this whole book is a gaslighting metaphor, but i wasn’t expecting the main character to be gaslighting herself the entirety of this book! i really enjoyed this aspect.

i would have liked to see a bit more of pru and gideons exchanges prior to her figuring out he was her secret admirer, or at least some development that explains why pru was so eager to jump head first into a relationship with a man her sister (and late father) warned her against.

tempe constantly makes bad decisions and while this can be quite aggravating, i live a flawed character. that said, i felt like i knew where each bad decision would lead instead of being on the edge of my seat with worry.

the atmosphere of this book was brilliant. each night the town is overcome by a dense fog that seems alive. it embeds fear in the towns folk and it's been blamed for several disappearances and deaths in the area, including tempes father who is said to have gone mad from the fog and as a result dies by suicide. while i foresaw the truth of this, i thoroughly enjoyed the journey of tempe coming the realisation.

There are elements of this story that I absolutely fell in love with. It's very creepy and atmospheric, and for those elements I would recommend this. There was a nice twist but overall, the story was a mix between a slow burn and a drag. There was some repetitiveness in the action, dialogue, and monologue that took me out of the story. It’s not a very long story but I feel like it could have been shorter for the sake of pacing.

It's a three star for me but I'm going to round it up because I feel like it deserves four star, it's a pretty good book and I don't want to deter anyone from reading it.

I simply LOVE this book. An atmospheric, haunting tale of one woman's fight to have her voice heard and protect what she loves in the face of truly chilling evil forces. Spooky as it is, I adore the setting of historic Warbler and wish I could just sink into it forever (maybe without the threat of missing women, though). This is a must read !

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

CWs/TWs: Sexual Assault, Suicide, Depression, Mental Illness, Adult/Minor Relationship, Pedophilia, Misogyny, Sexual Harassment, Sexism

I really wanted to like this book but i felt that the characters were dull and i was unable to get into the plot.

the cover was absolutely lovely, but the way that abuse and assault were dealt with and mentioned bade it really hard to continue reading.

I absolutely loved the vibes of this book!
But I have to say that it took me a while to get into it. I dropped it once cause it was a bit slow, but then after a few months I managed to get into it and enjoy the reading.
The writing is okay, nothing crazy, but good enough to keep me entertained.
Maybe the book could've been a bit shorter, cause I feel like the protagonist just kept going on and on about the same things, same thoughts and feelings.
I do like the mystery of the plot, it was the main reason I kept reading.
Overall I think it was an okay book, I kinda enjoyed, kinda got tired of it.

The author did a great job creating the creepy feel of this Victorian seaside town. It definitely creating an unsettled feeling. I struggled to keep reading, but I was invested in learning what was behind everything. Unfortunately the payoff was, for me, not worth sticking with the book. I was hoping for something less supernatural.

The Lamplighter is a spooky YA historical fiction horror novel about a New England village that is famous for their unearthly realistic figureheads. They also have a nightly mist where people sometimes disappear. Temperance is a lamplighter who helps to provide light so people don't get lost in the mist. When Temperance's younger sister receives a marriage proposal from the enigmatic figurehead maker and more girls get lost in the mist, she starts to investigate what may be lurking behind the town's quaint façade.

First off, very cool premise! I also loved that this is a historical fiction novel set in a small New England whaling town. I always love when horror and historical fiction are brought together, and thought it was cool that this is also a YA novel.

This book is way more graphic, violent, and just generally firmly in the horror genre than I expected for a YA novel. And I'm really happy about that! Young people are often really into horror and I'm glad to see a real horror novel written for teenagers. However... it was too graphic for me. I'm definitely more of a thriller than real horror person and I don't like vivid depictions of death, violence, etc. This book definitely had it! If that's your cup of tea, you won't be disappointed. If you're more on the edge of a horror interest like I am, some scenes will haunt you forever.

HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD

Okay, I had two problems with this book, and they're big spoilers. First, the ending! I was not expecting everything to not wrap up. It is very dark and ends on a bleak note. If it doesn't have a sequel, which it doesn't seem that it will, it's pretty dark. I don't necessarily mind this if it ends in a satisfying way, but I was kind of thrown by how dark it was and how everything just seemed kind of dropped.

Next, the depiction of suicide. It is a HUGE problem for me when a book has a character who dies by suicide (in this case Temperance's father) and the twist is that they were murdered and didn't die by suicide. My issue with this is that we saw a character describe real grief from a loved one's suicide and grapple with real things like guilt, feeling betrayed, unloved, abandoned, confused, etc. And then it's revealed that the person didn't actually want to die and was actually murdered. I understand why this is often a twist in fiction, but it bothers me so much that we witness all of the emotional struggle that real people feel when a loved one dies by suicide and then have all of the character growth yanked away when the twist happens.

