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Frozen Charlotte #2
Charlotte Says
The much-anticipated prequel to the bestselling FROZEN CHARLOTTE, a Zoella Book Club title in Autumn 2016.
Following the death of her mother in a terrible fire, Jemima flees to the remote Isle of Skye, to take up a job at a school for girls. There she finds herself tormented by the mystery of what really happened that night.
Then Jemima receives a box of Frozen Charlotte dolls from a mystery sender and she begins to remember – a séance with the dolls, a violent argument with her step-father and the inferno that destroyed their home. And when it seems that the dolls are triggering a series of accidents at the school, Jemima realizes she must stop the demonic spirits possessing the dolls – whatever it takes.
Following the death of her mother in a terrible fire, Jemima flees to the remote Isle of Skye, to take up a job at a school for girls. There she finds herself tormented by the mystery of what really happened that night.
Then Jemima receives a box of Frozen Charlotte dolls from a mystery sender and she begins to remember – a séance with the dolls, a violent argument with her step-father and the inferno that destroyed their home. And when it seems that the dolls are triggering a series of accidents at the school, Jemima realizes she must stop the demonic spirits possessing the dolls – whatever it takes.
353 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2017
122 people are currently reading
2858 people want to read
About the author
Alex Bell
45 books626 followersAlex Bell signed her first book deal at nineteen and, since then, has written multiple books for both adults and young people. After completing a law degree, she now works for a legal advice charity. Alex lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and Sphynx cats. She also writes as Alexandra Bell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
September 6, 2019
My thoughts in a nutshell
I had high expectation about Charlotte Says because I loved the first book last year. This one is a prequel. I thought it could have been better than Frozen Charlotte, but I was wrong.
I loved the creepy doll aspect. The Frozen Charlotte dolls are evil and they torture every people around them. This idea is brilliant! I want to see more books about spooky toys!
I liked the main character. She had a great personality, and I was happy because she was not a typical stupid girl in a horror novel.
The writing style is gorgeous. Alex Bell could easily scare the reader. I wasn't freaked out, but I saw the potential.
The ending was satisfying, and I enjoyed it.
I can't give more than 3 stars about it because it didn't surprise me. I had a good time while I was reading it, but that's it. In my view, this is not a bad book, just weaker than the first one.
I definitely recommend Frozen Charlotte to anyone who wants to read a book about evil dolls and if you like the first one you may give a try the prequel.
August 27, 2017
This is a prequel of the events that occur in Frozen Charlotte and can both be read before, as a prequel, or after, to provide context.
Whilst the original tale featuring the creepy Victorian dolls has a contemporary setting, this transports the reader back to 1910. The converted home of the former story is thriving in its original purpose as Dunvegan School for Girls. Jemima, just seventeen herself, is recruited to aid in the care of the handful of destitute and unwanted girls who board there. Fleeing the fire that ruined her home and killed her mother, she has as many memories to haunt her as the girls she is caring for. But when sinister events begin to occur and the girls start to turn on each other, their collective past woes seem long-forgotten. But Jemima's in particular could have more relevance to their present horrors than she could ever have imaged.
Whilst on a similar theme and in the exact setting of the original tale, the historical period allowed this to become an altogether different story. The dolls that haunt Frozen Charlotte are beginning to become attuned to their potential here and a larger focus of the book is centred entirely around them.
The idea of haunted dolls is never not going to be terrifying yet I found this was delivered in a far tamer manner, that belied the eeriness of its focal point. Whilst the other tale is suited towards an older audience, due to the overwhelmingly horrifying events, here the same chilling atmosphere provides a less terrifying story. One still infused with an uncanny tensity but also one that didn't afford me any nights of sleep.
This was also an interesting insight to the historical period detailed. The wider cast of characters, from all different backgrounds, allowed many points of entry to properly illustrate the way of life of the early 20th century female. Attitudes towards and the treatment of women shaped the events of the novel, and it was heartbreaking yet illuminating to see a depiction of this treatment.
With this deeper focus, than that of the purely horrifying, this was a far more complex read than its predecessor, but also a far less terrifying one. Both elements worked together to make this read just as interesting as the previous one, but for completely different reasons
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Alex Bell, and the publisher, , for this opportunity.
Whilst the original tale featuring the creepy Victorian dolls has a contemporary setting, this transports the reader back to 1910. The converted home of the former story is thriving in its original purpose as Dunvegan School for Girls. Jemima, just seventeen herself, is recruited to aid in the care of the handful of destitute and unwanted girls who board there. Fleeing the fire that ruined her home and killed her mother, she has as many memories to haunt her as the girls she is caring for. But when sinister events begin to occur and the girls start to turn on each other, their collective past woes seem long-forgotten. But Jemima's in particular could have more relevance to their present horrors than she could ever have imaged.
Whilst on a similar theme and in the exact setting of the original tale, the historical period allowed this to become an altogether different story. The dolls that haunt Frozen Charlotte are beginning to become attuned to their potential here and a larger focus of the book is centred entirely around them.
The idea of haunted dolls is never not going to be terrifying yet I found this was delivered in a far tamer manner, that belied the eeriness of its focal point. Whilst the other tale is suited towards an older audience, due to the overwhelmingly horrifying events, here the same chilling atmosphere provides a less terrifying story. One still infused with an uncanny tensity but also one that didn't afford me any nights of sleep.
This was also an interesting insight to the historical period detailed. The wider cast of characters, from all different backgrounds, allowed many points of entry to properly illustrate the way of life of the early 20th century female. Attitudes towards and the treatment of women shaped the events of the novel, and it was heartbreaking yet illuminating to see a depiction of this treatment.
With this deeper focus, than that of the purely horrifying, this was a far more complex read than its predecessor, but also a far less terrifying one. Both elements worked together to make this read just as interesting as the previous one, but for completely different reasons
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Alex Bell, and the publisher, , for this opportunity.
October 12, 2018
Charlotte Says was an enjoyable read and a solid 4 stars for me. Part of the Red Eye collection, this is a prequel to the book Frozen Charlotte. Set in early 1900s, main character Jemima is hired to work at a girl’s boarding school-employment that she really needs after a fire destroys her home and kills her mother. Working for an evil woman, Miss Grayson, working in a creepy and potentially haunted school-things only get worse when Jemima receives a box containing creepy Frozen Charlotte dolls. Weird and horrific things start happening and the students start blaming these dolls. Is it the dolls or just the students themselves?! No spoilers here. Recommended to fans of YA/horror books.
September 1, 2017
Trigger warning for horrific fictional (but in context with the story) animal cruelty, physical abuse and super creepy dolls.
Suspend all disbelief and take a ride back to the early 1900's where we meet Jemima, a 17 year old girl who takes a position as assistant mistress at Dunvegan School for Girls, an industrial school for girls who haven't committed crimes but have nowhere else to go, located on the Isle of Skye. Jemima herself is desperately trying to escape her tragic past at Whiteladies. So, no happy family stories here.
After spending some time on the Isle of Skye at the beginning of 1910 setting up the story we then travel seamlessly back and forth between there and Whiteladies where we gradually learn more about the past 18 months, Jemima's past and reasons she wants to start over. Jemima was an interesting, complex character who longed to be the girl she was before Whiteladies yet knowing her physical and emotional scarring had changed her irrevocably.
Jemima begins work for Miss Grayson, the evil woman who should be fitted with a device that gives her an electric shock when she gets within 200 metres of a child, otherwise known in this story as the schoolmistress. This is a school where little things like light in the form of candles are rationed and punishments are doled out in abundance and recorded for posterity in The Punishment Book. Punishments may include wearing the imbecile's cap while sitting in the stupid corner, being made to go without meals and heating, and being sent to Solitary where you may well freeze to death.
Needless to say, Miss Grayson wasn't exactly my favourite character and throughout the book I determined her appropriate punishment would be for me to lock her in Solitary to enjoy some quality time with Annabelle, who I would have previously arranged to loan indefinitely from Lorraine and Ed Warren. While on the subject of punishments, I think Redwing may have benefited from a new friendship with Chucky.
Now that you know which characters' names and offences should be inked into The Punishment Book for perpetuity, allow me tell you about my favourite character, Estella. Besides having the coolest name of anyone in the book which translates appropriately as star, Estella is a strong willed little girl who, despite having a history of not being believed no matter what she says, defiantly tells her truth regardless of the consequences. And believe me, for Estella there are always consequences. I definitely had a soft spot for her and would've adopted her in a heartbeat.
