Definitely unique but almost too much so. I was so sad for Elise but I never felt the tension of a true thriller or mystery as this was billed.

It was hard to get into. I liked the premise but not the author's way of describing the characters or flow. It also seemed very sad so that's another reason I couldn't get into it.

"Girls in the Walls" by AJ Gnuse presents an eerie narrative filled with intriguing mysteries. Set in a decrepit mansion, the setting exudes a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout the story. Gnuse's writing style adeptly captures the haunting atmosphere, immersing readers in the unsettling world within the walls.

The plot unfolds steadily, revealing layers of mystery and suspense. However, the pacing occasionally falters, with some sections dragging on and diluting the overall tension. While the premise is promising, the execution falls short in terms of character development. The protagonists lack depth, making it difficult to fully invest in their journey. The relationship dynamics between the characters feel underdeveloped, failing to evoke a strong emotional connection. Despite the intriguing premise, the lack of compelling character arcs diminishes the impact of their interactions. Additionally, while the mystery surrounding the mansion initially captivates, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying resolution.

Overall, "Girls in the Walls" offers a chilling atmosphere and a tantalizing premise but falls short in terms of character development and pacing. While it may appeal to fans of atmospheric horror, others may find themselves wishing for more depth and coherence in the storytelling.

Chilling story about a girl who witnesses her parents death and becomes orphaned. She is transferred to a temporary home but doesn’t last their long. Elise believes she belongs in her childhood home and finds inside the walls inviting. Instead of a chilling tale this is a sorrowful tale. Story is very slow paced.

Wow, such a suspenseful and gripping story! I found myself lost in this book. The message of "don't fear what you don't understand" is so powerful, and the New Orleans landscape being part of the book added so much atmosphere. Thank you for the chance to read this book.

This is an interesting book but didn't quite appeal to me. The chapters were very short, often just one or two pages, and it made it hard for me to get into the story. I liked the young characters, especially Eddie. But the Mr. Traust felt a bit over the top without fully understanding where he was coming from.

📖My Thoughts📖

What would you do, if you knew that a little girl lived in the walls of your house? Well, this was quite the suspenseful psychologically twisted book. This story was very gripping yet very mysterious. I’m still not quite entirely sure what all I just read, and I’m actually ok with that. This book was written in 4 parts and most of the chapters are very short, maintaining a fairly decent reading pace. I am really just stuck on words about what I just read to be honest. This one will definitely be with me for a long time. If you don’t mind a twisted disturbing story, this is something you should consider picking up!
Thank you Netgally, A.J. Gnuse and Harper Collins Publishers/Ecco Press for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A gorgeous book, in which the New Orleans landscape is a character, the old house Elise lives in is a character, and the tension of the coming hurricane infuses everything with a dramatic humidity. I especially loved Elise's relationship with her neighbor Brody, and that heartbreaking moments between them that punctuate her attempts to stay a child in her home.

I tried so hard to imagine this. A girl, a shadow really, creeping along in the walls as the house sleeps or does their daily stuff. I don't know if it's the fact that we are post COVID and don't leave the house for work or a lot of activities anymore, but I just couldn't wrap my head around this one. I think part of it was the updated setting. I imagined creepy candles and horse drawn carriages and handwashed laundry but this is set in a very modern setting. The writing style was also a bit removed, a little dreamy and lyrical and I just couldn't seem to feel drawn in.

I liked the concept and I think others will too. I'm so glad others loved this, it just didn't work for me.

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.

Thank you to A.J. Gnuse, Ecco, and Netgalley for providing me with this ebook ARC of Girl in the Walls for me to read and review.

Review to follow.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up. I can honestly say that I chose this one based solely on its title and cover, but from there, I had no clue where it would take me. I was pleasantly surprised.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster ride. And I’m left with more questions than answers. But that’s ok? Sometimes at least. I’m ok with it here. I’m just more sad that I’m finished with it. I’d grown attached to Elise and Eddie and the neighbor boy and even that clock. Trust me when I say, this is not a book that you’ll regret picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, Ecco and A.J. Gnuse for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Girl in the Walls is available now.

This was such a unique, fascinating book. Knowing that home is supposed to be where you are safe and then it’s not here really gives you a chill. The author did a great job identifying the characters and the short chapters made it very enjoyable.

I was given a advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a slow start but it did pick up. This was a tragedy for this girl all around. This story is a pretty neat concept of living in the walls undetected. Why she is there is so sad, I don't want to give away to many details of this story. I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book if you can stick with a slow start and can not try to judge the story for some of the flaws. It's a story. Pick it up and give it a read.

Well written and a joy to read. Twisty, fun, and exciting. I hope to see more from this author in the future.

After losing her parents in a car accident, Elise returned to the only place that felt like home: a large, old fixer-upper that her family recently moved out of. A new family, the Masons, lived there, but Elise knew she could live around them secretly, in the walls, attic, and unseen spaces in the house. The small evidence of her secret world is dismissed as the result of two teen boys living in the house, and things are fine until interlopers start poking around her life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Like a number of the characters, it felt like this book had a bit of an identity issue and couldn't decide quite what it wanted to be. Short, choppy chapters up the tension, and shifts in the narrator are unannounced, keeping the reader off balance. It wasn't a great match for me, but those looking for a thriller without political intrigue or crime at the heart of the novel may enjoy this one.

When eleven-year-old Elise’s parents die in a car accident she decides to run away from her foster home and return to the family mansion where her memories of her parents remain. She lives inside the walls of the house hiding from the unsuspecting new owners, trying not to get caught.

“Girl in the Walls” is a strange, unsettling book. I found the beginning particularly slow and didn’t connect with the characters. This is not generally the kind of book I read but I am sure there will be other readers who love it.

Did not get to this book in 2021.
My review is not a reflection of the work or the writing/plot itself, but rather speaks to other books that caught my attention more.
Hate I didn't manage to squeeze this one in, but there are so many books and only so much time.

I would look to Goodreads or other reviewers on Netgalley who read the title and will offer their unbiased opinion.

I was really excited by the title of this book but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It wasn't a horrible book by far but it was a bit slow and uneventful for my taste.

I found the premise of this book nearly unbelievable even knowing that home building has changed over the years. Given that skepticism, I enjoyed the book and the characters in the book. It had a strong “villain” and fun “heroes” and “heroine”.

No. This one took to long to get to the point and the story line was a bit much. Clever idea but overwritten and wordy.