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The Lighthouse
No one expected them to go there. The question is: will any of them leave?
Six friends travel to a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands for an old school reunion. They’ve rented The Lighthouse – a stunning, now abandoned building that was once notorious for deaths at sea.
On the first evening, someone goes missing. The group search all through the night to no avail. But when the five remaining friends return to the lighthouse early the next morning, they are shocked to find James inside. He’s looks terrified – but won’t say a word about where he’s been.
The party vow to put the strange night behind them and enjoy the rest of their stay, but when more unexplained things begin to occur, tensions escalate. It’s clear James knows something, but nothing will persuade him to give up the secrets of the island. Is he protecting his friends from a terrible truth, or leading them into more danger?
A chilling, gripping and powerfully atmospheric suspense novel with a gothic edge.
Six friends travel to a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands for an old school reunion. They’ve rented The Lighthouse – a stunning, now abandoned building that was once notorious for deaths at sea.
On the first evening, someone goes missing. The group search all through the night to no avail. But when the five remaining friends return to the lighthouse early the next morning, they are shocked to find James inside. He’s looks terrified – but won’t say a word about where he’s been.
The party vow to put the strange night behind them and enjoy the rest of their stay, but when more unexplained things begin to occur, tensions escalate. It’s clear James knows something, but nothing will persuade him to give up the secrets of the island. Is he protecting his friends from a terrible truth, or leading them into more danger?
A chilling, gripping and powerfully atmospheric suspense novel with a gothic edge.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2022
84 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
December 9, 2021
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this gripping, atmospheric mystery and adventure story. Its chilling location is on a lonely, windswept island off the coast of Scotland. The unpredictable weather, the mist, the cold, and the lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the churning sea are vividly described.
Six people are having a weekend getaway while leaving their responsibilities in the city far behind. Most attended the same university ten years earlier. In attendance were four women and two men. They carry with them resentments, betrayals, jealousy, and worries that they aim to resolve while enjoying their time together.
I found the beginning slow-paced, mainly because it took me a long time to sort out the characters and get to distinguish their personalities. When I felt I had come to know them, I failed to like most of them and was barely invested in their fate.
Once the group arrives on the island they begin to sense a malevolent vibe in their surroundings. An eerie feeling disturbs them as they begin to feel they are not alone as promised. One of the men becomes increasingly unstable, and a woman is constantly voicing her dislike for everything in the holiday setting and is worried about being absent from home.
They try to distract themselves from their unease by playing games but begin to argue and insult one another. Objects begin to mysteriously disappear, a mirror is shattered and a warning is written on a nearby wall, and a previously tightly locked door has been opened. They begin to blame other group members, suspecting one of them is playing a trick to add to their growing fear. Group cohesion is shattered. They lack the means to communicate with the mainland. They imagine another presence on the island.
Is some unknown person trying to frighten them? Are there ghosts present? Is their imagination running wild? They have become aware of premature deaths and tragedies on the island's history that unsettles them. One of the men thinks he encountered a strange woman while wandering in a drunken stupor. He hasn't mentioned it as he feels the others will ridicule him and he is uncertain it really happened. One of the women thought she had a glimpse of an unknown person outside the window.
The action picks up with alarming intensity near the end. there is danger, injuries, and a possible death. When the boat finally arrives to take them homeward, they have agreed that there are island secrets that they can never reveal in order to resume their normal lives.
I have recently read at least one other book with a lighthouse setting which makes an excellent, remote location. I liked the way that group dynamics shifted and were revealed. The added possible supernatural element added tension to this intriguing plot, and I believe the book will be popular with many enthusiastic readers.
Six people are having a weekend getaway while leaving their responsibilities in the city far behind. Most attended the same university ten years earlier. In attendance were four women and two men. They carry with them resentments, betrayals, jealousy, and worries that they aim to resolve while enjoying their time together.
I found the beginning slow-paced, mainly because it took me a long time to sort out the characters and get to distinguish their personalities. When I felt I had come to know them, I failed to like most of them and was barely invested in their fate.
Once the group arrives on the island they begin to sense a malevolent vibe in their surroundings. An eerie feeling disturbs them as they begin to feel they are not alone as promised. One of the men becomes increasingly unstable, and a woman is constantly voicing her dislike for everything in the holiday setting and is worried about being absent from home.
They try to distract themselves from their unease by playing games but begin to argue and insult one another. Objects begin to mysteriously disappear, a mirror is shattered and a warning is written on a nearby wall, and a previously tightly locked door has been opened. They begin to blame other group members, suspecting one of them is playing a trick to add to their growing fear. Group cohesion is shattered. They lack the means to communicate with the mainland. They imagine another presence on the island.
Is some unknown person trying to frighten them? Are there ghosts present? Is their imagination running wild? They have become aware of premature deaths and tragedies on the island's history that unsettles them. One of the men thinks he encountered a strange woman while wandering in a drunken stupor. He hasn't mentioned it as he feels the others will ridicule him and he is uncertain it really happened. One of the women thought she had a glimpse of an unknown person outside the window.
The action picks up with alarming intensity near the end. there is danger, injuries, and a possible death. When the boat finally arrives to take them homeward, they have agreed that there are island secrets that they can never reveal in order to resume their normal lives.
I have recently read at least one other book with a lighthouse setting which makes an excellent, remote location. I liked the way that group dynamics shifted and were revealed. The added possible supernatural element added tension to this intriguing plot, and I believe the book will be popular with many enthusiastic readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
Six friends travel to a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands for an old school reunion. They've rented the lighthouse - a stunning, now abandoned building that was once notorious for deaths at sea. On the first evening, someone goes missing. The group search all through the night to no avail. But when the five remaining friends return to the lighthouse early the next morning, they are surprised to find James inside. He looks terrified - but won't say a word where he's been.
What a creepy vibe this book had throughout. Six friends got together for an old school reunion, and I expected something to happen to one of them, but not for them to return. Other strange things start happening to the group. The story is told from multiple points of view. This book was not what I expected it to be, but I still liked it. I liked that things started to go wrong from the moment they first set foot on the island. The story has a steady pace. There's plenty of drama, thrills, secrets and bickering between the friends.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #FranDorricott for my ARC of #TheLighthouse in exchange for an honest review.
What a creepy vibe this book had throughout. Six friends got together for an old school reunion, and I expected something to happen to one of them, but not for them to return. Other strange things start happening to the group. The story is told from multiple points of view. This book was not what I expected it to be, but I still liked it. I liked that things started to go wrong from the moment they first set foot on the island. The story has a steady pace. There's plenty of drama, thrills, secrets and bickering between the friends.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #FranDorricott for my ARC of #TheLighthouse in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
I really liked the premise of this book when I requested it from Netgalley It didn't disappoint. 6 friends, 5 of which have known each other since University. Hire a cottage on a remote Scottish island next to a lighthouse. The story is told from a different POV for each Chapter, which worked well. Although I was surprised it wasn't told from every character's viewpoint. Unless I missed those.
This was an exciting story that was well told and pulled you in and kept you guessing till the end. Great characters that were relatable and believable
Overall, this was a spooky atmospheric story that was part psychological thriller, part ghost story and a bit of the Famous Five thrown in. I would have liked another twist at the end, but I won't spoil it
Merged review:
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
I really liked the premise of this book when I requested it from Netgalley It didn't disappoint. 6 friends, 5 of which have known each other since University. Hire a cottage on a remote Scottish island next to a lighthouse. The story is told from a different POV for each Chapter, which worked well. Although I was surprised it wasn't told from every character's viewpoint. Unless I missed those.
This was an exciting story that was well told and pulled you in and kept you guessing till the end. Great characters that were relatable and believable
Overall, this was a spooky atmospheric story that was part psychological thriller, part ghost story and a bit of the Famous Five thrown in. I would have liked another twist at the end, but I won't spoil it
I really liked the premise of this book when I requested it from Netgalley It didn't disappoint. 6 friends, 5 of which have known each other since University. Hire a cottage on a remote Scottish island next to a lighthouse. The story is told from a different POV for each Chapter, which worked well. Although I was surprised it wasn't told from every character's viewpoint. Unless I missed those.
This was an exciting story that was well told and pulled you in and kept you guessing till the end. Great characters that were relatable and believable
Overall, this was a spooky atmospheric story that was part psychological thriller, part ghost story and a bit of the Famous Five thrown in. I would have liked another twist at the end, but I won't spoil it
Merged review:
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
I really liked the premise of this book when I requested it from Netgalley It didn't disappoint. 6 friends, 5 of which have known each other since University. Hire a cottage on a remote Scottish island next to a lighthouse. The story is told from a different POV for each Chapter, which worked well. Although I was surprised it wasn't told from every character's viewpoint. Unless I missed those.
