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Shadow Garden
A wealthy woman suspects something is off about the luxurious complex she lives in . . . and she is right, in this riveting domestic-suspense novel from international bestselling author Alexandra Burt.
Donna Pryor lives in the lap of luxury. She spends her days in a beautifully appointed condo. Her every whim is catered to by a dedicated staff, and she does not want for anything.
Except for news of her adult daughter.
Or an ex-husband who takes her calls.
Donna knows something is wrong, but she can't quite put her finger on it. As her life of privilege starts to feel more and more like a prison, the facade she has depended on begins to crumble. Somewhere in the ruins is the truth, and the closer Donna Pryor gets to it, the more likely it is to destroy her.
Donna Pryor lives in the lap of luxury. She spends her days in a beautifully appointed condo. Her every whim is catered to by a dedicated staff, and she does not want for anything.
Except for news of her adult daughter.
Or an ex-husband who takes her calls.
Donna knows something is wrong, but she can't quite put her finger on it. As her life of privilege starts to feel more and more like a prison, the facade she has depended on begins to crumble. Somewhere in the ruins is the truth, and the closer Donna Pryor gets to it, the more likely it is to destroy her.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2020
44 people are currently reading
3479 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Burt
11 books237 followersAlexandra Burt was born in a baroque German town in the East Hesse Highlands. She moved to Texas, married, and worked as a freelance translator. Determined to acknowledge the voice in the back of her head to break into literary translations, the union never panned out. She decided to tell her own stories. She currently resides in Central Texas.
Remember Mia is her first novel. Her second novel, The Good Daughter, was published in February 2017. Her third novel, Shadow Garden, is forthcoming in July, 2020. She is working on her fourth novel.
Remember Mia is her first novel. Her second novel, The Good Daughter, was published in February 2017. Her third novel, Shadow Garden, is forthcoming in July, 2020. She is working on her fourth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 12, 2020
After seeing that incredible and haunted cover and reading the surprisingly intriguing blurb gives us impression there is something mysterious and ominous about a house, I was so excited to read this book because as reverse psychological effect reading horror stories took out of my mind the madness and terrifying situation we’re dealing with. So I just hoped this book may give me getaway and entertain me with an eerie, spooky story but it didn’t…
The horrific, dark story I wished to read turned into dysfunctional family drama is told by mother, daughter and father. The mystery behind the story is so predictable and be solved in the beginning and abrupt, obvious and dissatisfying ending.
And the characters are so dislikable. There are so many pages needed to be edited or discarded ( I was about to pass out Donna’s long inner monologues about the mansion she lived before). There are so many unnecessary details and there are also blank parts about the back stories, motives and relationship dynamics of the characters. Three of them seem like just empty, soulless bodies with flat and boring attributes.
I hardly catch the story’s progression because it reminded me of driving a car at the wet, construction zone filled with bumps and pits. It was blurry, confusing. At some parts I lost my way and I wanted to call an Uber to take me back to my comfort zone (Then I remembered, I cannot do that because of social distancing so I’d better concentrate well and catch where I left.)
The story starts Edward’s driving to his wife Donna to a place named Shadow Garden which seems like special condo complex for wealthy people and designated a loyal staff for her.
After a tragic accident, Donna suffers from her injuries, trying to gather her strength to walk again and she seems like psychologically damaged, confused about relationship with her husband Edward who is wealthy, successful plastic surgeon. Donna is afraid of being trapped in Shadow Garden and her husband may cut his financial support at any second and she will be left penniless, estranged from her family. Even her own daughter stopped calling and contacting with her.
We realize that their 29 years old daughter Penelope suffers from sociopathic tendencies and we’re not sure the reasons behind her psychological disorder. Is it genetic or caused by traumatic experience? During the years we witnessed her wrongdoings starting from childhood stabbing her friend’s hand with a fork or implies about her involvement about disappearance of Gabriel who is found unconscious at the staples. We hardly have any clue why she keep doing things and even at her narration parts we couldn’t see how her mind works because her inner thoughts are evasive and clueless.
And Edward seems like cold, distanced and workaholic but we don’t get much clue about his dysfunctional relationship with his wife. There are so many arguments and fights between mother and daughter but those parts are also unrealistic and emotionless.
Overall: I barely finished and this story left bad taste at my mouth. This isn’t what I expected and I truly disappointed. I mostly try to be patient to find best attributes about a book not to be ruthless grader but unfortunately I haven’t found anything concrete to love or enjoy. So for a long time, I’m giving two stars to a book. I wish I could enjoy it just a little bit.
So much thanks to NetGalley And Berkley Publishing for sharing this ARC with me. I am truly sorry but this wasn’t my cup of tea.
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The horrific, dark story I wished to read turned into dysfunctional family drama is told by mother, daughter and father. The mystery behind the story is so predictable and be solved in the beginning and abrupt, obvious and dissatisfying ending.
And the characters are so dislikable. There are so many pages needed to be edited or discarded ( I was about to pass out Donna’s long inner monologues about the mansion she lived before). There are so many unnecessary details and there are also blank parts about the back stories, motives and relationship dynamics of the characters. Three of them seem like just empty, soulless bodies with flat and boring attributes.
I hardly catch the story’s progression because it reminded me of driving a car at the wet, construction zone filled with bumps and pits. It was blurry, confusing. At some parts I lost my way and I wanted to call an Uber to take me back to my comfort zone (Then I remembered, I cannot do that because of social distancing so I’d better concentrate well and catch where I left.)
The story starts Edward’s driving to his wife Donna to a place named Shadow Garden which seems like special condo complex for wealthy people and designated a loyal staff for her.
After a tragic accident, Donna suffers from her injuries, trying to gather her strength to walk again and she seems like psychologically damaged, confused about relationship with her husband Edward who is wealthy, successful plastic surgeon. Donna is afraid of being trapped in Shadow Garden and her husband may cut his financial support at any second and she will be left penniless, estranged from her family. Even her own daughter stopped calling and contacting with her.