Henry was going to be my second favourite character as he was so sweet and loyal and loving, but he ended up annoying me because no one is that perfect. So, my actual second favourite character/s? The super creepy evil dolls, all named Frozen Charlotte with the exception of the lone male known as Frozen Charlie. Interestingly enough I don't remember Charlie being psychotic but the poor guy was surrounded by some seriously unbalanced female dolls.
If you're like me, by the halfway point, reading "Charlotte says..." will fill you with equal parts dread and morbidly fascinated anticipation that mirrors hearing Chucky's "Wanna play?". I loved the supernatural aspects of this book, dabbling in mediumship, automatic writing, séances, ghosts, possession and, of course, creepy dolls. I enjoyed the slow reveal of Jemima's past and the reason why she doesn't remember what happened the night of the fire at Whiteladies.
I spent a lot of the middle of the book arguing with myself about Jemima's actions and lack of action - "Why doesn't she just - she's only 17. She's just a kid! But couldn't she just - remember her past. But what if she told - I told you! She's a traumatised 17 year old! Just shut up and enjoy the book!"
I don't usually find books creepy these days. I'll get to the end and think to myself, 'You think that's scary? Come and sleep a night in my nightmares!' Yet Charlotte Says was delightfully creepy, best read at night when the house is silent and you can hear the creaks from the house settling and the wind rustling through the trees. This book comes with a fairly significant death toll and some really disturbing and detailed descriptions of actual and fantasised about violence against animals.
I'm not usually that into books that linger in the early 20th century. Sure, I'm happy to time travel there on my way to another time period, but Alex Bell is such a talented writer that I would have happily signed up to stay longer on the Isle of Skye reading by rationed greasy, stinky, animal fat candlelight.
Having not read Frozen Charlotte first like I probably should have as it got buried under my towering TBR pile and temporarily forgotten about until I heard about Charlotte Says, I now have the excitement of knowing I get to read about what happens next with the benefit of knowing the backstory. I can't wait!
I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you to NetGalley, Little Tiger Group, Stripes Publishing, and a special thank you to Charlie for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback. "Charlotte says you need to read this book!"
Suspend all disbelief and take a ride back to the early 1900's where we meet Jemima, a 17 year old girl who takes a position as assistant mistress at Dunvegan School for Girls, an industrial school for girls who haven't committed crimes but have nowhere else to go, located on the Isle of Skye. Jemima herself is desperately trying to escape her tragic past at Whiteladies. So, no happy family stories here.
After spending some time on the Isle of Skye at the beginning of 1910 setting up the story we then travel seamlessly back and forth between there and Whiteladies where we gradually learn more about the past 18 months, Jemima's past and reasons she wants to start over. Jemima was an interesting, complex character who longed to be the girl she was before Whiteladies yet knowing her physical and emotional scarring had changed her irrevocably.
Jemima begins work for Miss Grayson, the evil woman who should be fitted with a device that gives her an electric shock when she gets within 200 metres of a child, otherwise known in this story as the schoolmistress. This is a school where little things like light in the form of candles are rationed and punishments are doled out in abundance and recorded for posterity in The Punishment Book. Punishments may include wearing the imbecile's cap while sitting in the stupid corner, being made to go without meals and heating, and being sent to Solitary where you may well freeze to death.
Needless to say, Miss Grayson wasn't exactly my favourite character and throughout the book I determined her appropriate punishment would be for me to lock her in Solitary to enjoy some quality time with Annabelle, who I would have previously arranged to loan indefinitely from Lorraine and Ed Warren. While on the subject of punishments, I think Redwing may have benefited from a new friendship with Chucky.
Now that you know which characters' names and offences should be inked into The Punishment Book for perpetuity, allow me tell you about my favourite character, Estella. Besides having the coolest name of anyone in the book which translates appropriately as star, Estella is a strong willed little girl who, despite having a history of not being believed no matter what she says, defiantly tells her truth regardless of the consequences. And believe me, for Estella there are always consequences. I definitely had a soft spot for her and would've adopted her in a heartbeat.
Henry was going to be my second favourite character as he was so sweet and loyal and loving, but he ended up annoying me because no one is that perfect. So, my actual second favourite character/s? The super creepy evil dolls, all named Frozen Charlotte with the exception of the lone male known as Frozen Charlie. Interestingly enough I don't remember Charlie being psychotic but the poor guy was surrounded by some seriously unbalanced female dolls.
If you're like me, by the halfway point, reading "Charlotte says..." will fill you with equal parts dread and morbidly fascinated anticipation that mirrors hearing Chucky's "Wanna play?". I loved the supernatural aspects of this book, dabbling in mediumship, automatic writing, séances, ghosts, possession and, of course, creepy dolls. I enjoyed the slow reveal of Jemima's past and the reason why she doesn't remember what happened the night of the fire at Whiteladies.
I spent a lot of the middle of the book arguing with myself about Jemima's actions and lack of action - "Why doesn't she just - she's only 17. She's just a kid! But couldn't she just - remember her past. But what if she told - I told you! She's a traumatised 17 year old! Just shut up and enjoy the book!"
I don't usually find books creepy these days. I'll get to the end and think to myself, 'You think that's scary? Come and sleep a night in my nightmares!' Yet Charlotte Says was delightfully creepy, best read at night when the house is silent and you can hear the creaks from the house settling and the wind rustling through the trees. This book comes with a fairly significant death toll and some really disturbing and detailed descriptions of actual and fantasised about violence against animals.
I'm not usually that into books that linger in the early 20th century. Sure, I'm happy to time travel there on my way to another time period, but Alex Bell is such a talented writer that I would have happily signed up to stay longer on the Isle of Skye reading by rationed greasy, stinky, animal fat candlelight.
Having not read Frozen Charlotte first like I probably should have as it got buried under my towering TBR pile and temporarily forgotten about until I heard about Charlotte Says, I now have the excitement of knowing I get to read about what happens next with the benefit of knowing the backstory. I can't wait!
I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you to NetGalley, Little Tiger Group, Stripes Publishing, and a special thank you to Charlie for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback. "Charlotte says you need to read this book!"
October 3, 2017
4.5 stars
CHARLOTTE SAYS, by Alex Bell, is the Prequel to her novel FROZEN CHARLOTTE--both of which are part of the Red Eye Series. You do not have to read both of these novels in order to enjoy them singularly, as each completely stands on its own merits.
Ironically, my only complaint with FROZEN CHARLOTTE was that I would have liked to have learned more about how the dolls came to be. In CHARLOTTE SAYS, we uncover every last detail of their origin, which was--to my delight--much more horrible than I had imagined!
"I'll tell you when it's time to be frightened . . . "
We begin in the year of 1910, when seventeen year-old Jemma Black arrives at the Isle of Skye in order to fill the position of Assistant Mistress at the Dunvegan School For Girls. As the girls in this school primarily had the unfortunate luck of coming from impoverished, drunken, or jailed parents, the school reminded me more of a cold, isolated, work house than of an actual school. The details that Alex Bell paints into this novel are so complete that I could easily envision these poor, undernourished children shivering at night under their allotted threadbare sheet.
The strict disciplines of the Head Mistress struck me as uncommonly cruel and sadistic, which brought the plight of these young girls, and Miss Black, even more "alive" and vivid in my mind.
". . . Dreams can't hurt us . . . Only people can . . ."
The atmosphere at the school was not the only detailed location, however, as the scene shifted from there to Jemma's recent past. The mansion known as Whiteladies was a place that Jemma had assisted her mother--a renowned medium--conduct seances in. The man of the house, a widower, had lost his only child in a horrible horse riding accident. The first impression we get of this imposing home is one of infinite sorrow and a single-minded obsession, as pictures of the deceased Vanessa Redwing adorned nearly every wall.
". . . there was something a little disconcerting about having a dead girl gazing at you from every angle . . ."
At some point Jemma's mother marries Mr. Redwing, and the two are permanently moved in. Redwing remains obsessed with breaking through to the spirit realm in order to reconnect with his departed daughter--using her collection of Victorian Frozen Charlotte dolls as a physical link. The characterization here is simply impeccable. In these past-scenes, I could picture each and every aspect of the individuals involved. The author has fully fleshed out their personalities, motivations, and characteristics, by "showing" the reader scenes, instead of merely "telling" them. The picture in my mind as I read the printed words was as intense as if I was watching them unfold before me. Also, another testament to Bell's consistency in her writing style is that the level of detail was steadily evident, no matter which time frame or scene I was reading about.
"Charlotte says don't open the door, . . . Charlotte says there are some horrors that burn . . . "
I've seen some reviewers label this series as "young adult", but in Alex Bell's books, I would have to wholeheartedly disagree. Her fluid manner of conveying horrors--be they otherworldly, or the day-to-day existence of the girls at Dunvegan School--is so emotive and detailed that the situations her characters faced were all too "real" to envision. Combine her intense grasp of the atmosphere being set with the brutality and occasional gore, and you have a story that is certain to sustain most horror-loving adults.
