This was a spooky book! Perfect to read in the dark during a thunderstorm.
Margot comes home for her parents funeral and decides to stay and run the family wine business. There’s something strange going on in this house but it only happens during the dark of night.
I enjoyed the story. After reading several of this author’s previous books, I knew it was going to be a page turner
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

This was my first read by Darcy Coates, although I have seen her books all over Instagram. I went into reading Gallows Hill almost completely blind, besides the fact that it was a horror book. Horror was something Gallows Hill did not lack. This book genuinely scared me and I had to stop myself from reading it before bed a few times. The writing style was similar to Stephen King in the way that it made my skin crawl. I highly recommend going into this story blind like I did and it is coming out right before Halloween, so it will be a perfect spooky book to read for fall!

Thank you to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC!!

Gallows Hill is a satisfying and enjoyable haunted house story, full of the tropes the reader expects with a few variations to keep things interesting. Margot has inherited her wealthy parents' estate, and with it, a world-renowned vineyard which she has no idea how to run. As Margot begins to uncover sinister secrets that have helped the family business prosper, she becomes increasingly aware of a malign presence lingering on the property that she first thinks could be the result of the broken connection between herself and her parents. The author expands on the blueprint for haunted house stories designed by Shirley Jackson, allowing her protagonist to fully discover the secret behind the dreadful manifestations that torment her at night, also establishing a larger cast of characters than the typical haunted house story. While their relationships and personalities are authentic, there's not much depth to any of them.

Coates is a master of pacing and manages to make every chapter count, but the increasing tension is hardly linear, with the plot foundering in doldrums at times. The neat and tidy ending serves the plot well in tying up loose ends, but the author telegraphs the conclusion long before the final pages. For those who are paying close attention (even to the title), it's hard to imagine the story ending any other way with what we know about the protagonist. That being said, it's a comprehensively spooky tale that entertains with vivid descriptions.

Keep your talisman close and remember to hit the lights when you hear the bells as you make the climb up Gallows Hill.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.

Great protag, great lore, great scares

I would like to thank Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SPOILERS

I’m a recent fan of Coates; I’ve been wanting to read her for a few years but was stymied by Audible’s exclusive access to her audiobooks. Though I really can’t afford it, I finally caved and subscribed for monthly credits, since there were other audiobooks aside from hers that I wanted to listen to but that weren’t available to libraries (damn you, Audible . . .). So once I’d stored up some credits, I bought some of her audiobooks and had me a binge. Some are excellent, some lackluster, but I’ve enjoyed them all so far. It finally occurred to me that she might use NetGalley, and sure enough, there was Gallows Hill. My request was accepted, and here I am.

I LOVED this book. It was very slow to start, but if you can power through the first few chapters to Margot’s first night in the house, you’ll be hooked. The pace was steady from that point. Fantastic writing; everything teased came back around.

I made only a couple notes, one being Margot’s lack of need for a bathroom until her second or third day in the house (I think? I rather lost track of the day count, but that’s my failing, not the book’s). If it’s not Coates’s style to include details like characters needing to pee, that’s fine, but at least mention that Margot prioritized locating a bathroom not long after she arrived so it doesn’t come across like she didn’t need one at all until she was covered in dirt and wanting to shower. I was so distracted by it.

The only other thing was—why didn’t Margot bother to obtain more flashlights instead of relying on her phone the entire time? For backup if nothing else. I understand she couldn’t really go to the hardware store, nor was there time to wait for deliveries, but there had to be some in the house, and she could have asked if anyone had extras. I have no doubt residents had some powerful ones, and lots of extra batteries.

Otherwise I loved that Margot was smart and logical. She didn’t wander into danger like the dumb bimbo in a scary movie. Margot tried to stay away from danger, but danger found her nevertheless, stalked her more like, and so finally she faced it. She was glorious, with a full, clear arc and admirable qualities.

I liked the other characters, too. Well, I could give or take Andrew; he showed moments of personality, and I believe he was a good guy, but something about him put me off. Maybe it was his lack of initiative to help Margot; he was there if Kant asked for him, but Andrew never did anything to help without Kant’s prompting. He made it clear he was only helping for Kant’s sake when he asked Margot not to bother Kant anymore—but failed to give her his number to call instead. Nora and Ray were sweeties, and Kant . . . My only wish is that he had been young enough to be Margot’s love interest instead of her father/grandfather figure. When she asked for his button, I melted. Just melted. It would have been funny of Andrew offered one of his, and she said no thanks. Translated as: eff you, Andrew.

