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The Last House on the Cliff
A secluded island. A missing child. A home built on lies.
On the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns once more to Gwyn’s home on the remote island of Anglesey, Wales, with young daughter Ruby in tow. Lowri hadn’t seen her aunt in years, but this beautiful island offers a fresh start.
Yet right away, strange things begin to happen. Ruby insists an old woman is visiting her when no one else is watching, and a tattered old doll keeps being left for Ruby to find.
Then Ruby goes missing. Desperately seeking answers no one seems to have, Lowri looks to her dark family past for clues. But the secrets she uncovers suggest that Ruby is not the only one in danger, and time is running out – for both of them…
On the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns once more to Gwyn’s home on the remote island of Anglesey, Wales, with young daughter Ruby in tow. Lowri hadn’t seen her aunt in years, but this beautiful island offers a fresh start.
Yet right away, strange things begin to happen. Ruby insists an old woman is visiting her when no one else is watching, and a tattered old doll keeps being left for Ruby to find.
Then Ruby goes missing. Desperately seeking answers no one seems to have, Lowri looks to her dark family past for clues. But the secrets she uncovers suggest that Ruby is not the only one in danger, and time is running out – for both of them…
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2022
83 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 25, 2022
EXCERPT: The first time I ever laid eyes on a dead person, I was six years old. And then it was never meant to happen.....
ABOUT 'THE LAST HOUSE ON THE CLIFF': On the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns once more to Gwyn’s home on the remote island of Anglesey, Wales, with young daughter Ruby in tow. Lowri hadn’t seen her aunt in years, but this beautiful island offers a fresh start.
Yet right away, strange things begin to happen. Ruby insists an old woman is visiting her when no one else is watching, and a tattered old doll keeps being left for Ruby to find.
Then Ruby goes missing. Desperately seeking answers no one seems to have, Lowri looks to her dark family past for clues. But the secrets she uncovers suggest that Ruby is not the only one in danger, and time is running out – for both of them…
MY THOUGHTS: I simply raced through the first half of The Last House on the Cliff, soaking up the atmosphere, the location, the quirky characters. Unfortunately in the second half, while the wheels may not completely fall off, they definitely come loose and the whole storyline teeters precariously.
While Wynn Clark takes her time creating all the wonderful atmosphere in the beginning, once we get to the second half of the story where Ruby is missing, it all becomes rather disjointed and frustrating.
I loved how she describes the house . . . run down and decaying, damp, dark . . . it sent shivers down my spine!
Nina - just what was the point of sending Nina back home? She was a great forthright character. Yes, her dog is necessary to the plot, but surely Nina could have stayed too.
I don't believe that the chapters titled 'The Girl's Story' really added anything, in fact they gave away vital clues, and I became rather frustrated with them. In hindsight, I should have just skipped them.
I don't think the Carys storyline was developed to it's full potential. This could have been a far more powerful part of the story than it was.
The ending was what really killed this for me. It was totally ridiculous and implausible. Was the author trying to include too many elements (most of them towards the end) and in doing so over-complicated things? I believe so.
What started out as a solid +4⭐ read, deteriorated into a jumbled and unfulfilling denouement.
⭐⭐.5
I: #annewynclark @avonbooksuk
T: @EAClarkAuthor @AvonBooksUK
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #mentalhealth #murdermystery #mystery #smalltownfiction
THE AUTHOR: Anne Wyn Clark lives in the Midlands with her husband and son, plus a rather temperamental cat, a rabbit and a chinchilla. She has three (now grown-up) children and five grandchildren. She is particularly partial to Italian food, decent red wine (or any coloured wine come to that…) and cake – and has been known to over-indulge in each on occasions. She has a penchant for visiting old graveyards and speculating on the demise of those entombed beneath. (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Last House on the Cliff by Anne Wyn Clark for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE LAST HOUSE ON THE CLIFF': On the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns once more to Gwyn’s home on the remote island of Anglesey, Wales, with young daughter Ruby in tow. Lowri hadn’t seen her aunt in years, but this beautiful island offers a fresh start.
Yet right away, strange things begin to happen. Ruby insists an old woman is visiting her when no one else is watching, and a tattered old doll keeps being left for Ruby to find.
Then Ruby goes missing. Desperately seeking answers no one seems to have, Lowri looks to her dark family past for clues. But the secrets she uncovers suggest that Ruby is not the only one in danger, and time is running out – for both of them…
MY THOUGHTS: I simply raced through the first half of The Last House on the Cliff, soaking up the atmosphere, the location, the quirky characters. Unfortunately in the second half, while the wheels may not completely fall off, they definitely come loose and the whole storyline teeters precariously.
While Wynn Clark takes her time creating all the wonderful atmosphere in the beginning, once we get to the second half of the story where Ruby is missing, it all becomes rather disjointed and frustrating.
I loved how she describes the house . . . run down and decaying, damp, dark . . . it sent shivers down my spine!
Nina - just what was the point of sending Nina back home? She was a great forthright character. Yes, her dog is necessary to the plot, but surely Nina could have stayed too.
