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The Hungry Deep
Some places are abandoned for a reason.
When newlywed Rachel Corrigan agrees to accompany her husband, Tom, to his family estate before starting their lives together in the city, it is an opportunity to get to know him and to explore the manor where he grew up. But when Rachel arrives she finds Corrigan House strange, the nearby town empty, and her husband’s sudden and cold demeanor increasingly frightening. She soon learns that one year ago, Tom’s first wife, Lavinia, took her own life in the twisted forest behind Corrigan House. The servants claim that her spirit resides there still, calling out from the wood, her voice as clear as the day she died.
In an abandoned town where everyone harbors a secret, Rachel finds herself a prisoner in a place which is becoming increasingly treacherous. When the village priest is found savagely stabbed and on the edge of death, it becomes clear that the remaining townsfolk – witnesses to Lavinia’s demise – are being hunted down one by one. But Lavinia Corrigan is dead. Isn’t she?
When newlywed Rachel Corrigan agrees to accompany her husband, Tom, to his family estate before starting their lives together in the city, it is an opportunity to get to know him and to explore the manor where he grew up. But when Rachel arrives she finds Corrigan House strange, the nearby town empty, and her husband’s sudden and cold demeanor increasingly frightening. She soon learns that one year ago, Tom’s first wife, Lavinia, took her own life in the twisted forest behind Corrigan House. The servants claim that her spirit resides there still, calling out from the wood, her voice as clear as the day she died.
In an abandoned town where everyone harbors a secret, Rachel finds herself a prisoner in a place which is becoming increasingly treacherous. When the village priest is found savagely stabbed and on the edge of death, it becomes clear that the remaining townsfolk – witnesses to Lavinia’s demise – are being hunted down one by one. But Lavinia Corrigan is dead. Isn’t she?
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2022
About the author
J.L. Murray
23 books152 followersJ.L. Murray is the author of the Niki Slobodian series (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, The Devil Is a Gentleman, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, The Devil Was an Angel, and The Devil's Backbone), The Thirteen series (Jenny Undead and Eat the Ones You Love), After the Fire, Blood Day, the Blood of Cain series (Monstrous, Hoarfrost, Sanguine), the Gothic Folk series (The Hungry Deep), and The Collins Widow.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 26, 2025
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
I wasn't quite sure how this novel was going to turn out but I should have realised it was going to be AWESOME! Anything written by J.L. Murray was going to be a winner as far as I'm concerned; her writing just clicks with me and I love it.
This also goes towards my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.
I wasn't quite sure how this novel was going to turn out but I should have realised it was going to be AWESOME! Anything written by J.L. Murray was going to be a winner as far as I'm concerned; her writing just clicks with me and I love it.
This also goes towards my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.
January 20, 2024
Deeply feminist, unsettlingly creepy, and 10/10 on the gasp-o-meter!
This book is super good. It’s about newlyweds Tom & Rachel. Tom takes Rachel back to his creepy, abandoned small town where she’s Not Supposed To Go Into The Forest. Tom’s hiding a secret and Rachel isn’t as meek and mild as advertised.
Oh I loved Rachel so much!
This book has so many amazing, evocative turns of phrase, and the last few paragraphs floored me.
✨BR with Nenia ✨
This book is super good. It’s about newlyweds Tom & Rachel. Tom takes Rachel back to his creepy, abandoned small town where she’s Not Supposed To Go Into The Forest. Tom’s hiding a secret and Rachel isn’t as meek and mild as advertised.
Oh I loved Rachel so much!
This book has so many amazing, evocative turns of phrase, and the last few paragraphs floored me.
✨BR with Nenia ✨
June 25, 2024
The vibes were vibing.
Want to Read
December 22, 2024WTF. I think I already read this? Where is my review?!
February 15, 2023
In the past, when trying to read gothic horror tales, I have found that many are all style and no substance, with the atmosphere and descriptions more important than the story. When gothic horror is done well, it should be unsettling and creepy, which was, thankfully, the case with The Hungry Deep.
I enjoyed the perspectives of the small cast of characters, all of whom were expertly crafted. I also enjoyed "the monster" in this one, although you could certainly argue that many of the main characters fit that role better than the actual monster.
I love discovering new authors, and I have to say that JL Murray is one that I'll be reading more of. The Hungry Deep was just the right balance of gothic and creepy
I enjoyed the perspectives of the small cast of characters, all of whom were expertly crafted. I also enjoyed "the monster" in this one, although you could certainly argue that many of the main characters fit that role better than the actual monster.
