I so wanted to love this book. And I did--at the start. I was immediately captured--by the language, setting, story. And then as it went on--too many disconnects. In the distinct minority of readers--started out a solid 4+, but ultimately 3 stars.

The setting: 1914. Adelaide Henry, a very tall black woman leaves her home in Lucerne Valley, California after setting it on fire--with her parents inside! Lugging a heavy steamer trunk with her, she heads to Montana to become a homesteader. She will be one of the"lone women" in this category--cultivate the land--and keep it. Adelaide has a secret--not revealed for quite some time.

Tagged as historical fiction and horror--yes, but.

The wild West, the desolation, cold/wind, and loneliness--all well depicted.

What I liked:
there are many independent, strong women: Adelaide, Grace, Fiona, Bertie, the despicable Mrs. Mudge.
the language and descriptiveness.

What I didn't like:
when one finally arrives at Elizabeth [no spoiler from me]--needs more explanation--and seemed rushed at the end.

Also--seemingly too much thrown in, racism [blacks, Japanese], kidnapping, murder, lesbians, transgender [or?].

Spiralled down about 3/4 through for me.

And the ending--just NO.

In the distinct minority.

Book Name: Lone Women

Author: Victor LaValle

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC of Lone Women by Victor LaValle

Stars 4.5

Spice 1

- Fast Paced
- Standalone
- Western + Gothic + Horror
- Diverse Cast of Characters
- Dark
- Eerie and Tense
- Creepy And Vaguely Threatening Atmosphere
- The “Wild West” was a character in and of itself
- Similar to The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
- West-world Vibes
- Monsters Ghosts and Dark Secrets
- Guilt and Redemption
- Sisterhood
- Found Family
- Feminist
- Well Crafted (literarily)
- End was tied up too quickly and neatly
- The “monster” wasn’t explained fully…
- Good introduction to the horror genre for non horror readers

This book seems impossible for me to rate, as there were several aspects that I thought were fantastic, and others that left me very frustrated, and honestly confused. 
It's a historical fiction novel about a black woman trying to get her own land from the government in Montana in the early 1900's. The main character and setting was very interesting and I was immediately intrigued. Then, about 1/3 of the way through, this book became a horror novel with a "monster" of some kind she kept trapped in her trunk, and multiple killings of various characters and in different manners.

I typically read books blindly, knowing only vaguely what the genre is and not always reading the full synopsis. I knew this was a historical fiction novel going into it, but completely missed the horror part...which perhaps makes my review invalid, as I was so shocked and confused by all the craziness that ensued, that I really had to force myself to make it through the last quarter. It just got weird and confusing, with a somewhat rushed ending.

On top of all that, there were multiple details that the author seemed to throw in near the end that were then never explained, which left me wondering what the point was. Also, the explanation of the "monster" left me unsure if it was just supposed to be metaphorically the other thing mentioned, or actually that other thing. True horror fans may love and be used to this though!

Lone Women is an unsettling, atmospheric novel that follows Adelaide Henry, a woman hoping to outrun her past as a homesteader in Montana. The novel's tone captures the bleakness of this hardscrabble life, purposefully refusing to romanticize the mythos of the American West. I also appreciated the novel's refusal to whitewash or homogenize its cast of characters, instead centering often-overlooked populations in homesteading communities, including single women, Black folks, and Chinese railroad workers. I don't often read stories set in this particular context, so I especially appreciated its focus on the sort of characters who would be drawn to the margins for a fresh start, whether from opportunism, desperation, or hope.

With the added element of monsters, ghosts, and terrible secrets, this novel is a propulsive read. I had some trouble when the novel shifts to its more fantastical elements, particularly the reveal of Adelaide's horrible secret in the steamer trunk, but it was still compellingly presented. The slow reveal by degrees is nonetheless effective. It wasn't what I expected, which is perhaps why I couldn't put it down.

Thought-provoking horror and historical fiction from a tremendously talented storyteller. The world-building is compelling, authentic. Tension is effectively built throughout the story. Adelaide's tale will appeal to those who don't typically read horror. Would recommend for book clubs looking to expand their reading into genre fiction.

This is a Horror Historical Fiction. I ended up DNFing this book because I could not connect to the main character. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

When this ARC landed in my inbox and I read the synopsis, I knew this was one I would want to take notes on. It is a seamless blend of historical fiction and horror that is very well done. It goes to show that genre-bending can happen and it does work.

