I devoured this book so quickly because of how captivating it was! The author's take on vampires is unique and something I have never read before. I really truly loved this book and if you're looking for a gothic vampire horror, this is a great one!

Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna Van Veen

“For you, l’d lie and cheat and kill and damn myself straight to hell. I’d do all that and more, again and again and again, as long as it took to ensure you were safe, because you are my twin, my half, my more.”

First off, thank you @poisonedpenpress for the gifted advance reader copy of Blood on her Tongue.

And happy Friday the 13th everyone! I cannot think of a better day to post a review of this beautifully written gothic, horror, novel. Which is ultimately a unique twist on Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Even though it was not advertised as such.

So, let’s get into it:

1. I have read a couple of reimagining of the above mentioned short story, and while I have loved both of them, they essentially had the same premise. Blood on Her Tongue, however, adds an interesting twist to the story in more ways than one, that I thoroughly appreciated.

2. The atmospheric writing and prose were beautifully detailed making it incredibly difficult to choose a quote for this review. (I marked over 20 I wanted to use.)

3. I enjoyed how the author explored the themes of misogyny within the novel as well. This was throughly flushed out both thoughtfully and intentionally.

4. Oh and that ending was so satisfying! Dark and gruesome, but satisfying.

I loved this book and immediately bought the author’s first novel, “My Darling Dreadful Thing” after reading this one. I expect Van Veen to be an auto-buy author moving forward.

If you are a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia or T. Kingfisher this is a must read. But just a heads up, there is a considerable amount of body horror and other potential triggers. Fortunately, the author has a detailed explanation at the beginning of what you will find within the pages.

Really enjoyed the spookiness of the bog and the gothic nature of the spooky old house. If you innately find bogs creepy, you'll definitely be creeped out by this one. I also loved that this really walked the line between madness and paranormal - you could read it both ways, which is super fun. Highly recommend this book to any fans of gothic horror.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Morbid, Dark and Twisted. Bow THIS is a good gothic horror novel.

Sarah got on my nerves a LOT but this was such a great read.

This book made me want to cry, scream, throw up… and then start the whole book over again. Dracula and Wuthering Heights had a sadomasochistic affair and produced a deformed, deranged hatechild with modern day horror sensibilities. How deliciously disgusting, how gut churning, how infuriating. Our MC makes every wrong decision. Our author turned the gore up to 100. This is for those who want characters twisted and gnarled, as oozing and hollow as the bog body that begins this drama. What a sinful, blood-crusted delight.

Okay I think I loved this even more than “my darling dreadful thing”!

I rarely read historical fiction but the author does an amazing job of making the book and the characters feel relevant and relatable whilst combining history with gothic and horror aspects. I love the blending of genres which gives the plot such a natural feel even when discussing unnatural subject matter. I also enjoy having an escape from present day life whilst digesting an outdated dialogue which flows poetically and gives the pacing of the book a fast forward momentum.

The plot follows Lucy who is called to visit her sick sister, Sarah by means of written letter. There is plenty of use of written letter format throughout the book in the form of letters between sisters, journal entries, letters between doctors and archived letters from the 1500s. I absolutely loved the letter format, specifically anything Sarah wrote I found to be extremely entertaining and engaging.

After finding a “bog woman” and examining the body, Sarah believes that she has been possessed by some type of parasite entity, this snow balls and things get increasingly dramatic and weird.

I just loved everything about this book, every page was entertaining and interesting and I loved both of Lucy and Sarah’s characters and how fiercely they cared about each other and would do anything to protect the other. There are strong themes of womanhood and sisterhood.

All the stars!

Thank you to the author and Poisened Pen Press for the EARC!

Publish date: March 25th 2025

You will find yourself immersed in a beautifully crafted world where it feels both oddly familiar and otherworldly. This story evokes a creeping dread that continues to grow with every turn of the page. You never quite know whether the character’s affliction is rooted in madness or something far darker due to the author’s clever blurring of lines between madness and mystery. A gothic horror with decadent prose and richly detailed setting that will leave readers feeling mildly disturbed.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 | 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐞𝐧

Blood on Her Tongue is such a cool book. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's THAT GOOD!!! So lovely, the plot is soooo good omg!