This was an exciting story that was well told and pulled you in and kept you guessing till the end. Great characters that were relatable and believable
Overall, this was a spooky atmospheric story that was part psychological thriller, part ghost story and a bit of the Famous Five thrown in. I would have liked another twist at the end, but I won't spoil it
February 3, 2022
Fran Dorricott is a Derby based author who decided to change direction and write a “creepy island book”. “The Lighthouse” is a chilling and intensely atmospheric thriller for readers who love a locked room mystery.
- “Six friends travel to a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands for an old school reunion. They’ve rented ‘The Lighthouse’ – a stunning, now abandoned building that was once notorious for deaths at sea. On the first evening, someone goes missing. The group search all through the night to no avail. But when the five remaining friends return to the lighthouse early the next morning, they are shocked to find James inside. He’s looks terrified – but won’t say a word about where he’s been.”
Told from several characters points of view, this slow burn mystery certainly gave off some distinctly creepy vibes. An isolated, abandoned but newly renovated island, constantly ravaged by wild seas and turbulent weather, was the perfect setting for six friends to spend the weekend, rekindling their friendships now they are older. I was certainly drawn to the intriguing ‘goings on’ and as much as I suspected the reasons from midway on, I enjoyed how it panned out and reached the climatic denouement.
I didn’t personally feel that this book was quite as scary as I hoped but as a mystery thriller, it did have the necessary vibes and one hundred percent had the complete package for the atmospheric setting. It was unquestionably addictive and found I wanted to pick it up again as soon as I put it down. Best try reading it in one or two sittings to keep the spooky continuity, “The Lighthouse” is an easy to read thriller that I visualised perfectly, due to the the author’s superb attention to atmospheric and moody detail.
I’d happily read more by this author, and I have no reason not to recommend this book, a perfect escape to a remote island from the comfort and protection of your own home and I wish Fran Dorricott, every success with this Agatha Christie style story.
#THELIGHTHOUSE - 4 stars
Thank you to LoveReading for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
- “Six friends travel to a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands for an old school reunion. They’ve rented ‘The Lighthouse’ – a stunning, now abandoned building that was once notorious for deaths at sea. On the first evening, someone goes missing. The group search all through the night to no avail. But when the five remaining friends return to the lighthouse early the next morning, they are shocked to find James inside. He’s looks terrified – but won’t say a word about where he’s been.”
Told from several characters points of view, this slow burn mystery certainly gave off some distinctly creepy vibes. An isolated, abandoned but newly renovated island, constantly ravaged by wild seas and turbulent weather, was the perfect setting for six friends to spend the weekend, rekindling their friendships now they are older. I was certainly drawn to the intriguing ‘goings on’ and as much as I suspected the reasons from midway on, I enjoyed how it panned out and reached the climatic denouement.
I didn’t personally feel that this book was quite as scary as I hoped but as a mystery thriller, it did have the necessary vibes and one hundred percent had the complete package for the atmospheric setting. It was unquestionably addictive and found I wanted to pick it up again as soon as I put it down. Best try reading it in one or two sittings to keep the spooky continuity, “The Lighthouse” is an easy to read thriller that I visualised perfectly, due to the the author’s superb attention to atmospheric and moody detail.
I’d happily read more by this author, and I have no reason not to recommend this book, a perfect escape to a remote island from the comfort and protection of your own home and I wish Fran Dorricott, every success with this Agatha Christie style story.
#THELIGHTHOUSE - 4 stars
Thank you to LoveReading for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
February 12, 2022
I found this book to be very uninspiring and quite a disappointment. The characters irritated me in the way they behaves running around in the dark like silly children and drinking too much. They were all quite shallow and not particularly nice. The book wasn’t creepy for me and I found myself thinking that I’d read something similar last year. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2022
The Lighthouse got me so tense that my shoulders are still tight, and my pupils dilated like I have seen a ghost. The story follows 6 friends from college that come together for a reunion. They haven’t all hung out in ages. Now older but still longing for their younger selves, that feeling of freedom and friendship.
They get to stay at this newly renovated lighthouse that emulates everything you would imagine when you think small Scottish island. Draped in green hills, edgy cliffs, and a drift of fog and clouds the mood is rich in history and old charm. Being the very first guests they are excited to have some fun like in the old days but from the moment they arrive on the remote Island, they feel something isn’t quite right.
From their arrival on the island, things start to take a strange turn as things go missing but then reappear as if it was always there. James one of the friends in the group also disappears only to reappear hours later. Accusations are thrown around and tension builds as the group keeps on experiencing events that tear them apart.
Fran Dorricott writes a story full of perfect details and grand images of the lighthouse, the island, and the tense mood surrounding it. She writes from the perspective of three of the characters creating a story that is well-rounded and developed so the reader gets to be fully immersed in the tense yet fragile story. Filling it with the right number of questions to keep readers engaged and entertained right through the book.
The characters while not developed in detail come together very well as a group to make the story feel full and immersive. The conflict between the characters and the inner turmoil each character faces while navigating the strange and disturbing events builds the suspense to a deliciously agonising point.
The book oozes mystery and thrilling moments and leaves the reader craving more with an ending that they won’t see coming and questions that are left unanswered. While I found the ending entertaining I was a bit disappointed. The questions left for the reader to mull over are too big to leave up to the imagination.
A great thrilling read that left me wishing there were a few more pages.
Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
They get to stay at this newly renovated lighthouse that emulates everything you would imagine when you think small Scottish island. Draped in green hills, edgy cliffs, and a drift of fog and clouds the mood is rich in history and old charm. Being the very first guests they are excited to have some fun like in the old days but from the moment they arrive on the remote Island, they feel something isn’t quite right.
From their arrival on the island, things start to take a strange turn as things go missing but then reappear as if it was always there. James one of the friends in the group also disappears only to reappear hours later. Accusations are thrown around and tension builds as the group keeps on experiencing events that tear them apart.
Fran Dorricott writes a story full of perfect details and grand images of the lighthouse, the island, and the tense mood surrounding it. She writes from the perspective of three of the characters creating a story that is well-rounded and developed so the reader gets to be fully immersed in the tense yet fragile story. Filling it with the right number of questions to keep readers engaged and entertained right through the book.
The characters while not developed in detail come together very well as a group to make the story feel full and immersive. The conflict between the characters and the inner turmoil each character faces while navigating the strange and disturbing events builds the suspense to a deliciously agonising point.
The book oozes mystery and thrilling moments and leaves the reader craving more with an ending that they won’t see coming and questions that are left unanswered. While I found the ending entertaining I was a bit disappointed. The questions left for the reader to mull over are too big to leave up to the imagination.
A great thrilling read that left me wishing there were a few more pages.
Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an entertaining read! At first it reminded me of a book I read recently...deserted island, a group of friends, lighthouse. However, it turned out to be completely different. Very atmospheric setting. A little spooky. A touch of the paranormal. A mystery that kept me engaged throughout. That said, I had a couple of niggles. One, I could not stand Kira and really wished someone had drop kicked her off a cliff. And second, the ending was super rushed and needed a few more pages to properly flesh it out. Overall though, this was a really enjoyable read and gets two thumbs up from yours truly!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This was an entertaining read! At first it reminded me of a book I read recently...deserted island, a group of friends, lighthouse. However, it turned out to be completely different. Very atmospheric setting. A little spooky. A touch of the paranormal. A mystery that kept me engaged throughout. That said, I had a couple of niggles. One, I could not stand Kira and really wished someone had drop kicked her off a cliff. And second, the ending was super rushed and needed a few more pages to properly flesh it out. Overall though, this was a really enjoyable read and gets two thumbs up from yours truly!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
January 19, 2022
On my blog.
Rep: lesbian mcs
Galley provided by publisher
The Lighthouse has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 from about the moment I knew about it. Fran Dorricott’s books have been consistently among my favourites and it’s got to the point that, no matter what she writes, I will be there reading it.
In a bit of a departure from her previous thrillers, the book doesn’t start with a crime. Or, at least, not that we know of. Instead, it starts with the arrival of a group of friends on the island, to stay at the lighthouse-slash-cottage-next-door for the weekend. Everything seems idyllic, in terms of location at least. But tensions simmer and friendships are perhaps a little more fractured than they were at the start, and none of this is helped by the disappearance of one of their party on the first night.
The atmosphere throughout the book, the tension and the fear, is almost palpable. It’s a thriller of the best sort in that it’s genuinely thrilling. Once I’d got into the book, I didn’t want to put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout, because I had no idea where the plot would go next.