"Devils are like chameleons . . . They shape themselves to fit whatever identity is presented to them."
The very thought of the Frozen Charlotte dolls--figurines designed to replicate a foolish woman who froze to death as a result of not bundling up before going out into the frigid night--is enough to give me a shiver. However, these particular figures are so much more . . . haunting.
". . . it was evil and it was dangerous and it was terrible but, most of all, it was bored. And it wanted to play."
Overall, I found the very beginning to be a little slow in setting up the scene, but once it got going, it didn't let up. The horrors--both human and nonhuman--were interwoven so well that at times I wouldn't have been able to say which one was the worse. A great addition to the Red Eye series, and another hit from author, Alex Bell.
"Sometimes you can't win if you play nice."
Highly recommended!
CHARLOTTE SAYS, by Alex Bell, is the Prequel to her novel FROZEN CHARLOTTE--both of which are part of the Red Eye Series. You do not have to read both of these novels in order to enjoy them singularly, as each completely stands on its own merits.
Ironically, my only complaint with FROZEN CHARLOTTE was that I would have liked to have learned more about how the dolls came to be. In CHARLOTTE SAYS, we uncover every last detail of their origin, which was--to my delight--much more horrible than I had imagined!
"I'll tell you when it's time to be frightened . . . "
We begin in the year of 1910, when seventeen year-old Jemma Black arrives at the Isle of Skye in order to fill the position of Assistant Mistress at the Dunvegan School For Girls. As the girls in this school primarily had the unfortunate luck of coming from impoverished, drunken, or jailed parents, the school reminded me more of a cold, isolated, work house than of an actual school. The details that Alex Bell paints into this novel are so complete that I could easily envision these poor, undernourished children shivering at night under their allotted threadbare sheet.
The strict disciplines of the Head Mistress struck me as uncommonly cruel and sadistic, which brought the plight of these young girls, and Miss Black, even more "alive" and vivid in my mind.
". . . Dreams can't hurt us . . . Only people can . . ."
The atmosphere at the school was not the only detailed location, however, as the scene shifted from there to Jemma's recent past. The mansion known as Whiteladies was a place that Jemma had assisted her mother--a renowned medium--conduct seances in. The man of the house, a widower, had lost his only child in a horrible horse riding accident. The first impression we get of this imposing home is one of infinite sorrow and a single-minded obsession, as pictures of the deceased Vanessa Redwing adorned nearly every wall.
". . . there was something a little disconcerting about having a dead girl gazing at you from every angle . . ."
At some point Jemma's mother marries Mr. Redwing, and the two are permanently moved in. Redwing remains obsessed with breaking through to the spirit realm in order to reconnect with his departed daughter--using her collection of Victorian Frozen Charlotte dolls as a physical link. The characterization here is simply impeccable. In these past-scenes, I could picture each and every aspect of the individuals involved. The author has fully fleshed out their personalities, motivations, and characteristics, by "showing" the reader scenes, instead of merely "telling" them. The picture in my mind as I read the printed words was as intense as if I was watching them unfold before me. Also, another testament to Bell's consistency in her writing style is that the level of detail was steadily evident, no matter which time frame or scene I was reading about.
"Charlotte says don't open the door, . . . Charlotte says there are some horrors that burn . . . "
I've seen some reviewers label this series as "young adult", but in Alex Bell's books, I would have to wholeheartedly disagree. Her fluid manner of conveying horrors--be they otherworldly, or the day-to-day existence of the girls at Dunvegan School--is so emotive and detailed that the situations her characters faced were all too "real" to envision. Combine her intense grasp of the atmosphere being set with the brutality and occasional gore, and you have a story that is certain to sustain most horror-loving adults.
"Devils are like chameleons . . . They shape themselves to fit whatever identity is presented to them."
The very thought of the Frozen Charlotte dolls--figurines designed to replicate a foolish woman who froze to death as a result of not bundling up before going out into the frigid night--is enough to give me a shiver. However, these particular figures are so much more . . . haunting.
". . . it was evil and it was dangerous and it was terrible but, most of all, it was bored. And it wanted to play."
Overall, I found the very beginning to be a little slow in setting up the scene, but once it got going, it didn't let up. The horrors--both human and nonhuman--were interwoven so well that at times I wouldn't have been able to say which one was the worse. A great addition to the Red Eye series, and another hit from author, Alex Bell.
"Sometimes you can't win if you play nice."
Highly recommended!
January 12, 2020
3.5 Stars
This prequel was not quite as good as the original story, yet it was still an enjoyable read. I particularly liked the historical boarding school setting. Unfortunately, the characters were flat and the story lacked the creepy doll feelings that I got from the original book.
This prequel was not quite as good as the original story, yet it was still an enjoyable read. I particularly liked the historical boarding school setting. Unfortunately, the characters were flat and the story lacked the creepy doll feelings that I got from the original book.
September 29, 2023
This was so gruesome, I cannot believe this is written for young adults 😭 Absolutely loved it though, just like I loved Frozen Charlotte. The concept of creepy tiny dolls making children murder and do bodily harm is so SPOOPY AND DISGUSTING I love it
June 5, 2019
Not as good as the first book at all, but still quite good!!
October 5, 2017
Actual Rating : 4.5 out of 5
Charlotte Says is the prequel to Frozen Charlotte. I read this book right away after finishing Frozen Charlotte.
Set in the year 1910, seventeen-year old Jemima has decided to start a new life after the death of her mother and step-father by taking up a job as an assistant mistress at Dunvegan School for Girls located in a remote place called Isle of Skye. A surprise package with her name on it arrives and it seems like there's no way she can escape her past.
We have a wider cast of characters in this book compared to Frozen Charlotte. We have our main character, Jemima, who used to be her mother's assistant on conducting fake séances. She's a very interesting and complex character. She's not perfect but I loved how she cares about the girls and their safety which is quite ironic since she's the one who gave them the dolls without any knowledge of the harm they will bring. Then we have Miss Grayson, the head mistress, who reminded me so much of Miss Minchin (from A Little Princess) but way more evil. Henry, a very nice guy and Jemima's love interest. Estella, one of the schoolgirls and the outcast of the group. And of course, the little Frozen Charlotte dolls.
In this book we get to see how it all started. How these innocent little dolls became playfully evil and how they ended up in Isle of Skye. It answers all the questions I have in the first book which was really satisfying. The author and her writing are brilliant. She is very talented and versatile. I would love to read more of her books especially if they're historical fiction.
There's a scene where a character from Frozen Charlotte makes a very short appearance and I didn't really get what it means. Probably they can see the future? I don't know. Same with the first book, I didn't really care much about the romance in the story.
This book was less terrifying than the first one but it's definitely creepy and disturbing. I have to warn you that there are some horrific scenes that can be too graphic for some readers, animal cruelty, and physical abuse in the story.
You don't have to read Frozen Charlotte before reading this book but I highly recommend you do.
Charlotte Says is the prequel to Frozen Charlotte. I read this book right away after finishing Frozen Charlotte.
Set in the year 1910, seventeen-year old Jemima has decided to start a new life after the death of her mother and step-father by taking up a job as an assistant mistress at Dunvegan School for Girls located in a remote place called Isle of Skye. A surprise package with her name on it arrives and it seems like there's no way she can escape her past.
We have a wider cast of characters in this book compared to Frozen Charlotte. We have our main character, Jemima, who used to be her mother's assistant on conducting fake séances. She's a very interesting and complex character. She's not perfect but I loved how she cares about the girls and their safety which is quite ironic since she's the one who gave them the dolls without any knowledge of the harm they will bring. Then we have Miss Grayson, the head mistress, who reminded me so much of Miss Minchin (from A Little Princess) but way more evil. Henry, a very nice guy and Jemima's love interest. Estella, one of the schoolgirls and the outcast of the group. And of course, the little Frozen Charlotte dolls.
In this book we get to see how it all started. How these innocent little dolls became playfully evil and how they ended up in Isle of Skye. It answers all the questions I have in the first book which was really satisfying. The author and her writing are brilliant. She is very talented and versatile. I would love to read more of her books especially if they're historical fiction.
There's a scene where a character from Frozen Charlotte makes a very short appearance and I didn't really get what it means. Probably they can see the future? I don't know. Same with the first book, I didn't really care much about the romance in the story.
This book was less terrifying than the first one but it's definitely creepy and disturbing. I have to warn you that there are some horrific scenes that can be too graphic for some readers, animal cruelty, and physical abuse in the story.
