If you enjoy paranormal horror, then I would recommend trying this book. I do not typically read horror but I will read anything written by Kelley Armstrong because I am a big fan. I love isolated closed circle mysteries so I when I read that the characters were stranded on an island in the middle of Lake Superior, I had to give it a try. Unfortunately, even she cannot make me enjoy horror. I like her writing style and characters so I was drawn into the story and finished it in a day. I enjoyed the horror feeling just not the descriptions. I also didn't pay attention to the paranormal tag so I kept waiting for a regular explanation which left me not enjoying the ending either. Unfortunately, I am just the wrong reader for this story.

I went into this one blind but was quickly into the story. I appreciated the plot in the opening pages and expected some weather event to trap the group of characters on the island so that dark and mysterious things could happen. I wasn’t disappointed by this unfolding as expected. The story also includes a strong supernatural element that did ultimately add an interesting twist, although felt somewhat contrived as I was reading.
My main negative take about this book is the repetitive nature of the story-telling. I found myself frustrated by the way this repetition slowed down the story for no clear purpose. I didn’t find it enhanced the tension and suspense. It wasn’t needed from a storyline or plot perspective. It felt as though the story was being told to an audience who might forget the key points before the next big discovery occurred so that a synopsis was needed. That might be helpful in the next installment of a series but not so much in what should be a fast-paced mystery/thriller/horror. There were also repetitions in phrases or words that together with the above comment felt like the novel lacked any serious editing. This absolutely lowered my enjoyment of the story.
#HemlockIsland #NetGalley #StMartinsPress

"Hemlock Island" by Kelley Armstrong is a captivating and suspenseful novel that masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural fantasy. The story follows the main character, Martha, as she returns to the isolated Hemlock Island, where she spent her childhood, to claim her inheritance. However, she soon discovers that the island is home to a dark history, ancient legends, and sinister secrets.

Armstrong's writing is engaging, and her vivid descriptions of the island's eerie landscape and atmospheric conditions transport the reader to the heart of the story. The characters are well-developed and complex, with intriguing backstories that add depth to the narrative. The plot is expertly crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

One of the standout aspects of "Hemlock Island" is its exploration of themes such as family, loyalty, and the power of the past to shape the present. Armstrong skillfully examines the complexities of these themes through the lens of the island's tight-knit community, where secrets and lies are often hidden beneath a veil of camaraderie.

The supernatural elements of the novel are seamlessly integrated, adding an unsettling and unnerving layer to the story. The ancient legends and myths woven throughout the narrative create an aura of mystery and otherworldliness, keeping the reader on edge.
I recommend Hemlock Island to fans of mystery, thriller, and supernatural fiction. With its well-crafted characters, masterful plot, and exploration of complex themes, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a suspenseful and engaging story that will keep them up late turning pages until the very end.

This book caused me a lot of anxiety. Maybe it was the thought of being somewhere off the grid, with no cell phones or social media. Or the plot arc of being trapped on an island with a killer, with no way to escape. Whatever the case, it created some vivid fears that I didn't have before reading this book. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing when you are reading a murder mystery. There were a lot of great twists and turns, and many a creepy moment provided within this novel's pages. So if you are looking for something to read that will give you chills and take you away from your life, this is a good bet. You just might have to deal with book PTSD afterward. I give this book a solid 4/5 stars.

Interesting blend of supernatural and “real” threats in this story. I would recommend this for people who enjoy a blend of both. The setting was the standout element for me. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a copy.

I did not expect this book to take the horror turn that it took. Starting out, it read as more of a thriller, so when the fantastical elements sprung up I was taken aback and yet totally here for them. I had a little trouble connecting with the characters--meaning I was pretty ambiguous on their fates--but that's pretty normal for quick horror reads. I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the setting--I'm always entertained by isolated settings where characters are trapped with a killer. It wrapped a little too nicely by the end to be the horror I live for, but it was an entertaining and enjoyable read nonetheless. I definitely wasn't mad at it. 3.5 stars.

I'll be honest, this genre of book doesn't often work for me so I went into this one hesitantly. It didn't take long for me to become hooked and each chapter left me wanting more. While there were some repetitious parts, I found I read this book quickly and overall enjoyed it. I found it to be a well-done horror story reminiscent of some of my favorite horror movies from my youth. For fans of this genre, I recommend this book.

I've read a couple of books by Kelley Armstrong but nothing like this! A private island in Lake Superior sounds like a tranquil summer home but I couldn't be more wrong. I wish Armstrong didn't throw so many extra themes in though. It was just one too many? Pedophile, rape, LGBTQ, racism, environment on top of blood and gore.

Laney Kilpatrick owns Hemlock Island which is a marriage gift from her tech CEO ex, Kit Hayes. The Hemlock House is a custom-built sleek and minimalist Scandinavian-style home on a five-acre off-the-grid isolated island. She can't maintain it on her school teacher's salary and is forced to rent it out.

A couple that is renting the house called one day to report blood and scratches in one of the bedroom's closets. There were also other disturbances known prior so Laney and her niece, Madison had to go take a look.

Also heading to the island uninvited are Laney's ex-husband and his sister. A former bestie Sadie and her cop brother, Garrett. They all are childhood friends of sorts. Sounds like a party?

All I'm going to say is this one mean island! Imagine being trapped with no way to contact the outside except for a little boat. Very good ingredients for a locked-room thriller with supernatural elements. I don't normally read gory types of horror but the storytelling pulled me in from the beginning. There are a lot of secrets that will slowly come to light. Fun stuff but I can understand why other reviewers compared this book to a B-rate horror movie. 🫣 3.5⭐

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the DRC.

