Hard to get into, easier to finish. Thank you for the ARC. I liked Mirrorland, though I recall I had the same issue with it.

THE BLACKHOUSE
BY: CAROL JOHNSTONE

I really had a lot of excitement when I discovered that Carole Johnstone had written her second novel called, "The Blackhouse". Her debut called "Mirrorland," really blew me away with how fantastic it was. I will leave a link to my review of "Mirrorland," at the end of this review, in case anyone is interested. It remains in my top five thrillers of all time and is a favorite of mine which I highly recommend. "The Blackhouse," was well written and unique, but out of the two of them, I enjoyed "Mirrorland," as my favorite of the two novels Carole Johnstone has written. I do think that "The Blackhouse," proves what a talented Author Ms Johnstone is. I say that because she wrote her second novel to be so original and deeply atmospheric. It is a Gothic thriller--mystery with a terrific conclusion. Everything wasn't tied up in a neat little bow. It wasn't the ending that I had expected, and for that reason I have good things to say about this second offering.

Maggie has been living in London and after her mother dies, Maggie holds a secret or many secrets about her mother, she returns to a tiny village in Scotland. Maggie had been living in London, but she was originally from Scotland. She isn't welcomed by a few in this tiny cliff side seaside village. The reason being is because some people on the Island think she is there to stir up trouble. When she was five years old her mother and her visited this same small village where Maggie proclaimed she was a man named Andrew and she claimed that some people in that village murdered him. Andrew changed his name to Robert Reid and lived in the same Blackhouse where Maggie is currently staying. She soon finds out that Robert Reid only lived there a year before he drowned. She was told that Robert was hard to get along with and never liked anybody in the village. He was a sheep farmer and was married to a woman named Mary and had one son named Calum.

Robert Reid has his own chapters alternating with Maggie's. Maggie has returned twenty years after Robert's death and she has a romantic relationship with Will. Will has a farm near the Blackhouse and when him and Maggie meet sparks fly. He offers to take her to a town where she gets Robert's death certificate which she is interested in what date that he died.

Robert is a haunted soul who also has tremendous guilt over something he thinks he was responsible for that caused a tragedy, when he was just a boy. His name being originally Andrew, he changed it because of the secret that he carries.

This has a plot that I have never come across before and I think it is very clever. Carole Johnstone never disappoints with her rich character development. And what a twist at the end of this eerie novel. Not everything is what it seems. Robert slowly explains his year that he lived in this village before he died. Maggie is determined to find out the secrets some of the people in this tiny cliff side village are hiding. As she digs deeper she finds out more information about what happened to Andrew/Robert. Some people are hiding some vital keys to determining what happened on this Scottish Island surrounded on all sides by ocean and a place called Terror Mountain and Coffin Road. There is also an archaeological dig happening. I already knew that bodies could be preserved that are buried in the bog and that happens to be the case here.

This was a terrific story that is rich in Scottish folklore and Norse mythology. The names of the places are translated after they are introduced making this easy to follow. A dark tale for mystery and psychological thriller fans. My review for Mirrorland can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Enjoy!

Publication Date: January 3, 2023

Thank you to Net Galley, Carole Johnstone and Scribner for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheBlackhouse #CaroleJohnstone #Scribner #NetGalley

THE BLACKHOUSE
BY: CAROL JOHNSTONE

I really had a lot of excitement when I discovered that Carole Johnstone had written her second novel called, "The Blackhouse". Her debut called "Mirrorland," really blew me away with how fantastic it was. I will leave a link to my review of "Mirrorland," at the end of this review, in case anyone is interested. It remains in my top five thrillers of all time and is a favorite of mine which I highly recommend. "The Blackhouse," was well written and unique, but out of the two of them, I enjoyed "Mirrorland," as my favorite of the two novels Carole Johnstone has written. I do think that "The Blackhouse," proves what a talented Author Ms Johnstone is. I say that because she wrote her second novel to be so original and deeply atmospheric. It is a Gothic thriller--mystery with a terrific conclusion. Everything wasn't tied up in a neat little bow. It wasn't the ending that I had expected, and for that reason I have good things to say about this second offering.

Maggie has been living in London and after her mother dies, Maggie holds a secret or many secrets about her mother, she returns to a tiny village in Scotland. Maggie had been living in London, but she was originally from Scotland. She isn't welcomed by a few in this tiny cliff side seaside village. The reason being is because some people on the Island think she is there to stir up trouble. When she was five years old her mother and her visited this same small village where Maggie proclaimed she was a man named Andrew and she claimed that some people in that village murdered him. Andrew changed his name to Robert Reid and lived in the same Blackhouse where Maggie is currently staying. She soon finds out that Robert Reid only lived there a year before he drowned. She was told that Robert was hard to get along with and never liked anybody in the village. He was a sheep farmer and was married to a woman named Mary and had one son named Calum.

Robert Reid has his own chapters alternating with Maggie's. Maggie has returned twenty years after Robert's death and she has a romantic relationship with Will. Will has a farm near the Blackhouse and when him and Maggie meet sparks fly. He offers to take her to a town where she gets Robert's death certificate which she is interested in what date that he died.

Robert is a haunted soul who also has tremendous guilt over something he thinks he was responsible for that caused a tragedy, when he was just a boy. His name being originally Andrew, he changed it because of the secret that he carries.

This has a plot that I have never come across before and I think it is very clever. Carole Johnstone never disappoints with her rich character development. And what a twist at the end of this eerie novel. Not everything is what it seems. Robert slowly explains his year that he lived in this village before he died. Maggie is determined to find out the secrets some of the people in this tiny cliff side village are hiding. As she digs deeper she finds out more information about what happened to Andrew/Robert. Some people are hiding some vital keys to determining what happened on this Scottish Island surrounded on all sides by ocean and a place called Terror Mountain and Coffin Road. There is also an archaeological dig happening. I already knew that bodies could be preserved that are buried in the bog and that happens to be the case here.

This was a terrific story that is rich in Scottish folklore and Norse mythology. The names of the places are translated after they are introduced making this easy to follow. A dark tale for mystery and psychological thriller fans. My review for Mirrorland can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Enjoy!

Publication Date: January 3, 2023

Thank you to Net Galley, Carole Johnstone and Scribner for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheBlackhouse #CaroleJohnstone #Scribner #NetGalley

THE BLACKHOUSE
BY: CAROL JOHNSTONE

I really had a lot of excitement when I discovered that Carole Johnstone had written her second novel called, "The Blackhouse". Her debut called "Mirrorland," really blew me away with how fantastic it was. I will leave a link to my review of "Mirrorland," at the end of this review, in case anyone is interested. It remains in my top five thrillers of all time and is a favorite of mine which I highly recommend. "The Blackhouse," was well written and unique, but out of the two of them, I enjoyed "Mirrorland," as my favorite of the two novels Carole Johnstone has written. I do think that "The Blackhouse," proves what a talented Author Ms Johnstone is. I say that because she wrote her second novel to be so original and deeply atmospheric. It is a Gothic thriller--mystery with a terrific conclusion. Everything wasn't tied up in a neat little bow. It wasn't the ending that I had expected, and for that reason I have good things to say about this second offering.

Maggie has been living in London and after her mother dies, Maggie holds a secret or many secrets about her mother, she returns to a tiny village in Scotland. Maggie had been living in London, but she was originally from Scotland. She isn't welcomed by a few in this tiny cliff side seaside village. The reason being is because some people on the Island think she is there to stir up trouble. When she was five years old her mother and her visited this same small village where Maggie proclaimed she was a man named Andrew and she claimed that some people in that village murdered him. Andrew changed his name to Robert Reid and lived in the same Blackhouse where Maggie is currently staying. She soon finds out that Robert Reid only lived there a year before he drowned. She was told that Robert was hard to get along with and never liked anybody in the village. He was a sheep farmer and was married to a woman named Mary and had one son named Calum.

Robert Reid has his own chapters alternating with Maggie's. Maggie has returned twenty years after Robert's death and she has a romantic relationship with Will. Will has a farm near the Blackhouse and when him and Maggie meet sparks fly. He offers to take her to a town where she gets Robert's death certificate which she is interested in what date that he died.

Robert is a haunted soul who also has tremendous guilt over something he thinks he was responsible for that caused a tragedy, when he was just a boy. His name being originally Andrew, he changed it because of the secret that he carries.

This has a plot that I have never come across before and I think it is very clever. Carole Johnstone never disappoints with her rich character development. And what a twist at the end of this eerie novel. Not everything is what it seems. Robert slowly explains his year that he lived in this village before he died. Maggie is determined to find out the secrets some of the people in this tiny cliff side village are hiding. As she digs deeper she finds out more information about what happened to Andrew/Robert. Some people are hiding some vital keys to determining what happened on this Scottish Island surrounded on all sides by ocean and a place called Terror Mountain and Coffin Road. There is also an archaeological dig happening. I already knew that bodies could be preserved that are buried in the bog and that happens to be the case here.

This was a terrific story that is rich in Scottish folklore and Norse mythology. The names of the places are translated after they are introduced making this easy to follow. A dark tale for mystery and psychological thriller fans. My review for Mirrorland can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Enjoy!

Publication Date: January 3, 2023

Thank you to Net Galley, Carole Johnstone and Scribner for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheBlackhouse #CaroleJohnstone #Scribner #NetGalley

This is a dark and scary mystery. It is difficult to discern what has happened, what is happening, what might happen...the story moves slowly but comes to a resounding ending. This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. I am still not sure what did happen.

I've read a few books set in Scotland, most recently, Once There Were Wolves, so I was thrilled to get approved for this one. It's a great atmospheric suspenseful read. This is set in two time periods, which makes it extra suspenseful because you become aware of things that present-day Maggie doesn't know quite yet. Really great read!

This was a fantastic read! In this novel, we follow Maggie, who is returning to a small island in the Scottish Outer Hebrides that she had visited when she was young. Why? Because as a young child, she insisted she was reincarnated and the man she once was was murdered. Her mother took her to this locale--with a video crew in tow--to uncover the truth. Back then, all it did was anger the locals and leave her with bad memories of the experience. Now her mother is dead, and Maggie is back to learn the truth.

The setting is great, the characters are persuasive and engaging, and the plot keeps you guessing. Is Maggie really a reincarnated man? Or did her mother "plant" memories in her head? Was there a murder? Or was the man a troubled soul who had his own demons? The author does a great job of letting the reader walk that line for most of the book. I was thoroughly entertained.

I haven't read Johnstone's first novel, but certainly will now. If you like dark mysteries with a hint of (potential) supernatural set in eco-gothic settings, than you'll love this one!

Dark and Brooding

The Blackhouse is a slow-burn novel about a 5-year-old girl who claims to be the reincarnation of a murdered man.

When Maggie was 5 years old, she believed she was to be reincarnated with the soul of Andrew, a man from the Outer Hebrides. 20 years later, she investigates what really happened to make her believe she was Andrew, leading her to expose buried secrets.

The plot is complicated and has many layers in two different timelines--one in the 1990s the other in the present. There are many characters to keep track of in the past and present timelines. However, there are only two narrators: Maggie and Robert.

Maggie’s character felt distant to me. I liked her, but I couldn’t connect with her. However, by the end, she got under my skin. Robert’s character is dark and disconcerting.

I found the beginning of the book to be very confusing due to the many characters to keep track of. Additionally, the narrative doesn't operate linearly, adding further confusion. Once I figured out what was going on, I was sold, but it took a bit to get there.

The Blackhouse is a well-crafted, slow-paced, atmospheric read. The elements of the violent sea, the desolate farmland, and the blackhouse felt alive. This was my favorite part of the novel, as Johnstone transported me to the Outer Hebrides. The plot is weighty, and Maggie got under my skin. In addition, myths, reincarnation, and elements of otherworldliness play a role, creating a strangeness that appealed to me, and were especially impactful in creating a slightly weird yet, satisfying ending.

If you are willing to be a patient reader, there is a solid payoff.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Scribner in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for this ARC.

Although this did take me quite awhile to really get into, I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I loved how this author managed to create such an isolating, eerie setting which added so much to the overall gothic feeling of this book. It was definitely written in a unique way while still creating well developed characters. I love how this didn't try too hard for the shock value but still surprises you with it's conclusion. Four Stars.

The Blackhouse is following Robert as he moves his family to Scotland, partly to escape and try to fit in. But this proves harder than he originally thought it would.

We are also following Maggie, as he has always felt that there is something she is missing about herself. After she proclaimed that a man in Scotland was murdered at the age of 5, she was certain that something was different, Especially considering she had never met this man. But years later she decides that she wants to find out what is going on. But she is not prepared for what she will find out.

