I loved that this one is atmospheric and enjoyed the spooky witchy elements. The superstitions and small town mystery was enjoyable to read about and there are some truly unsettling scenes which I liked! The descriptions of the witch in the walls were great. For some reason, I couldn't seem to get fully attached to the characters, which did create a bit of a disconnect for me. Overall, I liked it! 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4 for this review.

I found this book to be very offbeat and knew I had to read it from the time I read the blurb! If you are tired of the same old stories, then this book is for you! I truly enjoyed reading it and was surprised with how it ended.

Mina is finally a child psychologist. Well, just one with no experience of clients. When she goes to a grief group about the loss of her brother, she meets Sam, who lost his little girl. Sam has a client for her…Alice has suddenly started to claim she is being controlled by a witch. Sam wants to write an article about it, and could use Mina’s help in figuring out what is really happening.

3.5 stars. I have mixed feelings on this one. I couldn’t put it down, and I did enjoy it, but I kind of feel like it left me wanting more. The beginning was really well done, and even into the middle, but the end left so many questions unanswered. I mean I greatly enjoyed part of the end, IYKYK, but I just needed more answers than it gave. The end felt rushed and unfinished. That said, I still really enjoyed the creepy factor in this one, and I almost, *almost* found myself a bit scared while reading at night which if you know me you know it a huge feat! If you want a super creepy read and are ok not getting answers to everything, then this one if for you!

Thank you to @minotaurbooks for my gifted copy of this book!

Full RTC once I gather my thoughts, but this book was fantastic. I read it in one day because I could not out it down. It was like a perfect paranormal horror! Wild! Just wild!

Huge thank you to Minotaur Books for the ARC.

Wow- that was a lot! I didn't read the synopsis before diving into this one, so I had no idea what to expect other than what the cover and title led me to believe so I was in for some surprises! I don't know why the cover led me to believe this would be a domestic thriller with someone hiding in someone's walls, but I was thrown for a major loop!

I probably wouldn't have picked this one up had I actually read the synopsis, since witches aren't something that I enjoy reading about typically. That being said, I don't regret reading it, so maybe the cover choice was a great one since it lured me in.

I was hooked right away and very invested in the life/story of the main character and child psychologist, Mina. She was such a unique character, and I had absolutely NO idea where this was going. It definitely surprised me, creeped me out, and had me on the edge of my seat!

I don't want to say much more since I think a lot of the appeal will be the element of surprise in this one.

If you're a fan of spooky/witchy reads this one may be for you.

Mina, a child psychologist who is engaged but not really into her fiance, goes to her grief group to cope with the loss of her beloved brother Eddie. There she meets Sam Hunter, a journalist who is grieving his daughter. Sam asks her to investigate a case he’s pursuing about Alice, a 13 year old girl from a small town who claims she is possessed by a witch. Mina and Sam go to the town to figure out what’s really going on.

I loved the writing in this novel. I felt like I understood the main character of Mina and especially enjoyed following her as she got more of a sense of Alice and the small community around Alice. The author isn’t unearthing new territory here, as the beats of the novel felt very familiar to me as a fan of both horror movies and horror novels. The novel does stay out of horror territory for the first 75% of the book, which I liked. A bit of a downside is that I thought the writing pointed to the antagonist before even the halfway point with little to no red herrings, so the novel wasn’t as suspenseful as I wanted it to be. I wondered why the novel was set in the late 1980s (no cell phones?, a time when hauntings were popular?) because the novel felt more contemporary, so when little things were mentioned about the late 1980s, it threw me.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It publishes February 11, 2025.

ARC Review of Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce

Daisy Pearce’s Something in the Walls is an exquisite blend of psychological tension, haunting folklore, and deeply rooted horror. Fans of atmospheric tales like The Haunting of Hill House and the unsettling disquiet of Midsommar will find themselves utterly captivated by this novel’s relentless suspense and richly layered narrative.

The story centers on Mina, a young and inexperienced child psychologist navigating her professional insecurities, personal grief, and looming marriage doubts. When she takes on the case of Alice Webber—a thirteen-year-old haunted by more than just her imagination—the narrative pivots into a chilling exploration of superstition, trauma, and the limits of rationality. Pearce crafts Mina’s journey with precision, allowing her vulnerability to shine against the shadowy backdrop of Banathel, a village steeped in sinister traditions and whispered secrets.

