Mop is dealing with tragic death of her mother after a fire when her car breaks down outside her estranged Aunty Liv’s estate. Mop has not seen or heard from her aunt since her mother’s death and has no idea why. The story alternates perspectives between Mop and Liv and goes back and forth between present day and the time preceding the fire. What follows are lots of twists and turns and a completely jaw dropping outcome.

Wow, where to begin. This was one roller coaster of a ride and I could not get enough. First off, Shannon Kirk is a master at imagery. I am used to skimming over books that have an abundance of irrelevant, extraneous detail, but I did not miss one word of this. The writing is poetic in it’s unique beauty and it is obvious that Kirk is an exceptional writer.

At first I was a little confused by the alternating time periods, but this was quickly resolved once I realized that this is a device employed by the author to convey the franticness of the situation. Shannon Kirk is an absolutely brilliant writer, flawlessly portraying the Liv’s complicated personality in her first person narratives. Because Liv is an extremely unreliable narrator, there were times that I did not know what was true and what wasn’t, but it all came together rather shockingly in the end. There are definitely scenes of graphic violence, so this is not for readers who prefer cozies or gentler plot lines. I found this completely unpredictable and I loved every dark sordid minute of it! 5 solid stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Shannon Kirk for providing me with a complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Meh...

The writing style and I just didn't get along too well unfortunately.

What I liked:
-The author did a great job with creating a Gothic, dark setting that I could visualize.
-The characters were certainly unique; both flawed and memorable.

What I didn't like:
-There was a lot going on here, with all the different characters, past and present, as well as different story lines that didn't seamlessly come together for me.
-It felt like some of the violence, language, and horror throughout was over the top.
-All the scenes with the character labeled 'companion'. Was I not supposed to figure out who this was until it was revealed at the very END of the book?

This book has a lot of fans, so don't let this review throw you off. Give it a go-maybe you will have better luck than I did.

ARC provided by NetGalley

After seeing lots of hype about this book, I was excited to read it. The writing and plot are unusual and I liked the dark, gothic undertone throughout. Unfortunately, I just didn’t engage with this book as much as I would have liked. I stuck with it but found it a struggle. A solid 3 stars.

Wow! I really should have saved this for my thriller in the fall read! But this just wet my appetite for fall...and hopefully more good stories like this! Enjoyed this very much!

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37557485-in-the-vines" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="In the Vines" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518715981m/37557485.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37557485-in-the-vines">In the Vines</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8246870.Shannon_Kirk">Shannon Kirk</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2465552445">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wow! I really should have saved this for my thriller in the fall read! But this just wet my appetite for fall...and hopefully more good stories like this! Enjoyed this very much!
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25630789-kay-j">View all my reviews</a>

This is a powerful psychological thriller that I could not put down. It was a twisting turn of events and family secrets that made for a interesting read.
In The Vines the lead character is Mary Oliver Pentecost, known as Mop, and her beloved Aunty Liv. The story switches between two years ago and the present, where Mop’s life is in danger from a psychopath. Family secrets come out that cause current day problems for MOP as she deals with this life event.
This is a build up of family events that give the book rising tension and a look at how tragic family events can shape a families future.
I liked the outstanding narrative descriptions of the family estates and coast. The story was thrilling. A definitive read for everyone who likes a psychological thriller.

Very well done to the author. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review. .

Oh, wow! In The Vines was outstanding!! I could not get enough of this book and I would love to see a duology if not a trilogy and see how those Vandonbeer genetics evolve in MOP?! I think she is a bit more like Aunty Liv than maybe she thinks.

In The Vines is a beautifully written (lyrical!) book about Mary Olivia Pentecost, or Mop for short and her Aunty Liv whom has been her best friend, next to her mom, since childhood. She has come back to Aunty Liv's sprawling, gothic estate to find closure and also to find out exactly what happened to her mother the night that she died. Throughout her search she unearths many dark family secrets and as she finds herself in imminent danger, she soon realizes she is in way over her head and she maybe should not have started pulling that string as it all begins to unravel and fall apart.