And the horror! THE HORROR. It was also glorious. It was teased at first, hearing and seeing creepy things like in any horror book/movie, gradually dialing up the tension, but then all the stops were pulled out and Coates went there. Took it to eleven when the dead ones starting showing intelligence and strategy. Their actions could have used explanation a time or two, like when the one in the effigy suddenly glanced up at the ceiling; I could only think that perhaps Esther had communicated something to him, but I don’t know why that would be. It didn’t detract from the scene, though.

I reveled in the delicious lore; simple and possibly done, but no less effective. We could have used a little more of it, perhaps an identity for the seeming leader of the dead ones. The solution for justice and repentance Margot came up with was good, but I’m shocked she didn’t also decide to burn the house down and erect a memorial in its place. Sure, it should no longer be haunted by ghosts, but I feel it would remain haunted by memories and still represents insult and poor taste.

Overall, this book was a delight; my only wish is that Coates included little romances in her books, but that’s apparently not her style. Sigh. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good scare, and read it at night in the dark!

What a CREEPY and horrifying book this is! 4.5 stars, rounding up.

Margot returns to her childhood home after the death of her parents, who she hasn't seen or heard from since she was eight years old. The circumstances of their death are strange, the things in their home are strange, and even the people in the town are acting strange. Margot starts to experience some unpleasant things while in the house, and she goes seeking answers to her multitude of questions. When she finds a creepy VHS tape with her name on it, things make even less sense — until they become perfectly, horrifically clear.

Personally, the thought of someone unwanted in my home is truly terrifying — not having a place where you feel safe is definitely a solid horror premise for me. And Darcy Coates really nailed that vibe here! I absolutely loved how atmospheric this novel was, and truthfully I had some pretty vivid nightmares when I read it in the evening (I don't recommend that lol).

I thought Margot was a likable enough character, and I could easily relate to her experiences and her fears, if not always her decision-making abilities. But I get it, it's a horror story and the main character pretty much has to do a few nonsensical things. I loved the morbid history of the house/winery and hearing about the familial ties that went generations back, this really brought the "horror" to life for me!

My least favorite aspect of this story was probably the "I'm sorry" bit close to the end, felt a little deus ex machina to me, but it didn't sour my opinion much and I truly loved the ending. Overall a great read, I highly recommend it if you enjoy haunted house horror!

Thank you to Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Margot inherits her family's winery along with the creepy house on some seriously sordid land that comes with a curse. This is a great setup. Darcy Coates' descriptions are chilling with so much creep factor thoughtfully woven into every word. The house itself is a terrifying force in this novel... and that's before we find out what the curse actually is and what it means!

I enjoyed the premise of this novel, but thought the pacing was a little uneven until the halfway mark. It seemed to me that not terribly much happened up until this point, hence the 3/5 stars (really, 3.5/5). After halfway... well, the remainder of the novel had me riveted with a satisfying ending. I'm always looking for good horror. This is my first Darcy Coates novel, but I will definitely read anything else she has written. For fans of this genre, this is a very solid haunted house/ghost story and you will not be disappointed.

I’ve been waiting to read a Darcy Coates book and it did not disappoint!

Gallows Hill is a slow burn, look-over-your-shoulder, feel like someone is watching you, horror book and I loved every second of it. This book was so intense..I recommend reading at night with as little light as possible.

There were a few parts of the book that bothered me. The fact that Margot was in this haunted house but kept leaving her phone behind was super annoying. If I’m scared to death there is no way that phone is leaving my side! Also, if her parents wanted her so far away from that home why did they leave it to her in their will? That part really bugged me.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for something creepy this is it!!

Gallows Hill by Darcy Coates is a fast, fun and creepy read.
When Margot Hull returns to get parents winery after a lifetime away she finds a mystery and an unusual cast of characters.
What she doesn't know is that once you set foot in Gallow's Hill the land has you and you can never leave. "The Hull family has owned the Gallows Hill Winery for generations. Their wine wins awards. Their business prospers. Their family thrives. People whisper that the curse has awakened once more."
This book has some genuinely creepy moments that rely more on atmosphere and writing than on the monsters and I enjoyed it. Unlike a lot of authors I've noticed that Darcy Coates gets to the point and gives you the story you picked up the book for, but with a little twist.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #PoisenedPenPress, and Darcy Coates for the ARC of #GallowsHill.

