss of Ali's infant from years ago.
The plot had potential but poor execution, weak female characters and confusing writing made this a bit of a difficult read.
I will consider reading more of Ms. McPherson's other books but not any time soon.
Read
November 15, 2017A lot happens in this book -- and arguably, too much -- but it remains creepy in all the right ways: a too-good-to-be-true mental health facility, abandoned church grounds, family dysfunction, buried secrets...
I'll be checking out McPherson's other books.
I'll be checking out McPherson's other books.
September 17, 2017
3,5 Stars
„House. Tree. Person“ is a dark psychological thriller. It is a bit of a slow burner and I would have wished for a little bit more tension.
The title was the thing that got me first. I never heard of that term but when you read the book you will understand. The story is told from Ali’s POV. I had some difficulties finding into the book. Ali obviously had some kind of trauma but we learn about what happened 10 years ago later in the book. But Ali and her husband Marco are referring to it all the time. Sometimes I had the feeling I missed something. And it was the reason I could not bond with her. She often reacted irrational and hysterical and I could not understand why.
The story is suspicious from the beginning. After a long time of struggeling to get along with jobs they suddenly are both lucky. Marco gets inventive on Ali’s CV and she get a job in the local psychiatric facility. All about that seems strange, even her ridiculous generous wage. She is not trained to work with troubled people but somehow nobody cares. All about this situation is weird. Beside that there is a lot going on in Ali’s family life as well.
The book is a mixed bag for me. I liked the plot, the mysterious things going on in this facility. Although it all was a bit chaotic. But it really was a slow burner and I had some problem with the main character Ali. I am also not sure if I liked the writing style. And the end was too rushed. Nevertheless it was a quick and entertaining read.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
„House. Tree. Person“ is a dark psychological thriller. It is a bit of a slow burner and I would have wished for a little bit more tension.
The title was the thing that got me first. I never heard of that term but when you read the book you will understand. The story is told from Ali’s POV. I had some difficulties finding into the book. Ali obviously had some kind of trauma but we learn about what happened 10 years ago later in the book. But Ali and her husband Marco are referring to it all the time. Sometimes I had the feeling I missed something. And it was the reason I could not bond with her. She often reacted irrational and hysterical and I could not understand why.
The story is suspicious from the beginning. After a long time of struggeling to get along with jobs they suddenly are both lucky. Marco gets inventive on Ali’s CV and she get a job in the local psychiatric facility. All about that seems strange, even her ridiculous generous wage. She is not trained to work with troubled people but somehow nobody cares. All about this situation is weird. Beside that there is a lot going on in Ali’s family life as well.
The book is a mixed bag for me. I liked the plot, the mysterious things going on in this facility. Although it all was a bit chaotic. But it really was a slow burner and I had some problem with the main character Ali. I am also not sure if I liked the writing style. And the end was too rushed. Nevertheless it was a quick and entertaining read.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 29, 2017
At first, I just didn't understand. Didn't understand what this story was really about, what the fuck was actually going on. And why the reviews were so good when I couldn't even glimpse an answer to those question.
Ali moved out with her husband and son. Ten years ago, she felt so terribly ill mentally that she was spending her time completely out of everything, fed on pills and blurry consciousness. Her husband is endued with a lovely voice that soothed her all those years, even now. So back to the moving out. Their life completely changed because of lost jobs and situation becoming closer to a kind of poverty than the ease they used to have. So they're going to start and make a new life yk, trying to be a family and coming out of the hole. That's when you'll hear the job subject. Marco, Ali's husband, found her an awesome opportunity as some kind of beautician in a kind of mental hospital/rehab house. But she definitely hasn't all skills necessary. But again, Marco's helping her all the way, adding nice stuff into her CV and handling himself the paperwork that will make it easier for her. Because she has no idea what is necessary to this job, and even less idea how come she got it so easily and so damn well paid. And that way, the new life begins in a way.
But there will be plenty of but all the way around ofc. Suspense, mystery and all that.
First off thing. A body has been found near their new lovely place.
Another thing off. The patients she's been assigned at her work whom add even more surprises.
