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Not Another Sarah Halls
“It wouldn’t be the worst thing, would it? To die young, I mean.” Underneath the facade of the normalcy lies a creeping darkness in the town of Oakhaven. If you look closely you might see faded flyers seeking the whereabouts of a missing girl, weather-worn and all but forgotten. Every town has its cold cases, but Oakhaven has a string of them. Beautiful girls all missing, in a pretty row.
While Autumn can’t seem to separate herself from the series of cold cases, everyone else in Oakhaven goes through extensive measures to move on — holding vigils as if the unaccounted-for bodies had been discovered, strangled in the woods. But Autumn and her friend Becca take different paths on their way to unveiling the truth. An endeavor that not only dismembers their friendship but their state of mind.
What are you afraid of? What will it take to conquer that fear? Questions Autumn and Becca must answer — each in their own way. Answers that are not easily found when reality seems so fleeting and nightmares so real.
It is Newlin’s hope that Not Another Sarah Halls will serve as a place for fans of horror to bask in the glory and beauty of the genre while serving as a fearsome and grotesque bridge that inspires those who have never dared to read horror to embark on the journey. Newlin urges readers to step out of their comfort zones and delve into the winding and fierce journey of self-realization that horror imprints on those brave enough to crack the book’s spine.
While Autumn can’t seem to separate herself from the series of cold cases, everyone else in Oakhaven goes through extensive measures to move on — holding vigils as if the unaccounted-for bodies had been discovered, strangled in the woods. But Autumn and her friend Becca take different paths on their way to unveiling the truth. An endeavor that not only dismembers their friendship but their state of mind.
What are you afraid of? What will it take to conquer that fear? Questions Autumn and Becca must answer — each in their own way. Answers that are not easily found when reality seems so fleeting and nightmares so real.
It is Newlin’s hope that Not Another Sarah Halls will serve as a place for fans of horror to bask in the glory and beauty of the genre while serving as a fearsome and grotesque bridge that inspires those who have never dared to read horror to embark on the journey. Newlin urges readers to step out of their comfort zones and delve into the winding and fierce journey of self-realization that horror imprints on those brave enough to crack the book’s spine.
- GenresHorrorYoung AdultFiction
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
About the author
Haley Newlin
6 books202 followersHaley Newlin grew up watching Vincent Price movies and listening to The Beatles, both of which have heavily influenced her work. She has published three novels including Take Your Turn, Teddy and her new release, The Film You Are About To See. Her short story "The Butcher on Blue Jay Way" is featured in Kandisha Press' SLASH-HER anthology. Newlin also writes for Cemetery Dance Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 28, 2021
Let’s talk for a minute about how utterly ashamed I feel for not having listened to audiobooks sooner. Let’s also talk about how honored I feel to have Haley Newlin’s NOT ANOTHER SARAH HALLS be the first audiobook I listened to and thoroughly enjoyed!
Fans of YA horror have probably already devoured this supernatural mystery of Newlin’s. But experiencing this compelling and suspenseful story through audiobook puts the book on another level.
The town of Oakhaven is weighed down by the recurring mysterious disappearances of several local girls. However, in spite of the danger’s consistency, everyone has developed the habit of mourning and moving on. Everyone except Autumn, an empath who can’t seem to separate herself from the missing girls. After all, they were beautiful, innocent youths with family and friends... lives that shouldn’t just be forgotten. When another local girl goes missing, Autumn and her best friend Becca follow different paths in finding the truth, paths that put their friendship to the test.
I loved how this book bounced back and forth between past and present while also alternating between Autumn and Becca’s perspective. Newlin’s formatting of the story gives readers a fully developed look into our protagonists’ friendships, hopes, fears, and insecurities. I couldn’t decide which character I loved more. Small town secrets, teenage angst, and a supernatural mystery will keep you fully engaged in this book and turn you into a Haley Newlin fan (like me)! If you’re looking for a gripping and chilling read to escape into on a long Autumn day drive, please check out the audiobook edition for NOT ANOTHER SARAH HALLS if you haven’t already!
Fans of YA horror have probably already devoured this supernatural mystery of Newlin’s. But experiencing this compelling and suspenseful story through audiobook puts the book on another level.