I don't believe that the chapters titled 'The Girl's Story' really added anything, in fact they gave away vital clues, and I became rather frustrated with them. In hindsight, I should have just skipped them.
I don't think the Carys storyline was developed to it's full potential. This could have been a far more powerful part of the story than it was.
The ending was what really killed this for me. It was totally ridiculous and implausible. Was the author trying to include too many elements (most of them towards the end) and in doing so over-complicated things? I believe so.
What started out as a solid +4⭐ read, deteriorated into a jumbled and unfulfilling denouement.
⭐⭐.5
I: #annewynclark @avonbooksuk
T: @EAClarkAuthor @AvonBooksUK
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #mentalhealth #murdermystery #mystery #smalltownfiction
THE AUTHOR: Anne Wyn Clark lives in the Midlands with her husband and son, plus a rather temperamental cat, a rabbit and a chinchilla. She has three (now grown-up) children and five grandchildren. She is particularly partial to Italian food, decent red wine (or any coloured wine come to that…) and cake – and has been known to over-indulge in each on occasions. She has a penchant for visiting old graveyards and speculating on the demise of those entombed beneath. (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Last House on the Cliff by Anne Wyn Clark for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 11, 2022
On the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns oncce more to Gwyn's home on the remote isle of Anglesey, Wales, with young daughter Ruby in tow. Lowri hadn't seen her aunt in years, but this beautiful island offers a fresh start. Yet right away, strang things start to happen. Ruby insists an old woman is visiting her when no one else is watching, and a tattered old doll keeps being left for Ruby to find. Then Ruby goes missing....
Children going missing, family secrets, unexplained deaths, a creepy mansion, hooded figures, music coming from behind closed doors, this book has it all. It's not easy figuring out just what is happening in this book, but it's interesting enough to keep you reading. It's hard to know who you can trust in this dark, atmospheric read. The first quarter of the book the pace is slow. The characters are relatable. I liked the authors writing style. The story is told mainly from Lowri's point of view. There's a few twists to keep us guessing.
I wouls like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #AnneWynClark for my ARC of #TheLastHouseOnTheCliff in exchange for an honest review.
Children going missing, family secrets, unexplained deaths, a creepy mansion, hooded figures, music coming from behind closed doors, this book has it all. It's not easy figuring out just what is happening in this book, but it's interesting enough to keep you reading. It's hard to know who you can trust in this dark, atmospheric read. The first quarter of the book the pace is slow. The characters are relatable. I liked the authors writing style. The story is told mainly from Lowri's point of view. There's a few twists to keep us guessing.
I wouls like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #AnneWynClark for my ARC of #TheLastHouseOnTheCliff in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
Anyone reading my reviews will soon learn I love dark, highly atmospheric thrillers, and I'm happy to say that The Last House on the Cliff delivers in spades. An old, secluded house sitting on the edge of a cliff in Anglesey, Wales, with mysterious inhabitants wandering secret rooms, dark family history, strange noises and gothic vibes set the stage for Anne Wyn Clark's latest thriller. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to dive in!
As a child, Lowri spent summers on the island of Anglesey with her dear Aunt Gywn. She wasn't privy to the information about a falling out that led to her never returning to see her Aunt again. Now, a solicitor has contacted Lowri to say her Aunt has passed away, and having recently lost her own husband Lowri welcomes the chance to get away. She travels with her young daughter Ruby to the beautiful island, returning to the old house she fondly remembers from her youth to attend her aunt's funeral and reminiscent. Almost immediately, bizarre things begin happening with Ruby repeatedly talking about a mysterious, old woman appearing and leaving her a tattered old doll. Adding to the weird vibes wafting on the dank air permeating the old home are the other odd occupants of the house. Who are they and what purpose do they serve? Lowri has many unanswered questions when Ruby vanishes. With no sign of her child, she turns toward her own dark, family history and starts probing for answers. In doing so, skeletons are rattled, threatening to leak secrets buried long ago making someone edgy. Lowri comes to realize Ruby isn't the only one in danger. All is not as it seems in the mysterious house on the cliff. Time is running out.
The Last House on the Cliff is a tension laden, multilayered story that unfolds through past/present chapters mostly from Lowri's point of view with a couple of exceptions. Several convoluted plot lines twist and tangle over the course of the book which may leave some readers a bit befuddled. My advice is to hold the course and give the many layers of this story a chance to gel as they will later. The author has left tidbits of information sprinkled like breadcrumbs throughout, and it would behoove readers to pay attention to these minute details less they come back to haunt them.
As the story progresses, the pace picks up and the mystery deepens until the mad rush near the end. Clark's a master at manipulating atmosphere to propel a story forward, and in this book it's highly effective in governing the tone from beginning to end. With a spooky old house, secret passages, missing children, objects appearing and skeletons rattling, suffice it to say the creep factor is over the top. The Last House on the Cliff has a lot to offer fans of mysteries and suspense thrillers, and I'm loving the paranormal vibes.
