Wow. What the heck did i just read?!?!

This book was equal parts entertaining, disturbing, and thought-provoking.

The characters themselves weren't exactly relatable, yet I related and felt sadness and compassion for them.


I don't even know where to begin... You've just got to read it to get it, but make sure you're in a good headspace first cause this is a book that will mess with your mind if you're not!

Unfortunately I didn't get around reading this book title before the publication date. My apologies for this!

Although I enjoyed this book as far as the suspense level and the way that it left you hanging I dont think there was any resolution as to what her issues were. It left way too much hanging.
I did like her style of storytelling though.

I didn't even get half way into this book before I DNFed it. The plot was just really weird to me and i couldn't wrap my head around it. It just isn't my cup of tea.

This book was very different than what i am used to reading. It is very well written but hard for me to get into. This was the first I have ever read about faeries of this sort so that might be why. The author did very well with description and I had no problem visualizing as I read.

The synopsis of this book sounded really good. I was excited to read it. I really tried on this one. I could not get into this book. I am not a fantasy lover and so the fairies and Pepper-Man were too much for me. I had to call it quits. Sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review.

4.5 of 5 stars

Wow, what did I just read!? Talk about being bowled over, considering I’d been on the fence on this book for a while due to the strangeness of its description. Admittedly, I only picked up You Let Me In because it had been languishing in my review pile and I needed a quick fantasy read for Wyrd & Wonder, but I ended up loving it to bits. Guess it just goes to show, you never know until you try.

But first, if you’re considering this book, my advice is not to put too much stock in its synopsis, which severely undersells what it’s actually about. This is no mere crime drama or murder mystery, for its true nature defies genre labels and encompasses so much more. At the heart of this tale is Cassandra Tripp, a 74-year-old romance author known for her steamy novels and the fact she was the main suspect at the murder trial of her husband almost forty years ago. Although she was acquitted, many questions related to the case were never solved, and now Cassandra is missing, leading police to believe that her disappearance may be linked to her dubious past. As more than a year has passed since she vanished without a trace, however, the authorities have reason to believe she is dead, thus putting in motion the procedures stipulated in her will regarding her sizeable estate.

In life, Cassandra was an eccentric prone to flights of fancy, so it was no surprise to anyone, least of all to her niece Penelope and nephew Janus, that her last wishes were filled with bizarre conditions. As her sole beneficiaries, they were each given the same instructions: to go to their aunt’s house in the woods, find a manuscript in her study and discover within a password that they can use to claim their inheritance—that is, should they decide they still it after reading the manuscript, which turns out to be a wildly uncanny and oftentimes chilling account of Cassandra’s life growing up among a group of faeries only she could see, as well as the truth of what really happened to her husband.

As you’ve probably guessed, You Let Me In is this manuscript, a tell-all style memoir told from Cassandra’s point of view, revealing a troubled childhood and a long history with mental illness—or at least, that’s what her parents and the doctors said were the causes of her odd behaviors and anti-social tendencies. But to Cassandra, her faeries were very real, and it all began with the Pepper-Man, who is nothing like a child’s typical imaginary friend. A monstrous creature, he started visiting Cassandra when she was just a girl, and as you’ll soon see from this dark tale, he’s had a hand in almost everything bad that has happened to her since, even if no one believes her.

Although the niece and nephew are just peripheral pieces in this novel, I think it helps that the author really puts you in their shoes from the start, so that as the reader you feel fully invested in knowing the outcome of the story. After all, a lot of money is on the line, and the opportunity to finally learn everything there is to know about your crazy aunt is just too tempting to resist. But after a while, Cassandra’s voice emerges as a powerful force on its own, and then of course, the tragedies, shock, and horror take over in providing a strong hook. Let’s just say calling this one a twisted fairy tale is an understatement, for I guarantee it will mess with your mind in more ways than it’s ever been messed with before.

One reason for this is the unique way this narrative unfolds, and here I really have to hand it to Camilla Bruce for taking on this challenging mode of storytelling and pulling it off with flying colors. It relies on the unreliable narrator device to some extent, resulting in multiple versions of events, leaving it up to you to decide what to believe. The intrigue and mystery behind this aspect of the novel was what appealed to me the most and kept me glued the pages. That said, I can see how the unconventional style might turn some readers off, and I suspect the fact that we’re stuck in Cassandra’s head the whole time will also make some folks uncomfortable. It isn’t always a happy or nice place to be, and whether it’s due to some past trauma or just the way her brain is wired, sometimes her reactions or attitudes will come across frustratingly dispassionate or just plain off. Finally, this book also deals with some sensitive topics and difficult subject matters some readers might struggle with, so I advise discretion.