You also have, on top of this, a group of characters who, on the surface, seem like the kind of people who have what they want in life, who are right where they ought to be. But then they’re put under the kind of stress as in this book and it all comes spiralling out. It’s compelling and makes for a very fun read (in one sense). They all have secrets and you can’t help but want to know them.
The only thing I would say, that stopped me giving this 5 stars perhaps, was that it felt like the opening to something. As in, the events of the book felt like a catalyst, you might have expected them to be as such in any other book. This is the secret they must now keep, which precipitates the fracturing of their friendship. I’m not saying this was a bad thing, but more possibly it’s not what I expected. I’m sure, if I reread this book with that knowledge in mind, my thoughts on that part would change.
Overall though, The Lighthouse more than lived up to my expectations, and definitely cements Fran Dorricott as one of my favourite authors.
Rep: lesbian mcs
Galley provided by publisher
The Lighthouse has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 from about the moment I knew about it. Fran Dorricott’s books have been consistently among my favourites and it’s got to the point that, no matter what she writes, I will be there reading it.
In a bit of a departure from her previous thrillers, the book doesn’t start with a crime. Or, at least, not that we know of. Instead, it starts with the arrival of a group of friends on the island, to stay at the lighthouse-slash-cottage-next-door for the weekend. Everything seems idyllic, in terms of location at least. But tensions simmer and friendships are perhaps a little more fractured than they were at the start, and none of this is helped by the disappearance of one of their party on the first night.
The atmosphere throughout the book, the tension and the fear, is almost palpable. It’s a thriller of the best sort in that it’s genuinely thrilling. Once I’d got into the book, I didn’t want to put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout, because I had no idea where the plot would go next.
You also have, on top of this, a group of characters who, on the surface, seem like the kind of people who have what they want in life, who are right where they ought to be. But then they’re put under the kind of stress as in this book and it all comes spiralling out. It’s compelling and makes for a very fun read (in one sense). They all have secrets and you can’t help but want to know them.
The only thing I would say, that stopped me giving this 5 stars perhaps, was that it felt like the opening to something. As in, the events of the book felt like a catalyst, you might have expected them to be as such in any other book. This is the secret they must now keep, which precipitates the fracturing of their friendship. I’m not saying this was a bad thing, but more possibly it’s not what I expected. I’m sure, if I reread this book with that knowledge in mind, my thoughts on that part would change.
Overall though, The Lighthouse more than lived up to my expectations, and definitely cements Fran Dorricott as one of my favourite authors.
September 10, 2022
Six university friends travel to a remote Scottish island, staying at the Lighthouse which has been beautifully renovated. They will be the island’s only inhabitants. With stunning views and no one to bother them, this will be a wonderfully relaxing trip. Or so they thought… But when odd things start happening the tension starts to build and tempers and old secrets begin to emerge.
This would be a perfect spooky season read as it really is quite eerie and took off in a way I wasn’t expecting. The remote location with the large & imposing lighthouse as a backdrop really emphasises the sense of unease. I did get a little confused with the characters at the beginning as the story is told from three of the girls’ viewpoints) but soon got used to who was who. The story builds up into a fantastic crescendo and kept ne right on the edge of my seat. Spooky and spectacular!
This would be a perfect spooky season read as it really is quite eerie and took off in a way I wasn’t expecting. The remote location with the large & imposing lighthouse as a backdrop really emphasises the sense of unease. I did get a little confused with the characters at the beginning as the story is told from three of the girls’ viewpoints) but soon got used to who was who. The story builds up into a fantastic crescendo and kept ne right on the edge of my seat. Spooky and spectacular!
January 8, 2022
I feel like for this book to work for you you have to just inherently think that lighthouses are spooky. I went into this wanting a great, creepy, atmospheric read and it really missed the mark for me. I don't feel like the author really set up the setting, I was just told things were scary, or people were worried about this or that, or this or that was happening, but I never saw it. I never felt it. It was just a lighthouse which in and of itself is not scary...but the book treated it like it was.
This is the story of a bunch of friends who go on a long weekend trip together to a remote lighthouse on an island. Now at the beginning we are told that one of the friends was telling ghost stories on the boat ride over and scaring some of the others, but it took forever before we the reader actually got one of these ghost stories. Just telling me there were ghosts stories? Not scary. Doesn't set up a good creepy atmosphere. Having ghost stories told about the island you are going to on the way to the island? Creepy. But only if they are spooky themselves and like I said we are told them! When we did finally get one of these ghost stories? It was...not really a ghost story. Or not a good one. There was not a great setup, no anticipation, nothing that would make you scared like when you sit around a campfire and try and scare each other on a camping trip. I was expecting more of that kind of story, but instead we just got a few lines of facts and...it didn't work for me.
The story was told from various points of view, but they all felt the same. It took a while to remember who everyone was and who was with whom and so on. Really no one really seemed like they liked anyone else, but I was expecting some of the strange behavior to have a reason behind it. If it did we are never told it (and no, I don't just mean that the one lady is an ex-girlfriend of the one guy and so there is some tension there). It was...an odd group of supposed friends.
The ending was really off as well. It didn't make any sense. What happened was completely unnecessary because there was no point. But then again these characters often made decisions throughout the book that made no sense so why would the ending be any different? Overall this story did not work on any level for me. But maybe if you think lighthouses are inherently spooky it would be a better read for you?
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book
This is the story of a bunch of friends who go on a long weekend trip together to a remote lighthouse on an island. Now at the beginning we are told that one of the friends was telling ghost stories on the boat ride over and scaring some of the others, but it took forever before we the reader actually got one of these ghost stories. Just telling me there were ghosts stories? Not scary. Doesn't set up a good creepy atmosphere. Having ghost stories told about the island you are going to on the way to the island? Creepy. But only if they are spooky themselves and like I said we are told them! When we did finally get one of these ghost stories? It was...not really a ghost story. Or not a good one. There was not a great setup, no anticipation, nothing that would make you scared like when you sit around a campfire and try and scare each other on a camping trip. I was expecting more of that kind of story, but instead we just got a few lines of facts and...it didn't work for me.
The story was told from various points of view, but they all felt the same. It took a while to remember who everyone was and who was with whom and so on. Really no one really seemed like they liked anyone else, but I was expecting some of the strange behavior to have a reason behind it. If it did we are never told it (and no, I don't just mean that the one lady is an ex-girlfriend of the one guy and so there is some tension there). It was...an odd group of supposed friends.
The ending was really off as well. It didn't make any sense. What happened was completely unnecessary because there was no point. But then again these characters often made decisions throughout the book that made no sense so why would the ending be any different? Overall this story did not work on any level for me. But maybe if you think lighthouses are inherently spooky it would be a better read for you?
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book
March 4, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped. To start with, I could not understand how this group were friends: they are so mean to each other, taking light-hearted banter to another level. It felt like they were constantly drinking, sniping and generally being rude to each other, that I just wanted them to go home and go their separate ways.
It didn’t help that I found the characters too similar. I was repeatedly going back to the start of chapters to remind myself who was the narrator. They are only a group of six but the narrative voices were tricky to distinguish, especially as they gripe so much about the company they are keeping. Portrayed as shallow, self-centred and prone to having a lot of alcohol, I lost respect for the characters, even when things started to become spooky.
Events develop to suggest that the light house is haunted. One of the characters seems a bit obsessed with this topic and appears to find it gratifying to share her findings with the others, deliberately freaking them out. However, it turns out that Genevieve’s research becomes important and she grows to become quite a significant character in the latter half of the book. True, the mysteriously lost items, the locked room and the atmosphere of the cottages/light house in general all create an unsettling atmosphere, especially when combined with the stormy weather. I thought the writer establishes a very claustrophobic environment, particularly when it is clear the annoyed characters can’t really escape each other. Yet, I sadly guessed how the story would conclude and found it frustrating when it took so long to get there.
Whether the characters ever learn from their experiences remains ambiguous by the end of the story. I thought Dorricott could have ended the novel in a more optimistic way, instead reinforcing the deceptive and shallow actions of the characters. Furthermore, it could have been a bit more open-ended, perhaps allowing for a sequel… although I’m not sure I would want to read more about the people in this story.
This book tries to create a locked-room mystery but it did not meet its mark for me. Overwhelmingly, it was the characters that made this book off-putting, but I also thought a bit more tension could have improved the story, especially as I failed to sympathise with any of the character predicaments.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It didn’t help that I found the characters too similar. I was repeatedly going back to the start of chapters to remind myself who was the narrator. They are only a group of six but the narrative voices were tricky to distinguish, especially as they gripe so much about the company they are keeping. Portrayed as shallow, self-centred and prone to having a lot of alcohol, I lost respect for the characters, even when things started to become spooky.
