Name: Cackle
Rating: 3.9921875 (32 reviews)
ISBN: 9780593202036

Rachel Harrison

Cackle

blue

I wonder if everyone has this, experiences this constant loop of past shame and humiliation, both large and small, replaying over and over again or sometimes popping up randomly when least expected, like in the middle of spin class or while caramelizing onions.

Jana Fossi

you'll discover for yourself soon enough the things that devastate us most in the moment are always the things we look back on with such gratitude

Any step away from the past is a step in the right direction 

They're so excited for one day in a pretty dress... someone should really tell them. They can wear a pretty dress whenever they want... Women are out there tethering themselves to mediocre men just so they can wear a ball gown. It's a shame.

Good book, definitely not horror. But a fun, light, entertaining spooky read.

A darkly funny, frightening novel about a young woman learning how to take what she wants from a witch who may be too good to be true, from the author of The Return. All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She's stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation. Then Annie meets Sophie. Beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie, who takes a special interest in Annie, who wants to be her friend. More importantly, she wants Annie to stop apologizing and start living for herself. That's how Sophie lives. Annie can't help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, wanting to spend more and more time with her, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem...a little afraid of her. And like, okay. There are some things. Sophie's appearance is uncanny and ageless, her mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthly, and she does seem to wield a certain power...but she couldn't be...could she?

I was hoping for the lesbians and got the power of friendship instead.... A good book, tho. Her other works are more of my cup of tea, but this one was a nice read too. I like this very specific type of book that mixes humour with grim, and Rachel Harrison does it with mastery. Oh, to be a witchy woman living in a manor in the middle of the woods. 

Marina Deodato

This book was marketed to me as a horror novel so I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t really get that aspect but once I figured out what the book was supposed to be it’s a really good story

Abbi Brown 

This was a fast read, very digestable! I enjoyed the vibes and the commentary!

“What is it about a woman in full control of herself that is so utterly frightening?”

Starting my favorite (i.e. the best) time of the year off both early and right with another great Rachel Harrison read! 

This novel is perfect for anyone starting over in their late 20’s/early 30’s. The protagonist, Annie Crane, is relatable in both some good and bad ways. She’s got a way of holding up a mirror to the page until you can see yourself looking back from the ink. Sometimes you might not like what you see, but don’t fret! There’s still time to change what you reflect back into the world, and that is, ultimately, the entire point of this story, in my opinion.

Equally atmospheric and spooky, Rachel has crafted a touching tale about the search for personhood and identity outside of our relationship to the people we pour our love and precious time into. And managed to portray an incredibly special form of female companionship at the same time! 

Drop in a few heaping spoonfuls of magic, adorable spiders in top hats, and an ancient witch determined to show you the fullest extent of your potential, and you’ve got the perfect autumn read! 🍂🎃

{“Such Sharp Teeth” is another great Rachel Harrison read. I’ve reviewed that in a previous post.}

Catherine

“What is it about a woman in full control of herself that is so utterly frightening?”

Starting my favorite (i.e. the best) time of the year off both early and right with another great Rachel Harrison read! 

This novel is perfect for anyone starting over in their late 20’s/early 30’s. The protagonist, Annie Crane, is relatable in both some good and bad ways. She’s got a way of holding up a mirror to the page until you can see yourself looking back from the ink. Sometimes you might not like what you see, but don’t fret! There’s still time to change what you reflect back into the world, and that is, ultimately, the entire point of this story, in my opinion.

Equally atmospheric and spooky, Rachel has crafted a touching tale about the search for personhood and identity outside of our relationship to the people we pour our love and precious time into. And managed to portray an incredibly special form of female companionship at the same time! 

Drop in a few heaping spoonfuls of magic, adorable spiders in top hats, and an ancient witch determined to show you the fullest extent of your potential, and you’ve got the perfect autumn read! 🍂🎃

{“Such Sharp Teeth” is another great Rachel Harrison read. I’ve reviewed that in a previous post.}

liya n

Wholesome read with an amazing story about friendship. Though the main character, Annie, is quite unlikeable, it is so easy to see parts of yourself in her. Her new friend, Sophie is easily one of my favorite characters. Both women are full of flaws, but are still perfect in their own way. I loved this book and I’ll recommend to ANYONE who is looking for something heartwarming and creepy.

