“Everything felt veiled in stillness. As if the house itself was holding its breath.”

Carl Goodwin has written a brooding and subtly sinister book.

Following a move to a new home, the owner begins to feel he is being watched or even trapped in his home.
Is he being followed? Who are the people seen outside his front door at all times of day? Why are some of his neighbours acting strangely ? And does his house hold a secret ?

With an increasing sense of paranoia and general mistrust towards the local community and even technology, how will the situation ever be resolved?

A short novel with a palpable sense of growing fear and confusion.

The outcome may not be what is expected but this is an intelligent reflection on what could happen on anyone’s doorstep with an ever increasing society of isolation .

What a creepy read! That said, this was a great read. I enjoyed the characters, setting, and the gripping plot. Readers will enjoy this one!

Thank for the advanced copy of such an odd words to use published date 9th of October. A dream house turns into a nightmare in this unsettling read that will make you glad your neighbours aren’t that bad. Really enjoyed this great we book the characters and settings were great

Such an Odd Word to Use is an intriguing read, and I was immediately struck by the author’s strong command of language. Carl Goodwin writes with clarity and intention, and the prose itself is genuinely impressive. That said, the story felt more like a character study than a plot-driven novel, which may appeal to some readers more than others. I found myself appreciating the depth of observation even when the pacing slowed. Overall, it’s a well-crafted book with thoughtful writing, best suited for readers who enjoy immersive, introspective character work. I’m glad I tried it.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick and concise read. Perhaps it's because I connected with the author's background in Data Science and the streets, alleys and coffee shops around Clerkenwell. If that is all 'foreign' to you don't be put off. I did get three-quarters the way through and started to think that something awful was going to happen and the story would evolve into a whodunit - but that never happens. For me, the particularly inspiring aspect was seeing the world through the eyes of a young girl - Lana. Yes, things do happen but they are all so ordinary and inconsequential. Overall, a masterpiece for a new author, let's hope there is more to come.

I've never been so completely drawn into a story that, on the surface, is about nothing more than random goings-on in a house in the UK. Carl Goodwin's Such an Odd Word is part mundane, part slow-burning psychological thriller. I am still not entirely sure what happened, but it was pretty compelling

The novella follows Mark, who's finally settling into a secluded house (a former music studio in London), hoping for some peace and quiet. What he gets instead is a subtle unraveling. He's beset by odd glances from neighbors, small disturbances, surveillance vibes, and that nagging sense that something nefarious is going on. Goodwin builds the tension so gradually, through everyday observations and quiet unease, that you're hooked before you even realize the dread has set in.

It reads almost like a diary, informative but disjointed. I loved how the story stays grounded in the real world with no sudden jarring big reveal, just the slow build of paranoia. And the ending? I'm still not entirely sure what happened, and that's exactly why it's so compelling. It lingers, forcing you to replay moments in your head, wondering what was real and what was scripted.

If you enjoy quiet, intelligent thrillers with a slow burning unease or the subtle psychological depth in books that don't spoon-feed answers, this is a gem. At novella length, it's perfectly paced. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates ambiguity that feels earned and haunting.