When I first saw this book pop up on Goodreads’ upcoming releases page I immediately wanted to know more. I had read previous books by the author and they were all so different I had no idea what to expect from this one.

It’s kind of hard to define DARK CIRCLES. It’s definitely got mystery/thriller vibes but also feels like contemporary millennial fiction in some spots. If you typically don’t read mysteries or thrillers, this might be a good one to try, as there’s a lot of intrigue and drama between characters, but it’s not that scary.

One of the coolest things about this book is that it’s a continuation of the literary universe Dolan Leach has been building since her debut, DEAD LETTERS. You don’t have to have read her previous novels to enjoy this one on its own, but there are a few callbacks to characters and events that you’ll probably appreciate more if you’ve read her other titles.

As much as I enjoyed the premise and set up of this book, the ending is where it lost me. You know those books where you’re reading and there are like five storylines to wrap up but you look down and realize there’s only one chapter left. That was this book. Things felt very rushed and the final few pages left things a little too open ended for my liking. But if you like an ambiguous ending, this would be a great book for you.

The Bottom Line: A slow burn mystery with a great premise that misses the landing. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

DARK CIRCLES is out May 10. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

(3.5 stars, rounded up because I think the author really tried to engage me) Olivia Reed is an actress battling demons of substance abuse and her own poor choices that have led to scandals and almost upended her career. Her agent decides that it’s a good idea for her to attend a rehab center, so Jess send Liv to the House of Light in upstate New York, more of a spiritual retreat than a hospital. Once there, Liv sneaks around and discovers the mystery of four girls who disappeared or committed suicide at this eerie home for wayward addicts. Since Liv’s mother disappeared when she was a child, she is obsessed with finding out what happened to these four young woman, so she starts a true crime podcast to try to get the help of the public. This novel was very dark and was more character-driven than plot centered. It was difficult for me to connect with the book because none of the characters was likable or even seemed redeemable in any way. For the first third of the book, I struggled to understand what was going on in the story. The writing style seemed overly complicated to me, with some meandering off the track onto side roads that seemed unnecessary and did not add anything to the central story. In my opinion, this style made the book long and made my attention stray repeatedly. I did keep coming back to the book to finish it and I am glad that I did because there are a couple of unexpected twists at the end. That being said, the slow start was not an enticing way to begin this dark story of obsession, death and addiction. The pace did pick up somewhat about halfway through the book and it did have an intriguing mystery. I just cannot say that I particularly enjoyed the story, the characters or the style, but those who enjoy fiction that is noir will probably enjoy the intrigue and the determined character of Olivia Reed.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I wanted to love this book and seriously only read about 150 pages and skim read the rest. Disappointing because this is usually my kind of book and the premise was interesting. Liv is totally unlikeable, selfish, narcissistic character and I felt very little empathy for her and her decision-making was awful. SMH.

Some other readers may like this more than I did, but it missed the mark for me. Hope the author's next book is better than this one. I did like the cover!

Thanks to NEtgalley, Caite Doaln-Leach and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 4/19/22

Scary with great characters and you never know, from one minute to the text, where this exciting story will take you. I cant wait for the next one from this outstanding author!

Fell in love with the premise of this book. Washed up celebrity going to a spiritual retreat only to start a podcast investigating what’s going on there.

If you’re into cult stories, this one will keep you entertained. The writing is fantastic. It is long at times and fell short in places but solid 3.5/5 and would be interested to see where this author goes next!

3.75⭐️/5

A young celebrity, Olivia Reed, goes on a spiritual retreat in hopes of fixing herself and putting an end to her downward spiral. Her Publicist is determined to get her help by booking her at a far away retreat called House of Light. Olivia finds herself smack dab in the middle of a series of mysterious deaths, and maybe even a sinister cult.

Do these mysterious deaths have something to do with the spiritual retreat, House of Light? Is there something sinister and evil happening here? Olivia sets off on a quest of her own to investigate the deaths, the community in which she is now part of, and it’s leader. Soon her snooping around catches up to her as people in the community become suspicious, and she is asked to leave House of Light.

Olivia doesn’t let that stop her. She uses this opportunity to her advantage and uses her celebrity status to start up her very own podcast. It is with this podcast where Oliva comes in contact with others from all over who help further her investigation into the mysterious deaths at House of Light. Olivia gets more than what she bargained for when she begins to get threats aimed at her from the cult-ish like group of House of Light. Was there more to her being sent to House of Light? Or was it just a coincidence?

Olivia is determined to get to the bottom of things, to uncover the truth behind House of Light, and the mysterious deaths that seem to be connected to it, while at the same time she must weave her way out of harms way, and the people who are out to cause more harm than good.

This book was definitely enjoyable. It was an engaging read that kept my interest. I will say that the first half of the book is a little more slower paced than the second half, but stick with it because the second half really picks up! I was so interested in and intrigued with Olivia’s character that I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.I will say that the ending was a little disappointing and did not felt a bit underwhelming, but other than that this book was a good read. This was my first book by the author, and I am already looking forward to the next.

