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The Insect House
Some secrets just won’t stay buried.
HELEN and GARETH grew up in the 70’s in a world where absolute freedom was the norm. But the arrival of a predatory priest saw the sibling’s childhood paradise turn rotten. A murder was committed. Gareth went A.W.O.L and Helen put her life on hold.
Twenty-five years later, Gareth is back.
Coping strategies used to get through abuse, can bite back.
‘Loved this. Well constructed plot with a twist at the end.’ (Amazon uk)
‘An Outstanding piece of new writing.’ James Holloway.
‘An intense compelling read.’ Jean McNeil. UEA
'A gripping psychological thriller, more Woman on a Train Wreck, than Girl on the Train.' T. Hall
HELEN and GARETH grew up in the 70’s in a world where absolute freedom was the norm. But the arrival of a predatory priest saw the sibling’s childhood paradise turn rotten. A murder was committed. Gareth went A.W.O.L and Helen put her life on hold.
Twenty-five years later, Gareth is back.
Coping strategies used to get through abuse, can bite back.
‘Loved this. Well constructed plot with a twist at the end.’ (Amazon uk)
‘An Outstanding piece of new writing.’ James Holloway.
‘An intense compelling read.’ Jean McNeil. UEA
'A gripping psychological thriller, more Woman on a Train Wreck, than Girl on the Train.' T. Hall
299 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2017
47 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Day
11 books15 followersHi all
In short, I love stories.
I write thrillers, murder mysteries & domestic noir. Two of my thrillers are coming out this year through Bloodhound Books.
I'm also proud to have been selected for this year's prestigious Escalator Award, for a cosy crime thriller I'm writing.
In the darkest corners of the darkest moments of my darkest stories, there’s always a dry sense of humour. In my spare time, I dabble in quirky tales for the YA/MG market
I'm lucky enough to teach screenwriting and theatre at two universities in London and work for The Literary Consultancy as a script consultant.
I've written literary short stories for Radio4, been shortlisted for Granta, and had work in anthologies, winning awards for my theatre & screenplays.
The Insect House is my first novel.
In short, I love stories.
I write thrillers, murder mysteries & domestic noir. Two of my thrillers are coming out this year through Bloodhound Books.
I'm also proud to have been selected for this year's prestigious Escalator Award, for a cosy crime thriller I'm writing.
In the darkest corners of the darkest moments of my darkest stories, there’s always a dry sense of humour. In my spare time, I dabble in quirky tales for the YA/MG market
I'm lucky enough to teach screenwriting and theatre at two universities in London and work for The Literary Consultancy as a script consultant.
I've written literary short stories for Radio4, been shortlisted for Granta, and had work in anthologies, winning awards for my theatre & screenplays.
The Insect House is my first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 8, 2022
What started off well soon became a bit of a bore in a story that felt rather claustrophobic and lacking pace. I was really excited by the premise and the mystery that the writer builds, but soon thought that the story stagnated.
The setting of the story definitely added an element of spookiness as the descriptions portrayed a large, rambling house that is secluded from society. Reflecting Helen’s way of living, she is also detached from what is going on around her, and it soon becomes clear why this is the case. As I got to know her character better, I grew to dislike Helen, finding her selfish and cruel towards both her mother and husband. Despite apparently looking after her frail mother, there are very few caring qualities displayed and I was frustrated by the way she pins everything on her brother’s return.
With Gareth’s arrival, the tension in the house becomes a simmering pot that readers know will boil over at some point. This feeling is intensified by such a small cast of characters and the action taking place in very few settings. It is evident that Helen feels Gareth’s presence will solve many historical problems, especially as it is revealed there is a police investigation about a missing priest and a discovered watch.
I think what made the plot fall a bit flat for me was the lack of tension and suspense. When I realised that the missing priest had some involvement with the family, I quickly predicted some elements of the story because it felt so unoriginal. However, Day does throw in some surprises towards the end and I enjoyed seeing some anomalies being explained. That being said, I thought the revelations were both conveniently rushed and prolonged. I think not really moving beyond the house made it a bit of an anti-climax.