Gallow’s Hill
Darcy Coates

- [ ] Haunted house at it’s best
- [ ] Gave me genuine chills
- [ ] The storytelling and the way the author describes scenes is exceptional. You literally build the places within your mind.
- [ ] The characters and the story is told with such ease and perfection
- [ ] The storyline leads you in twists you try to see coming
- [ ] This was my first Coates book and will not be my last. Such vivid storytelling. Thank you so much to the publishers for being able to read this!

I picked this book up expecting a haunted house story. Not only did it deliver but there was so much more to this haunting. I don't include spoilers in my reviews but I will say there were several other "horror" aspects to this one than just a simple haunted house story.

The development of the setting was unparalleled, Coates has a gift with creating a world that you can clearly visualize with the creepy atmosphere to go with it. When things start to go array and I was fully immersed in that house with Margot I physically felt uneasy --which for a horror fan is great!

This was the first novel I've read by Coates and I'm her newest fan. Being published in September I think this is a great "spooky season" read that should be anticipated.

Gallows Hill was my first Darcy Coates book, and her poetically creepy writing style won me over. As a rule, I can read horror books, but am unable to watch horror movies because the music gets to me. This book was written in such a way that it felt like there was a full orchestral score associated with it-you could feel a jump out of your seat moment coming but could do nothing to stop the terror from taking hold. The descriptions were captivating, lyrical and slightly long-winded. It only took a couple of chapters for me to be completely terrified and that terror carried throughout the book.

Readers who love a beautifully written slow burn novel will love this book. Most of the action happens in the first 10% and final 30% of the book, with all the in-betweens being a slow build up. The last bit of this book went very quickly, and every sentence was action-packed. The mystery and big reveal itself were very satisfying.

This book is long and may be difficult for some to get through because there is so much build up to the final action. There are moments in the middle where there are a lot of pages, but not much is happening. I ultimately really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well-written, enjoyed the authors style and ended up being surprised and content with the ending. Anyone that enjoys a creepy ghost story, rich in drama and a scandalous family history, will enjoy this book. Plus, who doesn’t like ghost zombies?

This book was AMAZING. I couldn't put it down. You felt like you were there with all the amazing descriptions. I felt so close to the characters. I will definitely be buying this book when it comes out. I give it 5 stars.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darcy Coates for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Gallows Hill coming out September 6, 2022. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Gallows Hill Winery has been owned by the Hull family for generations. They’re a very prosperous family who sells their award-winning wine. But the town whispers the curse has come back.
The old, dark house has long been on top of a hill overlooking the nearby town. Margot Hull returns to Gallows Hill to bury her parents and reconnect with the winery business. It’s been more than 10 years since she’s been home. She can barely remember the passageways and secrets lurking in the dark corners of the house. Alone, she’s forced to confront her past, realizing she may be the house’s next victim.

I’ve collected most of Darcy Coates’ books, but this is the first book I’ve read. I love a lot of dark, old house with ghosts stories.

Overall, I loved Gallows Hill! It was the right amount of creepy for me. I really enjoyed her style of writing. It’s atmospheric and dark. The characters were well-written. I loved that Margot had people looking out for her, even though she was alone a lot of the time. I don’t have any criticisms.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys spooky ghost stories.

Scared me more than Coates' other books but I really enjoyed it. Kind of a slow start but great world building. Margot is much braver than I am. The ending was the best part!


SPOILER



Probably never be able to drink wine again though.

This book was so dark and atmospheric that it drew me in right from the beginning. Margot, after not living with her parents since she was eight years old, was drawn into the house that she didn’t remember growing up in. The same house her parents died in under mysterious circumstances.

The book felt like it had very little to do with the characters, but so much to do with the incredibly dark past surrounding the haunted house. The house truly felt like it was the main character. The nature of the book made the first half seem like a real slow burn however, once things started to pick up it was really hard to put down.

Overall, the writing was fantastic, the plot was great, there weren’t really any huge surprises with how the ending came together, at least to me, but I thought the reveal at the end was really well done. The only thing I would have liked to see a tiny bit more was for there to be a little bit more depth to Margot and the characters surrounding the story.

