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Spider Light
"The dangerous thing about spider light is that it hides things - things you never knew existed. But once you have seen those things, you can never afterwards forget them..."
Antonia Weston has come to the sleepy market town of Amberwood in search of peace and anonymity after a shattering and all-too-public tragedy in her life. But shortly after her arrival, a series of disturbing incidents occur -- incidents that eerily echo a past she is trying to forget.
As Antonia struggles to re-build her life, she becomes increasingly fascinated by the macabre history surrounding her: the disused watermill, Twygrist, with its brooding darkness, and the now-vanished Latchkill Asylum.
Memories of Latchkill still linger: memories of how, when the autumn dusk -- the 'spider-light' -- fell, no one would dare walk past its gates. Because a hundred years ago, people lost their identities inside Latchkill's walls. People such as the innocent Maud Lincoln, jolted out of that innocence by a brutal plot.
But Antonia's fascination with the linked histories of Latchkill and Twygrist has alerted someone from her own past. Someone who knows all about Twygrist's darkness. Someone prepared to use that knowledge in the most horrific way...
Antonia Weston has come to the sleepy market town of Amberwood in search of peace and anonymity after a shattering and all-too-public tragedy in her life. But shortly after her arrival, a series of disturbing incidents occur -- incidents that eerily echo a past she is trying to forget.
As Antonia struggles to re-build her life, she becomes increasingly fascinated by the macabre history surrounding her: the disused watermill, Twygrist, with its brooding darkness, and the now-vanished Latchkill Asylum.
Memories of Latchkill still linger: memories of how, when the autumn dusk -- the 'spider-light' -- fell, no one would dare walk past its gates. Because a hundred years ago, people lost their identities inside Latchkill's walls. People such as the innocent Maud Lincoln, jolted out of that innocence by a brutal plot.
But Antonia's fascination with the linked histories of Latchkill and Twygrist has alerted someone from her own past. Someone who knows all about Twygrist's darkness. Someone prepared to use that knowledge in the most horrific way...
407 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2006
11 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rayne
46 books307 followersAka Frances Gordon, Bridget Wood
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 14, 2016
Say the word "asylum" and I'm instantly intrigued.
This thriller is well-plotted and surprisingly layered, with unsentimental writing that makes you feel for the characters without being overly showy.
Trigger warning: the book is very rape-y, and there are times when I felt a bit uncomfortable about the amount of salacious abuse in the first half. <--- All that is on top of murder, imprisonment, framing, etc.; it's a lot to take in.
But it's a very well-written book. I've rarely read a thriller that took such care about developing so many storylines and giving each of its (many) characters so much agency, and one that handled multiple POVs and non-linear/shifting time periods so well. I also liked that the tone isn't overly grim! Kept me turning pages like crazy, I'm very excited to read the author's other thrillers. This is sort of like a pulpy, mass market shelf Sarah Waters story.
This thriller is well-plotted and surprisingly layered, with unsentimental writing that makes you feel for the characters without being overly showy.
Trigger warning: the book is very rape-y, and there are times when I felt a bit uncomfortable about the amount of salacious abuse in the first half. <--- All that is on top of murder, imprisonment, framing, etc.; it's a lot to take in.
But it's a very well-written book. I've rarely read a thriller that took such care about developing so many storylines and giving each of its (many) characters so much agency, and one that handled multiple POVs and non-linear/shifting time periods so well. I also liked that the tone isn't overly grim! Kept me turning pages like crazy, I'm very excited to read the author's other thrillers. This is sort of like a pulpy, mass market shelf Sarah Waters story.
May 17, 2012
I wanted to really love this book but the writing just didn't sit right with me. Too many adverbs - some running 'hurridly' or sitting 'anxiously'. Numerous 'ly' adverbs on almost every page so they just jarred with me the whole way through. Plus there is the ultimate writer's sin of 'telling not showing' at regular intervals where whole conversations are explained rather than shown. I also found the writing to be too 'proper' when people spoke. Very English with little realism. I could understand this for the parts of the book that took place a hundred years ago, but for modern day characters? There is one part where the main character is being stalked and come across a dead body after chasing her stalker up to an old house. Her response upon finding this dead body is something along the lines of 'Oh, I'm perfectly all right, but I could certainly use that brandy now'(or something to that effect). I seriously don't think someone who had spent five years in prison would be talking like that!
Saying all of this, I did read and finish the book. I enjoyed all the history and how the different storylines of each character interwove and came together at the end. But for a main-stream published book, I think it could have done with a different editor!