What I love about historical fiction is that it can often portray points in the past that I never knew about. This book is set in the early 1900s and the homesteading in Montana, where anyone, even women, could pay for a piece of property, and if successful in cultivating it for 3 years, would then be able to keep it. I had no idea about this, and the lone women who would try to make it on these inhospitable patches of land. In a way, Montana itself is an antagonist in this story - a human vs. nature tale in a place that could eat you alive easy as could be.

The book follows Adelaide Henry just after her parents were killed by a secret she hauls with her in a steamer trunk. This, of course, is where the horror element comes in, masterfully crafted, full of "I never saw that coming!!" plot twists. She leaves the family's farm in California behind to try her luck homesteading in Montana. An interesting cast of characters, all flawed yet relatable in their own unique ways, fill out the story well. The horror aspects of the book would often give me the shivers, but I found it interesting how the humans and, of course, Montana itself could give me the creeps just as much as the actual contents of the steamer trunk.

The ending was a little too HEA for me but other than that, the book was pitch-perfect. Highly recommend it to anyone who would appreciate a well-crafted historical fiction blended with horror/survival elements.

I didn't know what to expect from Lone Women by Victor LaValle which was a good thing as each chapter changed what I got from this book. It is a good story of frontier life complete with a monster and creepy neighbors and everything one could want from a book.

Victor LaValle never disappoints, and Lone Women is just as creepy and atmospheric as you might expect.

I found Lone Women to be an interesting and engaging read. I enjoy books that cross genres. The mix of historical, fantasy, and horror was definitely unique! This one is definitely a page turner.

Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.

The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory.

Crafted by a modern master of magical suspense, Lone Women blends shimmering prose, an unforgettable cast of adventurers who find horror and sisterhood in a brutal landscape, and a portrait of early-twentieth-century America like you’ve never seen. And at its heart is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—or redeem it.

Lone Women was an absolutely amazing read! I have heard a lot of buzz surrounding LaValle’s works, but this is my first time reading one of his novels and I was not disappointed. The story follows Adelaide Henry, a woman who flees everything she’s ever known with a few of her belongings. Traveling her way through the states she ends up in Big Sandy, Montana, a very small town where nobody knows her past and she can start anew again. But as she settles on her secrets and heavy baggage seems to wear her down and when the lies become unraveled can she run from her past.

It’s hard to know what you expect out of any horror novel but this one (while it does have some gore) Lone Women mainly relies mainly on suspense. The novel is detailed enough to place the reader in Adelaide’s shoes but also simplifies certain aspects to leave it up to the reader’s imagination. The latter is much more powerful as the parts that are unseen in a horror novel/film always leave you the most terrified. The novel excellently displays how appearance can be deceiving as more sinister things and people start to reveal themselves. The multiple point-of-views allow the reader to get into these characters’ heads and deepest thoughts. I loved the detailed descriptions used to describe the horror aspects, but LaValle makes things just vague enough to keep the reader on their toes.

“That’s why I’m warning you,” Eleanor said. “Whatever damage the demon does, they’ll come for you. And they will repay you a hundred times.”“I’m not scared of them,” Adelaide insisted, sounding more like a stubborn child. “You should be.”

I appreciated the title of Lone Women and how it plays into the plot. These women are seen as weird or outcasts because people don’t understand them. Each one bears a heavy weight but their tenacity, courage, and independence are what make them strong. This novel is so engaging from beginning to end. Each chapter had me fully engrossed. It’s hard to talk about this novel without spoiling it, but I do recommend going in blind to get the full reading experience. I can’t wait to read more of LaValle’s works. This novel delivered on the thrills and the chills. I highly recommend it!

Didn't realize this was a horror novel- but so glad it was! Will definitely be adding Victor LaValle to my must read lists!

Adelaide Henry, thirty-one years old, methodically douses gasoline over the furniture and fixtures in the home she shared with her parents. After all is said and done, she blamed her parents Glenville and Eleanor for everything that has caused her to set fire to the home she grew up in.

Waiting outside is Adelaide’s driver who is to transport her to her new homestead in Montana. Before leaving, Adelaide bids farewell to her parents lying in their bed covered with blood stained bedsheets and a good dose of fuel. Striking the match, Adelaide casually lights the bedsheets before exiting the house — taking with her a large and very heavy steamer trunk…

The characters in Lone Women are varied and diverse with the primary character being somewhat developed. The other characters provided the needed window dressing to flesh out the storyline. Even so, something was missing as I didn’t feel anything toward any of the players.

