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The Cult
The gripping new thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last!
A hidden community…
Thirty years ago, in the English countryside, a commune was set up. Led by Uncle Saviour, it was supposed to be a place of love, peace and harmony. But what started out as paradise turned into hell.
A shocking abduction…
Now, two young children have vanished from their home in the middle of the night. Their parents are frantic, the police are at a loss.
A twisting case…
DI Ottoline is leading the search – her only clue a mask found in the woods. Could the key lie in events that took place decades ago, when a dream of a new way of life became something far more sinister?
A hidden community…
Thirty years ago, in the English countryside, a commune was set up. Led by Uncle Saviour, it was supposed to be a place of love, peace and harmony. But what started out as paradise turned into hell.
A shocking abduction…
Now, two young children have vanished from their home in the middle of the night. Their parents are frantic, the police are at a loss.
A twisting case…
DI Ottoline is leading the search – her only clue a mask found in the woods. Could the key lie in events that took place decades ago, when a dream of a new way of life became something far more sinister?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2021
25 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Abby Davies
6 books200 followersHello :) I write suspenseful psychological thrillers with a hint of horror. I'm book-obsessed and only review books I enjoy! I hope you enjoy my books and that they don't creep you out...too much ;)
Come and learn more about my books and subscribe to my newsletter to win gifts and receive sneak peaks of early releases at www.abbydavies.com
I'm active on Instagram, so please come and say hi @abbydavieauthor - I love chatting books and writing!
Come and learn more about my books and subscribe to my newsletter to win gifts and receive sneak peaks of early releases at www.abbydavies.com
I'm active on Instagram, so please come and say hi @abbydavieauthor - I love chatting books and writing!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
January 10, 2022
I read this as @booking_pretty_book_clubs January book club choice.
The Cult was a gripping psychological thriller with a dual timeline from past to present. This book had an amazingly creepy and atmospheric essence that repulsed you but drew you even further into the story with every page.
The book begins with six year old Love who lives at the commune run by Uncle Saviour, with her Mum and sister. Her father leaves them and as time progresses Loves mother begins to grow away from groups beliefs and ways. Love is obsessed with Uncle Saviour and his mission to reach 'Total illumination'. The story flicksback and forth between Love in the past and Lily and DI Pearline Ottoline which are in the present day.
Lilys children Melissa and Greg have gone missing after sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night and witnessing an horrific crime. DI Pearline Ottoline can't shake the feeling this case could be connected in some way to the disappearance of another little girl from years ago who they never found. Lily can't sit back and wait for her children to be found so she goes on a frantic investigation of her own to try to discover where her children are and who took them.
This book takes your breath away and makes your head spin. The duel timeline was amazingly constructed around the story and I couldn't pit the book down! I can't wait to read more from Abby Davies after reading this!
The Cult was a gripping psychological thriller with a dual timeline from past to present. This book had an amazingly creepy and atmospheric essence that repulsed you but drew you even further into the story with every page.
The book begins with six year old Love who lives at the commune run by Uncle Saviour, with her Mum and sister. Her father leaves them and as time progresses Loves mother begins to grow away from groups beliefs and ways. Love is obsessed with Uncle Saviour and his mission to reach 'Total illumination'. The story flicksback and forth between Love in the past and Lily and DI Pearline Ottoline which are in the present day.
Lilys children Melissa and Greg have gone missing after sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night and witnessing an horrific crime. DI Pearline Ottoline can't shake the feeling this case could be connected in some way to the disappearance of another little girl from years ago who they never found. Lily can't sit back and wait for her children to be found so she goes on a frantic investigation of her own to try to discover where her children are and who took them.
This book takes your breath away and makes your head spin. The duel timeline was amazingly constructed around the story and I couldn't pit the book down! I can't wait to read more from Abby Davies after reading this!
November 4, 2021
5☆ What a Page Turner.... Tense, Creepy, Gritty and Engrossing.
Oh wow what a read The Cult turned out to be! Twisty, Gripping, Tense, Creepy and very addictive!
Definitely A Top Read for Me this Year!
This Twisty psychological thriller had a sprinkle of everything, missing children, dead bodies, a Creepy and Twisted Cult and A strong Detective team.
I loved how the story weaved from past to present, giving the reader little snippets but not revealing too much.
What I enjoyed most was discovering all about The Cult...Eternal Life Community and the very Creepy and Manipulative Uncle Saviour. I don't necessarily know too much about Cults but this one was as twisted as I would of imagined. I'll let you read it for yourselves to discover more!
The twists were perfectly plotted, the characters very well written, the atmosphere was tense and suspenseful nearly all the way through, just how I like my Thrillers.
So if you love Gripping Thrillers as much as I do, then Definitely grab a copy of The Cult you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to InstaBook Tours and Harper Fiction for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
Oh wow what a read The Cult turned out to be! Twisty, Gripping, Tense, Creepy and very addictive!
Definitely A Top Read for Me this Year!
This Twisty psychological thriller had a sprinkle of everything, missing children, dead bodies, a Creepy and Twisted Cult and A strong Detective team.
I loved how the story weaved from past to present, giving the reader little snippets but not revealing too much.
What I enjoyed most was discovering all about The Cult...Eternal Life Community and the very Creepy and Manipulative Uncle Saviour. I don't necessarily know too much about Cults but this one was as twisted as I would of imagined. I'll let you read it for yourselves to discover more!
The twists were perfectly plotted, the characters very well written, the atmosphere was tense and suspenseful nearly all the way through, just how I like my Thrillers.
So if you love Gripping Thrillers as much as I do, then Definitely grab a copy of The Cult you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to InstaBook Tours and Harper Fiction for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
October 18, 2021
I really enjoyed mother loves me so I was really excited about reading this one.
The story is set in two times lines - in the life of Love in the past; a young girl who is part of the Eternal life community slowly telling her story moving towards the present day; and Hannah and Greg, two young children who witness something they shouldn’t have and vanish into thin air.
We are introduced to DI Pearline Ottoline in part two, the detective in charge of the childrens’ disappearance who, as a lot of police character have, has demons of her own which make her stronger, even though she constantly doubts herself.