The town of Oakhaven is weighed down by the recurring mysterious disappearances of several local girls. However, in spite of the danger’s consistency, everyone has developed the habit of mourning and moving on. Everyone except Autumn, an empath who can’t seem to separate herself from the missing girls. After all, they were beautiful, innocent youths with family and friends... lives that shouldn’t just be forgotten. When another local girl goes missing, Autumn and her best friend Becca follow different paths in finding the truth, paths that put their friendship to the test.
I loved how this book bounced back and forth between past and present while also alternating between Autumn and Becca’s perspective. Newlin’s formatting of the story gives readers a fully developed look into our protagonists’ friendships, hopes, fears, and insecurities. I couldn’t decide which character I loved more. Small town secrets, teenage angst, and a supernatural mystery will keep you fully engaged in this book and turn you into a Haley Newlin fan (like me)! If you’re looking for a gripping and chilling read to escape into on a long Autumn day drive, please check out the audiobook edition for NOT ANOTHER SARAH HALLS if you haven’t already!
October 7, 2021
Welcome to Haley Newlin's beautiful mind.
If you follow this author in any social media, or heard an interview on a podcast, or even if you ever read anything by her, you know what her influences are. We’ll talk about later on, but most of all, you know what she wants from horror.
For her, horror is a way for us to face our fears, for us to question what’s going on inside our minds.
And she does that amazingly in “Not Another Sarah Halls”.
“Her skin was flared up with red patches, so I knew she had been digging at herself, clawing endlessly at an itch that would never stop as long as her mind was racing. And as long as girls kept disappearing, Autumn's mind would zoom in an infinite loop.”
The story follows Autumn and Becca, two best friends, living in the town of Oakhaven.
The town has been plagued by young girls disappearing, and the only person who seems to care about this after a while is Autumn.
We follow the girls, from a young age until the end of high school, and discover more and more about the town, the disappearances, and the girls themselves along the way.
“That's the worst kind of them all, isn't it? The ones we inflict on ourselves because we are convinced we deserve it. I'd never known pain exactly like that. But I had mental scars of the same nature. And while I knew it wasn't the same, I knew self-inflicted scars were the hardest to heal.”
Some chapters are narrated by Autumn and others by Becca, and the story going back and forth in time, which gives it all a nice flow and pacing. The horror on this book is mostly psychological, with some supernatural elements. It doesn’t delve much into the supernatural aspect, but it's there.
Haley tells a story of loss, friendship, and fear amazingly. She takes great care in how she portrays how a teenage girl deals with anxiety, nightmares, and loss, both physical and emotional. Even if it is labelled as YA, this is a book for all ages. When you read the book, you’ll get something out of this story, regardless of your age.
The way Stephen King, as an example, influenced the way she weaves this tale is unmistakable. She does a great service honouring her influences in the overall ambience of the town and the way we're presented with clues as to what's going on. She doesn't copy them, but uses them as a starting point for something that is all hers.
I really enjoyed this book and it's a really good debut novel. I can already see the kind of work Haley Newlin will grace us with in the future.
Simple, beautiful, intricate, and captivating horror stories.
I, for one, will make sure to keep following her work. Will you? If so, just close your eyes, stretch out your arms, and allow yourself to fall into the dark.
If you follow this author in any social media, or heard an interview on a podcast, or even if you ever read anything by her, you know what her influences are. We’ll talk about later on, but most of all, you know what she wants from horror.
For her, horror is a way for us to face our fears, for us to question what’s going on inside our minds.
And she does that amazingly in “Not Another Sarah Halls”.
“Her skin was flared up with red patches, so I knew she had been digging at herself, clawing endlessly at an itch that would never stop as long as her mind was racing. And as long as girls kept disappearing, Autumn's mind would zoom in an infinite loop.”
The story follows Autumn and Becca, two best friends, living in the town of Oakhaven.
The town has been plagued by young girls disappearing, and the only person who seems to care about this after a while is Autumn.
We follow the girls, from a young age until the end of high school, and discover more and more about the town, the disappearances, and the girls themselves along the way.
“That's the worst kind of them all, isn't it? The ones we inflict on ourselves because we are convinced we deserve it. I'd never known pain exactly like that. But I had mental scars of the same nature. And while I knew it wasn't the same, I knew self-inflicted scars were the hardest to heal.”
Some chapters are narrated by Autumn and others by Becca, and the story going back and forth in time, which gives it all a nice flow and pacing. The horror on this book is mostly psychological, with some supernatural elements. It doesn’t delve much into the supernatural aspect, but it's there.
