Rachel Harrison

Cackle

“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!

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

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 Garcia

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.

Grace M

Essence

When Annie is unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, she seeks a fresh start and moves from Manhattan to a small picturesque village upstate. There Annie meets Sophie. Beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie, who takes a special interest in Annie, who wants to be her friend. Annie can't help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem...a little afraid of her. And, okay. 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?

Cackle

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