I started this a while ago and put I down and completely forgotten about until now and I just finished this in one sitting!

I knew I would love this book due to the gothic vibes alone, but add ghosts AND sapphic on top of that, made this one of my favourite reads this year.

I adored the the way this was written, it was truly beautiful and the love story was so heartbreaking that I very nearly shed a tear and I have never cried at a book before.

I cannot wait for more from this author and I feel very lucky to have also been given an arc for Blood on her Tongue

🪦🪦🪦 / 5

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for early access to the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

it took me a little bit to get into this one, but once i found the audio, i became more interested in the story. i enjoyed the horror elements and gothic vibes as well as the addition of the interviews with the psychologist. this was a slow burn for most of the story, and i felt there wasn’t a lot going on, which made it a little difficult to follow. i did enjoy the ending and how everything came together in the end.

I loved the concept of this book and the individual variables such as the displays of intimacy, cannibalism and the queer love story. however I had trouble with the writing and the predictability of the book

This took me a bit to get into but overall I enjoyed it.

Gothic tales are always hit or miss with me. This story is pretty slow so it was hard to really get into, however, my curiosity about the characters and the story got me to the end. The characters and their relationships between each other are intriguing. The spirit companion was done in a way that I haven't seen before so that was refreshing. There are some heartbreaking scenes throughout but are necessary for the story but I recommend checking trigger warnings. Though on the slower side I enjoyed this author's writing and the overall themes (gay) in this book.

I love a good gothic horror book. The cover is what drew me in and convinced me to read it. I found myself intrigued and yearning to learn about about Roos and Ruth as the story unfolded. This was a four star read for me! The pace was perfect!

This was a perfect gothic novel. From the first chapter, I was drawn into its dark, atmospheric plot. Roos was a complex protagonist, that even by the end of the book, you never fully figure out. I loved the depiction of her relationship with her spirit companion, and how they navigated their relationship with each other. I found the plot unpredictable, and it kept me hooked right until the end.

This is a beautifully written story and one of my favorites of the year! It's hauntingly beautiful and an absolute standout! I would highly recommend! Special Thank You to Johanna Van Veen, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this one! Took me a while to read it, but I really enjoyed the setting and spooky bog elements. Would definitely read more from this author!

A slow burn that spiralled into a beautiful haunting read. Complex characters and.plot that ended just when it needed.

One of my favorite books I've read this year!! Such beautiful and haunting story-telling with characters that will give you chills and tug at your heart strings. I absolutely loved every second of this book!!!!!!

Thank you Netgalley for this amazing book!! This review is unbiased and my own.

Gothic and haunting, My Darling Dreadful Thing masterfully blends genres of horror, women's fiction, sapphic romance, paranormal, and even feminist literature. You can smell the musty earthiness of Ruth and Peter, the unalive spirit companions.. Real or imaginary, one can only guess what is verifiable in the physical realm or real in the thralls of psychosis. I enjoyed the 1950s Netherlands setting. There were just enough historical references to Indonesia to lend credence to Agnes as a main character and to send me Googling a period of history I was not familiar with.

This is a fantastic ready for spooky season. Deeply unsettling without being too gory, it is a good choice for both fans of horror and those just beginning to explore the genre. But it is also a very sad read with a pervasive melancholy throughout that leaves you feeling touched in a sort of creepy spiritual way..

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

The perfect Gothic Horror story with Sapphic Romance. My Darling Dreadful Thing was smartly written and oh so fun. It was creepy, eerie and beautiful.
Gothic Mansion ✔️
Spirits ✔️
Haunting ✔️
Revenge ✔️
Murder ✔️
Backstabbing ✔️
Fobidden Love ✔️
Can't wait to read more from Johanna van Veen!
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC!

TW: racism, SA (off-page), self-harm, abuse, gaslighting

this book is intense in a lot of ways, but I love a good obsession story, and throw in the, dare I say, immaculate, gothic vibes with writing that flows well, sprinkle in some exploration of trauma, & have a perfect ending? of course it's 5 stars.

I loved the way the author goes back and forth with the conversations with the doctor & then flashes back to how things progressed after you find out a new piece of information that's so crucial to the storyline but delivered in such a nonchalant way that contributed to the impact.

this author is brilliant and I can't wait to read her next release!

A spooky sapphic tale perfect for those who love Gothic elements and spirits. This book is perfect for fans of horror that isn't necessarily in your face. There is definitely gore and TWs should be checked, specifically for those who are sensitive to sexual assault and abuse. That said, this book has a creeping way of getting under your skin.

The cover for this book is absolutely beautiful! When I saw it I knew I had to read it right away. I'm happy to say this book didn't disappoint. It was a tun of fun and gave just enough spooky vibes without being too creepy. I don't want to give any spoilers so keeping this review short. Definitely go into this one blind you will not be disappointed.

This is a wonderful, Gothic love story full of atmosphere and mystery. A beautiful, haunting story that will stay with me for some time.

✨3.5/5 rounding down to 3 stars

✨very gothic in atmosphere and grotesque, this book is perfect for fans of crimson peak, haunting of bly manor, and the turn of the screw, of course.

✨beautiful writing and haunting descriptions, the book is technically gorgeous. I had a hard time connecting with the characters at times and the pacing realllly dragged in the middle.

✨i think this is a kind of book i don't read often because I get uncomfortable with MCs that are babied/sheltered/overly naive, and then sexualized. this book utilized that for Roos and while it seemed empowering to the character, she found out a lot about herself, it was a bit uncomfy.

✨thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen is a hauntingly beautiful tale that blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. The writing is atmospheric, pulling you into a world filled with eerie secrets and deep emotions. The protagonist’s journey is both heart-wrenching and intriguing, keeping you invested in her fate throughout.

What a pleasent surprise this book was!
I started this book without high expectations, but was hooked from the first page. This is definitely the book you don't want to put down.
I loved the gothic atmosphere that was created in this book. Every page was filled with mystical/ horrory feeling.
And what a perfect representation of saphic love.
Well done, author!
Definitely recommend giving this book a try!

I'm not a huge horror reader, but I was touched by the deeper message of queerness in literature with a connection to classic lit. It was unsettling in an intriguing way, I'll definitely be picking up a physical copy!