Blood on Her Tongue
4/5 rating
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review—a huge thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley.

Gothic, atmospheric, and nasty. This was my first read of 2025, and we’re starting the year strong!

Reminiscent of ‘The Woman in Black’ by Susan Hill and J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s ‘Carmilla’. Blood on Her Tongue chronicles Lucy's journey to help her sister Sarah, who has a rare brain fever that causes her to act strangely, know things she shouldn't, and have some odd cravings.

The sibling relationship between Lucy and Sarah is by far the highlight of this novel. There is a lot of frustration and resentment between the two, but also so much love and loyalty; the other characters' interactions pale in comparison.

If you are looking for your typical copy-and-paste vampire novel, this is not it. I wouldn't say there is necessarily a “twist” in this novel, but (without getting into spoilers) it took a route I was not expecting, which I found very original and refreshing!

Overall I really enjoyed this novel and will definitely be picking up ‘My Darling Dreadful Thing’.

This book as as beautiful and unsettling as the cover is, with beautiful prose, complex characters and a few truly nauseating scenes. The complex and complicated relationship between the main character and her twin sister was explored in such a gripping way.

Rating: 1.5 of 5, rounded up

I spent a lot of time in grad school reading gothic literature- partially because that was my professor specialized in. I never really appreciated it until I took a journey into what modern authors are doing with the gothic themes and settings.

Blood on Her Tongue is the first book I have read by Johanna van Veen. Much like Caitlin Starling, who's upcoming novel is my most anticipated release for this year, many folks have been recommending My Darling Dreadful Thing to me. However, Blood on Her Tongue left me with much to be desired.

I struggled to connect to any of the characters in this book. They were all very flat, one dimensional. Lucy and Sarah had a good dynamic but it felt very "same" throughout the duration of the book. [See spoiler bar below to see why this is concerning...] It was hard to feel for any of them. They all had weak motivations and few redeeming qualities.

Additionally, this was advertised as a queer read. I would not, by any circumstances, call it a queer read. If anyone who has read any of my reviews before and have heard me speak about the reaching I love to do with potentially queer narratives: I can't even reach with this one.

Queerness is a staple in gothic literature. It is that feeling of "otherness" and anxiety that comes with being queer in a time where it was not the safest that makes it a gothic theme. That type of anxiety was not fully present. I suppose one could stretch and view Lucy as queer for her lack of desire to marry, but it is incredibly surface level with no real exploration. Being a book released in 2025, I would expect there to be more exploration of sexuality: either explicitly or implicitly. If I were to be generous, I would point to the hysteria of the women in the narratives as being in line with the portrayals of lesbianism and overall queerness in traditional gothic narratives. Except this isn't a 'true gothic narrative' it is a modern take on gothic-ness. (I'll loop back to this later...)

van Veen does any excellent job playing into the decay and madness throughout the novel, but misses core elements of anxiety about progression that gothic novels need to succeed. Gothic novels, by nature, tend to be slower. It takes to build the unsettling nature of humanity and depravity. The beginning of the book was fast, suspenseful. It was difficult (in the best way) to determine where the looming danger was coming from: Was it the men? Was it the home? Was it the bog? Was it the bog body? Was it Sarah or Lucy, themselves? As a setting, Blood on Her Tongue succeeded in adhering to the most basic and standard of gothic themes.

Yet, there were many instances where this book felt like it slogged on after a specific plot point [spoiler: Sarah's Resurrection]. Nothing truly happened. None of the questions and anxiety presented at the beginning of the novel remained. I've seen a few others mention how this point marked a transition in the book, and I would agree. From that point forward, I felt like the gothic themes faded into the background and were only present as an approximate time (end of the 19th century- a time of transition and anxiety for many in the Western World). With that being said: while the writing style was good, it felt too modern and too English. I had forgotten that this book was meant to take place in the Netherlands during the 19th century. The cadence of the characters and overall prose was too modern. It felt like an imitation of women's gothic staples like The Yellow Wallpaper or Jane Eyre. It is objectively good writing; it is simply anachronous.