Gallows Hill was a really creepy but also very strange read! I enjoyed the creepy setting with the weird and creepy house and wine cellars. And the twist at the end was perfectly Darcy Coates, cringeworthy but horribly marvelous. I really enjoyed the main character and the backstory of her parents and what a role it played within the book. The story was suspenseful and the "living dead" aspect was something refreshing and pretty gross. Coates fans will love this one!

You guys!!! When I see I actually received a book by the amazing Darcy Coates I jumped!!! Yes yes yes I did!!! You can bet!!!! And just like I was expecting the suspense was there!!!! The damn suspense was there saying hi to me since the first chapter!!!!

It is such a creepy one!!!! I was on the edge of the couch the entire time hahaha and I loved that!!!! I love anything creepy and this has all the vibes. The way Coates describes even the sounds make you feel like you're there!!!! It will be a perfect read for those fans of seasonal reading in October and for the rest of us who read spooky books all year round then read it whenever you want, but soon.

It has 380 pages but I never felt the length of it. I just went page after page trying to figure out and trying to keep the light on (until the book said that wasn't a good idea hahaha). I enjoyed the writing and I usually avoid "too descriptive" books but with this one was just perfect. It never felt slow, it never felt like dragging... I really enjoyed it.

Will post the review on Instagram @pink.bibliophile before pub day!!!

I must first tell you that I received an ARC for this one. However, I also preordered it weeks/months ago, as I always do with Darcy Coates novels. She is the mistress of creepy house stories.
This book did not disappoint at all. Our protagonist comes back to a home she hasn't seen since she was 8 years old following the death of her estranged parents. She has spent her life wondering why the did not want her. Well she figures that out and it is a huge creepy deal.
The house is exactly what you would expect a haunted/cursed house to be.
I loved the way the story evolved and I loved the resolution.

Gallows Hill is a new paranormal horror book from Darcy Coates. In this book, we follow our main character, Margot, as she moves across the country to the family home/winery she has inherited after the death of both of her estranged parents. Margot knows nothing about the wine business but after learning that several employees really need to keep their jobs, she decides to try and learn more about it. With some of the most highly valued wine pulling in a smooth six figures per bottle, this business may not be the worst idea for Margot to pursue. The only issue is the property is the infamous Gallows Hill, known for being the place where hundreds of convicts were hanged as well as very strange deaths among the residence. The more information Margot digs up about the history of the house, the more she starts to believe that the rumors of the land being cursed are more true than she first thought.

This is my first book by the author. I have always heard Darcy Coates referred to as a “cozy horror” author and I can see it in this book. I do think this book has a few more gross scenes than her usual book but it still wasn’t anything too extreme. I read half of this book in my room in the dark and found the atmosphere to be very creepy. The short chapters make even the slower parts of this book go by fast. Margot as a main protagonist felt very real to me. Jumpy and overly paranoid, I saw myself in her a few times. I would be jumping at every shadow if I was staying alone in an old creepy house!

There were just a few things in this book that didn’t exactly make sense but I had a good enough time that it didn’t bring my reading experience down. I would say it felt like watching a made-for-tv horror movie. I was kind of bummed that I guessed how this book would end at about the 10 percent mark. But I am also a fan of things wrapping up in a way that makes sense.

This is a solid 3.5 star read for me and I would be very interested in reading more from this author. I really had pretty low expectations going in and what I got was a fun, spooky book so that was nice.

Gallows Hill Review!

Thank you so much @poisonedpenpress and Netgalley for this gift e copy, in exchange for an honest review!! Gallows Hill comes out September 6, 2022! 👻

I absolutely adore Coates, every one of her previous books have been 5 stars for me. She just has a way with imagery that really sucks you into the books and absolutely terrifies you. Gallows Hill was a 4.5/5 ⭐️ for me! This book definitely has a different vibe compared to her other books. I think it mostly had to do with the paranormal aspect. All of Coates’ other books deal with terrifying ghosts, this one was more like the “living” dead. I loved this and I loved the witchy cursed land aspect as well. The only reason for it not being 5 stars was the beginning and the end. It was pretty slow at the beginning and I was craving more at the end!

Synopsis: After the horrible death of her parents, Margot is inherited their mansion of a home and their winery business. Margot hasn’t been to her childhood home in decades and doesn’t remember the estate or the horrible past the land has. Now, alone in the house she is forced to come face to face with the horrors that the land and the people who once roamed it have gone through.