Events develop to suggest that the light house is haunted. One of the characters seems a bit obsessed with this topic and appears to find it gratifying to share her findings with the others, deliberately freaking them out. However, it turns out that Genevieve’s research becomes important and she grows to become quite a significant character in the latter half of the book. True, the mysteriously lost items, the locked room and the atmosphere of the cottages/light house in general all create an unsettling atmosphere, especially when combined with the stormy weather. I thought the writer establishes a very claustrophobic environment, particularly when it is clear the annoyed characters can’t really escape each other. Yet, I sadly guessed how the story would conclude and found it frustrating when it took so long to get there.
Whether the characters ever learn from their experiences remains ambiguous by the end of the story. I thought Dorricott could have ended the novel in a more optimistic way, instead reinforcing the deceptive and shallow actions of the characters. Furthermore, it could have been a bit more open-ended, perhaps allowing for a sequel… although I’m not sure I would want to read more about the people in this story.
This book tries to create a locked-room mystery but it did not meet its mark for me. Overwhelmingly, it was the characters that made this book off-putting, but I also thought a bit more tension could have improved the story, especially as I failed to sympathise with any of the character predicaments.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2023
This tale of a reunion of old university friends on a remote Scottish lighthouse missed the mark for me . Firstly, if you are going to write a book from multiple points of view, then you need to make each individual person have a distinctive 'voice'. That was certainly lacking here, I had to keep going back to the beginning of each chapter to find out who was supposed to be narrating it. Secondly, make the characters believable. There is no way that I could imagine these people wanting to spend any time together at all. Thirdly, maybe most important of all, make your central plot twist credible. Don't try and build up an atmosphere and then ruin it with a laughable ending.
On the positive side, the descriptions of the scenery and the island were good. I had to wonder though if Ms Dorricott was so pleased with having included a same-sex married couple that she wanted to mention it at every conceivable point. I lost count of the number of times the word 'wife' was shoehorned into a sentence. It jarred after about the third time.
On the positive side, the descriptions of the scenery and the island were good. I had to wonder though if Ms Dorricott was so pleased with having included a same-sex married couple that she wanted to mention it at every conceivable point. I lost count of the number of times the word 'wife' was shoehorned into a sentence. It jarred after about the third time.
February 7, 2022
Friends, James, Jess, Kira, Lucas, Moira and Genevieve are at the Ora lighthouse for a reunion. The trip has been organised by Kira who is a travel photographer. James, Jess, Lucas, and Moira met in their first year at uni. Kira, who dated Lucas, met them in their third year. Beanie-wearing Ben takes them across the water and explains there's a boat only once a day between the island and the mainland. On the first evening there, one of their group goes missing.
Set on a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands, The Lighthouse had a really creepy vibe. I was soon flicking the pages in anticipation of what was to come next in this tense and suspenseful story. It was a very well-executed tale that Fran Dorricott brought to life admirably and I was desperate to find out the secrets the island was hiding. A terrific read. 😊👻
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Avon Books via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Set on a remote island north of the Scottish Highlands, The Lighthouse had a really creepy vibe. I was soon flicking the pages in anticipation of what was to come next in this tense and suspenseful story. It was a very well-executed tale that Fran Dorricott brought to life admirably and I was desperate to find out the secrets the island was hiding. A terrific read. 😊👻
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Avon Books via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 13, 2021
Fancy a spooky story set in an old lighthouse? Oh yes, please! I love spooky, and I love lighthouses, so as soon as I read the description of this book I had to have it. Don't be fooled by the innocuous title because this story will soon raise goosebumps. I made the mistake of reading it at night whilst on a camping trip near an actual lighthouse and was terrified to venture out after dark.
Here we have a fantastic atmospheric setting on a small Scottish island dominated by an old majestic lighthouse and keeper's cottage that have been turned into an exclusive holiday resort. Without phone or internet reception, it makes for a perfect escape from the modern world. Kira, a travel writer, has been offered a free stay and thinks it would make a great location for an annual reunion with four of her closest friends from university. Packed with lots of food and alcohol, the group set out on the boat trip to this spectacular location.
The author knows how to set the scene and the island initially sounds like heaven. Remote, windswept and buffeted by the waves, the landscape appears serene and beautiful to the friends as they settle in for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Soon, however, the atmosphere changes. Things disappear and everyone denies having taken them. Shadows appear in corners when there is noone there. And what lies behind the only locked door in the lighthouse? Suddenly the isolation becomes claustrophobic as the friends realise they are stranded here without a way off the island, with something that doesn't want them here.
How perfect is this premise? Despite my growing unease, I read it in almost one sitting because I had to get answers. As the weather closed in and darkness fell, I knew I was in for a spooky treat. I loved the hinting at a supernatural element that made me wonder if there was something ghostly going on or if there would be a rational explanation, which made the story even creepier for me without ever feeling unbelievable.
My only quibble was that the ending appeared a bit rushed and could have exploited the eerie background a bit longer. I was at the 95% mark when I thought that there wasn’t enough time to wrap up all the threads and ultimately felt that a few very good elements were left hanging. Seeing how the beginning of the book was slow, character driven and atmospheric, I felt that the rush to the conclusion let the book down a bit.
All in all, THE LIGHTHOUSE is the type of atmospheric, claustrophobic story that makes for a perfect escape. With a hint of a supernatural element, it managed to spook me enough to keep the lights on and read late into the night to get all the answers. Despite the rushed ending, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read more from this author in future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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Here we have a fantastic atmospheric setting on a small Scottish island dominated by an old majestic lighthouse and keeper's cottage that have been turned into an exclusive holiday resort. Without phone or internet reception, it makes for a perfect escape from the modern world. Kira, a travel writer, has been offered a free stay and thinks it would make a great location for an annual reunion with four of her closest friends from university. Packed with lots of food and alcohol, the group set out on the boat trip to this spectacular location.
The author knows how to set the scene and the island initially sounds like heaven. Remote, windswept and buffeted by the waves, the landscape appears serene and beautiful to the friends as they settle in for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Soon, however, the atmosphere changes. Things disappear and everyone denies having taken them. Shadows appear in corners when there is noone there. And what lies behind the only locked door in the lighthouse? Suddenly the isolation becomes claustrophobic as the friends realise they are stranded here without a way off the island, with something that doesn't want them here.
How perfect is this premise? Despite my growing unease, I read it in almost one sitting because I had to get answers. As the weather closed in and darkness fell, I knew I was in for a spooky treat. I loved the hinting at a supernatural element that made me wonder if there was something ghostly going on or if there would be a rational explanation, which made the story even creepier for me without ever feeling unbelievable.
My only quibble was that the ending appeared a bit rushed and could have exploited the eerie background a bit longer. I was at the 95% mark when I thought that there wasn’t enough time to wrap up all the threads and ultimately felt that a few very good elements were left hanging. Seeing how the beginning of the book was slow, character driven and atmospheric, I felt that the rush to the conclusion let the book down a bit.
All in all, THE LIGHTHOUSE is the type of atmospheric, claustrophobic story that makes for a perfect escape. With a hint of a supernatural element, it managed to spook me enough to keep the lights on and read late into the night to get all the answers. Despite the rushed ending, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read more from this author in future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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February 26, 2022
2.5 stars
The tension in the first part of this book was really good. It was really creepy, it kept me on edge, and made me want to find out what happens. However, that's pretty much the only thing I liked about this book...
My first problem with it straight off the bat was that every character's voice in this sounded exactly the same. I often had to flip back to find out whose POV I was reading because they sounded identical and I couldn't even notice the shift to a new POV. I get why the choice to have multiple narrators in this book was made and I agree with it, but I really think more care should have been taken to have the voices sound distinct and personal.
My second problem was that the pacing in the second half of the book felt a bit off and I thought the 'mystery reveal' came too early and by that point I was no longer interested to read the last third of the book. Moreover, I felt like the second half turned into a cliche horror movie where the characters do the stupidest things and you just yell at them to think for a second.
Lastly, the characters felt quite flat and I really could not get myself to care about them. You've got the token jock with a perfect life, his perfect girlboss girlfriend, the try-hard ex with something to prove, the troubled guy, and the token lesbian couple (one an anxious wreck and the other the perfect voice of reason). Even though it seemed like there was an effort to have them be a bit more fleshed out, I really felt like I could not care about them as characters or about their drama and backstory.
Overall, this was a bit mediocre to me. The first half was promising, the second half I felt bored and wanted to finish it. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. A perfect middle ground of 2.5 stars.