Haley tells a story of loss, friendship, and fear amazingly. She takes great care in how she portrays how a teenage girl deals with anxiety, nightmares, and loss, both physical and emotional. Even if it is labelled as YA, this is a book for all ages. When you read the book, you’ll get something out of this story, regardless of your age.
The way Stephen King, as an example, influenced the way she weaves this tale is unmistakable. She does a great service honouring her influences in the overall ambience of the town and the way we're presented with clues as to what's going on. She doesn't copy them, but uses them as a starting point for something that is all hers.
I really enjoyed this book and it's a really good debut novel. I can already see the kind of work Haley Newlin will grace us with in the future.
Simple, beautiful, intricate, and captivating horror stories.
I, for one, will make sure to keep following her work. Will you? If so, just close your eyes, stretch out your arms, and allow yourself to fall into the dark.
October 25, 2022
A spooky tale about friendship, growing pains and creepy towns with bad histories! A departure from what I usually read but I enjoyed it all the same! Another indie triumph!
July 30, 2021
Many small towns have their secrets, and Oakhaven is no different. When a number of teenage girls go missing and no one seems to do anything about it, Autumn Rise decides to take matters into her own hands.
A spellbinding debut novel, this book doesn't pull any punches. Newlin weaves the complexities of teenage life and the changing dynamics of friendship and self-discovery in with confronting a dark and mysterious secret that requires as much from Autumn to unveil as it takes from its victims.
This is an intense YA horror story and you should add it to your shelves right away.
A spellbinding debut novel, this book doesn't pull any punches. Newlin weaves the complexities of teenage life and the changing dynamics of friendship and self-discovery in with confronting a dark and mysterious secret that requires as much from Autumn to unveil as it takes from its victims.
This is an intense YA horror story and you should add it to your shelves right away.
October 17, 2022
"I mean maybe there isn't this big murder mystery with a serial kidnapper or cold-blooded killer to hunt down. Maybe she's gone because she wanted to be"
.
Spoilers / Review for Not Another Sarah Halls by Haley Newlin (@haleynewlin_author )
.
In the unsuspecting town of Oakhaven, young women are disappearing and it's not helping Autumn Rise's mental health. Her friend Becca takes a slightly different view on the disappearances. As the two start high school, Autumn feels left behind. But the missing still bother her and she's determined to discover what's going on and not become another Sarah Halls...
.
One of the October reads over at @theindiehorrorbookclub . I hadn't read much by Haley beyond a short story so looked forward to a feature length piece!
.
It was fairly easy for me to sink into this one, as it's easy to read. It establishes the main characters of Becca and Autumn easily and the main plot nicely too. The Dae house is a classic staple of horror which I liked, the whole "evil house" and local mythos surrounding. The idea of using two leads does work and I do think Haley handles both characters well, but I did find myself slightly preferring Autumn's chapters. The twist in this one is well executed and keeps the plot chugging along well, all the while building on the plot previously established. There is a problem and I think a few from the UK might have had the same thing - the school terms. I had to Google in places what age the cast were, as it was in American terms. The other thing I wanted was more near the end
.
All in all a solid debut novel and I look forward to more from Haley soon!
Overall 4.25/5 ⭐. Have you read Not Another Sarah Halls? What did you think of it?
.
Spoilers / Review for Not Another Sarah Halls by Haley Newlin (@haleynewlin_author )
.
In the unsuspecting town of Oakhaven, young women are disappearing and it's not helping Autumn Rise's mental health. Her friend Becca takes a slightly different view on the disappearances. As the two start high school, Autumn feels left behind. But the missing still bother her and she's determined to discover what's going on and not become another Sarah Halls...
.
One of the October reads over at @theindiehorrorbookclub . I hadn't read much by Haley beyond a short story so looked forward to a feature length piece!
.
It was fairly easy for me to sink into this one, as it's easy to read. It establishes the main characters of Becca and Autumn easily and the main plot nicely too. The Dae house is a classic staple of horror which I liked, the whole "evil house" and local mythos surrounding. The idea of using two leads does work and I do think Haley handles both characters well, but I did find myself slightly preferring Autumn's chapters. The twist in this one is well executed and keeps the plot chugging along well, all the while building on the plot previously established. There is a problem and I think a few from the UK might have had the same thing - the school terms. I had to Google in places what age the cast were, as it was in American terms. The other thing I wanted was more near the end
.
