This novel had a good premise, bit the execution on it was not there for me. It read more like your average psychological thriller than horror to me. The characters were absolutely atrocious, bullies throughout the book to make me walk away a few times that it made me want to drop the story all together. Although I did pick it up out of curiosity to see the finishing. I can see many people tripping over this Gothic tale, I just wasn't one of them. Don't get me wrong though, it wasn't bad, just wasn't that good to me.

Thank you to The Book Guild and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was interesting. It was part thriller, part ghost story, part mystery…

It kept me on my toes and kept me wondering what the heck is going on.

I think this book is severely underrated! I've been telling people in my TikTok Live to read it. I thought it was original, interesting, well written, and loved the dark vibes. Perfect book for the fall season

Read about. 20% of this book, but not really into the supernatural and ghostly feel this book has… plus the relationships seemed weird and off putting, So I had to stop.

This book was really interesting to me. I really like that you had some horror, ghost story and thriller all wrapped into one. I couldn't wait to figure out what was going on. Certainly recommend it to anyone!

Part ghost story, part mystery, and all seething anger at the characters in this book. Even the main character was incredibly hard to like. The hubby and stepmother were atrocious, narcissistic, bullies. Yet, our main character Julia wasn't such a peach either. This was written in the vein of older gothic horror but read more like the typical psychological thriller only with a creepy estate, wicked stepmother, and the ultra rich type of high society folks that make you want to vomit all over their designer outfits. The author writes quite well, the story just wasn't as good as expected. I must add that this will probably have plenty of praise from those who fall all over themselves for the cliche "psychological thriller" bored housewives everywhere will be clamoring to tear through the pages and then feel accomplished for making it through their very first "horror" novel and escaping their preferred genre. Folks like our main character will love it so it might even make a best seller list...even if it does fall terribly short of a Stoker Award.

This was an interesting book. Part domestic thriller, part murder mystery, part Supernatural horror. The domestic thriller part I'm not a huge fan of, but it was done well (although I hate it when the MC in any book puts themselves into stupid situations). The horror part was solid, as was the mystery. All in all, a pretty satisfying ending.

Thanks to Netgalley, Lori Scott and The Book Guild LTD for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I enjoy a ghost story and this one did not disappoint. The haunting atmosphere had me worried what was behind every turn of the page. The characters were well written and the pacing was great. If you like a creepy and disturbing book, this one is for you!

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for granting me an E-ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review.

Imaginary Foe by Lori Scott revolves around Julia, who packs up the house of her Grandmother. Of course, it is haunted by the evil soul of a dead child. Soon Julia's children are in danger and she has to find a way to put an end to this nightmare.

First things first, it was really easy to get into this story, which is a big plus for me being a mood reader. The characters were kind of difficult. Don't get me wrong, I don't want a book where everyone is reliable, makes always the right decision and is just perfect. But in this book everyone had their designated role they had to play. The husband and his mother (feared mother-in-law) were definitely the "villains". Julia was the main character we had to connect with and feel with her. In the first half of this book I wasn't really a fan of Julia (even if we share the first name) and could kind of understand her husband. I really wanted a bit more of blurred lines of these roles, but in the end it didn't ruin the story at all. It was just something that kind of rubbed me the wrong way.
The book delivers everything in the second half you want from a horror, supernatural Thriiler. It got action, gore and for sure spooky elements. It is indeed a slow burn, but it is worth the wait. Amazing book!

I enjoyed this book! It had a creepy atmosphere throughout and kept me interested throughout. I would recommend this book to those that enjoy ghost stories or books with a haunting atmosphere.

I loved the characters and the story idea. I think for me, I am growing weary of ghost stories, but this one is close to making me read them again. It is well written, but be weary of trigger warnings mentioned by others.,

This book was really interesting to me. I really like that you had some horror, ghost story and thriller all wrapped into one. I think some parts were a little slow but once it picked up it had me. I couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen next. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and The Book Guild for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

TW: SA of minors

The beginning of this book put me off. Something about the writing being a bit…unclear maybe? I put it down and came back to it a few days later and was able to actually get into the story.

The descriptions are great! It was very immersive but for me, most everything else didn’t work. I could see the story the author was gunning for but it was just never realized for me.

Some parts of this, especially towards the end felt unnecessary (like fluff) and also some puzzles seem to have been left unsolved (maybe deliberate?).

Overall I wanted more about the protaganist and their family which I didn’t feel was fleshed out nearly enough.

I probably will not pick up anything by this author in future.

“My natural cynicism had given way to that treacherous bitch, hope.”

I really enjoyed this slow burn ghost story /thriller. A new author for me, that I truly hope keeps up the good work. Trigger warnings for childhood abuse and alcoholism. A great book that I read in one setting.

At first I thought Steve was so nice and I was writing about how great he was in my notes. And I though Julia had issues with Caroline for normal stepmom reasons but this book is nuanced and each layer gets your closer to the extremely sordid truth. This was the creepiest and most disturbing book I read all year.
I loved it. I loved it so damn much. Top ten of the year for sure.

5 stars

This is one whirlwind of a ride! This is horror as well as a ghost story, and a thriller wrapped up in one. Stephen and his alcoholic wife Julia have moved into a new house. While Julia is unpacking at the new home, she is also packing up her grandmother's mansion which is bringing back bad memories. She's also come to the conclusion that the old house is haunted.

I really enjoyed this. Julia was a great character who overcomes her flaws. I did think the love interest was too coincidental, though and I didn't like the chemistry of the couple. As the book starts off we get gothic ghost story vibes and it has lots of atmosphere. Then there is a change to a thriller vibe and I just couldn't read fast enough. Finally, at the end of the book full horror comes on for a great ending. Lots of fun!

This book started as a mixed bag for me but, ultimately, I'm giving it four stars.

The first half seems to be meandering in a way. The characters are not really likeable (the protagonist is the only decent person). The husband and stepmother of our protagonist are obviously villainous and despite their mental abuse, our protagonist plays a typical damsel in distress.

But the second half is the book I wanted and absolutely delivers the action, scares, and bloody mayhem. The haunting aspect of this novel is well written and gives off major spooky vibes throughout and there's the always welcome "what the hell is going on here" questions that will keep you engaged.

The latter half really saved this book for me. I just wish the characters weren't so black and white. But if you want a slow burner that pays off big at the end, I recommend this book!