Ok I won't say more. Because in this novel, no one will hold our hands and relate us everything that's happening all the time so we can understand quickly and try to guess etc. The characters know things and have histories we don't understand quickly neither. So they're kind of a step ahead of us, meanwhile we're trying to hold and deal with the crumbs and go on with the story. But everything unfolds, in this slow yet quick way good mystery novels know how to do. With big revelations and twists that make us gap but still don't make us understand everything. 'Cause we actually follow Ali's train of thoughts more than anything. And this is this mother, who just wants to do good for her and her family, that takes us with her and where all this shit is going to, coming from and all the fucks. Not in a "I'm wearing my Sherlock' cap and imma resolve all this stuff", but rather in a way that every bits of information coming and going around spark some things into her mind, the logic of this craziness just appear and make it impossible for her to brush it aside.
Time for me to finish my ravings. I would definitely advice this book. Especially to mystery lovers and people liking unexpected turns and big plot twists with a medical surrounding that doesn't rely entirely on the "mystery happening in a psych house" but novel very well weaved that doesn't try to coddle us.
If you made it this far, thank you. You just read my very first reviewed eARC gently given by NetGalley and Midnight Ink so a big thank you to both.
Ali moved out with her husband and son. Ten years ago, she felt so terribly ill mentally that she was spending her time completely out of everything, fed on pills and blurry consciousness. Her husband is endued with a lovely voice that soothed her all those years, even now. So back to the moving out. Their life completely changed because of lost jobs and situation becoming closer to a kind of poverty than the ease they used to have. So they're going to start and make a new life yk, trying to be a family and coming out of the hole. That's when you'll hear the job subject. Marco, Ali's husband, found her an awesome opportunity as some kind of beautician in a kind of mental hospital/rehab house. But she definitely hasn't all skills necessary. But again, Marco's helping her all the way, adding nice stuff into her CV and handling himself the paperwork that will make it easier for her. Because she has no idea what is necessary to this job, and even less idea how come she got it so easily and so damn well paid. And that way, the new life begins in a way.
But there will be plenty of but all the way around ofc. Suspense, mystery and all that.
First off thing. A body has been found near their new lovely place.
Another thing off. The patients she's been assigned at her work whom add even more surprises.
Ok I won't say more. Because in this novel, no one will hold our hands and relate us everything that's happening all the time so we can understand quickly and try to guess etc. The characters know things and have histories we don't understand quickly neither. So they're kind of a step ahead of us, meanwhile we're trying to hold and deal with the crumbs and go on with the story. But everything unfolds, in this slow yet quick way good mystery novels know how to do. With big revelations and twists that make us gap but still don't make us understand everything. 'Cause we actually follow Ali's train of thoughts more than anything. And this is this mother, who just wants to do good for her and her family, that takes us with her and where all this shit is going to, coming from and all the fucks. Not in a "I'm wearing my Sherlock' cap and imma resolve all this stuff", but rather in a way that every bits of information coming and going around spark some things into her mind, the logic of this craziness just appear and make it impossible for her to brush it aside.
Time for me to finish my ravings. I would definitely advice this book. Especially to mystery lovers and people liking unexpected turns and big plot twists with a medical surrounding that doesn't rely entirely on the "mystery happening in a psych house" but novel very well weaved that doesn't try to coddle us.
If you made it this far, thank you. You just read my very first reviewed eARC gently given by NetGalley and Midnight Ink so a big thank you to both.
September 21, 2017
Another fast-paced, addictive mystery from Catriona McPherson. Not quite as inventive or as plausible as McPherson's earlier works, although it is nice to see a working-class MC. Major plot points strain credibility, the villain is arbitrarily, repeatedly, obviously mean to the MC, and the red herring spends the novel winking at the reader and saying "Hey Baby." (Okay, not really, but close.) This is the rare Catriona McPherson that lingers in the mind 'cause the mind's so busy saying "Nuh-uhhh."
November 9, 2017
Alison manages to blag her way into a job at a residential home for those with mental health issues. The pay is fantastic but there's something not quite right. When a body is discovered in the grounds it causes all sorts of problems. This was a great thriller. I thought I had it all worked out then the twist at the end threw me because I didn't see it coming.
December 25, 2017
This holds the interest as ugly plans become apparent to a woman who has reason to question what she sees, hears, feels. I won't spoil it by describing the plot.
This is the first book I have read written by this author and I plan to look for more.
This is the first book I have read written by this author and I plan to look for more.
March 3, 2023
This was enjoyable throughout. I felt the main character was a bit jumbled in her thoughts, but perhaps that was the intent. She would just hop from a partially formed thought to another without ever returning to her original thought to finish it.
