Bitter Is the Heart is a stand-alone horror/thriller novel by Mina Hardy, and this is my first book by this author. I was glad to find that I have other books by her in my towering TBR pile, because I certainly enjoyed this one! I didn't want to put this down until I figured out what happened and I read it rather quickly.

Tamar Glass's mother was extremely abusive, and she ran away from home at age 18 to find a better life elsewhere. She's been free of her mother Ruth for decades...until one night she wakes up to find the now-elderly woman standing over her bed. Tamar's sister Lovey and her family have moved across the country, so now Tamar is the one responsible for Ruth. First she finds out her mother was evicted from her assisted living home, and then other facilities refuse to take her. Very odd things begin to happen in Tamar's house, from the place being very hot despite the air conditioning to kitchen cabinets opening and shutting by themselves, with items now in different positions. All the childhood abuses Tamar pushed to the back of her mind start rushing back, and her mother refuses to acknowledge any of it happened. Tamar starts wondering if there's something worse than dear old mom hiding in the shadows.

This story started out making me feel vaguely uncomfortable without really knowing the truth of what was going on, and then the terror starts and doesn't let up. These characters are not always likable, but they are certainly memorable! Tamar was abused by her mother Ruth - who she will only refer to as Ruth, not Mom. She ran off and moved on with her life; however, she returned to her hometown to be closer to her sister Lovey and family. (Lovey's the one Ruth actually liked and loved, and she escaped any abuse.) As luck would have it, Lovey and family have moved to California, and then all the poop starts hitting the fan and Tamar gets stuck with dear old Mom. At first I felt kind of sorry for Ruth; here was this seemingly little old helpless woman having to live with a daughter who hates her. Ah, but then we begin learning more about Tamar's history with Ruth. And who can blame Tamar after all for hating her mother, after we hear the stories? Tamar has the opportunity to visit the house of horrors where she grew up, and she discovers its a calm, peaceful house. Perhaps the house wasn't haunted after all...could it be Ruth who was haunted?! The atmosphere around Ruth takes a frightening turn, and all hell breaks loose. Once again, I refuse to give away any secrets about the storyline, so I'll let you discover it for yourself...if you dare! It was very interested learning more about the Jewish faith, as Tamar tried to find solutions about Ruth, and we learn a bit of Jewish mysticism. It was incredibly fascinating. There were some great supporting characters, especially Miguel Estrada, Tamar's high school boyfriend with whom she reconnects, and the Rabbi Tamar turns to for help. This is a horror novel you will want to sink your teeth into...with the lights on, of course.

I received and ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I loved this book for the icky feels it gave me right from the beginning. I have read a couple books about people who are tormented by mothers and it whether it be supernatural or not, and they always make me uneasy. This book had me turning pages and staying up late trying to figure out what was going to happen next.

This book was quite different from what I normally read. I don’t usually read horror, but it pleasantly surprised me. I have seen other reviews say that it isn't scary, but I disagree. This story isn’t about cheap thrills; it’s got this eerie, unsettling feel that I think makes for the best kind of horror.

I'm definitely going to explore this genre more after this great read.

A few months back the horror book club that I'm a part of read a collection of Jewish horror stories, and during our discussion we talked a lot about the oversaturation of Christian religious horror in both film and books. With this discussion in mind, I was so excited to find a story about Jewish religious horror, and it's SO well done!

The bits of commentary that Hardy sprinkles in about the miopic lense of Christianity are extremely important and well done. Honestly this novel manages to balance so many tough topics with grace, and all of it tied together so well. I felt that the main character, Tamar, was an extremely realistic portrayal of someone who is flawed and working through trauma while still trying to be a good person. The author did a fantastic job of bringing her emotions to light.

I thought this book was so unsettling and tinted with anxiety. Some of the imagery that Hardy gives her readers will be lingering in my nightmares for some time to come. This, layered with the excellent portrayal of generational trauma, and the difficulty of caring for an elderly parents really hit this novel home for me. This is a horror novel that belongs on the same lists as the greats.

Reading this felt like what I imagine the frog being boiled alive in that metaphor feels like. Simmering and sweating in confusion until those intense last chapters.

This is definitely a horror, but a more unsettling, grunt in disgust rather than fear, kind of horror. I liked it. This could’ve easily went a glowing forgiveness route but didn’t and I respect the story more for it.

Bitter is the Heart
Mina Hardy
Crooked Lane Books
September 17,2024

As soon as I read the blurb on this, I knew I had to jump in and I am glad I did. This is a slow moving, and very disturbingly creepy horror story that should not be missed. Bitter is the Heart perfectly joins psychological thriller and horror and gives you a story that will stick with you. The descriptions of the smells made me wretch. “ The laughter bubbled out of her like gas bubbles coming up from the bottom of a swamp. Fetid. Noxious.” The things that Tamar sees when her mother is around brings the crazy to life. This is an unpredictable and intense psychological horror. I found myself empathizing with Tamar and staying awake just to finish because, I didn’t want to see what she saw when she opened her eyes “I am the ageless, I am the void. I am the many, I am nothing, I am the all”.

