Graveyard of Lost Children is a book I wanted to read based on the strength of Katrina Monroe’s debut novel. I enjoyed that one a lot, so I was expecting to enjoy this as much. Alas, that was not to be. Perhaps I should have seen it coming, since stories about new motherhood rarely capture my attention in the way the author intends.

This one follows Olivia, who finds herself haunted by a ghostly figure, and who starts to believe her newborn child has been replaced. Her mother, whose narrative we get in parallel to Olivia’s own, is in a mental health unit after attempting to kill Olivia as a baby.

One thing that stood out here, and probably not in a good way, was that it was just not at all tense or horrifying. I mean, I think that was also the case in Monroe’s debut, but in that case it was less about ghosts and more about a creeping sense of unease. The writing style worked for that. I found it worked less so for the more conventional type of haunting. Nothing about it felt particularly scary.

And this is a book that relies on that fear. You have to feel Olivia’s growing fear, the desperation and isolation that she starts to feel, to make this at all effective. I didn’t. As interesting as the plot was, and as nice as the writing was, there was never that tension to any of it. On top of that, I never really worried that there wouldn’t be a semi-happy ending.

This isn’t to say that this was a bad book by any means, though! I still, mostly, enjoyed it. I think it’s one that plenty of other people will more than mostly enjoy. It’s just, for me, when I put it next to Monroe’s debut novel, it doesn’t quite stack up.

I really enjoyed Katrina Monroe’s They Drown Our Daughters so I was super excited for the opportunity to read Graveyard of Lost Children.
For me, the extremely long slow burn build up killed my soul. It took me what seemed like forever to get to 50%. I almost wanted to abandon reading because I just couldn’t relate the to struggles of becoming a first time mom and post partem depression/psychosis. However, I knew there would be something spooky soon (hopefully) so I held on for the ride. After the 50% mark it really did pick up with everything falling together.
For me, there was not enough spooky though so unfortunately, I had to give this book 3 stars of take it or leave it.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for selecting me and giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this book via Netgalley.

This was dark, somewhat creepy, and a very compelling story. Olivia is soon to give birth and wondering why she isn't feeling the glow that everyone talks about. Due to her childhood, she is beginning to doubt herself as a mother. What transpires will keep you turning the pages as you learn the history of two unreliable narrators in two different timelines. Does and will history repeat itself? Who is the dark-haired woman? What exactly is Olivia dealing with? You be the judge in this mesmerizing story.

When Olivia gives birth to her daughter, she knows something is… off. She doesn’t feel connected to her daughter and soon after begins seeing “the black-haired woman”. Is she going crazy or does this unknown woman have something to do with her mom trying to kill her when she was born? Will the same thing happen to her daughter now?

Graveyard of Lost Children starts out slow and drawn out, but does pick up part of the way through. While it was entertaining at times, I didn’t feel it pull me in and make me want to jump back into reading it. It was a good book but not necessarily my favorite.



Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you find hair around your shower drain disturbing? You have no idea just how terrifying black hair can be…….

Book Information

Graveyard of Lost Children, written by Katrina Monroe, is scheduled to be published on May 9, 2023. The book spans 361 pages. Monroe is a private investigator by day and a horror author by night. She resides with her wife, two children, and a resident ghost named Eddie who haunts their bedroom closets, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her undoubtedly fascinating life.

Summary

Olivia Dahl has given birth to a daughter, her first child, but something just isn’t right. Despite the expectations of happiness, she is filled with an unexplainable sense of dread.

There is some precedent for concern as Olivia’s life took a dark turn when, at just four months old, her mother attempted to murder her. Convinced that Olivia was an imposter, her mother became consumed by the idea that the only way to retrieve her real baby was to make a trade with the Black-Haired Woman residing at the bottom of a forgotten well in a nearby forest.

As Olivia learns more about her mother, she begins to fear that history is repeating itself and that her daughter may not be who she appears to be. Nightmares featuring a black-haired woman terrorize her, seemingly beginning a new cycle of fear and violence that must be broken before it's too late.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed Graveyard of Lost Children—it’s a gripping psychological and supernatural thriller that explores the depths of motherhood and the terror that can come with it. The novel's fast-paced and character-driven plot follows Olivia, a new mother whose mind and body begin to deteriorate as she grapples with caring for herself, her new baby, and dealing with her family's traumatic past.