In The Vines is dark, disturbing, exciting and I absolutely could not put it down!. I had to stop myself from constantly reading parts to my husband (which I did) and then asking him, "WHO thinks like that? I love this author!" and then there was the audio book..... Janie, Mary and Joseph! The audio book is a MUST have! I did make my husband listen to much of Aunty Liv's internal dialogue. This was fantastic! The book on its own was a very well written solid read and the audio only added that much more and was so very realistic and exciting!

I am absolutely looking forward to reading more of Shannon Kirk's work.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Thomas And Mercer Publishing for an opportunity to read and review In The Vines.

I saw a lot of hype about this book on Facebook and Goodreads, and was quite drawn in by the plot description. It pains me so much to leave a one-star review, but getting through this book was a real struggle for me. I was obviously intrigued enough by the mystery aspect of the narration to finish the book, but I felt that the storyline was really all over the place. Not only the jumping between time periods and characters points of view, but also just the structure of the book itself. I could follow, but just barely, and I found the writing to be a bit too flowery for my taste. I can see why there are many positive reviews, but the writing style just didn't work for me like it worked for others.

I will never cease to be amazed by the many facets of crime fiction. I have said this before but because of Shannan Kirk’s latest novel In the Vines, the statement bares repeating. In the Vines is a captivating and mesmerizing read full of flair which will appeal to fans of crime fiction who are looking for a different type of crime fiction read.

Mary Olivia Pentecost, known to most as Mop, was born into one of the most prominent and influential families in New England. There is no one on earth Mop loves more than her mother Johanna and her quirky, fun-loving Auntie Liv. When Johanna dies unexpectedly, Liv isolates herself within the Pentecost family estate. With many questions surrounding Johanna’s death, Mop attempts to move on with her life, but a part of her needs to know the details of her mother’s death. She returns to Liv’s home and is shocked by what she finds. Her Auntie Liv is a shell of women she once knew. Liv is scarred physically and emotionally by the events linked to Johanna’s death. Liv’s appearance and change in personality make Mop even more determined to uncover the circumstances of her mother’s death. Mop soon learns her beloved aunt has many secrets. As she learns these secrets, she also finds herself in danger.

The main character of this story is Mop, however she is frequently upstaged by Liv. Liv has a very strong presence throughout the entire book, even within the sections told from Mop’s point of view. While reading In the Vines, I continuously wondered how or if the section I was currently reading could be linked to Liv. I discovered everything lead back to Liv in some way.

Pretty early on readers learn that Liv is mentally unstable. Events both current and past have left her teetering on the edge. With the exception of one past event, Liv’s reactions to wrong doings and rejection are over the top to say the least. Dramatic is another way to describe Liv. While under the threat of physical harm, she took note of her attackers undergarments. Liv’s attacker’s poor choice of undergarments was just as much of an atrocity as the physical threat. If I had to pick one element of In the Vines to criticize it would be the extreme dramatics. However Kirk does manage to dial back the theatrics before they become too over the top.

The New England setting of In the Vines allows readers to become fully immersed in the story. While reading I could imagine the estate Mop and Liv call home ; with its lush greens, beautiful flowers, and ocean views. While reading some portions of In the Vines, I could imagine waves crashing and wind howling as the scenes played out. Giving the story a dark creepy vibe which added intrigue, as well as an element of horror.

I will admit, it took me some time to get into In the Vines. In the beginning, I had difficulty figuring out what was happening. About a quarter of the way through, I was able to get into the swing of the story and appreciate Kirk’s unique storytelling. Kirk’s writing is beautiful and atmospheric. While I may have been a little confused about the destination of the story, I did enjoy the journey.

** Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for my free copy of In the Vines**

Murder and Moore Rating :
4 out of 5 Stars

In The Vines is a gothic thriller that switches between the points of view of Mary Oliver Pentecost, known as Mop, and her once beloved Aunty Liv. The story also switches between two years ago and the present, where Mop’s life is in immediate danger from a seeming psychopath. Family secrets come out to haunt Mop and her wealthy family on their New England estates.

