I enjoyed the storyline and plot. Could have had better character development though. I would love to read more by this author!

After watching the television version, of “In the Clearing,” by J.P. Pomare, I was ecstatic to read the dual-timeline book about about a blonde woman obsessed with raising a brood of blonde children—whether by hook or by crook—by nature or by nabbing, Adrienne would have her fair-haired daughters and sons one way or another.

However, this convoluted ‘family’ saga that slowly meanders around themes of a bizarre cult; a narcissistic woman with a messiah-complex—who will do anything for her family and is a firm disciplinarian; child-napping and brainwashing; as well as adult traumatic episodes, sadly doesn’t quite live up to its movie promise and book promo hype.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author J.P. Pomare, and Publisher Mulholland Books for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

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In May, I received a link to a sneak peek access to the series, so I watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, knowing it’s based on a true story makes it very disturbing.

In September, I received access to the book through NetGalley.

There are quite a few differences between the two which made the book very confusing. I wish I’d read the book before watching the series. But there are so many differences, I think one of them would have been disappointing. My husband, who didn’t watch the series, thought it was outstanding.

Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing access to the book through Novel Suspects/NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own.

#NovelSuspectInsidersClub #InTheClearing #HachetteBookClub #JPPomare #netgalley #MulhollandBooks #littlebrownandcompany #Hulu #SneakPeek

From my blog: Always With a Book

This is the first book I’ve read by J.P. Pomare and it certainly will not be my last. When I was offered this book, I was also given the opportunity to watch the first 2 episodes of the 8-part TV series that is now available on HULU. Even though I hadn’t yet read the book – I didn’t have my copy yet, I watched the 2 episodes and it got me so excited for the book…and let me just say, the book was amazing! I haven’t gone back to watch the rest of the show yet, but I will at some point.

Give me all the cult books. I cannot get enough of them and this one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I loved that the author took inspiration for this story from a real life cult…something I knew nothing about. Of course I went down the rabbit hole of my own research and just wow! I got chills just reading the actual research because Pomare did such a great job bringing it all to life in his book. This is why I love reading these books…I end up learning so much more than I ever realized I would.

This book has such amazing twists and turns and I never saw some of them coming. I love when I’m caught off guard and this one definitely did that a few times. There is such a sense of foreboding throughout the book and that really keeps things tense and has you glued to the pages just waiting for something bad to happen. And having the dual timeline worked so well as it kept me so engaged. I just couldn’t get enough of this book!

I loved this one and cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.

J.P Pomare’s In the Clearing is a twisty cult thriller about the dual timelines of a survivor who escaped and of a child firmly entrenched in the same cult. Dark, jarring and dripping with suspense, In the Clearing reads like a fevered nightmare where our main characters are victims of a community holding them hostage.

There is a nice mix of genres in this book. It’s mainly a thriller but with a touch of mystery, psychological suspense, and a splash of crime to it. One of the main plot points is Freya’s history with the cult, and Amy’s current experiences within it, so fans of cult thrillers will be in for a real treat with this one. I liked how Pomare wrote this—the narrative had a dreamlike or hazy feel to it, where the timeline blur together, you question what exactly is going on and if we can trust our main protagonists. To say there are some unexpected twists is an understatement. I enjoyed the dark tone and the rural Australian setting, as well as the cast of strange and untrustworthy characters. The combination of all the elements sucks you in and keeps you engaged from the moment you begin reading.

Well this was disturbing. I don't like to give negative reviews but this just didn't do it for me. I don't need to like the protagonist, usually I love to hate them a little, but this girl needs some Lexapro and to get her shiz together.
I loved the cult aspect but it was still lame.
The twists were predictable.
It was just not for me.

I read this book because it was highly recommended by a friend. This was a solid read. I love Cults and the psychology book and behind their leaders and followers has fascinated me for years, so I was excited to read this book. The split narrations adds an interesting perception to the story. The pace of the book moves fast and surprises pop up on a regular basis, keeping the reader engaged.. The author manages to capture all the elements of the typical cult experience while adding a necessary personal touch to keep it relevant and original. This was an entertaining and enjoyable weekend read and perfect for a book club discussion.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

A story about a cult that is centered around children. Can any one really get out of a cult? I thought the story was well written and definitely had some twists I didn't see coming.

Cults! I love reading books about cults. This one was interesting. It could get very descriptive at parts, such as torture scenes, but it wasn't done gratuitously. I was really shocked at parts, and I am so excited to watch the tv adaptation now.

Thank you, NetGalley and Mulholland Books for the Copy Of In The Clearing by J.P. Pomare. The first time I started this I had to put it down because I couldn't get interested in either POV. When I picked it up today I was captivated, so either my state of mind changed or the book improved after the first few chapters. At first I had no idea what was going on and how the two POVs were ever going to come together, but both stories were so good I trusted that in time everything would become clear. I actually gasped a number of times at shocking reveals! A few things didn’t quite make sense, but it’s a novel, so I can ignore some inconsistencies! If you’re willing to be patient while the story unfolds this is the book for you!

Thrillers about cults are one of my favorites!

I appreciate the lengths the author went in researching this book - actually interviewing a member of another Australian cult within a psychologically safe environment (in the presence of her psychologist).

The novel challenges your preconceived notions about cults and more specifically cult members/former members.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this one quite a bit, but it didn’t wow as much as I was hoping for. I generally enjoy cult fiction, but I just didn’t really connect with the characters or the plot I’m sorry to say.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

At atmospheric novel set in Australia, In the Clearing inspired the Hulu special!
Freya is trying to live a quiet life with her son Billy. She is still her lost child and lost life from before. When a child disappears near by and her ex husband begins calling her, she knows her past has come back to haunt her; As the story unwinds, so much is not what you were expecting!
A truly engrossing story about cults, and trauma that will keep you up all night!
#Mulhollandbooks #JPPomare #IntheClearing

I was highly entertained by this work of suspense from JP Pomare.
In the Clearing by JP Pomare was a gripping thriller I very much enjoyed reading.
I found this to be a thrilling mystery that I just didn't want to set down
Clever, engaging, and suspenseful, the publication of JP Pomare’s novel, In the Clearing, is a timely and entertaining novel.
I couldn’t inhale the pages fast enough to find out what was going on in this edge of your seat read.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Mulholland Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This is a true psychological thriller that is now a show on Hulu. I admit seeing the show does spoil the book so maybe read it first. Cult fiction is not my thing, but I like the suspense and twists.