You don't have to read Frozen Charlotte before reading this book but I highly recommend you do.
November 28, 2017
It's no secret I'm a fan of Alex Bell's, having recently read The Haunting and Frozen Charlotte, so I was thrilled to receive a proof copy of the prequel, Charlotte Says. I was interested to see how the author would handle a novel with a historical setting as her others are contemporary (albeit with their stories' roots in the past) but I found the departure to historical fiction suits her very well. The writing was excellent and evoked the era perfectly.
As always the book's setting and atmosphere was wonderfully creepy. It's all too easy to picture the bleak Dunvegan school for girls under the tyrannical rule of the wicked schoolmistress, Miss Grayson. For me, part of the real horror of this story was knowing that places such as these really existed and casual cruelty meted out for 'offences' such as writing with the left hand. All the way through I was praying for Grayson to get her comeuppance.
Jemima herself has a murky past, having previously assisted her fraudulent medium mother conduct fake séances. I've always been fascinated with the techniques of fake clairvoyance (possibly more so than the real thing) so I loved this glimpse into her past, and also the tales of her grandmother's genuine dalliances with spirits and demons. The revelation of how the evil little frozen Charlotte dolls came to have their power is unsettling and chilling, and reading parts of this late at night in a quiet house I found myself attuned to all sorts of noises and admit to looking over my shoulder more than once!
The story benefits from a slightly slower build up than the author's previous novels, which served to ramp up the tension and horror further at the end. As a teenager I was a huge fan of the Point Horror novels and later, Christopher Pike. However, in the gore stakes, Charlotte Says definitely has the upper hand. I'd love to see more historical type novels from Alex Bell in future, and eagerly await her next offering.
As always the book's setting and atmosphere was wonderfully creepy. It's all too easy to picture the bleak Dunvegan school for girls under the tyrannical rule of the wicked schoolmistress, Miss Grayson. For me, part of the real horror of this story was knowing that places such as these really existed and casual cruelty meted out for 'offences' such as writing with the left hand. All the way through I was praying for Grayson to get her comeuppance.
Jemima herself has a murky past, having previously assisted her fraudulent medium mother conduct fake séances. I've always been fascinated with the techniques of fake clairvoyance (possibly more so than the real thing) so I loved this glimpse into her past, and also the tales of her grandmother's genuine dalliances with spirits and demons. The revelation of how the evil little frozen Charlotte dolls came to have their power is unsettling and chilling, and reading parts of this late at night in a quiet house I found myself attuned to all sorts of noises and admit to looking over my shoulder more than once!
The story benefits from a slightly slower build up than the author's previous novels, which served to ramp up the tension and horror further at the end. As a teenager I was a huge fan of the Point Horror novels and later, Christopher Pike. However, in the gore stakes, Charlotte Says definitely has the upper hand. I'd love to see more historical type novels from Alex Bell in future, and eagerly await her next offering.
August 20, 2017
1000% lived up to Frozen Charlotte. Super-creepy and hella disturbing - definitely gave me the chills.
September 7, 2017
Those creepy little dolls are back and they've got some new games they want to play.
I'm always on the lookout for a creepy horror story but despite someone recommending Frozen Charlotte to me ages ago it was only after I was approved for an ARC of Charlotte Says that I finally got around to reading it and I'm so sorry I didn't pick it up sooner. That book is seriously creepy and I literally couldn't put it down.
Needless to say as soon as I finished it I couldn't resist getting stuck in to prequel Charlotte Says and do you know what, I think it might be even better. I don't know whether it was just that by reading them back to back I was more into the author's writing style or if it was the change in time period that worked better but, while this had possibly fewer chills (I knew what to expect so was prepared), the writing just seemed so much better. There was less bluntness to it and consequently it seemed less forced and more natural, drawing me into the story completely.
It's predominantly set in a girl's boarding school in 1910, so we have a much wider cast of characters but there is still this very real sense of isolation and remoteness which brings a real chilling atmosphere to the story. I live in Scotland, albeit further south and on the mainland, so I know just how bleak and cold the winters can be.
Main character Jemima is also a wonderfully complex character making her fascinating to read. She comes across as weak and subservient a lot of the time but there's a real strength, determination and slight deviousness within her which, combined with the mystery of her past, make her very unpredictable. From the very beginning when she wakes from a nightmare of fire and blood to arrive alone at the boarding school late in the evening to take up her post you know there is something dark in her past.
Some of the other characters do feel a little bit stereotyped and I'm not sure how historically accurate some of their behavior is but if you just follow on for the ride it's an enjoyable and creepy one.
For those who have read Frozen Charlotte you will know pretty much what to expect when the dolls arrive at the school, strange noises in the middle of the night, odd behavior, violence and death and some of the events of this story are uncovered in the previous book but there are still some surprises and twists in store.
You can get away with reading this if you haven't read Frozen Charlotte as while there is some overlap between the two stories they are set in completely different time periods with minimal crossover. I would still recommend Frozen Charlotte first though as Charlotte Says explains away a lot of the mystery.
OK this is a horror story so as you might expect there is some violence and abuse but I feel like I should add a trigger warning that there are some pretty graphic descriptions and some animal abuse. There is one scene in particular that I found difficult to read (and I don't consider myself to be particularly squeamish).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all thoughts are my own.
I'm always on the lookout for a creepy horror story but despite someone recommending Frozen Charlotte to me ages ago it was only after I was approved for an ARC of Charlotte Says that I finally got around to reading it and I'm so sorry I didn't pick it up sooner. That book is seriously creepy and I literally couldn't put it down.
Needless to say as soon as I finished it I couldn't resist getting stuck in to prequel Charlotte Says and do you know what, I think it might be even better. I don't know whether it was just that by reading them back to back I was more into the author's writing style or if it was the change in time period that worked better but, while this had possibly fewer chills (I knew what to expect so was prepared), the writing just seemed so much better. There was less bluntness to it and consequently it seemed less forced and more natural, drawing me into the story completely.
It's predominantly set in a girl's boarding school in 1910, so we have a much wider cast of characters but there is still this very real sense of isolation and remoteness which brings a real chilling atmosphere to the story. I live in Scotland, albeit further south and on the mainland, so I know just how bleak and cold the winters can be.
Main character Jemima is also a wonderfully complex character making her fascinating to read. She comes across as weak and subservient a lot of the time but there's a real strength, determination and slight deviousness within her which, combined with the mystery of her past, make her very unpredictable. From the very beginning when she wakes from a nightmare of fire and blood to arrive alone at the boarding school late in the evening to take up her post you know there is something dark in her past.
Some of the other characters do feel a little bit stereotyped and I'm not sure how historically accurate some of their behavior is but if you just follow on for the ride it's an enjoyable and creepy one.
For those who have read Frozen Charlotte you will know pretty much what to expect when the dolls arrive at the school, strange noises in the middle of the night, odd behavior, violence and death and some of the events of this story are uncovered in the previous book but there are still some surprises and twists in store.
You can get away with reading this if you haven't read Frozen Charlotte as while there is some overlap between the two stories they are set in completely different time periods with minimal crossover. I would still recommend Frozen Charlotte first though as Charlotte Says explains away a lot of the mystery.
OK this is a horror story so as you might expect there is some violence and abuse but I feel like I should add a trigger warning that there are some pretty graphic descriptions and some animal abuse. There is one scene in particular that I found difficult to read (and I don't consider myself to be particularly squeamish).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all thoughts are my own.
August 17, 2020
Summary:
Back in 1910, a group of possessed Frozen Charlotte dolls arrives at Dunvegan school for girls shortly after the arrival of the new assistant mistress, Jemima.
The girls begin to misbehave, quick to blame the Frozen Charlottes when their minor tricks become life threatening. While Jemima is determined to protect the girls, it becomes harder and harder as dark memories from her past begin to resurface.
Are the dolls really to blame, or is Jemima being to lose her mind?
Personal Opinion:
While I was reading Frozen Charlotte, I was dying to know where the dolls came from and how they came to be such evil little creatures. Charlotte Says definitely delivers when it comes to those questions.
I really like the early 1900s setting as well as getting to see what happened at the Dunvegan school leading up to it's closing.
Alex Bell's writing made this another highly addictive read that was nearly impossible for me to put down.
Jemima was a very courageous and relatable MC that was easy to root for after her tragic past. Plus there is a well timed little wrist toward the end that surprised me.
Definitely worth a read for those who love evil, killer dolls.
January 30, 2024
stop this terrified me even more than the first book. why did my 10 year old self think it was a good idea to read this
it slayed tho tbf
it slayed tho tbf
August 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Do you like your novels with creepy little dolls and atmospheric settings? Then this is your story.