Years of childhood trauma can easily be explained away by a doctor, but this is generational trauma. This is unpredictable. A tortured relationship between a child and a parent like nothing I have ever read. A dybbuk is introduced and once I started reading about that on my own the story was even more real. The storyline down Jewish mythology and the history of that faith was perfect for this instance. Kuddos Mina Hardy! You have officially scared the dickens out of me.

To be honest, this book is more horror but it is filled with thrills. It has been a long time since I've read a book that spooked me so I was excited to get stuck into Bitter is the Heart. I read my ebook as I listened to the audio and wow, what an experience it was. The audiobook is so well done, I literally got goosebumps in certain parts. I am not going to give too much of the plot away because this one is best going into blind if you can. It was cleverly written and had the best ending!

Tamar takes her cruel and manipulative mother, Ruth, now elderly and kicked out of her assisted living home. As Ruth settles in, the house becomes hot, cupboards open and shut on their own, among other creepy acts.

This is a slow moving but disturbingly creepy book. If you like horrors that creep along, adding more detail as time goes on, you may enjoy this one. I liked the addition of Jewish mysticism and the family history that was revealed.

“If a house could love, it had not loved her. That was one truth, and here was another:Her old house had never been haunted. It had always been her mother.”

Bitter Is the Heart comes out 9/17.

Old people in horror books are always creepy, no question. This isn’t your typical horror novel, but the situation is horrifying in its own way. Being stuck with a parent you don’t get along with? That’s my worst nightmare. I also loved how the story incorporated elements of Judaism—it’s something I’ve never seen in a horror book before, and it added a unique layer, even though I’m not religious. Loved it!

All the weird things of her childhood start to happen again when Tamar takes her mother Ruth, who has been expelled from her senior living facility, into her home. They didn't have a good relationship-indeed much of a relationship at all-when Tamar was growing up. Now, the tension is rising and it's not clear what's really happening. Is it in Tamar's head? How can Ruth do these things? This isn't a classic Boo style horror novel but it's creepy and there are twists. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Thank you Net Galley! The characters had a lot going on and the Judaism aspect was fascinating but the plot went off the rails

All Tamar wants to do is escape her abusive past, but when her abusive mother needs help, Tamar steps up to take care of her. Strange things start to happen and Tamar has to fight her past colliding with her present life.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. I this story was definitely right up my alley. The only problem I ran into was a formatting issue with the e-ARC. I feel like the formatting had made this a bit harder to initially get into, but at no fault of the author. Great story with lots of twists and turns!!

Bitter is the Heart offers a unique take on horror that I believe will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. It's undeniably disturbing and features damaged, unlikable characters, but the writing is immersive and offers some dark unforeseeable twists. The story unfolds in a slow burn fashion, but the payoff is worth it in the end. Overall, while not my typical type of read, it was a uniquely creepy yet captivating novel with a chilling atmosphere, intriguing plotlines, and suspenseful build-up that keeps the reader consistently engaged.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'll be honest, I DNF'ed halfway through because this horror novel was too painful to keep reading. Not because it was badly written, no, the opposite. It showed the pain childhood abuse and having to care for those who hurt you can do. Usually, I can take it, but I read it during a time in which too many books had the same topic and my heart couldn't take it.

Bitter Is the Heart by Mina Hardy is a powerful and haunting novel that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Its exploration of trauma and resilience is both compelling and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the horror genre. While its intensity and pacing may present challenges for some readers, those who appreciate deeply psychological horror will find much to admire in Hardy's work.

I excitedly requested an ARC of Bitter is the Heart based on my fondness for After All I've Done. There may be subtext of self-sabotage but I'm a fan of generational trauma narratives (and also love Shirley Jackson), so I jumped on Bitter is the Heart after reading the book's description. And let me tell you, Mina Hardy did not disappoint! Bitter is the Heart is one of my favorites for 2024 -- don't sleep on it!

This book was an intense ride from start to finish, with a fresh and unique approach that set it apart from anything I’ve read recently. The storyline was unpredictable, keeping me fully engaged as I navigated through its twists and turns. The intensity of the plot never wavered, and I found myself constantly eager to see what would happen next. It’s one of those rare books that feels genuinely different, offering a perspective and style that’s both intriguing and entertaining. If you’re in the mood for something that breaks the mold while delivering non-stop entertainment, this is a must-read.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc of this upcoming title!

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Bitter is the heart had so much potential but unfortunately I DID decide to DNF AT 20%

This is a creepy, dark horror novel that will probably give me nightmares but it was such an unusual and captivating novel that I kept reading! Tamar's mother, 77-year-old Ruth is living in a facility when circumstances force Tamar to take her home to live with her as her sister, Lovey lives in California with her husband and children. But very odd things begin to happen as one minute Ruth appears "normal" and the next she seems catatonic or Tamar finds her feet covered in grass and mud. She hires a caregiver but things continue to escalate as Ruth appears coherent and "normal" but Tamar knows this isn't what typical old age should look like. I Know a fair amount about Judaism but it would be helpful to really understand it as it's a fascinating look at a dybbuk and the forms it may take!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!