The tension in the first part of this book was really good. It was really creepy, it kept me on edge, and made me want to find out what happens. However, that's pretty much the only thing I liked about this book...
My first problem with it straight off the bat was that every character's voice in this sounded exactly the same. I often had to flip back to find out whose POV I was reading because they sounded identical and I couldn't even notice the shift to a new POV. I get why the choice to have multiple narrators in this book was made and I agree with it, but I really think more care should have been taken to have the voices sound distinct and personal.
My second problem was that the pacing in the second half of the book felt a bit off and I thought the 'mystery reveal' came too early and by that point I was no longer interested to read the last third of the book. Moreover, I felt like the second half turned into a cliche horror movie where the characters do the stupidest things and you just yell at them to think for a second.
Lastly, the characters felt quite flat and I really could not get myself to care about them. You've got the token jock with a perfect life, his perfect girlboss girlfriend, the try-hard ex with something to prove, the troubled guy, and the token lesbian couple (one an anxious wreck and the other the perfect voice of reason). Even though it seemed like there was an effort to have them be a bit more fleshed out, I really felt like I could not care about them as characters or about their drama and backstory.
Overall, this was a bit mediocre to me. The first half was promising, the second half I felt bored and wanted to finish it. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. A perfect middle ground of 2.5 stars.
July 27, 2022
Om 10 jaar vriendschap te vieren gaat de vriendengroep een Airbnb uittestten op een onbewoond eiland. Het weer dat weekend zit niet echt mee, het regent, het is mistig en er staat een stevige wind. Toch is het op de eerste avond vrij goed weer en maken ze op het strand een kampvuur. Maar dan blijkt dat James verdwenen is. De andere vrienden gaan op pad. Wanneer ze midden in de nacht terugkomen bij de vuurtoren, zit James aan de keukentafel. Hij weigert te zeggen wat er is gebeurd, maar hij ziet er uit of hij een spook heeft gezien.
Naast het feit dat James even verdwenen was, verdwijnen er ook spullen uit het huis. Sommige spullen worden weer terug gevonden op een verkeerde plek, maar andere dingen zijn echt spoorloos verdwenen. Dan is er nog de vreemde kamer die op slot zit, hoog in de vuurtoren. Een van de vrienden heeft gezocht op verhalen die bij het eiland passen en spookverhalen zijn er zeker.
De vuurtoren is een spooky thriller, er gebeuren onverklaarbare dingen en de vrienden blijven elkaar de schuld geven. Hun vriendschap wordt goed op de proef gesteld. Het verhaal zat goed in elkaar, de spanning werd langzaam opgebouwd, maar bleef lang op een hoog punt. Het lukt de vrienden namelijk niet om enige vorm van contact met de buitenwereld te krijgen. Zullen ze nog wel thuis komen?
Dit boek kun je een psychologische thriller noemen met een spooky randje, ook wel creepy. Ik weet niet goed hoe ik het anders moet omschrijven met Nederlandse woorden. Sommige vragen blijven nog onbeantwoord, maar ik was zeer tevreden over dit boek! Misschien wel thuis laten als je op een onbewoond eiland bent in een vuurtoren.
Ik kreeg dit boek als recensie-exemplaar van Harper Collins.
Naast het feit dat James even verdwenen was, verdwijnen er ook spullen uit het huis. Sommige spullen worden weer terug gevonden op een verkeerde plek, maar andere dingen zijn echt spoorloos verdwenen. Dan is er nog de vreemde kamer die op slot zit, hoog in de vuurtoren. Een van de vrienden heeft gezocht op verhalen die bij het eiland passen en spookverhalen zijn er zeker.
De vuurtoren is een spooky thriller, er gebeuren onverklaarbare dingen en de vrienden blijven elkaar de schuld geven. Hun vriendschap wordt goed op de proef gesteld. Het verhaal zat goed in elkaar, de spanning werd langzaam opgebouwd, maar bleef lang op een hoog punt. Het lukt de vrienden namelijk niet om enige vorm van contact met de buitenwereld te krijgen. Zullen ze nog wel thuis komen?
Dit boek kun je een psychologische thriller noemen met een spooky randje, ook wel creepy. Ik weet niet goed hoe ik het anders moet omschrijven met Nederlandse woorden. Sommige vragen blijven nog onbeantwoord, maar ik was zeer tevreden over dit boek! Misschien wel thuis laten als je op een onbewoond eiland bent in een vuurtoren.
Ik kreeg dit boek als recensie-exemplaar van Harper Collins.
January 26, 2022
I have a few topics which trigger me to read a book. Old friends travelling together to a remote place is one of them. So this book seems right up my alley.
Five friends in their thirties travel to an uninhabited island in Scotland. They know each other since school. Two of them are married now, two were a couple but not anymore. And one of them brings his new girlfriend. It started nice and easy. They talk, they eat and they drink. But one of them goes missing during the evening and when he returns a few hours later he is unable and unwilling to tell what happened. He says he was too drunk and can’t remember where he walked off to. But from then on nothing is as easy as it started.
There is a creepy atmosphere right from the beginning. But after the first day nothing much happens. The friends try to reconnect but mostly they rub each other the wrong way. I liked that that it is not clear if the island is haunted and a ghost is playing tricks on them or if there is somebody else on the island. But for a long time it seems that the story is heading nowhere. When we finally find out what’s going on it is a huge let down. Until then I overall enjoyed the book even nothing was happening. But the end is very confusing because it is absolutely unrealistic and weird. It came out of nowhere and it did not fit in. The slow pace, the murky characters and the weird ending made this book a disappointment after a promising start.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Five friends in their thirties travel to an uninhabited island in Scotland. They know each other since school. Two of them are married now, two were a couple but not anymore. And one of them brings his new girlfriend. It started nice and easy. They talk, they eat and they drink. But one of them goes missing during the evening and when he returns a few hours later he is unable and unwilling to tell what happened. He says he was too drunk and can’t remember where he walked off to. But from then on nothing is as easy as it started.
There is a creepy atmosphere right from the beginning. But after the first day nothing much happens. The friends try to reconnect but mostly they rub each other the wrong way. I liked that that it is not clear if the island is haunted and a ghost is playing tricks on them or if there is somebody else on the island. But for a long time it seems that the story is heading nowhere. When we finally find out what’s going on it is a huge let down. Until then I overall enjoyed the book even nothing was happening. But the end is very confusing because it is absolutely unrealistic and weird. It came out of nowhere and it did not fit in. The slow pace, the murky characters and the weird ending made this book a disappointment after a promising start.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
Told from the point of view of the women in the story, this suspense thriller held my attention throughout.
The rampant tension, brought on by interpersonal conflicts, secrets, and paranoia, seems to permeate the pages.
"I've realised something earlier: I don't trust any of them not to lie."
Personally, I was riveted right up until almost the end, which left me somewhat unsatisfied. I'm sure my opinions about the ending are in the minority though.
This thriller would be the perfect read for the autumn. With creepy vibes and overtones of horror, this suspense-fueled novel would be just the thing for a late October night.
The rampant tension, brought on by interpersonal conflicts, secrets, and paranoia, seems to permeate the pages.
"I've realised something earlier: I don't trust any of them not to lie."
Personally, I was riveted right up until almost the end, which left me somewhat unsatisfied. I'm sure my opinions about the ending are in the minority though.
This thriller would be the perfect read for the autumn. With creepy vibes and overtones of horror, this suspense-fueled novel would be just the thing for a late October night.
February 4, 2022
I had such high hopes for this book. It kinda reminds me of a previous book I had read. This book actually put me to sleep. There is too much thinking, talking and all of them trying to recapture something they use to have.
I’m sure there are many who will really like this book but it just wasn’t for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
I’m sure there are many who will really like this book but it just wasn’t for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
June 14, 2022
Zes vrienden vertrekken voor een lang weekend naar een Schots eiland, waar ze in een bijzondere Airbnb zullen verblijven: een vuurtoren. Iedereen kijkt uit naar een weekend vol gezelligheid en het verkennen van het eiland, totdat de sfeer op de eerste avond omslaat. Onderling ontstaat er spanning en niet veel later is James opeens verdwenen...
De vijf anderen zoeken overal, maar James is nergens te bekennen. Iedereen vraagt zich af waar hij is. Er zal toch niets ernstigs met hem gebeurd zijn? De volgende ochtend zit James opeens aan de keukentafel en iedereen is opgelucht. Maar iets aan hem is veranderd. Hij is namelijk doodsbang en weigert te vertellen wat hem is overkomen. Ondanks aandringen van de anderen houdt hij zijn mond. Beschermt hij zijn vrienden voor de afschuwelijke waarheid of brengt hij ze juist nog meer in gevaar? Wat is er aan de hand op dit eiland?