We realize that their 29 years old daughter Penelope suffers from sociopathic tendencies and we’re not sure the reasons behind her psychological disorder. Is it genetic or caused by traumatic experience? During the years we witnessed her wrongdoings starting from childhood stabbing her friend’s hand with a fork or implies about her involvement about disappearance of Gabriel who is found unconscious at the staples. We hardly have any clue why she keep doing things and even at her narration parts we couldn’t see how her mind works because her inner thoughts are evasive and clueless.
And Edward seems like cold, distanced and workaholic but we don’t get much clue about his dysfunctional relationship with his wife. There are so many arguments and fights between mother and daughter but those parts are also unrealistic and emotionless.
Overall: I barely finished and this story left bad taste at my mouth. This isn’t what I expected and I truly disappointed. I mostly try to be patient to find best attributes about a book not to be ruthless grader but unfortunately I haven’t found anything concrete to love or enjoy. So for a long time, I’m giving two stars to a book. I wish I could enjoy it just a little bit.
So much thanks to NetGalley And Berkley Publishing for sharing this ARC with me. I am truly sorry but this wasn’t my cup of tea.
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June 16, 2020
Alexandra Burt writes a strangely uneasy and chilling blend of family drama and literary psychological thriller, focusing on a wealthy and privileged dysfunctional family where nothing is as it appears. Edward is a plastic surgeon, married to Donna, with one child, their troubled and problematic daughter, Penelope. Edward has organised the injured Donna's stay in the lap of luxury at the Shadow Garden, where her every want and need is catered for by a dedicated staff, but what exactly is the Shadow Garden? Donna can feel something is not exactly right, she has no memories of the accident that befell her, her ex-husband Edward is refusing to take her calls and she has no news of her daughter, Penelope. In a slow burn of a read, there is confusion and ambiguity in a story that shifts from the past and present, we learn more about each family member, related through the perspectives of Donna, Edward and Penelope, as the novel works up to circumstances that lie behind Donna's arrival at the Shadow Garden. Just what is the truth that lies behind the Pryor family?
Burt's storytelling is well constructed, beautifully written with rich descriptions and details, and a psychologically insightful examination of Donna's mental state. However, it is not going to be a book for everyone, it will be far too slow moving for some, and the ambiguity and apparent confusion may well put off others. This is a hauntingly disturbing, tragic and emotionally nerve wracking read, with some surprising twists, so oddly compulsive, it had me feeling a rising sense of anxiety. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Burt's storytelling is well constructed, beautifully written with rich descriptions and details, and a psychologically insightful examination of Donna's mental state. However, it is not going to be a book for everyone, it will be far too slow moving for some, and the ambiguity and apparent confusion may well put off others. This is a hauntingly disturbing, tragic and emotionally nerve wracking read, with some surprising twists, so oddly compulsive, it had me feeling a rising sense of anxiety. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
January 8, 2025
A compulsively readable novel of Domestic Suspense!
Shadow Garden opens with our protagonist, Donna Pryor, introducing the Reader to the mysterious Shadow Garden property.
A living community that feels more like a fortress than a home. It's where wealthy people go when no one else wants them. Unfortunately, it is where Donna's estranged husband has put her. She feels abandoned by her family and confused.
Her husband Edward, although they are not divorced, is no longer taking her calls and she hasn't heard from her adult daughter, Penelope, in months.
She does have her dedicated housekeeper, Marleen, but that's a small conciliation prize when one is missing their family.
Donna begins to feel like something isn't right at Shadow Garden. What are these pills Marleen keeps giving her? Why won't Edward or Penelope talk to her?
She feels like maybe they are mad at her, but she can't recall why. Her life feels like a giant black hole of distant memories, one she is slowly sinking into.
Following three different perspectives: Donna, Edward and Penelope, this novel pieces together the story of their life and their downfall.
I found this story so addicting. While not the most believable plot, there was still something about it that kept me glued to the pages.
It sort of felt like reading a Lifetime movie. It's not going to win any awards, but it's definitely an entertaining way to spend an afternoon!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me a copy of this read and review. I truly appreciate the opportunity to provide my opinion!
Shadow Garden opens with our protagonist, Donna Pryor, introducing the Reader to the mysterious Shadow Garden property.
A living community that feels more like a fortress than a home. It's where wealthy people go when no one else wants them. Unfortunately, it is where Donna's estranged husband has put her. She feels abandoned by her family and confused.
Her husband Edward, although they are not divorced, is no longer taking her calls and she hasn't heard from her adult daughter, Penelope, in months.
She does have her dedicated housekeeper, Marleen, but that's a small conciliation prize when one is missing their family.
Donna begins to feel like something isn't right at Shadow Garden. What are these pills Marleen keeps giving her? Why won't Edward or Penelope talk to her?
She feels like maybe they are mad at her, but she can't recall why. Her life feels like a giant black hole of distant memories, one she is slowly sinking into.
Following three different perspectives: Donna, Edward and Penelope, this novel pieces together the story of their life and their downfall.
I found this story so addicting. While not the most believable plot, there was still something about it that kept me glued to the pages.
It sort of felt like reading a Lifetime movie. It's not going to win any awards, but it's definitely an entertaining way to spend an afternoon!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me a copy of this read and review. I truly appreciate the opportunity to provide my opinion!
July 27, 2020
Shadow Garden is my first book by Alexandra Burt, and I had fun with it. Such a captivating storyline.
Donna is living in fancy schmancy condo complex with staff and all the luxuries she can afford. The thing is Donna misses her daughter and even communication with her exhusband.
Something is off, but what is it?
Shadow Garden is a well-told suspenseful story with an original premise. The tables started to turn and I began to question if Donna was a reliable narrator. There were so many twists, and in many ways, the story was like a train wreck I couldn’t stop reading.
