This book was so hyped up, I was very excited to get my hands on a copy. and then if fell really flat for me. It wasn't a bad story, the writing was good, but it felt like such a snoozefest every time I picked it up! I had to DNF life is too short.

"Lone Women" by Victor LaValle was an intriguing amalgam of old fashioned frontier novel and horror story, which--although I did not find it wholly successful--made for compelling reading. I really enjoyed the Montana setting and the details about being a homesteader in such an inhospitable natural environment. LaValle's descriptions of the wind were so vivid; he really drove home how challenging this lifestyle would be (and how difficult it would be to restart in this environment as a single woman on her own). Examinations of womanhood, race and belonging, in fact, were among the strong points of "Lone Women." I also thought that the Busy Bees were compelling human villains, and I appreciated that the real danger ultimately came from humans and not from the horror element.

The horror element, in fact, was in my opinion the least successful piece of "Lone Women." I was intrigued at the beginning and even through to the turning point at the halfway mark of the novel, but I never felt like LaValle was able to really deliver a payoff with the horror side of the novel. Of course this may just be down to my personal preference as someone who is not a big horror novel fan, and LaValle compensated for any letdown I might have felt at the end of the novel by delivering such a compelling first half.

Thank you to NetGalley and to One World Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

“On Tuesday, Adelaide Henry had been a farmer. By Wednesday, she became a fugitive.”

I can't say much about this book without spoiling it but if the line above intrigues you, pick this up! I went through all the emotions while reading this truly unique story.

Thanks to random House and NetGalley for the copy to review.

What the heck did I just read?! Super twisty and unexpected. Would definitely recommend to horror and thriller readers alike.

I loved the historical fiction and magical realism aspect of this book, but it left me wanting more in regards to the horror. LaValle does a great job of creating the scene and atmosphere so it is easy to get drawn into the story.

Adelaide Henry, and her enormous steamer trunk, has made her way to Montana from California1914, and ends up in Montana, as a homesteader. She left behind her dead parents and her old life behind. She is looking for a new start. She is one of the "lone women" who benefit from the government's offer to free land for those who can cultivate it. Adelaide isn't alone. She has brought the trunk with her. A trunk which must always remain locked in order to keep herself and everyone she meets safe. Everything wraps up together nicely in the end which I did like too. The descriptions were lush, vivid and set the mood of this book. There are tons of family secrets and instances of the strength of women’s bond together. LaValle is not content to have just one plot here, to have one threat overtake the others. Instead they all jostle for position and the book shifts from being one thing to another as Adelaide's circumstances change. This blended historical fiction and horror seamlessly together.

Thank You to NetGalley, the Author, and Random House Publishing Group

Good book, very different I loved the forgotten history and the diverse characters. I only wanted more of Elizabeth's story, how did she come to be abd why, what was she was she a goddess was she a monster what was she? How did she continue to survive in the new town?

This book was crazy! I didn’t know much about the author before I read it so I wasn’t expecting it to turn into a horror novel! It was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave it three stars because I didn’t like the ending, it felt a little unrealistic and turned something scary into something corny. I would love this to turn into a movie!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this copy!

Lone Women is an intriguing historical novel about a woman who becomes a homesteader in rural northern Montana after her parents are brutally murdered. The story immediately grabbed me as it's unclear what has happened and caused Adelaide to flee from her California home. Adelaide lived in a black community of farmers before fleeing to Montana, where land is offered at a discount to those willing to commit and able to successfully farm the land after several years. The story builds slowly and we're not sure who to trust in Montana. Though I was fascinated by the story, I found it a little hard to connect with the characters. I did enjoy how we see an array of familial and friendship bonds. I listened to the audiobook, which is phenomenally narrated by Joniece Abott-Pratt.

Thank you to the publishers for providing this book. All thoughts are my own.

Lone Woman had me hooked from the first chapter. I’m a big fan of the author’s book The Changeling, so I knew right from the start that Lone Woman was going to be good, too.

