Wow! As suspenseful as it is atmospheric, this story was everything I hoped it would be. Fin this case you really should judge a book by its cover! Deliciously creepy, I loved every second.

Anyone reading my reviews will soon learn I love dark, highly atmospheric thrillers, and I'm happy to say that The Last House on the Cliff delivers in spades. An old, secluded house sitting on the edge of a cliff in Anglesey, Wales, with mysterious inhabitants wandering secret rooms, dark family history, strange noises and gothic vibes set the stage for Anne Wyn Clark's latest thriller. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to dive in!

As a child, Lowri spent summers on the island of Anglesey with her dear Aunt Gywn. She wasn't privy to the information about a falling out that led to her never returning to see her Aunt again. Now, a solicitor has contacted Lowri to say her Aunt has passed away, and having recently lost her own husband Lowri welcomes the chance to get away. She travels with her young daughter Ruby to the beautiful island, returning to the old house she fondly remembers from her youth to attend her aunt's funeral and reminiscent. Almost immediately, bizarre things begin happening with Ruby repeatedly talking about a mysterious, old woman appearing and leaving her a tattered old doll. Adding to the weird vibes wafting on the dank air permeating the old home are the other odd occupants of the house. Who are they and what purpose do they serve? Lowri has many unanswered questions when Ruby vanishes. With no sign of her child, she turns toward her own dark, family history and starts probing for answers. In doing so, skeletons are rattled, threatening to leak secrets buried long ago making someone edgy. Lowri comes to realize Ruby isn't the only one in danger. All is not as it seems in the mysterious house on the cliff. Time is running out.

The Last House on the Cliff is a tension laden, multilayered story that unfolds through past/present chapters mostly from Lowri's point of view with a couple of exceptions. Several convoluted plot lines twist and tangle over the course of the book which may leave some readers a bit befuddled. My advice is to hold the course and give the many layers of this story a chance to gel as they will later. The author has left tidbits of information sprinkled like breadcrumbs throughout, and it would behoove readers to pay attention to these minute details less they come back to haunt them.

As the story progresses, the pace picks up and the mystery deepens until the mad rush near the end. Clark's a master at manipulating atmosphere to propel a story forward, and in this book it's highly effective in governing the tone from beginning to end. With a spooky old house, secret passages, missing children, objects appearing and skeletons rattling, suffice it to say the creep factor is over the top. The Last House on the Cliff has a lot to offer fans of mysteries and suspense thrillers, and I'm loving the paranormal vibes.

The plot starts with the strange things happening on the beautiful mystery island.It takes off to the apparitions giving the vibes of the movie 'nun' with an old women who is only visible to Ruby and then it gives the 'annabelle' vibes with a rag doll following her. The mysterious circumstances that follow make the book interesting. It is a good read but I definitely liked the author's previous book more

"A secluded island. A missing child. A home built on lies."

Firstly, that cover. Blue is my favourite colour and its hues incorporated with the seemingly stormy aspect of a house on a cliff made for an atmospheric cover that pretty much called to me alone. I love it.

And then there is the setting. I don't know what it is with books I have chosen these past few days but the last three in order were all atmospheric and set on an island off one of each of the UK's countries. First Scotland, then Ireland and now Wales. And I love Wales. I've not been there but I love the scenery, the coastline and oh the accent. So naturally, what with the cover and the setting, I was totally drawn to this book.

And then there is the story. A missing child, a creepy house, family secrets and a tangled web of lies. What more could I ask for?

Well, namely, for the pace to be a little quicker and though the vivid descriptions added to the atmospheric ambience, a little less wordiness would have been better. I'm not a huge descriptive nature fan and prefer dialogue but having said that, descriptive narratives are imperative to a story as atmospheric as this one. I just wish it was a little less drawn out in that respect. However, the story is dripping with atmosphere and tension as it delves into loss, grief and family. And of course, all the lies upon which it was all built.