Saying all of this, I did read and finish the book. I enjoyed all the history and how the different storylines of each character interwove and came together at the end. But for a main-stream published book, I think it could have done with a different editor!
June 1, 2021
⭐️1.5/5
Gorszego chrztu dla nowego mojego Kindle’a chyba nie mogłam wybrać. Pierwsza książka na nowym czytniku i - o zgrozo! - jak na razie największy bubel przeczytany w tym roku. „Spider Light” to według wydawcy miał być wyjątkowo niepokojący i mroczny horror z opuszczonym młynem będącym osią całej powieści. Czym w rzeczywistości „Spider Light” było? Przeczytałam i nadal nie mam pojęcia. Jeśli ktoś wie - to proszę o pomoc i wytłumaczenie, chętnie się dowiem!
Czego w tej książce nie ma?! Kazirodztwo, rodzicobójstwo, nawiedzony młyn, obłąkane morderczynie, szpitale psychiatryczne z sadystycznym personelem, gwałty. Gwałty w ilościach hurtowych! Autorka widać wykatkowo nie znosiła swoich bohaterek, bo każda (dosłownie każda) albo padła ofiarą gwałtu albo cudem ze spotkania z gwałcicielem się wywinęła. A, że autorce nadal było mało to są gwałty i hetereo i homoseksualne. Do wyboru do koloru! Dla każdego coś miłego! Nie narzekajcie moi drodzy czytelnicy! Gdyby to wszystko było jeszcze dobrze napisane i cała historia miała ręce i nogi to książka mogłaby się obronić. Ale nie w tym przypadku! Poszczególne wątki są kompletnie od siebie oderwane, sklejone pod koniec na siłę najmniej wyszukany, naciągany sposób. Autorka poszła na łatwiznę i zaserwowała najbanalniejsze zakończenie w stylu deux ex machina. Ale nie tylko sam finał, bo cała i cała fabuła jest tak szalenie niewiarygodna i pełna dziur logicznych i absurdów, że przy „Spider Light” książki Mroza czyta się jak literaturę faktu. Styl Rayne też pozostawia wiele do życzenia - infantylne, banalne dialogi, nijakie opisy. Miałam wrażenie jakbym czytała wyjątkowo mierną opowieść (pseudo) grozy napisaną przez ucznia z wcale nie czołowego liceum, a nie utwór napisany przez doświadczoną pisarkę, która ma na swoim koncie ponad 20 powieści - w tym wiele cieszących się dużą popularnością i uznaniem wśród czytelników.
Możliwe, że miałam wyjątkowego pecha z wyborem akurat tego tytułu na pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością Sarah Rayne, bo podobno „Spider Light” to wypadek przy pracy i jeden z jej najsłabszych tytułów. Mam nadzieję, że tak jest rzeczywiście, bo pomimo sromotnego zawodu nadal ciągnie mnie do paru jej innych powieści. A, że jedną nawet mam na półce to bez wątpienia po nią sięgnę. Ale już z mniejszymi oczekiwaniami i mniejszym entuzjazmem niż to miało miejsce przy „Spider Light”.
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Gorszego chrztu dla nowego mojego Kindle’a chyba nie mogłam wybrać. Pierwsza książka na nowym czytniku i - o zgrozo! - jak na razie największy bubel przeczytany w tym roku. „Spider Light” to według wydawcy miał być wyjątkowo niepokojący i mroczny horror z opuszczonym młynem będącym osią całej powieści. Czym w rzeczywistości „Spider Light” było? Przeczytałam i nadal nie mam pojęcia. Jeśli ktoś wie - to proszę o pomoc i wytłumaczenie, chętnie się dowiem!
Czego w tej książce nie ma?! Kazirodztwo, rodzicobójstwo, nawiedzony młyn, obłąkane morderczynie, szpitale psychiatryczne z sadystycznym personelem, gwałty. Gwałty w ilościach hurtowych! Autorka widać wykatkowo nie znosiła swoich bohaterek, bo każda (dosłownie każda) albo padła ofiarą gwałtu albo cudem ze spotkania z gwałcicielem się wywinęła. A, że autorce nadal było mało to są gwałty i hetereo i homoseksualne. Do wyboru do koloru! Dla każdego coś miłego! Nie narzekajcie moi drodzy czytelnicy! Gdyby to wszystko było jeszcze dobrze napisane i cała historia miała ręce i nogi to książka mogłaby się obronić. Ale nie w tym przypadku! Poszczególne wątki są kompletnie od siebie oderwane, sklejone pod koniec na siłę najmniej wyszukany, naciągany sposób. Autorka poszła na łatwiznę i zaserwowała najbanalniejsze zakończenie w stylu deux ex machina. Ale nie tylko sam finał, bo cała i cała fabuła jest tak szalenie niewiarygodna i pełna dziur logicznych i absurdów, że przy „Spider Light” książki Mroza czyta się jak literaturę faktu. Styl Rayne też pozostawia wiele do życzenia - infantylne, banalne dialogi, nijakie opisy. Miałam wrażenie jakbym czytała wyjątkowo mierną opowieść (pseudo) grozy napisaną przez ucznia z wcale nie czołowego liceum, a nie utwór napisany przez doświadczoną pisarkę, która ma na swoim koncie ponad 20 powieści - w tym wiele cieszących się dużą popularnością i uznaniem wśród czytelników.