All in all a solid debut novel and I look forward to more from Haley soon!
Overall 4.25/5 ⭐. Have you read Not Another Sarah Halls? What did you think of it?
January 24, 2024
What a read. This will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages. This is a deep, gripping book. The level of emotion and attention to detail are perfect. With her own fears haunting her daily, our anxious protagonist has to learn to face her fears as things around her begin to spiral out of control. The author's captured the topic of insecurity and anxiously in such a way that it is relatable, showing how it can control a life, and also fitting for the character. The story is chillingly brilliant, I was glued from the start, taken on such an incredible yet creepy journey. With friendship and minds at risk of being lost, this read takes you through your senses and gets you really delving into your own mind and the characters. A lot of heart and soul has gone into this book, I highly recommend, and can't wait for more...
October 11, 2023
This book was a mesmerizing story of friendship and perseverance. It follows Autumn an apprehensive teenager with an interest in her town’s cold cases. Her fear keeps her safe from the town’s temptation but when her best friend Becca goes missing, she knows she is the only hope for Becca’s safe return.
This story was the perfect blend of thrilling and paranormal! Haley is an outstanding author and the characters she creates make such an impression. The way she ties in realistic situations with supernatural aspects is seamless!
I highly recommend this to readers that love supernatural thrillers similar to The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James!
This story was the perfect blend of thrilling and paranormal! Haley is an outstanding author and the characters she creates make such an impression. The way she ties in realistic situations with supernatural aspects is seamless!
I highly recommend this to readers that love supernatural thrillers similar to The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James!
January 30, 2022
WOW! Haley Newlin is becoming one of my favorite indie horror authors. Her attention to detail is incredible and keeps her readers captivated throughout the entire story. The story is about the small town of Oakhaven and how girls are mysteriously disappearing. It goes back and forth between the past and the present and centers around friends Autumn and Becca. In all honesty, I felt more relatable to Autumn but all the major characters were incredibly well written. I felt myself being transported back to my high school days and how real it felt. Newlin captures so many details to perfection and makes a very hauntingly beautiful YA story. If you want to take a dip into horror, I recommend starting with this story of Newlin's; you will be awed and NOT disappointed.
June 21, 2024
Enjoyed this!
September 3, 2021
As I continue to learn more about the horror genre at-large, I am so grateful to have begun more journey with Haley Newlin's work. Not Another Sarah Halls is grotesquely beautiful. I love how the book is told from two perspectives and emphasizes Autumn and Becca embracing the truth of who they are alongside coming to know the truth of what happened to the missing. I also really appreciate the that the story wasn't told chronologically, feeling more like an intentional interweaving of cinematic moments. The story felt both natural and mosaic-like, which seems to be a trend in much of Newlin's work. I'm so excited to read more.
December 31, 2021
Spoiler Free Book Review
•
Girls in Oakhaven go missing, one after another, but most of the townspeople seem to forget after only a few weeks. Autumn Rise can’t forget, not when her best friend Becca tells her to let it go, not even when she has to fight the demons in her own mind. Will she solve the towns mystery or will she lose her internal battle and become the next lost girl?
•
I immediately related to both Autumn and Becca, despite my high school years being long, long behind me, which is a testament to how well their characters were written. I loved the use of change in timeline to show the ebb and flow of their friendship and how it leads toward the true sinister reason behind the girls disappearances.
•
I did get a little confused within the timeline in a couple of places early on, but I think that was reader error. I tend to prefer when a year is given if the timeline jumps within a story, mainly because it keeps me from overthinking and getting lost. I would have also loved a little more backstory regarding the supernatural aspect, but those are my only critiques. This is a plot I’ve seen versions of before, but there were plenty of unique points and I could easily see this being turned into a movie. The descriptions of Autumn’s visions were particularly eerie and even gave me goosebumps.
•
On the surface Not Another Sarah Halls, is a YA supernatural horror, but the depth of the story is what makes it such an impressive debut. This is a story about the power of friendship and learning to trust yourself. It’s a compelling look at mental health and the strength it takes to win against our biggest fears, the ones we all too often find inside our own mind.