Lowri was raised by a Welsh father and a Midlands-born mother, both from whom she felt something of a distance. Her mother didn't appear to be the maternal type and dismissed her more often than not, and though her father doted on her his first love was her mother above all else. Lowri fell somewhere below that par. Apart from her desolated childhood, Lowri eagerly looked forward to the summers she spent on the island of Angelsey in North Wales with her Aunt Gwyn
Some two decades later, Lowri is raising her own daughter Ruby single-handedly after first the death of Ruby's father and then the acrimonious divorce of her money-grabbing leech of a second husband Darren, when she receives the devastating news that her aunt Gwyn has died and her presence is required for both the funeral and the reader of the will. It seems odd to be returning to Wales after so long where she reconnects with her aunt's cousins Awel and Elis, who live in the house which she has fond memories of. Lowri has memories of a cold and aloof Awel but age seems to have mellowed the woman who appears to welcome them with open arms - Ruby especially. Elis, who lost his hearing to meningitis as a child, hasn't changed and welcomes Lowri and her daughter.

But strange things begin to happen almost from the very first day. There's the eerie appearance of a dirty old rag doll that seems to continually turn up for Ruby to find, a mysterious hooded figure and some very strange noises. Added to that, there is a locked door from which sounds emanate. A door which has been locked for as long as Lowri can remember, her aunt citing rotten floorboards and old furniture within. Lowri is unnerved and beginning to wonder if returning to the old house was a good idea.

The reading of the will brings a few surprises afterwhich is the funeral. And then...Ruby disappears. Lowri is frantic. Her disappearance sparking memories of the mysterious disappearance of another young girl some twenty years before who has never been found. Has Ruby met the same fate? Or is it just a coincidence?

Oh, there was so much going on in this atmospheric tale of gothic proportions that it almost felt a little Daphne du Maurier. The house was a character all of its own with its gothic rooms and locked doors and creepy noises, not to mention its setting upon a cliff. You could almost feel the wind whipping around the exterior and rattling the windows.

Despite its very slow start, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE CLIFF did redeem itself with a stellar mystery within a mystery. It was twisty, it was complex and rather intricate...and deliciously dark to boot. Told mostly from Lowri's perspective in the past and present interwoven with a couple of other voices, the story unfolds almost like a supernatural tale that is incredibly gothic in nature.

And when the twists and truth are finally revealed, Lowri discovers some dark and disturbing secrets about the past. But the question is...will she accept all that has been revealed and go along with it? Or will she walk away from it all? I did find that a little unbelievable to be honest but the final twist at the end...that was the most delicious part. Epic!

A very original and unique thriller, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE CLIFF is a dark tale of family secrets with a very gothic atmosphere. Very compelling indeed.

I would like to thank #AnneWynClark, #NetGalley and #AvonBooks#TheLastHouseOnTheCliff in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Read in one day this is an atmospheric almost spooky read that will keep you guessing and just when you thought it was all sewn up there’s a brilliant twist in the tale

This was a fun mystery. Set on a remote island in North Wales in a gloomy house on the cliff, it was a perfect setting for a good story. Add in a funeral home, family secrets, a missing child, music playing from behind locked doors, and things get creepy. Lowri is at a low point in her life after the death of her husband. She finds out her aunt has died and returns to her family home with her young daughter Ruby. Strange things start happening as they arrive and her daughter disappears. While I liked the dark and creepy atmosphere of the book, I felt the pacing was a bit too slow in the middle and there were too many characters to keep track of. The ending also felt rushed. I enjoyed all the buried secrets that were revealed and the creepy doll was a plus too. Overall 3 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this book from the get-go, but as it progressed, I noticed the story segued in several different directions, and I often forgot what the original plot of the story was.

Upon the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns to the remote island of Anglesey, Wales. It was here that she had so many fond childhood memories, away from the parents who showed a severe lack of interest in her. With her daughter Ruby in tow, she is once again immersed in her family’s history, much of which she now realizes was a mystery to her. But when Ruby suddenly goes missing after a few strange encounters, Lowri has to look to her past in order to find not only her daughter but the truth behind her family’s secrets.

It was after Ruby was taken that I found the storyline grabbed my attention less and less. I did enjoy learning about Cwy and her role in the story (I have to admit, I saw it coming), but certain aspects of the story felt unnecessary, such as Lewis and Catrin’s relationship. It didn’t seem pertinent to the overall plot. I also wonder is Lowri ever found out who her real father was, as the epilogue told a completely different story.

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good book but could have done with a few less scenes that drew attention away from the main plot.


*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing a copy of this book to review.*

My thanks to Avon Books U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Last House on the Cliff’ by Anne Wyn Clark.