Special thanks to Avon Books for a copy of this book. Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and Cross My Heart Reviews
As a child, Lowri spent summers on the island of Anglesey with her dear Aunt Gywn. She wasn't privy to the information about a falling out that led to her never returning to see her Aunt again. Now, a solicitor has contacted Lowri to say her Aunt has passed away, and having recently lost her own husband Lowri welcomes the chance to get away. She travels with her young daughter Ruby to the beautiful island, returning to the old house she fondly remembers from her youth to attend her aunt's funeral and reminiscent. Almost immediately, bizarre things begin happening with Ruby repeatedly talking about a mysterious, old woman appearing and leaving her a tattered old doll. Adding to the weird vibes wafting on the dank air permeating the old home are the other odd occupants of the house. Who are they and what purpose do they serve? Lowri has many unanswered questions when Ruby vanishes. With no sign of her child, she turns toward her own dark, family history and starts probing for answers. In doing so, skeletons are rattled, threatening to leak secrets buried long ago making someone edgy. Lowri comes to realize Ruby isn't the only one in danger. All is not as it seems in the mysterious house on the cliff. Time is running out.
The Last House on the Cliff is a tension laden, multilayered story that unfolds through past/present chapters mostly from Lowri's point of view with a couple of exceptions. Several convoluted plot lines twist and tangle over the course of the book which may leave some readers a bit befuddled. My advice is to hold the course and give the many layers of this story a chance to gel as they will later. The author has left tidbits of information sprinkled like breadcrumbs throughout, and it would behoove readers to pay attention to these minute details less they come back to haunt them.
As the story progresses, the pace picks up and the mystery deepens until the mad rush near the end. Clark's a master at manipulating atmosphere to propel a story forward, and in this book it's highly effective in governing the tone from beginning to end. With a spooky old house, secret passages, missing children, objects appearing and skeletons rattling, suffice it to say the creep factor is over the top. The Last House on the Cliff has a lot to offer fans of mysteries and suspense thrillers, and I'm loving the paranormal vibes.
Special thanks to Avon Books for a copy of this book. Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and Cross My Heart Reviews
August 14, 2022
There were many factors that attracted me to this novel. The striking cover, the remote Anglesey, Wales setting, and the hints of family secrets to name but a few.
It delivered on these and I was immersed for about the first half of the novel. Then I found my attention begin to lag mostly due to the repetitive descriptions of Lowri's anguish when her young daughter disappears. The first few times were understandable and necessary, but the tenth time maybe not so much...
I adored the setting. A gloomy old funeral home on the Anglesey coast and I always appreciate the revelation of family secrets. There were several secrets exposed here, but I found them to be quite convoluted and 'over the top'. The pace was fairly steady throughout and the book retained my interest. The ending felt quite rushed and tied up the myriad plot lines, but in a way I found to be rather implausible.
With gothic overtones and a suspenseful storyline, this novel will appeal to many readers. I'm aware that my opinions are not that of the majority, so take them with a grain of salt. In summation, I would read this author again, but found this novel was not a personal favourite.
It delivered on these and I was immersed for about the first half of the novel. Then I found my attention begin to lag mostly due to the repetitive descriptions of Lowri's anguish when her young daughter disappears. The first few times were understandable and necessary, but the tenth time maybe not so much...
I adored the setting. A gloomy old funeral home on the Anglesey coast and I always appreciate the revelation of family secrets. There were several secrets exposed here, but I found them to be quite convoluted and 'over the top'. The pace was fairly steady throughout and the book retained my interest. The ending felt quite rushed and tied up the myriad plot lines, but in a way I found to be rather implausible.
With gothic overtones and a suspenseful storyline, this novel will appeal to many readers. I'm aware that my opinions are not that of the majority, so take them with a grain of salt. In summation, I would read this author again, but found this novel was not a personal favourite.
September 14, 2025
The really is a lot happening in the book so much so it would be hard to do a summary just know it was so good I already have downloaded Whisper Cottage by this author. Her writing style is fluid and easy to read the story is original and even though there is paranormal aspects it is in no way cheesy, but quite the opposite. I love the total feel of the book it’s dark but family oriented and I totally understood Loris overprotectiveness a ruby. This is such an original story with thrills and chills to spare. I absolutely loved it. I want it thank NetGalley and the publisher for the free arc copy I am leaving this review totally voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.
August 22, 2022
This was a good book mostly. It did slow down in the middle and I found the ending a little rushed which spoilt things for me. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2022
This is a compelling mystery with three-dimensional characters and some good twists and turns. Most of these occurred very near the end of the novel and came thick and fast at that point. I loved the sections of the book that were told in the first person from Lowri's POV. When the story shifted to "the girl's story" sections, I'm not sure the omniscient narrator POV worked as well.
The writer evokes the atmosphere in which the novel unfolds beautifully; the setting was very effective. There's a lot to like about this book, and I enjoyed it for the most part, but I thought the first half of the novel worked better than the last half--the ending seemed a bit rushed, with so much happening all of a sudden. I thought the revelations could have been a bit more gradual and built the suspense a bit more slowly. The hints of supernatural elements at work were well-handled.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to lovers of mystery and romantic suspense.