This is a really edgy novel with some parts which may be upsetting to some. I found it really engrossing and loved the kids’ mother Lily’s determination to find her children when everyone around her doubts her ability.
Definitely one for Halloween season as it’s quite creepy it parts, but one I loved. Davies has created some really messed up characters in this one and I wouldn’t expect anything less!
The story is set in two times lines - in the life of Love in the past; a young girl who is part of the Eternal life community slowly telling her story moving towards the present day; and Hannah and Greg, two young children who witness something they shouldn’t have and vanish into thin air.
We are introduced to DI Pearline Ottoline in part two, the detective in charge of the childrens’ disappearance who, as a lot of police character have, has demons of her own which make her stronger, even though she constantly doubts herself.
This is a really edgy novel with some parts which may be upsetting to some. I found it really engrossing and loved the kids’ mother Lily’s determination to find her children when everyone around her doubts her ability.
Definitely one for Halloween season as it’s quite creepy it parts, but one I loved. Davies has created some really messed up characters in this one and I wouldn’t expect anything less!
August 6, 2023
So recently I've been delving heavily into nonfiction books, trying to expand my knowledge on numerous topics and subjects. But I knew it was only a matter of time before I escaped back into the beloved world of fiction. We all at times needs to escape into a made-up world and get lost in it the trial and tribulations of their characters. So when I came across a copy of The Cult it seem to be the perfect bridge between the real-world books I had been reading and that need for something pulled from the air. Now this was an author that I had yet to spend any time with. But the synopsis sounded so intriguing that how was I ever going to turn down a chance to get to discover her work. After all, there is little more sinister than a cult is there not. And with all these recent documentaries have taught us nothing more than that they are never up to any good. So we are left to bare witness to when the walls come crashing down and someone is as always and inevitably going to end up getting hurt or killed.
Davis has crafted a group of bold and intriguing characters, with each one serving to tell us about a different aspect of her tale. In the present, we are looking over the should of Di Ottoline and her team. She is one of those fierce people who despite all is trying to hold her worlds together and fight for what is right. She is the sort of person who views the world with her eyes wide open. Not one to shy away from the ills of the world and clearly whip-smart. She can give us all we hope for in a lead detective and we are not really left questioning her choices or scratching our heads. Then we slip back into the past Looking for clues into the events of the present. Here we come to meet a young girl named Love. As one might imagine she is our entry into the world of cults as envisaged by this author. Love is someone who clearly has the blinks of a child. She sees the world as she is told to and is more than willing to take the teachings at face value. But as the reader, we can see long before her that this world is not some glorious utopian. We are left praying that Love does not fall victim to the wickedness of Uncle Saviour. And I must confess Davies uses this to blisteringly amazing effect in this narrative. You want to jump in and intervene in this tale but we are left on the outside. Unable to have an effect and left in perpetual impotence in all these matters.
This is one of those books that uses the shifting of time to great use. Each time we are given just enough more to keep us slightly ahead of our leads. As if here we are given a corner piece of this puzzle another slot into place to reveal a face but never quite enough to fully complete the picture until she is good and ready. What this means is that Davies shows us how she can slowly turn the screws on us building layers of tension to maximum effect. The other thing we get within these pages is a hefty dollop of real-world horror thrown in. It doesn't take much of a leap for you to work out what happens in pretty much every cult in our world. So you can imagine where parts of this story are going to go. It makes for some uneasy reading but then I would argue that is the point. The author wants us to go through these feelings and experiences along with her characters to understand why this whole story is playing out. For me, Davies seems to have expertly crafted a tale that walks the line of a fictional thriller with just the right amount of real-world touches to send a chill up the back of your neck.
Abby Davies has shown me just how a good thriller about a cult should be written. Each tap of the keyboard goes into building a world of people running to their own twisted beat. Of desires and corruption run rampant and how these echoes can lead to a present that doesn't bear thinking about. This was a book that I kept picking up a binge-reading at every opportunity I could. Not only can I whole heart recommend this book to you But I also look forward to the next time I can pick up one of her books and see what the next offering will bring
Davis has crafted a group of bold and intriguing characters, with each one serving to tell us about a different aspect of her tale. In the present, we are looking over the should of Di Ottoline and her team. She is one of those fierce people who despite all is trying to hold her worlds together and fight for what is right. She is the sort of person who views the world with her eyes wide open. Not one to shy away from the ills of the world and clearly whip-smart. She can give us all we hope for in a lead detective and we are not really left questioning her choices or scratching our heads. Then we slip back into the past Looking for clues into the events of the present. Here we come to meet a young girl named Love. As one might imagine she is our entry into the world of cults as envisaged by this author. Love is someone who clearly has the blinks of a child. She sees the world as she is told to and is more than willing to take the teachings at face value. But as the reader, we can see long before her that this world is not some glorious utopian. We are left praying that Love does not fall victim to the wickedness of Uncle Saviour. And I must confess Davies uses this to blisteringly amazing effect in this narrative. You want to jump in and intervene in this tale but we are left on the outside. Unable to have an effect and left in perpetual impotence in all these matters.
This is one of those books that uses the shifting of time to great use. Each time we are given just enough more to keep us slightly ahead of our leads. As if here we are given a corner piece of this puzzle another slot into place to reveal a face but never quite enough to fully complete the picture until she is good and ready. What this means is that Davies shows us how she can slowly turn the screws on us building layers of tension to maximum effect. The other thing we get within these pages is a hefty dollop of real-world horror thrown in. It doesn't take much of a leap for you to work out what happens in pretty much every cult in our world. So you can imagine where parts of this story are going to go. It makes for some uneasy reading but then I would argue that is the point. The author wants us to go through these feelings and experiences along with her characters to understand why this whole story is playing out. For me, Davies seems to have expertly crafted a tale that walks the line of a fictional thriller with just the right amount of real-world touches to send a chill up the back of your neck.
