Book Review
The Halloween countdown begins, and I have another perfect book for you!
The Lingering (Release Date: September 15th, 2018)
Married couple Jack and Ali Gardiner move to a self-sufficient spiritual commune in the English Fens, desperate for fresh start. The local village is known for the witches who once resided there and Rosalind House, where the commune has been established, is a former psychiatric home, with a disturbing history.
When Jack and Ali arrive, a chain of unexpected and unexplained events is set off, and it becomes clear that they are not all that they seem. As the residents become twitchy, and the villagers suspicious, events from the past come back to haunt them, and someone is seeking retribution…
At once an unnerving mystery, a chilling thriller and a dark and superbly wrought ghost story, The Lingering is an exceptionally plotted, terrifying and tantalisingly twisted novel by one of the most exciting authors in the genre.
Add to Goodreads
My Thoughts…
I purchased this book completely on the word of a blogger friend, maybe you know Inge at The Belgian Reviewer? She has great taste in books, so I knew it had to be good. Of course, it was brilliant!
The Lingering is very different from the usual thrillers. At first you think Ali and Jack are a typical couple having marital problems, and this is their last-ditch attempt at trying to save their relationship. Mind you, going to live at a commune seems an unusual choice, but we don’t know their troubles yet, nor their personalities, so who are we to say?
Upon arrival, it would seem that Ali, though desperate to save her relationship, is the wronged party. Their interactions could even indicate some kind of domestic abuse. Boy was I wrong!
Everything I imagined as I started getting into the story, was completely wrong. In fact, I couldn’t have guessed what it was really about, and there lies the beauty of this story. It keeps you guessing right to the end, and the added paranormal element just makes it that more complex, and of course, terrifying.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I really like her style. She’s not afraid to take chances, and the way she blends genres is quite masterful.
I gobbled this book up in one sitting, gorged on it really, because I just could not put it down.
Excellent story, and very atmospheric. Not to mention, red herrings galore! I just loved it! This is a great choice for the season, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Reblogged this on Reads & Reels.
LikeLike
I’m seeing this book everywhere lately, and all the reviews are positive and great, so I guess I’ll make my first blogger-recommended purchase soon too! 🙂 Great review, this sounds like a perfect October/Halloween read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh it’s a good one! You’ll have to let me know what you think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds really intriguing and complex! Good that it was so atmospheric and easy to whizz through! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! It’s a great read! And popular too. I’ve seen it around the blogosphere quite a bit these last few days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spiritual commune + former psychiatric hospital…a recipe for spooky goings ons 😛 Great review! I do love a book that genuinely keeps you guessing right up until the very end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then you will love this one! Thanks 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a creepy story, I loved it! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Meggy! I really enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh waw, thank you so much darling, you’re making me blush!! I’m soooo happy you enjoyed it so much, I love your review!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Don’t mention it all and thank you! How are you liking it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like it, it’s kept me guessing for so long as well about what was going on. I don’t believe in anything supernatural but it creeped me out big time 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I first saw this book on your instagram, and was intrigued. Maybe the fact that it was next to a cake also helped 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha Ha! It’s really good! I enjoyed it 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha thanks Norrie :-). I don’t like ghost stories but this one must be the exception 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people