I was really hopeful for this story and, whilst it is a little chilling, this is more due to the setting rather than the plot itself. In my opinion, there is very little love in these pages, despite this being a story that focuses heavily on family.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The setting of the story definitely added an element of spookiness as the descriptions portrayed a large, rambling house that is secluded from society. Reflecting Helen’s way of living, she is also detached from what is going on around her, and it soon becomes clear why this is the case. As I got to know her character better, I grew to dislike Helen, finding her selfish and cruel towards both her mother and husband. Despite apparently looking after her frail mother, there are very few caring qualities displayed and I was frustrated by the way she pins everything on her brother’s return.
With Gareth’s arrival, the tension in the house becomes a simmering pot that readers know will boil over at some point. This feeling is intensified by such a small cast of characters and the action taking place in very few settings. It is evident that Helen feels Gareth’s presence will solve many historical problems, especially as it is revealed there is a police investigation about a missing priest and a discovered watch.
I think what made the plot fall a bit flat for me was the lack of tension and suspense. When I realised that the missing priest had some involvement with the family, I quickly predicted some elements of the story because it felt so unoriginal. However, Day does throw in some surprises towards the end and I enjoyed seeing some anomalies being explained. That being said, I thought the revelations were both conveniently rushed and prolonged. I think not really moving beyond the house made it a bit of an anti-climax.
I was really hopeful for this story and, whilst it is a little chilling, this is more due to the setting rather than the plot itself. In my opinion, there is very little love in these pages, despite this being a story that focuses heavily on family.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for this book.
I was not surprised to read that this book will be made into a movie in the near future. As there are only 5 (with a glimse of a 6th) people in it, and the whole story spans two days (with some hints to things that happened in the past) it is very gripping.
Despite the fact that there are only a handful of characters, the story has multiple layers that become clear one after another.
There is one relationship between a brother and a sister, who have a very different relationship with their mother. There is a second relationship between husband and wife, and these three have different relationships with two outsiders, one in the past and one in the present.
What happened 25 years ago and what is happening in the two days this story spans, inevitable leads to the very gripping and unexpected end.
Very well written, lots of suspense and interesting characters.
I was not surprised to read that this book will be made into a movie in the near future. As there are only 5 (with a glimse of a 6th) people in it, and the whole story spans two days (with some hints to things that happened in the past) it is very gripping.
Despite the fact that there are only a handful of characters, the story has multiple layers that become clear one after another.
There is one relationship between a brother and a sister, who have a very different relationship with their mother. There is a second relationship between husband and wife, and these three have different relationships with two outsiders, one in the past and one in the present.
What happened 25 years ago and what is happening in the two days this story spans, inevitable leads to the very gripping and unexpected end.
Very well written, lots of suspense and interesting characters.
June 5, 2022
My go to genre of books is usually crime thrillers with a typical chick lit thrown in to mix it up every so often.
This book was neither of those, and although it didn't have me on the edge of my seat, I still really enjoyed it and wanted to pick it up at every opportunity so I could find out the ending.
Very easy to read, with only a handful of characters so I felt I got to know them well, and enjoyed all the twists and new revelations that came out.
Great read!
This book was neither of those, and although it didn't have me on the edge of my seat, I still really enjoyed it and wanted to pick it up at every opportunity so I could find out the ending.
Very easy to read, with only a handful of characters so I felt I got to know them well, and enjoyed all the twists and new revelations that came out.
Great read!
May 13, 2021
This story so successfully transports you that you quickly lose track of all time. The ever present mystery pulls you along while you pull back, wanting to fully drink in the elaborate scenes and complex characters. You can easily summon in your minds eye the beautiful English landscape, filtered by the lens of harsh reality and dark secrets. The bizarre interactions between the characters are fascinating. Their dialogue keeps you guessing and wanting more. A tale so deliciously twisted, you won't want it to end.
June 25, 2018
The Insect House is a mystery novel that is not all what it seems. In her debut mystery novel Shirley Day introduces us to Helen, a housewife who lives in an ambling old house in East Anglia. Helen is waiting for her brother to arrive after a 24-year absence. What appears to the return of the prodigal son turns out to be quite different in this ever twisting, but sometimes tedious, account of a family that is being torn apart by its own secrets.
Helen the protagonist presents herself as hard done by having to care for a her sick mother, tolerating a neglectful husband, and longing for her long absent younger brother. As the novel continues we slowly see quite different Helen emerge. There is an evil in the house that seems to be consuming Helen and her family, but as the story unfolds we realize that the evil is coming from a completely different direction. Day does a masterful job of holding the family secrets away from the reader until the concluding pages of the story.
