Published 13 June 2024. This is a book that I sort of expected a little more from, but nevertheless found an ok read. From the premise and the cover, I thought it would be a little darker than it turned out to be. Audrey is in a relationship with Noah and when he suggests a weekend away for their anniversary, she expects/hopes that it is to Paris. Instead he takes her to a little Cornish village to see a Midsummer festival. Cue disappointment. Audrey has a back story that is not really explained, but she has a fear of the dark and this village with it's lack of wi-fi, lack of streetlights and its abundance of serpent like models ready for the festival unnerves her. Add to this Noah's reaction when they arrive at their accommodation to find that rather than having the place to themselves, as she had thought, they are sharing it with the owner, a renowned TV presenter. Audrey feels that Noah knew all of this beforehand and has deceived her. Then there is a death and as for the police investigation, there were questions that didn't seem to be asked, as though the first explanation was the one they were going for. The village characters - some felt more real than others. I liked the idea of this festival and seeing it through Audrey's eyes, it did feel atmospheric and quite creepy, but I was expecting more of a gothic feel. There was some revelations, a bit of romance and some tension at the end, but I picked this up expecting dark gothic - my fault, not the author's. Nevertheless it was an ok read and the festival does have a creepy vibe to it.

Part crime, part mystery, part Wicker Man, this book is a variety of genres all in one. "The Serpent Dance" by Sofia Slater doesn't appear to be everyone's cup of tea but I found it an enjoyable read. Reminded me of "Lair of the White Worm" - a bit sinister and a bit ham at the same time. Some of the storylines were a bit complicated (still not sure who Noah is meant to be related) but whiled away a few hours pleasantly.

Was so gutted to have missed the download limit on this one while travelling. Can't wait to pick up a copy on publication, I'm sure I'm going to love it!!

When I began reading this, I was interested in the relationship between the main characters, Noah and Audrey, and its apparent complexity. I sensed something ominous, or at least something that was not exactly as it appeared to be. As I read on, a mystery began to present itself, and this book had me quickly turning the pages, eager to know what might happen next.

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

I had high hopes for The Serpent Dance, from the synopsis this sounded really interesting but sadly it just did not work. I felt a bit bored when I was reading this and I just didn't feel a build of tension or atmosphere that I expected. Maybe some people will enjoy this book but it really didn't work for me.

Atmospheric Mystery..
An atmospheric mystery with an element of romance in this village set tale of midsummer traditions. City dweller Audrey is taken away on a break by Noah - a surprise trip to the West Country and a place where traditional midsummer rituals are observed. Whilst not her thing, she determines to enjoy it regardless. Things do not go entirely to plan. What was Noah’s real reason for going there? As the village and villagers close in things may well get deadly. A slow creeping read with a beguiling setting and shades of historical background giving a Gothic edge to the tale.

Audrey’s partner Noah has planned a trip for them. What Audrey dreams of being a romantic trip to Paris ends up being a very different break in a Cornish village. Cracks in their relationship appear pretty much on the journey down, a death on the first night, secrets in their respective pasts, and ancient midsummer rituals.

I was expecting a slightly more gothic horror novel than the book I got. More a creepy Whicker Man story than romance with a slight mystery lit turned out to be. It was still very readable. There were some interesting ideas, albeit not fully explored (like the upbringing of Audrey). Also I question the central romance, how had Audrey and Noah been together a year? And why had they? Overall it was an okay read.

I was very disappointed in this book. Whilst the synopsis intrigued me, the 80s vibe and pace left me wanting more.

If you like locked room murder mysteries you may enjoy this however it is not for me and I struggled to complete it.

A Cornish locked-room mystery on the Eve of a Pagan festival.
Nothing too taxing in here, all threads neatly tied off.

I really enjoyed this cosy-ish locked room murder mystery, which I found to be quite cleverly crafted, although I do get quite tired of all these depictions of country villages as being full of oddballs stuck in the past... However despite that, it was an atmospheric tale that kept my attention from start to finish, and I enjoyed it all in one day.

Ideal for fans of blended crime genres. There’s domestic psychological suspense here, alongside elements of police procedural, which – due to the eccentric cast of suspects participating in strange rituals in deepest Cornwall – heads towards Midsomer Murders territory.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

2.5 ⭐


Sadly this one didn't really work for me.
It felt like a 80s film set in a village, where everything was off, but without any of the tension or menace.
Audrey seemed a bit slow on the uptake, and can't say I warmed to any of the characters.
Sorry.

The cover of this book lead to believe was going get something I did not. This was one of most boring badly written books I've read. The characters and plot lines were awful. Even if it wasn't was expecting it to be it was poor go at a golden age of crime modern take something I usually love reading. Thanks for the ARC but it's nope for me