This was GOOD!! There were parts that didn't quite add up, logic-wise, so I recommend reading this one super fast and not thinking about all the ramifications of every twist or piece of lore too deeply, but the ending really delivered. Midway through I wasn't really sure about my rating, but that ending stuck the landing in a shockingly assured way. I think fans of Erin E. Adams's 'Jackal' will find fascinating resonances with this book, too, though in many ways they're very different works.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of What Grows in the Dark.

I really liked the premise which is why I was excited my request was approved.

Almost two decades ago, Brigit's older sister, Emma, walked into the woods and never returned, As a result, Brigit left the small town and never returned. Until now.

Now, Brigit is a phony paranormal investigator traveling the USA with her friend and producer, Ian. When the disappearance of two teenagers in Ellis Creek compels her to return home, she discovers a shocking link between the missing teenagers and Emma.

Now, it's up to Brigit to face the horrors of her past, and perhaps her sister.

Sadly, this didn't hit the mark for me as I had hoped.

First, not once was I scared or creeped out. I never understood the reason why the woods was haunted nor was it fully explained.

Was it like Derry, Stephen King's famous fictional town and home of Pennywise?

Was the woods haunted by a spectral ghost or wood sprite? If so, why? Where did it come from?

Why was Emma obsessed with it? Why her?

Second, neither Brigit or Emma were interesting or compelling characters. In some books, the deceased characters take a life of their own and sometimes I find them more interesting than the living.

Not here. I didn't like or care about anyone. I did like the diversity of characters, but I didn't find them likable or want to hang out with them in real life, if I could.

Third, the narrative wasn't suspenseful, just a lot of Brigit hearing her sister's voice and feeling spooked and mulling over what she could have done years ago (not much since she was just a child), and what to do now.

The narrative was kind of muddy, like the author wasn't sure what the story was really about, and the lack of a strong main character didn't help.

"What Grows in the Dark" by Jaq Evans is a chilling contemporary horror novel that delivers a spine-tingling and atmospheric reading experience. Blending elements of paranormal investigation, family tragedy, and eerie suspense, this book keeps readers on edge from start to finish.

The story revolves around Brigit Weylan, a phony spiritualist who travels the country with her cameraman, Ian, to investigate and debunk paranormal activity. Brigit's life takes a terrifying turn when she receives a call from her hometown, Ellis Creek, where two teenagers have gone missing. As she delves into the case, she discovers unsettling parallels to her older sister Emma's death sixteen years ago.

The author skillfully weaves a web of mystery and dread, gradually revealing the town's dark secrets. The suspense builds steadily as Brigit's past collides with her present, and the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. The sense of foreboding is palpable, and readers will find themselves questioning the very fabric of reality along with the characters.

Evans excels in creating a haunting atmosphere, with the town of Ellis Creek becoming a character in itself. The eerie woods and sinister occurrences create an unsettling backdrop for the story. The writing is evocative, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the unsettling world of the narrative.

The characters, especially Brigit, are well-developed and relatable. Brigit's complex mix of skepticism and vulnerability adds depth to her character, making her a compelling protagonist. Ian, her cameraman, provides a good balance as he grapples with the inexplicable events unfolding around them.

The novel explores themes of loss, guilt, and the power of the past to haunt the present. It also delves into the complexity of sibling relationships and the lingering effects of childhood trauma.

"What Grows in the Dark" is a suspenseful and haunting horror novel that will appeal to fans of atmospheric and psychological thrillers. Jaq Evans has crafted a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, leaving readers with a sense of unease and a thirst for more of the author's work.

Very spooky with a setting that was very much a character, along with a fantastic cast. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and two nights in a row, stayed up late so I could get to the end. Overall a great read!

Lots to dig into about grief, blame, and small town culture.

It’s been 16 years since Emma disappeared in the woods near her hometown. People always said she had emotional problems as a matter fact, prior to her disappearance, she told people she thought there was a monster in the woods. Her sister, Brigit left town and found a new life investigating paranormal occurrences around the country with Ian, her cameraman. Then one day she gets a call from her old hometown, two teenagers are missing, and she and Ian become caught up in the case. There are more than a few similarities between these current disappearances and what happened to Emma. Soon, Brigit begins to fear for her own sanity as she sees things that simply can’t be there and hears