Charlotte Says is a prequel to the popular Frozen Charlotte novel from 2015. Not having read the previous instalment, I went into this knowing nothing about the storyline or characters, and I can honestly say I don't think it made any difference. This could easily be read as a standalone story.
A historical novel, this is set in 1901, with our main character Jemima excepting a job at an All Girls industrial school in the Isle of Skye following the death of her mother and step father in mysterious circumstances. Soon after her arrival an usual package arrives from Charlotte's former home which contains a number of Frozen Charlotte dolls. As mysterious occurrences start to happen, Jemima starts to suspect that the dolls may be more dangerous than they first appear.
There's instantly a feeling of foreboding and dread that surrounds the school, and the headmistress is as despicable as you would expect her to be. At times this felt almost like a Frances Hodgeson Barnett novel, with the descriptions of down trodden girls, awful maids and slave labour. I found I had a lot of fondness for all of the girls at the school, especially Estella the outcast of the group. This obviously helped a great deal as the novel progressed and they become more deeply entrenched in the dolls 'games' and misfortunes. I cared greatly about what would happen to the girls, and became anxious when they appeared to be in peril.
The introduction of dolls is cleverly done, and really sets the tone for the rest of the novel. It involves the basement lit only by candlelight and giggling. It's creepy, and scary and the author clearly knows how to set a scene and make the reader feel unnerved. This continues as the story develops, as the dolls get more adventurous in the toy room during the night and as they start to explore the dolls house.
As we move deeper into the novel, the story starts to flit between past and present. We see how Jemima came to be at Whiteladies, her former home, and how the accident with her mother occurred. I would have liked to have spent more time with these chapters as they're short, rather than have them interrupt the flow of the present story so much. Having said that, most of the novel is well paced, with plenty of action and no side stories to get distracted by. All of the focus is on the dolls, and the plot progresses quickly, which is great.
The only aspect I didn't particularly warm to in the novel was Jemima's relationship with Henry. Henry seemed a little useless at times, not really acting as any real help in times of distress, and he often came across as a bit wet. He wasn't as strong a character as Jemima and the girls, and his undying love for Jemima seemed a little far fetched considering he hasn't seen her in a number of years. However, that said their relationship plays more of a secondary role to the plot, so didn't ruin the story for me too much.
The conclusion is satisfying and very open ended, which helps it work as a prequel. I was surprised that this is aimed at a young adult audience however, as some of the final scenes are a bit graphic in their depiction of violence. I would be cautious before letting younger readers read this. For me though, I'm already set to read Frozen Charlotte ready for Halloween season.
Do you like your novels with creepy little dolls and atmospheric settings? Then this is your story.
Charlotte Says is a prequel to the popular Frozen Charlotte novel from 2015. Not having read the previous instalment, I went into this knowing nothing about the storyline or characters, and I can honestly say I don't think it made any difference. This could easily be read as a standalone story.
A historical novel, this is set in 1901, with our main character Jemima excepting a job at an All Girls industrial school in the Isle of Skye following the death of her mother and step father in mysterious circumstances. Soon after her arrival an usual package arrives from Charlotte's former home which contains a number of Frozen Charlotte dolls. As mysterious occurrences start to happen, Jemima starts to suspect that the dolls may be more dangerous than they first appear.
There's instantly a feeling of foreboding and dread that surrounds the school, and the headmistress is as despicable as you would expect her to be. At times this felt almost like a Frances Hodgeson Barnett novel, with the descriptions of down trodden girls, awful maids and slave labour. I found I had a lot of fondness for all of the girls at the school, especially Estella the outcast of the group. This obviously helped a great deal as the novel progressed and they become more deeply entrenched in the dolls 'games' and misfortunes. I cared greatly about what would happen to the girls, and became anxious when they appeared to be in peril.
The introduction of dolls is cleverly done, and really sets the tone for the rest of the novel. It involves the basement lit only by candlelight and giggling. It's creepy, and scary and the author clearly knows how to set a scene and make the reader feel unnerved. This continues as the story develops, as the dolls get more adventurous in the toy room during the night and as they start to explore the dolls house.
As we move deeper into the novel, the story starts to flit between past and present. We see how Jemima came to be at Whiteladies, her former home, and how the accident with her mother occurred. I would have liked to have spent more time with these chapters as they're short, rather than have them interrupt the flow of the present story so much. Having said that, most of the novel is well paced, with plenty of action and no side stories to get distracted by. All of the focus is on the dolls, and the plot progresses quickly, which is great.
The only aspect I didn't particularly warm to in the novel was Jemima's relationship with Henry. Henry seemed a little useless at times, not really acting as any real help in times of distress, and he often came across as a bit wet. He wasn't as strong a character as Jemima and the girls, and his undying love for Jemima seemed a little far fetched considering he hasn't seen her in a number of years. However, that said their relationship plays more of a secondary role to the plot, so didn't ruin the story for me too much.
The conclusion is satisfying and very open ended, which helps it work as a prequel. I was surprised that this is aimed at a young adult audience however, as some of the final scenes are a bit graphic in their depiction of violence. I would be cautious before letting younger readers read this. For me though, I'm already set to read Frozen Charlotte ready for Halloween season.
September 1, 2019
This book was amazing, I loved this one much more than the Frozen Charlotte one, even though I really enjoyed that one.
This was was eerie and not in anyway predictable, it gave me chills, it made me jump out my skin. (I was stuck in an intense scene and my brother opened the front door I jumped so much) The plot of this one was so detailed and had so much depth to it, I seriously enjoyed this one.
It follows Jemima a young woman starting out working at a girls industrialist school, she’s haunted by her past and has gaps in memory she cannot fill in. While at the school, she hates the vile headmistress who whips and abuses the girls anytime they do one thing she doesn’t approve of. The event at the school seem to be worse and the dolls that arrived for Jemima are the very reason for these acts. Telling the girls bad things, causing bad things to happen. But Jemima in solving her memory loss is able to solve what is going on in the school.
I really enjoyed the different types of characters in this book, the girls were all adorable and I wanted to protect them myself (even though they aren’t real just characters in a book), Jemima was very interesting and had so many interesting layers to her. Henry was super sweet in that he loved Mim without a hesitation, and he was kind towards the girls. Then you had the creepy dolls, the headmistress though evil must had a sweet side we just only got a glimpse at it. I loved the mix of everyone together.
This was a really great book and if you are looking for a creepy book to read this would be a great one. Not too scary but not too tame either, it’s a really well made horror book.
This was was eerie and not in anyway predictable, it gave me chills, it made me jump out my skin. (I was stuck in an intense scene and my brother opened the front door I jumped so much) The plot of this one was so detailed and had so much depth to it, I seriously enjoyed this one.
It follows Jemima a young woman starting out working at a girls industrialist school, she’s haunted by her past and has gaps in memory she cannot fill in. While at the school, she hates the vile headmistress who whips and abuses the girls anytime they do one thing she doesn’t approve of. The event at the school seem to be worse and the dolls that arrived for Jemima are the very reason for these acts. Telling the girls bad things, causing bad things to happen. But Jemima in solving her memory loss is able to solve what is going on in the school.
I really enjoyed the different types of characters in this book, the girls were all adorable and I wanted to protect them myself (even though they aren’t real just characters in a book), Jemima was very interesting and had so many interesting layers to her. Henry was super sweet in that he loved Mim without a hesitation, and he was kind towards the girls. Then you had the creepy dolls, the headmistress though evil must had a sweet side we just only got a glimpse at it. I loved the mix of everyone together.
This was a really great book and if you are looking for a creepy book to read this would be a great one. Not too scary but not too tame either, it’s a really well made horror book.
November 2, 2017
Charlotte Says is the prequel novel to the fantastically creepy Frozen Charlotte. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and had very high hopes for this one, luckily the book managed to meet them!
Although not quite as scary as Frozen Charlotte, Charlotte Says still absolutely delivers on everything I was hoping for. There is plenty more action from the creepy little dolls, a spooky old school house, little girls who are almost as creepy as the dolls, death, murder and so much more.
The book flipped back and forth between the present (1910) and the past (18-6 months previous). I liked how this built some tension in the narrative as my brain frantically tried to make the connections between the past and the present. I also really liked how later on in the book I was able to make links to Frozen Charlotte and although this meant I kind of knew what was going to happen, it was still satisfying to read the conclusion.
There’s no doubt in my mind that these are two of the best YA horror novels I’ve read (granted I may not have read many). They are creepy and spine tingling without being too terrifying to read. I devoured Charlotte Says in just two sittings because I simply couldn’t put the book down. I know I’ll be looking out for more from Alex Bell in future!