Abby Davies has shown me just how a good thriller about a cult should be written. Each tap of the keyboard goes into building a world of people running to their own twisted beat. Of desires and corruption run rampant and how these echoes can lead to a present that doesn't bear thinking about. This was a book that I kept picking up a binge-reading at every opportunity I could. Not only can I whole heart recommend this book to you But I also look forward to the next time I can pick up one of her books and see what the next offering will bring
November 7, 2021
Who isn’t fascinated by cults? What drives people to follow their strange beliefs? Living their own way with their warped view of life. But on the other hand it is understandable how people can want to live life a better way, away from the rat race.
In the ‘past’ timeline, Love is part of the Eternal Life cult, or community as they prefer to be called. A handful of families living together wanting a better life. They follow Uncle Saviour who’s aim is to reach ‘Total Illumination’ in order to achieve eternal life for himself and his followers. He believes drinking the blood of pure young children is the way to reach his target.
In the present we follow DI Pearline Ottoline as she investigates the disappearance of two young children, Greg and Hannah. She is desperate to find them as this case brings back the memories of a missing child case she worked on years ago which was never solved. It appears the brother and sister got up during the night and left home to meet someone. Along the way they witnessed a man being beaten to death before they disappeared.
I enjoyed the way the book flipped between the story of the cult and how ‘Love’ became besotted by Uncle Saviour, desperate for him to notice her and praise her even from a young age. As she gets older she has her sights firmly set on leading. Then we have the missing children investigation in the present, with Lily their mother doing her own investigating to help the case along, and the uncovering of the connection of this case to the cult.
Creepy, atmospheric, addictive and a highly recommended read.
In the ‘past’ timeline, Love is part of the Eternal Life cult, or community as they prefer to be called. A handful of families living together wanting a better life. They follow Uncle Saviour who’s aim is to reach ‘Total Illumination’ in order to achieve eternal life for himself and his followers. He believes drinking the blood of pure young children is the way to reach his target.
In the present we follow DI Pearline Ottoline as she investigates the disappearance of two young children, Greg and Hannah. She is desperate to find them as this case brings back the memories of a missing child case she worked on years ago which was never solved. It appears the brother and sister got up during the night and left home to meet someone. Along the way they witnessed a man being beaten to death before they disappeared.
I enjoyed the way the book flipped between the story of the cult and how ‘Love’ became besotted by Uncle Saviour, desperate for him to notice her and praise her even from a young age. As she gets older she has her sights firmly set on leading. Then we have the missing children investigation in the present, with Lily their mother doing her own investigating to help the case along, and the uncovering of the connection of this case to the cult.
Creepy, atmospheric, addictive and a highly recommended read.
October 18, 2021
I`m sorry to be giving this 1 star, I really am. I take no pleasure in giving such a low rating when an author has spent so much time writing a book.
This should have been right up my street but it soon became clear it wasnt.
The cult itself are a very nasty bunch with child kidnapping and a sort of vamparism involved, apparently in the search for eternal life.
Told in the past during the cults time and in the present where we spend time with a female detective with one of the most ridiculous names ever put to paper, the characters are wafer thin and cliched. The dialogue embarrassingly bad.
Speaking of ridiculous names, the book is riddled with them. I dont know if the author thought that it would be humorous or something but I found it totally distracting and very annoying.
There is nothing I really liked about this book. It reminded me of one of those badly made 1980s video nasties with bad acting/storytelling and dialogue with some nastiness thrown in for the sake of it.
Certainly up there with the worst books Ive read this year(and Ive read a couple of real stinkers) I honestly cant think of one positive thing to say about this.
Thanks to the publisher to publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
This should have been right up my street but it soon became clear it wasnt.
The cult itself are a very nasty bunch with child kidnapping and a sort of vamparism involved, apparently in the search for eternal life.
Told in the past during the cults time and in the present where we spend time with a female detective with one of the most ridiculous names ever put to paper, the characters are wafer thin and cliched. The dialogue embarrassingly bad.
Speaking of ridiculous names, the book is riddled with them. I dont know if the author thought that it would be humorous or something but I found it totally distracting and very annoying.
There is nothing I really liked about this book. It reminded me of one of those badly made 1980s video nasties with bad acting/storytelling and dialogue with some nastiness thrown in for the sake of it.
Certainly up there with the worst books Ive read this year(and Ive read a couple of real stinkers) I honestly cant think of one positive thing to say about this.
Thanks to the publisher to publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
November 28, 2021
Rating: 5.0
Abby Davies has done it again! 🤯
For fans of: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, The Chain by Adrian McKinty or Seven Days by Alex Lake and of course Abby Davies' debut Mother Loves Me.
If you follow me on Instagram or Tiktok you'll likely have seen me raving about Abby Davies' debut book Mother Loves Me (one of my all time favourite thrillers) - The Cult lived up to the ridiculously high expectations I had.
BLURB: Thirty years ago, in the English countryside, a commune was set up. Led by Uncle Saviour, it was supposed to be a place of love, peace and harmony. But what started out as paradise turned into hell. Now, two young children have vanished from their home in the middle of the night. Their parents are frantic, the police are at a loss. DI Ottoline is leading the search – her only clue a mask found in the woods. Could the key lie in events that took place decades ago, when a dream of a new way of life became something far more sinister?"
Abby Davies instantly transported me into both these worlds, without doubt being incredibly invested and frequently forgot I was waiting for the two worlds to intertwine, as I was already so intrigued with the characters and separate plots. I found the way Abby Davies intertwined the two apparent separate worlds fascinating. The Cult had my heart racing, as we approached the plot climax I could not turn the pages fast enough. The ending was so well done and gave me absolutely everything I needed.
If you're looking for a thriller/mystery, I definitely recommend The Cult. If you're wanting more thriller/horror I'd then recommend Mother Loves Me.
Buy The Cult: Amazon, WHSmith or Waterstones.
Abby Davies has done it again! 🤯
For fans of: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, The Chain by Adrian McKinty or Seven Days by Alex Lake and of course Abby Davies' debut Mother Loves Me.
If you follow me on Instagram or Tiktok you'll likely have seen me raving about Abby Davies' debut book Mother Loves Me (one of my all time favourite thrillers) - The Cult lived up to the ridiculously high expectations I had.
