What do you think?
Rate this book
Winter People
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2014)« J’avais aussi compris qu’il valait mieux éviter de la contrarier. Tantine s’emportait vite et n’appréciait guère qu’on la contredise. Quand quelqu’un refusait de la payer, elle versait une poudre noire tirée d’une de ses bourses en cuir sur sa maison en marmonnant d’étranges incantations. (…)
― S’il te plaît, réponds-moi, Tantine. Est-ce qu’on peut faire revenir les morts ? ai-je insisté en jetant une poignée de têtes-de-violon dans son panier.
Elle m’a dévisagée longuement de ses petits yeux noirs, la tête penchée.
― Oui, il y a bien un moyen. Les rares qui le connaissent le transmettent à leurs enfants. Et puisque tu es ce que j’ai de plus proche d’une fille, je te transmettrai le secret. »
Et si l'amour était vraiment plus fort que la mort ? Et si l’on avait la possibilité de ramener de l'au-delà l'être qu’on aime le plus au monde ?
Un suspense terrifiant pour un sujet grave. Une histoire qu’on ne peut lâcher et qui nous plonge dans l’effroi.
― S’il te plaît, réponds-moi, Tantine. Est-ce qu’on peut faire revenir les morts ? ai-je insisté en jetant une poignée de têtes-de-violon dans son panier.
Elle m’a dévisagée longuement de ses petits yeux noirs, la tête penchée.
― Oui, il y a bien un moyen. Les rares qui le connaissent le transmettent à leurs enfants. Et puisque tu es ce que j’ai de plus proche d’une fille, je te transmettrai le secret. »
Et si l'amour était vraiment plus fort que la mort ? Et si l’on avait la possibilité de ramener de l'au-delà l'être qu’on aime le plus au monde ?
Un suspense terrifiant pour un sujet grave. Une histoire qu’on ne peut lâcher et qui nous plonge dans l’effroi.
408 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2014
About the author
Jennifer McMahon
21 books12.3k followers I'm the author of thirteen novels, including Promise Not to Tell, The Winter People, and my upcoming release, Stay Buried. I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida with my partner, Drea.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 13,322 reviews
January 23, 2019
**4.5-stars**
After my reread of The Winter People, I have decided to stick with my original rating of 4.5-stars, rounded down.
Although I LOVE the majority of this story, there's something about the final few chapters that gets a bit convoluted for me.
I do still think the atmosphere in this is top-notch. Also, I love how McMahon formats her stories. The way she is able to blend historical perspectives with the present; chef's kiss.
I'm super stoked for their 2022-release, The Children on the Hill, said to be inspired by Frankenstein!!!
Earlier:
Rereading with, you guessed it, my fabulous niece, Alyssa.
I recommended this book to her, so feel it's only fair that I read it along with her.
I am so excited to be revisiting this one. I have recommended it to countless people since I originally read it in 2019. I have a feeling it's going to be a full 5-star experience this time around.
Original:
**4.5-stars**
In 1908, Sara Harrison Shea lost her daughter under tragic circumstances. Unsurprisingly, Sara was racked by grief and unable to move forward.
She would do anything to bring her daughter back.
In the present, Ruthie's mom has gone missing. It seems she simply walked out of their house, into the surrounding Vermont woods, and disappeared.
With no note, and no signs of a struggle, Ruthie is forced to care for her creepy little sister whilst investigating the mystery of her mother's sudden departure.
What Ruthie doesn't know is that she is living in the very same house once occupied by Sara Harrison Shea. Is that mere coincidence, or is her mother's disappearance related to that fact?
When she comes across parts of Sara's diary hidden in the old farmhouse, she discovers that sometimes the past really can come back to haunt you.
Following both past and present timelines, this eerie tale is filled with an overwhelming feeling of dread.
I feel like Winter is the absolute perfect season to read this book!
When it gets dark early, when it's cold, when the wind blows long and loud into the night. The atmosphere is richly developed and absolutely my favorite part of the story.
I went into this book completely blind, only knowing that quite a few of my book friends have loved it.
I was impressed with McMahon's writing. She has a very strong Horror voice and I definitely look forward to reading more of her works.
I feel like with this one now under my belt, I know more what to expect from her, and I'm damned pumped for it.
There were a few issues I had with the storyline. Nothing major, but just things I wish would have had more information, or context.
The use of diary entries was well done and as always, I felt that made me feel more a part of the story; like I was investigating it myself.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it. If you like a ghost stories with a dark and ominous atmosphere, you should definitely check this one out!
After my reread of The Winter People, I have decided to stick with my original rating of 4.5-stars, rounded down.
Although I LOVE the majority of this story, there's something about the final few chapters that gets a bit convoluted for me.
I do still think the atmosphere in this is top-notch. Also, I love how McMahon formats her stories. The way she is able to blend historical perspectives with the present; chef's kiss.
I'm super stoked for their 2022-release, The Children on the Hill, said to be inspired by Frankenstein!!!
Earlier:
Rereading with, you guessed it, my fabulous niece, Alyssa.
I recommended this book to her, so feel it's only fair that I read it along with her.
I am so excited to be revisiting this one. I have recommended it to countless people since I originally read it in 2019. I have a feeling it's going to be a full 5-star experience this time around.
Original:
**4.5-stars**
In 1908, Sara Harrison Shea lost her daughter under tragic circumstances. Unsurprisingly, Sara was racked by grief and unable to move forward.
She would do anything to bring her daughter back.
In the present, Ruthie's mom has gone missing. It seems she simply walked out of their house, into the surrounding Vermont woods, and disappeared.
With no note, and no signs of a struggle, Ruthie is forced to care for her creepy little sister whilst investigating the mystery of her mother's sudden departure.
What Ruthie doesn't know is that she is living in the very same house once occupied by Sara Harrison Shea. Is that mere coincidence, or is her mother's disappearance related to that fact?
When she comes across parts of Sara's diary hidden in the old farmhouse, she discovers that sometimes the past really can come back to haunt you.
Following both past and present timelines, this eerie tale is filled with an overwhelming feeling of dread.
I feel like Winter is the absolute perfect season to read this book!
When it gets dark early, when it's cold, when the wind blows long and loud into the night. The atmosphere is richly developed and absolutely my favorite part of the story.
I went into this book completely blind, only knowing that quite a few of my book friends have loved it.
I was impressed with McMahon's writing. She has a very strong Horror voice and I definitely look forward to reading more of her works.
I feel like with this one now under my belt, I know more what to expect from her, and I'm damned pumped for it.
There were a few issues I had with the storyline. Nothing major, but just things I wish would have had more information, or context.
The use of diary entries was well done and as always, I felt that made me feel more a part of the story; like I was investigating it myself.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it. If you like a ghost stories with a dark and ominous atmosphere, you should definitely check this one out!
September 4, 2013
For me the difference between a 4-star book and a 5-star book is usually the ending- and Jennifer McMahon's THE WINTER PEOPLE lost a star in the final pages...but a 4-star read is nothing to complain about. This was a spooooooky, creepy tale that had me flipping the pages regardless of a weeeeeee bit of disappointment with its conclusion.
January 29, 1908 West Hall, Vermont:
The Secret Diary of Sara Harrison Shea- The first time I saw a sleeper, I was nine years old. I recognized her at once- Hester Jameson...