I enjoy the twist at the end, but I have to say that it is a hard to get into the book initially. There are many details introduced that are difficult to put into context until the very end and I find it all a bit confusing. I feel the development of the husband Tim, the American Carla and the Mother are all a bit shallow. However, the character development of Helen and her brother Gareth are exceptional.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy waiting for the twist at the end of the story, but I personally only give it a 3 on 5 because I feel that the wait is too long and tedious.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Helen the protagonist presents herself as hard done by having to care for a her sick mother, tolerating a neglectful husband, and longing for her long absent younger brother. As the novel continues we slowly see quite different Helen emerge. There is an evil in the house that seems to be consuming Helen and her family, but as the story unfolds we realize that the evil is coming from a completely different direction. Day does a masterful job of holding the family secrets away from the reader until the concluding pages of the story.
I enjoy the twist at the end, but I have to say that it is a hard to get into the book initially. There are many details introduced that are difficult to put into context until the very end and I find it all a bit confusing. I feel the development of the husband Tim, the American Carla and the Mother are all a bit shallow. However, the character development of Helen and her brother Gareth are exceptional.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy waiting for the twist at the end of the story, but I personally only give it a 3 on 5 because I feel that the wait is too long and tedious.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
July 14, 2023
Book Review…The Insect House by Shirley Day
Some secrets just won’t stay buried.
This was an interesting read. The story is about siblings Helen and Gareth. Helen is a housewife who still lives in the family home in East Anglia; she is married to Tim and is taking care of her bedridden mother. When Gareth was 14 years old he disappeared and now 40 years old he is returning home.
It's a well written suspenseful story about family and secrets. The characters at times I didn't really care for but instead of making me want to put the book down it made me want to read more. There's only a handful of characters so you are able to get to know them pretty well. The pace was a little slow but I think it went well with the plot. It was entertaining to follow along as secrets were revealed! The twists were interesting, especially the last one! I was able to predict a few but the ending was a surprise! Overall it's an easy read and even though some of the characters were odd at times I liked them! Happy reading everyone!
Some secrets just won’t stay buried.
This was an interesting read. The story is about siblings Helen and Gareth. Helen is a housewife who still lives in the family home in East Anglia; she is married to Tim and is taking care of her bedridden mother. When Gareth was 14 years old he disappeared and now 40 years old he is returning home.
It's a well written suspenseful story about family and secrets. The characters at times I didn't really care for but instead of making me want to put the book down it made me want to read more. There's only a handful of characters so you are able to get to know them pretty well. The pace was a little slow but I think it went well with the plot. It was entertaining to follow along as secrets were revealed! The twists were interesting, especially the last one! I was able to predict a few but the ending was a surprise! Overall it's an easy read and even though some of the characters were odd at times I liked them! Happy reading everyone!
June 8, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed her writing skills that made the story pop. This is a well written story about family and secrets. A story where a brother and sister meet after years of being apart and what happens after you don't want to miss. I enjoyed how the author used details to bring life to the story. Her characters are not only connectable but also strong and supportive to each other. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed the growth of the plot and characters which made the story easy to read. I really enjoyed this story and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
June 7, 2022
This is the second book which I have read recently where I don't really like the characters however, you are drawn into the story because of this rather than being put off!! The fact that there are just 4/5 characters and it is set in a large farmhouse near the sea, gives the tale a kind of old fashioned Gothic feel about it - to me anyways and you are never too sure who is manipulating who and to what end. It is a strangely addictive read and somewhat different to the usual murder/mystery.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
June 18, 2022
Definitely a Goodread!
