I picked this up because it felt a little bit like Twin Peaks for a YA audience and I wasn't disappointed by that pitch. The mix of queer spooky goings on with the normal challenges of a teenager felt perfectly balanced.

I was scared to read The Dead and the Dark because I was worried it wouldn't be what I wanted it to be. I'm not giving it full five stars, so I guess my fear was justified in some way, but ultimately, I didn't need to worry so much. It mostly did everything right.

The characters were fantastic and distinguishable from one another, they just sometimes didn't have the chemistry I wanted them to have.

I love that family members were included from the get-go, I loved the setting, and I loved that it was very much part of the story - it's one of my favorite things when that happens. Another one of my favorite things is when the past is not the main plot but very much affects it because, after all, what would our present be without somebody else's past? And this book does this... let's say trope, well, brilliantly. It kept me on my toes and had a rather strong voice, which I also enjoyed.

I really need to read more from this author, I think she's only going to get better with her sophomore novel.

3.5 stars I'm rounding up. I really loved the ghost hunters part of this and the storyline and lore behind her dad's show. I liked the way the main character didn't buy it but also, was open to, trying to understand if their was a paranormal world and what it would mean if it was. This was a slow and steady kind of story, that unfolded slowly but in a way that kept you wanting more.

I also did this one as an audio book and the narrator did a great job of keeping me engaged and gave the character's voice some life.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Am I years late to this review? Yes. Do I regret not getting to this sooner? Also yes. The Dead and the Dark is an addictive paranormal thriller, with a splash of sapphic romance. I mean, say less. This is the perfect spooky season read and also packs a solid message about the danger in filling your life with hate. I adored Logan as a main character, the story kept me guessing, and I thought the ending was great.

This spooky murder mystery has a few great twists and turns while giving a look at small-town USA's struggle with homophobia. Teenager Logan's gay parents are from Snakebite, where the graduating class has twelve kids, and the nicest thing anyone can say is "I don't know about gay marriage and all but they're decent folks." Logan's parents left a long time ago and this is their first time back and the weirdness level is turned up to 11 even for homophobia. There's also a missing teen and everyone immediately suspects her father who came to scout locations first for his show. Logan teams up with the missing kid's girlfriend despite the ire of her literal three friends, because that is how small the town is.

The small town stuff is so real (I lived in a town where there was a class of four once) and the mystery was...well, there was a twist I didn't see coming. This isn't a light book but it's got good characters to root for that keep it from going so dark as to be dreary.

Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy! I would recommend this book to horror fans that enjoy a good small town setting. Dark and twisty!

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould is a spooky sapphic paranormal mystery/thriller that will keep you up at night. Following the mysterious disappearances plaguing the small town of Snakebite, Oregon, this story centers on Logan, the daughter of TV ghost hunters Alejo and Brandon returning to their small town to film the unexplainable occurrences happening there, and Ashley, the girlfriend of the first teen to have gone missing.

Logan and Ashley, one new to town and feeling very unwelcome, the other having lived in Snakebite all her life, clash at first. But soon unanticipated circumstances find the two girls realizing they must work together to solve the mystery and save the town.

The Dead and the Dark had a little bit of everything. The paranormal mystery was compelling and kept me hooked until the very end. The narrative was atmospheric and tense. Gould did a good job of showing how hate was the real nefarious force haunting the citizens of Snakebite. I particularly enjoyed Ashley’s journey of self-discovery.

Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

DNF - did not finish. Interesting premise but could not get into it during a reading slump. Mary give another try in the future.

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

I did not know what to expect going in, but this book truly gripped me from the first few chapters. A thriller mixing romance and horror, it has all the elements I usually enjoy, and this did not miss!

4,5 stars, rounded to 5.0

Oh... oh this was lovely.... I thought I was in for just another YA fantasy, but this exceeded my expectations! This small-town mystery is a beautiful story about belonging, family (found and otherwise), grief, oppression, and so much more. The relationship between Logan's fathers is achingly beautiful, and so tender. This is a fantastic novel, and one I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys small town mysteries with a heart.

