This book was a big let down. Animal cruelty descriptions should have had a WARNING

If you love animals especially dogs AVOID

There are descriptions of animal cruelty - it is not okay!

The plot was so good. It is original and thrilling. I didn’t like any of the characters.
The writing style was good. I don’t like the animal abuse in the book.

This was my first novel by the author, and after I heard a lot of good things about her writing, I was curious to give it a try. The plot was fascinating, however at times I felt confused and missing out on some important details. Somewhere in the middle of the book I thought things dragged a bit, and jumping between present and past events didn't intrigue me as much as such stories combining different time levels usually do. Also, at some point the plot twists became so many they did no longer feel like big shocking surprises but kind of becoming the expected characteristic in this tale, loosing their intended effect on me. Only towards the end did I understand most (not all) of what had been going on and felt assured I understood most of what was happening the way I was supposed to. Summarily, I will remember this as a very unique story and distinctive writing.

This book sounded intriguing, and I enjoyed the previous title immensely - but somehow the setting triggered past PTSD with me, so I had to put it aside. I may well pick it up again in future, just not now.

Sundial is a modern, gothic horror story. Though well written, I struggled with the narrative and mix of genres.

This was not impressive. There were way too many incidents and way too many perspectives; it felt overdone and overpacked, like this wasn't edited at all. I also didn't think it was very well written - just kind of a flat recitative commercial style. But kudos to the author for writing a follow-up book so quickly! Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I didn't think I'd like this one, but it was really excellent and written so well. Definitely one to try if you're in the mood for an odd but good story!

Catriona Ward's Sundial is a mesmerizing and unsettling novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page has been turned. The story revolves around a woman who returns to her childhood home following her father's death, only to uncover dark family secrets. Ward's writing is atmospheric and chilling, evoking a pervasive sense of unease that intensifies as the story unfolds. The characters are multifaceted and troubled, with hidden depths and secrets that add to the novel's depth. Sundial is a gripping work of psychological horror that delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the supernatural. It is a must-read for horror enthusiasts.

Thank you to Viper for my eARC of this. I didn’t actually finish this one because honestly the children creeped me out too much! I think this was me rather than the book and if I manage to read it at another time I will update my review but right now it’s too much.

I wasn’t too sure about the first book by this author but I found this one to be unique and engaging and I enjoyed this one a lot more

The story:
Rob had an unorthodox childhood growing up at Sundial, her father’s remote house in the Mojave Desert. It’s a life she has tried to put behind her, and give her own children the suburban normality she never had.

But now one of her children is starting to frighten her…

When eldest daughter Callie starts showing frightening echos of some long buried family secrets, Rob does the only thing she thinks she can to protect her, and prevent her hurting her younger sister Annie. She has to go back to Sundial…

My thoughts:
“Sundial”, by Catriona Ward is a simply brilliant book. Shifting between time periods and narrators, mainly Rob and her 12-year-old daughter Callie, the story gradually plays out and falls into place, with unexpected twists and revelations that make perfect sense in retrospect, but I didn’t see coming at all.

One of the most baffling things at the beginning of the story is why on earth Rob remains with her cruel, unfaithful husband Irving. As the horror of their relationship is explored, it becomes clear that Irving has a hold over Rob, rooted in her past at Sundial.

Mirrors are a recurring theme in the story, with children described as mirrors reflecting back their experiences, siblings mirroring each other, mirrors to repel intruders and mirrors used as weapons. And the story itself is like looking at something in a distorted mirror — nothing is quite as it first seems.

In summary, “Sundial” is by turns horrifying, heartbreaking and hugely satisfying, and is a must read for all gothic horror and thriller fans!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Serpents Tail Viper for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Yet another brilliant twisty and unexpected novel from the genius that brought us The Last House on Needless Street.

I was nervous this one wouldn't live up to the brilliance that was Needless Street, but I had nothing to fear, this one was just as impactful, and in some ways even more surprising. This one is DARK, this one is equal part Thriller and Horror. The absolute perfect pick for Halloween to give you all those unsettling and disturbing vibes.

