Ana Reyes

A Novel

The House in the Pines

Pia 

When I used it on him, my dad was completely helpless against his own method."

"Knock, knock," Frank says at the screen door. They turn, eyes wide with fear.

Oren Bellamy had been a certified hypnotherapist.

She imagined standing over him with a knife.

There is no cabin. Only the weathered concrete remains of a foundation

There's no way Frank could have carried the supplies needed to build a cabin--the lumber, the stove, two sinks, every one of those chimney stones-all this way on foot.

“Oh, so the other reason I was calling," he adds, "and I hope this isn't weird, but I was wondering if you could hook me up with Aubrev's number?»

estranged from her parents, Maya had a hole in her life-and Frank had seen it as an opportunity.

He freezes. "Congrats?" "On the cabin. Maya said you finished it." The hint of amusement vanishes from his face. He glares at Maya. “You told her about my cabin."

“Hey, Gary!” Someone yells. Her smile falls as she sees they're not Gary.

This is how every horror movie starts girl 

She was surprised it still worked. She stepped closer as it continued to ring.

After all, this wasn't the first time Maya had wit- nessed someone drop dead in his presence.

Truly a twist I never saw coming! I think it may have been one of the most unique things I’ve seen to happen in a thriller. There were a lot of moving parts you had to catch onto, but it was a fun read. 

Eva Ströberg

The House in the Pines - Ana Reyes
.
⭐️⭐️
.
This book feels empty. I was excited with the buildup but I guessed the plot ⅓ thru the book, so the rest felt boring to me. 
.
Maya, who is suffering from sleeping aid withdrawal, was very much traumatised from losing her bestfriend when she was young. A youtube video showing a surveillance recording of diner back in her childhood town showed another woman dying the same way as her childhood friend, also accompanied by the same man, her ex boyfriend from back then
.
Funny fact: I was reading this book at the same time while watching “A nearly normal family” in Netflix. They are two different books, but it felt like the plot was very close to each other
.
#anareyes #thehouseinthepines #bookstagram #2024readingchallenge #2024reads #booksbooksbooks #currentlyreading

This one captivated me from the beginning with its compelling storyline, but the ending left me somewhat conflicted. While the book is undeniably intriguing, its peculiarities might not appeal to everyone. Overall, it's a read I personally would not recommend but don't let me stop you!

Hannah Colbert

This book had me from the first time we heard about the cabin in the woods. I needed to know exactly how he did it and what was going to happen. Basically, I am the ideal subject. Great fast-paced and short read, perfect for spooky season.

Ariel Correa

It was fine, kind of predictable and a very easy read. Was it geared towards young readers?  Being from Pittsfield, it was great to take a literary walk around the ole' stomping grounds. 

Mark Florczyk

Allyson McMillen

Nash

THIS BOOK HAD ME GRIPPING MY HAIR and almost pulling it out. I'll be 100% honest. It kept me hooked, wanting to know more, but as I kept reading and reading I became more confused. Once you get a sense that you know what's going on, a plot twist removes the carpet from under you and you're on your head again. I was amazed by the amount of BS one can come up with to make a "thriller" if you can call it that. It's more Sci-Fy to me. Hypnosis? Pleaseeeee.

This was a well-written debut mystery about Maya, who saw her best friend murdered seven years ago. No one believed her, because her friend dropped dead while talking to a man named Frank. Now, it’s happened to another woman.

This is definitely more of a how and why mystery, rather than a who. It delves into the trauma caused when someone lives with the weight of guilt and not being believed. I really enjoyed it.

Cheri McElroy

This was a well-written debut mystery about Maya, who saw her best friend murdered seven years ago. No one believed her, because her friend dropped dead while talking to a man named Frank. Now, it’s happened to another woman.

This is definitely more of a how and why mystery, rather than a who. It delves into the trauma caused when someone lives with the weight of guilt and not being believed. I really enjoyed it.

The House in the Pines A Novel

Reviews

Highlights