If this book sounds like something you would enjoy though, go ahead and check it out. I for one am glad I gave it a try, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more by Camilla Bruce, because if this is what she has for us for her debut, she clearly has a promising writing career in front of her.

3.5 stars - Sharp, sinister & psychological faerie-tale thriller

Like all fairy tales, they're a lot grimmer than they seem.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was getting into from the first few chapters. The mention of the elusive and sinister Pepper Man was enough to intrigue me though! I very rarely touch fantasy genres, however as I read on, it made sense why the author merged this into a thriller.

Overall, a captivating read. This psychological thriller goes into the heart of the woods, constantly spinning a web of confusion around you and leaving you quite deliberately floating somewhere between worlds, in the magical 'twilight' realm. This dark and clever tale is one-of-a-kind, where despite my confusion, I couldn't peel my eyes away from what would happen next. Cassie's character was unapologetically raw and spellbound. I cannot comment too much or I'd give away the ending, and even then it had me questioning all of it. My mind wants to put things into boxes and the author deliberately lets you come to your own judgement, which I find oddly wonderful.

My favourite line, however was a very astute take on modern life:
"My masterpiece from that time was doubtlessly my life. In that respect, I was no different from other young women. Every choice I made-from picking out a sofa, to choosing a profession for my man-was a measured move, a careful staging. Those four walls, that husband and that car, everything was calculated and carefully thought through. It had to appear solid and true to the world, you see. Every young wife can relate to that. If you can make your life a piece that fits neatly in the puzzle, you are all set and bound for that bland brand of happiness that people think they crave."

My only negative feedback would be that there was heavy use of dialogue towards the end where I had difficulty distinguishing which character was speaking or being referred to. But perhaps that was a deliberate choice of layering confusion. And because the underlying reasons became quite clear to me half way through, perhaps the hints were too obvious or the dialogue stretched out my patience, the ending did not feel as satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cassandra Tipp. A woman of great sorrow. A woman that lived in reality. A reality that allowed for those around her to remain in denial. A slow unraveling of such an innocent child to hide the unfathomable.
Her one and only. Her dearest of all. Her truest love that both fed upon her and kept her sane, helped her to thrive, Pepper Man.
The fae, her family. Her choice. Tinkerbell does not exist. The fae are very real. The fae will do for you, but at a price. Always a price. Never what you expect. The fae are not that simple nor do they make it that easy.
With the fae, Cassandra will find peace. She will have a family.
Who will you believe? Cassandra or those that have attempted to silence her.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Camilla Bruce for an ARC of this title in return for an honest review.

Received ARC ebook from net galley. Many thanks to author & publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

That bring said - what did I just read?!? This was one of the strangest books I've ever read & I'm not sure if I loved it or hated it, so I'm splitting the difference w a 3 star rating, which for me means that I liked it. And I did. But I'm not really sure how I would categorize the book at all. There is so much going on - but in a good way. There's a mystery and some suspense, but also faries, so that's new.

I didn't want to put it down for the day, but I also needed time to digest what I'd read. But I wanted to read more. It was a rare mix of a book for me.

When I started reading this book, I had no idea what I was getting into. The cover is dark and pretty ominous. The premise alludes to a dark and deadly past. A story within a story, which is to believed?

I have to admit, when I finished reading, I sat back and asked myself, “What did I just read!?” I allowed this story to percolate a bit in my mind before reading this and I’ve come to realize what I read was sheer brilliance. Honestly, I’ve never read anything like it.

I hesitate to put too much in this review for I feel that readers should experience it first hand. Putting it to word, to print, without the context of the book, I fear, will shatter the experience. Ultimately, this is one of those novels that I feel people will love or hate, based on one’s ability to suspend disbelief and look at alternative, perhaps completely illogical, explanations.

This book still has me thinking about what really happened. Just when I think I’m on one side, I vacillate and switch to the other. A sign of a great read is one that leaves you thinking. This title certainly lives up to to that criteria. Highly recommended!

Warning: not for the squeamish!

This read was completely unexpected and what an incredible debut novel this is! Author Camilla Bruce has hit it out of the park, or should I say "into the woods" with this book...it's dark, it's sinister, it's full of faeries, and it's absolutely delicious! Whether you choose to believe or not, it doesn't matter because this story will take you down the rabbit hole to a place where madness reigns.

Domestic bliss does not exist for young Cassandra Tipp, and neither does sanity-or so the rumour mill claims. But what is really the truth?
And where is Cassandra? Left behind in her home is a manuscript, and her will. Read them at your leisure, and at your peril.
5⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Tor/Forge Publishing and the author, Ms. Camilla Bruce, for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "You Let Me In". The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

If you're a fan of fairies with a sinister personality and family dramas, you'll enjoy this one. I never expected to put those two things together but in this case, it works.

