Wail

by Kenzie McLaughlin

Wail is a story of friendship and death. Not necessarily in that order.

Clotilde never asked to become a wailing woman, forever twenty and compelled to wash the bloody clothes of the dying. Being undead gave her the courage to fulfil her dream of escaping rural Scotland to see London. Now she's out of money and living rough on the banks of the Thames.

Rich American playboy Scott left his Southern small town to explore the heady world of London's social scene. Now it all feels a bit hollow after his boyfriend abandons him. He distracts himself by playing white knight for the homeless young woman he finds wailing at Finsbury Park Station. He's convinced he can help Clotilde make a life for herself in London if she'll just try a little therapy.

Their fragile friendship is challenged when a serial killer's victims cause Clotilde to run sobbing for the river every time they pass through Finsbury Park. The killer believes that the wrath of the river spirits will cleanse London if he can offer enough blood sacrifices to draw them nearer. His cunning has kept the police from linking the murders so far. But no killer could foresee an American playboy and a Scottish bean nighe tracing his victims to Finsbury Park Station.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

ebook

Published July 10, 2017

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was sent the synopsis for this book, for some reason I knew I wanted to read it, it intrigued me from the get go. Despite it being marketed as a book that does not fit into a genre category, I would say it could realistically be classed as a psychological thriller with elements of romance and fantasy. This mix made for great reading! The writing was well-paced and well thought through - the one thing I will say it that, at some points, it got a little repetitive. luckily, these moments were few and far between and did not alter my enjoyment of the story. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. I wouldn't hesitate to read anything Kenzie McLaughlin decides to write in the future, she has the knack for telling a very compelling and unique type of story. Highly recommended.

I voluntarily accepted a free ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Kenzie McLaughlin for the opportunity to read this gem.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wail" is the debut book by Kenzie McLaughlin. Clotilde is a Bean Nighe who will always be young women who see the dead. Clotilde dream, when she was alive, was to go and live in London been undead gave her courage to do it. However, residing in London was not what Clotilde though. Scott, an American whose boyfriend, abandons him in London while walking around the Finsbury Park Station met Clotilde, and this changed both their lives. Readers of Wail will continue to follow the blossoming friendship between Clotilde and Scott and how they became involved in finding a serial killer.

I enjoyed reading Wail. Kenzie McLaughlin wrote a beautiful story that is part fantasy and part crime mystery with a twist. I like Wail because it is different. Kenzie McLaughlin allows the readers of Wail to escape into the world of Clotilde and Scott and the London Underground. I love the way Kenzie McLaughlin portrays her characters. By reading Wail, I learnt about Scottish Fairy called Bean Nighe and their role in Scottish folk law.

Reading Wail, you learn about working in the London Underground. Readers of Wail will realise that you must ensure you fulfil your dreams while you are alive. Also, readers of Wail will learn the importance of friendship.

Thanks to the Author for my free copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Deborah Obida · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided through the author in exchange for an honest review.

I really love the plot, sort of paranormal and thriller mixed together, the character development is great, i didn't know what to expect when i read the synopsis but this is better than i thought. Its a light read but took me a while to finish cause of my reading slump. This book don't have slow beginning or shit like that it started very well, only have a little problem with the middle it was kind of slow but the ending is made up for that. Kenzie did a great job with the writing style, its super easy to understand and this is her debut novel, will love to read more books by her.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably a better book than I considered it to be, for some reason, i just didn’t enjoy it.

[☆.。.:*・°☆Love2Read♡HEAs☆.。.:*・°☆ {Anne} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Stars

I was given an ARC by Kenzie McLaughlin, a new and upcoming author, to give an honest opinion.

First off, I went into this cold, which was not smart on my part. One, I naturally thought this was going to be a romance. Wrong, no romance, just friendship. I don't even read books like that. Two, if I would've read the blurb, I would've realized that this was just not my cuppa. It's a Paranormal Thriller. Sorry, just not for me.