The story is told from two perspectives, Olivia’s and her mother’s. It spans several time periods. Along the way, the story takes a supernatural turn which will leave you on edge as you wonder what is really happening to Olivia and her baby. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, building up the tension without relying on breakneck action.

What sets Graveyard of Lost Children apart from other novels is its unique perspective on post-partum depression as a horror story. While post-partum is very real and devastating to some new mothers, this book gives it a physical presence. It delves into the darkest places that it can take a person and the impact it can have on the mom, those around her, and her child. The novel explores the questions that plague many new mothers: What makes a "good" mother? Why don’t I have the new mom “glow” I’m supposed to have? Is it possible to not give all of yourself up for your children? What happens when idealization and expectations don't line up with your reality? Are you ever really sure as a mother? What if I don’t connect with my child?

The exploration of mental illness is a significant aspect of the book, and it is depicted in a raw and unfiltered manner. Monroe illustrates the consequences of receiving help for mental illness, as well as the consequences of not seeking or receiving appropriate help at all.

Monroe provides a note at the beginning of the book that addresses the themes of mental illness, post-partum depression, and the contemplation of self-harm and suicide. This gesture is appreciated as it serves as a trigger warning and allows readers to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of the content for their mental and emotional well-being.

While some readers may find themselves relating to the characters' thoughts and experiences, it's important to approach these topics with caution and consideration. The author's inclusion of a trigger warning emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and seeking out resources and support when necessary.

In addition to exploring motherhood and mental illness, Graveyard of Lost Children also includes a compelling supernatural element in the form of the black-haired woman. This character adds an extra layer of mystery and dread to the novel, leaving readers guessing until the very end.

Recommendation

This is a well-crafted and thought-provoking horror/thriller/mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a must-read for fans of psychological and supernatural thrillers who are looking for a fresh perspective on the genre. Recommended.

Rating

4 Black Hair Laden Stars

The Graveyard of Lost Children was a dark horror which is focused around postpartum depression. I like a good horror story, but this book took some liberties that put me off unfortunately. I had a hard time getting behind the story and its pacing was very slow. I was really looking forward to reading this one and am sad that it didn't work for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

An nerve endings book.about post partum depression and motherhood, with a very eerie twist. New author for me, look forward to more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for approving this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Another chilling, thought-provoking masterpiece by Katrina Monroe! "Graveyard of lost children" explores the often overlooked and very real psychological horrors of post-partum depression, but gives it a supernatural twist.

Shannon gives birth to a healthy baby girl. Olivia gives birth to a healthy baby girl. Different circumstances, same outcome: the baby takes and takes and she doesn't look right. But it has to be the delusions from an overtired mind that isn't feeling what mothers are supposed to feel... at least, until the black-haired woman appears.

This character-driven psychological/supernatural thriller felt fast-paced without necessarily having a lot of breakneck action. We follow along Olivia's journey as a new mother as her body and mind deteriorate, while at the same time trying to unpack her family's trauma through her mother's journal entries. What really happened all those years ago, when Shannon tried to swap what she believes is a changeling for her real daughter? And what is happening to Olivia and her baby now?

I really enjoyed the unravelling of the plot. But, most of all, I enjoyed the unique perspective brought into making post-partum depression a horror story. What makes someone a mother? What makes someone a "good" mother? A "good" woman? Is it possible to not give all of yourself up for your children? What happens when idealization and expectations don't line up with your reality? Are you ever really *sure* as a mother? And in this sense, I especially enjoyed the element of the black-haired woman.

I am not a mother, but this might be an upsetting read to those who are or wish to be, although note that no babies are killed. Even so, it was eerie and grisly in its appearances of the black-haired woman and graphic descriptions of body harm/decay.

One thing I will note is that the plot device of women being locked up in mental health institutions against their will is not a thing that happens willy-nilly anymore in most Western countries, I believe. I will also say that you could justify it for Shannon as we don't actually see her going through the justice system to know what she was condemned for, but it's hard to see it happening for Olivia in present day - although the reader has reason to suspect that a) her fear was justified and amplified by what she was going through and what Shannon had gone through, not based in logic, and b) Angela was not acting under legality.

I will also say that, after I finished reading, I couldn't remember what the book's title was... because I felt like it didn't really convey what it was about.

I picked this book because "They drown our daughters" was one of my favourite reads from 2022, and I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. If you enjoyed that book, then you should probably give this one a chance. Like "They drown our daughters", it explores motherhood and generational trauma from a feminist lens through horror, so it's really worth a read for anyone interested in those topics.

