Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a fantastic thriller! I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. The storyline is told from multiple POVs and really kept the story moving along. The characters were well done and the house was a character in itself. Highly recommend

Thank you Canelo for the ARC in exchange for the review. I loved her first book. It was so well-researched and had an ambiguous that made you question everything. 5 stars for a DNF as I cannot comment on the overall quality of this book.

Told from three POVs, in both the past and the present, this story solves multiple mysteries. There is a bit of historical fiction in the book as well, and the house itself seems to be a character of its own. I really liked triangulating the truth from all three narrators as this kept me very interested in the plot. I think I'm in the minority here in that I really enjoyed this.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read and advanced copy of this book by earc. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

This book was everything I hoped it would it be.
I was hooked quickly and completely unwilling to put this down. I devoured this book in just one sitting. I have no regrets and can’t wait to read more by this author.

Book Review: Directions for Dark Things by Stephanie Sowden

4/5 Stars

At The Lloyd Estate, where something peculiar lurks within its vast grounds, we are introduced to Audrey Lloyd, the enigmatic owner with a deep connection to the suffocating darkness that shrouds the mansion. When ambitious broker Terri Nicholls steps into the picture, a series of events is set into motion, intertwining the fates of those who dare to uncover the secrets hidden within the estate.

At first, I found myself slightly hesitant to fully immerse myself in the narrative due to the unique writing style that sets this book apart from others I've read. However, as I continued reading, I was drawn into the web of suspense meticulously crafted by Sowden. The pacing of the story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to unravel the mysteries that unfolded with each chapter.

One aspect that truly stood out to me was the well-developed characters that populate this tale. From the cantankerous Audrey Lloyd to the seasoned Detective Don Vernon, each character brought a layer of complexity and depth to the story, making their interactions all the more engaging and thought-provoking.

Moreover, I cannot overlook the captivating cover that initially caught my eye and piqued my interest in this book. It perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic and dark atmosphere that permeates throughout the story, setting the tone for the thrilling journey that awaits within its pages.

In conclusion, Directions for Dark Things is a captivating read that seamlessly blends suspense, mystery, and well-crafted storytelling. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and immersive literary experience. Stephanie Sowden's masterful narrative keeps readers hooked until the very end, making it a truly enjoyable and memorable read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Dark Deeds…?
What dark deeds are occurring at the Lloyd Estate? That huge property must hold some secrets- but are they nefarious? There is certainly a darkness about it all. When the owner, a rather dubious lady, decides to sell - one ambitious broker is to take the bait. Tension fuelled suspense with a deftly drawn cast and a plot, laced with historical detail, with an underlying vein of menace and where the house itself becomes the main character in the narrative.

Told from three POVs, in both the past and the present, this story solves multiple mysteries. There is a bit of historical fiction in the book as well, and the house itself seems to be a character of its own. I really liked triangulating the truth from all three narrators as this kept me very interested in the plot, however the ending fell flat for me. I had to reread the end because I thought for sure I had missed something.

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this ARC. I love when a story’s setting is a character on its own. The house itself makes me want to know more! Set between two timelines, we learn about a family living in the Hollywood Hills and a real estate agent who wants to land the deal of a lifetime. The only issue is the eccentric owner wants her to spend the week at the house. Each day we learn more and more about the current owners controversial past and the real estate agents present secrets.

I wish we could have learned more about the house and the secrets it kept, but this was a really solid read!

After Everything You Did made me fall in love with @stephsowden’s writing and Directions For Dark Things sealed her books as must reads! Stephanie has a gift for creating complex characters with dark personalities that you still end up feeling compassion for.

In Directions For Dark Things, the story is told from multiple POVs and dual timelines. The setting is Los Angeles, more specifically the Lloyd Estate in the Hollywood hills. This house was built by famed Hollywood producer, Albert Lloyd and his recluse and eccentric daughter, Audrey, now lives there alone. The storyline is part historical fiction, part murder mystery, and part police procedural. It comes together to create a gripping thriller that had me reading past my bedtime! I obviously loved both of these books and highly recommend them!

Thank you @canelo_co for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.

(This same review was provided on the Barnes & Noble website)

This tale, set against the backdrop of an aging heiress residing alone in the Hollywood Hills and a determined real estate agent seeking a way to assist her less-than-likable boyfriend, gripped my attention from start to finish. The dual timeline narrative skillfully unveils Audrey's story, delving into the tragic and dysfunctional history of her family during the early golden age of pre-WW2 moviemaking.

Sowden intricately weaves the plot around a fascinating and perhaps lesser-known historical event – a fascist plot to seize control of the film industry and facilitate a German invasion of California. This historical backdrop adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, creating a twisty and engaging storyline.

The well-paced plot, evocative atmosphere, and the compelling character of Audrey made this a truly captivating read. The intricate details of Hollywood's past, coupled with the suspenseful dual timeline structure, contribute to the overall allure of the story, making it a rich and immersive experience for readers.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Unfortunately the writing here really didn’t work for me and that made it hard to connect or engage with the story. The Catriona Ward comparison hurt, too, because I started with such high expectations that I was likely going to be disappointed.

This was an enjoyable, dark and fairly creepy book, if I had one criticism and it is only small, it would be that it could have gone darker.

I was a bit disappointed. I went into thinking it'd be this creepy, mysterious, dark story about this mansion but it felt more just like an abandoned house. It didn't feel terribly dark or creepy and some points jump waaaay back into historical fiction which is not my jam. At all. In saying that, that's my expectations and not due to the book itsself. It was well written, the characters are a bit unlikeable but I'm assuming that was by design. The plot was fine and I'm sure for those who enjoy character driven books or historical fiction, they will love this! It's also very detail orientated and does do an amazing job of painting extremely vivid scenes. It just wasn't for me due to no fault of the books own

This was a creepy, twisted book and I just loved the authors descriptive writing style. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good psychological thriller!

This is so well written that the gross stuff is extra gross. Like the egg on the corner of the detective's mouth. Just a ton of detail you wouldn't normally get in a book like this.
This is a wonderful debut and I am so proud of the author!

This was a beautifully done psychological thriller novel, I was hooked from the first page. It doesn’t let go until the end and had great twists overall. Stephanie Sowden has a great overall concept and was written perfectly with this.

I was surprised at the way the author brought the characters to life within the first few pages, and I felt a connection to the protagonist. The writing had a dark, suspenseful tone and a sinister quality, and I got the impression that some of the characters were harbouring secrets. I found all the characters interesting, even if some of them came across as a little bit unlikeable. The time shifting was something I hadn't initially expected, so this was a good historical novel as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

The early parts of this story felt quite hard going but once I got into the story I was entranced! A great book and worth sticking with.

Isn’t that cover gorgeous? Being compared to Simone St. James and Catriona Ward are big shoes to fill. Was this comparable? No.

I was waiting for a creepy gothic feel and suspense to boot. I was bored throughout. Some parts read like a historical fiction novel, which is not a genre I am interested in.

I’d like to thank Canelo, NetGalley, and Stephanie Sowden for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Publication date January 25, 2024