I felt like the plot was exciting without being totally unbelievable. Yes, I know faeries aren't real but after reading this one, you might be a believer. Or at least you'll wish you were.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review this thrilling novel.

Wow!!! What did I just finish reading? I literally have goosebumps right now.
To start with, the cover is very creepy and attractive, exactly how the cover of a mystery/horror novel should be. The title is a crucial part of the story. In fact, it is the starting point of all the events happening in the book.
The story is about Cassandra Tipp, a famous and reclusive romance novelist, who disappears all of a sudden, leaving everyone to wonder what happened to her. But she still leaves a will before she disappears which states her niece and nephew, Penelope and Janus as her sole heirs of her immense fortune but with one condition, they have to go to her home and read a manuscript she left on her desk. And that manuscript contains the story of her life.
Cassandra had never been a normal child, at least not after meeting Pepper-man. He introduced her to the faerie world, the mound. She was the black sheep of her family, torn between her real world and the faerie world. To make matters worse, her past is even more creepy. Her husband was found brutally murdered in the woods and her brother and father died shortly after as aa result of a murder-suicide.
This book is engrossing , intense and horrifyingly dark, filled with mysteries, horror, emotions, family drama and last but not the least- nightmares.
I thank NetGalley and Macmillan/Tor-Forge for introducing me with this wonderful book.

You Let Me In, Camilla Bruce's début novel is a fascinating and disturbing work of folk horror.

Impressive throughout, the plot centres on bestselling novelist Cassandra (Cassie) Tipp, who has disappeared without a trace. A controversial figure, as a child she had been the subject of a bestselling book called “Away with the fairies: A study in trauma-induced psychosis” written by her therapist, Dr. Martin. Then, later in life, she was a suspect in two gruesome murders. Her long estranged mother and sister remain firmly convinced of her guilt.

Romance novelist Cassie, 74, has left a manuscript that her heirs, niece Penelope, and nephew Janus, need to read in order to discover the password to her testament, when hopefully, they'll be able to claim her estate. In the manuscript, Cassie relates an elaborate story – a fairytale. She suggests that, from a young age, she has been acquainted with a faerie community, particularly one faerie she calls Pepper-Man, whose influence, according to Cassie, is the reason for her problematic childhood, the deaths in her family, and other things, besides. It's left to you as the reader, Penelope and Janus to decide whether this story could, or not be true.

What I do believe to true is that You Let Me In is a strange and beautifully written book, and the ambiguity of it is just one its strengths that makes it so fascinating. Though it's a tough, grisly read in places, it's also certainly very thought-provoking and unlike anything I’ve read before.

Camilla Bruce is undeniably a talented writer and I will be looking out for her next book with (im)patience!

Thank you to Camilla Bruce, Pigeonhole, the publisher, and NetGalley for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to read this book. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

When wealthy romance author Cassandra Tipp vanishes, she leaves a considerable fortune for her niece and nephew to claim… provided they meet just one condition. They must read a manuscript she has left, to find a codeword to present to claim that inheritance. Knowing there are horrors in the family history, knowing their aunt was at the heart of them, Janus and Penelope make their way to her house and settle down to read. And what they find is a tale more fanciful than anything their aunt ever penned for publication, a tale of faeries and blood, or mental illness and familial abuse. Reality and fantasy are irrevocably blurred.

The writing is beautiful, the subject matter horrifying any way you look at it. The book needs a stack of trigger warnings, from CSA to mental illness, familial abuse, abortion, bad practice by a mental health practitioner and more. It’s meant to be challenging and uncomfortable, to make you wonder if the tales some children tell of faeries in the woods or strange creatures under the bed might have some grain of twisted truth to them after all. Cassandra is a convincing narrator with an explanation for everything, but the more prosaic truths are there, hovering around the edges, obvious questions to ask for those of a practical disposition. And then at the end there’s just the slightest twist… enough to make anyone pause and wonder, what if? What if it’s real? Is it really worth taking the risk?

This is a gorgeously written debut novel, dark and disturbing, sinister and otherworldly. It’ll leave you with chills and very possibly a wariness of walking in the woods for a while. Five stars for a read which will stick with me for a long time.

Camilla Bruce is a debut author that you have to keep your eye on. She has delivered a debut of a book that is unputdownable. That is rare in a debut author and rare in my life because I am very picky in what and who I read. Pick up this amazing book now. You're gonna love it. Happy reading!

What a crazy and weird novel! I don’t quite know what to make of it but I loved it! It’s about scary fairies and family drama. I dare you to try to read this! You will be sucked in and won’t be able to stop. It was a very quick and easy read!

Cassandra Tipp has disappeared. Did she just pick up and leave? Is she dead? Has she been murdered? Did she commit suicide?

