Member Reviews

I really am not a Thriller girlie, but I enjoyed Andrea Hannah's Where Darkness Blooms, so I thought I'd give this one a go. It's not that I disliked Where Echoes Die. I thought the writing was great and I was really drawn into the world. there was just something a little bit off for me. It's probably just because this isn't my genre, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was all going over my head just a little bit.

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The Dead and the Dark was the book that got me hooked on Courtney Gould. Since then I've had my radar up for her new releases. This was a vastly different plot from the first book I read but the writing style and atmosphere is perfectly Gould.

Remote town with secrets, two sisters who've lost their mom and a past that links both in a way you'll never guess. Heck, I didn't even see the major twist coming.

The writing style is immersive. Drawing you into the creepily desolate town of Backravel, the scene stretches into the surrounding desert and mysterious treatment center. There are no animals, no cars, no religious structures or cemeteries. Even more obscure is the weird memory loss and almost zombie like zone-outs of those we meet from this town.

Beck detours her and her sister, Riley to this place in hopes of learning more about their mom who passed. It's a slow building ride into the grief of two daughters who have not fully learned to heal from their loss. Beck is the more prominent of the two characters and she has an almost fervor to unraveling the secrets left behind. Almost to the detriment of here sister. Riley seems more solid in the present than Beck but she comes with her own flaws.

I really enjoyed how this novel takes the concept of grief, living in the past and constantly looking back and molds it into a heart felt yet cautionary tale. There is still life to live and not everything is worth getting back what was lost.

There is an almost sci-fi feeling to this. While I enjoy that genre, I did find the revelations a little hard to follow at times. It also vaguely reminded me of the movie A Cure for Wellness (loved that movie). The audiobook is narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc in her almost iconic smooth tones. She has narrated so many audiobooks I love with effortless prevision and brings that talent to this novel.

I fell more for the sisterly bonds, healing and mystery parts of this book more than anything else. The Dead and the Dark still holds the #1 spot in my faves list but I can't deny how much I enjoyed getting back into the mind of Gould. True rating 3.5/5.

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I had such a great time reading this book! I really enjoyed her first book, so I was really excited to read it. And it was well worth the time spent reading it, because it was such a great read! The synopsis was intriguing and the book fulfilled it!

The atmosphere in this book was just top notch! It was creepy and spooky, and I wanted to know what was going on with that letter in their mother's handwriting, and this town that was so strange and odd, and I just had to keep reading!

Finding out what was going on with this strange town was so intriguing, because there's a bunch of small weird things, and really odd things, and the question was if it was man-made strangeness, paranormal, supernatural, I wanted to know! Loved finding out the answers!

This was a story of grief, as well as finding out what was going on. Investigating this town took their mom away from them so often, so going there ends up helping Beck through her grieving which was really great to read.

This was such a great read, and I can't wait to read more by Courtney Gould!

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A supernatural thriller that follows two sisters on a journey to uncover the truth behind their mother's death. The characters, Beck and Riley, are well-developed enough to be relatable in their grief, but don't reach a level of standing out. The Arizona town of Backravel provides a suitably creepy and isolated setting, but its mysteries unfold at a steady, rather than suspenseful, pace. The plot, while intriguing with its sci-fi elements and small-town secrets, lacked a surprising edge for me, personally. Overall, this is a "fine" read for those who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a dash of the unknown.

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There was so much about this book that could have been good, but in the end I just didn't like it. I found Beck, the main character, unlikable and uncaring of other people's needs. The whole thing starts with her lying to her family to find a small town in Arizona to find out more about her mom's death. She continues to lie throughout the entire book. There is a bit of romance, but it is underwhelming and leaves a lot to be desired. By the end of the book I was confused and had more questions than answers.

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While I didn't love as much as the author's debut, still thought it was a gripping story with shocking twists and I wasn't sure who was going to make it out alive.

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Not the type of book I'd typically pick up and read on my own, however, I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this!

This story is one that'll have you constantly on the edge of your seat, waiting and anticipating what is going to happen next! It was such a page turner and so intriguing.

Definitely a story you won't regret reading, nothing like I've read before. This book really took me out of my typical book comfort zone and now I plan to expand my horizons and venture around in stories similar to this one!

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Just finished "Where Echoes Die" by Courtney Gould, and it’s a haunting, atmospheric read that’s perfect for fans of eerie small-town mysteries.

While I found the plot a bit slow at times, the emotional depth and exploration of grief, first love, and family bonds kept me hooked. If you enjoy stories with a blend of mystery and emotion, this one’s for you! 🌟

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This was a suspenseful eerie read and I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it kept me engaged and I couldn’t put it down until I figured out what was going on. I definitely plan to read more from this author.

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In Courtney Gould's "Where Echoes Die," 17-year-old Beck Birsching, thrust into a parental role after her mother's death, delves into her family's past and uncovers mysteries in the enigmatic town of Backravel. With her sister Riley falling ill and strange happenings surrounding their mother's fixation on the town, Beck navigates a complex web of secrets and intrigue. The atmospheric narrative, reminiscent of "A Wrinkle in Time's" Camazotz, immerses readers in a tale of discovery and healing, offering a creative exploration of loss and the unknown.

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An engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed! Will absolutely read everything Courtney Gould writes. Highly recommend and will purchase several physical and digital copies for library collections. Thank you!!

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Courtney Gould delivers once again.

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Wow, Where Echoes Die by Courtney Gould really messed with me in the best way. Beck and her sister head to this creepy Arizona town, and let's just say things get weird fast. It's suspenseful, spooky, and totally unputdownable. I might have guessed a few things, but the surprises were worth it. If you're down for a YA thriller with some supernatural chills, definitely check this out. And grab some tissues – the feels are real, especially when it comes to the sisters' bond.

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This book latched onto me and didn't let go until the last page. It's spooky and thought-provoking, and I loved the themes of sisterhood and being willing to do anything for your family.

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Not as hooking as Gould’s first novel, but I know there will be kids who are interesting in a haunted town.

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I couldn't get into this. I felt like it was up my alley, but I felt my mind drifting and not wanting to read. It might be my own personal reading slump.

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I got a physical and e-ARC of this book which is fantastic for because I loved The Dead and the Dark and this did not disappoint! Lesbians and mysteries go hand and hand and this book gives you both! I especially enjoyed the setting, which Courtney does so well, and the voice! Themes of family, grief, and secrets make this a deep and interesting read. 10/10, would recommend :)

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This book was alright. I preferred the author's previous book over this one, but that could also be because grief horror isn't my thing and neither is the trope that this book utilizes. I would still recommend this to the teens who come to the library.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my honest review.

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Super slow start to this book. I was hoping the second half would ramp up and be full of action and twists and turns. That never really happened. I’m still not even sure what the conclusion was and the plot. Kind of wish I would’ve DNF’d.

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"Where Echoes Die" by Courtney Gould delivers a chilling and captivating narrative, masterfully weaving suspense with the supernatural. Gould's eloquent prose and expert pacing keep the pages turning, while the intricate plot and well-developed characters invite readers into a hauntingly immersive world. 5 stars

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