Set in 1887 Netherlands, Blood on Her Tongue is a horror story about a woman named Lucy uncovering the mystery of her sister’s strange condition that began with the discovery of an old corpse in a bog. I liked the spookiness of the bog corpse, how it was found and the creepy state it was in. The horror is mainly graphic, with lots of blood and gore. As I was reading, I kept wondering whether Lucy’s sister was being slowly consumed by a supernatural entity but it turned out to be something else—more sci-fi in nature (since I’ve seen this idea in sci-fi horror stories). Some things left me unsatisfied, but that’s just me; I don’t think this book is for me, overall. But there were some interesting parts! Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.

Rating: 3.5/5

Blood on Her Tongue is an atmospheric, unsettling read that immerses you in 19th-century Dutch countryside gloom and family secrets. Lucy’s desperate attempt to save her twin sister, Sarah, from both madness and what might be a far darker possession, is where the story shines. The tension between them is real, and the slow unraveling of old mysteries kept me guessing. There’s a claustrophobic feel to the estate, and the author skillfully blends historical detail with a creeping supernatural dread.

On the flip side, the pacing can drag in places, and I sometimes wished the characters’ motivations were clearer. Still, the eerie mood, the unsettling changes in Sarah, and the persistent question—madness or something else?—make this a compelling gothic thriller that fans of haunting family dramas will enjoy.

Well, all I can say is: Chef's kiss. This book was like this gorgeous, dark swirl of gothic vibes and family drama that just wouldn't let me go. You know that feeling when a story gets under your skin and you're like, "Wait, is this creepy or heartbreaking?" Yeah, that.

The setting was beyond atmospheric—think moody, foggy, "I need a candlelit room and tea to survive this" kind of energy. The relationship between the sisters was the real MVP here—so intense, so messy, so real. And can we talk about the whole "is it supernatural or just twisted reality" thing? Literal chills. Every chapter had me holding my breath and whispering, "No way, no way..."

Also, the body horror? Whew. Not too much, but just enough to make you squirm in the best way. And honestly, the way everything unraveled was pure perfection. By the end, I was like, "Did I just read a masterpiece?" Spoiler: yes, I did. My nights are now significantly spookier and, honestly, better for it. Five stars, no question.✨

Huge thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Let me just say, Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen was an experience. It completely immersed me in its dark, gothic world of bog bodies, the undead, and, yes, cannibalism. The atmospheric vibe was chef’s kiss—unrelenting suspense and an ever-growing sense of dread that made this creepy tale a brutal kind of fun.

Gross, graphic, and beautifully disturbing are the only words I can think of to describe it, especially the eye-gouging scene. It was so vivid that I caught myself squinting more than once while reading. But that’s the kind of gruesome storytelling I signed up for, so no complaints there!

The character development? Spot on. Van Veen gave us just enough detail to make each person feel like a fully fleshed-out (pun intended) being. It was easy to become invested in their struggles, particularly Sarah, whose affliction and internal battles were so compelling to follow. However, I did feel like the pacing took a hit about 30-40% of the way through. At times, I found myself questioning where the story was going with Lucy, as her personal turmoil seemed to stall the momentum a bit.

And then there was the drama between Lucy and Michael. I’ll admit I wasn’t a fan of this subplot. Sure, it added a layer of complication, but did it really enhance the story? Not sure.

This book delivered a rich, gothic tapestry of horror and suspense that’s hard to forget. It was creepy, unsettling, and, at times, shockingly fun—a perfect read for those who revel in the darker side of fiction. I will be obsessing over my thoughts on this book for weeks to come, just like I did with "My Darling Dreadful Thing." Van Veen's stories have their ways of burrowing into your soul - in a non-bog body kind of way, of course! :)

HUGE shoutout to #NetGalley, #PoisonedPenPress, and, of course, Johanna for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review

This gothic horror wears its influences on its sleeve, and for the most part, it succeeds in telling an eerie tale of obsession, siblinghood, and feminine rage. Sarah is sick - stricken by an illness after helping dig up a preserved bog woman. Her sister Lucy (Dracula reference ahoy!) visits to nurse her back to health, and in a household full of arrogant men and housemaids with dark secrets, the gothic atmosphere ramps up to an 11 pretty quickly. I enjoyed this book, although I was never quite invested. Its heroine was a little too modern in terms of her speak patterns and feminist outlooks, so while she made for a compelling voice, it never quite felt authentically Victorian to me. This mismatch made it difficult for me to get immersed. Still, it was a quick, spooky read, and one that made for a perfect chilly December evening.

