2.5? idk lol i was so invested in it but also i think i hated it? so much confusion going on. like the story was captivating but what was the point of any of it?

This book had a wonderful blending of reality, witchcraft, past, and present.
I liked how the author wrapped everyone up and will be looking for more books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

"𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟, 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠"

As I sit here to write this review, I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about this book. The beginning had me absolutely hooked and for a lot of the story, I was really into it. I think the ending is what is really throwing me. As I go through my thoughts, hopefully I can nail down a good rating.

Let's start with what I absolutely loved about this book.

THE GOOD:

- The creepiness. Pearce does an amazing job at creating tension and suspense and that was one of my favorite aspects of this story. I've hear that this doesn't come across great in the audiobook, but in the book itself, I think it's very well done. It's been a long time since I've actually had a physical reaction (goosebumps) while reading something. The imagery she uses in her descriptions I thought was great.

- The writing itself. I absolutely would be willing to pick up another book by Pearce. I liked how she built up the story and created such a world that made me want to keep reading. The chaos in the last 20% was a good touch.

- The thriller aspect. I wasn't really expecting a thriller aspect until I started to recognize some foreshadowing. I actually really liked putting the pieces together despite. Despite the feeling that it was predictable (it was predictable), I think it fit well in the story and it didn't really impact my enjoyment of the thriller portion.

THE... EHH:

I am just left with so many questions. I didn't mind the predictable-ness and the chaos, but I feel like none of the questions I had while reading were answered. If anything, I'm left with more questions than when I started the book. There are still so many loose ends and that is what has made it so hard to come up with a numerical rating for this one.

I think, overall, that I'm going to give it a 3 star rating. As much as I would love to rate it higher because of all the good, I'm just struggling with all of the unanswered questions. This could entirely be an intentional move from the author to keep you thinking (I finished this book over a week ago and am still thinking about it, so it worked if that was the intent)... but unfortunately I don't think that worked well with my understanding of this story. In my opinion, it needed a clean and tied-up ending.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, NetGalley, and Daisy Pearce for the ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

✨ The Vibes ✨
A witchy read, but make it a contemporary thriller

📖 Read if…
✨ You’re looking for a book that explores the connection between superstition and hive mind
✨ You like witchy books, but are looking for something more grounded and less fantastical
✨ Coven is your favorite season of American Horror Story

Something in the Walls is a contemporary horror novel that follows Mina, a child psychologist who is sent to evaluate a teenager who claims to be haunted by a witch. And as things get darker, Mina is forced to dive into the community’s history of witchcraft and superstition.

This book was CREEPY! From the very first page, there was a sinister feel that made the story feel very ominous. I’m not often scared when reading but there were a few scenes that made me put the book down, because it was starting to freak me out (which is a great review from me!). Pearce uses a lot of the supernatural elements to explore themes around grief and trauma, and while the supernatural can sometimes take me out of the story, I felt that even with their inclusion, the story felt really grounded in topics that felt very relevant. I always find horror to be at its best when it’s used to explore real world issues, and Something in the Walls did that perfectly.

If there were any negatives to this book, I’d point to the pacing. Even though it was creepy, it definitely dragged in the middle and I found myself really having to force myself to sit down and finish the book. I thought the ending was great, but you definitely have to push through the mid-book lull to get there. If you like books that have a persistent sense of foreboding, all while exploring larger themes, this will be the perfect book for you.

Something in the Walls is out now. Thanks to Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

In eerie bewitching story that will have you hooked from the beginning, I see this as a movie playing out. it is a slow build, but it will not matter because hang on things start to get crazy. It crosses the line between what is real and what is trickery. This author is a talented writer; I can't wait to read what is next for her.

This story will have you still thinking about it long after you have read it. Mina is a child psychologist, who takes a job where the girl Alice claims a witch haunting her. She is sure she can help her and give her experience she needs in her career. However, Alice condition seems to be getting worse instead of better. The town itself has a deep history of superstations and witchcraft; they want to deal with it their own way and do not want outsiders trying to help.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for copy of this book for my honest review.