If you loved Needless Street and are nervous about picking up another from Ward then please take this as the nudge you need to give this a go, it won't disappoint you. If you've never read anything from her, then this is a fabulous place to begin!

WTF was this!!! Talk about horror!!!! 😱 I’m not the best with horror but I loved The Last House on Needless Street by this author so had to check this out.

OMG, it didn’t disappoint in the thriller stakes. The story is told through a combination of flashback and different POVs in the present so some may find it tricky to keep up with the plot. Why do I find unreliable narrators so interesting?!! Yes it was disturbing (as expected if you have read the authors debut) and I couldn’t put it down. I did have to watch Disney + in the background. Lol 😂 The book is very complex and has many layers, as in it deals with a lot of traumatic issues, as well as a sister relationship, family relationships, grief, abuse, mental health and lots of dead things. Im not telling you what dead things 🤫 Just know it’s bloody scary 😧 and people acting strangely…I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it!! It was such a compelling story and I was dying to find out all the secrets and twists. I knew they were coming but I was blown away by the reveals!!! 🤩 Truly shocking!!

What a book. UNSETTLING! Not for the faint hearted and recommend for those hardcore thriller/horror fans. A great October pick 👻🎃

Once again I have been absolutely blinded by Catriona's unique storytelling and mesmersing narrative. This book had me transfixed from the very start and it is one of those books where I was desperate for the story to unravel but wanted to savour every single moment. I can't rate this book, or Catriona's writing, highly enough. An absolute pleasure to have read a review copy of this and I will be shouting from the rooftops about this for a long, long time. Another huge hit for Viper and I can't wait to see what comes next!

Brilliant, twisty and easily as disturbing as Last House on Needless street. This is excellent psychological thriller-horror with a very distinctive narrative voice. As always with Ward’s books, you need to give it about 30% of the book to really hook you and then things start to fall into place. A gripping read.

Great mystical novel by Catriona Ward. It can be a perfect choice as a Halloween/autumn read. I listened to an audiobook back in late February, but I was feeling like I am in November.

I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

A fiercely gripping and thrilling novel, from the author of Last House on Needless Street. Although quite different to her previous novel, it is in no way any less great!

I loved the mind-bending The Last House on Needless Street so I had high expectations of Catriona Ward’s latest, Sundial, and I can confirm those expectations were met and more! I really don’t want to give much away relating to the plot (although do check the trigger warnings before reading) because it’s one of those books that works best if you go in relatively blind.

From the first page to the last, I was utterly gripped by Sundial. Ward is exceptionally skilled at creating an atmosphere of foreboding that pervades every page. Her writing is visceral in a way that sometimes makes you want to turn away and yet keeps you turning pages. She is particularly good at imagery relating to animals. There were instances of violence surrounding animals that I found uncomfortable and hard to read, however it feels integral to the story in a way that never feels gratuitous. Sundial is psychological horror at its best – genuinely unsettling, nightmarish and yet undeniably compelling. Nothing is ever quite what it seems in Ward’s books and that is chillingly true concerning the toxic familial relationships at play in Sundial. Dark, disturbing and truly original – I’d highly recommend this intense book!

I enjoyed the Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward but I actually enjoyed this more as I found it less predictable.

The writing style took me a while to get used to but I loved the atmosphere.

Strong content warning for animal abuse and animal cruelty. If you're a dog lover in particular you may find this very upsetting.

This is the second astonishing book i have read by Catriona Ward, and need to read more. I always start off a little bit confused but as we get to the complex, complicated conclusion, i am fully satisfied.
I loved the conversational, creepy and dangerous plotline, and the feeling of dark dread throughout the book. Its one of the big winners of the year for me, and i urge everyone to read it. Dysfunctional bonds, deceptive twists, and a deep devious diverse atmosphere.
It truely made me emotional, broke my heart, had me on the edge of my seat, completely broke me!