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!

When a child psychologist is brought in to assist a family whose daughter seems to be haunted, things become very disturbing quickly. Upon reading the premise, I immediately thought to sign me up for this one! This was a chilling story that continued to build layer by layer until the last page. I will always be drawn in by creepy children & Alice was no exception. So many things came to light that I was not even considering so I appreciated the elements of surprise. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spooky, witchy reads. 4 STARS!

Thank you to NetGalley, Daisy Pearce, & St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

I personally had a really hard time getting into the story of this book. If I’m being honest I DNF this book and I rarely will do that… I feel like it was advertised to be tense and dark like the haunting of Hill House which I do not understand how this book comes close to comparison of that. Feels like a lot of marks were missed and the ideas were lost. Giving a 2 stars unfortunately.

Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce
Genre: Psychological horror
Themes: Witchcraft, grief, small-town paranoia

Came for the cover, stayed just to avoid a DNF.

Freshly minted child psychologist Mina, stuck in grief and a stale engagement, takes on her first real case: a 13-year-old girl named Alice who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. The village of Banathel is remote and not exactly welcoming to outsiders. The deeper Mina digs, the more twisted and surreal things get.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. The first few chapters were promising, with a strong setup and eerie moments that made me hesitate to read before bed. But the pacing dragged, and the ending didn’t deliver the payoff I was hoping for.

Thank you to #NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader copy of #SomethingInTheWalls.

“It’s not the dead we ought to be afraid of, it’s the living.”
And Daisy Pearce? She UNDERSTOOD the assignment 😮‍💨

From the moment Mina steps into the sweltering, secret-soaked village of Banathel, I was HOOKED. She’s here to help a girl haunted by a witch, and suddenly I’m side-eyeing every single character like 👀

✦ Sam? Weirdly calm. Too calm. Definitely ghost-adjacent.
✦ Oscar? Walking red flag. Belittling, shady, and absolutely not a surprise when the truth dropped.
✦ Bert? 🚨 CREEP ALERT. That switch flipped fast.
✦ And Paul?? Sir, what is going ON in that head of yours??

This book gave full-on Haunting of Hill House meets Evil energy—creepy, twisty, and impossible to look away. I was on edge the ENTIRE time. Every room felt like it was watching. Every character? Suspicious. Every scene? Stress. (In the BEST way.)

The writing is so vivid and uncomfy (in a “why does this smell like mildew and dread?” kind of way). I could feel the heat, hear the whispers, and I honestly would’ve read it in one sitting if life hadn’t rudely interrupted.

Also... I need a sequel. There’s more to Paul. More to Alice. More in those walls.

🖤 Big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
This was my first Daisy Pearce read and I'm already adding the rest to my TBR stack.

A pretty quick read that delves into the horror genre, and does a good job at it. I loved most of the book and it had me hooked from the start as the characters tried to find out what was happening with Alice and if she was really possessed. Especially since I didn't really know what to expect, the "witch" in the chimney when they went to go inspect the incident location where Alice seemed to undergo horrors and possible possession. This book was so creepy and unsettling and I really enjoyed this feeling. My main complaint, why I'm rating this book at 3.5 stars is because of the ending. There was so much build up throughout the book, creating so much tension, and then the ending just didn't really meet the expectations that I had built up throughout the book.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Daisy Pearce, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

A WELL DONE CREEPY HORROR STORY!


Mina is a child psychologist who is hoping to start working in her new career while also making upcoming wedding plans with her fiancee Oscar who works as science researcher. Mina has always struggled with her brother's death from years ago so she attends a bereavement group where she meets Sam who also continues to grieve his little sister who disappeared long ago.. Sam is a journalist and works where the stories take him. The two bond as friends over their painful grief and share some of their personal history as well. One day out of the blue Sam calls Mina to offer her a job to consult with a thirteen year old girl named Alice who lives in a small village hours away. Alice's family does not have any extra money to see a seasoned psychologist to find help but they are at the end of their rope trying to get her help. Alice has been seeing things and also claiming a witch lives in their chimney who tells her to do bad things. Her friends and others have become afraid of her so she had to leave school because her behavior had completely gotten out of hand.