The writer evokes the atmosphere in which the novel unfolds beautifully; the setting was very effective. There's a lot to like about this book, and I enjoyed it for the most part, but I thought the first half of the novel worked better than the last half--the ending seemed a bit rushed, with so much happening all of a sudden. I thought the revelations could have been a bit more gradual and built the suspense a bit more slowly. The hints of supernatural elements at work were well-handled.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to lovers of mystery and romantic suspense.
July 14, 2022
Dripping with atmosphere and tension, The Last House on the Cliff is a deliciously dark story about loss, grief, family and hope. The writing swept me away, utterly and completely, and I literally carried my Kindle around from room to room, deeply enveloped in the haunting Welsh thriller.
Lowri is raised in a non-traditional way and sees death from a different perspective than most children. She spends a lot of time with her beloved aunt Gwyn. Years later when Gwyn dies, Lowri and her darling daughter Ruby return to Gwyn's home to attend the funeral, reconnect and mourn. Lowri is no stranger to sorrow and grief. Her dear husband has died and she is fiercely protective of her daughter. Strange happenings begin from Day 1 with the eerie appearance of an old doll, a mysterious figure and weird noises. Awel and Elis live in the house and several other characters are introduced. But not everything is at it seems. Layers of mystery, deceptions and sorrow abound...I practically felt the raw emotions and creepiness, yet it is not over the top creepy. The ending is well done.
The Welsh expressions and names are beautiful touches and the writing took my breath away. The chapters are written in the "past" and "present" and not at all difficult to follow.
Readers seeking originality and bits of Gothic atmosphere in their thrillers ought to prioritize this winner..
My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this stellar suspenseful mystery.
Lowri is raised in a non-traditional way and sees death from a different perspective than most children. She spends a lot of time with her beloved aunt Gwyn. Years later when Gwyn dies, Lowri and her darling daughter Ruby return to Gwyn's home to attend the funeral, reconnect and mourn. Lowri is no stranger to sorrow and grief. Her dear husband has died and she is fiercely protective of her daughter. Strange happenings begin from Day 1 with the eerie appearance of an old doll, a mysterious figure and weird noises. Awel and Elis live in the house and several other characters are introduced. But not everything is at it seems. Layers of mystery, deceptions and sorrow abound...I practically felt the raw emotions and creepiness, yet it is not over the top creepy. The ending is well done.
The Welsh expressions and names are beautiful touches and the writing took my breath away. The chapters are written in the "past" and "present" and not at all difficult to follow.
Readers seeking originality and bits of Gothic atmosphere in their thrillers ought to prioritize this winner..
My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this stellar suspenseful mystery.
July 18, 2023
Lowri is a widow and single mum to seven-year-old daughter Ruby. After a failed remarriage in an attempt to provide some stability for Ruby, she’s left high and dry there now just scraping by. Receiving a letter from a solicitor informing her of her Aunts death a relative she hasn’t seen in years Lowri packs her bags and heads to Anglesey in Wales. But the past holds many secrets and when Ruby goes missing Lowri is plunged headfirst into every mother's worst nightmare.
The first half of this was definitely way better than the second and initially, I thought this was going to be a solid four-star maybe even a five if it managed to wow me enough with the conclusion. Unfortunately all of the atmospheric build-up and layered mystery crumbled and stagnated as we headed past the midway mark. After Ruby goes missing it just became predictable and slightly tedious. It was way obvious who “THE GIRL” was, as these few inclusions gave away massive hints that nobody could miss it was that bloody obvious.
I didn’t see the point of Lewis at all and even why we had bits of his POV included he actually added little to the overall story and then the final nail for me was Lowry’s reaction to everything, it just left me totally dumbfounded. It was so unrealistic and just too ridiculous for words, no one would react the way she did after everything she’d been put through regarding her daughter's disappearance. It’s a shame because the first half was magnificent and had so much potential. I was really enjoying myself and then it just turned into an absolute car crash. Despite the above the writing was good and the plot at least initially was an engaging one but for me, this one really was a tale of two halves. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of The Last House On The Cliff.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 12, 2022
Lowri has fond memories of her aunt Gwyn and the time she spent with her on Anglesey. For reasons that she isn't aware of, there was a falling out around the time a local girl disappeared and Lowri hadn't seen her aunt or been back to the house near the cliff edge since she was a little girl. When she is contacted by a solicitor to say her aunt has died, it comes at an opportune moment for Lowri.
The action is mainly focused on the mysterious Welsh house and its inhabitants. Lowri has many questions, some of which are answered...and some of which we start to realise are connected to the events of the past.
This is a story that unfolds in time, with seemingly innocuous details being revealed to be key to events. While I appreciated this when I got to the end, it did lead to a sensation of feeling as if we were going round in circles. With the shifting perspectives I was starting to piece the story together, and it felt frustrating that things weren't resolved until considerably later.
By the time we got to the end it was clear we were dealing with a dark and layered story, which was far more unpleasant than it first seemed. Some of the points focused on the story were something of a diversion, and there were some elements that felt just one step too far.
I'm thankful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this early.
The action is mainly focused on the mysterious Welsh house and its inhabitants. Lowri has many questions, some of which are answered...and some of which we start to realise are connected to the events of the past.