How maddening it would be to feel trapped in your own home and afraid. There are several puzzle pieces to analyze and put together, and you’ll just have to see how you feel about this dark, intense story. Alexandra Burt is a captivating storyteller!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Donna is living in fancy schmancy condo complex with staff and all the luxuries she can afford. The thing is Donna misses her daughter and even communication with her exhusband.
Something is off, but what is it?
Shadow Garden is a well-told suspenseful story with an original premise. The tables started to turn and I began to question if Donna was a reliable narrator. There were so many twists, and in many ways, the story was like a train wreck I couldn’t stop reading.
How maddening it would be to feel trapped in your own home and afraid. There are several puzzle pieces to analyze and put together, and you’ll just have to see how you feel about this dark, intense story. Alexandra Burt is a captivating storyteller!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 19, 2020
I thought this story had potential but needed some work. In the first half of the book you meet the main character Donna - a middle aged woman married to Edward, a plastic surgeon, and the mother of Penelope aged around 29. Donna appears to have been ‘sent’ to live at Shadow Garden. We are not told what this place is but from the context I guessed it was some sort of very up-market care home for wealthy people who were either infirm or loony tunes. Edward seems about to ‘have a moment’ and Penelope seems, well, difficult, troubled, a danger to herself and others.
It was a chore to get to that point. The story was not easy to follow. The time lines were all over the place with no explanation and there was sooo much detail about Donna’s perfect mansion (that she no longer lived in) and her former, perfectly curated life . I couldn’t help thinking who the heck cares? Who cares about the hand crafted chandelier imported from Italy and on and on and on. By the halfway point I had guessed what was up with Penelope and what Donna’s condition was. There was obviously some tragedy that was going to be revealed but it was like pulling teeth. The name of the care home - Shadow Garden - may have been a good title for a somewhat creepy novel but this wasn’t creepy and I thought the name would be awful for a real place. I thought there was a lot of confected drama, call it melodrama and because the story centred around an ultra wealthy family with seemingly unlimited resources it seemed to have no resonance with real life, real people, real problems and certainly not me. I did not enjoy reading this. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of the book for an honest review.
It was a chore to get to that point. The story was not easy to follow. The time lines were all over the place with no explanation and there was sooo much detail about Donna’s perfect mansion (that she no longer lived in) and her former, perfectly curated life . I couldn’t help thinking who the heck cares? Who cares about the hand crafted chandelier imported from Italy and on and on and on. By the halfway point I had guessed what was up with Penelope and what Donna’s condition was. There was obviously some tragedy that was going to be revealed but it was like pulling teeth. The name of the care home - Shadow Garden - may have been a good title for a somewhat creepy novel but this wasn’t creepy and I thought the name would be awful for a real place. I thought there was a lot of confected drama, call it melodrama and because the story centred around an ultra wealthy family with seemingly unlimited resources it seemed to have no resonance with real life, real people, real problems and certainly not me. I did not enjoy reading this. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of the book for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. This dark dysfunctional family drama centers around mother Donna living at an opulent place called Shadow Garden. Her husband Edward ignores her, and she wishes her daughter Penelope would call. Something is off, but Donna can't figure out what.
Though I was intrigued by the blurb, I had a hard time staying interested in the story. I found it too wordy, and the characters were flat and unlikable. A lot of abrupt timeline changes made the book hard to follow. In the end, I felt like I missed the reasoning behind the characters' behaviors. I suspected what was going from the beginning, and unfortunately there were no big twists that surprised me.
Though I was intrigued by the blurb, I had a hard time staying interested in the story. I found it too wordy, and the characters were flat and unlikable. A lot of abrupt timeline changes made the book hard to follow. In the end, I felt like I missed the reasoning behind the characters' behaviors. I suspected what was going from the beginning, and unfortunately there were no big twists that surprised me.
July 23, 2020
The marketing department for this book needs a swift kick in the behind. Pay no attention to the blurb, cover, or title, this is not the domestic horror you're led to expect.
Shadow Garden, while the place where our story begins, is far from the focus of the story. Instead, it's the family of Donna Pryor that sits centre stage, and the event that took place that changed everything. The writing was fine, I made it the whole way through the book, but the characters needed more to them than the outlines we were given, and the central mystery wasn't something I'd expect most readers to find hard to see coming.
It's not that this is necessarily a bad book. Maybe I'm judging it too harshly because I felt the sting of the bait-and-switch of that gorgeous cover and enticing synopsis. I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who will enjoy it, but in that case you'd first have to market it to those people. Instead, I'm left disappointed (and far from the only reader to be), and trying to write a negative review when I don't think it's the author's fault at all (the ending could use some pruning, but that's on the editors). Bah. Humbug.
Any suggestions for creepy sanitarium/resort/convalescence stories would be gratefully received in the comments!
Shadow Garden, while the place where our story begins, is far from the focus of the story. Instead, it's the family of Donna Pryor that sits centre stage, and the event that took place that changed everything. The writing was fine, I made it the whole way through the book, but the characters needed more to them than the outlines we were given, and the central mystery wasn't something I'd expect most readers to find hard to see coming.
It's not that this is necessarily a bad book. Maybe I'm judging it too harshly because I felt the sting of the bait-and-switch of that gorgeous cover and enticing synopsis. I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who will enjoy it, but in that case you'd first have to market it to those people. Instead, I'm left disappointed (and far from the only reader to be), and trying to write a negative review when I don't think it's the author's fault at all (the ending could use some pruning, but that's on the editors). Bah. Humbug.
Any suggestions for creepy sanitarium/resort/convalescence stories would be gratefully received in the comments!
May 31, 2020
Wow. Amazing imagination and creativity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The great thing about a psychological story is that it takes you quite a while to actually realize that your mind is being manipulated along with the story.
You never really know who is telling the truth as you go along. In this particular story we have three main characters and two sub characters and we hear from all of them at one time or another.
Everyone in the story has an issue and it’s up to us to try to figure out what’s the truth, who’s telling the factual story, or is it all just bits and pieces pasted together.