I love discovering new authors, and I have to say that JL Murray is one that I'll be reading more of. The Hungry Deep was just the right balance of gothic and creepy
January 3, 2025
Love when gothic horror meets feminine rage.
This book was so good. For the fact that it’s less than 200 pages a lot of stuff happens. Bloody and gory and deeply disturbing but not overly scary which I loved.
This book gave me like Stephen King meets T. Kingfisher vibes, in the best way.
5⭐️
This book was so good. For the fact that it’s less than 200 pages a lot of stuff happens. Bloody and gory and deeply disturbing but not overly scary which I loved.
This book gave me like Stephen King meets T. Kingfisher vibes, in the best way.
5⭐️
May 13, 2024
Title: The Hungry Deep
Author: J.L Murray
Genre: Gothic Horror
Format: ebook
Series: Gothic Folk Book 1
Star Rating: 4 stars
tw: misogyny, death, suicide, alcohol, illness, parental death, infidelity, gun violence, blood, child loss, abusive relationships, PTSD, car accident
I saw this book floating around on Threads and one of my goals is to read more horror books since I’m such a huge horror girly. I figured that this was a perfect horror book to dip my toes into and I was correct. It had just the right amount of spook and unsettling vibes and I was immediately hooked right from the beginning.
As I was writing this review, I realized I hardly wrote any notes, which is a good thing. It means I was so sucked into the book that I didn’t stop to take many notes minus who the characters were. I found that I simply couldn’t read fast enough. The pacing was perfect. It wasn’t too fast or too slow. I was truly enjoying every single moment I had with this book.
All the characters were done so well. The main character Rachel, was done to absolute perfection. She came off as an innocent naive woman but she was one smart cookie. There were times that I bought into her naivety and I truly thought there was no way that she could be this obtuse about what was going on but she proved me wrong over and over. She was so much smarter than anyone realized. I could just sing her praises all day but alas, I have other reviews to get to. But needless to say, I was so in love with her.
Overall, this was such a great book and the perfect gothic horror book. The atmosphere was done well. I felt so much dread all the time and I was living for every moment of it. There was an element of the supernatural and there was a feeling of dread. The main character and all the characters were so well done, even the villains. I found that I couldn’t dislike the villains because they were done so well. The writing and pacing was great. This is the perfect book for someone interested in starting the horror book journey.
Author: J.L Murray
Genre: Gothic Horror
Format: ebook
Series: Gothic Folk Book 1
Star Rating: 4 stars
tw: misogyny, death, suicide, alcohol, illness, parental death, infidelity, gun violence, blood, child loss, abusive relationships, PTSD, car accident
I saw this book floating around on Threads and one of my goals is to read more horror books since I’m such a huge horror girly. I figured that this was a perfect horror book to dip my toes into and I was correct. It had just the right amount of spook and unsettling vibes and I was immediately hooked right from the beginning.
As I was writing this review, I realized I hardly wrote any notes, which is a good thing. It means I was so sucked into the book that I didn’t stop to take many notes minus who the characters were. I found that I simply couldn’t read fast enough. The pacing was perfect. It wasn’t too fast or too slow. I was truly enjoying every single moment I had with this book.
All the characters were done so well. The main character Rachel, was done to absolute perfection. She came off as an innocent naive woman but she was one smart cookie. There were times that I bought into her naivety and I truly thought there was no way that she could be this obtuse about what was going on but she proved me wrong over and over. She was so much smarter than anyone realized. I could just sing her praises all day but alas, I have other reviews to get to. But needless to say, I was so in love with her.
Overall, this was such a great book and the perfect gothic horror book. The atmosphere was done well. I felt so much dread all the time and I was living for every moment of it. There was an element of the supernatural and there was a feeling of dread. The main character and all the characters were so well done, even the villains. I found that I couldn’t dislike the villains because they were done so well. The writing and pacing was great. This is the perfect book for someone interested in starting the horror book journey.
January 24, 2024
3/5 stars
This could be read in a single sitting if you’re looking for a quick read. That being said, I wish there was a little more depth to the story so maybe it could have benefited from being a bit longer. Also- I was confused what time period this took place in? 🤷🏼♀️ Other than that, a good read!
This could be read in a single sitting if you’re looking for a quick read. That being said, I wish there was a little more depth to the story so maybe it could have benefited from being a bit longer. Also- I was confused what time period this took place in? 🤷🏼♀️ Other than that, a good read!
May 14, 2026
First, let me say that by the time I reached the twenty-first chapter of this book I was fully aware that I was not among this book's target audience. That said, I do enjoy gothic horror and was hoping for something stimulating and haunting, though sadly, I found neither.