Thanks to NetGalley, Stripes Publishing and Alex Bell for my advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Although not quite as scary as Frozen Charlotte, Charlotte Says still absolutely delivers on everything I was hoping for. There is plenty more action from the creepy little dolls, a spooky old school house, little girls who are almost as creepy as the dolls, death, murder and so much more.
The book flipped back and forth between the present (1910) and the past (18-6 months previous). I liked how this built some tension in the narrative as my brain frantically tried to make the connections between the past and the present. I also really liked how later on in the book I was able to make links to Frozen Charlotte and although this meant I kind of knew what was going to happen, it was still satisfying to read the conclusion.
There’s no doubt in my mind that these are two of the best YA horror novels I’ve read (granted I may not have read many). They are creepy and spine tingling without being too terrifying to read. I devoured Charlotte Says in just two sittings because I simply couldn’t put the book down. I know I’ll be looking out for more from Alex Bell in future!
Thanks to NetGalley, Stripes Publishing and Alex Bell for my advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 14, 2017
Creepy dolls, ghost children and needles in eyeballs, what else would you want from a horror novel?
I read the first book Frozen Charlotte earlier this year and I was left dying for a prequel. I needed to know more about these creepy dolls. Did I get what I wanted? Yes and no.
I got my prequel and it was just as chilling as the first book, but at the same time it was just a more detailed writing of events that were just mentioned in passing in the first book. I enjoyed that but I would have liked a few more new things thrown in. That is the only negative thing I found about it.
If you want a creepy read about creepy dolls you will love this book, but read the first book first.
I read the first book Frozen Charlotte earlier this year and I was left dying for a prequel. I needed to know more about these creepy dolls. Did I get what I wanted? Yes and no.
I got my prequel and it was just as chilling as the first book, but at the same time it was just a more detailed writing of events that were just mentioned in passing in the first book. I enjoyed that but I would have liked a few more new things thrown in. That is the only negative thing I found about it.
If you want a creepy read about creepy dolls you will love this book, but read the first book first.
August 21, 2018
Very very creepy! But very good too!
Not to be read at bedtime.
Shall we play a game ... ?
Not to be read at bedtime.
Shall we play a game ... ?
August 28, 2021
Though only 4 👻👻👻👻's I enjoyed this MORE than the first book! LOVED this scary as hell ghost story! Would have been better and a 5 ghost's read if the first 130 were gone. Way to scare the shit out of me again, Miss Bell! Watch out for 'Charlotte' and her Minions from HELL, she does NOT play a fair game!
Now, this book is labeled a prequel which it is, since it takes place in 1910, but it is the 'Sequel' to 'Frozen Charlotte'.....and this in my opinion was the better of the two books! And I loved the first one.
17 year old Jemima Black, is on her way to the Dunvegan School for Girls after losing her mother and her stepfather in a tragic fire at their estate Whiteladies....and she remembers nothing of this, except that she was the only survivor.
Upon arriving at the school the headmistress and owner; Miss Grayson is not welcoming at all, and it definitely shows in how Jemi is treated. After running into and realizing a childhood friend and kind of her first boy crush, Henry works on the grounds, Jemi thinks 'maybe it wont be so bad here after all?' Boy oh, boy, could she be any more wrong with thinking this? NOPE! It turns out to be terrifying, and will she survive again?
This is the book where we are introduced to those creepy as HELL 'Frozen Charlotte' dolls from the first book, and though the dolls do not really become the major characters in the book till after the first 140 pages, these are and were the best and most scary of all what ensues and takes you into the darkest depths, of a time when there was no electric lights, or phones, or computers......just the terror filled nights of ghostly sounds, screams of death and horror.....and the tap, tap, tap of little running porcelain feet......and the ghostly whispers of 'the Charlotte's!!' Get ready to get scared all over again....and I thought in much more ways than in the first book!! I LOVED this ghost story! Now, I MUST have one of those little 1 inch dolls!
4 very SCARY 👻👻👻👻!!
Now, this book is labeled a prequel which it is, since it takes place in 1910, but it is the 'Sequel' to 'Frozen Charlotte'.....and this in my opinion was the better of the two books! And I loved the first one.
17 year old Jemima Black, is on her way to the Dunvegan School for Girls after losing her mother and her stepfather in a tragic fire at their estate Whiteladies....and she remembers nothing of this, except that she was the only survivor.
Upon arriving at the school the headmistress and owner; Miss Grayson is not welcoming at all, and it definitely shows in how Jemi is treated. After running into and realizing a childhood friend and kind of her first boy crush, Henry works on the grounds, Jemi thinks 'maybe it wont be so bad here after all?' Boy oh, boy, could she be any more wrong with thinking this? NOPE! It turns out to be terrifying, and will she survive again?
This is the book where we are introduced to those creepy as HELL 'Frozen Charlotte' dolls from the first book, and though the dolls do not really become the major characters in the book till after the first 140 pages, these are and were the best and most scary of all what ensues and takes you into the darkest depths, of a time when there was no electric lights, or phones, or computers......just the terror filled nights of ghostly sounds, screams of death and horror.....and the tap, tap, tap of little running porcelain feet......and the ghostly whispers of 'the Charlotte's!!' Get ready to get scared all over again....and I thought in much more ways than in the first book!! I LOVED this ghost story! Now, I MUST have one of those little 1 inch dolls!
4 very SCARY 👻👻👻👻!!
January 15, 2018
i am not entirely sure this needed to be a separate book... the stars are almost exclusively for the creepy dolls concept (hard to go wrong with that!), but the writing and narrative structure was rather poorly handled... as a prequel or companion piece or standalone book i just didn't get enough out of this one... i know one of the publishing/writing trends is multi-book storytelling (MBS), one i will say i am mostly against because i think it disrespects the reader and often comes across as merely a way to make money... if all books were self-published and authors got most or all of book sale proceeds then i would love the idea of MBS, but that is not the case... spreading a so-so concept over two or even three books just wastes my time as a reader... firm up your writing, consolidate your ideas, don't just fill pages to sell books to me... i know books are a business and readers can choose what they read so maybe this rant is superfluous, it is just as likely i simply do not enjoy this author... but i don't like needing to get two books (or three or more in other cases) for the entire story when said story isn't all that novel/deep/intricate to require MBS to get it across to me...
June 4, 2022
Another book in Britain’s Red Eye series, CHARLOTE SAYS is actually number two in the FROZEN CHARLOTTE duology of the series, however, it’s a prequel. Good for me, because I accidentally read it out of order. The fact that it’s a prequel explains why I didn’t feel lost in the slightest (and why I initially thought I’d read it in the right order, oops). For those who don’t know, the Red Eye series is an updated Point Horror-like series of books for teens. Read: YA horror. Recommended to me by a Scottish teen librarian friend of mine, she thought this series would be right up my alley. So far, she is 100% accurate. If you’re in the US and want to find these, I found the whole Red Eye series, new, for about $30 on Amazon, or you can buy them individually for about $10 each on Book Depository.
CHARLOTTE SAYS is a haunting tale that starts off pretty dark and just gets darker and darker as it goes on. Set in a remote dumping ground of a school for lost girls at the turn of the 20th century, it has adults being awful and murderous dolls. What more do you need for a creepy horror story?
I loved Jemima’s voice (although I’m unsure of her name’s pronunciation, in the US it would be a long ‘i,’ (also a brand of maple syrup) but since her nickname is Mim, I’m wondering if it’s a short ‘i’) and her storytelling hooked me instantly. She’s also incredibly sympathetic, comes from tragic circumstances, and it all adds to softening the situation Mim’s in at the girls’ school while adding a level of unreliability to the story being told.
And I genuinely think that as the story progressed, Jemima was meant to get a little unreliable. I think everything comes together in the end, where it’s actually the darkest, and the story wraps up nicely (nicely being relative here 😬). I felt a little unmoored as the situation with the dolls got worse, and I questioned whether things were happening as Jemima was telling us they were happening. Is it mental illness or is it supernatural? While I think one character was definitely unwell, you don’t have to worry about the mentally ill = dangerous trope in this book.
The ambiance of the book is bitter cold and brooding, the icy chill of the house evident in the pages. You can feel the horrible situation the girls are in and how awful that house is. Of course, the head mistress is a rancid individual that you want to heap pain on from the second she appears on the page. Such a miserable person who makes everyone else around her miserable. Excellent character development, that one.
