A claustrophobic, irresistible mystery that I devoured in one sitting
There was no fluff here. No over-explaining. No unnecessary description. Instead, this book trusted me as a reader — and allowed my imagination to build Winterbourne and its island setting piece by piece. That restraint made the experience all the more powerful.
This is, quite simply, some of the best writing I’ve read in a long time.
The atmosphere is intense and deeply unsettling. At times, the claustrophobia made me genuinely squirm. Winterbourne itself — the island and the house — feels like a living, breathing presence. They are not just settings; they are characters in their own right, pressing in on the reader and refusing to let go. It was deliciously dark, and I couldn’t stop reading.
Anne is a wonderfully written protagonist. She isn’t superficial or convenient; she feels real, grounded, and relatable. Her responses to isolation, uncertainty, and discovery are believable, which made it impossible not to invest in her journey.
The themes woven through the story are rich and thoughtfully handled — grief, loneliness, and isolation sit at the heart of the narrative. One of my favourite aspects was the focus on books themselves. The library at Winterbourne is every reader’s dream, and following Anne as she explores the collection — and what lies hidden within it — was endlessly compelling.
Most importantly, this book delivers from start to finish. So often a novel can build brilliantly only to falter at the end, but that didn’t happen here. The tension escalates steadily, expectations rise… and the story follows through. The ending is not only satisfying — it’s perfect.
My only complaint? I need the next book immediately. There has to be a sequel. Have I already read my book of 2026? And if so, how on earth are my next reads meant to compete?
A chilling, immersive, and unforgettable read that I can’t stop thinking about.
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Sounds terrific Kelly!
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Brilliant, I finished it at 2am. I had to know what happened. x
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