Kristen G

I cannot find a flaw in this book. I’m sure there is one but my mind refuses to acknowledge it.

Adored every character, extremely fast paced, the character growth is so apparent, and it’s spooky!

Sam White

I cannot find a flaw in this book. I’m sure there is one but my mind refuses to acknowledge it.

Adored every character, extremely fast paced, the character growth is so apparent, and it’s spooky!

Wow!! What an excellent story! The whimsical and ominous blend makes it hard to put this book down. The end kind of leaves you on a cliffhanger. I would die for a sequel!! 

Katelin Hippe

I really enjoyed this book and it’s way of tackling self-worth. It was super funny but also with ominous tones. I was rooting for the main character the whole time. Ralph may be my favorite character and I really want to try one of the lattes mentioned. 

Jessi

A darkly funny, frightening novel about a young woman learning how to take what she wants from a witch who may be too good to be true, from the author of The Return. All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She’s stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation. Then Annie meets Sophie. Beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie, who takes a special interest in Annie, who wants to be her friend. More importantly, she wants Annie to stop apologizing and start living for herself. That’s how Sophie lives. Annie can’t help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, wanting to spend more and more time with her, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem…a little afraid of her. And like, okay. There are some things. Sophie’s appearance is uncanny and ageless, her mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthly, and she does seem to wield a certain power…but she couldn’t be…could she?

Loved this! It feels in the same vein as Nightbitch, but less grisly/in your face. Some parts felt predictable, but overall, very well done!

(Bre)anne✨

TW to be added later

Loved this! It feels in the same vein as Nightbitch, but less grisly/in your face. Some parts felt predictable, but overall, very well done!

It’s a nice quaint story about Annie who has always needed validation and to appease those around her. When her long term boyfriend breaks up with her it changes her world and send her to a town called Rowan where she meets Sophie. Sophie eventually helps Annie realize that she should not have to seek happiness in others because if she does what she wants and only that she can make herself happy. It’s a cute story 

Lizeth Esmeralda

Basically I could sum up this book in the sentence - Morticia Adams becomes the cool older sister/ vodka aunt and teaches evervone to self confidence - and this sentence alone should be enough, if you are anything like me, to make you immediately add this to your spooky/ comfort tbr. 

Set in a small town with all the associated weirdness. The too perfect quaint buildings. The unbelievably friendly neighbours. There is a slightly sinister shading to all the corners, though you couldn't pin point exactly why. Saying that, this book is definitely not a horror read - its cozy to the core, with some cute spooky elements but like the Scoody Doo spooky not thriller spooky.

Annie has always made an art of blending in. Of not sticking out and leaving most places early. Her social life pretty much revolves around her long term boyfriend Sam.That is until he breaks up with her, weeks before her 30th birthday. Crashing in the same apartment, tearing herself apart to keep their friendship. Annie's heart can't really take it. A change. A change would be good. Moving from the city to a small town, Annie is loves the friendly locals and the cute cafe and shops. But she still feels a deep aching loneliness, an emptiness where she used to revolve around someone. That is until she meets Sophie.

Seemingly a local celebrity, Sophie stands out in her long black dresses, her strikingly elegant aura. Sophie walks through the world like she owes it nothing, and shes going to drag Annie along behind her.

Spiders are a feature in this book so a slight arachnophobia heads up. Saying that, I am absolutely terrifed of any spider and can barely look at a photo of one, and after a few pages kind of settled with Ralph. Hes small and cute and not at all spideryy

Alice Hyman

Basically I could sum up this book in the sentence - Morticia Adams becomes the cool older sister/ vodka aunt and teaches evervone to self confidence - and this sentence alone should be enough, if you are anything like me, to make you immediately add this to your spooky/ comfort tbr. 