BLURB: Thirty years ago, in the English countryside, a commune was set up. Led by Uncle Saviour, it was supposed to be a place of love, peace and harmony. But what started out as paradise turned into hell. Now, two young children have vanished from their home in the middle of the night. Their parents are frantic, the police are at a loss. DI Ottoline is leading the search – her only clue a mask found in the woods. Could the key lie in events that took place decades ago, when a dream of a new way of life became something far more sinister?"
Abby Davies instantly transported me into both these worlds, without doubt being incredibly invested and frequently forgot I was waiting for the two worlds to intertwine, as I was already so intrigued with the characters and separate plots. I found the way Abby Davies intertwined the two apparent separate worlds fascinating. The Cult had my heart racing, as we approached the plot climax I could not turn the pages fast enough. The ending was so well done and gave me absolutely everything I needed.
If you're looking for a thriller/mystery, I definitely recommend The Cult. If you're wanting more thriller/horror I'd then recommend Mother Loves Me.
Buy The Cult: Amazon, WHSmith or Waterstones.
December 10, 2021
‘The Cult’ is one of those thrillers that really gives you physical chills.
Personally I find the concept of cult environments very intriguing and have read a lot of books with this as its centre theme but in my opinion Davies really elevates it in this novel. I love that the story is told in two time periods; one narrative is set thirty years ago when Uncle Saviour sets up a commune with dark intentions below its picturesque surface. The second narrative depicts the investigation into two missing children, where a mask in the woods is the only lead.
I loved the way Davies creates these vivid characters and the pacing is wonderful at keeping you gripped for just one more chapter; completely engrossing and unputdownable. I felt like because I have read a lot of books where a charismatic leader has a dark agenda I thought I knew where the story would go but I was pleasantly surprised with the twist and turns that investigation took. The two narrative time periods meld so seamlessly and I am really excited to see what is next for this author!
Personally I find the concept of cult environments very intriguing and have read a lot of books with this as its centre theme but in my opinion Davies really elevates it in this novel. I love that the story is told in two time periods; one narrative is set thirty years ago when Uncle Saviour sets up a commune with dark intentions below its picturesque surface. The second narrative depicts the investigation into two missing children, where a mask in the woods is the only lead.
I loved the way Davies creates these vivid characters and the pacing is wonderful at keeping you gripped for just one more chapter; completely engrossing and unputdownable. I felt like because I have read a lot of books where a charismatic leader has a dark agenda I thought I knew where the story would go but I was pleasantly surprised with the twist and turns that investigation took. The two narrative time periods meld so seamlessly and I am really excited to see what is next for this author!
November 4, 2021
Review
Where do I even start with this book. This book is so messed up and sick but it's so brilliant. I couldn't put it down.
I find anything relating to cults fascinating, their beliefs and how clouded their judgements are and this book relayed that so well.
It is split into three parts, each part building on the last. The final part was the one I flew through, it really did pack a punch.
There were so many moments throughout this book that literally took my breath away in shock and that is something that doesn't happen very often.
It is an absolute must read and a well deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Where do I even start with this book. This book is so messed up and sick but it's so brilliant. I couldn't put it down.
I find anything relating to cults fascinating, their beliefs and how clouded their judgements are and this book relayed that so well.
It is split into three parts, each part building on the last. The final part was the one I flew through, it really did pack a punch.
There were so many moments throughout this book that literally took my breath away in shock and that is something that doesn't happen very often.
It is an absolute must read and a well deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
October 23, 2021
Today is my spot on the tour for The Cult by Abby Davies. To say I was thrilled to be a part of this tour is an understatement!
I knew this book was going to be about a cult, obviously! But it went down a route that I did not expect, which was creepy and made me feel uncomfortable. The opening chapters left me feeling anxious, and by the end, my heart was racing. All the things you want from a thriller!
The story is told via two timelines, which come together at the end. This does give you a hint on where the story is going, but I was fine with that because you don’t know all the things. I loved how the first few chapters of the book are about the children, and then you are just in the dark; you don’t know what has happened to them, and you need to get to the end to find out.
The author is very good at pulling on your heartstrings and creating a sense of unease and tension. The final chapters are short, frantic and fast-paced. I have to say I shed a tear or two at the end, which is not the usual thing that happens to me when reading a thriller!
Like Mother Loves Me (if you’ve not read this, do! It’s brilliant), The Cult is a real page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Abby Davies – Please write more books (no pressure, obviously!).
October 31, 2021
This is the strangest of stories. The story begins in the present when two young children disappear. Then drops back to a time in the 1980s when a commune was set up.
The cult had just happened and hadn’t seemed planned. Uncle Saviour owned a farm where his brother and his family came to live, then others just wandered in and didn’t leave. It was a calm setting where they all stayed together and helped out. Then it was decided, that they should take new names, hence Uncle Saviour. His niece, six-year-old Zoe, became Love. It is Love that tells the story of how the cult grows, not only in size but its special needs too. What begins as a haven turns into something much more sinister.
In the present-day, two children disappear in the middle of the night, and the body of a dead man is found not far from where the children were last seen. The mum takes charge, flying around trying to interrogate everyone the children know. A nightmare for the police who are trying to solve the case.
The story is shocking, stomach-churning and sickening. There are some very hard chapters to read, which will leave you with haunting images. Child abuse is quite rampant, so if you have such triggers, do be aware. There are distressing scenes because these monsters are real. The story is well written, and it has clever twists that will linger with you for a long time after you put the book down.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
The cult had just happened and hadn’t seemed planned. Uncle Saviour owned a farm where his brother and his family came to live, then others just wandered in and didn’t leave. It was a calm setting where they all stayed together and helped out. Then it was decided, that they should take new names, hence Uncle Saviour. His niece, six-year-old Zoe, became Love. It is Love that tells the story of how the cult grows, not only in size but its special needs too. What begins as a haven turns into something much more sinister.
In the present-day, two children disappear in the middle of the night, and the body of a dead man is found not far from where the children were last seen. The mum takes charge, flying around trying to interrogate everyone the children know. A nightmare for the police who are trying to solve the case.
The story is shocking, stomach-churning and sickening. There are some very hard chapters to read, which will leave you with haunting images. Child abuse is quite rampant, so if you have such triggers, do be aware. There are distressing scenes because these monsters are real. The story is well written, and it has clever twists that will linger with you for a long time after you put the book down.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
October 26, 2021
Rounded up from 4.5 stars.