I have been going back in my mind, thinking of how this all began...if I close my eyes even now, I can still see my Gertie's face, feel her sugary breath on my cheek. I can so vividly recall our last morning together, hear her saying, If the snow melts down to water, does it still remember being snow?"
Sara Harrison is grieving the death of her daughter, Gertie- and is willing to do anything to see her again...even though she knows bringing her back from the dead will have horrible consequences.
January 2nd, Present day, West Hall, Vermont:
Nineteen-year-old Ruthie Washburne and her little sister- Fawn- wake up one January morning to discover their mother- Alice- has gone missing. As the sisters scour the house trying to find clues of her disappearance, they find that she may have been hiding some dark secrets.
The more they dig- the more they learn of the past owner of the house- Sara Harrison- and the more they learn that their mother may have not have been completely truthful with them about how they came to live there.
THE WINTER PEOPLE'S story is told- flipping back and forth between past and present- and as with all stories told this way- there is always one time period that holds your attention more than the other. I was riveted with the past- and Sara's story...and not so much with the present...but I am sure everyone who reads it will have their own favorite. This is a book worth picking up- for those who enjoy a good ghost story. I couldn't help comparing it to Pet Sematary- a comparison that other reviewers on Goodreads have mentioned as well.
January 29, 1908 West Hall, Vermont:
The Secret Diary of Sara Harrison Shea- The first time I saw a sleeper, I was nine years old. I recognized her at once- Hester Jameson...
I have been going back in my mind, thinking of how this all began...if I close my eyes even now, I can still see my Gertie's face, feel her sugary breath on my cheek. I can so vividly recall our last morning together, hear her saying, If the snow melts down to water, does it still remember being snow?"
Sara Harrison is grieving the death of her daughter, Gertie- and is willing to do anything to see her again...even though she knows bringing her back from the dead will have horrible consequences.
January 2nd, Present day, West Hall, Vermont:
Nineteen-year-old Ruthie Washburne and her little sister- Fawn- wake up one January morning to discover their mother- Alice- has gone missing. As the sisters scour the house trying to find clues of her disappearance, they find that she may have been hiding some dark secrets.
The more they dig- the more they learn of the past owner of the house- Sara Harrison- and the more they learn that their mother may have not have been completely truthful with them about how they came to live there.
THE WINTER PEOPLE'S story is told- flipping back and forth between past and present- and as with all stories told this way- there is always one time period that holds your attention more than the other. I was riveted with the past- and Sara's story...and not so much with the present...but I am sure everyone who reads it will have their own favorite. This is a book worth picking up- for those who enjoy a good ghost story. I couldn't help comparing it to Pet Sematary- a comparison that other reviewers on Goodreads have mentioned as well.
December 15, 2025
Absolutely loved this.
April 14, 2014
4.5 stars
West Hall, Vermont is a town where people go missing without explanation. This remote small town has it secrets and wants to keep it that way. The most mysterious secret is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter, Gertie. Skip to the present day where 19 year old Ruthie returns home to find her Mother, Alice, missing. Ruthie, her Mother and her Younger sister, Fawn, have been living in the house where Sara Harrison Shea used to live. While trying to figure out where her Mother is and why she is missing, Ruthie finds a diary that once belonged to Sara Harrison Shea hidden under the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. Has History repeated itself in this modern day ghost story? There is also the story of Kathryn who comes to town to investigate the death of her husband who visited West Hall, Vermont without her knowledge.
The Winter People is a beautifully written page turner. It is a spooky ghost story that blends the story between the turn of the 20th century and the present day. I hated putting this book down. The characters are vividly written and developed. There are many characters in this book but they do not overwhelm the story or the reader. We learn in the beginning of the book that the town experiences "sleepers" or ghosts. Are the sleepers or ghosts in this book bad or does the problem lay with the living and the desperate lengths they will go to see their loved ones one last time. This book tells the story of people dealing with untimely deaths. Even though the story jumps back and forth between present day and 1908; it does not get confusing. This book asks the question "what power do the dead have over the living?" If you had the chance to bring back a deceased love one for just a short period of time to say goodbye would you? But most importantly this book also reminds the reader of the old adage "be careful what you wish for".
See more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
West Hall, Vermont is a town where people go missing without explanation. This remote small town has it secrets and wants to keep it that way. The most mysterious secret is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter, Gertie. Skip to the present day where 19 year old Ruthie returns home to find her Mother, Alice, missing. Ruthie, her Mother and her Younger sister, Fawn, have been living in the house where Sara Harrison Shea used to live. While trying to figure out where her Mother is and why she is missing, Ruthie finds a diary that once belonged to Sara Harrison Shea hidden under the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. Has History repeated itself in this modern day ghost story? There is also the story of Kathryn who comes to town to investigate the death of her husband who visited West Hall, Vermont without her knowledge.
The Winter People is a beautifully written page turner. It is a spooky ghost story that blends the story between the turn of the 20th century and the present day. I hated putting this book down. The characters are vividly written and developed. There are many characters in this book but they do not overwhelm the story or the reader. We learn in the beginning of the book that the town experiences "sleepers" or ghosts. Are the sleepers or ghosts in this book bad or does the problem lay with the living and the desperate lengths they will go to see their loved ones one last time. This book tells the story of people dealing with untimely deaths. Even though the story jumps back and forth between present day and 1908; it does not get confusing. This book asks the question "what power do the dead have over the living?" If you had the chance to bring back a deceased love one for just a short period of time to say goodbye would you? But most importantly this book also reminds the reader of the old adage "be careful what you wish for".
See more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 3, 2020
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon (Author), Cassandra Campbell (Narrator), Käthe Mazur (Narrator)
For the first half of the book, I was hooked on the story, gory as it was for both humans and animals. Little West Hall, Vermont seems to be stuck in the past with the town barely changing for the last century. Nineteen year old Ruthie lives with her six year old sister, Fern, and their mother, Alice, in the same old farmhouse that was home to Sara Harrison Shea, long ago. Sara was at the center of a grisly murder or two, back in 1908, and her very own diary is the source of much of the legend and myths that surround Sara, her death, the deaths of her daughter and husband, and mysterious happenings from that time, all the way to present day.
Ruthie and Fern have always been told by their parents (their dad died mysteriously, in their field) to never go into the woods, that there are monsters in the woods. When Alice disappears, not long after the disappearance of a little girl, Ruthie seaches the farmhouse for clues for where her mother may have gone. That's when Ruthie finds the pages of Sara's diary, that had been missing from the parts of the diary that had been published by Sara's niece. Much of Sara's diary concerns the death of her daughter and the events afterwards that led to the deaths of Sara and her husband.
This book has so much going on and some of it never seems to be addressed again, once it's introduced. In Sara's timeline, there is a group of women who commune with the dead. We learn that Sara's aunt seemed to practice some type of sorcery. There is a ring that plays a small part throughout the book but we never really know what part it really plays in the events in the book. Still, I was very interested in finding out what happened to Gerty, Sara's daughter, and all the mysterious things happening in the surrounding area of West Hall. Sadly, once we start getting answers, I'm flummoxed by all the bad decisions and choices that have led to the present day events. Really, by the end of the book, my favorite character is Ruthie's nineteen year old mechanic, artist boyfriend who disappears from the book about halfway through. Everyone else just makes the least common sense decisions ever although I'll give six year old Fern a pass. Actually, I think I'd let Fern run the show among the group of women on hand, by the end of the book.