I also had no idea if the Frozen Charlotte story was some real British thing that was macabre as all get out or if it was created for the book. Apparently it’s real, and it originated in the US, not England. That’s grim af and I feel like there should be more horror stories around this. It’s odd that I’m finding out about an American urban legend, basically, through a British children’s book. But this isn’t the place to talk about the American education system. 🙄
CHARLOTTE SAYS is a creepy story, especially if you’re not very trustful of dolls to begin with. I’d highly recommend reading it in a well-lit area, preferably on a bright sunny day, and not with any dolls around. Hide incendiary devices while you’re at it.
4.5
CHARLOTTE SAYS is a haunting tale that starts off pretty dark and just gets darker and darker as it goes on. Set in a remote dumping ground of a school for lost girls at the turn of the 20th century, it has adults being awful and murderous dolls. What more do you need for a creepy horror story?
I loved Jemima’s voice (although I’m unsure of her name’s pronunciation, in the US it would be a long ‘i,’ (also a brand of maple syrup) but since her nickname is Mim, I’m wondering if it’s a short ‘i’) and her storytelling hooked me instantly. She’s also incredibly sympathetic, comes from tragic circumstances, and it all adds to softening the situation Mim’s in at the girls’ school while adding a level of unreliability to the story being told.
And I genuinely think that as the story progressed, Jemima was meant to get a little unreliable. I think everything comes together in the end, where it’s actually the darkest, and the story wraps up nicely (nicely being relative here 😬). I felt a little unmoored as the situation with the dolls got worse, and I questioned whether things were happening as Jemima was telling us they were happening. Is it mental illness or is it supernatural? While I think one character was definitely unwell, you don’t have to worry about the mentally ill = dangerous trope in this book.
The ambiance of the book is bitter cold and brooding, the icy chill of the house evident in the pages. You can feel the horrible situation the girls are in and how awful that house is. Of course, the head mistress is a rancid individual that you want to heap pain on from the second she appears on the page. Such a miserable person who makes everyone else around her miserable. Excellent character development, that one.
I also had no idea if the Frozen Charlotte story was some real British thing that was macabre as all get out or if it was created for the book. Apparently it’s real, and it originated in the US, not England. That’s grim af and I feel like there should be more horror stories around this. It’s odd that I’m finding out about an American urban legend, basically, through a British children’s book. But this isn’t the place to talk about the American education system. 🙄
CHARLOTTE SAYS is a creepy story, especially if you’re not very trustful of dolls to begin with. I’d highly recommend reading it in a well-lit area, preferably on a bright sunny day, and not with any dolls around. Hide incendiary devices while you’re at it.
4.5
August 13, 2025
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ:
ᴅᴏʟʟʜᴏᴜsᴇ - ᴍᴇʟᴀɴɪᴇ ᴍᴀʀᴛɪɴᴇᴢ
"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺"
----------------------------------------
ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ!
okay this was actually so interesting, the plot kept me hooked, honestly. it was creepy but there were scenes that made me giggle and scenes that made me blush 😭 the pacing was perfect and i loved the flashback chapters sm
"𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯"
----------------------------------------
ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs!
𝓙𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓶𝓪 𝓑𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴
Jemima was such an interesting character, a mix of caring, witty, cold and kinda scary by the end. she grapples with her past by quite literally accepting her role. she put up with so much at whiteladies and at the school that i dont blame her for what she did. i wish she could've just adopted all of the kids at the school tbf, she was more of a mother than any of the girls'parents.
ℋℯ𝓃𝓇𝓎 𝒞ℴ𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓃𝓈
when i say "my man" i mean it btw <3 His love for Jemima was so unbreakable that he refused to push her away after she told him what happened. he's literally the most sweetest, caring soul i've ever seen in my life. and the "who did this to you?" scene? on. the. floor.tbh i was worried that he would die... thank god lmao
𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒟ℴ𝓁𝓁𝓈
these things were absolutely psychotic. I'm definitely never using a doll to communicate with the dead trust me. did u know frozen charlotte dolls would sometimes be put in christmas puddings? random fact i found out after researching them lmao. also looking at a photo of one they look so odd😭 but these dolls were smart bro like fym they found their way to CORNWALL 💔
"𝘋-𝘖-𝘓-𝘓-𝘏-𝘖-𝘜-𝘚-𝘌 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴"
ℰ𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓁𝓁𝒶
my shayla 💔 i felt so bad for her the entire time she's been through so much, like being a little kid and seeing ghosts and haunted dolls?? but also being constantly blamed for what the dolls did?? i could never. i want to hug her nd magic all the pain away 😭
ℳ𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝓎𝓈ℴ𝓃
four words to sum her up: the bald beastly bitch. that was her more or less. such a liar too "i care about these kids" mf you do NOT 💔
ℳ𝓊𝓇𝓅𝒽𝓎
yes the dog deserves a section. he's cool. i love him. i'm a dog person. he kinda reminds me of my neighbours cat for some reason. also the fact that Jemima literally said he was the first living thing to give her a warm welcome <3
ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ!
i can't recommend this enough 😭 especially if you like supernatural horror with small romance subplots. the characters are all so interesting and the plot is addictive.
"𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯"
𝑷𝑹𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
felt like reading a horror so here i am 😛
ᴅᴏʟʟʜᴏᴜsᴇ - ᴍᴇʟᴀɴɪᴇ ᴍᴀʀᴛɪɴᴇᴢ
"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺"
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ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ!
okay this was actually so interesting, the plot kept me hooked, honestly. it was creepy but there were scenes that made me giggle and scenes that made me blush 😭 the pacing was perfect and i loved the flashback chapters sm
"𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯"
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ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs!
𝓙𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓶𝓪 𝓑𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴
Jemima was such an interesting character, a mix of caring, witty, cold and kinda scary by the end. she grapples with her past by quite literally accepting her role. she put up with so much at whiteladies and at the school that i dont blame her for what she did. i wish she could've just adopted all of the kids at the school tbf, she was more of a mother than any of the girls'parents.
ℋℯ𝓃𝓇𝓎 𝒞ℴ𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓃𝓈
when i say "my man" i mean it btw <3 His love for Jemima was so unbreakable that he refused to push her away after she told him what happened. he's literally the most sweetest, caring soul i've ever seen in my life. and the "who did this to you?" scene? on. the. floor.
𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒟ℴ𝓁𝓁𝓈
these things were absolutely psychotic. I'm definitely never using a doll to communicate with the dead trust me. did u know frozen charlotte dolls would sometimes be put in christmas puddings? random fact i found out after researching them lmao. also looking at a photo of one they look so odd😭 but these dolls were smart bro like fym they found their way to CORNWALL 💔
"𝘋-𝘖-𝘓-𝘓-𝘏-𝘖-𝘜-𝘚-𝘌 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴"
ℰ𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓁𝓁𝒶
my shayla 💔 i felt so bad for her the entire time she's been through so much, like being a little kid and seeing ghosts and haunted dolls?? but also being constantly blamed for what the dolls did?? i could never. i want to hug her nd magic all the pain away 😭
ℳ𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝓎𝓈ℴ𝓃
four words to sum her up: the bald beastly bitch. that was her more or less. such a liar too "i care about these kids" mf you do NOT 💔
ℳ𝓊𝓇𝓅𝒽𝓎
yes the dog deserves a section. he's cool. i love him. i'm a dog person. he kinda reminds me of my neighbours cat for some reason. also the fact that Jemima literally said he was the first living thing to give her a warm welcome <3
ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ!
i can't recommend this enough 😭 especially if you like supernatural horror with small romance subplots. the characters are all so interesting and the plot is addictive.
"𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯"
𝑷𝑹𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
felt like reading a horror so here i am 😛
August 27, 2017
** This was given to me by Netgalley to review and these are my honest opinions **
Release Date: 7th September 2017
So this is the second book in the Frozen Charlotte series and it shows us what happened in the children’s school before Sophie finds them plastered in the walls from the first book. Jemima had a horrible past and went to the school as a last resort, Miss Grayson (The head of the school that you read about in the first book) is not very nice and try’s to make Jemima uncomfortable as possible to leave after what happened to her last teachers assistant. When she gets a lovely box with her name on full of Frozen Charlotte dolls she hands them to the girls to play with as they don’t have a lot of toys, the children start to act strange and deaths begin to appear.
I love how Alex Bell always leaves me wanting to turn the page and to never put the book down! She always has me hocked from the first word which I find really refreshing in books, I think its the writing style mostly as Alex puts so much detail and mystery behind each chapter, there isn’t just “oh here is a death in the beginning lets find out who did it till the end” but more like ” here is a mystery, oh you think your close to finding out who did it well guess again her is a random death” and I love every word!