We follow The Eternal Life community, led by Uncle Saviour from 1987. This storyline is written from 'Loves' perspective. Since childhood she grew up in this community and is fully invested. Her character is written so powerfully and portrayed really well, allowing the reader to understand what life in the community was like.
During the present day storyline, 2 young children go missing after witnessing an assault in the streets at night. Pearline Ottoline is the investigating detective and again, her character is developed very well. I really enjoyed having her back story to understand why the case means so much to her.
The missing children's family dynamics allow us to empathise and invest our emotions into them too. With mental health complications thrown into the trauma of both of your children disappearing in the night, I could only hope for the best outcome for them.
This book had everything from creepy Cult vibes, emotion, trauma, crime, and accurate investigation representation.
This is an author you definitely don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the author, publishers and instabooktours for the chance to read and review this book ahead of publication.
We follow The Eternal Life community, led by Uncle Saviour from 1987. This storyline is written from 'Loves' perspective. Since childhood she grew up in this community and is fully invested. Her character is written so powerfully and portrayed really well, allowing the reader to understand what life in the community was like.
During the present day storyline, 2 young children go missing after witnessing an assault in the streets at night. Pearline Ottoline is the investigating detective and again, her character is developed very well. I really enjoyed having her back story to understand why the case means so much to her.
The missing children's family dynamics allow us to empathise and invest our emotions into them too. With mental health complications thrown into the trauma of both of your children disappearing in the night, I could only hope for the best outcome for them.
This book had everything from creepy Cult vibes, emotion, trauma, crime, and accurate investigation representation.
This is an author you definitely don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the author, publishers and instabooktours for the chance to read and review this book ahead of publication.
August 13, 2024
Firstly I absolutely ADORED Abby Davies' first book Mother Loves Me so when I saw she had a new book coming out and it featured cults, I was instantly excited and eager to download it.
Told over two timelines, The Cult is about a cult (funnily enough) set in the English Countryside in the 1990's where Uncle Saviour leads a small group of people, including his sister and her daughters, in what is meant to be a calm and loving environment, where everybody helps everybody and peace is their ultimate goal, until Uncle Saviour decides immortality is their ultimate goal and the cult takes on a sinister and dark persona.
In the other timeline, based in the present, two young children sneak out of their home in the middle of the night and witness a violent attack. Running into the woods, they disappear without a trace.
Enter DI Pearline Ottoline (yup me neither!), who is tasked with finding the children, solving a couple of grisly murders and simultaneously deal with her own internal ghosts.
It was at this point that unfortunately the book stopped working for me. Not only was the DI's name a complete turn-off, but I am getting bored of police men/woman who are haunted by their unsolved crimes or struggling with their personal demons.
If the book was purely about Uncle Saviour, Love, Hope and the rest of the brainwashed group of oddballs, it probably would have been far more interesting and I probably would have enjoyed it more.
I think the author needs to drop the crime/police procedural storylines and get back to the dark, psychological thrillers like Mother Loves Me.
Told over two timelines, The Cult is about a cult (funnily enough) set in the English Countryside in the 1990's where Uncle Saviour leads a small group of people, including his sister and her daughters, in what is meant to be a calm and loving environment, where everybody helps everybody and peace is their ultimate goal, until Uncle Saviour decides immortality is their ultimate goal and the cult takes on a sinister and dark persona.
In the other timeline, based in the present, two young children sneak out of their home in the middle of the night and witness a violent attack. Running into the woods, they disappear without a trace.
Enter DI Pearline Ottoline (yup me neither!), who is tasked with finding the children, solving a couple of grisly murders and simultaneously deal with her own internal ghosts.
It was at this point that unfortunately the book stopped working for me. Not only was the DI's name a complete turn-off, but I am getting bored of police men/woman who are haunted by their unsolved crimes or struggling with their personal demons.
If the book was purely about Uncle Saviour, Love, Hope and the rest of the brainwashed group of oddballs, it probably would have been far more interesting and I probably would have enjoyed it more.
I think the author needs to drop the crime/police procedural storylines and get back to the dark, psychological thrillers like Mother Loves Me.
October 25, 2021
This book started really well but seemed to lose its way around the middle. The opening chapters were pacy, well written and exciting, but the later ones were confused and seemed needlessly wordy and repetitive.
In this Story, we learn the history of the cult from the viewpoint of Love, a child growing up in its clutches. At the same time, children Hannah and Gregory are missing and the police along with their desperate parents are hunting for clues to their disappearance. As readers we know these two things are linked, we just need to find out how!
There are too many characters for my liking, especially in the ‘present’ chapters. I don’t feel that they added anything other than padding. The older chapters are better. More concise and each character serves a purpose for inclusion. The second half of this book let’s it down- it needed to maintain the pace and thrill of the earlier chapters rather than sort of petering out at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.
In this Story, we learn the history of the cult from the viewpoint of Love, a child growing up in its clutches. At the same time, children Hannah and Gregory are missing and the police along with their desperate parents are hunting for clues to their disappearance. As readers we know these two things are linked, we just need to find out how!
There are too many characters for my liking, especially in the ‘present’ chapters. I don’t feel that they added anything other than padding. The older chapters are better. More concise and each character serves a purpose for inclusion. The second half of this book let’s it down- it needed to maintain the pace and thrill of the earlier chapters rather than sort of petering out at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.
October 31, 2021
Oh my, this story is scary 😬 It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I loved the short chapters between characters. I found it unnerving as it was about missing children but well written, well put together and a gripping story. The names of the cult members took a little bit of getting used to, but it was a good addition. Love was an unnerving character, as was Uncle Saviour. I kept wanting to talk some logic into them!! I’m hoping this might be the start of a series with DI Pearline Ottoline!
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for sending me this book in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for sending me this book in exchange for a honest review.
September 10, 2021
The cult by Abby Davies.
A hidden community…
A shocking abduction…
A twisting case…
Can DI Ottoline solve the case and find the 2 children who have disappearedfrom their home?