A creepy, mood enticing book that speaks volumes for LGBTQ+ representation, horror, and women in general. I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. Usually, YA horror makes me cringe but this one was good!

I will follow Courtney Gould into the depths of hell or anywhere else she wants to take me. I am obsessed with this story and she has become and instant buy for me.

What an absolutely wild ride. This is dark and disturbing and so incredibly hard to out down. Logan is an awesome main character and the things she goes through really help you to see that home is the people we love, not a place. Beyond that, this book kept me up and I love it.

Most of the time, I listen to audiobooks while I am multi tasking. I started this book while sorting and folding laundry but the laundry was quickly forgotten as the narrator drew me into the story. The conflicts encountered in this small town set the tone for a perfect storm of dark endings. All through the story, the scenes were set to push the reader (listener) into Logan's quest to discover what was truly happening to the teens in Snakebite, Oregon while struggling to push aside the "outsider" label she finds at every stop along the way. This is a very good book and an even better audio book.

Love the darkness being explored, but just didn't connect to the story or the characters. The writing was simple, which is fine, but it was all a bit too predictable. Just didn't stand out to me, unfortunately.

Courtney Gould's debut novel, "The Dead and the Dark," captivates readers with a thrilling narrative that skillfully weaves together the supernatural and the complexities of human emotions. This four-star review reflects on the engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and the seamless blending of mystery and paranormal elements.

The plot unfolds in Snakebite, Oregon, a town plagued by mysterious disappearances and an eerie atmosphere. The return of TV's famous ghost hunters, the ParaSpectors, adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding events. The author, Gould, masterfully sets the stage for a gripping tale where dark secrets intertwine with the supernatural.

The characters, particularly Logan Ortiz-Woodley and Ashley Barton, are compelling and well-drawn. Logan, the daughter of the ParaSpectors, and Ashley, haunted by the disappearance of her boyfriend, form an unlikely alliance in their quest to unravel the mysteries of Snakebite. The exploration of their growing connection against the backdrop of the town's enigma adds depth to the narrative.

Gould's writing style is atmospheric and evocative, effectively conveying the sense of foreboding that permeates Snakebite. The pacing is well-managed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the protagonists delve deeper into the heart of the town's secrets. The author adeptly combines elements of horror, mystery, and romance, creating a well-rounded and immersive reading experience.

One of the strengths of "The Dead and the Dark" is its ability to keep readers guessing. The twists and turns in the plot, coupled with the revelations about the town, the families, and the characters themselves, contribute to a satisfying sense of suspense. The author skillfully builds tension, ensuring that the novel remains captivating from start to finish.

While the book successfully navigates the complexities of its plot, there are moments when a bit more exploration of certain themes could have added depth to the story. Nevertheless, the overall narrative is strong, and the resolution ties up the various threads in a satisfying manner.

In conclusion, Courtney Gould's "The Dead and the Dark" is a commendable debut that seamlessly blends the supernatural with the emotional intricacies of its characters. With a well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and a touch of romance, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of mystery and paranormal fiction. Gould's storytelling prowess marks her as an author to watch, and I eagerly anticipate her future works.

I really enjoyed this book because I felt drawn to the characters, and the world of Snakebite was developed so well. The eerie feeling while reading was perfect, and I loved how the alternating povs showed us the town from Logan and Ashley’s eyes. The paranormal aspect worked so well, and the mystery kept me on my toes. There were some threads with Ashley’s friends that I didn’t feel were fully wrapped up by the end that left me curious though. Overall, I’m glad I read this one, and I would definitely read another book by Gould.

This was a super easy and enjoyable read, although it could’ve used more development in spots. I did actually really enjoy the story as a whole and really liked the ending.

4.2 stars

A diverse, dark, unique, chilling journey through the unknown! A mesmerizing tale that combines mystery, the supernatural, and heartwarming connections, all set in the haunting town of Snakebite, Oregon.

Why you should read it?

- Atmospheric writing and great character development
- A perfect blend of mystery, horror, ghosts, and romance – a unique gem."
-A rollercoaster of a plot filled with chills and thrills that will keep you guessing till the end and turning the pages