August 29, 2020
My July Willoughby selection, the weakest one they have sent me, rather melodramatic and far fetched. Good fast pace read though.
September 12, 2017
Review to follow
February 5, 2018
Started out a little confusing but I believe the author planned this to reflect Ali, the main characters’ mental and emotional state.
A good psychological thriller that kept me entranced to the end. the characters (family and psychiatric hospital) were well done, i.e., the sullen teenage son, Angelo, the unreliable husband and business partner Marco, and the staff and patients at the psychiatric hospital.
Give me a setting like a psychiatric hospital and there’s always bound to be secrets, creepiness, horror, instability, and an unbelievable story/background. This book manages to provide all that and more.
A good psychological thriller that kept me entranced to the end. the characters (family and psychiatric hospital) were well done, i.e., the sullen teenage son, Angelo, the unreliable husband and business partner Marco, and the staff and patients at the psychiatric hospital.
Give me a setting like a psychiatric hospital and there’s always bound to be secrets, creepiness, horror, instability, and an unbelievable story/background. This book manages to provide all that and more.
May 29, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
House. Tree. Person. is an excellent, creepy thriller! Ali McGovern is recovering from the loss of what she thought was her perfect life. Her business, her husband's business, and their house have all been lost. Her new job at Howell House, a private psychiatric hospital, should be the light at the end of the tunnel. When a body is found in a shallow grave near her house, Ali is forced to confront her past, her fears, and the answers to some very big questions about what is happening at Howell House.
House. Tree. Person. gripped me from the opening line. The characters were complex. The plot was twisty and engaging. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next!
House. Tree. Person. is an excellent, creepy thriller! Ali McGovern is recovering from the loss of what she thought was her perfect life. Her business, her husband's business, and their house have all been lost. Her new job at Howell House, a private psychiatric hospital, should be the light at the end of the tunnel. When a body is found in a shallow grave near her house, Ali is forced to confront her past, her fears, and the answers to some very big questions about what is happening at Howell House.
House. Tree. Person. gripped me from the opening line. The characters were complex. The plot was twisty and engaging. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next!
August 14, 2018
I eagerly recommend Catriona McPherson’s “House. Tree. Person.” as an intriguing 4 star read.
I do enjoy reading Catriona McPherson’s books based in the Galloway region and enjoy following the characters journey’s between the towns that my family spoke of during my childhood.
This book is a good paced thriller filled with so much suspense you just don’t know what the twist is until the very end (or at least I didn’t).
This book was an easy, yet engrossing, read and had me hooked early on. The author tells the backstory at the perfect pace to ensure the reader turns page after page.
Thanks to Catriona McPherson, Midnight Ink and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing suspense novel.
I do enjoy reading Catriona McPherson’s books based in the Galloway region and enjoy following the characters journey’s between the towns that my family spoke of during my childhood.
This book is a good paced thriller filled with so much suspense you just don’t know what the twist is until the very end (or at least I didn’t).
This book was an easy, yet engrossing, read and had me hooked early on. The author tells the backstory at the perfect pace to ensure the reader turns page after page.
Thanks to Catriona McPherson, Midnight Ink and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing suspense novel.
August 24, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of The Weight of Angels, a stand alone psychological thriller set in the Scottish county of Galloway.
Alison McGovern and her family are on their uppers financially when her husband, Marco spots the ideal job opportunity for her, beautician at an upmarket mental health facility. To her surprise and probably with the help of Marco's tweaks to her CV she gets the job at a very healthy £45k/annum. Once she starts it is not all plain sailing and she senses that something is off at Howell House but this is the least of her concerns as a skeleton is unearthed across the road from her house and her son, 15 year old Angelo, seems to know too much about it.
I enjoyed The Weight of Angels and read it in one sitting. There is plenty of mystery surrounding Ali's new job, her boss DR Ferris and the patients and even more over the skeleton. Some of the twists, especially at the end, are clever and unexpected.
The novel is told in the first person by Ali. Normally I'm not a big fan of this approach but it works extremely well here. Ali suffered a breakdown many years ago but with their financial woes and her worry over Angelo or Angel as she calls him she seems to be tottering at the edge of the abyss again. It is not clear initially why she had a breakdown or what caused the financial collapse but it is all revealed over the course of the novel. Ali is not, however, the unreliable narrator so popular in current fiction but, rather, clear headed and smart. The main problem is that Marco and Angel treat her with kid gloves, trying to shield her from some of the harsher realities. She is an appealing character.
