I love a good horror novel, and a southern gothic one even more. So when the chance to review this book came up, how could I resist. And I was no disappointed in the least. The has a way of gripping you almost straight away, and while it tells you what happened, you find yourself forgetting that and hoping that there may be a happy ending at the... well, end. It gave me everything I could want from a horror, leaving me with an unsettling feeling that liked to plague my mind in the dead of night. Brilliant. I can not wait to read the authors next work!

This strange but atmospheric novel was my first taste of Southern Gothic and I found myself drawn into the story slowly but skilfully by author, Noah Broyles. The novel's brooding sense of darkness and evil is made even more ominous by the vivid and detailed settings that absolutely drip with atmosphere. The author's use of language is sensuous and so perceptive the reader becomes immersed in this decaying small town with its long-buried evil presence just lurking in the background of every scene. Though the switching narrators can prove a little confusing at first, I quickly became accustomed to the sudden changes and found that it helped the novel achieve a kind of fragmented, dreamlike quality, or perhaps I should say, nightmarish! Perfect for horror fans looking for a beautifully written book.

I pick up just about any Southern gothic novel that crosses my path. I live in the South and love a novel set here, especially during a steamy, sultry summer. This one definitely didn't disappoint! In fact, this is one of the best ones I've read recently.

A true crime writer and his girlfriend move to a creepy, crumbling old plantation. The sense of dread settles in almost immediately. I will say that this is one where it helps to jot a couple notes on each of the character names and defining characteristics/issues/experiences. I realized that a few chapters in, and it made my reading much more enjoyable from there on out, since there are multiple plot lines that feature similar characters.

I feel like there isn't much I can say without giving away spoilers, but prepare yourself for a smoldering slow burn with series creepy energy. I didn't get too scared reading this, but on the "Books in the Freezer" scale (super scary books go in the freezer, somewhat scary ones go in the refrigerator, and not scary ones are room temp), this is a solid refrigerator read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

Southern gothic at its finest! I am shocked this is a debut novel. This book is atmospheric, disturbing, heartbreaking, and just beautifully done. I love the look into the dark past of Bradley and his wife. This book hits all the high notes which make the southern gothic genre just so memorable. This is a slow burn which adds to the overall claustrophobic feel to the novel. As a southern transplant myself, this book really touched on the mystery and beauty, fear, and strangeness that embodies the south. I loved this one and will definitely recommend it. Thank you net galley for this advanced copy.