There’s something about Gothictown that creeps under your skin in the best way possible! Imagine moving to what seems like the perfect little town, big house, fresh start, friendly neighbors but then things start getting weird. Like, really weird. Billie, the main character, is just trying to rebuild her life after the pandemic wrecked her restaurant, but Juliana, Georgia, is not the fresh start she hoped for. The town gives major Stepford vibes that feels more sinister than sweet, and let’s just say the town elders are way too involved in everyone’s business.

The audiobook only amplifies that eerie, unsettling feeling, and the slow build of tension had me on edge the entire time, I loved it! It’s one of those stories where you know something is wrong, but you’re not sure what, until things start unraveling in the creepiest ways. The sense of unease just keeps growing, and by the time you start piecing things together, you realize this town is way more messed up than you ever expected.

The narrator captured the Southern charm and did a great job bringing the story to life. The voice work for the different characters, especially the eerie town elders and there were moments where I had chills just from the way certain lines were delivered.

If you like books that feel like a mix of The Stepford Wives, Sharp Objects, and a little bit of Midsommar, this one’s for you.

Audio ARC provided by NetGalley

This story was quick to grab my attention and locked it in. The vocal performance was delightful as long as there was only one male character. Multiple males and I lost track of who was who.

The pacing was overall well done and the central mystery was mostly well explained with a few parts left for you to draw your own conclusions, which I really appreciated.

4 stars, will recommend.