I had a pretty good time with this book, although it was generally a bit too graphic for me! I recommend if you're in the mood for something spooky and don't mind reading about violence. 3 stars. Thank you to North Star Editions and NetGalley for the eARC of this book, my thoughts are my own!

CW: Description of a body from a suicide on the first page, suicide of a parent, detailed descriptions of dead bodies, physical violence, sexual assault

"**Lamplighter**" by Crystal J. Bell is a captivating and imaginative fantasy novel that skillfully combines magic with a richly detailed world. Bell’s vivid descriptions and engaging plot create an immersive reading experience full of intrigue and wonder. The well-developed characters and compelling storyline make it a standout in the genre.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange of my honest review.

A slow burn spooky historical fiction set in the nineteenth-century whaling village of Warbler.

It’s as if the fog itself is a character.

“Fog, a living, breathing creature in the dying light of the setting sun, will soon roll out of the woods, creep down the streets, pour onto the wharf, and smother Warbler Seaport entirely. Buildings, ships, and streets will become mere suggestions. And the villagers themselves? Wraiths forever adrift in the murk.”

I didn’t see the twist at the end. I recommend to those who love spooky atmosphere.

This book was a beautiful read, capturing my attention with its elegant prose and intriguing plot.

The author skillfully weaves a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
While there were certain parts that didn't entirely resonate with me, they did not detract from the overall experience. I found the story to be compelling and would still highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted novel that brings in fresh air!

Thank you for the ARC!

I was on the edge of my seat reading this book, I loved every minute of it, the characters were well constructed and the over all storyline was really well paced

This book was a very slow burn and cozy read. It’s very well paced and enough moments for you to doubt what you know and who you can trust. So engaging!

I was a bit disappointed, but overall I liked it and would recommend it

this was a quick atmospheric read that you could easily finish in one-to-two sittings.

this would be a good book to read if you're just starting to dip your toes into horror books. instead of being super dark and creepy the whole time, you are also getting commentary on relationships, social status, and female empowerment.

read this one if you like slower paced, atmospheric books!

3.5/5

In Crystal J. Bell's atmospheric debut novel *The Lamplighter*, the quaint whaling village of Warbler becomes a haunting backdrop where mystery and darkness intertwine with themes of courage and identity.

Set in the nineteenth-century, Warbler is renowned for its lucky ship figureheads yet shrouded in an eerie fog that conceals more than it reveals. When Temperance's father, the town's lamplighter, is found dead, she reluctantly steps into his shoes to ensure the safety of the village. Despite proving her competence, Tempe faces resistance from a skeptical community unwilling to accept a woman in such a vital role.

As Tempe grapples with her new responsibilities, the village is plagued by a series of disappearances coinciding with the extinguishing of lamplights. Desperate to protect her family and uncover the truth, Tempe navigates treacherous waters where superstition and secrets abound. Her journey is fraught with challenges as she unravels unsettling truths about Warbler's figureheads and confronts the shadows lurking within her own family history.

Bell adeptly weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, drawing readers into Tempe's world of uncertainty and fear. The author's vivid prose paints a vivid picture of Warbler's mist-covered streets and its inhabitants, adding depth to the atmospheric setting that mirrors Tempe's internal struggles.

At its core, *The Lamplighter* is a story of resilience and defiance against societal norms. Tempe emerges as a resilient protagonist, determined to uncover the village's dark secrets even as she faces opposition from those entrusted with protecting Warbler's traditions. Her journey of self-discovery is poignant, highlighting themes of gender roles, familial duty, and the power of speaking truth to power.

The novel's pacing is well-crafted, maintaining tension throughout as the mystery deepens and Tempe races against time to prevent further tragedies. Bell's skillful characterization brings a diverse cast to life, each contributing to the intricate web of intrigue and suspicion that surrounds Warbler.

In conclusion, *The Lamplighter* is a captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery, marked by its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and a narrative that grips from start to finish. Crystal J. Bell's debut promises an immersive reading experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next literary offering.

*The Lamplighter* by Crystal J. Bell shines as a haunting and evocative tale of courage and perseverance in the face of darkness, offering readers a glimpse into a world where shadows conceal secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of a small village's existence.

A beautifully written tale that follows Tempe, a protagonist that I truly LOVED! While this book is not super fast paced, I loved the story through and through and enjoyed the details and journey that Tempe went on. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

Content warning: sexual assault (on page), suicide (on and off page), sexual harassment, death of parent, mental illness, drowning, murder, strangulation, death by fire, arson, body horror, gaslighting, abduction, child endangerment, abuse of power, large age gap in a relationship, misogyny, exploitation

Let's talk about the positives first: the cover art is gorgeous and draws you in. I loved that Bell was inspired by the maritime history of Mystic, Connecticut (and the surrounding area) to create Warbler, CT. I really enjoyed the metaphor of the lamplighter being the person keeping the town safe from the dangers found in the dark. The role the ship figureheads play within the plot was perfect too. Bell does a solid job of establishing the atmosphere of the town.