The writing, however, was very well done. The story was quite unique, written by a truly creative author. I found it slightly odd though. I believe this author will write some clever and interesting books in the near future, which will probably be largely successful. Unfortunately, unless she adds some romance to them, I won't be reading them. : (

Thank you, Kenzie, for giving me a chance to review your first book. I wish you the absolute best in your future writing. May your success outlive you.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wail by Kenzie McLaughlin a supreme five star read. This is the authors debut novel, and what a debut. I have only ever read one other debut novel that was better, and that was my favourite book of all time, so this one knocked it out of the park. I read this book after a recommendation from a friend, and I am glad I did as I generally read several genres but haven’t read this one for a little while and this book has made me want to read more, I can’t wait to read more from this author as well, she has a talent for writing that doesn’t come along often. The characters Clotilde a Bean Nighe (a Scottish Fairy, that you will learn more about in the book) and Scott (an American boy in London), there are also several other characters that you will fall in love with and some you will hate. The story takes you on a journey where you will travel the London underground and also a journey of friendship and loss, and following dreams where ever they may lead. If you read one book this year, make it this book.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st book I have read from Kenzie, and it will not be the last, I was contacted by the author to read and review this book, giving my honest thoughts and feelings. Wail is the debut book from Kenzie McLaughlin. My 1st love when it comes to the book world & genres... is anything mystery and suspense. The element of surprise, a bit of confusion, "like what was the author thinking, 'cause that is so not what I was thinking" I LOVE THAT!! (Kenzie did that in this book!!) Lately I have some how jumped head 1st into the romance with lots of alpha men genre box, so I love the chance to jump out of that lump pile & see new genres. I love reading books that are different and new. I think I've always had a fondness for anything over the pond ...London is one of my must see visiting spots 1 day I hope. I read the blurb, saw the book cover and it had me immediately curious as to where Kenzie would take me. Let's go! & she did take for a ride. One that was such a fantas-a-tical ride indeed. (that was a fantasy ride, made my own word there.) Kenzie writing style is very easy to follow, no confusion for me and you will be amazed. Very unexpected conclusion for me ...it did hold my interest, edge of your seat, thriller kind of moments. This book is fulled with lots of fantasy, crime, sadness, loss and danger and will for sure pull you in and make you want more. Here's hoping Kenzie will have much success, Well done! ( ;

[Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a very interesting read. I was intrigued by Wail's blurb. I normally stick to the Romance/Erotica genre, but a time or two I do like to explore other genres. You never know as a reader/blogger what new and amazing books are out there. Wail was nothing what I could have expected. Kenzie Mclaughlin wrote this story seamlessly. There was never any confusion of what was happening and it made sense.

My heart cried over Clotilde and what she had to become. You literally feel the sorrow deep within. I was sad for her, I was scared for her, and I cried for her. I was happy that Scott stayed in her life and became a friend she thought she never needed. In the streets of London, Clotilde was lost. Now she knows and feels death around. Scott and Clotilde are on a mission to bring a killer down.

There were other great characters that came along the way. Some help, and some are just afraid that Scott becomes obsessed. I really could go on and on, but I always like to leave my reviews spoiler free. The sadness overwhelmed me a bit, but I continued on. I was hoping for Clotilde dreams to come true. Only we come to realize at the end, she needed to succumb to what her destiny has become. If you need a break from romance and the lovey dovey stuff, Wail is a huge recommendation I have for you. This story will keep your attention from beginning to the end. The end was not what I was expecting, but it fitted perfectly to the story.

[Danielle Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel by author Kenzie McLaughlin took me by surprise. It's originality impressed me. Her writing talent is strong, engaging, and flows very naturally. After reading it, I would say it's urban fiction, not paranormal. I'd never given much thought to the legend of the Banchee, or bean nighe as the Scots call them so this was a fresh subject for me. Clothilde was a warrior in her own way. She didn't wield a sword or spear, but she battled her fears, the city, and a serial killer as she tries to work out exactly what her role as a bean nighe entails. She's a well-written character, as are the supporting characters David and Augusta. The plot flows, though some passages are a bit overlong and repetitive. Overall, this is an impressive debut novel which I surprisingly enjoyed. I look forward to future work by McLaughlin.

ARC provided by the author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For first-time author Kenzie McLaughlin, I was impressed. The more books she writes the more refined as a writer she will become.

If you are looking for a non-traditional paranormal, legend, myth, suspense book, this will be for you. I did have to Google "bean neigh" as it was not a term I had heard before.

The book was enjoyable.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closely surrounded by commuters, Clotilde quickly moved away from the Tube station, panic rising up in her. She burst outside and leaned her head against the cool tile. An American approached her, asking if she was okay and handing her the ticket she had dropped. Fascinated with hearing her accent, he didn’t move on as she hoped. She had to get to the river, the dead man’s blood-stained clothing, which only she could see, had to be washed – it was her duty!

