Everything about this book sounded right in my wheelhouse and the raving reviews coming in only solidified my feelings so I just couldn't hold off reading this any longer.

Aaaaaannnnnddddddd.....WTF was that? Seriously!

This is not at all the book I was expecting.

The Quinlans have been whisked away to a mansion in the middle of the rain forest in the Pacific Northwest on behalf of their absentee and now deceased father. In order for any of them to receive their substantial inheritance they need to remain within the walls of the estate with no outside contact for 30 days. If anyone should try to leave then they forfeit their part of the inheritance.

From the very start, we as a reader, know that something is amiss here. Initially I was very intrigued with finding out what was going on but then the book veers off into a very strange and downright wacky direction that completely lost me.

SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF - You will need this!!!

As other reviewers have mentioned there isn't much more you can say about the plot without going into major spoiler territory. *Zips lips*

Wonderful writing, intriguing idea but just not the story for me I'm afraid. 3 stars!

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

Judging the Book by it's Cover - 2019-01-14
I've read a couple of Andrew Pyper's books ( The Demonologist and The Damned ) and have quite enjoyed his writing and found his stories original and thrilling. I had similar hopes for this, but also the similar hesitance I'm having these days for this genre, it's starting to seem a bit over-saturated and difficult to surprise and ultimately thrill me.

Review - 2019-01-21
This is one of those books that you read through and end up not being entirely sure what you read once you're done. It starts out simple enough; a creepy old house that a family has to stay in for 30 days as requested by their deceased father in his will. A strange request that launches the family on a journey of unraveling family secrets and trying to figure out exactly who their father was and who their family is. You know from the start that strange things are happening, but I don't have the words to accurately describe how strange, nor would I want to, as this is something you really ought to read without any other information or influence. Just experience it for yourself.

Pyper does a great job of emitting suspense and fear with his atmospheric details. There's nothing that's make-you-jump scary, but he builds the suspense and it creeps up behind you much like what happens to the characters in the story. He also strings the reader along, there are really no answers, just a lot more questions as more details are unearthed. Again, it doesn't seem like anything big happens, but it's strange enough to urge you on further, wanting to know exactly what is going on here. It felt like I was edging deeper and deeper into a dark tunnel, knowing I should probably turn around but far too curious and desperate to know what lies at the end to do so.

Clever writing and a unique story make this a strong read with an ending I didn't see coming and actually quite loved. Pyper respects the readers, he doesn't lay everything out in layman's terms and expects you to do a little work to put together the pieces, which I appreciate. I'm a big fan of how he continually keeps me on my toes with every novel. Looking forward to more.

** I received an advance copy of The Homecoming by Andrew Pyper for honest review from Simon and Schuster Canada and thank them for the opportunity to read this and share my thoughts.

This was an interesting read full of twists and turns and keeps you guessing till the end. It was a true psychological thriller.
I loved the book and thank th publisher and Netgalley

Ummmm, what did I just read? Whats real? Whats not? Is there an ending? I guess the most I can sayis this book will always leave you guessing. You think you see the path? Nope? Maybe? A true psycological thriller with the oddest ending ever.

The Homecoming is a solid thriller that evokes tension and makes you want to keep reading.

Aaron Quinlan and his family are ushered to their father's (surprise) estate to learn the details of his will. Once there, they are told that they must remain there for 30 days without any contact with the outside world in order to receive their inheritance. Aaron, his mother, and his sisters quickly learn that they didn't fully know the head of the Quinlan clan and that his estate and its inhabitants are not what it seems. I won't say much more, as I think that it is best to go in with few details.

I loved the first 2/3 of this book and it kept me revved up and wanting to know more. The ending wasn't quite as strong, but it was still a worthwhile finish.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

"A patchwork of a man. One who’s no longer a man. An undead scarecrow who leapt from its post. Clothes so stained by dirt, by blood they cling to him like plastic wrap.”