Burt does a fabulous job with her pacing and character development. The main characters are ones that you almost love to hate. You’re transported right to their house and get involved with all of the minutia and oddities.
The story itself seems innocuous and as it ramps up then you realize just how much each piece builds upon another throughout the entire story.
Subtle manipulation of the reader and the characters help to wind the story to surprise twists and an imaginative ending. Definitely a read for those who love the psychological mind manipulation of a great storyteller!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/shadow-garde...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The great thing about a psychological story is that it takes you quite a while to actually realize that your mind is being manipulated along with the story.
You never really know who is telling the truth as you go along. In this particular story we have three main characters and two sub characters and we hear from all of them at one time or another.
Everyone in the story has an issue and it’s up to us to try to figure out what’s the truth, who’s telling the factual story, or is it all just bits and pieces pasted together.
Burt does a fabulous job with her pacing and character development. The main characters are ones that you almost love to hate. You’re transported right to their house and get involved with all of the minutia and oddities.
The story itself seems innocuous and as it ramps up then you realize just how much each piece builds upon another throughout the entire story.
Subtle manipulation of the reader and the characters help to wind the story to surprise twists and an imaginative ending. Definitely a read for those who love the psychological mind manipulation of a great storyteller!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/shadow-garde...
June 22, 2020
Dark, intense and filled with characters who are completely unlikable, save for the most obvious victim of this extremely dysfunctional family. SHADOW GARDEN by Alexandra Burt took three main characters down a thorny path of mental and emotional handicaps, selfishness and completely twisted them into all the worst that humanity has to offer. Lies, deceit, the need for false fronts and appearances, nasty stuff spotlight this book and sucked the life out of any chance these characters had to redeem themselves in my eyes.
The plot isn’t new, just darker, often vague beyond mysterious and I had the feeling there was such a need for shock factor after shock factor, that nothing became fully developed. As much as I love a twisted tale, I just don’t think this one was for me, although this is proof that some people are just too self-absorbed to have offspring.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Berkley (July 21, 2020)
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: Suspense
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
The plot isn’t new, just darker, often vague beyond mysterious and I had the feeling there was such a need for shock factor after shock factor, that nothing became fully developed. As much as I love a twisted tale, I just don’t think this one was for me, although this is proof that some people are just too self-absorbed to have offspring.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Berkley (July 21, 2020)
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: Suspense
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 19, 2020
I have very mixed emotions about this one - and at the ending the feeling was tremendous sadness. Now if only I could explain why.
When you put two psychologically flawed grown-ups together - in this case husband-and-wife Edward and Donna Pryor - then throw in a child who is so messed up that several times I thought about calling our daughter just to tell her how much I love her - it's a guaranteed disaster. The only question is how much more damage will be done and who will suffer the most.
Chapter switching, not only from perspectives but time frames, makes the story a little harder to follow. But it also allows for a more in-depth look at what is happening now and in the past, and the slower "reveals" kept me reading even when I had other things that needed done (just one more minute and I'll start dinner, honey - I promise).
As the story begins, Donna is living a want-for-nothing life in Shadow Garden, complete with housekeeper/personal assistant. But her surgeon husband, Edward, doesn't live there with her, nor does their grown daughter Penelope. When she tries to call Edward, he doesn't answer; she hasn't seen or heard from Penelope in ages and has no clue where she is. Each day, Donna grows more restless and fearful that something bad has happened that everyone is trying to keep from her. On top of that, she has trouble getting around - the result of a serious hip injury that she can't recall.
Frustrated and angry,m Donna decides to take the bull by the horns, figuratively speaking, to find out for herself what her husband has been hiding. Interspersed are flashback chapters that gradually reveal what really happened to all three, how Donna came to live where she does and why she thinks what she thinks. All of this leaves readers (or at least me) to wonder which of the three bears the most blame and doubt whether any of them ever stood a chance of normalcy. Suffice it to say this is not a pretty story and the ending, as mentioned earlier, inexplicably left me in tears. That said, the whole thing kept me hooked all the way through. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy.
When you put two psychologically flawed grown-ups together - in this case husband-and-wife Edward and Donna Pryor - then throw in a child who is so messed up that several times I thought about calling our daughter just to tell her how much I love her - it's a guaranteed disaster. The only question is how much more damage will be done and who will suffer the most.
Chapter switching, not only from perspectives but time frames, makes the story a little harder to follow. But it also allows for a more in-depth look at what is happening now and in the past, and the slower "reveals" kept me reading even when I had other things that needed done (just one more minute and I'll start dinner, honey - I promise).
As the story begins, Donna is living a want-for-nothing life in Shadow Garden, complete with housekeeper/personal assistant. But her surgeon husband, Edward, doesn't live there with her, nor does their grown daughter Penelope. When she tries to call Edward, he doesn't answer; she hasn't seen or heard from Penelope in ages and has no clue where she is. Each day, Donna grows more restless and fearful that something bad has happened that everyone is trying to keep from her. On top of that, she has trouble getting around - the result of a serious hip injury that she can't recall.
Frustrated and angry,m Donna decides to take the bull by the horns, figuratively speaking, to find out for herself what her husband has been hiding. Interspersed are flashback chapters that gradually reveal what really happened to all three, how Donna came to live where she does and why she thinks what she thinks. All of this leaves readers (or at least me) to wonder which of the three bears the most blame and doubt whether any of them ever stood a chance of normalcy. Suffice it to say this is not a pretty story and the ending, as mentioned earlier, inexplicably left me in tears. That said, the whole thing kept me hooked all the way through. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy.
July 9, 2020
Not a bad book by any means, but utterly predictable. This book would definitely vibe better with less seasoned domestic thriller fans.
July 11, 2020
A thought-provoking study of the unraveling of an American family. They have it all: the plastic surgery career, the house, the socialite wife, the brilliant daughter. Yet, wife Donna finds herself neatly separated from her suburban home and her family with only a maid for company. Why doesn't her daughter Penelope ever call or visit? Why does husband Edward stop calling? Has he divorced her?