The novel is primarily set during the summer of 2014, with flashbacks to past events and occasional asides. Most of the book is told from the perspective of Lowri Morris (nee Owen), who has returned to Anglesey, North Wales with her young daughter, Ruby, following the death of her Aunt Gwyn. She had spent periods of her childhood there and had good memories though the disappearance of a local girl had brought these visits to an end.

We learn that Lowri’s first husband had died five years ago when Ruby was only two. Lowri wanted a father figure for Ruby and married again too quickly though had ‘repented at leisure’. They now are divorced. When Lowri receives news of her aunt’s death, she sees this as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Gwyn Owen had lived at Ty Coed Pinwydd, a rambling 18th Century stone house and the last house on the narrow road to the cliffs. Gwyn had established a funeral home there assisted by Elis and Awel, who are distant cousins. They also live at Ty Coed Pinwydd. They have concerns about the future of the business and house following Gwyn’s death.

Almost as soon as Lowri and Ruby settle in, strange things start to happen. Ruby reports visits by an old woman and a creepy doll keeps turning up. At the wake following the funeral Ruby goes missing!The police conduct a search though Lowri feels the answers lie in her family’s past. No further details to avoid spoilers.

In a similar manner to her debut, ‘Whisper Cottage’, this was a slow burn with a focus upon establishing its characters and the atmospheric setting. Although quite a compelling mystery, there were issues for me with its pacing and some plot elements.

I felt that Lowri’s background, introduced in the opening chapters, was rather cluttered. Then as the story progressed I found some aspects of the plot not particularly convincing and the ending seemed quite rushed.

Overall, while my response was mixed, I still enjoyed the mystery with its many revelations coming as a surprise. I certainly plan to read her future novels.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

(Extra note: I had hoped for more spooky goings on given its location though reminded myself that despite the presence of a creepy house incorporating a funeral business this wasn’t meant to be a Welsh version of ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’.)

The Last House on the Cliff has everything you want from a gothic style mystery. It has a spooky old house on a cliff, (which also happens to be an undertaker's), a secretive island community, two mysterious live in staff, and a very big cliff. You might think this will end up as one big cliché but actually it's a story very well told. It's set on the Welsh island of Anglesey and having been there, I feel it really captures its unique atmosphere. Being Welsh myself, I liked the fact that this book was set there and incorporated some Welsh language words (there's a glossary).

At times I felt it was a little far fetched, but then who wants realism when you can have escape? The twists come thick and fast towards the end, although I thought the final one was overkill. Apart from that, this was full of atmosphere and vivid settings and I enjoyed being transported to this beautiful windswept island for a good old fashioned mystery.

Lowri , on the death of her aunt returns to the home on Anglesey where she spent many happy summers in her childhood. She felt safe there and takes with her , her child Ruby who sees a strange woman only visible to her and finds dolls left for her. Ruby then disappears . Strange things happen all around

This book started off well,slowed down in the middle and the ending was a little rushed which spoilt it for me. On the whole the story was good but not the best. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A dark and creepy book, i loved the setting and although a was quite slow to get going once it did it had twists and turns running all the way thorough to keep you guessing. i loved the setting and descriptions of the area in Anglesey, they were stunning. i could really imagine myself there.
The main character Lowri is the main character and provides a great focus for the story. She is complex yet also relatable, and there are plenty of skeletons hiding in the family closet, just waiting to be uncovered. A good solid mystery and psychological thriller.

Lowri spent her summers and school holidays with her Aunt Gwyn who owned a funeral home located in a large home and next to some steep cliffs. At age 7, she did not know why her parents didn’t want to spend this time with her, but she accepted it because she loved her Aunt Gwyn and enjoyed spending time on the large property. But at age 12, some disagreement between her parents and Gwyn meant she was not taken back there again.

Today, Lowri is mother to Ruby, 7, and a widow. She works hard as a dinner lady at Ruby’s school trying to make enough money to pay the bills. She has not kept in touch with her Aunt Gwyn for which is is ashamed. So, when she receives a letter from Gwyn’s solicitor saying the poor woman has died, he invites her to the funeral and the reading of the will.

Back at the house, she finds it somewhat rundown and Gwyn’s long time assistants still living there. When Lowri learns she has been left the house by Gwyn, Gwyn’s assistants are not happy. But there are much darker secrets that start to appear.