To quibble, the plot is somewhat farfetched and relies a bit on coincidence but it is well done and very readable. I really liked the ending which revealed some nasty characters and I think I may re-read the novel at a future date to re-evaluate the characters in light of what I now know.
The Weight of Angels is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Alison McGovern and her family are on their uppers financially when her husband, Marco spots the ideal job opportunity for her, beautician at an upmarket mental health facility. To her surprise and probably with the help of Marco's tweaks to her CV she gets the job at a very healthy £45k/annum. Once she starts it is not all plain sailing and she senses that something is off at Howell House but this is the least of her concerns as a skeleton is unearthed across the road from her house and her son, 15 year old Angelo, seems to know too much about it.
I enjoyed The Weight of Angels and read it in one sitting. There is plenty of mystery surrounding Ali's new job, her boss DR Ferris and the patients and even more over the skeleton. Some of the twists, especially at the end, are clever and unexpected.
The novel is told in the first person by Ali. Normally I'm not a big fan of this approach but it works extremely well here. Ali suffered a breakdown many years ago but with their financial woes and her worry over Angelo or Angel as she calls him she seems to be tottering at the edge of the abyss again. It is not clear initially why she had a breakdown or what caused the financial collapse but it is all revealed over the course of the novel. Ali is not, however, the unreliable narrator so popular in current fiction but, rather, clear headed and smart. The main problem is that Marco and Angel treat her with kid gloves, trying to shield her from some of the harsher realities. She is an appealing character.
To quibble, the plot is somewhat farfetched and relies a bit on coincidence but it is well done and very readable. I really liked the ending which revealed some nasty characters and I think I may re-read the novel at a future date to re-evaluate the characters in light of what I now know.
The Weight of Angels is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 24, 2018
2 1/2 stars. 4/10.
House, Tree, Person is a common psychological assessment supposedly used to tap into someone's unconscious mind by the way a person draws a house, a tree and a person. I found the title alone intriguing but the blurb drew me in further. It discussed how an employee, named Ali, who works at a psychiatric hospital was concerned about the recent discovery of a body near her location. Did one of the patients do it? Or was it her teenage son, getting more and more secretive with each passing day? Or what about Ali's own mental state? The book takes place in rainy, foggy England, and I enjoyed the British references throughout as well as pieces of my own profession in the pages. However, there was a quite a bit of language and the conclusion, while difficult to completely guess, eventually became too unbelievable and difficult to swallow. The villain (s?) in this book were pretty terrible people- I will state that empathetically. I did like some of the attention that was brought to Ali and her own poignant struggles, it added a interesting and eventually emotional layer to the story.
House, Tree, Person is a common psychological assessment supposedly used to tap into someone's unconscious mind by the way a person draws a house, a tree and a person. I found the title alone intriguing but the blurb drew me in further. It discussed how an employee, named Ali, who works at a psychiatric hospital was concerned about the recent discovery of a body near her location. Did one of the patients do it? Or was it her teenage son, getting more and more secretive with each passing day? Or what about Ali's own mental state? The book takes place in rainy, foggy England, and I enjoyed the British references throughout as well as pieces of my own profession in the pages. However, there was a quite a bit of language and the conclusion, while difficult to completely guess, eventually became too unbelievable and difficult to swallow. The villain (s?) in this book were pretty terrible people- I will state that empathetically. I did like some of the attention that was brought to Ali and her own poignant struggles, it added a interesting and eventually emotional layer to the story.
April 9, 2018
Wow, I plowed through this book. I was pulled in ten directions by the main character. I liked her and I was scared of her, I thought she was maybe crazy (ok definitely), or she was being conned by everybody, that her family was out to get her, or her family was trying to save her.....I just never knew and it was a great ride.
May 2, 2018
I'm not clairvoyant. I don't have a crystal ball. And my TBR pile of books is 2 feet high. But I'm betting that House.Tree.Person will be my favorite book of 2018 - which is already nearly half over. Beautiful writing, engaging soulful characters, and a wonderful plot. MacPherson teases the reader with exquisite delicacy, dotting tiny bread crumbs of suspense literally from page 1.
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