How can you not be intrigued by the above statement and creeped out?! I had been hearing very good things about Andrew Pyper so I decided to take a chance on reading The Homecoming... and OH MY I'm so glad that I did.

WOW... talk about CREEPY and ghostly!

A family has learned that their father has passed and they must meet up at his estate. Mind you the family has zero idea the father even had an estate?! The will states that the family must meet here for 30 days with no contact to the outside world. No problem... you're thinking 30 days with family is easy!

Well... not until the woods starts to come alive and the estate isn't what it seems at all.

What the heck is going on? What is the sole purpose of the estate and why are there creepy as hell creatures coming alive?

I'd recommend going in blind with this one as everyone keeps saying and am glad that I did. What a crazy and creepy book this was.

Overall enjoyed it! 4 creepy stars!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: 2/26/19
Published to GR: 1/9/19

Thus book was great. There was a lot if twists and turns that i didnt expect. Once you get started you cant put it down.

An enthralling read from beginning to end. It's a fantastic story with many twists and turns. A dark psychological thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy.

I was really surprised by this book, it wasn't a typical thriller or suspense story. It was very suspenseful from the get-go, and built up the relationships, and plot with plenty of tension, but the originality of the story surprised me. I was expecting run of the mill twists, however, the outcome and motivation of the characters was not something I predicted or was expecting.

Oh. My. (Insert gasp emoji 3x here!)

When I heard about The Homecoming from my sister, Chelsea Humphrey, I was so intrigued by the plot. A family has lost their father and is told they must meet up at an estate (he had an estate?!) to further hear about his will. There’s an inheritance but the terms are weird. They must all stay together for 30 days with NO contact from the outside world. Sure, 30 days with family isn’t so bad-until the woods on the estate come alive and not everything is as it seems.

With millions of questions about who their father was and what is the TRUE purpose of this seclusion, they wonder if everything they’ve been told by their father was a lie.

Without further a due, as my sissy always likes to say, GO IN BLIND. You can thank me later!

Prepare to be hooked for this one guys.

Compulsive. Compulsive. Compulsive.

4 STARS!!

Thank you to the author and publisher for my copy of this book via NetGalley!

3.5 STARS - This is my first book by Canadian author Andrew Pyper. He had been on my radar for a bit and I had even attended a library event he was at a couple of years ago but hadn't picked up one of his books until The Homecoming caught my eye. I went into this book rather blind, only reading the blurb and I highly suggest other readers do the same.

With The Homecoming, I expected a standard suspenseful read about a flawed and damaged family and while the dysfunction runs rampant in this family, the focus was the strange, sinister vibe. I quite enjoyed the slow building of tension and creepiness but this 'Biblio Chicken' (who likes Suspense but has never ventured into the Horror genre) hadn't expected it to be quite so chilling. I found myself muttering 'Geez, Laurie! WHY are you reading this at night??' … as I turned another page. While I might not have as much fortitude in the suspense/horror as some people, this was an enjoyably creepy read.

But while the scare factor is high for most of the book as the mystery surrounding this family unravels and unexpected twists occur, unfortunately the tension tapers off in the last quarter. It's at this point where the explanations broke the tension, and a few felt too far-fetched to be believable.

This was an entertaining, slow burn, chilling read about a dysfunctional family. It keeps readers curious enough to venture into the vast, dark woods with the Quinlans to find out what is really going on. This book will keep you on your toes and have you jumping at the things that go bump in the night.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Such a dark and twisty story. Very creative and engaging. One of those "this would never happen...would it" kind of stories

This is my first exposure to Andrew Pyper’s works so I did not have any preconceived expectations. I received and ARC copy from NetGalley and Simon& Schuster in return for an honest review and must admit that it did not disappoint.