I loved the pace of this book and the way the story unravelled to reveal unexpected twists to the plot. It was easy to immerse yourself in Helen's life,as she dealt with her ailing mother,her errant husband and the return of her brother.She dealt with the domestic chores of everyday life ,while this undercurrent of fear gradually revealed the trauma of her,and her brother's, childhood. The last chapter was brief and needed a second reading to absorb fully the outcome of Gareth'sfuture
I loved the pace of this book and the way the story unravelled to reveal unexpected twists to the plot. It was easy to immerse yourself in Helen's life,as she dealt with her ailing mother,her errant husband and the return of her brother.She dealt with the domestic chores of everyday life ,while this undercurrent of fear gradually revealed the trauma of her,and her brother's, childhood. The last chapter was brief and needed a second reading to absorb fully the outcome of Gareth'sfuture
June 5, 2022
I was not sure as the book is quite slow paced. However, it is well written and intriguing. Helen still lives in the family home, looking after her bedridden mother - she is married to Tim. Her brother left when he was 14 and now 40 years later he is returning - all because a Rolex watch was found in the field next to the house - it was the priest's watch, and he disappeared about the same time as Gareth.
An excellent read with a few unexpected twists, especially right at the end.
An excellent read with a few unexpected twists, especially right at the end.
June 6, 2022
WoW I love the cover to this book called The Insect House by Shirley Day. Shirley is a new author to me and WoW what a brilliant book this was. I was hooked from the beginning till the end! I loved it.
Plus, I will be reading more books by Shirley which is a bonus.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the ARC
Plus, I will be reading more books by Shirley which is a bonus.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the ARC
June 8, 2022
Although this is slightly different to my usual fayre I really enjoyed this book. It had an almost gothic feel to it creating an atmosphere which gave the tale intrigue from the start. All in all a very enjoyable read.
June 9, 2022
First book I’ve read by this author. A really stunning book. It was a bit ‘wordy’ for me but that’s just a personal preference. Storyline flowed well and character development came along nicely. A definite recommend for your TBR list!
May 25, 2022
After an unconventional childhood Helen and Gareth end up parting company, whilst Helen stays home to care for their Mother, Gareth disappears off the face of the earth. When he returns home he still has his odd habit of capturing insects under glasses. This isn't the only odd thing about this couple and as things are revealed bit by bit a shocking past is revealed.
May 31, 2018
It took a while before I managed to get "into" the story and I admit I skipped some pages. However, once the characters are in place and the storyline enfolds, I just had to finish it.
This book is well written, the atmosphere in the house is captured very well, and the characters are believable. Helen, especially, is very interesting.
I waited with her in angst for her long lost brother to arrive, and this is where things take a very sudden and dark turn. Don't want to spoil the book so I will just say its worth it to bumble through the bushes to get to the garden so to speak.
As it is going to be made into a movie, I daresay it will be quite a hit.
You certainly don't expect things to turn out the way they do - the author slowly pulls the reader into the house, into the minds of Helen, Gareth, Tim and Carla. And slowly, very slowly, it all comes apart at the seams.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I review, or try to review, every book of fiction I read.
This book is well written, the atmosphere in the house is captured very well, and the characters are believable. Helen, especially, is very interesting.
I waited with her in angst for her long lost brother to arrive, and this is where things take a very sudden and dark turn. Don't want to spoil the book so I will just say its worth it to bumble through the bushes to get to the garden so to speak.
As it is going to be made into a movie, I daresay it will be quite a hit.
You certainly don't expect things to turn out the way they do - the author slowly pulls the reader into the house, into the minds of Helen, Gareth, Tim and Carla. And slowly, very slowly, it all comes apart at the seams.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I review, or try to review, every book of fiction I read.
May 16, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the Author and Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading this book.
August 9, 2022
What did I just read?
And why?
And why?
July 15, 2022
2.5 rounded up. This one was a strange little psychological family drama that I randomly picked out from my kindle unlimited recommendation list. We follow our main character Helen who is reunited with her estranged brother Gareth after forty years when he comes to stay with her and husband Tim for the weekend. Tim also has a guest staying at the house and the book basically just follows from everyone’s perspective over the two day period as resentments bubbles and secrets are revealed.
There were parts of this book I really enjoyed such as the complex relationships between all of the people in the house and feeling the tension build as the story progresses. I found also found Helen a really interesting and disturbing character to follow.
Unfortunately though I did feel that this one fell apart at the end for me. I just wanted so much more after all of the build up and even though there were a couple of interesting revelations but I just didn’t feel satisfied or like things were tied up well at all. I think if the twists and last couple of chapters would have been explained better and not rushed then the ending wouldn’t have been as anticlimactic.
There were parts of this book I really enjoyed such as the complex relationships between all of the people in the house and feeling the tension build as the story progresses. I found also found Helen a really interesting and disturbing character to follow.