Pub February 11, 2014
For the first half of the book, I was hooked on the story, gory as it was for both humans and animals. Little West Hall, Vermont seems to be stuck in the past with the town barely changing for the last century. Nineteen year old Ruthie lives with her six year old sister, Fern, and their mother, Alice, in the same old farmhouse that was home to Sara Harrison Shea, long ago. Sara was at the center of a grisly murder or two, back in 1908, and her very own diary is the source of much of the legend and myths that surround Sara, her death, the deaths of her daughter and husband, and mysterious happenings from that time, all the way to present day.
Ruthie and Fern have always been told by their parents (their dad died mysteriously, in their field) to never go into the woods, that there are monsters in the woods. When Alice disappears, not long after the disappearance of a little girl, Ruthie seaches the farmhouse for clues for where her mother may have gone. That's when Ruthie finds the pages of Sara's diary, that had been missing from the parts of the diary that had been published by Sara's niece. Much of Sara's diary concerns the death of her daughter and the events afterwards that led to the deaths of Sara and her husband.
This book has so much going on and some of it never seems to be addressed again, once it's introduced. In Sara's timeline, there is a group of women who commune with the dead. We learn that Sara's aunt seemed to practice some type of sorcery. There is a ring that plays a small part throughout the book but we never really know what part it really plays in the events in the book. Still, I was very interested in finding out what happened to Gerty, Sara's daughter, and all the mysterious things happening in the surrounding area of West Hall. Sadly, once we start getting answers, I'm flummoxed by all the bad decisions and choices that have led to the present day events. Really, by the end of the book, my favorite character is Ruthie's nineteen year old mechanic, artist boyfriend who disappears from the book about halfway through. Everyone else just makes the least common sense decisions ever although I'll give six year old Fern a pass. Actually, I think I'd let Fern run the show among the group of women on hand, by the end of the book.
Pub February 11, 2014
March 5, 2014
Seriously people..these characters need to read more Stephen King. If they had read "Pet Sematary" they would have known that you just don't mess around trying to bring back the dead.
Granted, Mr. King wasn't around writing in the 1800's that some parts of this book took place.
I liked the older bits of the story more than the present day setting. One reason is because Ruthie really did not come across as realistic to me. I mean damn-a 19 year old girl with a curfew? Several things she did and especially the ending and I was like?? WTF??
The book was a pretty good spooky read. When I went to bed last night I really did want to get up and continue the book.
Granted, Mr. King wasn't around writing in the 1800's that some parts of this book took place.
I liked the older bits of the story more than the present day setting. One reason is because Ruthie really did not come across as realistic to me. I mean damn-a 19 year old girl with a curfew? Several things she did and especially the ending and I was like?? WTF??
The book was a pretty good spooky read. When I went to bed last night I really did want to get up and continue the book.
January 12, 2021
First 5 star book of 2021!!!
I loved this book so much, I'm obsessed. This book has MAJOR Pet Semetary vibes, dare I say I even enjoyed this book more than Pet Semetary. This book has two timelines, one in 1908 and one in the present day. We are following characters who are in this small town where people are going missing and there's no reason for it, the small town suspects something strange is happening, like alien abduction, they don't know what it is but they can't explain it.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. It has the best spooky winter vibes. The idea of this house covered in snow next to the woods, it had the best vibe. We follow a family in 1908 whose young daughter goes missing, and then in the present day we follow from the POV of a teenage girl Ruthie and her mom goes missing. I was 100% invested in BOTH timelines and I was absolutely obsessed with the mystery and with the plot in general. It was so well-written, so thought out, and I gave a shit about all the characters.
Here's the reading vlog where I fangirled over this book, this was the first book I read for Winterween and I'm so glad I did: https://youtu.be/ghozh16P12c
I loved this book so much, I'm obsessed. This book has MAJOR Pet Semetary vibes, dare I say I even enjoyed this book more than Pet Semetary. This book has two timelines, one in 1908 and one in the present day. We are following characters who are in this small town where people are going missing and there's no reason for it, the small town suspects something strange is happening, like alien abduction, they don't know what it is but they can't explain it.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. It has the best spooky winter vibes. The idea of this house covered in snow next to the woods, it had the best vibe. We follow a family in 1908 whose young daughter goes missing, and then in the present day we follow from the POV of a teenage girl Ruthie and her mom goes missing. I was 100% invested in BOTH timelines and I was absolutely obsessed with the mystery and with the plot in general. It was so well-written, so thought out, and I gave a shit about all the characters.
Here's the reading vlog where I fangirled over this book, this was the first book I read for Winterween and I'm so glad I did: https://youtu.be/ghozh16P12c
October 31, 2016
This is the quintessential Halloween read. It checks all of the required boxes - spooky, atmospheric, dark, eerie and full of old legends.
West Hall, Vermont is a little town with big history. There's no doubt in my mind, I would have hightailed it out of there; forget about uncovering the truth. I've watched way too many horror movies to be nosing around the woods or some creepy town looking for answers.
There’s a local legend surrounding a rock formation, a desolate farmhouse and a woman that went mad after the death of her daughter. Sara claimed that by following a secret set of instructions passed down to her from Auntie, she was able to bring her little Gertie back. Even though everyone at the time thought Sara was crazy, a series of her diary entries were found and later published, sans the instructions, making them highly sought after.
“The dead never really leave us.”
The story flips between Sara’s story, the majority of which takes place in 1908, and the present day, told from the perspective of two different women - Ruthie and Katherine. Ruthie is desperate to find her missing mother and Katherine is looking for answers about her dead husband's visit to West Hall. There are a lot of mysterious happenings and moving parts, but the author manages to connect the pieces in such an interesting way. She tells Sara’s story, all while leading up to the truth regarding the legend and how that has shaped the reality Ruthie and Katherine are now living.
Woven within the mystery of the story is this quandary - what lengths would you go to for a little bit more time with the ones you’ve loved and lost? Would you make the decision in haste or would you seriously consider the consequences? It's a tough choice. One that's likely to be guided by selfish desires and heartache.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, given this was my first Jennifer McMahon, but wow; it turned out to be a totally immersive storyline and pretty great writing. I tend to have mixed feelings about books that end this way, but in this case, I kind of liked the open feel, especially regarding Katherine and the reckless decision she made.
West Hall, Vermont is a little town with big history. There's no doubt in my mind, I would have hightailed it out of there; forget about uncovering the truth. I've watched way too many horror movies to be nosing around the woods or some creepy town looking for answers.
There’s a local legend surrounding a rock formation, a desolate farmhouse and a woman that went mad after the death of her daughter. Sara claimed that by following a secret set of instructions passed down to her from Auntie, she was able to bring her little Gertie back. Even though everyone at the time thought Sara was crazy, a series of her diary entries were found and later published, sans the instructions, making them highly sought after.
“The dead never really leave us.”
The story flips between Sara’s story, the majority of which takes place in 1908, and the present day, told from the perspective of two different women - Ruthie and Katherine. Ruthie is desperate to find her missing mother and Katherine is looking for answers about her dead husband's visit to West Hall. There are a lot of mysterious happenings and moving parts, but the author manages to connect the pieces in such an interesting way. She tells Sara’s story, all while leading up to the truth regarding the legend and how that has shaped the reality Ruthie and Katherine are now living.