I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. The downfall was that I requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before the book was archived. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!

I don't know why I have been waiting so long to read a book by Kelley Armstrong, but Hemlock Island was quite the one to start with! I listened to it on audio and literally could not stop once I started and listened to it all in one sitting - and my headphones didn't even die! The atmosphere of the story was fantastic, and things just got creepier and creepier as the book went on. I can definitely say I was completely lost in the world Armstrong created, and I was incredibly glad that I wasn't on that island with the characters! There is a touch of humor as well as interactions among the characters that don't have anything to do with the horrors they are facing, and it was nice to have the added storyline on top of the gore and general eeriness.

The audiobook is fantastic, and I highly recommend that as the best way to enjoy this book. Angela Dawe was an amazing narrator for the audio, and I don't know if there is anyone else who could have made it come alive quite the way she did. I got my physical copy in a subscription box that also included a QR code for one part, and it made the book even creepier if that is even possible, though this has nothing to do with the audiobook itself. This book ends up getting super wild, and I definitely didn't expect the way things were going to go. Personally, I think that Armstrong's first foray into full-length horror was an enormous success, and I loved every minute of this read gore and all.

Kelley Armstrong’s stand-alone dives into the horror genre with Hemlock Island as she creates a thrilling and unique paranormal experience. It’s a page-turning, spine-chilling, bizarre adventure on an isolated island where odd and sinister things happen. The island becomes something more than a character; this is not your typical horror novel. Armstrong plays with familiar tropes—the isolated setting, the stranded characters, the looming storm—but she spins them into something new, avoiding the standard locked-room scenario.

The characters of Hemlock Island don't fit the typical horror mold, and these characters are not necessarily the ones you find yourself rooting for. However, the story’s surprising and gripping villain motivations anchor the book's suspense.

Armstrong weaves in various themes and elements like a wilderness adventure, supernatural occurrences, environmental activism, teenage turmoil, feminism, and LGBTQ representation with a nod to #MeToo feminism. It feels overly ambitious, and she misses the mark with some things.

Despite its shortcomings, I thought Hemlock Island was thrilling and kept me turning the pages. It offered an intense experience that didn’t demand much introspection while providing twists and a meaningful villainous drive.

Horror follows horror on an isolated private island on Lake Superior.

High school English teacher's pandemic divorce left her with an island home that she rents out to afford its upkeep.

After renters report blood in a bedroom closet and scratches inside its door, Laney and her niece Madison head to the island to solve the mystery.

They're joined there by Laney's ex, Kit, and his sister Jayla. Two other estranged friends show up - and the horrors escalate as they're trapped on the island with a killer.

What an... odd read. The tone of the prologue does not match the overall tone of the book and the pacing was off (not to mention there were a few scenes obviously attempting foreshadowing but not done well enough - the end of the scenes left me feeling empty and like I missed something). The first half feels very different than the second half and had they been two separate stories I think I would have enjoyed it more.

Thank you to the publisher #partner & @netgalley for gifting me an e-ARC & audiobook!

Laney procured Hemlock House located on Hemlock Island from her ex-husband following their amicable divorce. But with a teacher’s salary and having to take care of her niece, Madison, as the legal guardian, Laney decides to rent out the vacation island.

Soon however, Laney gets multiple complaints from tenants that strange ritualistic-type of things are happening, driving tenants away. Laney then decides to investigate the matter tagging Madison, a decision she eventually deeply regrets bringing her in the island. She also gets help from her ex-husband and a few friends. Together they discover that they are stranded on the island with no easy way out and that they’re not the sole inhabitants of the island. The island has a lot of history and a mission of its own.

I enjoyed the book. It was a slow burn but with a constant, underlying sinister plot so it had me turning the pages to find out what the heck was going on in this island. There were plenty of creepy events and downright gore as well. If you love locked island mysteries with some supernatural events and mangled body parts to boot, this is the book for you.

Kelley Armstrong has skyrocketed to the top of my favorite authors list! Her writing style is so eloquent the chapters just fly by. I read "Hemlock Island" in 2-days and I could not believe how much I felt I was right there with them in this thriller/mystery (Trying to not give too much away here!).

The main character (Laney) is very solid character, easily relatable too. Her inner turmoil with trying to be reasonable in unknown circumstances is relatable to anyone, just maybe under different circumstances than a stranded section of Lake Superior. 😊

Continual mayhem in this modern day thriller…………

Ugh, I was really looking forward to Kelley Armstrong's Hemlock Island, but it was a major disappointment. The story dragged on and on, and I never really connected with any of the characters. I was hoping for some spooky thrills, but the supernatural elements were just kind of lame. Overall, I would definitely skip this one.

Rating: 2/5 stars

Hemlock island took me completely by surprise! I was not expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did. It’s a quick paced, action packed ride of twists that I genuinely didn’t see coming!

This book was so good! I had no idea what was happening when I went in. I just knew I liked the cover. It was mysterious and atmospheric and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Really you think you know it’s happening, but you really don’t I recommend this to all thriller mystery lovers

started out strong with an interesting locked-cabin setting, but i felt like there just wasn’t enough going on in the story to keep the reader engaged

Solid horror novel! Kelley Armstrong hit this one out of the park!
Laney has a house on a remote unreachable island in Lake Superior. It's her holy place. But since she was divorced, she had to rent it out. She is notified of some strange occurrences on Hemlock Island, so she goes to investigate. Spooky, gory and a bit horrific. This novel had all the darkness that I needed for my spooky read season.
Everything came together at the end and it was a perfect Fall read. I can't wait to read Armstrong's next horror book! 4.5 stars.