However... Tempe is a really frustrating protagonist. I spent most of the first 60% of this novel screaming at her about what was going on because it was so obvious. Gothic novels work because the female protagonist is typically naive and sheltered when they encounter whatever danger they need to survive/beat. But Tempe is neither. She was forced to assume the role of head of household, taking on a "man's" job to keep her family fed and a roof over their heads when she was a teen after her father's apparent suicide. Her stumbling attempts to thwart the threat are exhausting. There are a few points where Tempe is shocked by the facts she finds out which felt utterly unbelievable that she wasn't aware already (especially when they came down to the roles women play in society and who can own what given what she's spent years fighting for).

The "bad guy" is a bit lackluster, I really wanted Bell to lean more into the folklore of the town and that's never explored... nor do readers ever get a real answer on what the danger is, where it came from, what it's end goal is. Tempe's big moment where she thinks she won was such a red herring that it came with it's own flashing lights... same with the aftermath. It wasn't suspenseful because OF COURSE the evil wasn't defeated by that act. Bell also does Josiah dirty solely to move the plot along.

I really didn't like how Bell handled sexual assault in this novel... especially with this being supposedly targeted for teen readers (I also feel like this is much more of a book for adults who read YA than one for teens). This book has a lot of heavy themes in it and given how they are handled, I'm not sure if I would readily put this title into the hands of teen readers. I definitely wouldn't do so without discussing the content warnings.

The climax and the epilogue felt rushed and not cohesive with the rest of the novel. For a book that continues to rehash the theme of the patriarchy and early feminism, constantly mentioning how Tempe has to fight to be accepted as the town's lamplighter, the ending just feels like giving up and letting the patriarchy win with no good reasoning for it. The last sentence of the epilogue hints at something else, but readers aren't given enough to truly know if it would change the plot or not.

Overall The Lamplighter has a great concept and does well with welcoming readers into the fog soaked world of Warbler, but the characters and the plot were a big miss for me.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, North Star Editions, and Flux in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Sexual Assault, Suicide

The premise of this work sounded quite promising, and the work started strongly. The descriptions of the fog and its eeriness set the tone and made for a solid atmosphere, as well as the grief that hung over Tempe and her family.

Unfortunately, there were several things that didn’t work for me. The writing in many places made the characters sound and feel modern, including their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. The setting was stated as being in America in the nineteenth century, but it never really came through that way in the writing. But the way the setting was described and used didn’t feel like America during this time, and it made me wish the author had just made a fictional location rather than trying to set it in the U.S. and mentioning real things like Jane Austen.

At just before 15 percent through the book, I was able to guess exactly what was happening based on hints heavily dropped during those first few chapters. This really took away my enjoyment of the book as I had nothing to keep me guessing or hooked. The characters were flat and missing important development, and it was difficult to sympathize with the protagonist. She spent most of the book being frustrated that no one would listen to her, but she never bothered to try explaining where she was coming from, instead just saying, “Don’t trust him! Because I said!”

The author also tried to include many weighty topics (mostly relating to misogyny, feminism, and suicide) that when handled right can add much to the characters and the book as a whole. But these elements were only included in a surface-level way that led to an unsatisfying experience.

I honestly can’t recommend this one at all (though the cover is lovely). My thanks to NetGalley and Flux for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Bell starts out on solid footing, giving us a clear picture of the world of Warbler and Tempe's precarious position. We quickly get the sense that something wrong and potentially evil is afoot which hooks the reader well. What follows is less nail-biting that we might hope as the threat is revealed to be less immediate and physical than it is existential. There is eventually a physical threat that is revealed in a moment that isn't shocking so much as it is the payoff of the slow build of unease and the sense of wrongness. With a final turn that is startling but satisfying, The Lamplighter is a read worth working through the ponderous first half.

Excellent writing and the story has a smooth style to it. I enjoyed the character development. I have found a new author that I will want to keep an eye on.

Thank you #NetGalley for sharing #TheLamplighter with me!

I really wanted to like this book. The cover design is phenomenal and the first few chapters are lush with descriptions of this whaling town. Personally, I found the pacing to be unbearably slow, especially considering that the end of the book what I guessed was happening from the villain's first introduction. I was hopeful that there would be a deeper twist or a red herring, but alas, it's exactly what it says on the tin.

Regrettably, 3 out of 5 stars