Oh wow, this had a chokehold on me. I've been so excited for this, I absolutely adore this authors writing style. This was a chilling and immersive masterpiece of psychological horror stemming from a tired mind and PPD. I thought the supernatural twist was done super well and it had me with chills going down my spine and my jaw on the floor. Eerie and twisted and unsettling in the best ways.

4.5 Stars
This was such an intense and dark read. It's kind of a creeper (in multiple ways)- one being very literally, this was an inherently unnerving read through and through. Whether it be visceral panic/terror being experienced via Olivia (or all mothers really-will come back to this) or the creepy black-haired boogeywoman lurking and drawing closer in the dark. Also, the story as a whole is very interpretive and that kinda creeps up and solidifies on you at the end. You're very much wondering what's real, and what is happening, and the whys of it all. By the end, much like Olivia, you're still left to interpret rather than all the answers being handed to you and things tied up pristenly with a pretty bow. Much like real life, I suppose. I enjoyed this aspect of the story.

Tying back in to my earlier motherhood as a whole comment, without giving too much away, I found the themes revolving around that and mental health issues in this story to be phenomenally done. I never experienced postpartum but I have experienced motherhood and I think we all have that little voice, that voice that questions every action at times:

If you're making the right decisions
If you're good enough and even sometimes good at all
The one that compares you to all these other moms out there and tells you you're doing it wrong, it's not enough, you're failing.
The voice that remembers the you before and how different and unsure and frazzled you can be now. Or how your body has changed. How sometimes you don't recognize that person staring back at you in the mirror.
The one that even when you get a moment you feel okay in the mom space- it creeps in and whispers about the laundry and dishes piling up or that you haven't even showered, or that you've not been 'in the mood' too often lately, or even checked in with friends or family, etc.

I think this voice is universal and Monroe harnesses and amplifies it in such a way it quite literally is a living and breathing down your neck presence.

I've read a handful of other books by Monroe and enjoyed most in very different ways. She's a versatile writer and I'm consistently surprised with how unique her stories are and how fully she commits to any genre she is writing in, as if that's all she writes and she's an old pro. I guess I have to stop being surprised at this point and just know whatever is coming next will likely wow me in some new fantastic way.

Thank you NetGalley, Katrina Monroe, and Poisoned Pen Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review of Graveyard of Lost Children (coming out May 9th!)

I was so excited to read this book. I loved books that have a similar vibe -- Jennifer McMahon's Winter People, Ashley Audrain's The Push -- but sadly, this book did not live up to my expectations. I went into the story thinking I knew what the general theme would be, but became progressively more and more confused as the story went on. It sort of came around in the end, but by then the book felt too long, and I'd been kept in the dark for too much of the narrative that I'd lost my investment in figuring out what in the world was going on.

Also, this book hits on a lot of important topics related to mental health, like post partum depression, yet provides an extremely inaccurate portrayal of mental health treatment. All these mothers who are being held against their will indefinitely is wild. Maybe if this book took place before the 90s I could have bought into the idea. But institutionalizing people like this is very difficult nowadays, as it should be! I won't even go into how the criminal justice system plays a role in mental health care in America. But the kind of involuntary commitment to a state hospital that's shown in this book is for someone with significant and persistent mental illness AND committed major crimes AND failed at community health care facilities. But for some reason Shannon just skipped the whole criminal justice system, technically committed no crimes, and ended up hospitalized indefinitely for decades after America was deinstitutionalized. AND the reader is supposed to believe Olivia is at risk of something similar happening to her present-day. Who is her insurance and why are they willing to pay for that lol.

I get that this book was fiction, but it's also supposed to make us think about real life, PPD, our culture's treatment and expectations of women, etc. I think that was ruined for me by the way it then inaccurately portrayed society's treatment of mothers and mental illness. Overall, I was intrigued by the story but I think the message trying to be conveyed got convoluted.

Thanks so much netgalley for the chance to read this book! This is my first book I’ve read by Katrina Monroe and it did not disappoint. It was spooky and made you question everything. Like did that REALLY happen or not. It really brought on mental illness and horror and the paranormal?? If that’s how you’d put it lol. The ending did confuse me but it was really good. Is this a cycle or will it eventually end!?!

The horrors of motherhood. That's what this book is.

Dark...VERY DARK story from Katrina Monroe. Olivia has just given birth to Flora...and yet, she's being haunted by a black haired woman. Olivia already fears that Flora is special...a changeling.