A brilliant read. This was different. Which is what I liked about it. Great story and characters apart from Love and Serenity. What a read. This is the first book I have read from this author but it won't be the last. A creepy and gripping twisty read. 5*.
A hidden community…
A shocking abduction…
A twisting case…
Can DI Ottoline solve the case and find the 2 children who have disappearedfrom their home?
A brilliant read. This was different. Which is what I liked about it. Great story and characters apart from Love and Serenity. What a read. This is the first book I have read from this author but it won't be the last. A creepy and gripping twisty read. 5*.
November 14, 2021
I listened to this on Audible and it was gripping! It really shows how powerful cults can be. It was well written and was very well narrated, in fact one of the best narrations I've listened too. Abbys first book was good but this beats it hands down!
December 15, 2021
It was an alright crime thriller. Didn't quite captivate me and wasn't hooked on the plot. Nut wasn't the worst I've read either. Just expected to like this more as it involves a cult
December 1, 2021
Another great story by Abby Davies. I had high hopes as I Ioved Mother Loves me. This did not disappoint.
November 3, 2025
A perfect example of how one person's actions can ruin the lives of several others. And even though I didn't like Love from the start, I can't help but feel sorry for how this nonsense belief in eternal life has brainwashed and destroyed her, and she never even realized it.
November 1, 2021
I heard such good things about Abby’s writing from mother loves me (I have this one but am yet to read it) so when the tour came up for this I had to be a part of it.
The hype was definitely worth it.
Edge of my seat thriller. The cult aspect is not one I’ve encountered much in thriller novels and was portrayed so well.
Love was written so brilliantly you couldn’t help but hate her.
Now I must dig out mother loves me and get that read ASAP.
The hype was definitely worth it.
Edge of my seat thriller. The cult aspect is not one I’ve encountered much in thriller novels and was portrayed so well.
Love was written so brilliantly you couldn’t help but hate her.
Now I must dig out mother loves me and get that read ASAP.
October 28, 2021
I had the highest of hopes for this read but unfortunately, it fell a little flat.
Like everyone, I was enamoured with Mother Loves Me. To not compare how the books felt would be hard, especially when I gave the first 5 stars and this only 3.
I loved the premise; cults, multiple perspectives, different timeframes - all my favourite things. I only wish I had realised this was a detective story. I’ve read so many police books that I just don’t really enjoy them at all anymore.
This was just not the one for me. I don’t know if I would even highly recommend it as there’s just no spark to give it an edge over any other work.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Like everyone, I was enamoured with Mother Loves Me. To not compare how the books felt would be hard, especially when I gave the first 5 stars and this only 3.
I loved the premise; cults, multiple perspectives, different timeframes - all my favourite things. I only wish I had realised this was a detective story. I’ve read so many police books that I just don’t really enjoy them at all anymore.
This was just not the one for me. I don’t know if I would even highly recommend it as there’s just no spark to give it an edge over any other work.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
August 11, 2025
Rating: 1.2/5
"The Cult" has joined a small and unwelcome group of books that has accounted for several hours of my life that I will never get back. The enticing synopsis led me to hope that I might be in for something that I would really enjoy. Certainly, there have been enough stories over the years (both real and fictional) relating to cults that have an almost hypnotic, if disturbing, appeal. This latest offering from Abby Davies seemed to be ticking the right boxes - but it wasn't long before severe disappointment set in.
This novel really has very little to recommend it. I hate not finishing a book, but reaching the end of this one without giving up was an accomplishment in itself. There is the basis for a decent story in here somewhere - but it is very well hidden. The content is often puerile or, at best, melodramatic with the inclusion of certain scenes seemingly for little more than attempted shock value. The descriptive language is ridden with hackneyed clichés. The characterisation is so wooden that you may have to check your hands for splinters after you have finished. The dialogue is so stilted that it really does beggar belief that this was deemed worthy to go to print without further rigorous editing and rewriting.
Read this if you must, but I strongly suggest that your time would be much better spent seeking out an alternative.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
"The Cult" has joined a small and unwelcome group of books that has accounted for several hours of my life that I will never get back. The enticing synopsis led me to hope that I might be in for something that I would really enjoy. Certainly, there have been enough stories over the years (both real and fictional) relating to cults that have an almost hypnotic, if disturbing, appeal. This latest offering from Abby Davies seemed to be ticking the right boxes - but it wasn't long before severe disappointment set in.
This novel really has very little to recommend it. I hate not finishing a book, but reaching the end of this one without giving up was an accomplishment in itself. There is the basis for a decent story in here somewhere - but it is very well hidden. The content is often puerile or, at best, melodramatic with the inclusion of certain scenes seemingly for little more than attempted shock value. The descriptive language is ridden with hackneyed clichés. The characterisation is so wooden that you may have to check your hands for splinters after you have finished. The dialogue is so stilted that it really does beggar belief that this was deemed worthy to go to print without further rigorous editing and rewriting.
Read this if you must, but I strongly suggest that your time would be much better spent seeking out an alternative.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
October 23, 2021
I've had Mother Loves Me for a long time but haven't got around to reading it yet, although I've heard great things! However, this one JUST missed the mark for me; I still absolutely loved it but it's not in my top crime/thriller novels of the year, although I'm going to struggle to tell you why that is.
I've always had a morbid fascination with cults, but I think a lot of people do, and I'll happily read any book about them. And the cult in this book is utterly terrifying.
The first chapter of this was messed up, but that's to be expected with a book titled 'The Cult' and I was confused about the dual timelines/families at first and how their stories come together in the beginning.
The story is told from Love, Lily and Pearline's points of view, and I was a lot more intrigued by Love's storyline. I don't know if Lily's point of view was particularly necessary as I don't feel it brought a huge amount to the book. The random romance also wasn't needed, in my opinion. Also not sure how I feel about the ending...
However I can say I haven't read anything like this book before and I'm bumping Mother Loves Me up my list! This book did grab my attention and I looked forward to reading it so I don't want my review to come across as negative, I'm just really not sure what was missing for me!
I've always had a morbid fascination with cults, but I think a lot of people do, and I'll happily read any book about them. And the cult in this book is utterly terrifying.
