Release March 28

Every work from Victor Lavalle resounds, and is life-changing and unforgettable. Opening one of his books is to enter a Portal, and upon completion, you find yourself in a place both new and different. Not only the characters undergo evolution: so do the readers.

LONE WOMEN undertakes to explore segments of the American past that are little known, if at all. It also takes you on a journey, along with the characters, and when you turn the final page, you will not be the same as you were before you started the first page.

Welcome to an early 20th century American West, filled with Adventure, Drama, Racism, Bigotry, Familial Bonds and Obligations, Family Found and Family Rejected, Violence, Murder, Narcissism, Aggression, Hard Work...and Hope.




#magicalrealism #VictorLavalle
#Western #WeirdWestern #BIPOC #LGBTQ #Women

Lone Women, by Victor LaValle, is so darn much fun! Part historical fiction (wild west) and part horror story, a battle of good vs. evil, family ties and secrets, and best of all, several wonderful, strong, gutsy women you can really root for.

A lone woman, Adelaide Henry, burns down the family farmhouse, with her parents in their beds, and leaves California for a homestead claim to start a new life on the desolate, windswept, and frigid Montana plain. She takes along with her a very heavy, padlocked steamer trunk and a terrible secret. What a beginning. From there, the story twists and turns, and just gets better and better. This quirky tale is fresh, and interesting. I haven’t read anything quite like it. The mystery of the trunk (a sort of Pandora’s box), the colorful characters (even the baddies), and the narrative style keep the pages flying by.

Besides the absorbing main story, there are several underlying themes to keep you thinking. Racial prejudice, women’s social roles, familial ties and obligations, female friendship, and the realities of homesteading on the plains. I almost never read horror (aside from Shirley Jackson) and I loved it. I’ll definitely seek out more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House - One World for an advance reader copy. The book will be released on March 28th, 2023.

I received an early copy from NetGalley.
I feel like it's weird to say, but I really enjoyed the pacing in this book. The story opens with a mystery and leaks information a tiny bit at a time, so you don't fully grasp the situation until the end. Very satisfying.
Pretty much everything in this book is at least mildly unsettling. Our protagonist is a woman of color, woefully unprepared and alone in rural Montana. Her closest neighbors are miles away and mostly white. And she's keeping a secret that desperately wants to be revealed. Everything she does is a bit of a risk, so things get tense and make the pages fly by.

Lone Women was a historical fiction blended with horror and followed Adelaide on her journey from her home in California to the windy and vast lands of Montana to homestead. She took with her a large steamer trunk and her parents were dead. We didn’t know why or what happened, but we knew she had a secret.

I thought the beginning and the end were very good, but the story fizzled in the middle and I found it hard to connect with the main character or any of the folks around her.

I liked the twists and the reveal and I don’t want to spoil it, but I wished the pace was a tad faster or Adelaide had a little more personality so I could have better connected with her.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend to fans of horror and historical fiction.

This is a great blend of historical fiction and horror featuring suspense and strong women characters. The author cleverly lets the reader believe certain things, only to reveal the real truth as the novel goes on. Truly a story of good vs. evil and the strong ties that can bind women to each other and to their families. The only part that I wish the author had written more true to the circumstances was having Adelaide more prepared to work her land and then actually spending some of her time actually doing it!

Thanks to NetGalley and One World for the ARC to read and review.

A dark and twisted journey of family, bigotry, isolation,secrets, and horrors. A woman with physical and emotional heavy baggage leaves her home in California for the emptiness of Montana. With her is a locked trunk and a heart full of secrets. As each layer is revealed it gets more and more insane. Go in completely blind like I did and you will surely be shocked and blown away. Lavalle is an incredible writer that knows how to get under your skin and keep you reading. This is a horror story unlike any I have read populated with characters and setting that consume you and pull you into their world. Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing group for providing me a copy of Lone Women. I went in blind not hearing of this author or reading reviews about the book, or what the story was about. This book is classified as historical fiction /horror at its best. I did find it a little hard to get into it but, once I did the story flowed. This book has any interesting concept and uses a physical object to impact the story.

I had to take some time to digest this book before diving into a review. There is a lot to unpack in this historical fiction/horror novel. In many ways, it reminded me of Alma Katsu's writing: taking a true historical event and writing it with a horror and supernatural flair. I was immediately drawn into the story and wanted to know "what was in the damn trunk?!' It was enough to keep me going, but there were plot holes that keep me from giving this book a five-star review. I enjoyed the historical aspect, the LGBTQ+ representation, the single mother kicking a$$ storyline, but found the storyline with the rich family and their theatre show a bit confusing. I think there was potential here, but it fell flat for me.

