This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last!!!!!!!!!! There are so many twists and turns in this book my head was spinning but it was so good!!!!!!!

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy

Review of "The Last House on the Cliff" by Anne Wyn Clark

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆

Anne Wyn Clark's "The Last House on the Cliff" is an atmospheric thriller that weaves elements of mystery and family secrets into a compelling narrative. Despite a somewhat predictable plot, the strong writing and engaging characters make this novel a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

The story follows Lowri, a young widow who returns to the remote island of Anglesey, Wales, after the death of her estranged aunt Gwyn. Bringing her daughter Ruby along, Lowri hopes the island will provide a fresh start. However, things take a sinister turn when Ruby begins to experience strange occurrences, including visits from an old woman no one else can see and the mysterious appearance of a tattered doll.

Clark excels at creating a haunting and evocative setting. The remote island and the old house on the cliff are vividly described, immersing the reader in a landscape that is both beautiful and eerie. This atmospheric backdrop sets the stage for the unfolding mystery and heightens the sense of unease as the story progresses.

The characters, particularly Lowri and Ruby, are well-developed and relatable. Lowri’s desperation and fear are palpable as she searches for her missing daughter, and Ruby’s experiences add a chilling layer to the narrative. The dynamics between the characters, and Lowri’s gradual uncovering of her family's dark secrets, keep the reader invested in their fates.

However, the plot does have its shortcomings. The central mystery of Ruby’s disappearance and the supernatural elements surrounding it can feel predictable at times. Seasoned thriller readers might find the twists and turns somewhat familiar, diminishing the impact of the revelations. Additionally, some aspects of the family secret that Lowri uncovers may come off as clichéd.

Despite these predictabilities, Clark’s writing is strong and evocative. She skillfully balances the suspense with emotional depth, ensuring that the reader remains engaged throughout. The pacing is well-managed, with tension building steadily towards a dramatic climax.

Thanks to Netgalley I really enjoyed the "The Last House on the Cliff" While the plot may not break new ground, the richly drawn characters and the atmospheric setting make it an enjoyable read. Anne Wyn Clark’s ability to blend mystery with emotional storytelling earns this book a respectable 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a recommended read for those who appreciate a good, character-driven thriller with a touch of the supernatural.

#BookReview #ThrillerBooks #MysteryNovel #SuspenseReads #BookRecommendations #ReadingCommunity #Bookstagram #BookLovers #BooksOfInstagram #AmReading #BookAddict #BookObsessed #Bibliophile #ThrillerReaders #AtmosphericReads #FamilySecrets #AnneWynClark #MustReadBooks #SuspenseThriller #BookBlogger #BookstagramReviews #BookReviewBlog #FictionBooks #BookDiscussion #ReadingList #BookAesthetic

The beginning of this book had a good build up with Lowri’s a return to the funeral house after many years away because of the death of her aunt Gywn, bringing with her her daughter Ruby and then remembering about the disappearance of another girl all those years ago but it kind of twists itself into an odd ending. Love the creepy doll that kept showing up and the watcher at the window but was disappointed in the lackluster response of everyone when Ruby goes missing. Yes, there are secrets but it got a bit confusing about all of them, even as the truth was revealed. I think too much was tried with awful parents, missing graves, mental hospitals, and even adding in Lowri’s ex. I was left feeling a bit muddled.

So parts of the story were good and I enjoyed half of it. I did finish reading the whole thing though, because I was intrigued enough to want to find out the whole story. I did like the location too.

It has taken me sometime to write this review mainly because i wasn't sure about my opinions on this book and i suppose that is a sign of a really good book. That it makes you think long after you finished it. I really enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. The set up, the mystery, the story was all going really well. I found that after the little girl goes missing i found myself extremely frustrated with the main character. She kept on making decisions i wouldn't make and seemed unrealistic. I like how the book ended in terms of things where wrapped up. However due to the frustration i have had to mark this book down. I wished the author continued the feel of the first half of the book if she had this book would have received a higher rating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an eARC of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I read from this author and I’ve really enjoyed it. The story is surrounded by mystery and intriguing characters, plus the old house captures the atmosphere of the story. The twists were unexpected and made me thinking. The narration was also impressive and made the audiobook great experience. I’d really recommend this book.

4⭐⭐⭐⭐




- first book read from this author and did not dissapoint . it gotten be hooked from the first chapter .
i think the ending was lacking and need more answer but probably best if there is a season 2 for this and it will be answered . well recommended thriller!

+thankyou netgalley for the opportunity

❤️shaye.read

A bit of a slow burn but I’m glad I stuck with it as it turned out quite enjoyable.
The characters were brought to life with good descriptions and the plot was tense and kept me guessing.
The haunting setting added to the mystery and I couldn’t decide whether it was ghosts Lowri was dealing with or an unhinged person.
Decent read!

Lowri is a widow and single mum to seven year old daughter Ruby. After a failed remarriage in an attempt to provide some stability for Ruby she’s left high and dry there now just scraping by. Receiving a letter from a solicitor informing her of her Aunts death a relative she hasn’t seen in years Lowri packs her bags and heads to Anglesey in Wales. But the past holds many secrets and when Ruby goes missing Lowri is plunged headfirst into every mothers worst nightmare.

The first half of this was definitely way better than the second and initially I thought this was going to be a solid four star maybe even a five if it managed to wow me enough with the conclusion. Unfortunately all of the atmospheric build-up and layered mystery crumbled and stagnated as we headed past the midway mark.

After Ruby goes missing it just became predictable and slightly tedious. It was way obvious who “THE GIRL” was, as these few inclusions gave away massive hints that nobody could miss it was that bloody obvious.