Oh my. This book is described as gothic but I simply found it depressing. Trying to keep up with the Welsh language and meanings of the words was difficult. Yes, the atmosphere of living in a home that is also a funeral home is really creepy especially when the kitchen is just down the hall from the preparation room. Yuk. Sometimes, I found it a struggle to keep up with the different characters. Sorry. Just a bit too depressing for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Gripping and interesting read.

Last House on the Cliff has an intriguing storyline with well written characters.

There were places where I got a bit confused and at times felt a bit draggy. But overall, it gave the chills at the right place which made this thriller interesting to read.

This was a dark, full of suspense easy to read story. Lowri was just trying to understand her past and the situation that she has now found herself in when her daughter goes missing. It was a well structured read leaving clues throughout with lots of false leads as well. A great read of how life can be in a very isolated island where everybody knows whatever is going on and keeps secrets hidden.

A creepy psychological thriller that well written, wonderful pacing, a read in one sitting. Thoroughly enjoyable read highly recommended.
I received this book from Avon books and Netgalley for a review.

'No news is good news'

It's actually rare that I remember a quote from a book I recently read and I do think this one left an impression.

The last house on the Cliff is a very moody, dark and cold story probably best read during the winter or rainy season. I often thought about the movie 'The woman in black' because of the vibes I am getting right from the start and I thought, that mood coupled with the slow progression of the story really set a horror and chilling setup and I think that was the best part about reading this.

What bothered me while reading was the heavy amount of flashbacks narrated by the protagonist all throughout the book and chapters narrated by another character and then few more chapters that takes place from a previous timeline which in all honesty confuses me a lot because I'm not entirely sure if I'm still reading the past or the current happenings and I can assure you I always have a great focus when reading thriller and horror books so this one's a surprise.
The characters were bland, I know that the main goal was to make every single character suspicious and mysterious and I truly think the author succeeded but also think in doing so, the characters lost themselves, I can't connect with anyone in the book so that made the reading experience feel like reading, if you know what I mean.
The plot wasn't exactly new to me and I enjoyed guessing the twists here and there and I do think it's twisted if you're new to the genre. The problem is, the progression of the book is too slow, I almost didn't want to finish this because I was starting to wonder when will the twists and exciting parts start to happen.

I appreciate the honor of reading this and truly respects the author for writing this book, but we have to admit that there will always be books that we won't like just like people. So I know I can't avoid people who will be disheartened by this review but do give this book a try especially if you're unsure if you can handle thrillers.

The Last House on the Cliff is a beautifully written, suspenseful story.

It's spooky and atmospheric, set against the backdrop of a large, crumbling old house. There are graveyards, missing belongings, and plenty of things that go bump in the night. Prepare for shivers up your spine!

The book is part mystery, part psychological thriller. The main character Lowri provides a great focus for the story. She is complex yet also relatable, and of course, there are plenty of skeletons hiding in the family closet, just waiting to be uncovered. As she spends more time at her Aunt Gwyn's foreboding Anglesey home, Lowri's childhood comes back to haunt her alongside plenty of new - and disturbing - discoveries. Lowri descends deeper into her own mind and it isn't long before she starts questioning everything she thought she knew about her childhood, her family, and even herself.

This is a well-paced story, with hooks in every chapter without giving too much away to the reader. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the book is bound to keep you guessing, so watch out for the red herrings. The ending was surprising and unexpected - I certainly didn't guess the big reveal! It's executed flawlessly.

The Last House on the Cliff would be a great book to read at Halloween, so make sure it's on your reading list this autumn!

The gothic ethos the author creates in this story sets the scene for an atmospheric and ofter claustrophobic family drama. Lowry's first-person viewpoint immerses the reader in past and current events, and the sense of menace is palpable. The gentle pacing increases the tension and intensifies the dramatic scenes. The hint of supernatural occurrences and the thought-provoking storyline make this a compelling read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

An atmospheric and absorbing story set in an isolated welsh village. The disappearance of a visiting little girl echoes the vanishing of a local teenage 20 years before. Family secrets start to emerge, tensions are high and you cant help but be sucked in. I felt like i was in the last house on the cliff and could smell the musty rooms and hear the creaking floorboards, i feared the edge of the cliff and felt the wind from the sea on my face. A really really good read which surprised me more and more the further i read. Extremely original , a definite must read.