Overall, I didn't hate the experience. I think if you are someone who can overlook some errors with the inconsistent timeline (in a linear book...), enjoys modern writing in a 'historical fiction', and don't like any queer themes in your 'queer' book you should give it a try. All harshness aside, van Veen is an incredibly talented writer and her prose is a delight. It seems like Blood on Her Tongue may not be my cup of tea.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Johanna van Veen for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

When her twin sister gets seriously ill, Lucy rushes to her side. Upon her arrival, she discovers that Sarah's illness might be of a troubling nature and far more violent than she had suspected. Lucy's investigations then lead us through a questioning of the very definition of our humanity. The scientific approach of the classical myth of the (never thus named) vampire is efficiently clever and enjoyably bloody. Mental health, social status of women, strong female bonds are at the center of this gory gothic story that brilliantly uses and subverts the classic tropes of the genre to question our society and our complex human relationships. Johanna van Veen signs a satisfying and nuanced hommage where women are not preys.

Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen is a haunting and atmospheric tale steeped in gothic terror, folklore, and the unbreakable but dangerous bond between sisters. Set in the bleak, mist-covered farmlands of the Netherlands in 1887, the novel skillfully blends historical realism with unsettling supernatural elements, leaving readers questioning whether they’re witnessing demonic possession or the slow unraveling of a fragile mind.

Lucy and Sarah’s twin dynamic is the emotional heart of the story. Lucy’s fierce loyalty to her sister, despite their growing estrangement and the ever-mounting terror surrounding Sarah’s strange affliction, feels raw and authentic. Their bond is as much a tether as it is a trap—what lengths will Lucy go to in order to save her sister, and at what cost to herself? Van Veen captures the complexities of sisterhood with precision: love tangled with jealousy, guilt, and the desperate fear of being left behind.

The mystery at the heart of the novel—the ancient corpse unearthed on Sarah’s estate—is deliciously sinister. Van Veen’s use of Dutch folklore adds a chilling authenticity, giving the narrative a sense of dread that feels deeply rooted in cultural myth. The descriptions of the skeletal remains, the whispers of something older and malevolent lingering in the estate’s walls, and the oppressive atmosphere build an almost claustrophobic tension. The estate itself, with its dimly lit corridors and cold, unyielding stone, becomes a character in its own right—a decaying witness to the events unfolding within.

The creeping transformation of Sarah from a frail, fevered woman into something feral and ravenous is handled with subtlety before exploding into visceral horror. Van Veen never leans into gore for shock value; instead, she masterfully conjures dread through small but terrifying details—an animalistic look in Sarah’s eyes, her sharp, sudden movements, the eerie things she says with unnerving calm. Lucy’s helplessness as her sister becomes more unrecognizable is gut-wrenching, and it’s impossible not to feel her desperation.

What elevates the novel is its ambiguity. Is Sarah truly possessed by something ancient and monstrous, or is this a tragedy born from grief and mental illness? Van Veen toys with these possibilities, keeping readers teetering between the rational and the supernatural. Lucy’s internal monologue only heightens this uncertainty—her own secrets, her repressed fears, and her growing paranoia make her an unreliable yet utterly sympathetic narrator.

If there’s any critique, it’s that the pacing slows in the middle, as Lucy’s investigation into the corpse’s origins becomes bogged down with historical exposition. While the lore is fascinating, some readers may find these sections a bit dense compared to the more intimate horror of Lucy’s interactions with Sarah. However, the payoff is worth it as the final act delivers a crescendo of emotional and narrative intensity.

At 4 stars, Blood on Her Tongue is a gripping gothic thriller that lingers in the mind like the memory of a fevered dream. Johanna van Veen’s prose is lush and immersive, painting the Dutch countryside with vivid, somber strokes while unraveling a story of sisterly devotion, ancient evil, and the fine line between sanity and madness. Fans of The Silent Companions, The Haunting of Hill House, and dark folklore-inspired tales will be captivated by this chilling exploration of love, horror, and the devastating truths that lie buried in the past.

This book had everything I want and love in modern gothic books — a balance of morbity and desire, gorgeously atmospheric writing, and a historical setting that feels fully realized. I wouldn’t necessarily describe the book as a whole as body horror, but it certainly had moments that were jarring enough that I found myself covering my mouth. And I say that fully as a compliment to the author’s abilities. This felt like a unique, sexy take on vampires and I found the bog woman as a central figure really fascinating.

I positively loved this book. I LOVED the newspaper articles and the letters, I thought that was such a cool nod to Bram Stoker. I am in awe. I get why this is considering to be one of the most anticipated Horror novels. I love me some flawed characters and this perfect hybrid of science and classic horror monsters. This will be a hard book to beat. Thank you so much Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me the privilege of reading this amazing book.