There is a vibe in the early pages of the novella that reminded me of The Fall of the House of Usher (the prose, not that Netflix amalgamation). I always love a good atmosphere and The Hungry Deep's opening chapters provide that.
The problems come in the development of the plot and the lack thereof in the characters. What opens as a haunting tale of murder and mysterious circumstances resolves into something so completely mundane that it evaporates all the atmosphere I enjoyed so much. Eventually, the story reveals a humdrum accounting. Every male character is either a monster, a weakling, or a coward, while every woman is a creature of virtue who does nothing but respond to the suffering dealt to them by their counterparts.
There is no change in any character by the time the novella ends. Events happen to characters, but never because of anything that they do on the page. It is almost as if the first act was excised from the story to present an enigmatic feel, but that leaves the novel without the firm footing it needs to maneuver.
I don't lean into spoilers in my reviews, but it is difficult to be more specific with my criticism without them. So, unfortunately, the broad strokes will have to do.
By the end, I was praying for some wrinkle that would show me that there was more to this story and the people within. Sadly, there wasn't. I predicted the outcome well before it happened. That isn't always a bad thing. This isn't Agatha Christie, after all, but my ability to see the ending was due to any level of foreshadowing. Instead, the conclusion was necessary in order to keep the characters aligned with the book's central divide which I pointed out earlier.
I found The Hungry Deep more frustrating than anything. There is a good story here, with characters who have more layers of depth to them, but it's buried so far down in the darkness it never had a chance to claw its way out.
There is a vibe in the early pages of the novella that reminded me of The Fall of the House of Usher (the prose, not that Netflix amalgamation). I always love a good atmosphere and The Hungry Deep's opening chapters provide that.
The problems come in the development of the plot and the lack thereof in the characters. What opens as a haunting tale of murder and mysterious circumstances resolves into something so completely mundane that it evaporates all the atmosphere I enjoyed so much. Eventually, the story reveals a humdrum accounting. Every male character is either a monster, a weakling, or a coward, while every woman is a creature of virtue who does nothing but respond to the suffering dealt to them by their counterparts.
There is no change in any character by the time the novella ends. Events happen to characters, but never because of anything that they do on the page. It is almost as if the first act was excised from the story to present an enigmatic feel, but that leaves the novel without the firm footing it needs to maneuver.
I don't lean into spoilers in my reviews, but it is difficult to be more specific with my criticism without them. So, unfortunately, the broad strokes will have to do.
By the end, I was praying for some wrinkle that would show me that there was more to this story and the people within. Sadly, there wasn't. I predicted the outcome well before it happened. That isn't always a bad thing. This isn't Agatha Christie, after all, but my ability to see the ending was due to any level of foreshadowing. Instead, the conclusion was necessary in order to keep the characters aligned with the book's central divide which I pointed out earlier.
I found The Hungry Deep more frustrating than anything. There is a good story here, with characters who have more layers of depth to them, but it's buried so far down in the darkness it never had a chance to claw its way out.
April 28, 2026
I began reading this book around 8:30 this morning while outside the bank, awaiting its opening time of 10am. It was 8:20pm the same day when I finished it.
Clearly, this says the story had me hooked from the outset. And this is a funny thing, as I've encountered, and subsequently not finished three books written in third-person, present tense, having abandoned those books not too far into the story because the present tense approach, in those three books, just felt awkward. This one, however, I found to be probably what one accustomed to such an approach would consider third-person, present tense at the top shelf level. Flawless and engaging, with a smooth consistency.
While a year of setting isn't mentioned, we know that Tom and Rachel arrive in Goodhope sometime after WWI, yet definitely before WWII. The atmosphere and imagery woven into the narrative paints this picture so well. Perhaps, the story is set before the economic fall of Black Tuesday in 1929.
The story itself is well-crafted, and equally well-told. I found the structure of the narrative, in terms of how it was written and presented, to be such it almost felt as if the story was written in the year of setting, as such was the superior nature of the writing. The lack of contractions within the narrative structure didn't impede the read-flow in any way at all. It was rather refreshing.
I'm still not entirely sure about delving into this particular genre in general, but J.L. Murray is such a tidy scribbler that I'm keen to have a little poke around her catalogue and see what else is on offer.
All in all, a great story, great characters, and absolutely fantastic imagery across every page.
Spoiler alert: no characters in this story take sugar in their coffee.