From the time of her childhood, she has always been different. She has a friend .. no one else can see him. He's old, ragged, she calls him Pepper-Man because that's what he smells like. He brings her gifts of rotten flowers, dead twigs .. maybe something worse.

She has a family history of death. Her husband was found disemboweled years ago. Cassandra was though to have killed him ... but she mounted a insanity defense with the help of her psychiatrist, who is now also dead.

A few years later there is a murder-suicide ... her father and her brother. Was she responsible?

Cassandra has left a note and a manuscript. She has a niece and nephew and it is written that they inherit her entire estate ... but first they need to read her story.

Mental Illness? Imaginary Friends? Supernatural Lovers? You will need to read her side of what happened all those years. Is Cassandra an abused child the result of a traumatic childhood, the victim of her cold mother and distant father? The spurned wife of a womanizing adulterer?

When all is said and done, you will need to make a choice. Believe ... and be safe. Don't believe ... and be damned.

This debut novel is something is something like I've never read before. Told in Cassandra's voice, there are enough twists and turns that made my skin crawl. After awhile, I began to doubt what I was thinking. Are all her memories true .. or are they representative of something else ... something deeper, darker?

Many thanks to the author / Macmillan-Tor/Forge / Netgalley for the digital copy of this fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

I’m going to start this review with a teeny tiny bit of a spoiler:

As you read this book, you will have questions. You will not get all of those questions answered in the end.

Camilla Bruce is not here to soothe your wondering mind, or tie things up with a neat little bow. Despite my desperate adoration of this book as I was reading it, I remained frustrated for about 18 hours after finishing it. But what actually happened?? What was really real?? What is true?? Why won’t you tell me???

I felt desperate for answers and I was crawling out of my skin with want for them, until I realized that Ms. Bruce gave me the only answer that I was going to get, buried deep within the pages of this novel. See, the characters do not know what is true either, or perhaps they think they do, but what is true is different to each of them. The truth you will uncover here is just that: the truth as each character sees it.


“This is the story as I recall it, and yours now too, to guard or treasure or forget as you please. I wanted someone to know, you see. To know my truth, now that I am gone. How everything and none of it happened.”

“It’s all is very easy in Dr. Martin’s telling; the truth is neatly gift wrapped with a shiny little bow on top.”

“But Dr. Martin’s book had ripped large holes in the paper curtains of respectability and normalcy my mother had strived to keep… She would never forgive him for that. I, on the other hand, admired him, for being so bold that he told his truth.”

“How could I describe what I felt inside, that “truth” to me was like mercury, always changing, moving—didn’t matter? I could easily hold two strings of truth in my mind and feel them both to be real without getting all confused about it. Now I realize that’s not how most people feel, but then I was far more oblivious. Truth is such a fickle thing, isn’t it? Subjective and shifting like a living being.”

“…I would think you’d be pleased, truth be told. At least now someone knows you were telling the truth all along.”
“It doesn’t matter what they think. I don’t care if they think I lie. I’ve been called a liar my whole life, why would it matter to me now?”

“It must have been terrible living with a truth like that, even if it wasn’t true.”


So, you see, after 18 hours of stewing over this book after finishing it, my need for the truth fell away and I *got it.* What is true? All of it and none of it. What is true to Cassandra is not true to Olivia, or to Dr. Martin, or to Ferdinand. What is true to Dr. Martin is perhaps true to no one else in the book, save for Mara. And if you think Mara is just an extension of Cassandra, perhaps all of it and none of it is true to Cassie as well. Perhaps she, as she claims, believes two things simultaneously.

Perhaps the “true” version of the story is every version of the truth that there is, packaged together in one chilling, dark, lush, and unsettling novel.

What this story is is an exploration of your capacity to withstand shifts in reality that don’t make sense. It’s a faerie tale, it’s dark, uncomfortable, creepy, and absolutely gorgeous. I felt like I could reach out and touch the characters, like I would look up from my book and find Pepper-Man seated across the room, like I’d turn around and find Mara watching me from the corner. I had many a moment during reading when I actually felt genuine shock over a turn of events, and if not shock, then at least a cold chill down my spine.

I also felt genuine surprise at the depth of empathy I felt for Cassie. What if she told it here exactly as she experienced it? What if what she told is really real? And does it matter, if she experienced it as real either way? Given that, can I judge her? What this book asks the reader to do is to expand the boundaries of their capacity to absorb other people’s experience.

I loved every dark, otherworldly, subversive detail of this book. It’s become a favorite of mine precisely because it gnawed at me until I got it and now that I do, I feel like my ability to withstand the uncertainty of the world, the potential horrors it holds, and life’s unanswered questions, is just a bit stronger.

I also know that of all the faerie tales I’ve read, this one is the truest.


Please note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Once I read it, I turned around and pre-ordered a copy, because Camilla Bruce definitely deserves my money.