Możliwe, że miałam wyjątkowego pecha z wyborem akurat tego tytułu na pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością Sarah Rayne, bo podobno „Spider Light” to wypadek przy pracy i jeden z jej najsłabszych tytułów. Mam nadzieję, że tak jest rzeczywiście, bo pomimo sromotnego zawodu nadal ciągnie mnie do paru jej innych powieści. A, że jedną nawet mam na półce to bez wątpienia po nią sięgnę. Ale już z mniejszymi oczekiwaniami i mniejszym entuzjazmem niż to miało miejsce przy „Spider Light”.
July 2, 2008
Antonia Weston, former psychiatrist has to try to rebuild her life, shattered by murder and obsession. When she is released from prison after serving her own sentence for manslaughter, her former boss finds her a small cottage to rent in the quiet village of Amberwood.
The cottage is in the grounds of Quire House, now open to the public, in the past the family home of Thomasina Forrester. Over a century ago, Thomasina was a woman of money and influence, overseeing a trust that provided support for Latchkill Asylum. Latchkill is a malevolent place which has a profound affect on the local area and the people who live nearby. Maud is one of those people, her father runs the local mill Twygrist, and Maud, young, innocent and motherless is pulled into Thomasina's influence.
Antonia, in an effort to put aside the past events in her own life, forms a tentative friendship with one of the curators at Quire and finds herself increasingly drawn to finding out more about Quire House, Thomasina Forrester and Twygrist Mill. Although Latchkill has long been pulled down, Twygrist Mill still stands, derelict and menacing in the village and it still has a profound affect on people, not the least Antonia herself.
SPIDER LIGHT moves backwards and forwards between the past and the present, revealing more of Antonia's own experience and the story of Thomasina and Maud. Both threads have a central core of personal and sexual obsession which increasingly becomes more twisted and dangerous. Both stories have consequences that rapidly escalate and the results for Thomasina, Maud and Antonia are dire. All the way along, Twygrist Mill remains a focal point for so much anguish.
SPIDER LIGHT is Sarah Rayne's 4th book, a psychological thriller with a clever intertwining of the past and the present. SPIDER LIGHT is a reference to the half-light that comes at certain times of the day, the time when spider's sneak around, the light soft and eerie. It's an image that is used throughout the book to impart the sinister look and feel of Latchkill Asylum. It's also used to describe that half-world between madness and sanity, and it works. It imparts a creepy, half-light, enclosed, fuzzy world where nothing is clearly defined and nothing is quite right with that world.
SPIDER LIGHT is a great book, but don't make the mistake I did, reading it in the middle of a heavy, dull, spidery light, smoke-filled atmosphere from local bushfires. Try it in the bright sunlight, but definitely try it.
The cottage is in the grounds of Quire House, now open to the public, in the past the family home of Thomasina Forrester. Over a century ago, Thomasina was a woman of money and influence, overseeing a trust that provided support for Latchkill Asylum. Latchkill is a malevolent place which has a profound affect on the local area and the people who live nearby. Maud is one of those people, her father runs the local mill Twygrist, and Maud, young, innocent and motherless is pulled into Thomasina's influence.
Antonia, in an effort to put aside the past events in her own life, forms a tentative friendship with one of the curators at Quire and finds herself increasingly drawn to finding out more about Quire House, Thomasina Forrester and Twygrist Mill. Although Latchkill has long been pulled down, Twygrist Mill still stands, derelict and menacing in the village and it still has a profound affect on people, not the least Antonia herself.
SPIDER LIGHT moves backwards and forwards between the past and the present, revealing more of Antonia's own experience and the story of Thomasina and Maud. Both threads have a central core of personal and sexual obsession which increasingly becomes more twisted and dangerous. Both stories have consequences that rapidly escalate and the results for Thomasina, Maud and Antonia are dire. All the way along, Twygrist Mill remains a focal point for so much anguish.