This is a story that unfolds in time, with seemingly innocuous details being revealed to be key to events. While I appreciated this when I got to the end, it did lead to a sensation of feeling as if we were going round in circles. With the shifting perspectives I was starting to piece the story together, and it felt frustrating that things weren't resolved until considerably later.
By the time we got to the end it was clear we were dealing with a dark and layered story, which was far more unpleasant than it first seemed. Some of the points focused on the story were something of a diversion, and there were some elements that felt just one step too far.
I'm thankful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this early.
September 9, 2022
This was a fun mystery. Set on a remote island in North Wales in a gloomy house on the cliff, it was a perfect setting for a good story. Add in a funeral home, family secrets, a missing child, music playing from behind locked doors, and things get creepy. Lowri is at a low point in her life after the death of her husband. She finds out her aunt has died and returns to her family home with her young daughter Ruby. Strange things start happening as they arrive and her daughter disappears. While I liked the dark and creepy atmosphere of the book, I felt the pacing was a bit too slow in the middle and there were too many characters to keep track of. The ending also felt rushed. I did enjoy all the buried secrets that were revealed and the creepy doll was a plus too. Overall 3 1/2 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2022
The plot line for "The Last House on the Cliff" by Anne Wyn Clark appealed to me but unfortunately it didn't really play out in the reading for me. I found it too complicated with which "evil" male had fathered which child. It could have been a great mystery, but it wasn't for me.
October 20, 2023
"The Last House on the Cliff" was a real struggle to get through. It was incredibly long, and the story was all over the place, which made it hard to follow. I found myself constantly losing the plot and getting bored. I wish it had been more engaging and concise.
June 22, 2022
Thank you to Avon Books via NetGalley for the ARC of this ebook.
Physiological thriller with what felt like a little paranormal activity made for a real page turner. When a woman and her daughter return to her Aunt’s house and funeral parlour weird things start happening to them. Locked doors, feelings that somebody is there along with the appearance of strange things will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Creepy enough to have me looking around my room for shadows this book was absolutely filled with suspense. Delving into the past can uncover a lot of information about the present. I couldn’t put it down and read until daylight to figure it all out.
Excellent story and characters with the perfect setting this book will have you pulled so deeply into this book you will lose all track of time.
Physiological thriller with what felt like a little paranormal activity made for a real page turner. When a woman and her daughter return to her Aunt’s house and funeral parlour weird things start happening to them. Locked doors, feelings that somebody is there along with the appearance of strange things will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Creepy enough to have me looking around my room for shadows this book was absolutely filled with suspense. Delving into the past can uncover a lot of information about the present. I couldn’t put it down and read until daylight to figure it all out.
Excellent story and characters with the perfect setting this book will have you pulled so deeply into this book you will lose all track of time.
October 12, 2023
I actually really enjoyed the first two thirds - lots of wondering what’ll happen next - but the last third (in fact, the last dozen pages or so) were just diabolical.
It feels like ‘twists’ were just thrown at us for the sake of it - “MUST MAKE THIS DIFFERENT!” - and I’ve genuinely no understanding of the whole father-and-son-doctor mess. The main character is forgiving to a ridiculous extent too, completely unbelievable.
It feels like ‘twists’ were just thrown at us for the sake of it - “MUST MAKE THIS DIFFERENT!” - and I’ve genuinely no understanding of the whole father-and-son-doctor mess. The main character is forgiving to a ridiculous extent too, completely unbelievable.
August 12, 2022
This book has a lot going on, Family secrets, family disconnection, death, lies, a missing child, a creepy house, a possible stalker, plus more.
I quite enjoyed reading this book and the twists and turns really had me thinking. It starts out very strong with a lot happening right from the start.
Once all the twists and turns are revealed the big question is Will Lowri accept all that has been revealed and go along with it all? Or will she rebel against all she has learned and walk away from it all?
A brilliant dark, twisty tale of family secrets.
I quite enjoyed reading this book and the twists and turns really had me thinking. It starts out very strong with a lot happening right from the start.
Once all the twists and turns are revealed the big question is Will Lowri accept all that has been revealed and go along with it all? Or will she rebel against all she has learned and walk away from it all?
A brilliant dark, twisty tale of family secrets.
August 7, 2022
This is the second novel by this author and it is based in a small village on the island of Anglesey, North Wales. Told mainly from the POV of Lowri with a little from Lewis in the present and ‘the girl’ in the past, this is a slow burning story and at one point I was convinced I was reading a supernatural gothic novel - I had to check. The writing is good and the descriptions of the area in Anglesey were stunning.
Briefly, in the past Lowri spent her holidays in the care of her Auntie Gwyn who ran a funeral home. Adopted at an early age she didn’t know who her real father was and was told her mother had had her adopted.
Now, the present day, she has a young child Ruby from a disastrous marriage. When she receives a letter from solicitors in Anglesey telling her that her Aunt has died, requesting her presence at the reading of the will, she reluctantly sets off. Straight away strange things start to happen and at the wake Ruby vanishes. As Lowri starts to look into her past she discovers some dark and disturbing secrets. Can she find Ruby before it’s too late?
