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Thursday, March 15, 2018

The Silent Companions - Mystery Review


Rating: Good
Source: Publisher

Description:  
When Elsie married handsome young heir Rupert Bainbridge, she believed she was destined for a life of luxury. But with her husband dead just weeks after their marriage, her new servants resentful, and the local villagers actively hostile, Elsie has only her husband's awkward cousin for company. Or so she thinks. Inside her new home lies a locked door, beyond which is a painted wooden figure--a silent companion--that bears a striking resemblance to Elsie herself. The residents of The Bridge are terrified of the figure, but Elsie tries to shrug this off as simple superstition--that is, until she notices the figure's eyes following her.

A Victorian ghost story that evokes a most unsettling kind of fear, this is a tale that creeps its way through the consciousness in ways you least expect--much like the silent companions themselves.

Genre: Mystery - Horror

Why I Picked This Book:  I haven’t read a really creepy book in awhile and this looked seriously creepy!

My Impression:  I don’t read much horror so I don’t have much to compare it to but the creep factor is high on this one!  At the very beginning there an editor’s note saying not to read this at night and it’s not far off!  While I could handle a dark sky this isn’t a book to read late at night by myself.

The writing style reminded me a little of Shirley Jackson.  While it’s very clear that SOMETHING terrible has happened many of the early scenes seem fairly innocent but there is always something deeply unsettling lurking between the lines.  I loved the super Gothic-y feel of this book from the asylum to the creepy dusty manor house to the not always thinly veiled hostility of everyone around Elsie.

I felt sorry for Elsie even though I could never be sure if I liked or trusted her.  She seemed so alone with absolutely no support or respect that I couldn’t help but pity her.  My only problem with this book is that while the atmosphere kicked in early it took awhile for the story to really get going.  There were lots of little clues even from the beginning but not really enough for the plot to really gain traction for probably the first third of the book though I was definitely intrigued and unsettled.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would - especially if the blurb grabbed me as much as this one

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would if you’re in the mood for serious creepiness but not heavy gore.

10 comments:

  1. Yes, I intend to read this book this year. Maybe in October? I've read several other reviews that were quite positive and some were surprised how much they liked the book. I think the idea of the 'eyes following you' sealed it for me. Ha!

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  2. I like the sound of this one and have seen some good reviews of it around the blogosphere/booktube, but like you I don't read much horror and I worry I'd find it a bit too creepy and unsettling, but it does appeal to me despite that! Shirley Jackson is an author I keep meaning to try but again, I'm scared!

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  3. I think I will avoid this one for sure but glad you were able to creep yourself out a little with it!

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  4. This book has been one I have considered since I first saw the blurb. I will have to add it to my tbr list now that you seemed to like it.

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  5. I may need to wait on creepiness for a bit! That's a great review though :-)

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  6. Ooo... I do love a creepy read; you have me intrigued! Great review & thanks for putting this book on my radar.

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  7. Ooh, I love a good, creepy gothic horror. Dolls really freak me out so I definitely couldn't read this in the dark.

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  8. Adding this to my TBR immediately!!

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  9. This one's on my TBR stack, and I'm glad to hear it's Shirley Jackson-ish!

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  10. I'm not into mysteries, but that cover is wonderful. :)

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