Clearly, this says the story had me hooked from the outset. And this is a funny thing, as I've encountered, and subsequently not finished three books written in third-person, present tense, having abandoned those books not too far into the story because the present tense approach, in those three books, just felt awkward. This one, however, I found to be probably what one accustomed to such an approach would consider third-person, present tense at the top shelf level. Flawless and engaging, with a smooth consistency.
While a year of setting isn't mentioned, we know that Tom and Rachel arrive in Goodhope sometime after WWI, yet definitely before WWII. The atmosphere and imagery woven into the narrative paints this picture so well. Perhaps, the story is set before the economic fall of Black Tuesday in 1929.
The story itself is well-crafted, and equally well-told. I found the structure of the narrative, in terms of how it was written and presented, to be such it almost felt as if the story was written in the year of setting, as such was the superior nature of the writing. The lack of contractions within the narrative structure didn't impede the read-flow in any way at all. It was rather refreshing.
I'm still not entirely sure about delving into this particular genre in general, but J.L. Murray is such a tidy scribbler that I'm keen to have a little poke around her catalogue and see what else is on offer.
All in all, a great story, great characters, and absolutely fantastic imagery across every page.
Spoiler alert: no characters in this story take sugar in their coffee.
October 1, 2023
The Second Mrs Corrigan
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!
This series does not need to be read in order. Each book is a standalone and can be read without reading any of the others. I can't wait to find our what sort of story comes next!
Rachel is the new Mrs. Corrigan. Sometimes she wonders about the first Mrs. Corrigan ... But her husband will not speak of her. Yet everywhere she turns it seems that the woman could be lurking just out of sight. Will she be able to escape her predecessor's shadow? Has she made a critical error in judgement? How long before they move on to the city as her husband promised? What really happened to the first Mrs Corrigan? Will she share the same fate?
***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy strong heroines in their gothic horror novels steeped in mystery and supernatural elements :)
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!
This series does not need to be read in order. Each book is a standalone and can be read without reading any of the others. I can't wait to find our what sort of story comes next!
Rachel is the new Mrs. Corrigan. Sometimes she wonders about the first Mrs. Corrigan ... But her husband will not speak of her. Yet everywhere she turns it seems that the woman could be lurking just out of sight. Will she be able to escape her predecessor's shadow? Has she made a critical error in judgement? How long before they move on to the city as her husband promised? What really happened to the first Mrs Corrigan? Will she share the same fate?
***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy strong heroines in their gothic horror novels steeped in mystery and supernatural elements :)
October 15, 2024
So I went into this book pretty much blind and I wasn’t sure what to expect with a “gothic folk” book but I will say I was pleasantly surprised! It definitely gave off the vibe of gothic folk as the setting took place in a really small and derelict town. It almost gave like sleepy hollow town type vibes.
This was definitely more of a spooky, haunted feeling type of story. Tom Corrigan moves his new wife to the abandoned town of good hope where all that remains are a few housekeepers, a cook, a doctor and a priest.
This new wife hearing all sorts of stories from the staff at corrigan house leaves her feeling like does she know the husband that she married, did his widow really take her life, was it her husband, or was it the haunted woods she was told to avoid?
Definitely check it out if you want a quick creepy, spooky read!
This was definitely more of a spooky, haunted feeling type of story. Tom Corrigan moves his new wife to the abandoned town of good hope where all that remains are a few housekeepers, a cook, a doctor and a priest.
This new wife hearing all sorts of stories from the staff at corrigan house leaves her feeling like does she know the husband that she married, did his widow really take her life, was it her husband, or was it the haunted woods she was told to avoid?
Definitely check it out if you want a quick creepy, spooky read!
September 3, 2023
This is my first time reading anything by J.L Murray and it definitely will not be at the last. This short story/novelette was so beautifully written & in such an atmospheric way. The story is well crafted and it’s not rushed or lacking which can sometimes occur with shorter stories. The characters are flawed, some more than others, and it’s definitely a statement on what constitutes a monster, as sometimes those in charge of saving you from the monsters are themselves much, much worse. Definitely recommend.
May 9, 2024
I don't usually seek out gothic horror, but I may start after reading J.L. Murray. I started it last night before bed and couldn't put it down! This is a rare case where I genuinely enjoyed having multiple POVs, and that is due to how well Murray executes it. Each character felt unique, and I couldn't stop thinking about how all the events happened in one night, yet it never felt rushed. It gave me "Haunting of Bly Manor" vibes! Murray's descriptions are memorable, and she's an author I'll be adding to my favorite list.