This chilling new thriller is a bit of a sleeper, but packs a punch. The Dante quotes and Trojan War references bring to mind a feel much like "The Silent Patient." The reading guide at the end lends clarity and illustrates what a great book group selection this could be. I would recommend it heartily.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
This chilling new thriller is a bit of a sleeper, but packs a punch. The Dante quotes and Trojan War references bring to mind a feel much like "The Silent Patient." The reading guide at the end lends clarity and illustrates what a great book group selection this could be. I would recommend it heartily.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2020
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Shadow Garden
By: Alexandra Burt
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Donna, Edward and Penelope are an American family just living the dream. Actually, it's more accurate to say they are living a dysfunctional nightmare. Edward is a plastic surgeon, and the family are affluent show offs. Donna is the comfortable wife who spends her days in luxury and planning perfection for her family. Their is definitely an obsession with wealth and staging every little thing because anything less than perfect is unacceptable. Penelope is the seriously troubled daughter who gets swept under the rug because her true behavior is bad for the image Donna has created. But, now, Donna lives in a place called Shadow Garden, recovering from a surgery she doesn't remember, with no husband and no daughter. They don't answer calls or visit, and Donna has no clue why. How did she end up here alone? Donna is still living an opulent life in this place. Told through three perspectives, Edward, Donna and Penelope, we learn a little bit at the time how and what is happening. The characters are not likeable or reliable. The narrative is slow and a disjointed mess. Donna is also a disjointed mess, and I think the style of story telling mirrors her mindset. As readers, we are confused by multiple voices and a timeline that skips around with no clear explanation. I know some people will dislike the pace and confusion because it's not for everyone. I liked the whole psychological, twisted baffling mystery all the way to the shocking but satisfying end. Try this book and I think you might like it, but you must give it a chance!
Shadow Garden
By: Alexandra Burt
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Donna, Edward and Penelope are an American family just living the dream. Actually, it's more accurate to say they are living a dysfunctional nightmare. Edward is a plastic surgeon, and the family are affluent show offs. Donna is the comfortable wife who spends her days in luxury and planning perfection for her family. Their is definitely an obsession with wealth and staging every little thing because anything less than perfect is unacceptable. Penelope is the seriously troubled daughter who gets swept under the rug because her true behavior is bad for the image Donna has created. But, now, Donna lives in a place called Shadow Garden, recovering from a surgery she doesn't remember, with no husband and no daughter. They don't answer calls or visit, and Donna has no clue why. How did she end up here alone? Donna is still living an opulent life in this place. Told through three perspectives, Edward, Donna and Penelope, we learn a little bit at the time how and what is happening. The characters are not likeable or reliable. The narrative is slow and a disjointed mess. Donna is also a disjointed mess, and I think the style of story telling mirrors her mindset. As readers, we are confused by multiple voices and a timeline that skips around with no clear explanation. I know some people will dislike the pace and confusion because it's not for everyone. I liked the whole psychological, twisted baffling mystery all the way to the shocking but satisfying end. Try this book and I think you might like it, but you must give it a chance!
May 30, 2020
A troubled daughter.
An injured mother looking for answers.
And a father trying to bury it all.
There is a lot going on in this book, and I'll be frank, I wasn't sure what the overall direction was at times. But ultimately, it comes down to uncovering the truth.
What happened to Penelope (the daughter)?
How did Donna (the mother) get injured?
This story is told from POVs of the 3 main characters, Donna, Penelope and Edward, with timelines in the past and present. The pacing of the story is slow at first as the author lays out the basic background on each character, which eventually evolves to the truths about what happened to each one specific night. While this part of the story was gripping, I felt the author didn't prepare me enough for why things went wrong. Specifically, I really wanted to know more about Penelope and what made her act the way she did. Is she psychotic? Or just in desperate need for attention?
What I do know is how hard Penelope made things for her parents, and how each reacted to her mistakes, said a lot about them.
Overall, I liked the bones of this story, but the alternating timelines felt disjointed at times, simply adding the date to each chapter would have helped make this an easier one to follow.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
An injured mother looking for answers.
And a father trying to bury it all.
There is a lot going on in this book, and I'll be frank, I wasn't sure what the overall direction was at times. But ultimately, it comes down to uncovering the truth.
What happened to Penelope (the daughter)?
How did Donna (the mother) get injured?
This story is told from POVs of the 3 main characters, Donna, Penelope and Edward, with timelines in the past and present. The pacing of the story is slow at first as the author lays out the basic background on each character, which eventually evolves to the truths about what happened to each one specific night. While this part of the story was gripping, I felt the author didn't prepare me enough for why things went wrong. Specifically, I really wanted to know more about Penelope and what made her act the way she did. Is she psychotic? Or just in desperate need for attention?
What I do know is how hard Penelope made things for her parents, and how each reacted to her mistakes, said a lot about them.
Overall, I liked the bones of this story, but the alternating timelines felt disjointed at times, simply adding the date to each chapter would have helped make this an easier one to follow.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
August 31, 2020
If you are looking for a page turner, this isn't it. However, the story did flow nicely, but it's more of a deep dive into the heads of three people. You meet dad, Edward, mom, Donna, and their daughter, Penelope. Dad has issues, mom has issues, and guess what? Penelope has issues. I did enjoy the alternating chapters and perspectives from each of their point of view. Where I found the story lacking was Penelope's story. What made her think and do what she did? The author never really explored that. I'd like to thank the Berkley marketing team at Penguin Random House for sending me this one.
July 21, 2020
Donna is living at Shadow Garden and the reasons why are complicated. It is a beautiful place but is it a place for her to get better or a place where the wealthy are sent when they are no longer wanted. Her husband Edward doesn't return her calls and she doesn't know how to reach her daughter Penelope. Edward has arranged everything from hiring Marleen, a housekeeper for Donna, to sending her belongings and coordinating her medical care. Donna's hip, broken in an accident is healing, but her mind is another story.