Running past Scott, the American, she became disoriented in trying to find the river. He followed and grabbed her around the waist as she begged him to get her to the river. Without further question, he ran with her to the river, where she plunged the clothing into the water and churned it with her hands. Now she would have to find a way to explain her crazy behavior to Scott!

Clotilde had no money and no place to go. She had tried to get a job, but it was already filled. She wandered around and a guitar-playing street musician offered her money to stand beside him so people would be moved to give them coins – but he left without paying her. Once more, Scott spotted her and wanted to help her. He just couldn’t stop himself from wanting to keep her safe. Or perhaps she just reminded him of his little sister.

Gradually, during the times Clotilde thinks about her own death and the fact she had become a “bean nighe”, a kind of Scottish fairy and part of the Wailing Women of the Fords legend. She was still learning about her role with the dead. And she was continually drawn back to the Tube station, ultimately to deal with a serial killer. Her developing friendship with Scott would be instrumental in the tasks coming her way. How could she make a difference in the world? What could she actually do? And how important was Scott to her in defining her future?

This was a very well-written, enjoyable book! The story line was intriguing and moved along at a brisk pace, with plenty of suspense to keep the reader involved and immersed in the reading experience. The characters were developed thoroughly such that the reader could actively feel the panic and emotions going through Clotilde’s mind. I hope there will be many more books from this author. I have definitely become a fan and highly recommend reading this one!

[Sara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am often leary when new authors approach me to review their book. I've hit some real stinkers and then I have to tell some new parent that their baby is ugly.
That was not the case with this book. I was pleasantly surprised at how well written and constructed this story was. Aside from 2 typos, I have no complaints about this book. That rarely happens for me.
I loved the character Clotilde. While I could see how the character could easily become annoying, she didn't. This is a woman in crisis, trying to figure out who she is and what her place is in the world. She is well out of her element and I wouldn't want to be in her shoes.
I love that this is a book that reaches across genres. Stripped down to its basic story, this is a woman's story. It's a sort of coming of age/mid-life crisis story that was well handled. Add the supernatural and thriller elements and I was so sucked in I had a real hard time putting the book down.
I even liked Scott, the yankee/gay new best friend. He was complex and more than just a story trope. I would gladly pick up a book that just focused on him, he was just an interesting character. Even the "villain" left me want to know more about him.
At no point did I feel like I was left out of the story either. Such complex characters were well written.
Let's get down to the story - I loved it. I loved the folklore. I found it very funny that the last novel I read had to do with the river systems in London so I was enjoying the connection. I'm absolutely fascinated by that river system now. I'm thinking if I ever make it to London, I'll need a few days just to visit the water systems (and annoy my family with all the stories I will know by then).
One other note, as an American, I didn't feel left out of the culture. It's very easy for a book written in another country to become very foreign. Perhaps it was the use of an American character that bridged the gap but I felt completely included. I was stretched just a little but I was never left behind. That's a tricky thing to do and I think Kenzie did it quite well.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis for this book I was immediately intrigued. I mean it had a banshee which I had never had in a book before, at least not one that was on the side of good. It didn't have romance, It was a thriller and a paranormal all rolled into one. The very fact it couldn't really be categorized with all of my favorite things about it made it that much more interesting.

Without giving away the fun and I will let those on the fence know what they will be missing or getting themselves into with this book. This book blew me away because it wasn't centered around a romance of any kind. Its focus was on Clotilde becoming friends with the rich gay American Yank Scott. This relationship is at times pretty funny and runs the gamut of emotions all the way to soul crushing sad. Their extremely unorthodox friendship could be a saving grace or a certain death sentence, but at times we as the reader aren't certain who is going to be saved and who certain to die.

Now there is the thriller part that is chilling. His mind is something that causes the hair to stand on end and the way this author has portrayed him is fantastic. This book would make a great mini series. I could just picture the scenes as they played out on the page. He just had my gut tighten up and my muscles tensing every time I knew he was in the picture.

There are so many elements to this book that made it a great read. If you love suspense, thriller, character growth, paranormal element then this book is definitely for you. Though it doesn't have romance it has two people learning to become friends in a deep way. In some ways it was better than any romance. I would even love to have a second book or even novella. I think Clotilde and Scott to have more to say or it is wishful thinking on my part because I loved them so much. I highly recommend this book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided for an honest and open review.