Woven within the mystery of the story is this quandary - what lengths would you go to for a little bit more time with the ones you’ve loved and lost? Would you make the decision in haste or would you seriously consider the consequences? It's a tough choice. One that's likely to be guided by selfish desires and heartache.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, given this was my first Jennifer McMahon, but wow; it turned out to be a totally immersive storyline and pretty great writing. I tend to have mixed feelings about books that end this way, but in this case, I kind of liked the open feel, especially regarding Katherine and the reckless decision she made.
May 5, 2021
Wow! This was gripping!
I had no idea it would be such a suspenseful read. I had so much fun binge-reading it! I was drawn in from the first page. I kept trying to figure out how everything and everyone would be connected. The plot was more complex than I was expecting! It was the perfect mix of mystery and supernatural and the eerie winter atmosphere was perfectly described.
I absolutely loved The Drowning Kind, so I knew I had to read The Winter People sooner than later. I got a copy from the library in February... and only read it three months later! I always wait for the right time to read each book of my TBR. How do I know what time is right? Reader instinct! I was in a reading slump when I finally picked this one and, thanks to Mcmahon, I'm now back on track!
Little anecdote: it was impossible for me to picture Lucius with another face than Lucius Malefoy's haha!!
4.5 rounded up
I had no idea it would be such a suspenseful read. I had so much fun binge-reading it! I was drawn in from the first page. I kept trying to figure out how everything and everyone would be connected. The plot was more complex than I was expecting! It was the perfect mix of mystery and supernatural and the eerie winter atmosphere was perfectly described.
I absolutely loved The Drowning Kind, so I knew I had to read The Winter People sooner than later. I got a copy from the library in February... and only read it three months later! I always wait for the right time to read each book of my TBR. How do I know what time is right? Reader instinct! I was in a reading slump when I finally picked this one and, thanks to Mcmahon, I'm now back on track!
Little anecdote: it was impossible for me to picture Lucius with another face than Lucius Malefoy's haha!!
4.5 rounded up
February 11, 2023
I wanted to read this book ever since I finished "The Invited". Since then I thought "The Winter People" will be my next book. Alas, every year since McMahon's new releases caught my attention, I constantly push this one back.
I enjoyed the 1908 story, told through a found diary of Sara Harrison Shea. West Hall is a small town in Vermont where a young daughter, Gertie, and her mother Sara were found dead months apart. The body was found in the field on their property but it was never solved.
Today, Alice and her two daughters live in that farmhouse. Alice disappeared without a trace one morning, thus the search and the found diary.
The story flips back and forth between the two times that gave me chills not necessarily scary. I do love old legends and such. My mediocre rating reflects the current timeline that I didn't like as much as the past and also the conclusion. It's not a bad story but I love "The Invited" and "The Drowning Kind" a lot more.
I enjoyed the 1908 story, told through a found diary of Sara Harrison Shea. West Hall is a small town in Vermont where a young daughter, Gertie, and her mother Sara were found dead months apart. The body was found in the field on their property but it was never solved.
Today, Alice and her two daughters live in that farmhouse. Alice disappeared without a trace one morning, thus the search and the found diary.
The story flips back and forth between the two times that gave me chills not necessarily scary. I do love old legends and such. My mediocre rating reflects the current timeline that I didn't like as much as the past and also the conclusion. It's not a bad story but I love "The Invited" and "The Drowning Kind" a lot more.
October 9, 2013
Every once in a while you're just in the mood for a good ghost story. A story that involves a small town desperately trying to keep its secrets, myths, and folklore hidden. These type of stories are always set in remote areas where they breed new life with every passing generation. These myths become fantastical whereas aspects of the truth are distorted to make an even more engrossing tale of why there are "sleepers" roaming the forrests.
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon is gripping novel about a small town in Vermont, West Hall, where people disappear and farm animals to be slaughtered. No one knows where these people go or why these animals are killed. Many would love to believe some have just escaped the mundane that is life in this meager community, but others know the truth... or at least the legend of Sara Harrison Shea.
Because I loved every page of this book I'll leave my summary there and move on to how well it is written. Jennifer McMahon's writing is descriptive and compelling. Although there is no moment I actually felt afraid, this is definitely a dark novel that explores the relationship we living have with the dead. Although the novel turns into a sort-of thriller near the end, where the present day characters are trying to sort between the fact and fiction, The Winter People never becomes hokey or unbelieveable. Pretty hard to imagine when much of the novel deals with the paranormal, huh?
The Winter People is told between the pages of Sara Shea Harrison's diary, the days leading to her legend in 1908, and present day. These transitions are fluid nor slow despite the attention to detail given with setting and character development. At times I found Sara's diary more interesting than the characters from the present day but that's because the bulk of the ghost story happens in the early 1900s.
Yes, I loved this book and could not put it down but it did not come without flaws. The most annoying part of this novel was the main character Ruthie. She's from the present day section of the novel. Ruthie comes home expecting her mother to berate her for coming home past curfew, despite bing 19 years old, and instead finds an empty house that's only occupant is her young sister Fawn. From the beginning she's skeptical and wonders where her mother is. Although, they live completely off the grid, the mother goes missing for what seems like days and the idea to call the cops is touted as being not an option. How far off the grid does life have to become in order to call in reinforcements? I'm sorry but in a town where people disappear and legends never die, I am calling the cops as soon as I see something's askew.
There's one huge glaring theme that comes to play in this novel which is completely relevant because of it being a ghost story of sorts. Our relationship with the dead is always an interesting one. We have the people who are so invested in seeing their loved ones again and will do anything to see them again if only for a few seconds or even seven days. The only problem is that these dead may come back being something we don't want around. If Snow melts down to water, does it still remember being snow? I couldn't get this out of my head after seeing it on the pages. Who are these sleepers that are awakened and what if they aren't who they once were? Are they still as beloved?
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon was a great read and has me very interested in seeing what other books of hers I can get my hands on. Awesome setting, well drawn characters, and ghosts. GHOSTS I tell ya! What's not to love about that?
Copy provided by Doubleday via Netgalley
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon is gripping novel about a small town in Vermont, West Hall, where people disappear and farm animals to be slaughtered. No one knows where these people go or why these animals are killed. Many would love to believe some have just escaped the mundane that is life in this meager community, but others know the truth... or at least the legend of Sara Harrison Shea.
Because I loved every page of this book I'll leave my summary there and move on to how well it is written. Jennifer McMahon's writing is descriptive and compelling. Although there is no moment I actually felt afraid, this is definitely a dark novel that explores the relationship we living have with the dead. Although the novel turns into a sort-of thriller near the end, where the present day characters are trying to sort between the fact and fiction, The Winter People never becomes hokey or unbelieveable. Pretty hard to imagine when much of the novel deals with the paranormal, huh?
The Winter People is told between the pages of Sara Shea Harrison's diary, the days leading to her legend in 1908, and present day. These transitions are fluid nor slow despite the attention to detail given with setting and character development. At times I found Sara's diary more interesting than the characters from the present day but that's because the bulk of the ghost story happens in the early 1900s.
Yes, I loved this book and could not put it down but it did not come without flaws. The most annoying part of this novel was the main character Ruthie. She's from the present day section of the novel. Ruthie comes home expecting her mother to berate her for coming home past curfew, despite bing 19 years old, and instead finds an empty house that's only occupant is her young sister Fawn. From the beginning she's skeptical and wonders where her mother is. Although, they live completely off the grid, the mother goes missing for what seems like days and the idea to call the cops is touted as being not an option. How far off the grid does life have to become in order to call in reinforcements? I'm sorry but in a town where people disappear and legends never die, I am calling the cops as soon as I see something's askew.
There's one huge glaring theme that comes to play in this novel which is completely relevant because of it being a ghost story of sorts. Our relationship with the dead is always an interesting one. We have the people who are so invested in seeing their loved ones again and will do anything to see them again if only for a few seconds or even seven days. The only problem is that these dead may come back being something we don't want around. If Snow melts down to water, does it still remember being snow? I couldn't get this out of my head after seeing it on the pages. Who are these sleepers that are awakened and what if they aren't who they once were? Are they still as beloved?
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon was a great read and has me very interested in seeing what other books of hers I can get my hands on. Awesome setting, well drawn characters, and ghosts. GHOSTS I tell ya! What's not to love about that?
Copy provided by Doubleday via Netgalley
Read
January 31, 20142025 update CW: I read this book in 2015 and here we are, ten years later, and I'm revising my review to include a content warning for the problematic representation of a character who is Native (Quebec). I took a list of the specific complaints brought up in several reviews, checked the book out on Libby, opened it on Kindle so I could do manuscript searches and I have concluded that the complaints are accurate.
The character in question doesn't have a backstory apart from, her father was a trapper and her mother an "Indian" and she's from Quebec and speaks French. She seems to exist on the page to be the mystical, woo-woo, scary villain.
You can check my notes and highlights for the exact sections.
2015 review (The Winter People is one of the scariest books I have read in a long, long time. Many times I could feel my heart racing and my mouth dropping open. It feels good to read a book that sucks you in and keeps you there until you finish. I checked this out at the library on a Thursday afternoon and here it is Saturday night and I'm done. I'll be passing it off to my mom. Kinda thankful it will be out of my house! Seriously, this story is a dark one.)
The character in question doesn't have a backstory apart from, her father was a trapper and her mother an "Indian" and she's from Quebec and speaks French. She seems to exist on the page to be the mystical, woo-woo, scary villain.
You can check my notes and highlights for the exact sections.
2015 review (The Winter People is one of the scariest books I have read in a long, long time. Many times I could feel my heart racing and my mouth dropping open. It feels good to read a book that sucks you in and keeps you there until you finish. I checked this out at the library on a Thursday afternoon and here it is Saturday night and I'm done. I'll be passing it off to my mom. Kinda thankful it will be out of my house! Seriously, this story is a dark one.)
April 20, 2015
Talk about CREEP FACTOR. This book was super spooky. Had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommend!
February 19, 2016
This novel is a wonderfully creepy supernatural fiction story. A respected GR friend, thank you Sarah recommended this book, and I’m glad I read it.
The story takes place in a small town in Vermont. The tale is told from different character’s voices, from different time settings. The main thread is from a 1908 diary, “Visitors from the Other Side, The Secret Diary of Sara Harrison Shea”. The reader learns of “sleepers”, the dead who return to life. Sara writes down her experiences with sleepers. Sara endured a tragic death herself, with lends authenticity to her Diary. The small town locals believe in the walking dead and leave food offerings outside their doors to ward away evil.
There is a mystery along with the supernatural piece. People go missing without a trace. Ruthie Washburne, one of the protagonists, finds herself reluctantly in the middle of the mystery of a series of missing people when her mom leaves without a trace. She and her younger sister are left alone on New Years Eve. Ruthie finds a copy of Sara’s diary in her Mother’s room. Ruthie is left with determining what this diary has to do with her missing mother.
There are twists and turns. I did wonder how the author, Jennifer McMahon, was going to tie up the stories. She did, and did it well.
I highly recommend it to those fans of Stephen King and Peter Straub. It’s a well-written scary tale.
The story takes place in a small town in Vermont. The tale is told from different character’s voices, from different time settings. The main thread is from a 1908 diary, “Visitors from the Other Side, The Secret Diary of Sara Harrison Shea”. The reader learns of “sleepers”, the dead who return to life. Sara writes down her experiences with sleepers. Sara endured a tragic death herself, with lends authenticity to her Diary. The small town locals believe in the walking dead and leave food offerings outside their doors to ward away evil.
There is a mystery along with the supernatural piece. People go missing without a trace. Ruthie Washburne, one of the protagonists, finds herself reluctantly in the middle of the mystery of a series of missing people when her mom leaves without a trace. She and her younger sister are left alone on New Years Eve. Ruthie finds a copy of Sara’s diary in her Mother’s room. Ruthie is left with determining what this diary has to do with her missing mother.
There are twists and turns. I did wonder how the author, Jennifer McMahon, was going to tie up the stories. She did, and did it well.
I highly recommend it to those fans of Stephen King and Peter Straub. It’s a well-written scary tale.
October 28, 2013
I'm torn about rating this book. I absolutely blew through it--from start to finish in just about a day--both because the narrative is propulsive but also because I wanted to know what was going to happen.
The book is very wonderfully a small-town ghost story, told from multiple points of view from two different eras. You know what sort of monsters you're dealing with almost immediately: "sleepers," or people who have been recalled from the dead by people who miss them. If you are drawing parallels to Stephen King's Pet Semetary, excellent call.
The story is creepiest when you don't really know what's happening. In modern times, two sisters discover that they live in the same house as the legendary Sara Harrison Shea, a woman who lived at the turn of the century before rumored to have been driven mad by the death of her daughter. When their trustworthy mother goes missing with no explanation, and their investigations start to turn up very creepy clues in very scary hiding places, the story is riveting.
Ultimately, though, I was let down by the series of reveals at the end.
But do with this what you will: all of the hanging threads left by the ending lead quite tantalizingly to a sequel, maybe set years in the future, which I would pick up and read in a second.
The book is very wonderfully a small-town ghost story, told from multiple points of view from two different eras. You know what sort of monsters you're dealing with almost immediately: "sleepers," or people who have been recalled from the dead by people who miss them. If you are drawing parallels to Stephen King's Pet Semetary, excellent call.
The story is creepiest when you don't really know what's happening. In modern times, two sisters discover that they live in the same house as the legendary Sara Harrison Shea, a woman who lived at the turn of the century before rumored to have been driven mad by the death of her daughter. When their trustworthy mother goes missing with no explanation, and their investigations start to turn up very creepy clues in very scary hiding places, the story is riveting.
Ultimately, though, I was let down by the series of reveals at the end.
But do with this what you will: all of the hanging threads left by the ending lead quite tantalizingly to a sequel, maybe set years in the future, which I would pick up and read in a second.
December 20, 2013
This is going to be so hard for me to rate. I was really engrossed for much of the story and I was sure I had a solid four-star book in my hands. There were even some five-star worthy scenes. But then it started dipping dangerously into that two-star area... For the most part it was a good, solid, read, but there were just some things I didn't like. At times I wished that the author had gone a different direction and there were two characters in particular that didn't ring true to me when all was said and done. But then JM pulls a pretty solid twist out of the bag at the end that was really well done and not at all cheesy or lame. And I'm not much one for twists lately so if there's a twist and I like it, it really means it's a very good twist. But then something happens at the very end that really let me down. So you see my predicament. Anyway, full review to come once I hammer all this out and arrive at a rating.