I found the narration a little confusing at first, switching between the two characters and different times, but it worked to build suspense, with Mop’s life in the balance as the tangled family secrets are slowly revealed. I found the build-up of suspense a little too long and frustrating for a while, but towards the end the pace really picked up and there’s plenty of satisfying twists and turns.

I liked how Aunty Liv’s narration gave an impression of someone who is a little desperate and unhinged and the growing tension as we find out what really happened to her sister (Mop’s mom). However, while there was plenty of tension arising from Mop’s dramatic situation, I never really warmed to her character so wasn’t much invested in her fate.

I liked the vivid descriptions of the family estates’ grounds and rugged coast and thought that the story was an effective psychological thriller.

What a stunning cover.

After seeing this book all over Instagram, I found that I was able to request a copy from Netgalley and was approved. I was excited to start this as soon as I got it so thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy.

Dark dark dark, just the way I like them. It wasn't an easy read for me though. It was all over the place and some of it was quite unbelievable to me BUT the rest of the book was whacked, also, just the way I like them so it's a little difficult for me to review. I will say, at times, it was gory so be aware of this.

The book is told in alternating narratives and time frames (past and present) with Mary Olivia Pentecost (MOP for short) as one of our narrators and Aunty Liv Vandonbeer as the other one. It's a story of one of the wealthiest and closest New England families and what's happened over the past 2 years. I'll give you a hint. Lies were told. Crimes were committed. There was love and death.

Sidenote: I love that Aunty has a "Glory hole" in her kitchen while mine is just a "junk drawer".

Woah! What a crazy ride this book was! I think I spent a majority of time with a dazed, “What the ...????” look on my face, not quite sure what I had let myself in for. There is A LOT of crazy stuff going on with this story, told through two different POVs and quite a few separate timelines, and I admit it took me a little while to get my bearings.

In the present, we have Mary Olivia Pentecost, better known as Mop, who is being chased through the bush by a crazy woman with an axe. Whilst trying to survive this frantic attack, Mop reflects on the events that have led to her current predicament. We also hear about those from her “Aunty” Liv’s POV, starting with an encounter in a diner two years ago, which set some pretty crazy events in motion. Even if I wanted to sum this story up for you, I would not know how to put the kaleidoscope of frantic images it painted in my head into words. Such was the impact of the story that I felt slightly crazed myself and had to ingest this in small doses – certainly not before bed, when the chaotic images would filter into my dreams (or nightmares). What a fantastic, trippy movie this book would make!

Kirk has a unique voice like no other I have come across, her words tumbling across the pages with an urgency reflecting the actions and thoughts of her characters, which are not always “sane”. This is not your typical thriller with people thinking in a logical and calculating manner, but a thrill ride of emotions that mirror a disturbed mind. So vivid were the pictures she evoked that the final scenes will stay in my memory as some of the most disturbing and thrilling I have come across in a thriller. Perhaps I should sit with this for a while and let it digest rather than pound out my review whilst still reeling with shock and disbelief, but it was that kind of book!

Apart from characters that leap from the pages like spectres from a horror movie, Kirk manages to serve up the perfect claustrophobic and atmospheric setting on a rather grand coastal estate in New England. I have never been there, but could picture the lush gardens perched atop towering cliffs so vividly that it made for armchair travel of the best kind. The idyllic setting is in such a stark contrast with the crazy minds of the characters, that it offers a fleeting but deceitful relief from the actions playing out, but do not be fooled, because it will also host the most horrific scenes of the story!

Now, I am a reader who struggles with suspension of disbelief, and there were a few moments when it almost crossed the line for me, but “Aunty” always managed to have a perfectly reasonable explanations for even the craziest stuff that went down. So who am I to argue? I certainly wouldn’t take on this formidable woman, for reasons that will become evident as soon as you read this book. Liv is a nurse, and she knows plenty of ways to dispose of an enemy, so tread lightly here, dear reader! Sorry, Aunty, I really didn’t mean anything by it, I’ll keep my mouth shut now *shuffles off quietly into a corner*. So if you’re game, go and read it for yourself and let yourself be carried away into the crazy world of In the Vines!

The poem at the beginning of the book, penned by Shannon Kirk, is so dark and profound it left me breathless. And then...AND THEN I read the first chapter and knew I was a goner. The first scene of this story left me horrified for a narrator I had yet to meet.