If you enjoy books centered around cults, with a mix of suspense and mystery I highly recommend this book.

3.5/5

I mostly enjoyed this one but I did feel like it was a little bit too long and that took away from some of my enjoyment. I think if the pacing would’ve been faster and it would’ve been edited down a little I would’ve liked it more than I did.

I was so disappointed in this book! I was excited by the premise: a washed-up celebrity goes to a woo-woo wellness retreat called the House of Light in upstate New York, and discovers that there have been some mysterious deaths associated with the center, hinting at some cult-y activity. She starts a podcast to hop on the true-crime train, up her image, and try to get to the bottom of what's going on here. Sounds kind of like Nine Perfect Strangers, Conviction, and Watch the Girls... although now that I think about it, I rated all of those books one or two stars. So maybe this was set up for failure!

The execution of this book just felt a little half-hearted. It tries to get into a bunch of things, but seems to give up halfway. It tries to create an air of mystery and cult environment, but didn't really succeed. It tries to stir up secrets with the main character's mother and her disappearance when the main character was a child, but I just wasn't interested in that.

This was definitely one of those books that just found me bored the whole way through. I kept checking my progress to see how far I had gotten and was astounded that I only progressed a few percentages - because it was just going so slowly!

Overall, I just found myself bored and not invested in the plot - which is the opposite scenario you want to be in with a thriller. Thank you to Random House Ballantine for the ARC via Netgalley!

This Book Has It ALL!!
A complicated and likable heroine (check!) a mystery and a mystery within a mystery (check!), cults, mythology and religion (check x3) and a podcast theme (!!!!). Add in great writing, great ending and mostly believable plot. and what more could you actually want?

Liv Reed is running from her latest escapade. As an infamous A list actress, she needs to take "a moment." Her best friend and manager scores her a spot at the House Of Light, a spiritual center for "realignment and personal growth." Liv checks in and pretty quickly we learn that the House of Light is not all yoga and green juices. In fact, according to one of the participants, some women never leave.

Liv thus embarks on a sleuthing mission to unveil what is happening the House. But by asking questions she has brought unwanted attention to herself and this attention could be deadly.

I have always been fascinated with cults and read quite a bit about Scientology so I found the background information in this story fascinating. I also pick up every book that incorporates modern culture (such as podcasting) in it. The podcasts components were well written and brought more to the story.

Caite Dolan-Leach is the author of Dead Letters which is a novel I will revisit this week! If you like cult books, podcast themes, mysteries (and mysteries within mysteries) then this is a novel for you! #RandomHouse #Ballantine

I began this book totally immersed in the author's skilled world-building and the sense of pervasive dread. It's also beautifully written. I also really loved the skillful characterizations of the House of Light and its practitioners. However, DARK CIRCLES kind of lost momentum for me once it shifted outside the retreat though I appreciated how skillfully the author pulled everything together.

What's not to like about this? Celebrity, cults, podcasts, secrets, scandals. This has it all, and was very entertaining and thriller/chiller vibes to boot!!

I was hooked by the opening page. If you enjoy Hollywood stories, you will really like this one. It’s a really fun whodunit that you won’t be able to put it down. This could a good book club pick.

Promising premise but ultimately lacking in delivery.
Liv is an actress in search of a reputation redo after embarrassing herself in public. Her friend and manager has the perfect solution and sends her to a retreat (not rehab) to recenter herself. The House Of Light promises to do just that. The HOL though is more like a cult in its methods and teachings. Soon after arriving, Liv witnesses the body of a young woman being removed from the lake on the property. When Liv strikes up a conversation with the woman in the room next to hers, she is told there's something more going on as that's the fourth girl to wind up dead after coming to the HOL. Liv's actions after that get her kicked out of the organization so she decides to investigate the deaths by creating a podcast to reveal her findings as she goes.

I found this one to be a little tedious to read. Liv is a pretty unlikable, narcissistic character to begin with although the writing is good and the plot did make me want to know how it wrapped up, even that was a bit disappointing to me. You might find it to be more enjoyable than I did but I recommend you read a variety of reviews before jumping in.

As the new hot actress, Olivia has the eyes of the public—and the paparazzi—on her at all times. When her latest breakup with her boyfriend literally spills out onto the street in New York city, it seems the whole world got front row seating to her meltdown. When her friend (and publicist) insists she go away to a retreat to reset, even Olivia has to admit it might be a good idea. Some meditation, yoga, all-around spa time—what could go wrong? And of course, that is what Olivia is about to find out. Fast-paced and painted with shades of Nxivm and Scientology-type cults, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m not sure I believed people would go as far as some of their “true believers” did, but I also have a hard time believing those real cults exist, so my radar is clearly set to “naive.” I would’ve liked a little more meat at the end, but still, definitely worth the read.