Mina excitedly agrees to go with Sam against Oscar's wishes but this is a chance to get her feet wet in her chosen profession. They will be away for few days so Mina can evaluate Alice and hopefully Sam will get a good story from the eerie experiences that her family are claiming to be supernatural occurrences that they are witnessing as well around Alice. Mina was not prepared for the superstitious community of Bethanael where many people crowd outside Alice's home and want to see and talk to her. Shortly after visiting with Alice who claims everything is real and just wants it all to go away, Mina and Sam decide to stay longer hoping to see some psychic phenomena which they don't believe but strange things are happening and suddenly Alice starts going downhill and getting worse although Mina and Sam are trying to sort things out but maybe they need to leave but Alice begs Mina to stay and continue helping her. Before long many of the townspeople are blaming Mina and calling Alice a witch, even Alice's parents think she has gotten worse since Mina started treating their daughter so they want her and Sam to leave their home. When they decide to finally leave since events have gotten so out of control with most of the superstitious villagers, Mina will find there are other forces at work and they are not going to let her leave and unbeknownst to Mina or Sam someone will die tonight and their lives are in serious danger unless they leave immediately.

This was a most creepy and entertaining story dealing with a superstitious small isolated village and it's inhabitants. The atmospheric storytelling and writing are filled with wonderful eerie tension throughout the entire book. I thought the author 'Daisy Pearce' captured the essence of all the characters where I could visualize each and every person that was mentioned in this spooky story. I have to say I loved this book and I highly recommend it to any reader who loves a good horror/thriller with heart! I hope this author continues to write horror books because I will be first in line to read them!

I want to thank the publisher "ST. MARTIN'S PRESS" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

I have give a rating of 4 1/2 TENSE AND HORROR FILLED 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!

I hadn't read anything by Daisy Pearce before, and went into this one not knowing what to expect, but it did not disappoint! This was a thrilling, ghost-story turned dark and it was a very enjoyable read. It's the summer of 1989, in a heat wave that is making people lose their minds, literally. Mina Ellis is a recently engaged, recently graduated woman still grieving the death of her brother (um, absolutely relatable over here). She meets a journalist at a grief group and is intrigued by the case he presents her of a teenage haunting. Que psychological brain jumping to conclusions!

Daisy Pearce did a phenomenal job of painting a picture of wanting things to be true and paranormal but also not true and purely psychological. I liked that there was horror, suspense and a little bit of delusion all packed into one book. It's a time before "social media" and strictly focuses on what is in front of them, which was really refreshing. It was well written and the characters were relatable - mostly likeable and ultimately felt real. I felt there was a good blend of everything and it came together well at the end!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Daisy Pearce for the eARC of Something in the Walls in exchange for an honest review. Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce was published 25 February 25.

Daisy Pearce's Something in the Walls is a chilling exploration of grief, superstition, and the dark undercurrents of small-town hysteria. Set against the oppressive heat of a 1989 British summer, the novel follows Mina, a newly qualified child psychologist, as she investigates the case of Alice, a young girl believed to be haunted by a witch residing in her home's chimney. Pearce masterfully blends psychological tension with supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Midsommar and The Haunting of Hill House. The narrative delves deep into themes of fear, mob mentality, and the human capacity for cruelty, all while maintaining a gripping suspense that keeps readers on edge. While some may find the ending leaves questions unanswered, the journey is undeniably compelling. A must-read for fans of eerie, introspective horror.​ So good!

Freshly graduated child psychologist Mina takes a temporary job in a remote British town, hoping to escape the mess of her personal life: a fiancé she’s unsure of and the lingering grief over her brother’s death. The opportunity comes from Sam, a journalist she met in a bereavement group, and her assignment is to work with 13-year-old Alice Webber, who insists she’s being haunted by a witch.

Determined to approach Alice’s case with scientific reasoning, Mina is instead pulled into something far stranger. The town is filled with eerie traditions, and the difference between folklore and reality gets confused fast. As Mina tries to help Alice, she has to face the truth about her past—and what really happened to her brother.

Though marketed as a thriller, I’d file this more under horror/paranormal/occult. Not typically my go-to genres, but this one actually hooked me. The atmosphere was so vivid I could feel the creepiness at times. It’s a slower burn for the first 60%, then takes a sharp turn that was both intriguing and a little out there. I’m not sure I loved how far it veered into the unrealistic, but the haunting vibe of the setting definitely bumped up my rating.

This book read easy and was entertaining overall. It was odd though in that some things were natural and some supernatural and there almost seemed to be overlap. I also don’t really understand what the point of the fiancé was… Interesting enough though.

I’m somewhere between 3.5 and a 4 stars with the one.

There were parts in this book that legit had me completely creeped out and I always enjoy not figuring things out until the the pieces started to fall into place. <spoiler> I will say it’s not an environmental issue like carbon monoxide, which the book I read with that being the cause of the cause is Kia mood killer. </spoiler>

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for a digital advanced reader’s copy.