•
Thanks to the author for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review. I’ve also been fortunate enough to read Haley’s follow up novel, Take Your Turn Teddy, so I can tell you this wasn’t a fluke…Haley Newlin can write and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
•
Girls in Oakhaven go missing, one after another, but most of the townspeople seem to forget after only a few weeks. Autumn Rise can’t forget, not when her best friend Becca tells her to let it go, not even when she has to fight the demons in her own mind. Will she solve the towns mystery or will she lose her internal battle and become the next lost girl?
•
I immediately related to both Autumn and Becca, despite my high school years being long, long behind me, which is a testament to how well their characters were written. I loved the use of change in timeline to show the ebb and flow of their friendship and how it leads toward the true sinister reason behind the girls disappearances.
•
I did get a little confused within the timeline in a couple of places early on, but I think that was reader error. I tend to prefer when a year is given if the timeline jumps within a story, mainly because it keeps me from overthinking and getting lost. I would have also loved a little more backstory regarding the supernatural aspect, but those are my only critiques. This is a plot I’ve seen versions of before, but there were plenty of unique points and I could easily see this being turned into a movie. The descriptions of Autumn’s visions were particularly eerie and even gave me goosebumps.
•
On the surface Not Another Sarah Halls, is a YA supernatural horror, but the depth of the story is what makes it such an impressive debut. This is a story about the power of friendship and learning to trust yourself. It’s a compelling look at mental health and the strength it takes to win against our biggest fears, the ones we all too often find inside our own mind.
•
Thanks to the author for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review. I’ve also been fortunate enough to read Haley’s follow up novel, Take Your Turn Teddy, so I can tell you this wasn’t a fluke…Haley Newlin can write and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
September 30, 2021
Not Another Sarah Halls by Haley Newlin is a hard-hitting, supernatural horror tale.
This is a fantastic novel. Newlin does a wonderful job creating an eerie and intense atmosphere. I was caught between needing to turn the pages to find out more and being afraid to find out what came next, which is perfect for a horror novel.
I loved the characters, and Autumn in particular. As an introvert with chronic anxiety, Autumn was incredibly relatable. Of course, in horror, many characters experience some level of anxiety, but I don’t think I’ve read a constantly anxious protagonist before. It was refreshing and validating to see someone like me on the page. Newlin captures anxiety and panic unlike any author I’ve read to date. I don’t relate to all of Autumn’s anxiety symptoms, but anxiety is an individualized experience, and her experiences felt real and believable.
I think the supernatural element could have been fleshed out a bit more. But also, it’s in some ways superficial, so I didn’t mind not having a complete understanding of the inner workings. The story at its core is really about pushing Autumn to confront her fears and be brave, so the supernatural part is more window dressing, in my opinion. It adds an element of intrigue, but you don’t have to know all the inner workings to appreciate the story.
I definitely plan on reading more of Newlin’s work in the future.
If you like supernatural horror, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.
cw: anxiety, panic, self-harm, suicide attempt, physical violence, blood, gore, emesis
This is a fantastic novel. Newlin does a wonderful job creating an eerie and intense atmosphere. I was caught between needing to turn the pages to find out more and being afraid to find out what came next, which is perfect for a horror novel.
I loved the characters, and Autumn in particular. As an introvert with chronic anxiety, Autumn was incredibly relatable. Of course, in horror, many characters experience some level of anxiety, but I don’t think I’ve read a constantly anxious protagonist before. It was refreshing and validating to see someone like me on the page. Newlin captures anxiety and panic unlike any author I’ve read to date. I don’t relate to all of Autumn’s anxiety symptoms, but anxiety is an individualized experience, and her experiences felt real and believable.
I think the supernatural element could have been fleshed out a bit more. But also, it’s in some ways superficial, so I didn’t mind not having a complete understanding of the inner workings. The story at its core is really about pushing Autumn to confront her fears and be brave, so the supernatural part is more window dressing, in my opinion. It adds an element of intrigue, but you don’t have to know all the inner workings to appreciate the story.
I definitely plan on reading more of Newlin’s work in the future.
If you like supernatural horror, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.
cw: anxiety, panic, self-harm, suicide attempt, physical violence, blood, gore, emesis
March 13, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5/5
Hayley Newlin is definitely becoming one of my new favorite authors, and an auto buy author at that.