Ok, I'm ready-ish to review. And I better do it now before I start forgetting things. There was lots of good. The prose was good. It set a mood. There were sympathetic characters. This story was at its best when there were still lots of questions. JM was able to keep the suspense high for much of the book. My favorite scene was this one: .
But there was some not-so-good. I didn't believe this character:. THIS did not ring true to me AT ALL:. But then JM pulls out this twist that really was a good twisty thing to pull:. However, even after JM pulls me back in a little, she leaves me completely unsatisfied with this truly unsatisfying ending:.
Oh man, you guys, now that I've finally hashed all that out I feel almost like 3 stars is one star too many. But I'll air on the side of generosity and stick with 3. It was a good read for much of the book. JM had me engaged. At least the entire first half of the book was very good. This one is so tough to rate. Depending on how you react to all these ins and outs could dramatically change your rating, because the prose itself is compelling and the story moves quickly. But that's my review and I'm sticking to it. Most likely, I'm sticking to it. Okay, 3 stars. ...yup. 3 stars.
I think.
Ok, I'm ready-ish to review. And I better do it now before I start forgetting things. There was lots of good. The prose was good. It set a mood. There were sympathetic characters. This story was at its best when there were still lots of questions. JM was able to keep the suspense high for much of the book. My favorite scene was this one: .
But there was some not-so-good. I didn't believe this character:. THIS did not ring true to me AT ALL:. But then JM pulls out this twist that really was a good twisty thing to pull:. However, even after JM pulls me back in a little, she leaves me completely unsatisfied with this truly unsatisfying ending:.
Oh man, you guys, now that I've finally hashed all that out I feel almost like 3 stars is one star too many. But I'll air on the side of generosity and stick with 3. It was a good read for much of the book. JM had me engaged. At least the entire first half of the book was very good. This one is so tough to rate. Depending on how you react to all these ins and outs could dramatically change your rating, because the prose itself is compelling and the story moves quickly. But that's my review and I'm sticking to it. Most likely, I'm sticking to it. Okay, 3 stars. ...yup. 3 stars.
I think.
December 30, 2020
I’m sure we all have a deceased family member or friend who we’d give anything to spend more time with. Sara Harrison Shea did, back when her young daughter, Gertie, died in 1908. It’s tragic that Sara was found dead right behind her house just a few months later.
In the present, 19-year old Ruthie lives with her mom and younger sister...in the house where Sara lived. One morning, Ruthie wakes up to find her mom gone. Vanished. No clues to her whereabouts. When Ruthie and her sister come across a book that contains the diary of Sara Harrison Shea, they begin to look for clues so that they can find out what happened to their mother.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I almost DNF’d this on more than one occasion. There is harm to animals galore in the first 20%, and then spruced throughout. Having finished the book, I understand why it was in the plot...but would’ve preferred another direction. I was also extremely confused by the characters and their actions for 33%. I could barely follow along, and my mind kept wandering.
Having said that, there is a semi-interesting historical ghost story that’s weaved between the rest of the mess. I found that I wanted to see how the different timelines and POVs connected, so I soldiered on. I’m not sure if it was worth it.
If anything, I’m glad I know to stick with author Jennifer McMahon’s newer work. My personal recommendation would be to skip this and read her books, The Invited and The Drowning Kind.
2.5 stars
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
In the present, 19-year old Ruthie lives with her mom and younger sister...in the house where Sara lived. One morning, Ruthie wakes up to find her mom gone. Vanished. No clues to her whereabouts. When Ruthie and her sister come across a book that contains the diary of Sara Harrison Shea, they begin to look for clues so that they can find out what happened to their mother.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I almost DNF’d this on more than one occasion. There is harm to animals galore in the first 20%, and then spruced throughout. Having finished the book, I understand why it was in the plot...but would’ve preferred another direction. I was also extremely confused by the characters and their actions for 33%. I could barely follow along, and my mind kept wandering.
Having said that, there is a semi-interesting historical ghost story that’s weaved between the rest of the mess. I found that I wanted to see how the different timelines and POVs connected, so I soldiered on. I’m not sure if it was worth it.
If anything, I’m glad I know to stick with author Jennifer McMahon’s newer work. My personal recommendation would be to skip this and read her books, The Invited and The Drowning Kind.
2.5 stars
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
July 11, 2017
4 shivering stars! Well that was one heck of a spooky good read!
Why I wanted to read this one……I have read quite a few JENNIFER MCMAHON novels and although it has been a little while since I have read one I do remember really enjoying them so when I found this novel while perusing Overdrive I quickly borrowed it. What initially attracted me to this book was that beautiful cover and I found the title very intriguing as well which definitely enticed me to pick this one up!
Thoughts & what it's all about…
THE WINTER PEOPLE by JENNIFER MCMAHON is a spooky, dark, eerie, and creepy tale that actually gave me the heebie-jeebies and goosebumps while reading this suspense-filled horror/thriller novel. Right from the opening of the very first chapter I was hooked!
The Secret Diary of Sara Harrison Shea - The first time I saw a sleeper, I was nine years old.
JENNIFER MCMAHON delivers a well-written and an extremely atmospheric read here that is told in two separate timelines. One from the past from the perspective of Sara Harrison Shea through diary excerpts and also from the perspective of her husband Martin which takes place mostly in 1908 and present day told from alternating perspectives of Ruthie and Katherine. I enjoyed both timelines equally.
What I liked….I was quite immersed in this tale because I loved the creepy feel, all the characters stories, setting and legends that surrounded the town of West Hall, Vermont and reading about the superstitions surrounding “The Sleepers” was extremely enjoyable to me. I love a good ghost story and this one definitely delivered!
What I didn't like…..The only thing that I didn't like has nothing even to do with this novel. I wish I would have timed this book a little better and read it without having other books on the go. This one definitely would have been a 5 star read for me if the flow of this tale didn't get interrupted. Once I was able to give this book my full attention it gave me exactly what I needed for another enjoyable read!!!
To sum it all up it was a gripping, chilling, thought-provoking, fast-paced, and a solid read with an implicit ending which I found quite satisfying. Would definitely recommend!!
All of Brenda and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
https://www.twogirlslostinacouleeread...
Why I wanted to read this one……I have read quite a few JENNIFER MCMAHON novels and although it has been a little while since I have read one I do remember really enjoying them so when I found this novel while perusing Overdrive I quickly borrowed it. What initially attracted me to this book was that beautiful cover and I found the title very intriguing as well which definitely enticed me to pick this one up!
Thoughts & what it's all about…
THE WINTER PEOPLE by JENNIFER MCMAHON is a spooky, dark, eerie, and creepy tale that actually gave me the heebie-jeebies and goosebumps while reading this suspense-filled horror/thriller novel. Right from the opening of the very first chapter I was hooked!
The Secret Diary of Sara Harrison Shea - The first time I saw a sleeper, I was nine years old.
JENNIFER MCMAHON delivers a well-written and an extremely atmospheric read here that is told in two separate timelines. One from the past from the perspective of Sara Harrison Shea through diary excerpts and also from the perspective of her husband Martin which takes place mostly in 1908 and present day told from alternating perspectives of Ruthie and Katherine. I enjoyed both timelines equally.
What I liked….I was quite immersed in this tale because I loved the creepy feel, all the characters stories, setting and legends that surrounded the town of West Hall, Vermont and reading about the superstitions surrounding “The Sleepers” was extremely enjoyable to me. I love a good ghost story and this one definitely delivered!