'De vuurtoren' begint ijzersterk. De vriendengroep besluit om hun tienjarige vriendschap te vieren op het verlaten eiland. Je voelt de duistere spanning en het wordt na een tijdje ook behoorlijk spooky, iets waar ik enorm van hou. Vooral het moment dat James verdwijnt is erg mysterieus.
De eerste helft beviel mij dan ook zeer goed. Wel stoorde ik mij af en toe aan de constante spanning in de vriendengroep.
De tweede helft was voor mij persoonlijk echt een domper. Het plot vond ik zo raar en totaal niet spannend en dit verpestte het voor mij dan ook behoorlijk. Ik had op iets heel anders gehoopt. Dit is zo jammer, want ik dacht echt dat het een enorm spooky verhaal zou zijn. De eerste helft was namelijk echt in die sfeer geschreven. Overigens is de schrijfstijl wel heel fijn!
Helaas... Toch een kleine tegenvaller voor mij.
Beoordeling: 3,0 ⭐️
De vijf anderen zoeken overal, maar James is nergens te bekennen. Iedereen vraagt zich af waar hij is. Er zal toch niets ernstigs met hem gebeurd zijn? De volgende ochtend zit James opeens aan de keukentafel en iedereen is opgelucht. Maar iets aan hem is veranderd. Hij is namelijk doodsbang en weigert te vertellen wat hem is overkomen. Ondanks aandringen van de anderen houdt hij zijn mond. Beschermt hij zijn vrienden voor de afschuwelijke waarheid of brengt hij ze juist nog meer in gevaar? Wat is er aan de hand op dit eiland?
'De vuurtoren' begint ijzersterk. De vriendengroep besluit om hun tienjarige vriendschap te vieren op het verlaten eiland. Je voelt de duistere spanning en het wordt na een tijdje ook behoorlijk spooky, iets waar ik enorm van hou. Vooral het moment dat James verdwijnt is erg mysterieus.
De eerste helft beviel mij dan ook zeer goed. Wel stoorde ik mij af en toe aan de constante spanning in de vriendengroep.
De tweede helft was voor mij persoonlijk echt een domper. Het plot vond ik zo raar en totaal niet spannend en dit verpestte het voor mij dan ook behoorlijk. Ik had op iets heel anders gehoopt. Dit is zo jammer, want ik dacht echt dat het een enorm spooky verhaal zou zijn. De eerste helft was namelijk echt in die sfeer geschreven. Overigens is de schrijfstijl wel heel fijn!
Helaas... Toch een kleine tegenvaller voor mij.
Beoordeling: 3,0 ⭐️
July 3, 2024
Not sure how I feel about this book, I saw the low rating on Goodreads and read some of the reviews but still wanted to give it a go. The ending was just sad, and not a happy ending at all. These people are just walking away as if nothing happened, they will of course be haunted for the rest of their lives by what happened, but to me, that's not enough.
The premise sounded like it would be an intense ghost story of such, and at the end, there was a slight nod to something but that's it. The book was drawn out, the past was brought up for no reason, and odd behaviour from the group, with no explanation. I was expecting that they were behaving aggressively etc due to a haunting... nope I have no idea why. I think this is why I am disappointed, there was so much potential to make this super creepy, but at no time was it.
When I bought this book, I bought into all the hype, and I just think it didn't live up to it sadly.
The premise sounded like it would be an intense ghost story of such, and at the end, there was a slight nod to something but that's it. The book was drawn out, the past was brought up for no reason, and odd behaviour from the group, with no explanation. I was expecting that they were behaving aggressively etc due to a haunting... nope I have no idea why. I think this is why I am disappointed, there was so much potential to make this super creepy, but at no time was it.
When I bought this book, I bought into all the hype, and I just think it didn't live up to it sadly.
February 3, 2022
Discover the locations in The Lighthouse
I love the kind of novel where friends head out to a remote and locked-room kind of setting only for something bad to happen to them. That sounds awful doesn’t it? You know what I mean though, this kind of premise is exciting in a book and intriguing but it would be awful in real life! That’s why exploring it via fiction is particularly good in this case.
Fran has a good, strong premise and explores it in a way I hadn’t read before. Someone goes missing only for him to turn up the next day very afraid….. That’s no spoiler, it happens early on but suffice to say that that’s just the start! There’s something very creepy about lighthouses I think. The way they communicate silently with the boats out there, the way the sea whips the rocks as if in anger….oooh the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up as I write this!
This book is full of creepy occurances and myteries you think you know how they are going to end. But you are wrong. The Lighthouse blinds and confuses you and I loved that! The scene setting was really well done as I could feel the wind, the sea and see the ghostly veil of the lighthouse lamp. Not sure if I would ever go to a reunion in a lighthouse mind. Certainly not after reading this!
An fully immersive reading experience I really enjoyed.
May 10, 2022
it takes a lot for a book to actually spook me. this did that. i constantly felt like there was someone behind me 😅
March 5, 2022
I owe an enormous apology to my daughter. Even after three hours of putting up with this audiobook, I still thought I'd downloaded it on her suggestion.
I suggest that Goodreads creates sub-categories for its one star reviews: One Star: The Worst Ever; One Star: Too Ridiculous; One Star: Trying to be a Movie Script; One Star: No Characterization; One Star: Lazy Author.
Dorricott's book would actually tick many of the above boxes. So lazy as to not even bother to mention what these characters' jobs ARE. So lazy as to tell us that one of the characters is 'good at her job' because she can ask someone a question. As if anyone would try and break dreadful news to someone without at least being a clinical psychologist. The book mentions four or five times horror movie plots, and is clearly trying to be one, but fails at having no story! Why on earth are these people even friends since they are all so one dimensional?
The central question of this book is: if six people (yes, they all have very similar middle class names and since there is no characterization it's very hard to remember who is who) are having three nights away (i think it was three nights), then why on earth don't they know what they're going to eat on the second night. They are on an island with no amenities but all seem to think they'll just find something to have for a meal. Where?? And yet they were able to bring copious amounts of alcohol as that seems to be all they want to do: get drunk.
The only time there is internet/reception for someone's cell phone it miraculously loads a few pages just to try and add some extra 'scary' details to the story. The author is clearly very proud of having two gay women as characters - even though one is portrayed as so ridiculously soppy and pathetic - since the word 'wife' is so liberally thrown in - it feels very strained, and is not natural language use.
I suggest that Goodreads creates sub-categories for its one star reviews: One Star: The Worst Ever; One Star: Too Ridiculous; One Star: Trying to be a Movie Script; One Star: No Characterization; One Star: Lazy Author.
Dorricott's book would actually tick many of the above boxes. So lazy as to not even bother to mention what these characters' jobs ARE. So lazy as to tell us that one of the characters is 'good at her job' because she can ask someone a question. As if anyone would try and break dreadful news to someone without at least being a clinical psychologist. The book mentions four or five times horror movie plots, and is clearly trying to be one, but fails at having no story! Why on earth are these people even friends since they are all so one dimensional?
The central question of this book is: if six people (yes, they all have very similar middle class names and since there is no characterization it's very hard to remember who is who) are having three nights away (i think it was three nights), then why on earth don't they know what they're going to eat on the second night. They are on an island with no amenities but all seem to think they'll just find something to have for a meal. Where?? And yet they were able to bring copious amounts of alcohol as that seems to be all they want to do: get drunk.
The only time there is internet/reception for someone's cell phone it miraculously loads a few pages just to try and add some extra 'scary' details to the story. The author is clearly very proud of having two gay women as characters - even though one is portrayed as so ridiculously soppy and pathetic - since the word 'wife' is so liberally thrown in - it feels very strained, and is not natural language use.
February 5, 2022
From the very start of this book you could feel the sense of something imminent. There is a building tension that has you questioning all the six main characters.
I liked the fact we had multiple pov as the story progressed.,
This is a really eerie and positively creepy book that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I do love books set in or around light houses, and this didn't dissapoint .
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the fact we had multiple pov as the story progressed.,
This is a really eerie and positively creepy book that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I do love books set in or around light houses, and this didn't dissapoint .
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2022
Atmospheric and well written, I love this creepy tale of six friends on an isolated island when unexplained events start happening. It was very good at building up the atmosphere and keeping you at the edge of your seat. Although I am a little disappointed in the ending, it was still a brilliant read and I would highly recommend
June 28, 2022
http://looneybooks79.blog/2022/06/28/...