In the vast expanse of the American West, where blue skies meet empty land, lies a haunting secret that unfolds within the pages of "Lone Women" by Victor LaValle. Known for his award-winning novel, "The Changeling," LaValle once again captivates readers with a mesmerizing vision of early-twentieth-century America that will leave you breathless.

At the center of this tale is Adelaide Henry, a woman burdened by a locked steamer trunk that holds a chilling secret. With each opening of the trunk, people around her mysteriously vanish. Fleeing California and the devastating consequences of her secret sin, Adelaide finds herself in Montana as a homesteader, dragging the trunk with her as she seeks refuge in the promise of free land. But Adelaide soon discovers that she is not alone, and her carefully guarded secret may be the key to surviving the unforgiving territory.

LaValle's mastery of magical suspense is on full display in "Lone Women." The prose shimmers, casting a spell that transports readers to a brutal landscape where horror and sisterhood intertwine. The cast of characters, a group of adventurers grappling with their own demons, is unforgettable. Their flaws and imperfections make them relatable, forging a connection that draws you deeper into their struggles.

Although historical fiction may not typically be my genre of choice, "Lone Women" seamlessly weaves together elements of horror, thriller, women's fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy. The result is a powerful tale of feminism and survival set in early twentieth-century Montana.

Adelaide Henry is a woman like no other—unconventional, unique, and trapped by her circumstances. At the age of 31, she decides to take control of her own destiny, forever changed by the tragedy that claimed her parents' lives. Dragging her trunk, carrying her special delivery—a secret that has become her curse—Adelaide embarks on a journey that intertwines with the lives of a suspicious woman and her four blind sons.

The desperate struggle to conceal her secret, not only for her own sake but for the townspeople as well, drives the tension of the narrative. Yet, what if Adelaide is not the only one cursed in this town? What if the town itself is already corrupted by hypocrisy, inequality, and greed? As she fights to survive, she discovers she may not be the only lone woman in this battle against monsters disguised in human fur.

"Lone Women" is an exceptional read that exceeded all expectations. The plot unfolds with expert precision, delivering unexpected twists and escalating tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. LaValle's portrayal of the troubled and disturbing characters is masterful, leaving an indelible impression on readers.

I am genuinely shaken by the impact of this book. Awarding it only five stars feels inadequate. "Lone Women" is a masterpiece that demands urgent attention. I wholeheartedly and emphatically recommend it to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and enthralling reading experience.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/One World for providing me with the opportunity to read this phenomenal digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. "Lone Women" has left an indelible mark on my literary journey, and I am certain it will do the same for you.

I really enjoyed Lone Women! It was a great blend of Historical world building but with a fantastic fantasy meshed horror read. There was several moments of just seer intrigued followed by those under the breath 'what the heck' then back to 'DO NOT OPEN THE TRUNK' screaming. Adelaide was a great character start to finish.

I was also not entirely prepared for the ending - I know what I wanted to happen, and without giving away any kind of spoilers, there was some major foreshadowing that I was picking up on but I was not fully prepared for the ending. It was a perfect circle, the womanhood, sacrifice, the growth was just amazing.

What is in the trunk? Even after finding out, this was a compelling read. Horror isn't my usual pick. This novel was a surprise in a lot of ways.

4/5 stars - I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, but I ended up devouring this book. From the homesteading women in Montana and their various plights and interactions and journeys, to The Trunk and the Thing that Happened just before Adelaide began her trek from California to Montana, it all kept me intrigued. All the characters were deeply hewn and all had some flawed aspect, but I really liked them all, from Grace and her curtness, Sam and his blurts, Bernie and Fiona, and Adelaide. Even Elizabeth's short pov chapters were fascinating.

I was sucked in by the premise, but I feel like there’s something about the writing style that just didn’t connect with me. I appreciate the emotional components of the story, but because I couldn’t really stay engaged with the writing style a lot of its more impactful moments kind of landed softer than they otherwise might have.