This was a compelling story and one I enjoyed for the most part. Quite complex with some good twists and turns and a shocking ending. A good read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Briefly, in the past Lowri spent her holidays in the care of her Auntie Gwyn who ran a funeral home. Adopted at an early age she didn’t know who her real father was and was told her mother had had her adopted.
Now, the present day, she has a young child Ruby from a disastrous marriage. When she receives a letter from solicitors in Anglesey telling her that her Aunt has died, requesting her presence at the reading of the will, she reluctantly sets off. Straight away strange things start to happen and at the wake Ruby vanishes. As Lowri starts to look into her past she discovers some dark and disturbing secrets. Can she find Ruby before it’s too late?
This was a compelling story and one I enjoyed for the most part. Quite complex with some good twists and turns and a shocking ending. A good read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 11, 2022
The Last House on the Cliff is steeped in lies, secrets and deception and I thoroughly enjoyed its murky, creepy atmosphere.
Do visit My Weekly to read my full review https://www.myweekly.co.uk/2022/08/09...
Do visit My Weekly to read my full review https://www.myweekly.co.uk/2022/08/09...
July 13, 2023
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it was incredible! The narrator was amazing at all the different accents and characters and it definitely made me enjoy the story more.
I loved the characters and all the mysteries going on. I felt I had a few unanswered questions which is why it’s not five stars but they were only small things and I enjoyed the overall story a lot! I’d definitely recommend this, especially the audiobook.
I loved the characters and all the mysteries going on. I felt I had a few unanswered questions which is why it’s not five stars but they were only small things and I enjoyed the overall story a lot! I’d definitely recommend this, especially the audiobook.
April 20, 2023
Cover: Intriguing. Besides, I love blue, haha.
The Last House on the Cliff is the second Clark’s book I’ve read. The previous one, Whisper Cottage, took me on a wild ride, so I was eager to see if her last novel would live up to the same standard.
Well, it did, and it did not.
The main plot is good: the premise is not so original, per se, but the twists and turns I’ve come to expect from this author are there. Once again, they blindsided me a couple of time while I was reading—yay! Lowri and Ruby are well-crafted, and it’s easy to sympathize with them throughout the story, even more so because they’re supported by a nice cast of characters.
My problem with The Last House on the Cliff starts with the pov. It’s first and done quite well, but there are also chapters in third, from different povs. Now, I know it’s a trend. I saw more than a couple of stories written like this, so hey, I’m not even sure it can be called an experiment anymore. However, one book or three bazillions, it still doesn’t change the fact that it defeats the purpose of a first pov. If we’re supposed to know only what’s going on in Lowri’s head, why are we jumping into a different character’s shoes? Maybe a third and multiple would have suited the story better.
Other than that, there are a few loose ties—a problem I found in Whisper Cottage, too—and some missteps here and there. For example, Lowri knows Hannah’s name before Hannah gets introduced as a new character.
3,5 stars on GR.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
The Last House on the Cliff is the second Clark’s book I’ve read. The previous one, Whisper Cottage, took me on a wild ride, so I was eager to see if her last novel would live up to the same standard.
Well, it did, and it did not.
The main plot is good: the premise is not so original, per se, but the twists and turns I’ve come to expect from this author are there. Once again, they blindsided me a couple of time while I was reading—yay! Lowri and Ruby are well-crafted, and it’s easy to sympathize with them throughout the story, even more so because they’re supported by a nice cast of characters.
My problem with The Last House on the Cliff starts with the pov. It’s first and done quite well, but there are also chapters in third, from different povs. Now, I know it’s a trend. I saw more than a couple of stories written like this, so hey, I’m not even sure it can be called an experiment anymore. However, one book or three bazillions, it still doesn’t change the fact that it defeats the purpose of a first pov. If we’re supposed to know only what’s going on in Lowri’s head, why are we jumping into a different character’s shoes? Maybe a third and multiple would have suited the story better.
Other than that, there are a few loose ties—a problem I found in Whisper Cottage, too—and some missteps here and there. For example, Lowri knows Hannah’s name before Hannah gets introduced as a new character.
3,5 stars on GR.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
August 24, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. The narration was good and easy to listen to.
Lowri spent many childhood holidays at her aunt Gwyn’s home in Anglesey, but they lose touch as Lowri gets older. When her aunt dies, Lowri goes back for the funeral with her young daughter, Ruby. Gwyn ran a funeral home, so it’s a bit cliche when Ruby and Lowri start seeing a mysterious figure watching them. Then Ruby goes missing.
The setting of this book was quite well described and the creepy atmosphere of the house brought an eerie element to the story. You can imagine someone lurking in the shadows.
I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and they were all a bit flat and boring. I found it difficult to keep track of who was who as there are quite a lot of people. I’m not sure if this would have been easier if I’d read the book rather than listened to it.
The plot was predictable at times, then got a bit far fetched and ridiculous in the second half of the book. I found it lacked credibility and ended up being quite boring and I just wanted to get it finished.
This book started off as a promising read but the plot had too many characters and wasn’t believable for me.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy to review.