I normally really enjoy paranormal fiction but I did not love this one. I thought the pace was odd. I didn’t care enough about the characters and some of it felt kind of random. It also was not scary enough in my opinion for the genre. It was a chore for me to finish this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This thriller was a highly engaging and suspenseful read. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twists were well-executed, making it difficult to put down. The characters were well-drawn, and the pacing was mostly spot-on, with just a few moments where things slowed down a bit. Overall, it was a gripping story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of thrillers looking for an exciting and intense ride.

This was a fun and unsettling read. I thought this book did a great job setting the scene - the town of Banathel and the issue of a child being haunted and or possessed by a witch. It really makes you think because you are unsure if the haunting is real or real to those in the town because of their superstitions. I loved the folklore aspect of it and how brutal it was at times. I enjoyed reading this book and am thankful to Minotaur Books, Netgalley and Daisy Pearce for the epub so I could provide my voluntary feedback.

This is a creepy read. Super intense and will surely keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The setting fit the story so well. And the best part was the twist - you just don’t see it coming.

Overall. I think this is a brilliant read. I recommend that anyone who reads this just go in blind and prepare for a wild ride. So good!

A gripping psychological thriller that delves into fear and paranoia, Something in the Walls keeps you questioning what’s real and imagined. Pearce’s atmospheric writing draws you deep into a world where every creak and whisper adds to the mounting tension. It’s a chilling, suspenseful ride that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

I rarely read horror but this one didn't scare me all that much. It kept my interest and kept me up all night reading but the ending was horrible. So much buildup and a big dissapointment

Oh my goodness, prepare to be utterly blown away by "Something in the Walls" by Daisy Pearce! I am absolutely head over heels for this book, and I'm shouting from the rooftops that this is a sure-to-be bestseller! Pearce has crafted a masterpiece of suspense, a story that will burrow into your mind and keep you up all night, desperate to uncover its secrets.

From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the sense of unease is palpable. Pearce has an incredible talent for building tension, creating a world where every creak, every shadow, and every whisper could hold a terrifying truth. The characters are brilliantly drawn, each with their own complexities and secrets that add layers to the mystery. I found myself completely invested in their fates, holding my breath with every turn of the page.

What makes "Something in the Walls" so extraordinary is its perfect blend of psychological thriller and gothic horror. Pearce masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both gripping and deeply unsettling. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, and just when you think you've figured it out, another revelation will send shivers down your spine. I absolutely adored this book, and I know countless readers will too. "Something in the Walls" is a must-read, a thrilling, unforgettable experience that deserves all the accolades. Run, don't walk, to get your hands on this masterpiece!

kay, so… this book? Absolute rollercoaster. Buckle up! It’s about a child psychologist who meets a journalist at a grief group (trigger warning, FYI) and together they take on a case involving a small-town girl, accusations of possession, and—wait for it—a witch living in the walls.. spying on her..

The premise? Oh, it was right up my alley. But the journey? I was left with a lot of “wait, what?” moments by the end. It hooked me at first, slowed to a crawl in the middle, then there was total chaos at the end. I love a good surprise ending but… not everything gets wrapped up in a nice little bow. Some questions remain.. but alas, that’s horror!

That said, this is a great pick for spooky season. There’s this whole “herd mentality” thing going on too, which is honestly fascinating. It definitely gives off culty vibes—so if that’s your jam, you’re in for a treat.

Perfect Halloween read if you want a spooky, slow-burn thriller with a dash of “is-this-really-happening?” moments!

Thank you to St Martin’s Press (@stmartinspress) for sending me both an ARC and an audiobook version that I was able to bounce between in exchange for an honest review! Receiving a hag stone with the book was such a fun touch too (they help ward off evil spirits)!!

Thank you netgalley for the arc of something in the walls in exchange for my honest review. I didnt get to read this one prior to the pub date and ended up borrowing it on Libby as an audiobook. It was a decent listen, I guess a thriller. Mina a psychologist is having some of her own personal issues and she goes to see a girl Alice who is being accused of being bothered by a witch, some weird things unfold, three stars

There are witches in the walls, and if you’re looking for something that is eerie, ominous and will keep you on your toes, look no further than Something in the Walls. While I can’t say this is the scariest book I’ve ever read (no nightmares here) it definitely is a bit unsettling, so proceed with caution.

