I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review on #netgalley

This gothic horror style story drew me in from the first page. It was odd to read from multiple POVs but I can to really appreciate the style and pace of the writing. It was a good story with lots of creepy undertones.

A gothic novel with elements of folk horror. I enjoyed it and appreciated the setting, the well developed world building, and the plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

RAVENTREE HOLLOW, although set in a quiet Northern California community, reminds me so much of quaint and cozy British folk Horror. The town of Raventree Hollow is remarkably encapsulated, even though it has its intrepid business commuters, and young people who graduate high school and move away. Yet the town just seems so isolated, so entrenched, almost like an early Twilight Zone episode featuring a town encased in a bubble, as if nothing from the outside world can touch it.


Yet it's certainly not a perfect community (nor was Peyton Place). The gossip mill grinds constantly and exceedingly fine; the wealthy on-the-hill Winfield clan are generous and benevolent, yet seem like medieval feudal lords. Something on the opposite hill, beneath the convent, is out-of-this-world and implacably dangerous. The eventual conclusion is mind-shatteringly horrible.

I love dark reads and so I really enjoyed this richly gothic and atmospheric read. I couldn't put it down, I was completely gripped all the way through.

The folks in Raventree Hollow are always on the lookout for the most scandalous and juicy gossip to share on the Whisper Network.
When something happens to the residents (for example a fall, or property vandalism) they are desperate to find something even bigger for the town to discuss; afraid to hear their own names on their neighbours’ lips.

While a town obsessed with spilling the tea is an interesting story, the tale was written as though it were taking place in an older era. It just wasn’t a tale for me. As the story goes on the pace picks up and there is an evil entity affecting the townspeople. I wasn’t able to finish this book, but just due to personal preferences. It’s definitely a tale others will enjoy.

ThankYou to NetGalley, Ryan Hoyt, and Victory Editing for a copy.