Wat begint als een gezellige trip op een onbewoond eiland met vrienden, die elkaar al jaren niet meer hebben gezien, blijkt al gauw te veranderen in een hels weekend vol onverklaarbare gebeurtenissen. Wijn en sigaretten verdwijnen, in de vuurtoren ontdekken ze een afgesloten ruimte en oude geheimen tussen de vrienden komen ook allemaal aan het licht die de sfeer niks te goede doen. Als blijkt dat er een storm waart over het eiland en al hun communicatie afgesloten is, komt er een spookachtige sfeer over het eiland te hangen. Dan verdwijnt een van hen ook nog eens… maar hij blijkt gewoon aan de tafel te zitten die ochtend. Wat is er met het eiland aan de hand? Spookt het er? Of is het iets sinisterder?
Dit allemaal zorgt alvast voor een beklemmende thriller die de lezer lang genoeg op het puntje van zijn stoel laat zitten en doet vermoeden dat ie in een echt horrorverhaal is terecht gekomen. De isolatie van het afgelegen, onbereikbare eiland weer een storm over raast, zonder enige vorm van communicatie mogelijk, zijn de perfecte elementen om een goed boek te krijgen.
Maar honderd procent overtuigd was ik niet want op een bepaald punt in het boek leek het alsof ik naar een tv-serie keek met net een paar afleveringen te veel, waarbij ze het verhaal willen uitrekken… dat gevoel had ik hier ook. Het is geen Dit allemaal zorgt alvast voor een beklemmende thriller die de lezer lang genoeg op het puntje van zijn stoel laat zitten en doet vermoeden dat ie in een echt horrorverhaal is terecht gekomen. De isolatie van het afgelegen, onbereikbare eiland weer een storm over raast, zonder enige vorm van communicatie mogelijk, zijn de perfecte elementen om een goed boek te krijgen. lijvig boek met 317 bladzijden, maar er was een moment in het boek waarbij het wel aanvoelde alsof ik nog steeds het einde niet naderde.
De dynamiek tussen de vriendengroep deed me ook denken aan de recente Belgische serie ‘Twee Zomers’. De achtergrond is natuurlijk compleet anders (het is geen kopie) maar er zit een zelfde sfeer achter. Het verleden zorgt voor problemen in het nu…
Dus al bij al een spannend boek maar het had misschien ietsje korter gemogen, iets sneller tot een pointe mogen komen. Maar dit is en blijft natuurlijk een heel persoonlijke mening. Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat heel wat andere lezers van dit boek zullen smullen en mij ongelijk zullen geven.
Throw a bunch of friends, with a history, together on a remote, storm whipped island somewhere in Scotland and have them experience all kinds of weird things like one of the friends disappearing at night but him sitting back at the table in the morning without any explanation or stuff disappearing and a closed room in the lighthouse… and all of a sudden the friends are at each other, spooky tales are told and a fun weekend ends in disaster.
This is a decent thriller with great moments but in my opinion it could have been a bit shorter. It felt a little like a tv-show that had just one or two episodes too many, just so the story could be stretched out enough to fill ten episodes…
But I’m sure this book will appeal to a lot of thriller (and light horror) fans who love the remoteness and the isolated feel of the island.
Wat begint als een gezellige trip op een onbewoond eiland met vrienden, die elkaar al jaren niet meer hebben gezien, blijkt al gauw te veranderen in een hels weekend vol onverklaarbare gebeurtenissen. Wijn en sigaretten verdwijnen, in de vuurtoren ontdekken ze een afgesloten ruimte en oude geheimen tussen de vrienden komen ook allemaal aan het licht die de sfeer niks te goede doen. Als blijkt dat er een storm waart over het eiland en al hun communicatie afgesloten is, komt er een spookachtige sfeer over het eiland te hangen. Dan verdwijnt een van hen ook nog eens… maar hij blijkt gewoon aan de tafel te zitten die ochtend. Wat is er met het eiland aan de hand? Spookt het er? Of is het iets sinisterder?
Dit allemaal zorgt alvast voor een beklemmende thriller die de lezer lang genoeg op het puntje van zijn stoel laat zitten en doet vermoeden dat ie in een echt horrorverhaal is terecht gekomen. De isolatie van het afgelegen, onbereikbare eiland weer een storm over raast, zonder enige vorm van communicatie mogelijk, zijn de perfecte elementen om een goed boek te krijgen.
Maar honderd procent overtuigd was ik niet want op een bepaald punt in het boek leek het alsof ik naar een tv-serie keek met net een paar afleveringen te veel, waarbij ze het verhaal willen uitrekken… dat gevoel had ik hier ook. Het is geen Dit allemaal zorgt alvast voor een beklemmende thriller die de lezer lang genoeg op het puntje van zijn stoel laat zitten en doet vermoeden dat ie in een echt horrorverhaal is terecht gekomen. De isolatie van het afgelegen, onbereikbare eiland weer een storm over raast, zonder enige vorm van communicatie mogelijk, zijn de perfecte elementen om een goed boek te krijgen. lijvig boek met 317 bladzijden, maar er was een moment in het boek waarbij het wel aanvoelde alsof ik nog steeds het einde niet naderde.
De dynamiek tussen de vriendengroep deed me ook denken aan de recente Belgische serie ‘Twee Zomers’. De achtergrond is natuurlijk compleet anders (het is geen kopie) maar er zit een zelfde sfeer achter. Het verleden zorgt voor problemen in het nu…
Dus al bij al een spannend boek maar het had misschien ietsje korter gemogen, iets sneller tot een pointe mogen komen. Maar dit is en blijft natuurlijk een heel persoonlijke mening. Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat heel wat andere lezers van dit boek zullen smullen en mij ongelijk zullen geven.
Throw a bunch of friends, with a history, together on a remote, storm whipped island somewhere in Scotland and have them experience all kinds of weird things like one of the friends disappearing at night but him sitting back at the table in the morning without any explanation or stuff disappearing and a closed room in the lighthouse… and all of a sudden the friends are at each other, spooky tales are told and a fun weekend ends in disaster.
This is a decent thriller with great moments but in my opinion it could have been a bit shorter. It felt a little like a tv-show that had just one or two episodes too many, just so the story could be stretched out enough to fill ten episodes…
But I’m sure this book will appeal to a lot of thriller (and light horror) fans who love the remoteness and the isolated feel of the island.
June 18, 2022
Fran Dorricott is een boekhandelaar en schrijfster die woont in Derby. Eerder verscheen van haar hand The Eclipse en The Final child. De vuurtoren is het eerste boek dat in het Nederlands is verschenen en is een zogeheten ‘locked’ room mysterie.
Voor het tienjarig jubileum van hun studievriendengroep heeft Kira een bijzondere bestemming gekozen; het Schotse onbewoonde eiland Ora. Kira mag het weekend met haar vrienden gratis verblijven in de Airbnb in de vuurtoren als zij voor haar werk foto’s maakt, en een artikel schrijft over deze nieuwe Airbnb. Op de boot is merkbaar dat er een bepaalde spanning heerst in de vriendengroep van zes personen. Meteen de eerste avond zetten ze het op een drinken en als James even lucifers gaat halen voor het kampvuur verdwijnt hij, om uren later pas weer op te duiken. Na zijn verdwijning lijkt James niet meer de oude te zijn en komt hij angstig over, maar voor wie of wat wil hij niet zeggen. Ze krijgen er onderling zelfs woorden over. Genevieve heeft zich verdiept in de geschiedenis van het eiland en maakt met haar spookverhalen erover heel wat los, waar vooral Jess ontvankelijk voor is.
“Deze plek heeft een verleden waarvan de aarde en zelfs de lucht zijn doordrongen.
De vrouw van Jess, Moira, moet haar steeds geruststellen als er vervolgens dingen verdwijnen in hun onderkomen. Bij het verkennen van het eiland ontdekken ze een oud hutje, dat onbewoond lijkt. Dit is koren op de molen van Genevieve die weer nieuwe spookverhalen over het eiland weet te vertellen. Ondertussen verslechtert het weer en het humeur van de vrienden steeds meer, om tot een uitbarsting van Kira te komen. Om de gemoedsrust te herstellen gaat het zestal op onderzoek uit op het inmiddels voor hun griezelige eiland.
Het verhaal wordt vanuit Kira, Moira en Genevieve verteld, waardoor de lezer verschillende inzichten krijgt over de gebeurtenissen op het eiland. Onuitgesproken woorden, drama, verdachtmakingen en geheimen beïnvloeden de onderlinge relatie van het zestal, Het grootste gedeelte van het verhaal speelt zich af in de vuurtoren zelf, waar een vreemde drukkende, soms zelfs ijzige sfeer hangt. De spanning loopt op vanaf het moment dat ze ontdekken dat er een afgesloten kamer is. Dorricott maakt gebruikt van het weer om dreiging en zo de spanning op te voeren. Haar schrijfstijl is vlot en meeslepend. De personages zijn goed vormgegeven en ontwikkelen zich volop. Ze komen erachter dat ze allemaal veranderd zijn en dat emoties op de loer liggen als de sfeer verandert.
