I went into Sourwood expecting a familiar setup, the kids sent to a spooky grandmother’s house, but the story quickly proved to be far more inventive. Spurgeon takes that well-worn premise in an unexpected direction, creating an atmosphere that’s genuinely eerie rather than predictable. A smart, unsettling read that kept me hooked.

Reed and Leighton are orphaned when their parents die together in a car accident. Reed struggles to support his sister, working several jobs and taking out loans, for the two of the to survived. All they have is each other since their parents refused to tell them anything about their grandparents. Out of the blue Reed receives an invitation from his father's mother inviting her grandchildren to the family estate, Ashfeld Manor. In exchange for a visit Reed will become the inherit the entire estate....which would solve all of their money problems and get loan sharks off his back.
As the siblings arrive at the estate Reed is overcome by an unquenchable thirst. HIs grandmother, Violet, fawns over him. She treats Leighton with disdain. Suspicion and distrust grows within Leighton, while Reed develops an odd craving for the Sourwood tree sap, the Sourwood Honey and the well water. Inheriting Ashfeld Manor comes with a steep price.

Sourwood is an excellent tale of greed, curses, monsters and devotion, love and promises. The writing is excellent and it creates an effective ambience for the storyline, Excellent character development is evident for Reed, Leighton and Violet. I would recommend #Sourwood to readers who enjoy tales of transformation, both good and bad. Some people transform into monsters, others transform into their true selves....like a butterfly from a chrysalis.
Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read #Sourwood. I enjoyed this book very much.