Pearce masterfully intertwines eerie folklore with the mounting psychological strain of Mina’s investigation. Alice’s increasingly inexplicable behavior is as terrifying as it is heart-wrenching, creating a deep empathy for the girl while questioning the boundaries between mental illness and the supernatural. The village itself becomes a character, its oppressive heat and decaying facades reflecting the creeping dread Mina faces.

What sets Something in the Walls apart is its ability to balance its horror elements with a profound emotional resonance. The themes of grief, guilt, and the search for redemption infuse the story with a raw humanity, ensuring the reader is as emotionally invested as they are terrified.

With every page, Pearce tightens the web of suspense, leading to a finale that is both shocking and deeply satisfying. The wild, unpredictable twists will leave readers reeling, while the story’s emotional undercurrents linger long after the last page is turned.

Something in the Walls is a spellbinding and unforgettable read—a perfect storm of horror, heart, and haunting folklore that cements Daisy Pearce as a master of psychological and supernatural suspense.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce is an eerie, atmospheric thriller that left me with my chest tight and my mind racing. From the moment I picked it up, I was drawn into its unsettling world of folklore, superstition, and the dark secrets of a remote village. This book is packed with suspense and genuinely creepy moments, making it hard to put down.

Mina, a new psychologist looking to gain experience, finds herself entangled in a case involving a young girl named Alice, who claims to be haunted by a witch. What starts as an opportunity to help quickly spirals into a nightmare, as the remote village of Banathel reveals its dark and sinister traditions. The novel blends elements of psychological tension, supernatural horror, and folklore in a way that feels fresh and utterly compelling.

The pacing is masterful—every chapter pulls you further into the chilling narrative. I usually shy away from stories involving witches or séances, but this one won me over with its sharp writing and relentless suspense. I found myself simultaneously wanting to look away and being unable to stop reading. Pearce crafts a vivid, oppressive atmosphere that feels as if it’s closing in on you as the story unfolds, much like the haunted walls of the title.

One drawback was the ending—it left me wanting more closure regarding the main characters’ fates. While some may appreciate the ambiguity, I personally wished for a clearer resolution. That said, the sense of unease lingered with me long after I finished, which is a testament to Pearce’s skill.

If you’re sensitive to themes of witchcraft or the occult, this book might not be for you. However, if you enjoy dark, suspenseful thrillers, this is an unforgettable read. I picked it up solely based on its striking cover as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley, and it exceeded my expectations.

Pearce is now firmly on my radar, and I’ll be adding her other works to my Goodreads list. Something in the Walls felt like watching a horror movie unfold—terrifying, unpredictable, and impossible to look away from. Highly recommended for fans of psychological and supernatural thrillers.

#read #bookstagram #booklover #netgalley #daisypearce

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars
Pub Date: 2/25/2025
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…. this book just was not it. This is not at all what I expected. There is so much that happens; there is talk about ghosts and seances and then it switches to ghosts and then there is a deeper malicious vibe.
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This story is told in a singular POV though Mina, a child psychologist. This story was supposed to be set in 1989 but the way that it was written I literally kept thinking that this book was set back in the 1600s. I honestly could not grasp my head around the time period and I think it was mainly the dialogue or maybe just the route the story took.
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The pacing was super slow in this one. I didn’t really connect with many of the characters and I pegged the sinister one right form the start. I am really not sure how all of the plot lines became one book, but it did, I just wish that one path was taken and stuck with to create a truly eerie story.
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I listened to this one via audiobook and Ana Clements did good for what its worth. I struggled to stick with this story. I can honestly say without the audiobook I would not have finished this one. Thankful for Ana Clements narration to at least help me finish this one.
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Overall, this was not for me but I am sure that there are going to be a bunch of people who vibe with this one. There are definitely some creepy parts to it! Give it a shot! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Daisy Peace, MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press for the ALC and eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The vibes of this book are great. It’s witchy and claustrophobic with creepy small town atmosphere. I loved how unsettled I felt whole reading this but I got a bit lost in the middle. The pacing and plot felt a bit muddled in the middle but the ending was worth it!