Believe it or not, this is actually my first Victor LaValle, even though I've had The Ballad of Black Tom in my physical library for years. LONE WOMEN immediately pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let me go. It's quickly paced and has an overall ominous feeling with great jump scares. Adelaide, our main protagonist, has a hilarious inner voice that is well balanced with her overall conflict. Adelaide's burden is so symbolic of the burden of women of color, specifically Black women, to take care of business without asking for help or investigatin what ails us too closely because of the fear that it'll consume us. I also appreciated the variety of supplemental perspectives; they helped add a certain level of tension because we, as readers, end up knowing just a little bit more than Adelaide, yet LaValle still managed to find ways to keep us surprised.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This novel begins with the main character Adelaide leaving her home under suspicious circumstances. The reader soon finds out both of her parents have been killed but we’re not sure how it happened. As she travels from place to place she transports a very travel case with something living inside. The story develops and along the way she encounters many people including many strong women making their way on the own. There definitely is a mystery around the travel case, the fate of her parents, and why she seems to be running away from her life. This story was mildly interesting and the mystery didn’t really drive the story.

Recently I posted about books that combine historical fiction and fantasy in interesting ways. This book is a great addition to that list. Set in 1915, Adelaide Henry has just buried her parents on their farm in California, and she heads out to Montana to stake a claim for land in the only place she knows that will give land to a black woman. With her she lugs a mysterious steamer trunk that is always locked, and that she talks to, when no one is looking.

LaValle explores the history of the Montana frontier through the eyes of women who are struggling to make it on their own – or in some cases are surviving better on their own than with a man. He explores the treatment of black and Chinese Americans at the time. And behind this is horror. What’s in the trunk, and what happens if it breaks out? And how can Adelaide hope to hide a secret this big, even in the middle of nowhere?

I enjoyed LaValle’s cast of characters, Adelaide’s friends Grace, Sam, Bertie and Fiona, and the villains as well. But at the heart of this book, Adelaide is a fascinating, strong woman struggling to survive and do right by the people around her in the harshest environment possible. It’s a book about family, the one you’re born with and the one you make along the way. And finding a place in the world where you can be free.

Anyone who likes to read about the Wild West and the early 1900s, especially from the perspective of diverse characters, will enjoy this book. There’s a classic feeling to this horror story that reminded me of Frankenstein or Jekyll & Hyde – the kinds of stories that explore who are the real monsters, humans or their creations?

LaValle’s writing is fast-paced but thoughtful as well. It’s hard to put down and you’ll be sorry to see it end. This is a book that truly bridges genres and I think many people will enjoy it, whether you consider yourself a horror reader or not.

Note: I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from publisher Penguin Random House – One World Books and NetGalley. This book published March 28, 2023.

I adore Victor LaValle's writing and am slowly making my way through his back catalog. His writing continues to impress in Lone Women. I think what he does best is atmosphere. Our main character, Adelaide Henry, has traveled to Montana to start over on a government issued homestead. She hopes that her anonymity will help her start over and leave her sin behind her. She arrives in the fall and the book carries on into and the harsh winter month. LaValle does such a good job at making you feel cold and isolated. It really is an eerie feeling. The only thing I found lacking in this book is the consistency in the "other" or "sin" (the horror part) of this horror novel. Trying to explain without giving away a spoiler is hard, so let me just say that you are expecting, and are even told, that the horror is this one thing but it turns out to not be that by the end. The revelation made a lot of the suspense and danger from the beginning of the book feel less significant. Much like a balloon deflating. Besides that, I thought it was a very fast paced, women centric story of perseverance and self revaluation. 4/5 stars and would highly recommend.

An expert author is able to redeem the unredeemable while also showing how men and women with generous and true-loving hearts can also be unredeemable. An expert author is able to show the layers of each character life and the roles they play, and then contrast them to someone so different and find a commonality. An expert author is able to make a reader fall in love with a character with only a few tender words, without making you suspect that soon all that love will be broken. An expert author also listen to his wife and takes her advice, and Victor LaValle does all these things. This will be making a high spot in my top 10 for 2023, and I will judge anyone who refuses to give Victor LaValle's work a chance.