"There is a woman in black with a nail gun, firing it into the sky and screaming at the woman with the hatchet."

Seriously, what in the actual helicopter is happening??!

This story is like a ride on a derailed crazy train told from the view of two protagonists, Mop and her Aunty Liv, boomeranging between the past and the present seamlessly. Mop has returned home after the tragic death of her mother two years earlier only to find her beloved Aunty Liv is no longer the woman she once knew and is plagued with secrets that Mop is determined to uncover. What follows is a head first dive into the utter madness that has consumed her Aunt's life.

All craziness aside, Shannon Kirk's writing is beyond compare.This book reads like a 277 page poem penned by Poe. It's horrifyingly beautiful, like a Tim Burton production contained within pages. Certainly not a style that everyone will enjoy, but for those that are so inclined, prepare yourself for a slow descent into the heart of this story. This is the longest short book I've ever read, 277 pages felt more like 500, though I can't explain why.


I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Every character in this book is NUTS! I don’t even know where to start. Mop (Maria Olivia Pentecost) is from an extremely wealthy family. When her mom dies tragically and her aunt shoves her aside, she becomes lost. This does little to describe this strange family. Like I said....I don’t even know where to start. And Mop is the sane one!

This story is confusing, especially in the beginning. It has lots of flash backs with different narrators. Usually this does not bother me. But the way this one is laid out it became disorienting. However, there is something about this storyline which keeps you reading. Who did it? Who is the woman in the barn? Who is the woman chasing them? Lots of unanswered questions keep you glued to this book.

I fluctuated between 3 and 4 stars. But this story is so riveting it deserved 4 stars!
I received this book from Netgalley for honest review.

Holy crap! This book is about as odd as they come.

The story centers around Mary Olivia Pentecost, Mop, to her loved ones and the mysterious death of her mother, Johanna, two years prior.

What happened that night that her mother threw her burning body to the churning waves below?

Chapters alternate between Mop and Aunty Liv, past and present, and both are telling us a dark and disturbing story that lead us to this treacherous night.

The first chapter is perfection. In present time Mop is hiding in a burnt out cellar while a hatchet wielding mad woman is screaming and trying to break in. If that doesn't hook you then I don't know what will.

This book has me so torn. Some parts were brilliant. Other times I found myself confused. A lot of this book is really over written with long wordy descriptions. I liked it in the beginning but as I got closer to the end I began finding it tedious and just wanted everybody to get to the point. For a book under 300 pages it seemed to take forever to read.

Kudo's to Shannon Kirk for creating one of the CRAZIEST characters I have read about in awhile. Actually TWO of the CRAZIEST characters I have read in a while. Heck, it may even be three but I really can't be sure. That's how bat shit crazy this book is. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

I love nothing more than a really good psychological thriller with great gothic vibes and this one absolutely has that and more. And let's not forget it's stunning cover...it totally gives off such a creepy vibe to go along with the story - this one is the total package, folks, and you do not want to miss it!

What I loved most about this book is that as addicting a read as it is, I found it to be a slow-burning kind of read. It starts off with a bang and some major confusion...but it is so intriguing at the same time that you just can't help yourself as you keep turning those pages to figure out what is going on. I loved the way Shannon Kirk ever so slowly unravels everything - she leaves you with all sorts of questions, and while they do eventually get answered, more pop up before all is finally revealed.

The story moves back and forth in time and alternates between two narrators - Mop (Mary Olivia Pentecost) and Aunty Liv - and bombards you with all sorts of goings on and you are left to piece everything together as well as keep things straight. It's such a unique way to tell the story, but at the same time, it's chilling and haunting, and just might have you questioning the sanity of some of the characters as well.

This book is filled with family secrets and delves into the world of mental instability like no other. It is crazy just how dark one's own paranoia and hysteria can be and where that can lead you. Reading Aunt Liv's stream of consciousness, and even Mop's at time's, was so eerie and yet so authentic, to each situation they found themselves in, that it just made for more compelling and realistic characters.