I didn’t see the point of Lewis at all and even why we had bits of his POV included he actually added little to the overall story and then the final nail for me was Lowry’s reaction to everything, it just left me totally dumbfounded. It was so unrealistic and just too ridiculous for words, no one would react the way she did after everything she’d been put through regarding her daughter's disappearance.

It’s a shame because the first half was magnificent and had so much potential. I was really enjoying myself and then it just turned into an absolute car crash.

Despite the above the writing was good and the plot at least initially was an engaging one but for me, this one really was a tale of two halves. I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Last House On The Cliff.

The Last House on the Cliff by Anne Wyn Clark is a dark, gothic thriller set in Angelsea, Wales.

Ty Coed Pinwydd is an imposing grey stone building atop a cliff, and is home to Lowri's aunt Gwyn, who runs a funeral home there. As a child, Lowri's parents often deposited her there for the Summer - until the year a local girl went missing. Years passed, and Lowri grew distant from her Aunt, but she had hoped to reconnect - until she hears that Gwyn has died.

Now a single mother to seven year old Ruby, Lowri returns to Ty Coed Pinwydd to learn that her aunt has left it to her in the will. Faithful but distant staff members Awel and Elis don't appear to be delighted at the prospect of their new owner showing up after neglecting to keep in touch with Gwyn, but it soon becomes apparent that Lowri will have much more to deal with than a couple of disgruntled housekeepers.

This started off so great, but quickly became quite confusing, with so many different story threads and characters to keep track of. I made notes, but still found myself mixed up on occasion. The atmosphere and the Welsh setting were both fantastic, I really could feel the imposing nature of the building and the danger of the cliffs coming through the writing, I just didn't think that the story itself was fantastic. There were so many coincidences that it cheapened the main arc for me. I also felt that I didn't really get to know Lowri well, I wanted more from her.

Not for me, but if you like your thrillers very gothic, very twisted, and with multiple storylines happening to keep you on your toes, then you may enjoy this one!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.

Thank you Avon Books and Netgalley
Great storyline, atmospheric, got lost in the middle a bit, but then got back on track. I liked!

Cover: Intriguing. Besides, I love blue, haha.

The Last House on the Cliff is the second Clark’s book I’ve read. The previous one, Whisper Cottage, took me on a wild ride, so I was eager to see if her last novel would live up to the same standard.

Well, it did, and it did not.

The main plot is good: the premise is not so original, per se, but the twists and turns I’ve come to expect from this author are there. Once again, they blindsided me a couple of time while I was reading—yay! Lowri and Ruby are well-crafted, and it’s easy to sympathize with them throughout the story, even more so because they’re supported by a nice cast of characters.

My problem with The Last House on the Cliff starts with the pov. It’s first and done quite well, but there are also chapters in third, from different povs. Now, I know it’s a trend. I saw more than a couple of stories written like this, so hey, I’m not even sure it can be called an experiment anymore. However, one book or three bazillions, it still doesn’t change the fact that it defeats the purpose of a first pov. If we’re supposed to know only what’s going on in Lowri’s head, why are we jumping into a different character’s shoes? Maybe a third and multiple would have suited the story better.

Other than that, there are a few loose ties—a problem I found in Whisper Cottage, too—and some missteps here and there. For example, Lowri knows Hannah’s name before Hannah gets introduced as a new character.

3,5 stars on GR.

Wow!! Just wow!! I’m speechless and that doesn’t happen very often.This is just completely addictive and impossible to put down.

This is well written, very atmospheric and the scenery is written beautifully. Lost a bit of momentum but I stuck with it. An OK read.

The plot is a good one, but overall it is unbelievable. The delays contacting the police, the lack of response to strange happenings... None of which I believe anyone would have ignored or delayed. I almost gave up but did finish it

Thoroughly entertaining and wholesome family mystery.The characters were well drawn and the dynamics between them clear and understandable. Too many mystery writers try to tie their readers up in knots this one kept us wanting more without trying to baffle or confuse. As a result the plot-lines developed nicely and while the denouement was not unexpected it was utterly satisfying and made for a good read.

I liked this one! It had a spooky premise and I loved the Cliff setting and the dual timelines! The characters where interesting and The plot line was good!

When Lowri receives word that her Auntie Gwyn has died, she returns to Wales to settle her estate which includes the funeral home Gwyn and some distant relatives ran. Lowri has fond memories of spending summers and holiday breaks there, until one day when her father and Gwyn had a mysterious falling out and she was never allowed back. Now, with her young daughter in tow, Lowri has returned, Lowri has returned only to find a tense atmosphere and some strange happenings, seeming to focus on her daughter, Ruby. Then ruby disappears, and Lowri won't rest until all the secrets are out, no matter how painful they may be.

This book was absolutely filled with a tense, gothic atmosphere.- I mean, the funeral home, the whispers, a creepy doll - it's pretty fantastic! And there are just a lot of components to the story that all come together really nicely to create a deep story that draws you in from the beginning, for example, Lowri's exhale from Gwyn's house came right around the time a young local girl went missing and was never found (dun dun dun!) I already mentioned that there's a creepy doll involved. It just all works.

So when the ending comes around everything just really pays off as the reveals keep coming. There were some things that were kind of predictable and some things that were not at all. But there were some really great twists that just really hit the mark and left me reeling.

I can say too much, but one of the big reveals was a little short. It was just sort of put out there quickly. After all the build up, it was just like "Oh yeah. This." I could've used more.

Anyway, I still loved this one and would read more from this author. This book was a great read and I enjoyed atmosphere and rich Welsh culture woven into the story.

An interesting premise. This book has a great plot. And it starts off really well. However it does lag a bit and falls short of expectations.

This was an awesome read. Probably spend just half a day to finish this. I’d reccommend this to those who would love a decent thriller that could keep them guessing through to the end. Really good.

Cheers to Netgalley for the copy!