Shadow Garden is told mainly from Donna's perspective, though Edward and Penelope chime in with insights into this family's past and present. The writing seemed scattered, but it is a picture of Donna's mind. One minute she is confused about why she is at Shadow Garden and not at home at Hawthorne Court. The next she is a young wife and mother in Florida. Her thoughts don't flow in an orderly progression, so she is unable to share her story in a way that will make perfect sense to a reader. In her mind, she created a perfect home for her family, though this facade, like much that Donna shares are questionable at best.
While I didn't like Donna or Edward, it seemed that it was their daughter who suffered the most. I don't want to enter spoiler territory, but the life Donna created was largely based on smoke and mirrors, and Edward's time and attention were focused on his career, not his family. No one was willing to see what was right in front of them until it was too late, and even those decisions are flawed and self-centered.
Shadow Garden was divided into three sections: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. While this started strong for me, I lost a little interest in the second section and was rather ambivalent about how it ended. I didn't see all of the twists and turns coming and the mystery surrounding Donna was intriguing. I just wished I had felt more connected to these characters, though perhaps that was the point. There often aren't any easy answers to why people do the things they do, and I didn't read the last page thinking I had figured out all of their motivations. 3.5 stars.
Shadow Garden is told mainly from Donna's perspective, though Edward and Penelope chime in with insights into this family's past and present. The writing seemed scattered, but it is a picture of Donna's mind. One minute she is confused about why she is at Shadow Garden and not at home at Hawthorne Court. The next she is a young wife and mother in Florida. Her thoughts don't flow in an orderly progression, so she is unable to share her story in a way that will make perfect sense to a reader. In her mind, she created a perfect home for her family, though this facade, like much that Donna shares are questionable at best.
While I didn't like Donna or Edward, it seemed that it was their daughter who suffered the most. I don't want to enter spoiler territory, but the life Donna created was largely based on smoke and mirrors, and Edward's time and attention were focused on his career, not his family. No one was willing to see what was right in front of them until it was too late, and even those decisions are flawed and self-centered.
Shadow Garden was divided into three sections: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. While this started strong for me, I lost a little interest in the second section and was rather ambivalent about how it ended. I didn't see all of the twists and turns coming and the mystery surrounding Donna was intriguing. I just wished I had felt more connected to these characters, though perhaps that was the point. There often aren't any easy answers to why people do the things they do, and I didn't read the last page thinking I had figured out all of their motivations. 3.5 stars.
July 14, 2020
2.5 stars, rounded down.
I waffled a bit on my rating. Some parts are 2 stars, some are 3, so I went with a middle ground.
There are one or two clever twists, but overall I didn't find the story very believable and the twists (especially the one at the end) just weren't fleshed out enough to give the impact that they could have. I think what didn't work for me overall was that it was mostly a story of telling, not showing. I pretty much called what was going on from the beginning (or at least partially) so the "mystery" of why Donna was at Shadow Garden wasn't really that much of a mystery. The flow is disjointed with going back and forth between both past and present and between the three characters. I never got a real sense of Penelope and her motivations, although they are spelled out, it just didn't fit within the overall narrative.
This trope has been done much better in other books, so this one is just ok. If it weren't for the ending, I would have been much more disappointed. I think that this author's writing style just doesn't work for me (see my review for The Good Daughter )
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I waffled a bit on my rating. Some parts are 2 stars, some are 3, so I went with a middle ground.
There are one or two clever twists, but overall I didn't find the story very believable and the twists (especially the one at the end) just weren't fleshed out enough to give the impact that they could have. I think what didn't work for me overall was that it was mostly a story of telling, not showing. I pretty much called what was going on from the beginning (or at least partially) so the "mystery" of why Donna was at Shadow Garden wasn't really that much of a mystery. The flow is disjointed with going back and forth between both past and present and between the three characters. I never got a real sense of Penelope and her motivations, although they are spelled out, it just didn't fit within the overall narrative.
This trope has been done much better in other books, so this one is just ok. If it weren't for the ending, I would have been much more disappointed. I think that this author's writing style just doesn't work for me (see my review for The Good Daughter )
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
July 21, 2020
3 1/2 stars...
Shadow Garden is the story of Donna. On the outside, Donna appears to have it all. Her husband is a wealthy plastic surgeon, they have a daughter and a stunning mansion for a home. But looks can definitely be deceiving and Donna's life is anything but perfect.
As the story starts, Donna is residing at Shadow Garden. She is upset that neither her husband or daughter have reached out to her or returned her calls. She feels as if something is missing but can't exactly put her finger on what it is.
The book tells the story from three perspectives: Donna, Edward (her husband) and Penelope (their daughter). It also goes back and forth in time so that you understand how the characters ended up where they are now. Things slowly unfold and the mysteries are revealed a little at a time.
I enjoyed the book. It moved a bit slowly for me initially, but did draw me in more as the story went on. I didn't find the shocks to be huge. By the time we got to them, I usually had them figured out. However, I still felt that this was a good family drama type suspense. It definitely demonstrates how difficult parenthood can be and the consequences of our decisions, especially over time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC. The opinions contained within this review are my own.
Shadow Garden is the story of Donna. On the outside, Donna appears to have it all. Her husband is a wealthy plastic surgeon, they have a daughter and a stunning mansion for a home. But looks can definitely be deceiving and Donna's life is anything but perfect.
As the story starts, Donna is residing at Shadow Garden. She is upset that neither her husband or daughter have reached out to her or returned her calls. She feels as if something is missing but can't exactly put her finger on what it is.
The book tells the story from three perspectives: Donna, Edward (her husband) and Penelope (their daughter). It also goes back and forth in time so that you understand how the characters ended up where they are now. Things slowly unfold and the mysteries are revealed a little at a time.
I enjoyed the book. It moved a bit slowly for me initially, but did draw me in more as the story went on. I didn't find the shocks to be huge. By the time we got to them, I usually had them figured out. However, I still felt that this was a good family drama type suspense. It definitely demonstrates how difficult parenthood can be and the consequences of our decisions, especially over time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC. The opinions contained within this review are my own.