Unfortunately though I did feel that this one fell apart at the end for me. I just wanted so much more after all of the build up and even though there were a couple of interesting revelations but I just didn’t feel satisfied or like things were tied up well at all. I think if the twists and last couple of chapters would have been explained better and not rushed then the ending wouldn’t have been as anticlimactic.
June 3, 2022
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
This was an interesting read. I wasn't really invested in any of the characters; in fact I found them quite obnoxious and unlikeable. Sayin that, it was good, rather unsettling at times and the setting added to the uncomfortable atmosphere generated by events in the book. It also dealt with some sensitive issues in a 'not pushed down your throat' way, which added to the awfulness because it was so matter of fact.
The revelations came slowly and the ending was unexpected.
I would read another book by this author.
This was an interesting read. I wasn't really invested in any of the characters; in fact I found them quite obnoxious and unlikeable. Sayin that, it was good, rather unsettling at times and the setting added to the uncomfortable atmosphere generated by events in the book. It also dealt with some sensitive issues in a 'not pushed down your throat' way, which added to the awfulness because it was so matter of fact.
The revelations came slowly and the ending was unexpected.
I would read another book by this author.
June 2, 2018
4.25 stars
A good build up of tension between an intimate set of characters.... leading you further forward (or further backwards) to reveal the secret that blew the family apart.
From quite early on the drip feed of clues gives you a good idea of what that secret Is,but throughout the book,it drips more and more,until you're looking at something quite different.
Brilliantly atmospheric,with a small cast of characters and a creepy crumbling house.
A good build up of tension between an intimate set of characters.... leading you further forward (or further backwards) to reveal the secret that blew the family apart.
From quite early on the drip feed of clues gives you a good idea of what that secret Is,but throughout the book,it drips more and more,until you're looking at something quite different.
Brilliantly atmospheric,with a small cast of characters and a creepy crumbling house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
This story comes out June 8, 2022, Paperback comes out May 25, 2022. This is a story of Helen and Gareth. Sister and brother. They story talks about the childhood of Helen and Gareth. Their mother and way the lived the way they garden. Gareth love of insects. Helen learning from her mother. The more they develop as teens you have to read to see details and how then really where. You will the learn the twist and answer to a murder. I hope you will enjoy this delightful story.
July 17, 2022
The Insect House by Shirley Day is a strange story with only two main characters and some smaller side characters playing supporting roles.
The main characters are brother, Gareth and his elder sister Helen. Gareth has reappeared after disappearing from home at 14, believing he has killed the priest guilty of sexually abusing his 15 year old sister and then having to take her to London to have an abortion.
It is a very strange, claustrophobic tale with a surprising ending.
The main characters are brother, Gareth and his elder sister Helen. Gareth has reappeared after disappearing from home at 14, believing he has killed the priest guilty of sexually abusing his 15 year old sister and then having to take her to London to have an abortion.
It is a very strange, claustrophobic tale with a surprising ending.
July 20, 2022
I'm not sure quite how I feel about this story. The writing was certainly good. I was really interested in following the arc of the story, and I guess by the end I really wanted a more concrete explanation or wrap-up, which didn't happen (at least to my own satisfaction).
August 5, 2022
Claustrophobic. Only 5 characters and one doesn’t speak and is barely there.
I did guess at part of the ‘big reveal’ before it was revealed but clever and you are not sure which way it will go.
Started off feeling sorry for Helen but that wore off and I disliked her more and more.
I did guess at part of the ‘big reveal’ before it was revealed but clever and you are not sure which way it will go.
Started off feeling sorry for Helen but that wore off and I disliked her more and more.
June 10, 2022
3 1/2 🌟
October 2, 2022
Who's to blame?
An engaging story that pulls you in with horror but, in the end, reveals a sad piece of family, and society's, history.
An engaging story that pulls you in with horror but, in the end, reveals a sad piece of family, and society's, history.
April 12, 2023
A clever and well-written debut that thoroughly absorbed me. Shirley Day has a great sense of what makes a story and her characterisation is second to none.
July 28, 2023
The ending was rushed and disappointing.
April 30, 2025
Slow, boring, more dramatic than suspenseful, full of unlikable characters and, top it all off, gratuitous animal cruelty. Nope, just no.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews