I loved this story, and I adore Maggie and her character. It’s so wonderful to read a new idea and I highly recommend this book!

From a young age, Maggie was sure she was someone else, a man from Kilmeray. Her insistence gains national attention, allowing her mother takes her there to prove Maggie is who she says she is. But, unfortunately, they leave disappointed, as no such man exists. Over the years, some memories have faded, but still, Kilmeray stays in her mind. So when her mother dies, she heads back to Blairmore, to the community that didn’t want them there and a past riddled with secrets.

I was on a blog tour for Johnstone’s previous release, Mirrorland, and adored the book. So I’m pleased to say that she did not disappoint with The Blackhouse.

This book is so atmospheric, you’re completely immersed in the setting. The inhabitants don’t want Maggie there, and they’re shady as heck, making it hard for her to know who to trust. She’s bipolar and scared that some of the shady happenings are due to herself, and not her surroundings. The multi-layered storyline has varying timelines that weave Maggie and Robert together across the years. Books that take place in such small towns don’t always unfold at a breakneck speed, which suits the book perfectly.

If you read multiple books at once, I recommend saving time and temporarily abandoning the others because you won’t want to put this down. The atmosphere, the shady characters, the creeptacular setting, and history, with the mystery element, come together beautifully. This is such a fun and addicting read.

The Blackhouse is an atmospheric, slow burn gothic mystery. The story is set perfectly in this isolated, turbulent island. The author really has a knack for creating a sense of place really makes the book so creepy, and so impossible to put down.

The characters were well-drawn, and I enjoyed how each twist in the plot left me further from figuring things out. It is an original, clever thriller that readers will really enjoy! I can't wait to recommend this to mystery readers looking for something a little new!

Thank you to Scribner, NetGalley and the author, Carole Johnstone for the e-ARC of this novel.

It isn't often that a book leaves me speechless but The Blackhouse certainly did. I got lost in the author's descriptions of the setting, the characters and the incredibly interesting premise of this novel. This novel had so many elements - a murder mystery, personal battles with mental illness, elements that felt supernatural and sometimes creepy, and heartwarming/heart-wrenching characters and relationships. I absolutely LOVED it and it may be one of my top reads of 2022.

When she was five years old, Maggie MacKay announced that she was actually a man named Andrew MacNeil, who had been murdered on the island of Kilmeray in Scotland's Outer Hebrides years earlier. Now, more than 20 years after she first visited with her mother and a documentary filmmaker in tow, Maggie has returned to Kilmeray after being released from a psychiatric hospital. She's determined to investigate the source of her childhood claims -- and to uncover the secrets she's convinced the inhabitants of the insular island village are hiding.

Told from two points of view on two timelines, and exploring themes of mental health, destructive secrets, regret, and the ramifications of a guilty conscience, The Blackhouse is a slow-burning Gothic mystery, rich with atmosphere and steeped in Norse mythology. Carole Johnstone's evocative descriptions completely transported me to the wildness and isolation of the Outer Hebrides, where the seas and storms are violent and the nights are pitch-black. The Blackhouse is an incredibly well-written book, with thoughtful meditations on family, forgiveness, and self-discovery, as well as a few tense, sinister scenes that will stick with me.

However, despite the rich atmosphere and strong, insightful writing, I found reading The Blackhouse to be mostly tedious. I had difficulty keeping all of the secondary characters straight, and the 1990s timeline, which heavily featured the fishing industry and sheep-farming, barely held my interest. The mystery at the center of the story is compelling, and the supernatural element is well-integrated -- but the plot is convoluted and unnecessarily protracted, so by the time I got to the end of the book I was more confused than anything.

Neither The Blackhouse nor Johnstone's first novel, Mirrorland, worked for me as a whole, but specific things about each of them really struck a chord with me: evocative atmosphere, thoughtful and compassionate writing, a dark fairy tale feel, fascinating imagery, interesting characters. Maybe the third time will be the charm and her next book will hit all the marks. I'm intrigued enough by the way her mind works to give it a try.

"Mirrorland" was one of the best books I read last year, so when I saw that Carole Johnstone had released a new book, I knew I had to drop everything and read it. There is no sophomore slump for this author! "The Blackhouse" was absolutely phenomenal and cemented Ms. Johnstone as one of my favorite authors. It's the kind of book that makes the reader want to take a day off from work to read it cover to cover in one sitting...and that is exactly what I did! The author's writing really made the story come alive to me; it created such vivid pictures in my mind that it felt more like watching a movie than reading a book. Her words created such a tense and dreary atmosphere, I could feel the heavy ocean air pressing down on my chest while reading. Parts of this book sent actual shivers down my spine! The characters were entirely believable and well developed. I love psychological thrillers with paranormal elements, and this book hit every mark for me. I believe "The Blackhouse" will be considered one of the best horror novels for 2023!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this tremendous book, in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an ARC to read and review.

Maggie MacKay returns to a small island in Scotland that she visited as a five year old child after claiming that a man had been murdered there. Tensions rose in the community as a result of her accusation and 20 years later, the locals aren’t exactly pleased to see Maggie again as she investigated to learn the truth. Soon Maggie finds herself the target of some mysterious threats and begins to wonder if her search for the truth is worth the cost.

This book was so well written. Once I got into the plot, I couldn’t stop reading it. It really kept me guessing. It is rare for a twist to really surprise me, but twists in this book did multiple times. I was very invested in finding out what would happen to both characters in the alternating timelines. If you enjoyed Mirrorland, I am sure you will like this story as well! I will be keeping Carole Johnstone on my must-read list!

In wanted to love this book. I loved the previous book I read from this author. I loved the creepy and dark island. I loved the idea of a child insisting she was a murdered man and then coming back as an adult to try to figure out what had happened when she was five. It didn’t come together for me, I just couldn’t feel the dread or the tension. I was never emersed in this world. It was just a long list of horrible things. I wish I could have connected. It took me forever to make myself finish this book.

Loved the atmospheric setting of this novel. A small, isolated island off of the coast of Scotland becomes a character in its own right. With themes of reincarnation and a murder mystery, I found this a solid enjoyable read.

The Blackhouse was a great mystery novel with a brooding atmosphere. I loved the spooky setting and Johnstone can really tell a story. I have previously read Mirrorland and knew she had a very different style of writing, which I enjoy but sometimes find confusing. Her writing can be a little long-winded and very descriptive. I truly enjoyed the creepy story until the ending, I just got SO confused and felt the answers were a bit of a copout. However, still a 4 star read for me!

"ghosts are just unspoken truths."

Haunting, full of secrets and dark waters. I loved another title by this author so I knew this one would be good. Even in the midst of the chaotic season, I sat down to this one and just fell in love with the darknes and well-woven story.

Maggie was a bit hard to like. She's chaotic and messy. I was never sure what to believe. The island was so well done. I felt claustrophobic and cold the whole story, wondering where the next surprise would come. I did guess parts of the story but I never guessed the twists and I loved all the turns and plays the ending gave us. The cover is a perfect descrption for the story - dark water and a dark house on an island of secrets.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

The Scottish Highlands are my happy place so I'm always predisposed to enjoy any book set in Scotland. This one is set in the Hebridean islands not the highlands but it has all the atmosphere to make for a good thriller. Lots of lies, questions, and things that go bump in the night. There are some mythological elements to this books - or perhaps magical realism elements depending on your beliefs. The mystery was compelling and while I guessed parts of the answers, I certainly didn't guess them all. So it's got dark mysteries, deaths, small town dynamics, atmospheric landscapes, disability rep (bipolar), and a sexy Scotsman - all around a winner for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for this ARC!

Yes!!! This book had all my favorite things and gripped me in a vice from the start. I love any book that is set in Scotland, bonus points for being on a desolate island in the Outer Hebrides. The descriptions will leave you shivering as the harsh wind slaps your face, the icy rain comes down in buckets, and the pounding surf becomes your daily sounds. It is a rough place that gets into your soul, one that you can never forget. The village is made up of a tightknit group of people, who will be there for one another no matter what. I loved the character details and deep layers. Maggie will become your sister, Kelly the friend you wished you had, Will the one you will fall head over heels for, and Charlie the one who will always look out for you. The plot will take you on a wild goose chase. I had no idea what was coming and who would be doing it. This book is phenomenally written and will leave you with the feeling that someone is always watching, someone is always waiting for you...

Maggie has just lost her mother and is determined to find out the truth of her life. Since she was five years old, she believed that she was Andrew MacNeil. A man that was murdered on the small island of Kilmeray. She and her mom visited there before when she was five, with a documentary film crew. The town closed ranks and they left without any answers. Twenty years later she needs to find out what happened to Andrew, for her own mental health. She steps off the ferry and feels a rush of memories coming back to her. Will she be able to find out the truth before it is too late?

This book is a slow burn that will set your soul on fire. The island will settle into your bones and have you seeing and hearing crazy things. The storms that blow in regularly set the perfect tone. I loved every single word, and the twists and turns will have you running circles around the island. It is not just a thriller. It is a story about a thin place, where people work their fingers to the bone to make a living. They love one another no matter what and are determined to protect their way of life. You need to read this book. There is thrills, chills, romance, friendships, and archaeology!! Thank you to Carole Johnstone and Scribner for gifting me a copy of this vividly, suspenseful read.

There is no need to make you wait until the end of my review for you to know that this is without a doubt a five star read but then again its Carole Johnstone, would you expect anything else?

I first met Carole Johnstone when I became obsessed with Mirrorland . Having been a debut, I was completely left in awe with not only the writing style but the passion that embodied the author and sprinkled across every page. I knew without a doubt that I had become an instant fan and this was just the beginning of a longstanding "book-ship".

Carole Johnstone out did her self with The Blackhouse. This book is literary gold and will have everyone buzzing come January 3, 2023. I was lucky enough to snag an ARC and I am eternally grateful.

There is something really special about being approved for a book/author you really idolize. To me, that is Carole Johnstone. I swear I cried when I saw the approval email come in. Never in my life did I ever think I would have the opportunity to read and review books that I am so passionate about but here I am!

So, as I catch my breath and begin, I pray I do this book the justice it deserves...

I was never a big fan of super natural elements but as I reflect back I now know that it just takes the right author to make something you would typically pass up, enjoyable. Johnstone does just that. The character development is executed with such precision that you almost feel as though these people are standing right before you in the flesh.

The way Johnstone is able to tell a story and captivate your attention early on is admirable and exactly what I need. I have a short attention span and if you don't catch me within the first couple of chapters I tend to lose focus.

This was never an issue.

I was instantly drawn in to The Blackhouse. I could not flip the pages fast enough. There was no bathroom breaks, or time outs, there would be nothing that could interfere with me and my book.

This book is dark and not for the faint of heart. It is also incredible and will leave you begging for more all while leaving you with the biggest book hangover of your life.

Don't take my word for it, pick up your own copy on January 3!

Kudos to Carole Johnstone for another 5 star hit! You are what nightmares are made of <3 in all the best ways possible.

Teaser :

A remote village. A deadly secret. An outsider who knows the truth.

Robert Reid moved his family to Scotland’s Outer Hebrides in the 1990s, driven by hope, craving safety and community, and hiding a terrible secret. But despite his best efforts to fit in, Robert is always seen as an outsider. And as the legendary and violent Hebridean storms rage around him, he begins to unravel, believing his fate on the remote island of Kilmeray cannot be escaped.

For her entire life, Maggie MacKay has sensed something was wrong with her. When Maggie was five years old, she announced that a man on Kilmeray—a place she’d never visited—had been murdered. Her unfounded claim drew media attention and turned the locals against each other, creating rifts that never mended.

Nearly twenty years later, Maggie is determined to find out what really happened, and what the islanders are hiding. But when she begins to receive ominous threats, Maggie is forced to consider how much she is willing to risk to discover the horrifying truth.

Unnerving, enthralling, and filled with gothic suspense, The Blackhouse is a spectacularly sinister tale readers won’t soon forget

Our first book takes place in Scotland, so when you hear the name Blackhouse, you know you're in for a gothic ride, and you are! In this thriller mystery, Maggie comes to Scotland seeking truth, but what she finds are memories that the residents don't want to revisit. As she discovers that the blackhouse she is staying at is related to a village mystery that occurred about the same time she was there, she soon realizes that someone connected to the house is watching her. But are they threatening her, or watching to warn her? As she delves more into the past she sets herself on a path to bring lost held memories to light for all, but are they ready for the truth? This is a page-turner that will keep you reading long into the night!

This book was so good. I really enjoy creepy and gothic titles. It was definitely everything I thought it was so to be. It kept me hook from beginning to end. I read it all in one day. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to review the book. I highly recommend this book

The Blackhouse had me enthralled from the start. Once I muddled through all the names and butchered the pronunciation of most, I was able to fully immerse myself into the book. I felt like I was on that island. The worldbuilding was flawless and effortless from the start.

There is a little of everything in this book and they are all done exceedingly well. There is suspense and moments of terror that had my heart racing. There was romance and a touch of spice.

There were so many red herrings that I had absolutely no idea what the ending would be. I had so many questions and possibilities in my mind and the true ending did not disappoint.

I can find zero complaints about this book and enthusiastically give it 5/5 stars.

This book was amazing! It had just about everything needed to create the perfect suspense novel: a spooky, remote atmosphere; a decades old mystery involving two suspicious deaths; a main character with a troubled past; and a town that seems determined to keep the secrets of the past firmly in the past. Needless to say, I was in from the start! And I was not disappointed with the POV of the story alternating between Maggie in the present and someone named Robert in the past.

I don’t want to give away too much, because it’s best to go into the story without knowing too much, because that makes each reveal that much more fun, but with each chapter we learn a little more about each of the island’s history and its secrets, and even some of the bits of Maggie’s past that are traumatic and shape the person she is and her viewpoint. The characters and the plot are rich and deep, and I like that the author took the time to develop everything carefully and fully to create the story, which really turned out amazing and deep with folklore and an atmosphere that was palpable.

The only reason I hesitate to give this one five stars is because of the ending. I wish the ending would’ve been different. I don’t want to say too much, but even realizing how weird things were in the end, I Wish things would’ve turned out differently. I think things could have been different. That’s all I’m going to say.

Anyway, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a highly atmospheric thriller with plenty of twists and rich, deep characters.

3.5/5

"Wanting something to be true…can be a very dangerous road."

This book is beautifully written and extremely atmospheric. You’ll feel the strong winds coming off the sea, smell the salt air, and see the colorful Scottish machair just as Maggie does. And, just like Maggie, you’ll feel spooked and unsure of who to trust and what to believe.

That said, it’s also a very, very slow burn. So for those of you who prefer action and plot-driven stories over character-driven ones, this is your heads up.

All in all, I did enjoy the story that Jonhstone crafted and the eerie twists it took. One twist in particular I never saw coming and was satisfyingly shook. I just think the plot was maybe trying to do one too many things at once.

Creepy, gothic, dark, atmospheric and made me feel DAMN cold from the writing of the storms and weather and honestly? Bravo to an author that can write so well, you FEEL the fictional storms.

This was really good and yet another knock out performance from Johnstone!