August 9, 2020
After a terrible accident, Donna Pryer is sent to recuperate at Shadow Garden. It’s a place for the wealthy to be taken care of and pampered. She’s been there for several months, but has had no word from her ex-husband or her adult daughter. It’s as if they just abandoned her. Donna tries her best to find out what’s going on, but with no one to turn to, she’s not very successful.
It took some time for me to get into this book. I was a bit confused at first. The book went back and forth from present to past. As I kept reading, each chapter gave the reader more insight into what was actually happening. It was slow in some parts, but the author has a way of grabbing your attention with little tidbits to whet your appetite.
I didn’t particularly find the characters likeable, but I couldn’t stop reading. It is an intriguing tale. I wanted to know what what was going on and why. I did start to put a few things together, but eventually it all came together by the end of the book. A very captivating book, but difficult to review as I didn’t want to give anything away.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It took some time for me to get into this book. I was a bit confused at first. The book went back and forth from present to past. As I kept reading, each chapter gave the reader more insight into what was actually happening. It was slow in some parts, but the author has a way of grabbing your attention with little tidbits to whet your appetite.
I didn’t particularly find the characters likeable, but I couldn’t stop reading. It is an intriguing tale. I wanted to know what what was going on and why. I did start to put a few things together, but eventually it all came together by the end of the book. A very captivating book, but difficult to review as I didn’t want to give anything away.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2022
The back of this book lied in so many ways! ☹️ this is not the "haunting," "gothic" story I was expecting but rather a convoluted family drama with underdeveloped themes.
There were tons of timeline and "flashback" jumps that were so poorly written, I struggled to orient myself within the story. There were even a few times that I started to doubt this was a contemporary story and was double checking storygraph to see if it was a historical fiction.
The characters were all wholly unlikeable as well as flat, I never felt any emotion coming from them nor connection to them. Also, if you've read at least one (1) thriller ever, you will be able to predict all of the big ~twists~ by the end of the first chapter.
There were tons of timeline and "flashback" jumps that were so poorly written, I struggled to orient myself within the story. There were even a few times that I started to doubt this was a contemporary story and was double checking storygraph to see if it was a historical fiction.
The characters were all wholly unlikeable as well as flat, I never felt any emotion coming from them nor connection to them. Also, if you've read at least one (1) thriller ever, you will be able to predict all of the big ~twists~ by the end of the first chapter.
June 27, 2020
A psychological thriller/dysfunctional family drama. Well written messed up characters; a father, mother, and daughter, none likable. The story, told from the three perspectives, is kind of slow moving, jumps around in time, and is a bit hard to follow due to the mother’s confusion and memory loss. A tragic, emotional, disturbing read. A bit more background into the daughter’s condition would have been helpful.
May 5, 2021
While atmospheric, this book moves very slowly.
It's also not really a domestic thriller.
It's a tragedy.
The book is incredibly sad. I found myself so sorry for all of the characters.
My personal tastes are for a book that's faster paced with more that simply...happens?
But it did make me very, very sad.
It's also not really a domestic thriller.
It's a tragedy.
The book is incredibly sad. I found myself so sorry for all of the characters.
My personal tastes are for a book that's faster paced with more that simply...happens?
But it did make me very, very sad.
March 19, 2020
Alexandra Burt's latest is a haunted and haunting read, rendered with her usual gift for psychological detail in stunningly atmospheric prose. In the gothic tradition of Rebecca, The Yellow Wallpaper, and The Bad Seed, SHADOW GARDEN plunges readers into a clammy, chilly fog on every page.
I won't soon forget the ending, and neither will you.
I won't soon forget the ending, and neither will you.
March 30, 2020
4-5 stars, my first but not my last Alexandra Burt book! I thought this was so well written, gripping from the start, but why I couldn’t say 5 solid stars is it’s a bit confusing at parts. Overall, it’s a very intense, chilling, twisted story that really kept me engaged and yearning for more. I did find some parts a bit confusing, since it seemed to time jump without explanation, and also a bit slow in middle, but glad I finished, as I did enjoy it and find it quite chilling and thrilling! Preorder today, as it’s not one you want to miss! Suspense, twisty, chilling, and shocking!
Will make sure I buzz it up on all the different platforms!
Will make sure I buzz it up on all the different platforms!
April 25, 2020
✨Book Review✨
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•SHADOW GARDEN• by Alexandra Burt
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This story centers around the Pryor family. Donna, Edward and Penelope. Edward is a surgeon, Donna is a perfect socialite wife. Penelope is their only child and she has always been.... different. .
The story begins with Edward dropping Donna off at Shadow Garden, a beautiful, luxurious community. There, she has a staff to cater to her every desire as she heals from an injury. .
While she is there, she hears whispers, she sees staff creeping around in the shadows, notices strange objects in her condo. She begins to distrust her assistant. Her husband and daughter refuse to answer her calls. .
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I don’t want to give too much away, but this one held several surprises for me. I really wanted to figure out what happened. It was suspenseful, mysterious and tragic.
.
✨Due out July 21, 2020✨
.
•SHADOW GARDEN• by Alexandra Burt
.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
This story centers around the Pryor family. Donna, Edward and Penelope. Edward is a surgeon, Donna is a perfect socialite wife. Penelope is their only child and she has always been.... different. .
The story begins with Edward dropping Donna off at Shadow Garden, a beautiful, luxurious community. There, she has a staff to cater to her every desire as she heals from an injury. .
While she is there, she hears whispers, she sees staff creeping around in the shadows, notices strange objects in her condo. She begins to distrust her assistant. Her husband and daughter refuse to answer her calls. .
.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this one held several surprises for me. I really wanted to figure out what happened. It was suspenseful, mysterious and tragic.
.
✨Due out July 21, 2020✨
April 14, 2020
Shadow Garden by Alexandra Burt. The story was disjointed, difficult to follow the different POVs. The timelines were ambiguous. Could not engage with characters and was uncomfortable being in Donna's "head".