Lowri spent many childhood holidays at her aunt Gwyn’s home in Anglesey, but they lose touch as Lowri gets older. When her aunt dies, Lowri goes back for the funeral with her young daughter, Ruby. Gwyn ran a funeral home, so it’s a bit cliche when Ruby and Lowri start seeing a mysterious figure watching them. Then Ruby goes missing.
The setting of this book was quite well described and the creepy atmosphere of the house brought an eerie element to the story. You can imagine someone lurking in the shadows.
I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and they were all a bit flat and boring. I found it difficult to keep track of who was who as there are quite a lot of people. I’m not sure if this would have been easier if I’d read the book rather than listened to it.
The plot was predictable at times, then got a bit far fetched and ridiculous in the second half of the book. I found it lacked credibility and ended up being quite boring and I just wanted to get it finished.
This book started off as a promising read but the plot had too many characters and wasn’t believable for me.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy to review.
January 23, 2024
It has taken me sometime to write this review mainly because i wasn't sure about my opinions on this book and i suppose that is a sign of a really good book. That it makes you think long after you finished it. I really enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. The set up, the mystery, the story was all going really well. I found that after the little girl goes missing i found myself extremely frustrated with the main character. She kept on making decisions i wouldn't make and seemed unrealistic. I like how the book ended in terms of things where wrapped up. However due to the frustration i have had to mark this book down. I wished the author continued the feel of the first half of the book if she had this book would have received a higher rating.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an eARC of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an eARC of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2022
3.5/5
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book.
Yes, I did enjoy it. Yes, it was a page turner. Yes, it was entertaining. No, I didn’t think this could have happened in reality. I did think that Carys was still alive and that Lowri was adopted,quite early on. There were so many clues. The ending was wrapped up too conveniently and wasn’t very believable ..(a) pretending for years that Cary’s was dead and keeping her hidden (b) agreeing to continue with this deception…what would they do when she eventually died (Ruby’s attachment to Carys (C) The quite easy forgiveness of Eli’s, Awen and Lewis (d) Elis suddenly speaking again when he had always signed) (e) the decision to put blame onto the ex, however obnoxious he was (f) the very ending regarding both doctors, senior and the son.
However, it’s still a good read!
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book.
Yes, I did enjoy it. Yes, it was a page turner. Yes, it was entertaining. No, I didn’t think this could have happened in reality. I did think that Carys was still alive and that Lowri was adopted,quite early on. There were so many clues. The ending was wrapped up too conveniently and wasn’t very believable ..(a) pretending for years that Cary’s was dead and keeping her hidden (b) agreeing to continue with this deception…what would they do when she eventually died (Ruby’s attachment to Carys (C) The quite easy forgiveness of Eli’s, Awen and Lewis (d) Elis suddenly speaking again when he had always signed) (e) the decision to put blame onto the ex, however obnoxious he was (f) the very ending regarding both doctors, senior and the son.
However, it’s still a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
A good book, until the end.
I was drawn in from the go with beautiful somewhat gothic descriptions, interesting characters and what sounds like my ideal next home (in the sticks, need of work so cheap mortgage and possible haunting). There was even a dog! All of this enjoyment was sadly undone at the end.
There seems to be a trend where, to me, it feels like the author gets near their final word count, panics and ends abruptly in a way that makes little sense. I had to re-read the last few chapters to make sure I hadn't missed something.
As a reader, there is some satisfaction when you're left with unanswered questions at the end of a book. But not like this.
I was drawn in from the go with beautiful somewhat gothic descriptions, interesting characters and what sounds like my ideal next home (in the sticks, need of work so cheap mortgage and possible haunting). There was even a dog! All of this enjoyment was sadly undone at the end.
There seems to be a trend where, to me, it feels like the author gets near their final word count, panics and ends abruptly in a way that makes little sense. I had to re-read the last few chapters to make sure I hadn't missed something.
As a reader, there is some satisfaction when you're left with unanswered questions at the end of a book. But not like this.
August 28, 2022
The Last House on the Cliff has everything you want from a gothic style mystery. It has a spooky old house on a cliff, (which also happens to be an undertaker's), a secretive island community, two mysterious live in staff, and a very big cliff. You might think this will end up as one big cliché but actually it's a story very well told. It's set on the Welsh island of Anglesey and having been there, I feel it really captures its unique atmosphere. Being Welsh myself, I liked the fact that this book was set there and incorporated some Welsh language words (there's a glossary).
At times I felt it was a little far fetched, but then who wants realism when you can have escape? The twists come thick and fast towards the end, although I thought the final one was overkill. Apart from that, this was full of atmosphere and vivid settings and I enjoyed being transported to this beautiful windswept island for a good old fashioned mystery.
At times I felt it was a little far fetched, but then who wants realism when you can have escape? The twists come thick and fast towards the end, although I thought the final one was overkill. Apart from that, this was full of atmosphere and vivid settings and I enjoyed being transported to this beautiful windswept island for a good old fashioned mystery.