Wow. When I was offered this book I was told that it didn't have a particular genre,it couldn't be labelled. What a refreshing change I thought,reading the synopsis I gave it a go.

It is difficult to pigeon hole this,you could say it is a mystery,a thriller, a romance but not in the sense you would expect, friendship and paranormal so I would suggest don't try and label this book,just enjoy it.

Clotilde is a character that you cannot help but like but you can also feel the pressure she is under and the effects her role in life has upon her. You mourn with her,you champion her and you want everything to work out for her.

Scott is really as lost a soul as she is and their coming together is both oppressive at times but so genuine. The shared need to belong driving this forward.

This book is both powerful and gripping.The interlaced story of Kevin is a page turner.

This review is not hard to write because of the quality of the writing as it is so well written,it is because I don't want to spoil anything for future readers.

Take Clotilde to your hearts and don't be put of by the paranormal tag line,I would go more with historical but others will also dispute that label too.Therefore don't label this book with anything.Just read.

Well worth a read,a page turner. An emotional charged first novel.I can't wait for those which follow.

Thanks to Kenzie for allowing me to step outside my usual reading box.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not my usual type of read however it captured my interest right from the start if for no other reason but that I did not know what a Bean Nighe was and Clothilde is just this!! Wail treats two different stories side by side and interweaving them so that the reader gets the otherwordly side by side with nowadays life in London. A very psychologically messed up serial killer and the Banshee who has to wail for every death that she comes in contact with, who though already dead makes the reader worry so much about her and the tension at one point builds to such a crescendo as she trails the killer, its unbearable. The river is her domain but the sewers are his but this time she is not alone as she has a friend who cares for her and needs her too - the american, Scott. This is a breath taking read with suspense building the further one reads till I found I could not put it down till I finished it. A big wow for this thrilling, at times scary and definitely original read! Highly recommend to all who like fantasy as well as dark reads full of suspense.

[Lieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms McLaughlin is a new author to me and I honestly didn 't know what to expect from this book when I started to read it . So, 'm trying not to spoil or give anything away for those who haven 't read this book yet .
Although this genre isn't exactly my cup of tea , "Wail" is a story , unlike anything I read before with some great characters that were easy to love while the plot is a whirlwind of fantasy , crime ,sadness , loss and danger. I think the best thing an author can do is let you enter in their characters' world and let you become a part of it. And that's exactly what Kenzie McLaughlin did to me with this first debut writing . The pages of this book will fill you with excitement, tension and an undeniable urge to keep reading and you won't be sorry that you picked this book up , because this is truly a beautiful story ,an intense journey between two people from completely different walks of life , who forged a very solide friendship bond .
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book for the author.

[Magdalena Revlis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from the book, yet after I finished reading it, I have to say, the experience was thrilling. No vampires, no wolfs, nor medieval knights, no Mary Sue and definitely no Gary Sue, and the best thing is, that the ending wasn’t completely idiotic.

I enjoyed the normality, the realism of Clotilde’s struggle. The simple fact that she wasn't some sort of a Barbie doll type person, who gets every single thing she wants, brings enjoyment to the reader. In some parts I understood her anxiety, her problem of being invisible, although not in a magical way, but still so pressing. There were some parts when I understood even Kevin’s feelings.
We are pretty much invisible for each other, and the fact that Clotilde went to London, trying to make it in the big city, made her even more of a shadow.

I liked the description of the book:”it’s a story about friendship and death, not necessary in that order”. While my reading was in progress, I understood that I’m not reading some magical/fantasy/horror story, but more like a psychological thriller.

I wouldn’t change a thing, even though I think that the ending was a bit rushed.

I definitely recommend this book for all those who enjoy some quality reading.

[Jenn Bellant Donner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for an honest review.

This was a very interesting book. I don't believe I have ever read anything with a character who was a bean nighe before. From the description, I really thought it would be more paranormal but instead it's more psychological thriller. It seems that a lot of the characters in this book are searching for someone or something to make them feel whole again. A little repetitive at times with the descriptions of the surroundings but overall a very good read. I got into the book right away and it didn't take very long to finish. Kenzie McLaughlin wrote the characters so well that you can actually get annoyed or feel sorry for them, which is always a good thing because it means you have been drawn into the story and care about what happens. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something new besides werewolves and vampires.