SPIDER LIGHT is Sarah Rayne's 4th book, a psychological thriller with a clever intertwining of the past and the present. SPIDER LIGHT is a reference to the half-light that comes at certain times of the day, the time when spider's sneak around, the light soft and eerie. It's an image that is used throughout the book to impart the sinister look and feel of Latchkill Asylum. It's also used to describe that half-world between madness and sanity, and it works. It imparts a creepy, half-light, enclosed, fuzzy world where nothing is clearly defined and nothing is quite right with that world.
SPIDER LIGHT is a great book, but don't make the mistake I did, reading it in the middle of a heavy, dull, spidery light, smoke-filled atmosphere from local bushfires. Try it in the bright sunlight, but definitely try it.
July 27, 2012
It has been a while since I curled up with one of Sarah Rayne’s mysteries, and so reading this one was especially a delight after such a long time away from her talent! Rayne writes such wonderful mysteries, filled with a dark and spooky atmosphere and they tend to flit through time, seamlessly weaving together her intricate plots filled with her realistic and lively characters. Her villains, here in particular, are remarkably depraved but not cartoonish or at all silly. There are some very strong, predatory female villains here, creating a departure from the majority of mysteries. It is a refreshing (and rather chilling) change! Unfortunately, in comparison, the female heroines seem surprisingly weak... But it feels nice to have each loose end neatly tied up in the end. Rayne’s books are pretty similar to Philip Rickman’s Merrily Watkins series. All in all, this is a very entertaining dark mystery.
June 11, 2008
I chose to read this book because I really enjoyed A Dark Dividing by the same author. I was not disappointed! Antonia, a psychiatrist wrongfully imprisoned for killing a man in self defense, is released and moves to the country to recoup. All the while she is being stalked by the devious sister who has malign intentions. Paralleling the modern plot is one where a young girl living in the same area about 100 years ago is molested and exploited by a perverted neighbor and succumbs to madness. All these characters share common fates which occur at an eerie abandoned mill and the defunct Latchkill Asylum. The author is amazingly skillfull at intertwining these characters' stories and creating an oppresive atmosphere in her books. Once you read one of her books you will want to read more of them.
August 31, 2016
This is the third book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. This time the creepy building was a disused mill and there was also the inclusion an asylum called 'Latchkill'. I enjoyed the unfolding sub-plots and and learning how various deaths occurred in the mill over different generations.
Rayne doesn't attempt to disguise the fact that her plot construction is the same in each book, although this recipe always delivers a thrilling read. Deviating from this recipe would be exciting for the reader for a change but at the same time a risk to the success of the novel. I guess the only way to know if she's done this is to read her other books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller and uncovering a web of secrets from the past.
Rayne doesn't attempt to disguise the fact that her plot construction is the same in each book, although this recipe always delivers a thrilling read. Deviating from this recipe would be exciting for the reader for a change but at the same time a risk to the success of the novel. I guess the only way to know if she's done this is to read her other books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller and uncovering a web of secrets from the past.
July 8, 2014
Marvelous. Sarah Rayne helps fills the gaps between new books by Nicci French. Lots of twists and turns in the spaghetti, startling revelations, and a good, strong ending.
Mother-in-law's copy.
Mother-in-law's copy.
January 30, 2017
It's hard to explain the plot because it really doesn't differ much from any of her other books. Abandoned buildings, evil doings...and insane murdering psychopaths.
Same old, same old.
Think I'll give Ms Rayne a rest for now.
Same old, same old.
Think I'll give Ms Rayne a rest for now.
November 3, 2021
⭐️1.5/5
Gorszego chrztu dla nowego mojego Kindle’a chyba nie mogłam wybrać. Pierwsza książka na nowym czytniku i - o zgrozo! - jak na razie największy bubel przeczytany w tym roku. „Spider Light” to według wydawcy miał być wyjątkowo niepokojący i mroczny horror z opuszczonym młynem będącym osią całej powieści. Czym w rzeczywistości „Spider Light” było? Przeczytałam i nadal nie mam pojęcia. Jeśli ktoś wie - to proszę o pomoc i wytłumaczenie, chętnie się dowiem!