Set in a small town with all the associated weirdness. The too perfect quaint buildings. The unbelievably friendly neighbours. There is a slightly sinister shading to all the corners, though you couldn't pin point exactly why. Saying that, this book is definitely not a horror read - its cozy to the core, with some cute spooky elements but like the Scoody Doo spooky not thriller spooky.

Annie has always made an art of blending in. Of not sticking out and leaving most places early. Her social life pretty much revolves around her long term boyfriend Sam.That is until he breaks up with her, weeks before her 30th birthday. Crashing in the same apartment, tearing herself apart to keep their friendship. Annie's heart can't really take it. A change. A change would be good. Moving from the city to a small town, Annie is loves the friendly locals and the cute cafe and shops. But she still feels a deep aching loneliness, an emptiness where she used to revolve around someone. That is until she meets Sophie.

Seemingly a local celebrity, Sophie stands out in her long black dresses, her strikingly elegant aura. Sophie walks through the world like she owes it nothing, and shes going to drag Annie along behind her.

Spiders are a feature in this book so a slight arachnophobia heads up. Saying that, I am absolutely terrifed of any spider and can barely look at a photo of one, and after a few pages kind of settled with Ralph. Hes small and cute and not at all spideryy

Gisela Ayala 

"...Or that I'm happy about it all? That I've made these choices, that I have these gifts, and I embrace them? I'm not ashamed of who I am. Of what I am. What is it about a women in full control of herself that is so utterly frightening?" 

This was a solid good book! I read it so fast because the plot moved very quickly. If I was basing this review on entertainment alone I would give it 5 stars because it was super entertaining. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I was hoping for a little more horror? There were definitely some creepy parts in the book that were descriptive and made my hairs stand up a bit. 

I really loved Sophie's character the best. Anytime she appeared in the book, I wanted to curl up next to her with a warm latte or tea and some fresh baked good and be free to roam as I please with beautiful dresses. and frolic in the moonlight. Honestly, this book inspired me to be more of who I am on the inside and not be scared let it show.

Ava Noreen

A fun, light, short novel that is cozy and cute and empowering- what more can you ask for?

Sophia Rabon

very fun! different from something i’d typically pick up but i’m reading it for a book club. it was wholesome, and easy to read and follow, which is what i needed right now.

Jessica Guht

I was completely sucked into the small town witchy life, and I loved the overall message of the book and the morally gray main characters.

Stephanie Cox

This was a little bit of a roller coaster ride for me. I loved the opening scene, but then spent much of the first half of the book hating how pitiable the narrator was. It felt a little one-note and heavy-handed. But I came back around near the end; I loved how there was a lot of ambivalence about the main character's journey. It was sort of a happy ending. But since when do happy endings involve so much blood and chicken bones? Good stuff.

Lauren Attaway

Allison

The MC reminded me a lot of the girl from “You’re Not Alone” by Greer Hendricks (a book I read earlier this year and didn’t like). It’s hard for me to enjoy reading from the perspective of someone who has low self esteem or is so lonely. 

I did really like Ralph and Sophie though, they were great characters. Ralph is definitely my favorite.

The book is about finding yourself and I just don't care for that trope - with the exception of “The House on the Cerulean Sea”

Amanda J 

3.5
Creepy and Cozy! Didn't know that was possible, but loved the combo.
I almost DNFed at the beginning bc I didn't feel like reading a character being depressed, but I continued. I'm glad I did. It was an enjoyable read, it definitely had moments where I was creeped out (howling wind and rain outside probably added to it lol). But for the most part, this was a very cozy read. The metaphor/underlining meaning really hits you over the head, you can't miss it.

Autumn Hunsinger

A cute little Halloween read, kinda like a modern day witchy-vibe

Melea Mullican

Reading With Chris

*Sigh* This book made me fall in love with a freaking spider. I hate spiders but Ralph 🥺 ❤️ This is a wonderful light hearted book about friendship, relationships, acceptance and finding yourself, mixed with a little witchcraft & ghosts. I really enjoyed it. It was cute, yet not overly cute. It kept me turning pages and didn’t really hit any lulls. I enjoyed all the characters and loved watching the main character find her independence throughout the book. 

Cackle

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