The Quinlan family had deep secrets to be sure, far deeper than most families, and the reveal of such secrets was definitely unexpected and surprising. Slow to develop it soon had me engaged trying to anticipate the next delightful twist and turn. What started out as family abiding a dead father's will, it quickly turns into a dangerous mystery where the characters cannot be sure who they can trust. I found the premise of this book very unique and frightening. The author provided enough details to make the story flow without spoon feeding the reader with all the answers and information.

“Homecoming” is dark, twisted, disturbing and riveting psychological thriller told through creative language and descriptive settings. Pyper does a fantastic job of building suspense and growing an inkling of dread into full blown terror. I will definitely read his other works!

What the &$#% did I just read?! Andrew Pyper's The Homecoming is a bizarre, yet utterly gripping suspense treat for thriller and suspense aficionados. This family drama starts off with Aaron Quinlan and his much younger sister Bridit (aka Bridge) on their way to their estranged father, Ray Quinlan's funeral. Once they meet up with their mother and other sister Franny, the four of them are seated with their father's estate attorney Mr. Fogarty. They are told that they must spend thirty days at Ray Quinlan's home, disconnected from the outside world, and after doing so, they'll be allowed to inherit a portion of the 30 million dollar estate that he's leaving behind. As the time in their father's house continues, the family learns of secrets that have never been discussed, and their time at the estate is sketchy, at best. Someone's lurking around their property, but what does this mean for the Quinlan's? Who's watching them and why?

The Homecoming is very original, and very strange—in the best way possible! The story that Andrew Pyper provides is so detailed and gripping, that I would urge you to not read any more spoilers into the story. This book packs a punch, and you'll notice that you're devouring the book, page-by-page, in record speed! I finished The Homecoming in one sitting, and I'm so glad that I did, because it was one of those novels that I'd never be able to guess the outcome.

The Homecoming is a psychological thriller/suspense, but at it's core, it's also a family drama. In an over-saturated genre, The Homecoming delivers. It's originality will keep you turning the pages, but it's suspense will keep you glued. At times, The Homecoming can come across a little farfetched, but take it with a grain of salt. You'll enjoy the storyline, love the characters, and be completely freaked out at the same time! Andrew Pyper, you've gained a new fan, and I can't wait to see what else you've got up your sleeve.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this enthralling, creepy and suspenseful horror story. I was happy to receive the ARC and to be introduced to an author who was new to me. It has left me with a goal of reading his previous works.

The story presents an intriguing puzzle, written with high imagination and shocking twists which I couldn’t see coming. The plot was far-fetched but became real to me as I read and suspended disbelief. It explored family relationships, deceptive memories, science gone insane. There are a couple of mute, dishevelled people wandering in the dark woods outside. It asks the question about how well we know those closest to us, and even how well we know ourselves.

The Quinlan family arrive at a remote estate in the Pacific Rainforest. Aaron is a physician who has vague unpleasant memories from working with Doctors Without Borders in a war zone. With him is his older sister, Fanny, a recovering drug addict, his beloved younger sister, Bridge, along with their mother.

They have been summoned to the manor to hear the details of the father’s will. The lawyer informs them that the father, who was remote and frequently absent, has left millions of dollars. This was a revelation to them, as was the existence of the vast estate. Bridge has an uncertain, fleeting memory of being there before. The characters are intriguing. The Quinlans learn that the fortune is to be divided evenly among them, but on condition that they remain in the home and surrounding property for 30 days. They are free to leave, but anyone doing so will forfeit their share of the inheritance. With some reluctance, they agree to stay.

Soon some unexpected people arrive, changing the dynamics, expectations while presenting new problems. I won’t outline the plot any further, just to mention that there are many shocking twists and revelations. Everything is not as it seems. Why are two dirty, scary looking people spotted wandering in the forested grounds? What are the eerie, chilling sounds? What is the meaning of the campground nearby, containing religious verses and also signs of satanism? What is the purpose of a secret underground tunnel? Is there even any truth in the promise of an inheritance?