“Op de een of andere manier proberen we dit weekend allemaal te bewijzen dat we nog steeds in staat zijn tot kinderlijke verwondering, terwijl we ook wanhopig graag willen laten zien dat we volwassen zijn geworden.
Genevieve ontpopt zich als leider en is nieuwsgierig naar het verleden van het eiland. Moira gaat haar vrouw begrijpen, waarom deze hun dochter Emma zo mist en bang is dat deze wat overkomt.
De vuurtoren is een thriller waarin geen moorden gepleegd worden, maar geheimen, spanning en bangmakerij zorgen voor het hoog oplopen van emoties door gebeurtenissen die plaatsvinden in en om de vuurtoren op het eiland
Voor het tienjarig jubileum van hun studievriendengroep heeft Kira een bijzondere bestemming gekozen; het Schotse onbewoonde eiland Ora. Kira mag het weekend met haar vrienden gratis verblijven in de Airbnb in de vuurtoren als zij voor haar werk foto’s maakt, en een artikel schrijft over deze nieuwe Airbnb. Op de boot is merkbaar dat er een bepaalde spanning heerst in de vriendengroep van zes personen. Meteen de eerste avond zetten ze het op een drinken en als James even lucifers gaat halen voor het kampvuur verdwijnt hij, om uren later pas weer op te duiken. Na zijn verdwijning lijkt James niet meer de oude te zijn en komt hij angstig over, maar voor wie of wat wil hij niet zeggen. Ze krijgen er onderling zelfs woorden over. Genevieve heeft zich verdiept in de geschiedenis van het eiland en maakt met haar spookverhalen erover heel wat los, waar vooral Jess ontvankelijk voor is.
“Deze plek heeft een verleden waarvan de aarde en zelfs de lucht zijn doordrongen.
De vrouw van Jess, Moira, moet haar steeds geruststellen als er vervolgens dingen verdwijnen in hun onderkomen. Bij het verkennen van het eiland ontdekken ze een oud hutje, dat onbewoond lijkt. Dit is koren op de molen van Genevieve die weer nieuwe spookverhalen over het eiland weet te vertellen. Ondertussen verslechtert het weer en het humeur van de vrienden steeds meer, om tot een uitbarsting van Kira te komen. Om de gemoedsrust te herstellen gaat het zestal op onderzoek uit op het inmiddels voor hun griezelige eiland.
Het verhaal wordt vanuit Kira, Moira en Genevieve verteld, waardoor de lezer verschillende inzichten krijgt over de gebeurtenissen op het eiland. Onuitgesproken woorden, drama, verdachtmakingen en geheimen beïnvloeden de onderlinge relatie van het zestal, Het grootste gedeelte van het verhaal speelt zich af in de vuurtoren zelf, waar een vreemde drukkende, soms zelfs ijzige sfeer hangt. De spanning loopt op vanaf het moment dat ze ontdekken dat er een afgesloten kamer is. Dorricott maakt gebruikt van het weer om dreiging en zo de spanning op te voeren. Haar schrijfstijl is vlot en meeslepend. De personages zijn goed vormgegeven en ontwikkelen zich volop. Ze komen erachter dat ze allemaal veranderd zijn en dat emoties op de loer liggen als de sfeer verandert.
“Op de een of andere manier proberen we dit weekend allemaal te bewijzen dat we nog steeds in staat zijn tot kinderlijke verwondering, terwijl we ook wanhopig graag willen laten zien dat we volwassen zijn geworden.
Genevieve ontpopt zich als leider en is nieuwsgierig naar het verleden van het eiland. Moira gaat haar vrouw begrijpen, waarom deze hun dochter Emma zo mist en bang is dat deze wat overkomt.
De vuurtoren is een thriller waarin geen moorden gepleegd worden, maar geheimen, spanning en bangmakerij zorgen voor het hoog oplopen van emoties door gebeurtenissen die plaatsvinden in en om de vuurtoren op het eiland
January 11, 2022
Six friends reunite for a weekend stay in a newly renovated lighthouse on a remote island of Scotland. They think it's the perfect opportunity to rekindle their friendship and reminisce about their college days.
But things start going wrong from the beginning. Items are misplaced or vanish, one of the friends disappears but refused to talk about why or what happened, and they learn that the island is steeped in tragedy and death. Soon they start questioning if they really are alone on the island. Is it ghosts? Is someone hiding on the island? Or is the threat much closer to home?
I enjoyed the folklore and ghost stories surrounding the lighthouse. They enhanced the setting and created an ominous atmosphere. Throughout the book, I kept wondering if the strange occurrences were a result of the supernatural. Alas, the rest of the book took a nosedive.
The characterization was good-The individual characters and their personalities were fleshed out pretty well. The problem is none of them seemed to be friends or even acquaintances. They were supposed to be old friends from college, but there wasn't any comradery and their shared history was murky at best and mostly glossed over. You never got a real sense of why they stayed friends or why they became friends in the first place.
Another issue I had was the pacing. The story hinged on lack of communication/withholding of information, and it became quite tedious after awhile. Plus, no dark secrets were revealed which made all the buildup and tension anticlimactic
.
My biggest grievance, though, is the ending. It was a weird and confusing choice that came out of left field and didn't fit in well with the rest of the story. There just wasn't enough context there to make it effective.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But things start going wrong from the beginning. Items are misplaced or vanish, one of the friends disappears but refused to talk about why or what happened, and they learn that the island is steeped in tragedy and death. Soon they start questioning if they really are alone on the island. Is it ghosts? Is someone hiding on the island? Or is the threat much closer to home?
I enjoyed the folklore and ghost stories surrounding the lighthouse. They enhanced the setting and created an ominous atmosphere. Throughout the book, I kept wondering if the strange occurrences were a result of the supernatural. Alas, the rest of the book took a nosedive.
The characterization was good-The individual characters and their personalities were fleshed out pretty well. The problem is none of them seemed to be friends or even acquaintances. They were supposed to be old friends from college, but there wasn't any comradery and their shared history was murky at best and mostly glossed over. You never got a real sense of why they stayed friends or why they became friends in the first place.
Another issue I had was the pacing. The story hinged on lack of communication/withholding of information, and it became quite tedious after awhile. Plus, no dark secrets were revealed which made all the buildup and tension anticlimactic
.
My biggest grievance, though, is the ending. It was a weird and confusing choice that came out of left field and didn't fit in well with the rest of the story. There just wasn't enough context there to make it effective.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2022
A group of friends from university have a 10-year reunion on an Island in Scotland. Ora Island has a recently refurbished lighthouse as well as a large cottage and is the perfect place for a getaway. It’s been three years since the entire group of friends has gotten together and there are some tensions between members of the group. In addition, the island has an eerie feel right from the beginning. When some of their belongings start to go missing and other strange things occur, their fun, relaxing vacation becomes scary and maybe even dangerous.
This story is told from multiple points of view which is good to see some of the things that happen from more than one side. The group dynamics alone would have made for a tense vacation - a young woman, her ex-boyfriend and new girlfriend, a young man who is keeping secrets, and a married couple on their first trip without their daughter. Add in the creepy atmosphere of the island and you get tension from the very beginning and the sense that something is going to go wrong. One of the characters tells ghost stories at the beginning so some of the others wonder if a ghost is behind some of the things going on there.
The book has a big build-up and kept my interest throughout the story. However, the payoff wasn’t as big as I expected and was somewhat disappointing, so I would rate it 3.5 stars. Some things are left unanswered at the end that I would have liked to see resolved. However, the ambiguity regarding the island was a suitable ending. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I would be interested in reading others.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Avon Books UK. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This story is told from multiple points of view which is good to see some of the things that happen from more than one side. The group dynamics alone would have made for a tense vacation - a young woman, her ex-boyfriend and new girlfriend, a young man who is keeping secrets, and a married couple on their first trip without their daughter. Add in the creepy atmosphere of the island and you get tension from the very beginning and the sense that something is going to go wrong. One of the characters tells ghost stories at the beginning so some of the others wonder if a ghost is behind some of the things going on there.
The book has a big build-up and kept my interest throughout the story. However, the payoff wasn’t as big as I expected and was somewhat disappointing, so I would rate it 3.5 stars. Some things are left unanswered at the end that I would have liked to see resolved. However, the ambiguity regarding the island was a suitable ending. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I would be interested in reading others.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Avon Books UK. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
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