This book was gross (in a good way). I went into this without knowing much about the plot, just that it was a vampire book, and I love vampires. I enjoyed the twist the author put on the creature, and I couldn't put this book down. I liked all the twists and turns and could never predict what would happen next. Without spoilers, I also really enjoyed the "good for her" ending. The body horror was VERY descriptive, though, and made me physically cringe while reading, so if that's not something you can handle, I might suggest skipping this one. If you have a strong stomach, read on!

I spent most of December in a reading slump, and this book pulled me right out of it. I was enthralled from the very beginning and ended up reading most of it in one sitting.

I'll preface this by saying this is NOT a book for the faint of heart. If you are particularly squeamish you may have a tough time. I am not a person who can handle a lot of body horror but I pushed through the few very descriptive scenes because I just had to know how the story would end.

Lucy-our main character- is a caring and loyal, but flawed individual. Her relationship with her sister, which we learn about through memories, letters, diary entries, and the present narrative, isn't perfect by any means. However, it is the most important part of her life and is the driving force of this story.

Johanna van Veen's writing is very solid. The characters are multifaceted and realistic despite the circumstances, especially given the period it is set in. But what I love most is the gothic horror elements. It's creepy and dark, and at times you will find yourself questioning what is real and what isn't. The third act brought it all together, and I was reacting out loud in my living room to my cats until the final page.

I haven't read the author's debut novel, but after I finished this one, I immediately added it to my TBR. Here's to starting 2025 off with a bang!

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in March. The gore ended up being too much for me to finish but I cannot express how well written it was regardless of that. If you are into deep intense gothic horror, you have to try this. It's really disturbing.

An atmospheric and gothic horror! Unsettling plot, feminine rage, vampiric hunger, twins lost in the madness, and sapphic themes? Yes please girl! Catch me never going near a bog though.

Thank you to Johanna van Veen, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this digital ARC! Sink your teeth into this one on March 25 🩸

Thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Sourcebooks for this copy of "Blood on Her Tongue."

This gothic horror story asks the question: how far twin sisters will go to protect each other from a fearsome fate?

It's 1887 and we meet Sarah who appears to have some sudden onset abnormal fixation with the body recently found in a peat bog on her land.

Her twin sister Lucy arrives to help after receiving disturbing letters from Sarah.

I won't spoil any of it for you, but it was very twisty, dark, and exciting!

Johanna Van Veen
Blood On Her Tongue

4.5 / 5

Johanna Van Veen's Blood On Her Tongue is truly gothic horror at it's finest.

Taking place in the Netherlands, late in the 1800's, much of the story is told in an epistolary format, through letters. And while yes, Dracula is brought to mind, the story here is wholly different, with many moving pieces.

Great writing, great characterization, great plot.
This is just a great vampire tale.

This is the second book by Johanna Van Veen that I've read within the past few months ... And I am already eagerly awaiting their next. (Even though this one isn't officially out yet.)

I feel like I'll be thinking about this book for a long time yo come. This was filled with rich world building, incredible story telling, and I loved how strong our protagonist was! Excellent book!

Lucy is in a rush to return to her twin sister, Sarah’s side. She is mentally unwell, refusing to eat, and obsessed with a body groundsmen have pulled from the bog on her estate. It’s 1887, and any sort of untoward behavior from women has them seen to an asylum. Diagnosed with a brain fever, Lucy hopes to be able to nurse her back to health, but Sarah comes back strange and so very, very hungry. She must do her best to figure out what is plaguing her sister before she runs out of time.

This was a very interesting book. It is definitely not for the faint of heart, filled with gore and blood. Lovers of the horror genre will definitely enjoy this one. The story was entertaining and kept me seeking answers as I was reading. I did wish to have more information at some points which I won’t spoil, but that’s my brain wanting answers for everything.

There were a few cliche moments that had my eyeballs rolling, but it is, in its core, a historical fiction so I have to excuse intrepid men I suppose. Check the trigger warnings, this one has a fair few.

Final rating: 3.75 Stars

Recommended if you like: historical horror, body horror

Gothic, queer, vampire books might just be my new favorite. Johanna Van Veen exceeded all expectations with this book.