This book is dark and deliciously fun. It's one twisted, at times terrifying thriller that I cannot recommend enough.

I was lured in by the description of this book. Lately, I am obsessed with not just thrillers but psychological thrillers. And the summary promised one hell of a ride.
That being said, I had a hard time following this style of writing. I found it disjointed and at times, incomprehensible. Which I believe is intentional due to the characters. Normally I am able to power through in order to get to the crux of the plot. This was not one of those times. The characters and storyline had such great potential but I found my focus being pulled from the point by the over abundance of descriptive text. I did not actually finish the book but only because it’s not for me. I think other would be thrilled with this thriller if they have time and patience, something I found myself lacking.

I was given a copy of this book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know if I’m the only one who was confused with this writing style but when I first started it I struggled. Something happens midway through the book and we don’t even find out the conclusion until close to the very end. This happened quite a bit, it’d be present time and then they’d start telling you a story but only 30 seconds had passed in their time. It was very drawn out to me, like a million little cliffhangers. I also felt the ending seemed like a horror movie when you think someone’s dead but nope they jump up still alive, at least 3 times. I also got frustrated with how distracted each character would get. They’d be finally revealing something to us but then see something that reminded them of another story and tell us that first. I also didn’t understand the hatred of the aunt, or her big reveal. Seems like this book went over my head.

The beginning chapters were a bit confusing to me but after you read on, so many secrets are revealed. Horrible secrets.

The story hops between time periods and our main character, Mary Olivia Pentecost aka MOP, is in for a world of hurt and disappointment. She is from a very wealthy family, wealthy as in filthy rich and knowing people with connections. Mop’s mother supposedly died in a horrific accident 2 years previous. In that time Mop is trying to reconcile her feelings, get over her grief and decides to visit her Aunt Liv at the big estate house. She finds her more than odd.

I am OK with a family story that’s a bit creepy but it was more of a horror story to me. Described as a psychological thriller reeled me in but instead of a Gone Girl psycho-thriller (Yes, that has been a comparison made ad nauseum) it was mentally gruesome.

The writing style was good but I honestly didn’t research this book enough before requesting to realize it was a horror story. Way beyond the family drama meets Stephen King. I’m not squeamish and very much enjoy a good murder mystery but this was a bit out of my comfort zone. Bloody hatchets, a nail gun and all out craziness …… Perhaps I should stick to the Peter Robinson, Tana French and Lee Child sort of themes.

Thanks very much to NetGalley for sending me this book. It’s always an adventure reading new material and authors. My review is based on my opinions and personal taste and I was not compensated for receiving this book.

This book had twists and turns but was most relatable because of the family history, dynamic, and secrets. Confirms all of my personal thoughts; can you really trust/depend on your family? Are there deep, dark secrets hanging from the branches of your family tree? I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in thrillers and suspense novels.

This is the second book I've read in a week in which a family is redlining the crazy train. This was some ride and I have to sit and think about what I can and can't say because the doozies unfurled within these pages shouldn't be spoiled. This is told in three POVs and in varying timelines so the story is told by withholding secrets, fates and pertinent information to unravelling several mysteries throughout the story. It was great at keeping the tension but it was a bit exhausting after a bit. One thread, in particular, takes place while a character is in the midst of being pursued by a demented woman wielding a hatchet who's already hacked her once in the leg, while a hurricane rages. Atmospheric, to be sure.

I can say this for sure, this all begins when a woman (Liv) on the edge taunts the wife (Cate) of her paramour (Kent), who happens to be more on edge than imaginable (Cate, not Kent). To say things spiral out of control in a major way shortly thereafter would be an understatement. I mean, if you suspect you've just witnessed someone go to the extreme of murder on a mere unfounded and unproven suspicion, it's probably a sure bet they haven't any of the usual boundaries and mental guardrails, so best not to poke them. But then we wouldn't have this harrowing tale. I also appreciated the lighter moments offered. I'll take Mr. Gillray with me and I have to agree with him about the red, pink and yellow roses combination. I also appreciated the ending and admit, I needed it after what came before.

Definitely recommended as the story and writing were well done. I'll be on the lookout for more by the author.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC copy.