September 8, 2024
The Hungry Deep is a gothic horror book that I couldn't put down. I really enjoyed this fast read from a new to me author. I think the author did a fantastic job drawing me in from page one, and held my attention through the last page. I would recommend adding this book to your TBR, I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Please read warnings your mental health matters!
Please read warnings your mental health matters!
January 11, 2025
I adored it. I read it one day. Not hard considering it’s a bit short but I loved the strong female lead. I appreciated that it was set in the late 1800s - early 1900s but was easy to follow and understand. I feel like it really gives the energy of “Hell hath no fury”
***Spoiler*** I wouldn’t have stopped Lavinia at the end. Let her have it. I disagreed with the argument that she would be truly lost if she didn’t walk away. Bull shit. She would have been freed!
***Spoiler*** I wouldn’t have stopped Lavinia at the end. Let her have it. I disagreed with the argument that she would be truly lost if she didn’t walk away. Bull shit. She would have been freed!
May 2, 2026
"The Hungry Deep" is told from the perspective of the characters involved and is set in the nearly deserted village of Goodhope. Superstition, madness, and servitude create a sinister atmosphere here. In the former mine of Tom Corrigan's father dwells something evil that must never be set free—and that thirsts for blood...
I liked how J.L. Murray put the reins in the hands of the women of Goodhope here. "Meek and mild" Rachel Corrigan... — Yeah, right!
I liked how J.L. Murray put the reins in the hands of the women of Goodhope here. "Meek and mild" Rachel Corrigan... — Yeah, right!
February 5, 2024
it was meh!
Lots of potential but unfortunately it felt like it wasn’t fleshed out. Kind of felt all over the place. And each chapter jumping from one character to another just wasn’t it. Could have been much better
Lots of potential but unfortunately it felt like it wasn’t fleshed out. Kind of felt all over the place. And each chapter jumping from one character to another just wasn’t it. Could have been much better
April 29, 2026
A lightning fast read with an ominous atmosphere. Engaging point of views and very clear feminist undertones. I think the author could have done a better job presenting the twist ending (if you want to call it that), but ultimately, really enjoyed this one
(Format: Kindle)
(Format: Kindle)
May 3, 2026
Such a refreshing read after my long search for something well-written and descriptive! I love when an author knows how to give just enough to pique a reader’s interest and get them to turn the page.
January 27, 2024
I started, so I finished.
The storyline was irritating at times, as it did seem to drag out, but it had its moments, and it had a slight, OH so slight twist in the end.
The storyline was irritating at times, as it did seem to drag out, but it had its moments, and it had a slight, OH so slight twist in the end.
February 6, 2024
Very well written!
Loved the plotline
Wasn't drawn out or slow
Finished it in 3 days
Kept you guessing between whether it was paranormal or circumstance of trauma
Loved the plotline
Wasn't drawn out or slow
Finished it in 3 days
Kept you guessing between whether it was paranormal or circumstance of trauma
July 7, 2025
This was such a quick read. The story was frantic and moved along very quickly. Good fill in book
April 30, 2026
I enjoyed this! Hiding for spoilers- I know the plot twist was that Lavinia was alive and that it wasn't supernatural at all... But I REALLY wanted it to be supernatural. I wanted the monster to be real. Otherwise I enjoyed, and I love any story where women rally together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2026
I purchased a copy of The Hungry Deep, by J.L. Murray in a Freebooksie deal. All opinions stated here are my own.
The author does a good job of maintaining a level of tension and mystery throughout the steady unfolding of this tale. There is something amiss, but like the protagonist, Rachel Corrigan, you can't quite put your finger on what it is, until little by little, all the pieces fall into place. The spirit of Tom Corrigan's first wife, Livinia, haunts the memories of those who knew her. The entire town emptied out after her death and those who are left all bare secrets which may be best left buried. With murder, mayhem, and mystery, this tale promises to be one to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a satisfying pay-off in the ending.
The author does a good job of maintaining a level of tension and mystery throughout the steady unfolding of this tale. There is something amiss, but like the protagonist, Rachel Corrigan, you can't quite put your finger on what it is, until little by little, all the pieces fall into place. The spirit of Tom Corrigan's first wife, Livinia, haunts the memories of those who knew her. The entire town emptied out after her death and those who are left all bare secrets which may be best left buried. With murder, mayhem, and mystery, this tale promises to be one to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a satisfying pay-off in the ending.
December 23, 2024
181 pages of horror
This one was a quick slice of terror one could read on a stormy night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Scary good
This one was a quick slice of terror one could read on a stormy night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Scary good
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