I usually don’t enjoy books without a strong romance plot line, but found myself thoroughly engrossed in Lucy and Sarah’s story from beginning to end.

This was a beautifully written, vivid tale of two sisters, that will have you gripping the edge of your seat with each page.

Blood on Her Tongue comes out March of 2025, and I will for sure be encouraging everyone I know to run and read it upon its release. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an e-ARC of this title.

4.25 ⭐

This is a dark, gore-y, twisted read, definitely inspired by the stories of Carmilla and Dracula with Dracula quotes being used to mark the start of each new part of the book. Vampires in a new form.

A story set in the late 1800's where we follow the lives of Lucy and Sarah (twin sisters), Sarah is suffering from an unknown illness and so Lucy has returned to help care for her sister and find the cause. We discover a local bog woman was found and examined shortly before Sarah fell ill - could this be linked to her mysterious illness? With the 'aid' of Sarah's husband Michael and childhood friend turned doctor Arthur, Lucy works to unravel the mystery and fights to protect her sister / not-sister.

Expect lots of secrets, blood, gore, misogyny, and mystery. A really intriguing story that will draw you in, I just felt there was some cherry on the top missing that really pushed it to a full five stars. Overall a great read I would recommend to any readers who enjoy a darker, gothic story.

Wwwwwwtttttttffffffff (/pos)

06/01/25
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5 rounded to 5 stars.

When I saw that I'd been accepted for an ARC of Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna Van Veen I almost screamt. I haven't yet read her other novel, but the premise of this one was deliciously intriguing.

Blood on Her Tongue follows Lucy's perspective as she goes to aid her sister, Sarah, who is suffering from a strange brain fever, one that makes her act strange, have knowledge she shouldn't, and worst of all crave blood.

I'm really not a fan of vampire stories, and this was a delightful take on that sort of trope. I won't spoil, but it is not just your classic vampire novel.
The writing is wonderful. The descriptive paragraphs are so vivid and detailed, and the author perfectly managed to balance descriptive with story-telling. There was never any forced information, although there were some knots left untied. (I quite like this, however. It leaves the book with the air of mystery is deserves)

The ending was perfect. One of my biggest pet peeves in books is endings that feel rushed or forced. I love the choice Johanna made with the ending, even if not everything was revealed.
Thank you so very much to the publishers and to the author for the free ARC of this book. I devoured it in less than a day.

I have been craving a good gothic horror for a while and this book has satiated that hunger. This story was beautifully dark and also surprising. I was expecting a dark vampire read and this was so much more.

Lucy's twin sister, Sarah, is bed bound after an encounter with a body preserved in the peat on her husband's property. While her husband, Michael, thinks it might just be a consequence seeing a corpse had on her delicate, feminine constitution, Lucy knows her scientifically minded sister better than that. Sarah has had some health scares before, and after their aunt died in an asylum, the prospect of losing her to the same cruel system is horrifying. Even their childhood friend and Sarah's current doctor, Arthur, is doubting Sarah's sanity, and her insistence that the bog woman is speaking to her inside of her mind isn't helping. The situation gets even stranger when Sarah dies... and sits back up in her coffin, as if nothing had happened.

'Blood on Her Tongue' is a delightfully disgusting gothic horror novel. Bog bodies are fascinating, and something I've never really seen explored in a horror setting before. Johanna van Veen takes a lot of inspiration from gothic horror, though the gore and language usage feels a bit extreme than what you'd find in a classic novel. If you're sensitive to violence, you might want to skip this book--I'm normally not squeamish, but the eye-horror had me feeling a bit queasy.

Lucy is an interesting protagonist, though not entirely likeable. I think she suits the narrative fine, being a quieter and more passive foil to Sarah, and she definitely grows into her own flavor of strange as the story continues. That said, she is the source of my biggest problem with the novel... I just don't get what she sees in Michael. He's unlikable within his first appearance, but it takes this woman who saves spiders so long to see the guy who throws his dog around for what he is. It does add to the gothic atmosphere of the book--this man who is awful to his wife has such a magnetic pull on her sister, but Lucy's angst towards her inability to be with Michael was the least enjoyable part of the book to me, since he really had nothing going for him.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with 'Blood on Her Tongue', and it felt like a great throwback to gothic classics like 'Dracula' and 'Wuthering Heights'. I definitely want to check out van Veen's previous novel, and I look forward to what she'll write in the future.