Overall, I had a fun time with this thriller and found it to be fast paced, twisty, and just an enjoyable time. I loved the vibes from the surrounding area that we were getting, and I am excited for others to get their hands on it!

Brrr! I cannot help myself! I’m shivering! This book is something unique ! It’s creepy, disturbing, breathtaking, claustrophobic!
You know some books scare the living daylights out of you so instead of burying your head into it, you want to put it down to hide under blankets till you gather your wits but you cannot stop reading it because you’re so hooked up, becoming addicted at each chapter, rooting for characters: yes, that’s exactly how I felt during my reading experience! I needed my blankets but I ignored to read more!

The portraits of tight knitted townies who are burden with something they cannot talk about were impressively well developed.

The layered, intense and vivid descriptions of the sightseeings make you close your eyes! You feel like you are already there. You shiver more, hearing the waves, seeing the black birds drawing circles above your head and seeing the blackhouse standing in front of you like a bleak vision of your worst nightmare.

Let’s give you more information about the plot and characters:

Maggie Mackay has a mission to return back to the remote village of Blairmore in Outer Hebrides! She’s haunted with nightmares connected with the place.

The first time she came here she was only five, screaming at townies that a man named Andrew MacNeil was drowned in the sea! No, he wasn’t just drowned. He was MURDERED! She knows she’s telling the truth because Andrew MacNeil was born for second time in her body! Yes, she’s product of incarnation!

She’s accompanied by her mother who is also a medium, believing in her daughter and TV crew to film the entire supernatural journey.
Of course the townies denied everything she’s said and sent them back!

But now her mother died. She had a horrifying episode at the crematorium. After being locked a psych ward, she barely controls her mood swings. She left her boyfriend and sacked from her writing gig.

She has nothing to lose, being ready to face her demons by returning back to the place where everything started.

As soon as she arrives, the hostility and unwelcoming attitudes of townies give her second thoughts. Somebody keeps watching her in the dark, stalking her each move.

Finally she finds out she is not losing her mind because a man was actually drowned at the sea. He changed his name as Robert and started a family at the island. That man was running away from his last because he has done something truly bad!

I’m stopping here not to blurt out much but I have to admit this is perfectly written psychological thriller with paranormal vibes.
I also enjoyed the blooming love story.

The ending was jaw dropping and breath taking.
I loved so many characters especially Charlie, Kelly were my favorites.

I think this is my favorite work of the author! Giving my intense, bleak, dark, perfectly claustrophobic stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Thanks Netgalley for a chance at this read!

Pros
*If you love atmospheric gothic vibes this is for you
*it will make you want to travel to Scotland
*i like the way the author made mental health not the identity of the main character but something they lived with and worked on

Cons
* this is on me but I thought this was going to be scary and I was not scared
*I was not convinced by the true love of this story. I wouldn’t fall in love because of someone’s forearms 😂

The Blackhouse is a delicious gothic mystery. Set in Kilmary Ireland, it is the story of a young woman who, at the age of 5, told about the murder of a man in a local village. This brought an onslaught of media and unwelcome attention.

As an adult she has come back and seeks to settle the mystery. Her reappearance is taken in many different ways by the villagers.

The details in this book make it very atmospheric with the land, the people, the mystery and some crazy weather.
I stayed up late reading this book;.

3.5 stars. A bit too slow-paced, but I did really enjoy the Scottish setting! The author is a wonderful writer and I loved the detailed descriptions included. Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC!

I absolutely loved everything about this psychological thriller!
The Blackhouse is beautifully written, exhilarating, twisty and dark.
A mind blowing, superb, clever blend of gothic thriller.
Johnstone knows how to grab her reader’s attention from the opening page and doesn’t let go.


“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Scribner,
Thank you for your generosity and gifting a copy of this approved eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Loved this book. Creepy and gothic. My two favorites. Very well written and an enjoyable read.
Definitely recommend this author!

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this creepy Gothic highland thriller! Definitely atmospheric with the author doing a create job with world building and creating believable characters. Liked this even more than her last book – this lady will definitely be an auto request moving forward!

I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It hooked me from the very beginning and kept me hooked the entire time.