Czego w tej książce nie ma?! Kazirodztwo, rodzicobójstwo, nawiedzony młyn, obłąkane morderczynie, szpitale psychiatryczne z sadystycznym personelem, gwałty. Gwałty w ilościach hurtowych! Autorka widać wykatkowo nie znosiła swoich bohaterek, bo każda (dosłownie każda) albo padła ofiarą gwałtu albo cudem ze spotkania z gwałcicielem się wywinęła. A, że autorce nadal było mało to są gwałty i hetereo i homoseksualne. Do wyboru do koloru! Dla każdego coś miłego! Nie narzekajcie moi drodzy czytelnicy! Gdyby to wszystko było jeszcze dobrze napisane i cała historia miała ręce i nogi to książka mogłaby się obronić. Ale nie w tym przypadku! Poszczególne wątki są kompletnie od siebie oderwane, sklejone pod koniec na siłę najmniej wyszukany, naciągany sposób. Autorka poszła na łatwiznę i zaserwowała najbanalniejsze zakończenie w stylu deux ex machina. Ale nie tylko sam finał, bo cała i cała fabuła jest tak szalenie niewiarygodna i pełna dziur logicznych i absurdów, że przy „Spider Light” książki Mroza czyta się jak literaturę faktu. Styl Rayne też pozostawia wiele do życzenia - infantylne, banalne dialogi, nijakie opisy. Miałam wrażenie jakbym czytała wyjątkowo mierną opowieść (pseudo) grozy napisaną przez ucznia z wcale nie czołowego liceum, a nie utwór napisany przez doświadczoną pisarkę, która ma na swoim koncie ponad 20 powieści - w tym wiele cieszących się dużą popularnością i uznaniem wśród czytelników.
Możliwe, że miałam wyjątkowego pecha z wyborem akurat tego tytułu na pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością Sarah Rayne, bo podobno „Spider Light” to wypadek przy pracy i jeden z jej najsłabszych tytułów. Mam nadzieję, że tak jest rzeczywiście, bo pomimo sromotnego zawodu nadal ciągnie mnie do paru jej innych powieści. A, że jedną nawet mam na półce to bez wątpienia po nią sięgnę. Ale już z mniejszymi oczekiwaniami i mniejszym entuzjazmem niż to miało miejsce przy „Spider Light”.
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Gorszego chrztu dla nowego mojego Kindle’a chyba nie mogłam wybrać. Pierwsza książka na nowym czytniku i - o zgrozo! - jak na razie największy bubel przeczytany w tym roku. „Spider Light” to według wydawcy miał być wyjątkowo niepokojący i mroczny horror z opuszczonym młynem będącym osią całej powieści. Czym w rzeczywistości „Spider Light” było? Przeczytałam i nadal nie mam pojęcia. Jeśli ktoś wie - to proszę o pomoc i wytłumaczenie, chętnie się dowiem!
Czego w tej książce nie ma?! Kazirodztwo, rodzicobójstwo, nawiedzony młyn, obłąkane morderczynie, szpitale psychiatryczne z sadystycznym personelem, gwałty. Gwałty w ilościach hurtowych! Autorka widać wykatkowo nie znosiła swoich bohaterek, bo każda (dosłownie każda) albo padła ofiarą gwałtu albo cudem ze spotkania z gwałcicielem się wywinęła. A, że autorce nadal było mało to są gwałty i hetereo i homoseksualne. Do wyboru do koloru! Dla każdego coś miłego! Nie narzekajcie moi drodzy czytelnicy! Gdyby to wszystko było jeszcze dobrze napisane i cała historia miała ręce i nogi to książka mogłaby się obronić. Ale nie w tym przypadku! Poszczególne wątki są kompletnie od siebie oderwane, sklejone pod koniec na siłę najmniej wyszukany, naciągany sposób. Autorka poszła na łatwiznę i zaserwowała najbanalniejsze zakończenie w stylu deux ex machina. Ale nie tylko sam finał, bo cała i cała fabuła jest tak szalenie niewiarygodna i pełna dziur logicznych i absurdów, że przy „Spider Light” książki Mroza czyta się jak literaturę faktu. Styl Rayne też pozostawia wiele do życzenia - infantylne, banalne dialogi, nijakie opisy. Miałam wrażenie jakbym czytała wyjątkowo mierną opowieść (pseudo) grozy napisaną przez ucznia z wcale nie czołowego liceum, a nie utwór napisany przez doświadczoną pisarkę, która ma na swoim koncie ponad 20 powieści - w tym wiele cieszących się dużą popularnością i uznaniem wśród czytelników.