I’m still pondering on this book I read yesterday. Odd in its premise, the storyline is a reflection on the characters: odd. While this is labeled as an historical fiction with horror elements, there is also an element fantasy with the presence of demons and specters and ghosts. Adelaide, a 31-year-old Black woman, has grown up on a farm in Southern California with her parents. However, the family is thought of as odd, never mingling with others. Adelaide Henry’s mother does not encourage her daughter to leave the farm but does stress to her that like herself, Adelaide will be a mule all her life living the life of drudgery and yet bear responsibility to never tell the family’s secret. This is something that Adelaide does not want. Following the gruesome death of her parents, Adelaide leaves to homestead in Montana striving to live a life of shame in isolation as she drags a very large and well locked steamer trunk with her. It seems as if Adelaide can never rid herself of the family secret. Yet in Montana, she is befriended by other lone women who have secrets of their own. This is historical fiction in the fact that we learn about homesteading in the West in the early 1900’s where it spotlights the prejudice against Native Americans, Chinese, Black people, and non-traditional women. Amid some violence and vigilante justice, creepy things occur that are not of this world. I felt this element interfered with the historical fiction aspect and made me wonder the direction of the author was taking. I had some confusion as well when some characters popped up randomly in the story and could not figure out where they came from (such as the people in the mountain at the base of the cave.) However, I continued to read, just as interested as the characters in the book as to what was locked in the trunk that was closely guarded by Adelaide. Because when that trunk got opened, bad things happened. I don’t want to give anything away, as I want you, the reader, to be just as surprised as I was. But all in all, I found the historical elements interesting and the rest befuddling. I rate this a 3.5/5.

Many thanks to #netgalley #lonewomen #victorlavalle #randomhouse for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Not quite sure what to do with this one. The premise seemed to be really interesting at first-a young woman flees her disgraced past to settle as a lone woman in Montana in the early 1900s. However, the trunk she is carrying with her is proof that she can’t leave her past behind forever as it harbors the secrets that she is trying to leave behind.
For those expecting traditional horror, this is not it. This book reads more like a historical fantasy if anything. The first half is strong and lured me in, but the last half faltered. The twists lavalle tried to employ in the last half just didn’t work and seemed unnecessary at times. The character development was lacking somewhat. The setting of the early 1900s Montana worked well for me though and the first half definitely showed the promise and potential. Lavalle has always been a mixed bag for me and this continues the streak.

Thanks to the publisher for providing the arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Victor LaValle’s “Lone Women”, Adelaide Henry leaves her family’s California farm in disgrace, lugging her violent burden in a steamer trunk. She settles as a “lone woman” homesteader in rural Montana, hoping to shield the world from her secret—but she can’t keep her secret for long.

The premise of this book is fascinating, and I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the plot as well as the rich setting. The narrative was creative and compelling, but the writing style and head-hopping kept me at an emotional distance from the main characters. Additionally, after a semi-slow start, the book began to take left turn after left turn, leaving me reeling at times. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I couldn’t fully connect with it.

LONE WOMEN
Victor Lavelle

LONE WOMEN starts blazing fast and doesn’t ever slow down. It’s a moving train you’ve jumped on without knowing and it’s going fast.

It stars Adelaide a woman born with a burden too heavy to carry. But that’s exactly what she does as she sets off from California to Montana in 1914 to stake her claim and start a new life, amongst other things.

She is just one of many homesteaders coming to Montana to settle and the rugged environment is a sharpening stone for all that decide to do so. Adelaide is Black, has secrets to keep buried, and rides alone. One of those things alone would be tough but all three combine to make Adelaide’s plight harder than most.

It’s hard to explain what happens when you open the pages of a really good book. But it just feels different, doesn’t it?

And it didn’t take me much time at all to notice and appreciate the talent that Victor Lavelle put forth in this novel. The writing is thoughtful, and the themes presented within the text are evolutions ahead of other horror books on the market.

A horrifying tale, captivating and poetic, in well under 300 pages. I loved my time in the new frontier with Lavelle.

LONE WOMEN comes out later this month on March 28, 2023. It is available now as a Book of the Month choice and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Random House, One World for the advanced copy!

LONE WOMEN…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lone Women was a mixed bag for me. I loved the early 20th-century Montana setting. The cast of characters was unique and brought a refreshing view of homesteading, particularly by single women. But the story's "locked in the trunk" theme fell flat for me. I don't want to give spoilers, but the reveal lacked context or a backstory. Yes, LaValle describes what's in the trunk and how it got there, but there is no compelling why.

This book is hard to classify. It's not horror because I wasn't once concerned or frightened, and I frighten easily. It's more historical fiction with a strong dose of fantasy. I would have enjoyed the book more if it had left out the fantasy element, but I expect this was the author's whole premise. Thus my conundrum reviewing this novel. It's worth reading just for the historical aspects.

Jordan Peele would make this into a great movie.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.