The first chapter of this was messed up, but that's to be expected with a book titled 'The Cult' and I was confused about the dual timelines/families at first and how their stories come together in the beginning.
The story is told from Love, Lily and Pearline's points of view, and I was a lot more intrigued by Love's storyline. I don't know if Lily's point of view was particularly necessary as I don't feel it brought a huge amount to the book. The random romance also wasn't needed, in my opinion. Also not sure how I feel about the ending...
However I can say I haven't read anything like this book before and I'm bumping Mother Loves Me up my list! This book did grab my attention and I looked forward to reading it so I don't want my review to come across as negative, I'm just really not sure what was missing for me!
September 21, 2022
The Cult is a dual timeline novel which follows the story of the cult of Eternal Life from their inception to present day, while simultaneously following the story of two children who have gone missing from their homes in the current day.
There is plenty of nastiness in this book. The cult are downright awful and there were plenty of moments where i felt bile at the back of my throat. Davies does an amazing job at conveying the horrific, manipulative and infectious nature of cults and how they can completely warp an innocent mind.
There are lots of twists and turns, some quite obvious and some which will give you a surprise. A creepy and gripping read with so many horrendously unsettling characters to keep you feeling uneasy throughout.
TWs for
3.5/5
There is plenty of nastiness in this book. The cult are downright awful and there were plenty of moments where i felt bile at the back of my throat. Davies does an amazing job at conveying the horrific, manipulative and infectious nature of cults and how they can completely warp an innocent mind.
There are lots of twists and turns, some quite obvious and some which will give you a surprise. A creepy and gripping read with so many horrendously unsettling characters to keep you feeling uneasy throughout.
TWs for
3.5/5
November 28, 2021
Ok let me just start with the fact that the leading detective in this book is called Pearline Ottoline.
Yep, you heard that right.
PEARLINE OTTOLINE.
This name is not even just stupid, it's ridiculous. This thing alone makes me take one star off the rating. Honestly, the author forced my hand here and I feel zero regrets.
This book is basically told in three POVs (yes yes, I know there's one more, but it's irrelevant really): Love's (a member of a cult, Lily's(mother of the missing children) and PEARLINE's.
Lily's POV is completely pointless. Like,it brings nothing to the story. I'm not a writer, but once I've read that if a scene/sentence (or in this case POV) makes no impact on the plot then it should be removed no matter how much the writer loves it.
I've said it many times before, but I will say it again: Dear Authors, KILL YOUR DARLINGS.
Love's POV is slightly more interesting, as it shows the whole history of the cult. It would be interesting if the cult wasn't ridiculous and almost like a caricature. I can only imagine that this was not the thing that the author intended, but that's how I felt about it. Like sure, you have bunch of people super into purity and stuff, but underneath hiding all sorts of wickedness and depravity, but honestly it felt laughable at times. It wasn't scary, it wasn't creepy or idk it didn't make me clutch my pearls in horror.
The only redeeming thing about these chapters was the fact that it nicely showed how easily can you manipulate a child, even when this child is no longer a child but an adult.
I'd say that Pearline's chapters were irrelevant too, but they were needed to show this atrocity that they called "an investigation". I'm actually surprised that this police team achieved anything. If a random mother off her meds can reach the killer as fast as you then maybe you should consider a career change.
Just sayin.
Also this cover makes ZERO sense as the children look the same age while in fact two missing kids are like 6 (the boy) and 10 (the girl), so...
Overall this book promises more than it can deliver and you should be aware of that.
I received this book from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
Yep, you heard that right.
PEARLINE OTTOLINE.
This name is not even just stupid, it's ridiculous. This thing alone makes me take one star off the rating. Honestly, the author forced my hand here and I feel zero regrets.
This book is basically told in three POVs (yes yes, I know there's one more, but it's irrelevant really): Love's (a member of a cult, Lily's(mother of the missing children) and PEARLINE's.
Lily's POV is completely pointless. Like,it brings nothing to the story. I'm not a writer, but once I've read that if a scene/sentence (or in this case POV) makes no impact on the plot then it should be removed no matter how much the writer loves it.
I've said it many times before, but I will say it again: Dear Authors, KILL YOUR DARLINGS.
Love's POV is slightly more interesting, as it shows the whole history of the cult. It would be interesting if the cult wasn't ridiculous and almost like a caricature. I can only imagine that this was not the thing that the author intended, but that's how I felt about it. Like sure, you have bunch of people super into purity and stuff, but underneath hiding all sorts of wickedness and depravity, but honestly it felt laughable at times. It wasn't scary, it wasn't creepy or idk it didn't make me clutch my pearls in horror.
The only redeeming thing about these chapters was the fact that it nicely showed how easily can you manipulate a child, even when this child is no longer a child but an adult.
I'd say that Pearline's chapters were irrelevant too, but they were needed to show this atrocity that they called "an investigation". I'm actually surprised that this police team achieved anything. If a random mother off her meds can reach the killer as fast as you then maybe you should consider a career change.
Just sayin.
Also this cover makes ZERO sense as the children look the same age while in fact two missing kids are like 6 (the boy) and 10 (the girl), so...
Overall this book promises more than it can deliver and you should be aware of that.
I received this book from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
August 5, 2022
I started and finished The Cult in the same day, staying up until 2am because I NEEDED to know how it ended. It is filled with suspense from the very first page and had me on tenterhooks throughout.
The book unravels through a dual timeline narrative and three stories. The first explores Uncle Saviour and the Eternal Life cult (creepy AF), the second follows two young children who go missing and the last follows DI Ottoline as she desperately tries to find the missing children and subsequently face her guilt for past events. Abby wove all of the these stories together seamlessly, even when I was wondering how on earth any of this could possibly piece together.
Uncle Saviour is the cult leader and is such a disturbing character, who gives off major creepy, master of manipulation vibes. Somehow, he gets even more terrifying as the book progresses - the dark twist literally sent shivers down my spine and made me feel super uncomfortable. But I couldn’t stop reading!
I liked that the first chapters follow the children, but then you are left in the dark as to what has happened to them. We then get the sheer desperation of their parents, who feel helpless but mum takes it upon herself to do some investigating.