Mina is a child psychologist struggling to find her footing, Sam is a reporter convinced he’s found a big story, and Sam convinces Mina to come along for the ride, knowing she can help unravel the spool of what’s happening in the remote village of Banathel. Thirteen-year-old Alice claims a witch is haunting her, and strange occurrences keep happening, leading the town to believe she’s telling the truth. But is this real a possession, or is it just a teen girl acting out for attention? Mina is set on answering that question, but she might rub a few people the wrong way in the process.

This is definitely one of those books that’s odd enough that you have to read chapters a second time to make sure you’re understanding what’s going on. There’s enough of a touch of magical realism to have you scratching your head and wondering if you’re reading things properly.

While it’s definitely engaging, I found the ending to be a bit lackluster (and rushed). I think there could have been WAY more satisfying ways to end what’s happening to Alice. But again, this one was odd, so I could have just missed a plot hole that made me feel that way.

That being said, this is a QUICK read, so do with that what you will…

3.75 stars

It's 1989 Mina is a new-to-the-field child psychologist who got into the field after losing her brother when they were both young and her subsequent struggles with mental health and seeing (or was she?) his ghost. She meets Sam, a journalist, at a grief recovery group, and he presents her with a case he's covering that he needs her help with. In an isolated and old-fashioned small town, 13-year-old Alice is possessed. Or haunted. Or lying. Mina and Sam move in with Alice and her family, who are desperate for answers, in order to study, document, and attempt to treat her. But Alice's symptoms are getting worse. She sees a witch living behind the bricks of the fireplace in her bedroom at night. Her family is sick, and people in town are dying. This isn't the town's first experience with "witchcraft", and if Mina isn't able to cure Alice, the townsfolk will step in. And Mina and Sam won't like their methods.

There were parts of this book that genuinely creeped me out, and I did not see where it was going. The big reveal and ending had me gasping out loud, but it's definitely a slow burn, so I think you need to be in the right mood to fully appreciate it. I didn't feel like the characters were as fleshed out as I'd have liked for their individual stories to hit as hard as they could have, but I had a good time anyway and would recommend if you're looking for something eerie and feminist set in the past. This would make a great movie, too! Thanks to St. Martin's Press and the author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book had a very ominous, eerie, and dark atmosphere that totally pulled me in. I’m a sucker for anything strange and eerie involving kids, especially when there are mysterious sounds, creepy whispers, or conversations with something (or someone) unseen… just give it to meeee!

Mina is a new child psychologist who is commissioned to investigate a bizarre case involving a 13-year-old Alice in a small, isolated town, in a rural English village. The town itself is steeped in witchy superstitions, weird traditions, and probably some very dark past. As Mina starts poking around, she begins to question whatever sinister is at play, and whether she could actually help this young girl while also battling her own demons. Can she help, or would her own personal issues get in the way?

There were definitely some terrifying moments, but the story had just the right amount of thrill so I didn’t need to put up my pillow fort at night lol. Some parts dragged a little, but I felt motivated enough to push through to see how it would end. If you’re in the mood for a mystery with a heavy and spooky vibe that will keep you on the edge, this story might be worth a try.

Something in the Walls is a bingeable paranormal mystery/thriller. I didn't have any expectations and went into SITW a bit blind. Pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I was creeped out and deeply invested in what was happening to Alice and this sleepy, small town steeped in witchy folk lore. I also appreciate the short chapters with mini cliffhangers.
If you love Simone St. James, I'd wager you'd have a good time here.
Pearce had me hooked, surprised, and disgusted. Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the eARC!

I really liked the premise of this book! Teenage girl possessed by a witch from a broken bottle. Then we learn the neighbor holds Riddance parties and is going to save her and let her get back to her life. There is a reporter and newly minted psychologist in town trying to get to the bottom of things and the neighbor makes it clear he’s not thrilled.
I was hoping for more of what was in the walls/ haunting type story but still enjoyed it!

This was so creepy, eerie, afraid to turn the lights out scary! I’m not a big fan of supernatural/witchy books usually but this one had me feverishly reading.

I thought the author cleverly tied so many things together and kept dropping so many twists that it was so easy to keep reading.

One critique is that parts of the book were never quite “explained”. There are parts that have no explanation and to me feel “unfinished”.

If everything had been explained I think I would have easily given this 5 stars for its clever story and creepy vibes.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for this early ARC!