I found this to be a chilling book containing interesting characters and their relationships. It combined mystery, horror and science fiction but was also character driven. There was also plenty of action and blood. Highly recommended to fans of this type of shocking story with many twists and turns which defy expectations

Best-selling author Andrew Pyper returns with a riveting psychological thriller about how the people you've known your whole life can suddenly become strangers.

What if everything you knew about the people you loved was a lie?

THE HOMECOMING centers around the Quinlan family. After the death of their absentee father, Aaron and Bridge travel to a remote property in the Pacific Northwest to hear the reading of their estrange father's will. They are met by their mother and sister at this compound-like wilderness retreat. The will's terms states that in order to claim their inheritance they must remain at the estate for thirty days without any contact with the outside world. This little morsel of information piqued my interest. Despite the family's gut feeling, they all agree to stay to get their inheritance. I would've done the same thing for a good chunk of change. That kind of money can change a person's life over night.

The setup is bewitching to say the least. You should carve out some time to read THE HOMECOMING because it's unputdownable. The short chapters make for a relatively quick read. With a cup of coffee in hand, I fully immersed myself in this story. As the world faded away, I took in the sights and smells of the secluded rainforest property in the Pacific Northwest. Andrew Pyper uses the less is more approach when it comes to descriptions–this allowed for a more satisfying and personal reading experience.

The Quinlans soon come to learn their family has more secrets than they ever imagined–revelations that at first inspire curiosity, then fear.

It turns out, the mysterious patriarch had a secret family on the side. Sounds about right, using work as an excuse for being gone all the time. Absent father is never around, shacking up with another woman. They arrive at the secluded property soon after the Quinlans and the family gets a little bigger, but at the same time, everyone's portion of the will gets a little smaller. While the Quinlans grapple with the revelation, they must learn how to cope with the situation. This is when we learn a good bit about all of the characters. The characterization is incredible because Pyper goes with both direct and indirect approaches, making the characters three-dimensional and complex. As the story progresses, each character's backstory plays a pivotal role. The two families realize they have more in common than they thought.

The Quinlans start looking around the expansive property, trying to find answers. They still didn't know why their father wanted them all in the same place together. Bridge has faint memories of the estate. The Quinlans begin having the same nightmares. Cool, huh? They start seeing things in the woods. Creatures? Monsters? People? They can't be sure until it's too late. Everything is revealed. The story unravels perfectly. Pyper doesn't rush it. The ending is absolutely heart-stopping. I'm still reeling from that incredible third act.

Andrew Pyper's prose is beautifully written, making for a quick read. The plot is seamless. The dialogue is great. I enjoyed the authentic exchanges between the characters. The font is easy on the eyes, too. A good font enhances the reading experience, for sure. I dig the cover. I love a good cover, guys.

THE HOMECOMING is a blood-curdling tale of mind-bending horror wrapped in a harrowing suspenser. I've never read anything like THE HOMECOMING before. It's wholly original. I hope this story gets optioned. I would love to see it on the big screen. Andrew Pyper has done it again, folks. He keeps churning out great work. If you dig great horror and thrillers, then you'll want to grab this novel.