Her books are so intriguing, engaging, and captivating. I love her writing style, and the way she writes and thinks-it just amazes me!
On to the book--AMAZING! This is a MUST READ for any fan of horror--do yourself a favor and pick this one up NOW!
The setting is in the small town of Oakhaven, where girls mysteriously are vanishing. Told from two different POVs of two friends, Autumn & Becca, as they try to discover the truth behind the missing girls. This story has a mix of supernatural elements, mental health, and friendship.
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationship between Autumn & Becca-I was 100% invested! Although this is a YA book (which I do not read much of), this one had depth to it, and Newlin had me hooked from the first few pages (she does such a good job at that!)
Newlin definitely has a way with words, and it shows in this book. Her storyline, characters, small town setting, and horror aspects had me gripped from beginning to end. She does not disappoint, and I am forever grateful for the bookstagram community for helping me discover her books.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Hayley Newlin is definitely becoming one of my new favorite authors, and an auto buy author at that.
Her books are so intriguing, engaging, and captivating. I love her writing style, and the way she writes and thinks-it just amazes me!
On to the book--AMAZING! This is a MUST READ for any fan of horror--do yourself a favor and pick this one up NOW!
The setting is in the small town of Oakhaven, where girls mysteriously are vanishing. Told from two different POVs of two friends, Autumn & Becca, as they try to discover the truth behind the missing girls. This story has a mix of supernatural elements, mental health, and friendship.
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationship between Autumn & Becca-I was 100% invested! Although this is a YA book (which I do not read much of), this one had depth to it, and Newlin had me hooked from the first few pages (she does such a good job at that!)
Newlin definitely has a way with words, and it shows in this book. Her storyline, characters, small town setting, and horror aspects had me gripped from beginning to end. She does not disappoint, and I am forever grateful for the bookstagram community for helping me discover her books.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 14, 2020
This story was not my normal read, but sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone and try something different. With that being said I liked this story. It took me a minute to get into it because I am not used to reading this kind of story but once the action and mystery started I was hooked and invested. I really enjoyed the friendship between the two main characters, and found it sad yet truthful to how people drift apart over the years. Even though they drifted apart that friendship and love still remained intact which ultimately paid off in the end. The final action sequence was really good and I found myself unable to put it down and fully invested in finding out what was going to happen. I was anxious, worried, and just as overwhelmed as the main character Autumn towards the end. Haley does a great job of showing the inner workings of a teenage mind dealing with anxiety and everyday fear. Overall I think this is a great start to Haley's writing career and I cannot wait to see what she puts out next.
December 1, 2021
I wouldn't say this book is bad or poorly written. It's just sort of boring. I didn't find the two main characters to be particularly interesting. Their back stories were built up quite a bit. But the story dragged on. The supernatural aspect of it was confusing because I was never sure if Autumn was really seeing these things or if it was just mental illness since her character struggles with mental health. I did love that with every chapter it was written whose perspective the story was going to be from and that it included when it was.
The ending with the stones just reminded me of the movie All Cheerleaders die. This wasn't a fun or quick read for me but I may not be the intended target audience.
The ending with the stones just reminded me of the movie All Cheerleaders die. This wasn't a fun or quick read for me but I may not be the intended target audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
King and horror fans alike, you will love this book!
Autumn, the main character, is an introverted, anxious girl that I found easy to connect with as she adventures into the unknown and conquer her fears. The plot and character development was spot on and the descriptions of terror were marvelous. It reminded me of stepping into King’s twisted universe.
I could hardly put this book down after picking it up. I will be patiently (while boiling over with excitement) waiting for Haley’s next release!
Autumn, the main character, is an introverted, anxious girl that I found easy to connect with as she adventures into the unknown and conquer her fears. The plot and character development was spot on and the descriptions of terror were marvelous. It reminded me of stepping into King’s twisted universe.
I could hardly put this book down after picking it up. I will be patiently (while boiling over with excitement) waiting for Haley’s next release!
May 12, 2020
If you feel like horror isn't your thing, do what I did and ease into the genre with an incredible young adult horror novel by Haley Newlin. Newlin captures the scare factors while also having young adult characters navigating life in Oakhaven and solving a cold case that seems unsolvable.
Dive into this debut and get your spook on!
Full Review/Interview with Haley Newlin: https://www.emilycraigwriter.com/post...
Dive into this debut and get your spook on!