Możliwe, że miałam wyjątkowego pecha z wyborem akurat tego tytułu na pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością Sarah Rayne, bo podobno „Spider Light” to wypadek przy pracy i jeden z jej najsłabszych tytułów. Mam nadzieję, że tak jest rzeczywiście, bo pomimo sromotnego zawodu nadal ciągnie mnie do paru jej innych powieści. A, że jedną nawet mam na półce to bez wątpienia po nią sięgnę. Ale już z mniejszymi oczekiwaniami i mniejszym entuzjazmem niż to miało miejsce przy „Spider Light”.
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March 22, 2025
I don’t think I expected to like this book, but at a certain point I found that I could not put it down. The book follows three storylines that span over a hundred or so years. The story of Maud and her experiences were my least favorite parts, but I was intrigued by Donna and Antonia.
The story centered around Twigrist Mill and Latchkill Asylum, each storyline had deep roots embedded in those locations. So much so that the story did feel quite repetitive at times. Other than that I quite enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot. I don’t normally like a “what the heck is going on” kind of story but I just put my hands up and enjoyed the rollercoaster ride.
If you’re someone who can’t even fathom reading about incest briefly on page, I would steer away from this book. But it’s such a small section, one or two pages at most (fade to black, don’t worry), and it drives one of the most tense plot lines. Without that bit of history, Donna’s character wouldn't make sense.
As far as endings go, I think Rayne’s strengths lay in the building of the plot and creating suspense. The ending, by comparison to the rest of the book, felt like a bit of a let down and a tad boring. There was just a lot of talking about what had happened and not much else. I was very glad of the budding romance at the end though, even if it felt a bit out of the blue. I would have liked to see a bit more from the killer’s perspective, but we were only given a one page summary of what happens to them.
Overall, definitely a creepy read which kept me up at night more than I would like to admit. If you enjoy that kind of vibe and a quick read, then I’d suggest you give Spider Light a chance.
The story centered around Twigrist Mill and Latchkill Asylum, each storyline had deep roots embedded in those locations. So much so that the story did feel quite repetitive at times. Other than that I quite enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot. I don’t normally like a “what the heck is going on” kind of story but I just put my hands up and enjoyed the rollercoaster ride.
If you’re someone who can’t even fathom reading about incest briefly on page, I would steer away from this book. But it’s such a small section, one or two pages at most (fade to black, don’t worry), and it drives one of the most tense plot lines. Without that bit of history, Donna’s character wouldn't make sense.
As far as endings go, I think Rayne’s strengths lay in the building of the plot and creating suspense. The ending, by comparison to the rest of the book, felt like a bit of a let down and a tad boring. There was just a lot of talking about what had happened and not much else. I was very glad of the budding romance at the end though, even if it felt a bit out of the blue. I would have liked to see a bit more from the killer’s perspective, but we were only given a one page summary of what happens to them.
Overall, definitely a creepy read which kept me up at night more than I would like to admit. If you enjoy that kind of vibe and a quick read, then I’d suggest you give Spider Light a chance.
July 6, 2020
While I was researching for a new TV series to watch, I came across Penny Dreadful in Netflix. I liked the name and read more about it. Little did I know, in two days' time, I would come across a work of fiction that would make the meaning of Penny Dreadful so absolutely clear for me.
I had read Dark Dividing. While it wasn't exceptional, it at least had a story. Spider Light, on the other hand, is nothing but lurid, like a cheap sensational novel. I read another reader's review where they have written that it's too 'rapey' and it is the apt adjective for this novel. There are far too many characters and back stories than necessary that most of the time I asked out loud, 'so what? why should I be interested in you?'. There was not a single character that I liked or who was relatable. Another fact that was very off-putting for me was the villainy of the antagonist. Was it intentional to make them so evil? And, was the author trying to portray the protagonist as a saint? That doesn't always work. In fact, I wanted to help the antagonist in their plot against Dr.Weston.
I got the feeling that the author was struggling to find a connection that will link the absurdities (I won't honor them by saying 'incidents') of the past and the present together. Something, anything. And in the end, whatever connection she could conjure up, was so far fetched and stretched (much like the novel, let me add), that I humphed so loud that I fear I woke up my neighbor.
I have a couple of more of her books in my Kindle. But, I'll give Sarah Rayne a rest for some time.
I had read Dark Dividing. While it wasn't exceptional, it at least had a story. Spider Light, on the other hand, is nothing but lurid, like a cheap sensational novel. I read another reader's review where they have written that it's too 'rapey' and it is the apt adjective for this novel. There are far too many characters and back stories than necessary that most of the time I asked out loud, 'so what? why should I be interested in you?'. There was not a single character that I liked or who was relatable. Another fact that was very off-putting for me was the villainy of the antagonist. Was it intentional to make them so evil? And, was the author trying to portray the protagonist as a saint? That doesn't always work. In fact, I wanted to help the antagonist in their plot against Dr.Weston.