Lone Women started off with a bang. But after a while, the pacing slowed to a trot. There are a number of hills and valleys in this novel that got a little tiresome. But the plot twists sprinkled throughout the novel kept me forging on, only to be disappointed by the big and bizarre reveal. After that, it was too late to quit and the finale just left me empty with more questions than answers. Two okay stars.

I received a digital ARC from One World (Random House Publishing) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is not my usual read- it’s historical fiction, with fantasy and horror. If you like these genres wrapped up into one, this book is for you. This story had lots of twists and turns.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. My options are my own.

I'd been meaning to read Victor LaValle's books for years and never had the chance to get around to it. So when I was sent the opportunity to read this, I took up on it. And then I saw it was historical fiction and lord. I do not like historical fiction. But I thought I would give it a try and do my best.

This was incredible. Also continuing the weird trend I have where I always forget to read the plot.

This was horrific and I loved it. It was a smidge slow at the beginning and took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, it was truly a race to the finish to get through it. This was really a delightful little book and I loved so much of it. The historical element gives it something special added to it. The "twist" is wonderful and I really enjoyed it.

It had an aspect of things I love in horror movies (and I, if i'm being honest, can't stand horror in film but I love reading it) and really helped it to flourish.

Really great! a 4.5 that I'm rounding up.

Thank you to One World and NetGalley for a chance to read early for an honest review.

*ARC provided from the publisher via NetGalley.

This book was a WHIRLWIND. When I started reading, I was expecting more of a standard historical fiction thriller but when I finished reading, it was 2 am and I was contentedly confused as to how the story ended up where it was. The book was rich in detail and provided keen insight into the experiences of "lone women" homesteading by themselves, and the communities of care that were developed in extreme and dangerous environments. I appreciated the mystery developed throughout the story in regard to both story and character backstory, even if the plot twists were unexpected almost to the point of ridiculous. This was the first story I've read from LaValle, but I will be on the lookout for his other work.

not my typical read but very good.
Part historical fiction , part sci-fi and fantasy,part horror story,and most significantly, a story of lone women living in a harsh unforgiving Montana wilderness and surviving!!!There are multiple twists and turns and surprises ,all of which keep the reader involved and excited. In short, very good!!!

I received a free electronic ARC of this western historical novel from Netgalley via publisher Random House, and the author Victor Lavalle. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Victor LaValle writes a compelling historical set in the wilds of 1915 Wyoming. It is a fairy tale to curl your toes.

Adelaide Henry is a 31-year-old black woman who has spent her years helping her parents on their central California farm. Upon the gruesome death of her parents, she packs up her necessaries and a trunk, sets fire to her home, and heads out of her comfort zone for the wilds of Montana where she intends to homestead some range land with the last of her cash. Most states at that time in the west would only issue homestead land plans to men, but Montana is more enlightened and will issue a homestead, to be proven in the first three years, to anyone. Adelaide's land is dangerously close to the Canadian border, winter is just around the corner, and it takes most of her stash to recompensate the land agent for the 20x20 cabin and hand-dug well on her spread, items provided by a previous tenant who was unable to achieve his homestead requirements.

Already, things are not going well. Spending her growing years in California farm country, Adelaide is not prepared for real winter. Nor is she going to be able to control the danger, inherent to lone women isolated on homesteads in the backcountry. To say nothing of the grief she has packed away in that trunk.

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle
LGBTQ representation, Historical Horror

When a book starts out burning bodies on page 1 I'm all the way hooked.

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle as the title implies uses a heavy dose of suffrage and homesteading as a backdrop for bitter paranormal entanglement. These characters kept me completely captivated. If you're a fan of dark, noir historical horror, go buy this book now. The author does not pull his punch. It lands fully. The raw emotion and depth to this story makes it infinitely buy-worthy. I can't say enough good about this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!

It was interesting to meld some usually-unrelated genres like Westerns and supernatural. I am not sure if it was too fantastical? Maybe I was trying to keep the "rules" of Westerns straight with the "rules" of supernatural? I feel like maybe this book tried to do too much. Western, supernatural, feminism...maybe I just found it too hard to believe.