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unusual book and not my normal genre. I even had to go to my online dictionary to see what a bean nighe was. Quite a tale and very well written with interesting strong characters. Clotilde, what a sad character she was, I found myself feeling so sorry for her. What an unlikely combination that a Southern wealthy American like Scott would befriend her and be there for her in every way. In was interesting how they joined forces to bring the killer down. No spoiler here, so I really can't say more
But I will say that if you will step outside of your comfort zone and read this psychological thriller you will not regret it. No shortage of danger, crime, fantasy as they troll the river and the sewers looking for the killer. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this one but what it promised inside. This is a new to me author also so treasure was found too. She has quite a different concept that is given in this one with the characters that draw you in and have you take a seat. Clotilde has a task that is never ending but not one I have read about especially center stage like in here. That in itself is refreshing with whom she crosses paths with picking at the curiosity meter. Scott is alright but he does get a taste of what happens when getting the boot. Then it gets even more different with the banter interesting but also suspense enters in to make it even more on the edge fascinating. Avenues are explored with us being along with them. I was by the time I reached the last page glad to not have missed this one.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I must say, for a debut novel this one is excellent! I knew from the author's email to me that this book was not your normal romance; it was going to be more paranormal with some twists and turns tossed in to keep the reader on their toes. Believe me...the author nailed it! The story line was good; characters well developed; plot was devious but got bogged down with the repetitive descriptions of the same locations. This book is really more of a psychological thriller--and you need to be ready when you read it. Good job, Kenzie! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and thought it was well done) 👍

[Carol Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic mix of Celtic myth , criminal minds & atonement . three peoples lives are drawn together , seemingly with no connection except Finsbury Park tube station . two people with a connection to rivers , one who passed from life & awakened as a Banshee , a harbinger of death ,the other a man who thinks he can cleanse the river with the blood of women , the third is continually seeking forgiveness for not answering his sisters call when she needed him , something he's not even aware of himself .My first read from Kenzie Mclaughlin but it definitely won't be my last , her characters are very real & believable , you get a great insight into all parts of their lives .

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I review an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

Its good to read a different kind of paranormal book. The book started good but towards to the middle it slow down a bit and pick up again towards the end of the story.
Clotilde is an bean neigh. Bean neigh wash clothes of the dead. She move to London, she hope she could live a normal life. She made an new friend Scott, he just wouldn't leave her alone.
Their is a serial killer is going around killing women, after stalking them for awhile. One of the murder women is a friend of Scott. He was determined to find this killer and put an end to it.

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very skeptical about this book because it isn't my normal genre of books that I read. I am glad that I stepped out my comfort zone and read this book. Is is phenomenal. The main characters are very compassionate. I love how their friendship blossomed throughout the course of the book. I love how Clotilde was able to accept herself as what she is.

I found this quote very powerful.
Clotilde to Scott ~ "...don't wait for me. Go out and live, Scott. While you have the chance. Don't throw it away."

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little hard to categorize it is kind of a paranormal thriller, The plot is very indepth and well written and the characters are interesting, this is not normally the type of book I read but I still found it an interesting read and enjoyed the story and how nice the writing style was. If you tend to read crime thrillers and enjoy a paranormal twist then I am sure you will find this book to be an interesting ans enjoyable story.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a very well-written blurb, "Wail" wasn't what I expected at all (here's a tip: Read the blurb again after you've finished the book - you'll realise just how clever even that little piece of writing is).
The story is an intriguing mix of myth and modern times, but I think it's also about belonging - to somewhere, to someone - and finding that belonging in an odd way. It's also a story of courage.
I'm hoping there's a sequel in the works...

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clothide died in childbirth and now she is a banshee that wails and cleans the clothes of the dead. She meets Scott in London and he is trying to help her understand what she is and see if see if she can use her gift of seeing who will die to help him find a murderer that is killing young women. Interesting story with a different twist on the paranormal. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wail by Kenzie McLaughlin is a great read!
I normally wouldn't read books of this genre but I was simply blown away.
The writing style and deep emotion put into this book is clear from the beginning and the ending is simply sensational!
Thank you Kenzie for broadening my reading horizon!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating!

Compelling at every turn and wonderfully executed! Clotilde is a fully realized character who is more than her bean nighe identity, though it controls so much of her life. Wonderful friendship between her and Scott! I wish there was a sequel!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promising start to (hopefully) a new supernatural series. intriguing premise, well told, and unpredictable.