June 1, 2024
Lowri remembers with fondness her childhood visits to her Aunt Gwyn on Anglesey. Never phased by the fact that her aunt lived in and ran a funeral home, Lowri actually got on better with Gwyn than with her own parents. However, the visits ceased and Lowri hadn't seen her aunt in many years. When she hears that Gwyn has died she returns to Anglesey with her young daughter, Ruby. Immediately strange things start to happen: shadowy figures in the garden, an old rag doll left around; and then Ruby goes missing.
The setting is strong in The Last House on the Cliff. The funeral home itself is a sprawling place with a whiff of musty scent and dark corners, and the island of Anglesey is quite remote and windswept, a fairly closed community. It all lends itself to a hint of the sinister and Lowri feels quite out of place.
There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot and quite a few that I didn't see coming at all. I'm not sure I entirely bought into them all, especially towards the end, but I enjoyed being along for the ride. There are lots of family secrets and mysteries involving Lowri's family and also the background of Gwyn's helpers at the funeral home, Awel and Elis, who were both really intriguing characters. I found The Last House on the Cliff to be an ominous and atmospheric psychological thriller.
The setting is strong in The Last House on the Cliff. The funeral home itself is a sprawling place with a whiff of musty scent and dark corners, and the island of Anglesey is quite remote and windswept, a fairly closed community. It all lends itself to a hint of the sinister and Lowri feels quite out of place.
There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot and quite a few that I didn't see coming at all. I'm not sure I entirely bought into them all, especially towards the end, but I enjoyed being along for the ride. There are lots of family secrets and mysteries involving Lowri's family and also the background of Gwyn's helpers at the funeral home, Awel and Elis, who were both really intriguing characters. I found The Last House on the Cliff to be an ominous and atmospheric psychological thriller.
August 10, 2022
After an end to a toxic relationship, Lowry and her daughter Ruby retreat back to the house in Wales where Lowry spent many a school holiday with her Aunt Gwyn. Lowri has just learnt that Gwyn has passed away and she has an inheritance. Could this be the new start they are looking for? But Ruby keeps seeing a strange woman around and finding a dirty doll in odd places, then she disappears….
I found this book started very strongly, it had great atmosphere and I liked the way the characters developed. Early in the book there was a bit of past and present story lines which I found easy to follow but these eased off as the story progressed.
For me the story started to drag a bit when Ruby disappeared. I felt things didn’t moved quick enough and then towards the end everything seemed to happen at once and I occasionally had to re read to understand what was happening and how it was connected. I have discovered that I like layers to a story, so this felt it was like a big bandaid being ripped off at the end to explain everything.
I did enjoy this and can recommend it but for me it’s one that wont stay with me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
I found this book started very strongly, it had great atmosphere and I liked the way the characters developed. Early in the book there was a bit of past and present story lines which I found easy to follow but these eased off as the story progressed.
For me the story started to drag a bit when Ruby disappeared. I felt things didn’t moved quick enough and then towards the end everything seemed to happen at once and I occasionally had to re read to understand what was happening and how it was connected. I have discovered that I like layers to a story, so this felt it was like a big bandaid being ripped off at the end to explain everything.
I did enjoy this and can recommend it but for me it’s one that wont stay with me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
October 13, 2022
Twisty and Turning!
This was a great thriller! Lots of twists and turns! Sometimes I got so twisted and turned around I didn’t know where I was 😂. Anne Wyn Clark knows how to write a thriller. A young woman with a child and recently widowed doesn’t know what she’s going to do one minute and the next her aunt dies and she needs to report to her estate to be present at the reading of the will. And from there is where everything gets twisted and turned around. I don’t believe you’ll be sorry you read it. Oh and those of you who watches out for bad language, there is some but it doesn’t happen often. Thank you to #NetGalley , the publishers, and Author for the opportunity to read and review #TheLastHouseOnTheCliff with my honest thoughts and opinions.
This was a great thriller! Lots of twists and turns! Sometimes I got so twisted and turned around I didn’t know where I was 😂. Anne Wyn Clark knows how to write a thriller. A young woman with a child and recently widowed doesn’t know what she’s going to do one minute and the next her aunt dies and she needs to report to her estate to be present at the reading of the will. And from there is where everything gets twisted and turned around. I don’t believe you’ll be sorry you read it. Oh and those of you who watches out for bad language, there is some but it doesn’t happen often. Thank you to #NetGalley , the publishers, and Author for the opportunity to read and review #TheLastHouseOnTheCliff with my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 17, 2023
I’m really torn with what rating to give this book because overall I like the story, it had so much potential. However the first half of the book was so long winded, once the 2nd half kicked in I couldn’t put it down but it was all over the place at some points and I was confused a few times too. Parts of the story were not elaborated on enough and the ending was pretty silly really and out of place. Had potential to be a strong 4 but kept dropping off.
October 21, 2022
Seems like the author was going for the brooding gothic style of thriller, maybe suspense. Unfortunately this book dragged with the disappearance not happening until around pg 110ish. Parts of the mystery are evident despite the supposed twists thrown in to redirect your attention. However a lot of the last 40-50 pages is explanation of things but sadly, I just didn't care. Forced myself to finish but really wanted to ignore this 2 or 3x.
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