Blood on her Tongue kept me guessing throughout the entire book, and I loved it. It was slightly heavy on exposition in some parts, but I fear that may have been unavoidable when you’re writing a book that’s so different and so creative compared to the usual tropes and creatures we’ve seen a million times before. The storytelling was so high quality and I understood the characters and their personalities quickly. The way the bog body was used was so interesting and the setting was so atmospheric, I might just have to read it again!

This novel was the perfect little gothic treat. It kept me engaged throughout and I was thoroughly invested in discovering what choices the characters would make next.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the arc and opportunity to review in advance of its publication.

This was my first Johanna van Veen novel and I was very excited to dig in. My Darling Dreadful Thing has been on my TBR for quite some time, but I opted to go for this one first. Started off so strong and then around the 75% mark just began to fall apart for me. Now, I LOVE a "good for her" moment, but this one just didn't hit the mark.

Lucy Lucy Lucy. Oh Lucy. So much potential just wasted. Grief is different for everyone, however, I felt like I needed a little more backstory to understand the sisters' dynamic and how this all came to be. The relationship almost felt estranged, not close, so I was slightly confused as to why Lucy suddenly made a 180 and was on board to help Sarah/Not-Sarah no questions asked.

Another reviewer nailed it for me when they said Lucy's actions were so nonsensical we began rooting for the men to separate the sisters. When I found myself not cheering the women on to free themselves and take over the world I knew it was long gone.

Lucy had every opportunity to use her sister's death/situation as a way to come out of her shell but her obsession with her twin who did not care anywhere near as much about her and her codependency were entirely too frustrating for me to enjoy where the train was heading.

I'm so glad this novel works for so many others, it just wasn't my cup of tea. Won't keep me from reading other Joanna van Veen books, though!

Blood on her tongue is a gory gothic based on vampires. I'm not sure why I requested the ARC for this book, since I don't enjoy vampire novels. But I apparently did, so I read it. I'm squeamish, so this one did not sit well with me. It's very graphic and bloody. The story is fine; set in the 19th century, Lucy's twin sister, Sarah, falls into a slow mental and physical decline. The doctor diagnoses temporary insanity but Lucy doesn't agree and tries valiantly to keep her sister from the asylum.

The characters are difficult to like and the book could have used a ruthless editor. However, fans of gothic vampires will be satiated.

Johanna Van Veen, the mind you have!

This gothic tale is dripping with darkly descriptive prose. From the very first page, Blood on Her Tongue sucked me right in with its haunting atmosphere and visceral storytelling. I found myself unable to stop thinking about the story whenever I had to put the book down.

Van Veen's writing is both captivating and chilling, effortlessly blending the supernatural with deep emotion. The characters are complex and flawed, and the eerie, brooding setting of the bog filled estate felt so real at times, I could picture it all so clearly in my mind. The author masterfully creates tension, skillfully weaving suspense through every twist and turn.

If you’re a fan of gothic fiction, this book is a must-read. It will grip you, unsettle you, and keep you hooked until the very end.

This is the second ARC I’ve gotten of Johanna van Veen’s. I was super excited to get this one as it’s one of my most anticipated releases of 2025. The writing was phenomenal and the story was great. I was completely sucked in to Sarah and Lucy’s complex and sometimes tumultuous sisterhood. I will also say that the description doesn’t really do justice to what’s going on in the story. I don’t know how the author comes up with what they do, but they hook me every time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen for this ARC! This will be out in March of 2025!

5 stars

My second read from this author, after My Darling Dreadful Thing, and another 5 stars! Johanna van Veen has a true talent for gothic horror with a Sapphic twist. And she does not shy away from the gore either. There were a few scenes that made my stomach flip for sure.

In this story of sisters, we follow Sarah's breakdown and Lucy's attempts to save her sister from her worst nightmare, being committed to an asylum. After a "bog body" is discovered on the property owned by Sarah and her husband, something insidious takes hold and Sarah becomes sicker and sicker. Lucy is summoned when Sarah's husband Michael and childhood friend now doctor Arthur feel that the end may be near for Sarah. Lucy arrives to find her sister on the brink and begins a campaign to save her sister. But is this really her sister? Or has something evil taken over?

I thought I knew where this story was going but I was wrong. This book had the perfect gothic feel and plenty of body horror and gore. At the core is the answer to the question "how far would you go to protect your twin?".