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zoeferry's reviews
567 reviews
Horror Movie: A Novel by Paul Tremblay
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
“Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay tells the story of the lone survivor of a low-budget horror film that never made it to post-production. Despite the film’s failure, releasing a few eerie scenes and its leaked script helped it gain a cult following. The narrative alternates between the original production’s chaotic events and the present-day effort to reboot the film. Our narrator, known only as “Thin Kid,” takes us through his fractured memories of the production, where the boundaries between reality and fiction dissolve in unsettling ways.
While I appreciate Tremblay’s ambition in crafting a slow-burning, psychological exploration of trauma, the pacing sometimes left the story feeling flat. The unreliable narrator is skillfully constructed, keeping readers off balance and constantly questioning what’s real. However, the plot often felt predictable, with a twist I saw coming relatively early. Although the book succeeds in creating an unnerving atmosphere, it lacks the kind of tension and unpredictability that would make it stand out in the horror genre. It’s not a bad read, but I wouldn’t rush to recommend it, especially to seasoned horror fans looking for a more surprising or impactful narrative.
A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Silence For the Dead by Simone St. James
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
“Silence for the Dead” by Simone St. James delivers a gothic mystery centred on Kitty Weekes, a young woman fleeing her dark past who finds herself at Portis House—a hospital with secrets more dangerous than she could have imagined. As much as I admire St. James’ work, this novel lacked the magic her other books possess. The premise is captivating, and I enjoyed watching Kitty uncover the chilling mysteries of Portis House. However, the pacing felt uneven—the middle dragged, while the ending seemed rushed. It’s fascinating to read one of St. James’ earlier works and see how her writing has evolved since. While this is still an engaging read, it falls short of my personal favourite.
A Secret Cornish Wish by Ali McNamara
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
“A Secret Cornish Wish” by Ali McNamara is a delightful addition to the St. Felix series. The novel beautifully follows the intertwined lives of six friends from their final year in high school through their adult years, always bringing them back to their beloved hometown of St. Felix. McNamara expertly captures the spectrum of life’s experiences—from joy and celebration to heartbreak and tragedy—set against the charming backdrop of St. Felix. I particularly enjoyed how this story weaves seamlessly into the broader series, offering more profound insight into characters who have previously lingered in the background. Overall, “A Secret Cornish Wish” is a heartwarming and lighthearted read that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish the power of friendship and home.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
“The Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell is a masterfully crafted gothic horror novel that showcases Purcell’s talent for creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense. The story centers around the newly widowed Elsie Bainbridge, who moves into her late husband’s eerie family estate, The Bridge. There, she encounters hostile servants and a superstitious town that avoids the house at all costs. As Elsie delves deeper into the estate’s dark history, she unravels the chilling secret that has abandoned The Bridge for years.
This book is a must-read for fans of gothic horror, promising a spine-tingling experience that will keep you up at night.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston is a delightful read for book lovers. I was instantly captivated by the characters and the plot. Who hasn’t dreamed of finding themselves in their favourite fictional town, meeting beloved characters face-to-face? As you dive into the story, you uncover a heartfelt tale of two people navigating life after profound losses, finding their way back to themselves and each other. It’s a cozy and cutesy read that romance fans and bibliophiles alike will adore.