I loved the short chapters between the stories, it added to the pace and towards the end I couldn’t get those pages turned quickly enough! I loved when everything started to slot together and my heart was literally in my mouth with the suspense of those end chapters!!
The Cult will give you the chills and make your heart race - a bloody great thriller!
Please check TWs for this one!
The book unravels through a dual timeline narrative and three stories. The first explores Uncle Saviour and the Eternal Life cult (creepy AF), the second follows two young children who go missing and the last follows DI Ottoline as she desperately tries to find the missing children and subsequently face her guilt for past events. Abby wove all of the these stories together seamlessly, even when I was wondering how on earth any of this could possibly piece together.
Uncle Saviour is the cult leader and is such a disturbing character, who gives off major creepy, master of manipulation vibes. Somehow, he gets even more terrifying as the book progresses - the dark twist literally sent shivers down my spine and made me feel super uncomfortable. But I couldn’t stop reading!
I liked that the first chapters follow the children, but then you are left in the dark as to what has happened to them. We then get the sheer desperation of their parents, who feel helpless but mum takes it upon herself to do some investigating.
I loved the short chapters between the stories, it added to the pace and towards the end I couldn’t get those pages turned quickly enough! I loved when everything started to slot together and my heart was literally in my mouth with the suspense of those end chapters!!
The Cult will give you the chills and make your heart race - a bloody great thriller!
Please check TWs for this one!
July 3, 2022
This story is told in multiple POV, switching from past to present. In the past we are at Uncle Saviour’s commune (cult) where Love is telling her story. I honestly found this community very weird and found it hard to gel with the characters. It was clear from the start that Uncle Saviour had a twisted view of what their world should be and his mission to achieve ‘Total Illumination’ often made me feel a little queasy. I felt for Love as she had clearly been brain washed into his way of thinking and this even led her to betray her own family. The only reason this one dropped some stars for me was due to a slightly slower pace at the start. Love’s story felt like it was at a simmering point for quite a while and so my attention often waivered.
In the present we follow the story of DI Ottoline and her investigation into two missing children as well as a few dead bodies. I enjoyed this part of the story a lot more and was keen to see what happened to Greg and Hannah. You have to admire Greg and Hannah’s mum Lily for her sheer determination to find her children and investigate herself. If either of my two boys were missing I don’t think I could sit at home waiting for news either. As it becomes clear that Hannah and Greg are involved and witnessed these murders I was desperate to know how this could be linked to the cult.
What started off as a slow thriller ending with a lot of drama. As the final scenes come together and the past catches up with the present it’s impossible to not get caught up in all the action. Will Lily find her children? What happened to the commune from thirty years ago? All these questions and more are answered in this twisted and creepy thriller.
In the present we follow the story of DI Ottoline and her investigation into two missing children as well as a few dead bodies. I enjoyed this part of the story a lot more and was keen to see what happened to Greg and Hannah. You have to admire Greg and Hannah’s mum Lily for her sheer determination to find her children and investigate herself. If either of my two boys were missing I don’t think I could sit at home waiting for news either. As it becomes clear that Hannah and Greg are involved and witnessed these murders I was desperate to know how this could be linked to the cult.
What started off as a slow thriller ending with a lot of drama. As the final scenes come together and the past catches up with the present it’s impossible to not get caught up in all the action. Will Lily find her children? What happened to the commune from thirty years ago? All these questions and more are answered in this twisted and creepy thriller.
March 13, 2022
This was a fascinating read - part police procedural and part psychological thriller - written in two timelines ; the past with the cult activities and the present police procedural element.
The insights into the cult activities were intriguing and prompted questions about peer pressure, megalomania, vulnerability and compliance, which when combined make for a really compelling narrative.
The way in which the backstory surrounding the cult and the various cult figures is slowly released to the reader and raises many questions regarding how this links to the current investigation into missing children. Seamlessly plotted, I found this an intriguing read as I tried to puzzle out how the various snippets of information slotted together.
Whilst one element of the narrative was possibly slightly unbelivable this was a minor irk and I could see why the author chose to write it this way.
Overall, a very good read, with well drawn characters and enough twists to keep me engaged whilst trying to work out how the story would conclude.
The insights into the cult activities were intriguing and prompted questions about peer pressure, megalomania, vulnerability and compliance, which when combined make for a really compelling narrative.
The way in which the backstory surrounding the cult and the various cult figures is slowly released to the reader and raises many questions regarding how this links to the current investigation into missing children. Seamlessly plotted, I found this an intriguing read as I tried to puzzle out how the various snippets of information slotted together.
Whilst one element of the narrative was possibly slightly unbelivable this was a minor irk and I could see why the author chose to write it this way.
Overall, a very good read, with well drawn characters and enough twists to keep me engaged whilst trying to work out how the story would conclude.
March 17, 2022
I thought this book was slow to begin with. If you give a book a chance up to page 100 then decide whether to finish or not, please don't give up on this book. Carry on as this gets really going and everything builds and speeds up. So much so that you won't be able to put this down. I was determined to finish this book by 2am! It got that good! I didn't follow the narrative to begin with and too much time describing the scenes but I got used to it :0)
Two children go missing in the night. What drew them out of their cosy home at 2am? They're sighted going into the nearby woods. The sooner the police act, the better the chances of finding the children alive. Chapters follow the mother and also the detective. You've got to give it to the mother, she's VERY determined to not sit at home and wait for news of her kids!
The other chapters follow Love through her life with her mother and sister who live in a community which outsiders would call a cult. Bizarre goings on here! Told you it would get interesting!!
Everything comes together and what an outcome. You've gotta read this!
Two children go missing in the night. What drew them out of their cosy home at 2am? They're sighted going into the nearby woods. The sooner the police act, the better the chances of finding the children alive. Chapters follow the mother and also the detective. You've got to give it to the mother, she's VERY determined to not sit at home and wait for news of her kids!
The other chapters follow Love through her life with her mother and sister who live in a community which outsiders would call a cult. Bizarre goings on here! Told you it would get interesting!!
Everything comes together and what an outcome. You've gotta read this!
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