I got the feeling that the author was struggling to find a connection that will link the absurdities (I won't honor them by saying 'incidents') of the past and the present together. Something, anything. And in the end, whatever connection she could conjure up, was so far fetched and stretched (much like the novel, let me add), that I humphed so loud that I fear I woke up my neighbor.
I have a couple of more of her books in my Kindle. But, I'll give Sarah Rayne a rest for some time.
Read
March 31, 2020I remember really enjoying this when I first read it; in fact I believe this was the first Sarah Rayne novel I did read and it led me to the rest of her books haha so it definitely left an impression. On re-read I enjoyed it just as much...I'd forgotten enough of the details so the mystery was still pretty compelling and the threads between past and present were expertly wound
There was one issue I missed the first time around that I kind of disliked this time though
There was one issue I missed the first time around that I kind of disliked this time though
November 27, 2018
I have read around 12 of Ms Rayne's books, and enjoyed them all. Until this one. Not sure if it was the subject matter or the timing was wrong or what, but I did not care for this one at all. Huge disappointment. The sexual issues were a bit off putting, but it was more than that for me. The story didn't flow, and I ended up skimming more than I usually do at all.
I won't give up on Ms Rayne, though!
I won't give up on Ms Rayne, though!
March 27, 2025
Honestly, I am shocked this is a traditionally published book. It was so awful. The writing from first year creative writing students is better than this. I’m sorry to be so cruel, but I almost got my red pen out to correct all the typos and restructure the sentences.
I’m glad I got this book for $1, and somehow that still feels too expensive.
My advice: hard avoid. Save yourself the time and read a TV Guide for more entertainment.
I’m glad I got this book for $1, and somehow that still feels too expensive.
My advice: hard avoid. Save yourself the time and read a TV Guide for more entertainment.
October 29, 2020
This is the kind of book that anyone would not notice and read. However, I don't have much to say towards the story, but it was definitely a WELL-PLOTTED, PAGE-TURNER, and VERY MANIPULATIVE; the characters are all messed up and pure EVIL — living in this rural area that carried the tragic past and continues to linger. An extremely BREATHTAKING and CONFLICTING story.
November 21, 2022
Atmospheric and compelling
I have read three Sarah Rayne books, back to back. I have loved the two parallel stories. The past impacting on the present, and on occasion repeating . I really enjoyed Donna,a wonderfully dark corrupt young lady. Born or bred, this time I would say born.
I have read three Sarah Rayne books, back to back. I have loved the two parallel stories. The past impacting on the present, and on occasion repeating . I really enjoyed Donna,a wonderfully dark corrupt young lady. Born or bred, this time I would say born.
June 14, 2017
It was a slow beginning, but ramped up rather quickly. Very disturbing content. You have to have a strong constitution to wade through the strong and disturbing subjects that are brought up. It switches back and forth between late 19th century and modern day.
October 21, 2020
Sarah Rayne needs an applause for her complex plot, that puts you on a journey in and out of time. I enjoyed reading this scary story, but I felt a little let down with how everything came to an end. I wanted more.
March 3, 2025
DNF... Made it to page 28.... couldn't get any further.
Boring. Unnecessarily long description of houses and landmarks. If there was a story in there somewhere, I have no clue what it was.
Life's too story for bad reads.
Boring. Unnecessarily long description of houses and landmarks. If there was a story in there somewhere, I have no clue what it was.
Life's too story for bad reads.
February 15, 2018
An enjoyable read. Some of it a little predictable but a good page-turner.
August 11, 2025
What a great book! A bit convoluted, but man, it is interesting. Reminds me of Ruth Rendell a bit.
October 5, 2016
Just an okay book for me...too many things going on, too many things conveniently tying the past with the present. Not a fan of incest in what I read, so that was an immediate turn off. But I stuck with it, hoping the plot would get better. Which it really didn't. A disappointment.