The cover and title evoked all the feelings I have about my favourite story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and while the stories are completely different, it made for a unique experience going in.
Part supernatural and part historical fiction, exciting. Something in the Walls captures a unique look into a modern day witch hunt. Daisy Pearce uses horror aspects and psychological tools to throw us into a book where you're not sure if the main character who claims to be haunted by a witch, is truly haunted. I never knew which direction the book was going to go and it kept me on my toes in a way that true horror geniuses are able to do. this book wasn't The Yellow Wallpaper but it did hit on the same themes from female justice, supernatural questioning and small town proclivities.
I’d buy this for a friend.

I lost the plot at about 60%. The book started very strongly and I don’t know if I got lost or what was going on but it seemed to wander off in a weird direction that didn’t really click for me.

This was such a good thriller! Paranormal books creep me out and this one was no different. The storyline was great and creepy. You knew something sinister was afoot and want to continue reading to figure out exactly what it is. I would definitely recommend this book.

Quick synopsis: Mina is newly engaged and a recent graduate with a degree in psychology. She tragically lost her brother when she was younger and this still has a large impact on her mentally. To help cope, she attends a support group and meets Sam, a journalist with one of the local newspapers. He’s asked Mina to go and assess Alice, a teenager in a small village, where a rumor has it she is possessed by a witch. Sam has his doubts and that is why he has asked Mina to come and give her evaluation on Alice. Mina accepts his offer and takes the first train to the village. Banathel is one rich in superstition, and so quaint everybody knows everybody.

This certainly delivers in the creep factor and the added effect of the curfew due to the heat helps play into that feeling. You can almost feel the oppression in the air from the heat, as well as the dread of whether or not Alice is haunted by the witch. I enjoyed Mina and Sam researching and digging into the town history regarding the witch I actually wanted more of this.! This is a town that hangs special stones on their door to ward out evil spirits and big into certain rituals. I wanted to know more of the past history of that, but that’s just a me thing. As for the ending it was good but not what I think I wanted, again that’s a me thing.

Overall, this was a really good read, and I will certainly be looking into reading more of this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

This was definitely different than anything I've ever read. I did enjoy it, but some of it felt sort of rushed and far fetched.

I had run into some health issues and wasn't able to read it before it was archived but what I had read so far was really enticing. I can only imagine where it could've went.

Good horror setting and vibes, and the premise had me hooked — but ended up feeling like a strange in between of horror and standard thriller/mystery to me and left a lot of questions unanswered. Ultimately it just felt a bit clunky and overwrought.

Possession or psychosis? The story is about a girl supposedly possessed by a witch, and Mina, a rookie psychologist dealing with her own grief, takes on the case. While initially engaging, the plot became predictable midway, and lost my interest. Nevertheless, it remained an enjoyable, effortless read, and I'd recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers. Looking forward to the author's future works!

Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It had a wonderfully spooky atmosphere that truly captured the witchy supernatural vibe I love. The ending was completely unexpected and felt just right, leaving me with my mouth agape in shock during the last few chapters. While I would have given it a full five stars, I found myself with a few unanswered questions about Alice and her ex-friend. I really wish there had been an additional chapter to clarify a few details. Nonetheless, it was a phenomenal read! I highly recommend picking it up when it becomes available.

New and inexperienced child psychologist, Mina, hears of a teen girl in a remote town claiming to be haunted by a witch. Together with a journalist named Sam, they try to uncover the strange happenings and noises with logic and reasoning before the superstitious townsfolk turn on the girl to rid her of the witch’s chokehold possession.

Pearce’s writing gives fantastic visuals. The descriptions made me feel like I could be watching a horror movie. With a few flaws in character dialogue that felt like someone wouldn’t actually talk like a typed paragraph, along with how the story wrapped up, some loose strings were never revisited to help explain the supernatural, but overall, it was done well. It kept me engaged wanting to see what happened next.

This book is gory but not too much, so readers be advised. It also deals with death, murder, and child/animal abuse, and assault. This book centers on witches, witchcraft, and the extermination of witches.

Pub Day is February 25th, 2025!

Thank you @StMartinsPress and @NetGalley for sending an Advance Reader’s Copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.