When I first downloaded this book, I had no idea how invested I would become with the characters and the plot. Johanna and the imagery she used throughout this book not only tell a story, but place the reader in the story as well. I highly enjoyed reading about the relationship that formed between Ruth and Roos.
Roos grew up dealing with things a child should never have to go through, and happened to meet and be comforted by Ruth. Throughout the story, you come to love and care for Ruth and how protective she is of Roos despite not being human herself. The lengths she’d go to just to keep Roos safe, and the romance that blossoms between them progresses deeper into the story. I found myself going back and forth between being on Ruth’s side or despising her. Overall, this was very well written and I found myself unable to stop reading. I don’t want to spoil the book or give up too much of the plot. I am extremely lucky to have been able to read this before it came out! If you want a dark and twisted love story, you’ve come to the right place.

Slow burn. A book that made me uncomfortable but also a book that I love. This book is worth a read. Thank you Netgalley

A beautifully dark debut!

From a young age, Roos and Mama have been performing seances, rigged to give unwitting customers what they desire, speaking once again to their deceased loved ones. While these are falsehoods, Roos does have a spirit who has latched onto her. Ruth is a long dead girl and the two have a somewhat symbiotic relationship, finding comfort and companionship in one another.

A widow named Agnes Knoop attends a seance and soon requests for Roos to come and live with her in the estate left to her by her late husband. The attraction between Roos and Agnes is quickly evident, and the two seem to have a lot in common. But, a brutal death occurs in the house and Roos is blamed.

Told between transcripts between Roos and her psychologist, and the story that has happened, how Roos unfolds it, not sparing a single detail, we learn of Roos’s life, her hardships, and her time with Agnes. In order to see if she can stand trial, Dr. Montague seeks clues and answers to the question of Roos’s sanity.

This was a dark and intelligent read. I find that horror can be so subjective to an individual, with people not always finding fear in the same books dubbed as horror. This one is truly enthralling, with great visual and psychological horror intertwined. I suggest if blood is something that makes you squeamish, this might not be the book for you, as it talks a lot about it, as it is an integral part of the story.

"My Darling Dreadful Thing" by Johanna van Veen is a mesmerizing and atmospheric novel that blends elements of horror, the supernatural, and LGBTQ+ romance into a compelling and chilling narrative.

The story revolves around Roos Beckman, a young woman with a unique ability—she can see and communicate with spirits. Her closest companion among the spirits is Ruth, a mysterious and corpse-like figure from centuries past. Roos' life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Agnes Knoop, a wealthy widow who becomes captivated by Roos and her abilities. This chance encounter leads Roos to Agnes's decaying estate, a place filled with eerie occurrences and a dark, foreboding atmosphere.

Van Veen excels at creating a palpable sense of dread and mystery throughout the narrative. The eerie and unsettling events that unfold at the estate are described with vivid detail, immersing the reader in a haunting and macabre world. The author's prose is beautifully crafted, enhancing the gothic atmosphere of the story.

The central romance between Roos and Agnes is a poignant and heartwarming element of the novel. Their connection is palpable, and their growing feelings for each other are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The complexities of their relationship, set against the backdrop of the supernatural occurrences, add layers of intrigue and emotion to the story.

The character development in the novel is noteworthy. Roos is a compelling protagonist, and her journey from a lonely, misunderstood young woman to a determined and resourceful investigator is captivating to follow. Agnes, with her wealth and privilege, undergoes her own transformation as she becomes entangled in the mysteries of her estate.

The murder mystery that unfolds in the latter part of the book adds a gripping layer of suspense to the narrative. As Roos becomes a prime suspect, the stakes are raised, and the reader is drawn deeper into the web of secrets and lies surrounding the estate.

One of the standout features of the novel is the exploration of the supernatural and the spirit world. The presence of spirits, particularly Ruth, adds an otherworldly and haunting dimension to the story. The interplay between the living and the dead is skillfully woven into the plot, creating an atmosphere of both beauty and horror.

"My Darling Dreadful Thing" is a novel that defies easy categorization. It is part historical fiction, part gothic romance, and part supernatural thriller. It seamlessly blends these elements to create a unique and engrossing reading experience.

In conclusion, Johanna van Veen's "My Darling Dreadful Thing" is a beautifully written and haunting tale that will appeal to readers who appreciate atmospheric horror, intricate character relationships, and a touch of the supernatural. It is a story of love, mystery, and the blurred boundaries between the living and the dead, making it a must-read for fans of gothic fiction.

A gothic read that felt very atmospheric. I loved the story and the original characters. Overall, a perfect ghost story for the fall season.