***NetGalley Review***

Did I enjoy this book? Yes, surprisingly so.

What did I enjoy?

This book reminds me of the TV show Lost; just when you think you understand what is happening you are thrown completely off by a paragraph, a sentence, a word. The writing lulls you into a soothing rhythm and you're invested in the story of this woman leaving home to homestead in Montana, then with the relationships she makes with other characters, the drama of the small town etc. and then BAM you're spinning thinking "WTF did I just read?!".

I really enjoyed how thoughtful this story comes across, and how real each character feels - and there is almost a sense that there isn't a single main character. While this is categorized as a horror, I would describe it as historical fiction with a hint of suspense, western, and the supernatural.

What did I NOT enjoy?

I don't have many complaints; I didn't have an issue with the unreliable narrator but I was definitely expecting, or at least hoping for a bit more closure. There are some crazy, and I mean CRAZY twists in this book and it kinda ended with me thinking "...ok so we're just gonna go with this? Walk away like a ghost town legend told over campfires. I HAVE QUESTIONS?!"

Extremely impressed by this book. It was so entertaining and moved at such a fast pace. Historical fiction mixed with horror, and part western and literary fiction.

I have family that lives in Montana - and we visit often - and I have never read any novels about lone women homesteaders. In the 1900s while still settling the United States, there was a practice of “homesteading” where, if you could live on a parcel and make it successful and productive, after 3 years that would become your own.

LaValle tells the story of Adelaide Henry, a homesteading black woman in 1915, who comes to Montana from California with secrets--and a giant steamer trunk with a heavy padlock. She’s headed to be a “lone woman” in a state that allows single women to try to stake a claim.

The author excels at writing such vivid characters and I loved how this novel introduces lesser-known pieces of American history is a thrilling, darkly suspenseful story.

2.5
A bizarre book that takes place in 1914 with our protagonist dousing her home with family in it with gasoline. She is moving away from California and moving onto her next stage in life in Montana.

This book is categorized as historical fiction and horror...and it just didn't fit for me. Part of my issue was the historical aspect didn't fit to me. Some of the behaviors, attitudes and thoughts didn't align with what I assume would be the case in 1914 America. Then you throw in a horror aspect and .... it was just weird. I couldn't wrap my brain around the two together.

It was fine, I kept reading it, giving it a chance...but at the end of the day it is forgettable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advance e-copy of this book.

"A Woman is a Mule."

Adelaide Henry, and her enormous steamer trunk, has made her way to Montana from California. She left behind her dead parents and her old life behind. She is looking for a new start. She is one of the "lone women" who benefit from the government's offer to free land for those who can cultivate it. Adelaide isn't alone. She has brought the trunk with her. A trunk which must always remain locked in order to keep herself and everyone she meets safe.

Oh, la la, this was a nice blending of historical fiction, horror, western, and mystery. This book crept up on me from the very first page. I was fully invested in the plot and wanting to know what was in Adelaide's trunk. Be careful what you wish for fellow readers! Go in as blind as you can.

I enjoyed most of the characters in this book. There are also a fair number of characters who are unlikeable, and I enjoyed booing and hissing at them. This book also had me reflecting on who the real monsters were in this book.

I found this book to be creepy, dark, atmospheric and oh so good! This book played out like a movie in my mind. The descriptions were lush, vivid and set the mood of this book. I would not be surprised if this book was made into a movie.

Hats off to Victor LaValle for creating a unique, compelling and dark tale.


#LoneWomen #NetGalley #VictorLaValle

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Random House, One World and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lone Women was original, creepy, and kept me intrigued through the ending. I will definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley & publisher for this e arc of Lone Women by Victor LaValle.
This is a western horror novel. 5*.
3 things I liked:
1. Fast Paced
2. I love westerns, so add horror and ....Yes, loved it.
3. Yes, I got scared a few times.
Synopsis: " Lone Women is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk is opened, people around her start to disappear...The year is 1914, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, and forced her to flee her hometown of Redondo, California, in a hellfire rush, ready to make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will be one of the "lone women" taking advantage of the government's offer of free land for those who can cultivate it—except that Adelaide isn't alone. And the secret she's tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing keeping her alive..."
I highly recommend this unusual read I could not out down.

After a traumatic incident at home, Adelaide Henry, leaves California for Montana to homestead. It’s lonely on the land, but she brought her secret with her.

I can see why a lot of people loved this one. It’s unique and has a good story to it. I personally didn’t connect with the character or the setting, but I still enjoyed the horror. The setting is a huge part of the book, so definitely read this if you’re the mood for a western horror with some ambiance.

“For her whole life - thirty-one years - she’d been preparing for this role. Some part of her had prayed that it would never come. But here it was.”

Lone Women comes out 3/28.