Special Note: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Ballantine, Netgalley and Caite Dolan-Leach for letting me read Dark Circles early. This one publishes on May 10.

Sadly, I couldn't get into this one. An unlikable main character is a recipe for disaster with me. It felt dull and repetitive and I lost interest in this one. Why are there commercials in the podcasts? Too much descriptions and not enough bulk of the story for me.

If you’re into Hollywood stories with a side of cult and lots creepy…this is for you!

I found this to be intriguing, dark, mysterious and at times chilling.

I struggled with staying engaged, not sure why, but overall this was a good read.

A fast, entertaining read, I was hooked from the opening page. I really enjoyed the pacing and storyline. Olivia is a bit of a mess, but trying to get her act together. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the podcast with actual events happening to Olivia. Not just a mystery, but also a mediation on fame and what is means to be observed, and the effect that has on a person.

Olivia Reed needs a break. She doesn't want to think about her name plastered on tabloids or be reminded of her recent meltdown on a Manhattan street. Her micromanaging publicist has just the thing in mind: a remote retreat in Upstate New York--the House of Light. It's not rehab; it's a spiritual center, a site for seeking realignment and personal growth. There will be yoga and morning meditation, soft bamboo-blend fabrics and crystals to snuggle.

But Liv will soon find that the House of Light is filled with darkness. A prickly local, Ava, informs her that something twisted is lurking behind the Light's veneer. There have been a series of mysterious suicides committed by women caught in the Light's web, and no matter who Ava talks to, no one believes her. To get the truth out and put her celebrity to good use, Liv starts a podcast, seeking to connect the dots and expose the Light's true intentions. Because beneath the glowing skin of the Light's inhabitants lie rotten souls, and Liv starts to wonder if anything--even her own life--is how it appears.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review

This book pulls from hot topics of the day - an actor's coattail-riding father, a controlling manager, podcasts and conspiracy theories - to weave an engaging story that kept my page-turning Kindle finger busy.

The overbearing but highly efficient manager, Jessica, imposes her "guidance" over Olivia Reed, who's trying to salvage her reputation and renew her previously successful acting career after a tabloid-worthy disaster. Jessica comes up with the perfect solution: Send Liv to the House of Light in upstate New York, a spiritual center that touts personal growth and renewal. Liv isn't happy, but she trusts that Jessica has her best interests at heart and reluctantly agrees to give it a go.

Almost from the time she passes through the front door, though, Liv begins to question what's really going on. Those questions intensify when she meets Ava, a local woman who pops in and out of the HOL when she feels the need for rejuvenation - and who tells Liv about the mysterious deaths of a handful of women who've been associated with the facility. Although the deaths have been ruled either accidents or suicides, Ava - and now Liv - aren't believes in coincidences.

As it turns out, Ava is a podcast fan, and she convinces the eager-for-public-attention Liv to start one related to the disappearances. Using some of her old connections, Liv hooks up with a capable production team, starts nosing around and recording her findings. When the first podcast drops, it goes viral - and in that regard, the rest is history. So, too, is her stay at the HOL, from which she's unceremoniously thrown out, as well as her love-hate relationship with Jessica. Turns out the former manager is "Liv"id that her protegee would even consider a podcast without her long-time manager's approval and involvement - and she's even more distraught when Liv refuses to stop.

As Liv's investigation grows legs - with help from a retired cop who unearths a possible personal connection - action heats up all the way to the end, which brings a twist I admit I didn't see coming. All told, while I can't say I ever truly warmed up to any of the characters, it's an entertaining story - for which I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the privilege of reading and reviewing. It's got "beach-read" all over it and at least in my neck of the woods, the season's almost here - go for it!

Cult-Like Story

I could not get into this book after page 3. The premise was flimsy. Olivia Reed, famous actress needed to get away, professed her boss. A getaway was chosen, one which would bring enlightenment and peace. Not so.

The plot became encumbered and from out of nowhere, we’re learning how to make a podcast. Anyone can admit any idea, philosophy or jumble up facts on a podcast. No rules, interesting podcast freedoms are oddly illuminating. However, inserting a podcast into the plot was original and clever.

I’m not sure if there was a point, except there are unscrupulous people using famous and/or good people to fleece or hurt them. Women are treated poorly, nothing enlightening.


My gratitude to Net Galley and Random House /Ballantine for this pre-published book. All views expressed are my own.

DNF at 33%. I try very hard not to DNF books I request but I could not get into this story. I’ll take ownership that this is now the third book I’ve read in a month that dealt with culty retreats and insufferable protagonists that go to them, but the descriptions in this one were so generic I kept thinking back to those other novels (I’ll Be You and This Might Hurt) rather than finding myself wrapped up in this book.

I will say I especially found the random snippets of the podcast very distracting, especially since they start before we even know that’s going to happen.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hope this works more for others.