It's all familiar to Olivia because the same thing happened to her...her own mother was haunted by a black haired woman, and at one point spent time in a mental institution.

Both narrators are of the unreliable type. Does the black-hair woman truly exist or is she just a story told from woman to woman.

This was a good story but could have used editing. It's also pretttttty close to being that of La Llorona so I wasn't that surprised. Still, it wasn't terrible?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Amazing thriller, I couldn't put it down!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I really loved the concept and hoped this book would be the one to end my ongoing reading slump. Unfortunately it was not to be. The book was forgettable for me.

What I liked: The author captured Olivia's feelings really well and the reader was left wondering what was real and what was not

What I didn't like: The slow pace, but I suppose that's a me problem. I just cant't get into slow paced books.
The explanation also felt very rushed and not well thought out and left me with more questions than answers. And the ending - the lesser said the better.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of Graveyard of Lost Children.

I was in a reading slump, every book I read seemed to be the same. Then I came across this book on my NetGalley TBR shelf. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it. WOW I loved this book so much! It hooked me right from the start and did not disappoint. The book has you comparing "the black haired women" and post-partem depression. The ending really makes you stop and think.

Multiple POV - a mother and daughter - who seem to be seeing the same black haired woman who is out to steal their babies. Are the children changelings or are both women suffering from postpartum depression. The author hints that many women see this black haired entity after giving birth so this leaves the reader quite confused throughout the story. Some things are never fully explained and the end was a bit of a disappointment.

Reviewing this book is a bit hard for me because on one hand I enjoy this author's writing style immensely. On the other hand, I found the ending of this lackluster and found myself frustrated with the supernatural element.

One thing I appreciate about Katrina Monroe is that her books (thus far) balances between thriller and horror with a focus on lesbian motherhood. That is present here and done well!

Our story focuses on Olivia, who has just had a baby girl named Flora! She should be thrilled- filled with that new mom glow. But there is this creeping feeling that they baby she's holding in her arms isn't hers. Her mother felt the same way about her when she was a baby and that nearly ended in tragedy.

Her wife is... infuriating and simultaneously sympathetic. Kris on one hand pushes too hard by expecting too much from a woman who just gave birth. Like inviting another couple over for dinner without consulting her wife who gave birth not that long ago.

However, Olivia is losing it.

Or is she? It becomes harder and harder to tell just what is real and what isn't as things get creepier and Olivia becomes more unstable.

So yeah- this book should've been a home run.

But our supernatural element doesn't feel well thought out or well executed. It doesn't make much sense at all honestly and we get some sort of half-assed explanation, but that still doesn't do enough to make it feel worth all that reading.

And that makes the ending fall so incredibly flat. Enough that I sat here debating over and over on what to rate this book. Because up until like 80% I was INTO this. But then... the ending came and I felt a bit robbed.

For now, I will go with three stars as I feel like I might just be dealing with a book that doesn't work for me entirely and I do think others might just like this. But let me tell you- deciding on that three stars was agonizing.

Part mystery/horror/psychological drama with themes of intergenerational trauma and the various things you can thank your family for--such as a genetic propensity for mental illness or inherited curses and the likelihood that your baby will be swapped for a changeling--and told from two different mother/daughter perspectives and timelines, Graveyard of Lost Children is an eerie, unsettling story of motherhood, madness, and myth. It was a bit of a slow burn, which isn't always a bad thing, but the pacing felt a little weird, picking up and quite suddenly zooming toward an ending. An ending that felt strangely frustrating. (But if I've enjoyed the journey, a sour ending isn't a huge deterrent for me, and I did find it a very hard book to put down once I got started--for what it's worth!)

Olivia is a new mother. Tired and sore beyond belief, her wife, Kris doesn’t seem to be any help at all. The baby, Flora seems to change by the hour, and Olivia is seeing strange things, and a strange woman hiding in plain sight. Why is Olivia the only person who knows something is terribly wrong with this baby? is the past repeating itself or has the black haired woman who plagued Olivia‘s mother returned.

Told from the POV of Olivia in the now, and her mother Shannon in the then, this story kept me on my toes. I kept going back-and-forth, thinking that these two women were ill, then something would happen, and I was sure that the supernatural, spooky vibes I kept getting were indeed true. No spoilers, but it ended in a way I didn’t expect.

There are so many real and relevant topics explored in this book. The author does include a note that, “mental illness and postpartum depression” are two topics, so know that if they disturb you, they are in this book.

To me, a real page turner.👍