September 13, 2011
This was a very enjoyable read, with Sarah Raynes usual formula of a story told in the present day and a back story set in the 1890's, all centered around a market town called Amberwood and its old asylum and mill. Antonia Weston comes to Amberwood to get her life back together after a very traumatic and tragic 5 year period and if befriended by one of the curators of Quire House, a museum and craft center, from whom she is renting Charity Cottage. She becomes interested in the history of the old Mill, Twygrist and now vanished, Latchkill Asylum, but her past comes back to haunt her and her life is in peril. The historical account of the characters who once lived in Quire House and inhabited Amberwood, is as usual twisted and shocking, especially in the form of one predatory lesbian, who obviously wanted to keep her goings on a secret, at any cost. Ms. Raynes characters in the present day, are almost as quaint as her Victorian characters in their dialogue, I also noticed this in her previous books. Not all are of course, nor is the subject matter which includes incest, albeit consentual, but its still disturbing without being graphic. Her back stories are always the more interesting, although in fairness, past and present work well to bring together a great story. There is a lot going on here once again, she uses several characters as opposed to concentrating on just one or two, but not so many, you feel overwhelmed and can't keep track. She has a great gift at weaving together a very interesting story, so again, one to keep you interested right up to the last page.
December 7, 2016
A book that tries too hard to be too many things but which still ends up an interesting enough read. There are several plots and sub-plots, narrated in the present day and the past, and so many murders that you really do have to suspend total disbelief to accept them. The murderers are also very lucky with their murdering, generally achieving 100% success in their attempts despite the circumstances. The book rolls along at a lick though I found the ending rushed as if even the author thought she'd had enough of these improbable actions and needed to stop writing. Despite the flaws, though, it was a solid read with female protagonists which makes a nice change. I did feel, however, that the editing was weak and could have done with stricter cutting in several areas and a suggestion that the present day characters speak in a present day manner.
December 29, 2013
I have really liked the other books by Ms. Rayne. They are page turning, traditional ghost stories with a touch of horror. I have found myself looking over my shoulder more than once while reading one of Ms. Rayne's books.
However, I found this book very distasteful. That is a personal opinion, and not a critique on the writing. I did not like or identify with any of the characters, and found the actions of the lesbian matron in the flashback to be abhorrent. I stopped reading half way through the book because I needed to scour my brain out.
It was, however, riveting in an I-must-see-how-this-train-wreck-develops way, but decided I did not care after all because the plot and characters were so repulsive.
However, I found this book very distasteful. That is a personal opinion, and not a critique on the writing. I did not like or identify with any of the characters, and found the actions of the lesbian matron in the flashback to be abhorrent. I stopped reading half way through the book because I needed to scour my brain out.
It was, however, riveting in an I-must-see-how-this-train-wreck-develops way, but decided I did not care after all because the plot and characters were so repulsive.
May 15, 2014
A good story if not for the same accounts told from different viewpoints, This is a dark tale set around the creepy-sounding Twygrist mill and Latchkill asylum. Antonia is a doctor, recently released from prison for killing an intruder who she believed murdered her brother. But Donna, the intruder’s sister is out to get her. Antonia, meanwhile stays in the town and unfurls the twisted history of the town’s past. I loved the ‘spider-light’ concept, things only visible in half-dusk. It is during this time, that the secrets of the town are revealed. However, I wished the author had not revealed so early on who was out to get Antonia. I felt the mystery would have made the read more compelling. I like not knowing things until the end. Otherwise, a pretty good read.
August 28, 2012
I loved this book as I do all of Rayne's books. This one is deliciously dark and macabre. Loved the narrative moving from one time period to another and reading about all these characters more than a hundred years apart. I loved this and cannot wait to read my next Sarah Rayne. However, I must admit that her books do seem a tad bit similar, most of them have old abandoned building- asylums, orphanages and prisons or something similarly dark and the mystery surrounding them. So after a point it seems a little like reading the same themes over and over. But I do love the said themes and this was very gripping and dark and murky.
October 30, 2012
This was such an odd (but really good) book for me and although there were some weird social issues here that I found hard to stomach, the integration of the local creepy grist mill sold me on it. I've found that I'm drawn to stories that involve old creepy buildings, go figure. Totally predictable ending but it was the journey that excelled and the ending was just ... well, the end of a story. But, if I never hear the word "macabre" again, it'll be too soon. I guess that's a good descriptor of this book anyway.
June 9, 2013
"Spider Light" is apparently the time of day when night is turning into morning and vice versa. It's a time when unseen creatures can scuttle about in the shadows....Very evocative! I think this has become my favourite Sarah Rayne novel. It's a dark and disturbing tale with some seriously twisted characters and features Rayne's characteristic switches from past to present. Both time frames are set in the village of Amberwood where Twygrist Mill and Latchkill Asylum have a malevolent influence. You wouldn't want to find yourself in either building during 'spider light'....
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