This one here was a little difficult for me, as there was a story to tell and one to discover, but it took way too long to really get into it. And believe me, I tried. Especially with those first chapters, but it was touch and go there for the most part. If anything, the mystery that surrounded Lark island was something that needed solving. And so, I kept on reading.

That's when some of the mystery started unravelling, and more of the actual story came into focus. It had its interesting parts, but again, sadly, not enough. Not that it wasn't an intriguing concept, just not done in a way to wholly keep me invested. That says a lot, because I very much tried to connect to many of the girls here, their story was definitely one to tell. Somehow, knowing how heartbreaking their lives were, the words on the page left me a little empty.

The concern that kept growing for me, was if it was ever going to change around. And, it seems, that most of that change came in the last few chapters of this novel. It picked up the pace a little too late in the story though, but glad that at least it gave me another reason to finish this off. Because, everything gets wrapped up in those chapters, revealing to us the rest of the craziness and darkness that surrounds Lark and those that inhabit it.

Be aware, that the craziness involved in this novel is filled to the brim. There are a lot of twisted religious views, women treated like servants of man (in every single way), traumatized youth, hidden secrets that would make one wish they didn't exist in any imagined world. That's only a portion of this novel, and for me, along with the slow burn, couldn't keep my enthusiasm for this book. I'm aware that's how it's supposed to be, but it never ended up working for me.

***I received this copy from Bloomsbury Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

Impossible Causes is set on the island of Lark, a claustrophobic place wrapped in fog for seven months out of the year. There is no technology, so the inhabitants are literally cut off from society. On the surface, the residents seem like exceptionally religious people; however, there is something sinister about the island.

This book was absolutely thrilling! It was such a creepy read, that truly got under my skin.

I just couldn’t get interested in this... I don’t know if it was the writing style or what, but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC.

What a creepy read. It literally makes your skin crawl. What is so enticing about a tight-knit, cult-like - AND MOSTLY FEMALE (!!) community?The writing was a little hard to disappear into at times, but overall it was a decent, out of the ordinary read for me. I keep seeing comparisons to Wickerman, but it made me think of more the Sabrina remake. It was just as dark, creepy and gritty.

This was a good thriller that takes place on the island of Lark. It was very atmospheric and had plenty of twists and turns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

A chilling thriller a claustrophobic Island a cast of unforgettable characters a tragedy.Raced through this book so well written so tense.#netgalley#bloomsbury

Impossible Causes is an atmospheric and sinister read, one that is reminiscent of the Wicker Men. While I enjoyed this one as a whole, I did find myself becoming confused when it came to character POV's. There were a few and I couldn't figure out who was "talking" some of the time. Other than this, I think it's a strong novel!

Impossible Causes by author Julie Mayhew was a decent mystery/thriller. It was generally a lot softer and less intense than the type of thriller I go for, but it wasn’t an awful book by any means! I’m glad to have read it!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Impossible Causes is a hard to put down thriller about a tragedy that takes place on the island of Lark. I enjoyed the characters, story line, and the ending!

Claustrophobic and haunting, Impossible Causes follows the isolated island community of Lark, and the three outsiders who unbeknownst to them have walked into a dark mystery where nothing - and no one - is quite what they seem to be. With feminist shades of The Wicker Man, the lore and superstitions of the island were original enough as to be disconcerting and provides a great source of tension between the islanders and the new-comers. The mystery of what the "Eldest Girls" - the accused witches of the island - were up to was also resolved nicely.

A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

On the isolated island of Lark, the residents keep to themselves and the heavy mist that hides the island every year keeps their secrets from the mainland. Then teacher Ben Hailey and teen Viola Kendrick and her mother land on the island just before the mists close in for the winter. The small group is looking for a second chance, but the island residents don’t like the way the newcomers impact their lives. Think Wicker Man in a larger scale