What I didn't like…..The only thing that I didn't like has nothing even to do with this novel. I wish I would have timed this book a little better and read it without having other books on the go. This one definitely would have been a 5 star read for me if the flow of this tale didn't get interrupted. Once I was able to give this book my full attention it gave me exactly what I needed for another enjoyable read!!!
To sum it all up it was a gripping, chilling, thought-provoking, fast-paced, and a solid read with an implicit ending which I found quite satisfying. Would definitely recommend!!
All of Brenda and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
https://www.twogirlslostinacouleeread...
August 24, 2024
„Зимните хора“ е разкошна страховита мистерия! Книгата ме зашемети по-силно и от „Удавниците“, която също ми е доста любима... В този роман най-вече е разгледана сложната и противоречива тема за съживяване на мъртвите, обаче историята е поднесена по изключително любопитен и емоционален начин. Освен това, Дженифър Макмеън е изградила мрачна и мистична зимна атмосфера, която напълно прикова вниманието ми... Тя определено се нареди сред любимите ми писатели, тъй като е майстор в преплитането на вълнуващи сюжетни линии, а и нейният стил на писане страшно много ми допадна!
September 30, 2023
THE WINTER PEOPLE is an expertly crafted, supernatural mystery that will leave a frosty chill deep within your bones.
MY TEASE…
Death was present when Sara Harrison Shea entered the world at a farmhouse in rural West Hall, Vermont. Her mother died during childbirth. From then on, death rarely left Sara’s side. It clung to her like an infant for all the days of her life.
Ordinary people might’ve been driven mad by death’s relentless proximity, but Sara was far from ordinary. In fact, a sorceress had even taught her how to raise the dead and she had penned the incantation into her diary.
More than a century later, the Washburnes live in the same farmhouse and death’s icy grip has threatened to take hold of its residents once again. Ruthie’s mother has gone missing. In search of clues, 19-year-old Ruthie finds Sara’s 1908 diary, hidden in her mother’s bedroom, minus several key pages.
With time running out, can Ruthie find the missing pages, rescue her mother, and satiate death before more lives are lost? And will Ruthie finally realize that her connection to the past is far from ordinary?
THOUGHTS…
THE WINTER PEOPLE is my favorite book thus far in 2023. I love books where the answers to a present day, supernatural mystery can be solved by finding hidden archives from the past. McMahon is an expert in this style of storytelling and THE WINTER PEOPLE is a perfect example.
Consistent with other works I’ve read by this author, McMahon’s writing is impressive! Here are too examples:
“She lay on her back, looked up at the dark sky, the swirling snow that fell down on her like a million falling stars.
And…
“The trees were bent and twisted, the branches weighted down with snow. She felt the trees were watching her, a terrible army that stood in rows and reached for her with gnarled fingers.”
Nice, right? And here are more accolades…
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5+
Main character’s likability: 5
Development of supporting character(s): 5
Settings/Atmosphere: 5+
Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 4.5
Believability (in the context of the story): 4
Satisfying ending: 4.5
Tension of the story: 5
Stirs the heart (romantic elements): 4 (The story didn’t have romantic elements, but it did include a love story.)
Did I solve the mystery/guess the ending before the reveal? No!
OVERALL…
I highly recommend THE WINTER PEOPLE. It’s an exceptionally crafted story that will make you shiver with each page turned!
MY TEASE…
Death was present when Sara Harrison Shea entered the world at a farmhouse in rural West Hall, Vermont. Her mother died during childbirth. From then on, death rarely left Sara’s side. It clung to her like an infant for all the days of her life.
Ordinary people might’ve been driven mad by death’s relentless proximity, but Sara was far from ordinary. In fact, a sorceress had even taught her how to raise the dead and she had penned the incantation into her diary.
More than a century later, the Washburnes live in the same farmhouse and death’s icy grip has threatened to take hold of its residents once again. Ruthie’s mother has gone missing. In search of clues, 19-year-old Ruthie finds Sara’s 1908 diary, hidden in her mother’s bedroom, minus several key pages.
With time running out, can Ruthie find the missing pages, rescue her mother, and satiate death before more lives are lost? And will Ruthie finally realize that her connection to the past is far from ordinary?
THOUGHTS…
THE WINTER PEOPLE is my favorite book thus far in 2023. I love books where the answers to a present day, supernatural mystery can be solved by finding hidden archives from the past. McMahon is an expert in this style of storytelling and THE WINTER PEOPLE is a perfect example.
Consistent with other works I’ve read by this author, McMahon’s writing is impressive! Here are too examples:
“She lay on her back, looked up at the dark sky, the swirling snow that fell down on her like a million falling stars.
And…
“The trees were bent and twisted, the branches weighted down with snow. She felt the trees were watching her, a terrible army that stood in rows and reached for her with gnarled fingers.”
Nice, right? And here are more accolades…
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5+
Main character’s likability: 5
Development of supporting character(s): 5
Settings/Atmosphere: 5+
Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 4.5
Believability (in the context of the story): 4
Satisfying ending: 4.5
Tension of the story: 5
Stirs the heart (romantic elements): 4 (The story didn’t have romantic elements, but it did include a love story.)
Did I solve the mystery/guess the ending before the reveal? No!
OVERALL…
I highly recommend THE WINTER PEOPLE. It’s an exceptionally crafted story that will make you shiver with each page turned!
February 11, 2014
4.5 Stars - Delightfully Creepy
This story is a perfect read for a cold, stormy winter night. While milder than more serious horror, McMahon weaves together a subtly disturbing story. The atmosphere was so well done.
This story itself is told over two different timelines: the early 1900s and the present. Personally, I preferred the reading the storyline in the past, finding it so much more intriguing than the modern mystery. If the entire story was had taken place in the past, I likely would have rated the novel five stars. I really enjoyed those chapters!
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a quietly creepy story that will keep you turning pages to see what happens next... way too late into the night.
This story is a perfect read for a cold, stormy winter night. While milder than more serious horror, McMahon weaves together a subtly disturbing story. The atmosphere was so well done.
This story itself is told over two different timelines: the early 1900s and the present. Personally, I preferred the reading the storyline in the past, finding it so much more intriguing than the modern mystery. If the entire story was had taken place in the past, I likely would have rated the novel five stars. I really enjoyed those chapters!
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a quietly creepy story that will keep you turning pages to see what happens next... way too late into the night.
February 4, 2024
The Winter People is historical horror at its best. 4.5 stars. It checked all of my boxes. Two timelines. Native American aspect. Emotional impact. Supernatural element. Ancient stone formation.
I’m fascinated by strange and unexplained phenomena-Stone Henge, the Disappearance at Roanoke Colony, and the Bermuda Triangle. I love New England folklore and superstition. The reader is aware of these elements throughout The Winter People. There are some great twists and there’s also a nod to Stephen King.
This is my first Jennifer McMahon book and it was a great reading experience. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
I’m fascinated by strange and unexplained phenomena-Stone Henge, the Disappearance at Roanoke Colony, and the Bermuda Triangle. I love New England folklore and superstition. The reader is aware of these elements throughout The Winter People. There are some great twists and there’s also a nod to Stephen King.