Strongly Recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When Aaron Quinlan’s father dies, a stipulation of the Will states that, in order to receive the large fortune his father had, he must spend a month, with just his sisters and mother, in the large, secret estate his father owned. Although a stipulation involves absolutely no contact with the outside world in any way, Aaron and his family reluctantly agree to the challenge. However, the secluded estate seems to have way too many secrets, and soon surprising and even haunting things start to happen. Why did their father keep so much of his life secret? Who do they keep seeing in shadows in the dark woods behind the home? Why does Aaron’s youngest sister have faint memories of this estate, yet no one else has ever been there?
This is the backdrop for “The Homecoming”, the newest novel by Andrew Pyper, to be released in February 2019. Dubbed The Canadian Stephen King, with good reason, Pyper tells a haunting tale that has vague touches of King’s recent novel, “The Outsider” (especially the details of the “Thin Man in the woods”).
As a fan of Pyper, I was anxiously awaiting this novel, and thrilled when I received an ARC. My long-time adoration of Pyper’s works makes me a slightly biased reader, so be warned….
The Quinlan family had deep secrets to be sure, far deeper than most families, and the reveal of such secrets was definitely unexpected and surprising. Without spoilers, it can be said that “Homecoming” had quite a few delightful twists and turns. A slow burn of a thriller, this story took a while to hook me, but soon enough I was just as curious to have my questions answered as the Quinlan’s were.
As is always the case with Pyper, his settings are top notch on the gothic scale. A deserted summer camp, a door at the end of a dark hallway which holds gory and chilling secrets, and an old, abandoned estate with no escape, all play a part in this novel. Each character is human and flawed, but not enough that the reader does not form a bond with them and root for them throughout (especially young and precocious Bridge).
“Homecoming” is dark and twisted, as are all of Pyper’s novels, told through creative language and descriptive settings. Fans of Stephen King (as I am) will adore Pyper, and will quickly draw comparisons between the two, as their writing styles are extremely similar. That being said, Pyper is creative in his own right and although my expectations were ludicrously high for this novel (as they are with most of my favourite authors), I can say that he did not disappoint. Although not my favourite Pyper novel (that will sits with “The Demonologist”) “The Homecoming” is definitely worth a read

The Homecoming, is an eerie psychological thriller about how quickly the people you call family can people completely perfect strangers.
When their father dies, a group of siblings along with their mother is taken to their father's property where they are told they must remain for 30 days if they wish to inherit his substantial estate. Confused why they would be asked to do such an odd thing, they decide to stay. Things become even more confusing as the days progress. Not everyone makes it out alive.
Recommended for anyone who lives a good psychological thriller!

*I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

3.5 stars.

I’m glad I gave Andrew Pyper another shot, after not enjoying his last novel, The Only Child. In contrast to that one, The Homecoming immediately drew me in, and I raced through half of it in one sitting (and probably would have raced through the rest if it wasn’t late at night).

The novel centres around the Quinlan family. After the death of their absentee father, they are summoned to a remote cabin (or perhaps mansion would be a better word) in the middle of a Pacific Northwest rainforest for the reading of his will. They learn that their mysterious father had millions of dollars, which they will inherit on one condition: that they remain at the estate for thirty days. They agree, and the story continues from there.

Pyper does a fantastic job of building suspense and growing an inkling of dread into full blown terror. I really loved the first half of this book, but unfortunately, the last third or so fell short. I loved the concept, but I found the execution lost a bit of the scare factor. And, as a psychology student and mental health advocate, what really upset me was the treatment of acute bipolar disorder and how the character with it had “a defective mind,” was in need of saving because of their condition, and needed a chance at “sanity.” By framing bipolar this way, Pyper is fuelling harmful stereotypes about this disorder, which only works to further stigmatize and alienate those with it (likewise with the character with Alzheimer’s). Having bipolar disorder does not, in any way, make a person “insane” so this sort of implication just really bothers me. I wish these conditions were approached with a bit more consideration.

Despite these reservations (as well as the unnecessary violence against an animal towards the end of the book), I still enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ll summarize this book as scary, creepy and downright weird. Parts were even terrifying ---- because, for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on. I got sucked into the storyline – an inheritance that only gets delivered if the “family” stays in a family property together for 30 days – but then I got looped around in circles as the story unfolded. Let’s just say, all is not what it seems … and that’s an understatement. I’m not sure I’ve read a book in this genre where I just didn’t know how things were going to play out ….. for that, the author gets huge credit. But, to get there he had to have me suspend disbelief at a level well beyond even the most macabre and wacky Dean Koontz or Stephen King plot … so for that reason, I can’t say it’s a 5 star read (close, but not quite there). But I can say it’s highly recommended and probably a book you should not read alone in a cabin in the woods