The characters where all amazing I liked how even thought the book was about Jemima it also brought you into the girls lives and you start to feel things for them, especially Estella, the roles were well thought out and the relationships that are brought in are so subtle to make sure it wouldn’t ruin the main plot it was different. I would have like to read more about Henry’s character which was our love interest although him not being in it as much kind of gave you more of a better plot.
Altogether I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! Okay maybe not everyone but the people who love a good page turner, mystery, gripping story lines and a book you cant put down. Can’t wait to read more of her work.
4.5**
Release Date: 7th September 2017
So this is the second book in the Frozen Charlotte series and it shows us what happened in the children’s school before Sophie finds them plastered in the walls from the first book. Jemima had a horrible past and went to the school as a last resort, Miss Grayson (The head of the school that you read about in the first book) is not very nice and try’s to make Jemima uncomfortable as possible to leave after what happened to her last teachers assistant. When she gets a lovely box with her name on full of Frozen Charlotte dolls she hands them to the girls to play with as they don’t have a lot of toys, the children start to act strange and deaths begin to appear.
I love how Alex Bell always leaves me wanting to turn the page and to never put the book down! She always has me hocked from the first word which I find really refreshing in books, I think its the writing style mostly as Alex puts so much detail and mystery behind each chapter, there isn’t just “oh here is a death in the beginning lets find out who did it till the end” but more like ” here is a mystery, oh you think your close to finding out who did it well guess again her is a random death” and I love every word!
The characters where all amazing I liked how even thought the book was about Jemima it also brought you into the girls lives and you start to feel things for them, especially Estella, the roles were well thought out and the relationships that are brought in are so subtle to make sure it wouldn’t ruin the main plot it was different. I would have like to read more about Henry’s character which was our love interest although him not being in it as much kind of gave you more of a better plot.
Altogether I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! Okay maybe not everyone but the people who love a good page turner, mystery, gripping story lines and a book you cant put down. Can’t wait to read more of her work.
4.5**
January 3, 2023
Charlotte Says is the prequel book to Frozen Charlotte and can be read either before or after reading Frozen Charlotte. This was a pretty good ya horror book, but I did not enjoy this one as much as Frozen Charlotte. Charlotte Says had many good paranormal elements and some creepy moments with the frozen Charlotte dolls, but it just didn’t hold my attention as well as I would have liked. Overall this was a good, well written read, but not as good as book 1.
September 19, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte Says is a horror story. It’s the prequel of Frozen Charlotte which I own the paperback of, but haven’t read yet.
It tells the story of Jemima, 17, who moves into a school on the Isle of Skye to be an assistant teacher after her house burnt, killing her mother and stepfather.
It’s set in 1910.
I really enjoyed this story and wouldn’t have put it down if it weren’t for the fact that it scared the fuck out of me…
I usually don’t do scary (either movies or books) but I wanted to try it and I wasn’t disappointed. I just had to vent to a friend cause I was freaking out but the story in itself was great.
I really liked the main character and felt for her. Her friend, Henri, was pretty great. The plot was very compelling too.
So, as soon as I get over my crippling fear, I will read Frozen Charlotte!
Charlotte Says is a horror story. It’s the prequel of Frozen Charlotte which I own the paperback of, but haven’t read yet.
It tells the story of Jemima, 17, who moves into a school on the Isle of Skye to be an assistant teacher after her house burnt, killing her mother and stepfather.
It’s set in 1910.
I really enjoyed this story and wouldn’t have put it down if it weren’t for the fact that it scared the fuck out of me…
I usually don’t do scary (either movies or books) but I wanted to try it and I wasn’t disappointed. I just had to vent to a friend cause I was freaking out but the story in itself was great.
I really liked the main character and felt for her. Her friend, Henri, was pretty great. The plot was very compelling too.
So, as soon as I get over my crippling fear, I will read Frozen Charlotte!
October 29, 2020
It's been so long since I read 'Frozen Charlotte' that the only thing I could remember going into this was that there are really creepy dolls. I'd forgotten how creepy though. I read this entire book in pretty much one evening, and I struggled to go to sleep. The atmosphere is just so chilling, and dolls have always freaked me out anyway, so I could not stop looking over my shoulder. A perfect read for this time of year.
March 28, 2024
Much much better than the first book. It also gave closure on a lot of things that were left unanswered in Frozen Charlotte. The ending leaves us wanting for more which makes me think there's a third installment in the pipeline. Looking forward to the rest of the books in the series!
November 7, 2021
Very good YA horror, like the first one was! No need to read one to enjoy the other, both novels are good and totally indipendent. I'd like to see the movie of this one.. but this is making me rethink about how much this book is really ok for teens.. some images are quite horrifying.. but still the vibe is quite YA... probably not for children thought.
October 20, 2017
I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley
Jemima flees to the remote island of Skye to take up a job is an all-girls boarding school. Jemima is fleeing her mother’s death and her past that went up in flames. While at the boarding school, desperate to flee her past, she receives a box of Frozen Charlotte dolls from a mystery sender. These dolls help her to remember what happened on that fateful night – a seance, violence, and a fire that destroyed her home and her mother. When a series of sinister accidents start happening at the school, it is soon revealed that the dolls are at the centre of what is happening.
When I requested Charlotte Says, I hadn’t read the Frozen Charlotte series, so I was coming into the story without knowing anything about the frozen charlotte dolls. I loved the historical setting, it made the book much more atmospheric and haunting, especially as it was set in a boarding school. It is the perfect Halloween read full of horror, murder, demonic possessions, and creepy murderous dolls.
One of my favourite things about Charlotte Says was the subtlety of the haunting. It wasn’t revealed until later what was actually causing the sinister events and ‘accidents’. It was, as the title suggests, a lot of young children claiming Charlotte did it, Charlotte Says this & that. It made Charlotte Says an eerie read.
Jemima was an interesting and complex character. She is resourceful, kind, brave, but she’s also very morally ambiguous character. Throughout the novel, we flick between Jemima’s past and present, which is seamlessly done. Slowly, we uncover Jemima’s past and we discover what happened that fateful night of the fire. We also discover how the haunted frozen charlotte dolls came to be, and why they followed Jemima to the Isle of Skye. The schoolmistress, Miss Grayson was an abusive evil woman who took punishment to the extreme, and I was not a fan of her. There were some other great characters, such as Henry, who was Jemima’s kind and supportive boyfriend. Estella, a brave young girl who was always accused of lying and, unfortunately, suffered a horrible fate.
The frozen charlotte dolls were the perfectly creepy. They were playful, childish, yet also murderous. While Charlotte Says had a lot of creepy and paranormal elements, it also focused on the malicious and cruelty of humanity.
Overall, Charlotte Says is a chilling and morbid read that is equally disturbing and fascinating and is a perfect for Halloween.
Jemima flees to the remote island of Skye to take up a job is an all-girls boarding school. Jemima is fleeing her mother’s death and her past that went up in flames. While at the boarding school, desperate to flee her past, she receives a box of Frozen Charlotte dolls from a mystery sender. These dolls help her to remember what happened on that fateful night – a seance, violence, and a fire that destroyed her home and her mother. When a series of sinister accidents start happening at the school, it is soon revealed that the dolls are at the centre of what is happening.
When I requested Charlotte Says, I hadn’t read the Frozen Charlotte series, so I was coming into the story without knowing anything about the frozen charlotte dolls. I loved the historical setting, it made the book much more atmospheric and haunting, especially as it was set in a boarding school. It is the perfect Halloween read full of horror, murder, demonic possessions, and creepy murderous dolls.
One of my favourite things about Charlotte Says was the subtlety of the haunting. It wasn’t revealed until later what was actually causing the sinister events and ‘accidents’. It was, as the title suggests, a lot of young children claiming Charlotte did it, Charlotte Says this & that. It made Charlotte Says an eerie read.
Jemima was an interesting and complex character. She is resourceful, kind, brave, but she’s also very morally ambiguous character. Throughout the novel, we flick between Jemima’s past and present, which is seamlessly done. Slowly, we uncover Jemima’s past and we discover what happened that fateful night of the fire. We also discover how the haunted frozen charlotte dolls came to be, and why they followed Jemima to the Isle of Skye. The schoolmistress, Miss Grayson was an abusive evil woman who took punishment to the extreme, and I was not a fan of her. There were some other great characters, such as Henry, who was Jemima’s kind and supportive boyfriend. Estella, a brave young girl who was always accused of lying and, unfortunately, suffered a horrible fate.
The frozen charlotte dolls were the perfectly creepy. They were playful, childish, yet also murderous. While Charlotte Says had a lot of creepy and paranormal elements, it also focused on the malicious and cruelty of humanity.
Overall, Charlotte Says is a chilling and morbid read that is equally disturbing and fascinating and is a perfect for Halloween.
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