Full Review/Interview with Haley Newlin: https://www.emilycraigwriter.com/post...
December 10, 2022
I was so happy to win this in a giveaway.
The teenage cast made me feel absolutely ancient, but they were delightful all the same. They felt layered, complex, and the trying dynamics made my heart ache in all the right ways. Everyone that has ever drifted apart from a friend or felt like they weren’t there for a big moment will find something to relate to in this book.
The horror, while also amplified for the sake of narrative, comes from a very honest place.
The teenage cast made me feel absolutely ancient, but they were delightful all the same. They felt layered, complex, and the trying dynamics made my heart ache in all the right ways. Everyone that has ever drifted apart from a friend or felt like they weren’t there for a big moment will find something to relate to in this book.
The horror, while also amplified for the sake of narrative, comes from a very honest place.
July 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this spooky little read. Autumn is very relatable as the anxious and empathic protagonist, and I found her friendship with Becca to be very sweet and well written. Haley does a great job of establishing setting, and this played out like a movie in my head while I was reading. I love when I can escape into a book like that.
December 11, 2022
This was the first book in awhile that rendered me catatonic while reading it.
Newlin doesn’t let up on the schock factor or thrills. This book had me turning the pages as fast as I can trying to solve the mystery of the missing girls in the ominous town that is Oakhaven.
A must read for all horror fans!
Newlin doesn’t let up on the schock factor or thrills. This book had me turning the pages as fast as I can trying to solve the mystery of the missing girls in the ominous town that is Oakhaven.
A must read for all horror fans!
June 17, 2023
This was such a creepy and suspenseful young adult horror novel I could not put down. I love Haley's writing style and this is probably one of my favorite books she's written. If you like a supernatural mystery within a creepy town that deals with the complexities of a female friendship, as they discover each other and themselves, this book is for you. I loved it!
February 17, 2025
A queer coming of age tale that fills you with the nostalgia of navigating your teenage years, failing and blossoming relationships and the mysterious lore of small town legends. I would put this in the same horror realm as Lisa Frankenstein, meaning its light & I could totally see this being popular with young women.
March 23, 2024
4.5⭐️
YA horror
What the actual fuck.
I read this in one sitting. A story of friendship, missing girls, cults and the impact of anxiety growing up/in life.
If you want a quick creepy/horror read I for sure recommend this one.
YA horror
What the actual fuck.
I read this in one sitting. A story of friendship, missing girls, cults and the impact of anxiety growing up/in life.
If you want a quick creepy/horror read I for sure recommend this one.
August 22, 2024
that was unexpected
This story had a lot of little details. One thing I liked was Aut. She didn’t know she was a strong character, but she was. She never have up and because of that she didn’t lose anything either.
This story had a lot of little details. One thing I liked was Aut. She didn’t know she was a strong character, but she was. She never have up and because of that she didn’t lose anything either.
April 16, 2026
This one pulled me in immediately. I loved the writing style and character development. The story was original and kept me interested with a good wrap up at the end. A great read for anyone who likes a good horror without a lot of gore.
February 6, 2020
An Incredible tale in the horror genre
Honestly this book had one of the most interesting climax to a story I have in read the past couple of years. I feel it is a must read in 2020
Honestly this book had one of the most interesting climax to a story I have in read the past couple of years. I feel it is a must read in 2020
April 25, 2021
A perfect combination of thriller, crime, investigation and mental illness. I enjoyed every single chapter that left me hanging for the next one. I definitely recommend you reading this book.
September 3, 2021
Quick read, well done especially for a debut novel. It was more on the side of supernatural and fell closer to a YA in my eyes but as a whole I enjoyed it.
Read
June 23, 2025DNF
September 26, 2022
I stayed up until 2am so I could finish this book. I've always loved horror and this story definitely had a grip on me.
As someone who deals with anxiety and depression, as well as someone who had a relationship that crumbled with their best friend, I related a lot to Autumn's character and her story.
This book is a great psychological horror. The villians are scary because they are, or at least once were, human.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to get started on Haley Newlin's other books! :)
As someone who deals with anxiety and depression, as well as someone who had a relationship that crumbled with their best friend, I related a lot to Autumn's character and her story.
This book is a great psychological horror. The villians are scary because they are, or at least once were, human.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to get started on Haley Newlin's other books! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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