This is my first Jennifer McMahon book and it was a great reading experience. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
February 14, 2019
The Winter People is a tale about how love can be mangled and twisted into horror. The loss of their beautiful , little girl, Gertie shatters a young couple who have little else to live for. As the mother Sara becomes unhinged with grief, she tries something desperate taught her by her witchlike Auntie, a spell to raise the dead. Men don't seem to to be nearly as strong or cunning as the women in the story and are sort of peripheral characters. Two major twists left me gobsmacked towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2018
4.5/5 - One aspect of the ending was a tiny letdown, but overall I ADORED this. So unique and unsettling. I'll have a spoiler free video review up next week :)
June 5, 2021
3.5 stars.
Atmospheric. Suspenseful. Eerie.
After reading and loving this authors latest release, The Drowning Kind, I immediately wanted to get my hands on her backlist. This was a unique and engrossing story with a large supernatural aspect.
Supernatural is a hit or miss for me. This author has such a magical way with words, that her supernatural elements totally work for me. I can clearly envision her characters, atmosphere and storyline even with the ghost-y aspects.
This book was told through a Past and Present timeline which included old diary entries. I loved this format but did find that the Past timeline was more intriguing and tension-filled. At times, I found myself confused between what happened during each time period, but I was able to sort the details out. A few of the elements in the second half of the Present timeline didn’t quite work for me, but I was able to roll with it.
I truly enjoyed being wrapped up in this highly atmospheric ghost-y story. I look forward to reading more of her backlist! Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan of this book!
Atmospheric. Suspenseful. Eerie.
After reading and loving this authors latest release, The Drowning Kind, I immediately wanted to get my hands on her backlist. This was a unique and engrossing story with a large supernatural aspect.
Supernatural is a hit or miss for me. This author has such a magical way with words, that her supernatural elements totally work for me. I can clearly envision her characters, atmosphere and storyline even with the ghost-y aspects.
This book was told through a Past and Present timeline which included old diary entries. I loved this format but did find that the Past timeline was more intriguing and tension-filled. At times, I found myself confused between what happened during each time period, but I was able to sort the details out. A few of the elements in the second half of the Present timeline didn’t quite work for me, but I was able to roll with it.
I truly enjoyed being wrapped up in this highly atmospheric ghost-y story. I look forward to reading more of her backlist! Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan of this book!
February 20, 2014
Silly me. I believed all the hype and was expecting a real chiller of a ghost story. What I got was an inane tale rife with clueless characters. Knuckleheads who opt to take a 5-hour drive to check out a completely iffy lead instead of doing a simple Google search. Who lack all common sense (Uh oh, these papers need to be destroyed or they could alter the fate of all mankind. Let’s keep them in one piece and toss them into this old dry well.) Stephen King already wrote the definitive piece on this subject. Do yourself a favor and swap out your copy of The Winter People for Pet Sematary.
August 28, 2020
Two stories, happening about 100 years apart, told in parallel - and that’s not all they have in common. A good ghost story - won’t scare you, subtle chills - overall well written, I thought.
May 2, 2025
Eerie and intriguing but too slow-paced to actually be scary.
The idea of family drama intertwined with local horror stories was interesting but didn't live up to the expectations. Characters are dumb, the plot is too slow cos the author is concentrated more on describing drama and loss than the mystery. The story consists of two timelines and tree different POVs and not all of them are equally interesting. And the sloppy rushed ending ruins everything.
The idea of family drama intertwined with local horror stories was interesting but didn't live up to the expectations. Characters are dumb, the plot is too slow cos the author is concentrated more on describing drama and loss than the mystery. The story consists of two timelines and tree different POVs and not all of them are equally interesting. And the sloppy rushed ending ruins everything.
September 4, 2013
Beautiful cover, enticing title especially with the winter we are having. Hooked me from the very beginning, two young girls, Ruth and Fern, wonderful inquisitive characters, really wanted to find out what happened. Built of suspense, a little creepiness, exactly what is going on in this town and where has their mother gone? What about the dreams Ruth keeps having, what are they supposed to mean? Really wanted to know, kept reading and then plunk. Even in a book about the impossible, or so I hope, some of these characters performed very questionably. Ways that kind of dropped the suspense like a bowling ball.
I always look forward to this author's books. She writes so many different things and does it well. But in this one, I just could not get over some of the improbables and while I enjoyed getting there , did not like the ending. Did not like the way she chose to reveal what was gong on, just had a corny aspect to me. Don;t get me wrong, this is a good read. I just expected a little more.
I always look forward to this author's books. She writes so many different things and does it well. But in this one, I just could not get over some of the improbables and while I enjoyed getting there , did not like the ending. Did not like the way she chose to reveal what was gong on, just had a corny aspect to me. Don;t get me wrong, this is a good read. I just expected a little more.
July 30, 2026
Trigger Warnings: Child death, grief, loss of a loved one, disturbing supernatural elements, and several gruesome scenes involving death and violence.
Bringing people back from the dead. What could go wrong?
This book completely lived up to the hype for me. It was eerie from the very beginning, but the way Jennifer McMahon slowly unraveled the mystery made it impossible to put down. Every piece of the story felt like it was carefully placed, and by the end everything came together in such a satisfying and chilling way.
I loved how the timelines intertwined and revealed the truth little by little. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another revelation would make me question it all over again. Nothing felt out of place—every detail mattered, making the ending even more rewarding.
This book genuinely terrified me. It's not packed with constant jump scares, but it builds this overwhelming sense of dread that never lets up. The isolated setting, the folklore, and the lingering feeling that something was always watching made for an incredibly creepy atmosphere. There were scenes that were genuinely gruesome and difficult to read, but they never felt like they were there just for shock value. They added to the horror and the emotional weight of the story.
At its heart, though, this is also a heartbreaking story about grief, and the impossible choices people make when they can't let go. The themes of loss hit hard, especially with the storyline involving child death. It asks how far someone would go for one more chance with the people they love—and whether some doors should never be opened.
This is one of those books that will linger in my mind long after I finished it. Haunting, heartbreaking, and beautifully crafted, The Winter People is horror at its best. I loved every unsettling page and would recommend it to anyone looking for a story that is equal parts emotional and terrifying.
Bringing people back from the dead. What could go wrong?
This book completely lived up to the hype for me. It was eerie from the very beginning, but the way Jennifer McMahon slowly unraveled the mystery made it impossible to put down. Every piece of the story felt like it was carefully placed, and by the end everything came together in such a satisfying and chilling way.
I loved how the timelines intertwined and revealed the truth little by little. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another revelation would make me question it all over again. Nothing felt out of place—every detail mattered, making the ending even more rewarding.
This book genuinely terrified me. It's not packed with constant jump scares, but it builds this overwhelming sense of dread that never lets up. The isolated setting, the folklore, and the lingering feeling that something was always watching made for an incredibly creepy atmosphere. There were scenes that were genuinely gruesome and difficult to read, but they never felt like they were there just for shock value. They added to the horror and the emotional weight of the story.
At its heart, though, this is also a heartbreaking story about grief, and the impossible choices people make when they can't let go. The themes of loss hit hard, especially with the storyline involving child death. It asks how far someone would go for one more chance with the people they love—and whether some doors should never be opened.
This is one of those books that will linger in my mind long after I finished it. Haunting, heartbreaking, and beautifully crafted, The Winter People is horror at its best. I loved every unsettling page and would recommend it to anyone looking for a story that is equal parts emotional and terrifying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 13,322 reviews