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
September 20, 2020
The cover and title for this one caught my eye immediately. That cover is absolutely haunting, and with a title like Shadow Garden, I thought it just about had to be a doozy of a read. So, I checked out the blurb and went for it. And I realized pretty quickly that what I expected and what this book actually is are two very different things. It is certainly domestic drama, and there is some suspense, but it's a bit too predictable for much of that. Nevertheless, there's something immensely readable about this story, something as compelling as it was frustrating at times. The story is told by three characters, Donna, Edward, and their daughter Penelope, and not a one of them is exactly a reliable source of information. There also isn't a likable one in the bunch, so there's that. However, those things aren't what frustrated me. Unlikable and/or unreliable characters in a story like this are practically a given. What did frustrate me was the jumping back and forth in the timeline with little to no warning. It all feels rather scattered, but the more I read, the more it started coming together, and the more I felt like the style worked for this story. Donna felt scattered, herself, so the storyline reflecting that made sense. What it all comes down to is there were many things about this book that I wouldn't care for in most cases, but Alexandra Burt brings all those things together to create a story that I felt compelled to finish. Even the ending isn't what I would've liked for it to be, but again, it just worked for this book. My advice would be to go ahead and check out that terrific cover, and go ahead and read the intriguing blurb, then wipe the slate clean, and forget them both. Go into this one without preconceptions or expectations, and just settle in and read. Admittedly, this isn't the book for everyone, but it turned out to be the one for me.
May 22, 2020
Oh my, and wow. The palpable tension. The psychological insight. The depth of raw emotion. The twists. The underlying questions: what would you do to preserve the life you've lived until now? And what secrets lie in your shadow?
I've read all of Alexandra Burt's novels and I think they just get better and better. She is a brilliant storyteller. If I offer any more to the plot summary I will spoil the storyline. This story is told mainly through the first person account of Donna, but interspersed are her husband Edward's and daughter Penelope's versions of particular incidents. The novel starts out a little slow - a lot of backstory, a lot of wondering how and why Donna ended up at Shadow Garden. But there was always a thread of tension that kept me going, that built ever so slowly and with literary precision until it was so pronounced that I HAD to keep reading.
Shadow Garden is truly a psychological thriller. Burt deftly weaves three different points-of-view around each key incident and you, the reader, are charged with figuring out the truth. If it's confusing, it's only because the characters are confused, or hurting, and they remember that experience from their own vantage point. This is really a masterful way to craft a novel.
The story has plenty of surprises right up to the end, and like I said the psychological tension is described exquisitely. Burt skillfully keeps you in the characters' minds at all times. Her writing is polished, literary, easy to read. Her settings serve as characters too, adding to the overall mood and enhancing the tension. Her imagery is stellar. Her sentence structure creates the poignancy, allowing the emotion to develop and build and crescendo.
Alexandra Burt's Shadow Garden is captivating and will leave you thinking, and wanting more. A must read.
I've read all of Alexandra Burt's novels and I think they just get better and better. She is a brilliant storyteller. If I offer any more to the plot summary I will spoil the storyline. This story is told mainly through the first person account of Donna, but interspersed are her husband Edward's and daughter Penelope's versions of particular incidents. The novel starts out a little slow - a lot of backstory, a lot of wondering how and why Donna ended up at Shadow Garden. But there was always a thread of tension that kept me going, that built ever so slowly and with literary precision until it was so pronounced that I HAD to keep reading.
Shadow Garden is truly a psychological thriller. Burt deftly weaves three different points-of-view around each key incident and you, the reader, are charged with figuring out the truth. If it's confusing, it's only because the characters are confused, or hurting, and they remember that experience from their own vantage point. This is really a masterful way to craft a novel.
The story has plenty of surprises right up to the end, and like I said the psychological tension is described exquisitely. Burt skillfully keeps you in the characters' minds at all times. Her writing is polished, literary, easy to read. Her settings serve as characters too, adding to the overall mood and enhancing the tension. Her imagery is stellar. Her sentence structure creates the poignancy, allowing the emotion to develop and build and crescendo.
Alexandra Burt's Shadow Garden is captivating and will leave you thinking, and wanting more. A must read.
April 6, 2020
Shadow Garden is a psychological thriller about a family of three.. Donna, her husband Edward and their daughter Penelope! The story carries forward as a dark horror tale about the house that the family stays in.. but its a thriller story said in voices of the trio! So if you gonna expect horror, you’re gonna be disappointed.. That said, the story is good and the flow is gripping.. no interest was lost while reading.. the characters were not what I expected.. but i think its because the story line is overpowering! The ending was not what I was expecting.. This is not gonna be my only Alexandra Burt book!
Thank you NetGalley, Alexandra Burt and Berkley publishing for the ARC. This review is my own and is not influenced in any way !
Thank you NetGalley, Alexandra Burt and Berkley publishing for the ARC. This review is my own and is not influenced in any way !
September 27, 2020
Thank you, Netgalley, for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
I had great expectations going into this book! The cover and description were amazing! The idea for this book had such great potential. I also liked that it was written in first person from the perspective of the three main characters. I love diving deep into the psyche and thought process of morally grey characters. All three characters were "nutty" in their own personal way, with some being crazier than others. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. It kept dragging on and on. When I thought it would reach a climax in the plot, it let me down and didn't make it all the way to the climax. As I said, this book had great potential, but unfortunately, for me it missed the mark.
I had great expectations going into this book! The cover and description were amazing! The idea for this book had such great potential. I also liked that it was written in first person from the perspective of the three main characters. I love diving deep into the psyche and thought process of morally grey characters. All three characters were "nutty" in their own personal way, with some being crazier than others. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. It kept dragging on and on. When I thought it would reach a climax in the plot, it let me down and didn't make it all the way to the climax. As I said, this book had great potential, but unfortunately, for me it missed the mark.
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