Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC of this book!

If the title, cover art, and "Fear death by water" tagline didn't get you interested in this book already, listen up. Private school teens get trapped in an ancestral Irish estate, which includes a lake with partially submerged statues, on Halloween. Loosely based on The Fall of the House of Usher by Poe, this creepy gothic horror was hard to put down. I enjoyed this adaptation of Poe's work more than the Netflix show by the same name. The book time jumps between the current Halloween weekend, and what happened before to cause a rift between the friends. Slowly you begin to piece together what happened, while people start going missing. Our main POV Meg has always felt like the outsider, but in this circumstance it gives her the advantage to figure out the truth. Don't go near the lake.

Gripping and gorgeously written, Amy Goldsmith reinforces her inimitable talent with OUR WICKED HISTORIES. Her latest YA horror-thriller fusion takes readers on a voyage through time, as protagonist Meg works to win back old friends while unraveling the harrowing mystery of Wren Hall — one that ultimately links tragic past with haunted present.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC!

3.75 stars

I really enjoyed the slow burn atmospheric writing. I love rich kid stories and this one was no different. This was spooky and engaging and I think adults and teens will enjoy it equally.

Bly Manor meets Poe in this twisted tale that’s easy to get tangled up in upon reading the first page.

“Our Wicked Histories” details Meg’s fall from grace amongst the upper class peers from her school following an outburst that lead to her suspension. With the gloomy backdrop of an ancestral home her attempts to seek forgiveness are lost against the screams of someone lurking by the lake and when tragedy strikes all eyes are on her to lay blame but is the culprit something far more sinister?

What a great follow up to a debut!

This book has so many fun pieces and unfolds beautifully as we dive into the mystery of what happened at the ball which leaves our protagonist as the outcast and at the same time trying to figure out what is lurking outside. I have always been a fan of unreliable narrators and this book hits that sweet spot and just keeps going and I couldn’t read it fast enough.

With the plot taking place at different points in time we were able to see the layers to this group of people and how they came to be and how they fell apart which made the tension and suspicion so palpable when things took a turn for the worst giving everyone a motive. I really felt like we got a good feel of these characters as we moved through the book making a majority of the twists and turns really pay off.

I’m a big fan of mythology and this story very much felt like it could have belonged in a revamped fairytale while also having that lore lay in the background allowing the reader to wonder if that was another thing to question aka is it a monster or man and I think I loved that most.

This was a really great read and cements that this is an author to be excited about. I can’t wait to see where we may end up next!

*special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

I was completely hooked by this terrifying ghost story, which the author claims was inspired by Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher.

Initially, I wasn't sure I would connect to the characters as they are primarily spoilt and rich, but as the larger plot is unraveled via flashbacks, the author cleverly reveals greater depth. These characters are not just rich for the sake of it; there is interesting commentary on classicism present, too.

The rainy Irish setting and rambling run-down house setting are perfection and the part with the ouijaboard early on had me so gripped. There are gorgeous set pieces in the form of costume parties, and I was very intrigued by Seb’s character. I could not predict the twists and the ending left me open mouthed!

Five scary stars.

Oh I loved this one - just a bit too much buildup for me, rounded up to 5 stars.
A gorgeous ode to Poe's House of Usher .
The dual timeline - EXPERT level
Characters - Shady, Vapid, Cringe, Toxic, Discordant and so very petty
Loved the MC - Meg just wants her live to go on after becoming unhinged at the Summer Ball.
Slow build, loved the development of Seb - though the repetition did get tedious. Again the slow build was long.
Creepy twins, creepy house, creepy lake with half submerged statues - LOVED it.

This was a slow read for me, but it did get better at about the halfway mark. I enjoyed the latter half a lot more, but I don't think this is a book I will come back to reread anytime soon.

I did not know what to expect with this read, but it sounded like I would really enjoy it. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting in this novel, and the unreliable narrator added the touch it needed. At first I wasn't sure that I was enjoying the characters, and I had a hard time connecting with them. The flashbacks, which don't always work, really added depth to the characters and I forgot about how much I didn't like them. Really, I think the fact that they're all very normal and not very nice was refreshing. I also loved the lore and the absolute creepiness. This ended up being much more likable once I got to the end. It was the need to know what was happening that made it impossible to put down. I'll be sure to read this author again soon!

4.6 rounded up to 5/5.

"Our Wicked Histories" by Amy Goldsmith is a chilling and atmospheric literary horror that grips readers from the very first page and refuses to let go until the final, spine-tingling conclusion.

Set against the backdrop of the eerie Wren Hall in Ireland, the novel follows Meg as she embarks on a weekend getaway with her former friend group, the wealthy and enigmatic Wren twins. Desperate to salvage her reputation and mend fences after a mysterious incident led to her suspension from school, Meg is willing to do whatever it takes to earn their forgiveness.

Goldsmith masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue, drawing readers into a world where ancient legends and dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. The tension builds steadily throughout the story, as Meg grapples with the unsettling atmosphere of Wren Hall and the sinister forces that seem to be at play.

The novel's wicked twist on Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue, keeping readers guessing as to what is real and what is merely rumor. While the pacing may start slowly, it gradually intensifies, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the truth behind Wren Hall's dark history is slowly revealed.

The characters are gripping and well-drawn, each with their own secrets and motivations that add to the complexity of the story. Meg's journey of self-discovery and redemption is compelling, as she confronts her past and struggles to uncover the truth behind the mysteries of Wren Hall.

While the narrative may occasionally shift back and forth, Goldsmith's skillful storytelling and masterful pacing keep readers engaged and invested in the unfolding mystery. The unpredictable ending delivers a satisfying resolution to the murder mystery that lies at the heart of the story, tying up loose ends while leaving readers with lingering questions and a sense of unease.

With its atmospheric setting, gripping characters, and wickedly twisty plot, "Our Wicked Histories" is a must-read for fans of literary horror. Goldsmith proves herself to be a master of the genre, delivering a haunting and unforgettable tale that will linger in readers' minds long after they've turned the final page.

What can I say, I love mysteries in remote places. Our Wicked Histories gave me exactly that. I did not expect anything that happened in this book. I couldn't put it down. I will absolutely be seeking out Amy Goldsmith's other novel.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a chance at reading this book.

If you're from south london, you might enjoy this book. The book features a bunch of posh teens at an estate during Halloween. Apparently something happened the previous year between our main lead female and the friend group. It isn't known, but over time we are treated to flashbacks and characters giving a piece of the puzzle as to why she is on the outs with all these people.

The creepy aspect is that the person who is throwing the party at this manor is obsessed with painting pictures of a girl with long brown hair, a white dress, and dark eyes. Apparently she had drowned in the lake some time ago and haunts the lake. People bring her up often, but we really haven't seen any creepy things happen so to speak.

At 40% the story wasn't moving anywhere, the setting wasn't moody enough for me, and I h0nestly grew tired of being lead through a dull as fuck haunted house / teen drama story.

Actual Rating 3.5

I’m not going to lie – I read this book simply because of the cover, though the title is quite strong too. I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was overall.

The moments of suspense and horror in this book were well written. They were tense and the descriptions were evocative, creating immersive and spooky moments. Similarly, the author did an excellent job with the atmosphere of this read. From the setting descriptions to small events, the tension and darkness of the setting came through in a meaningful way.

The mystery wasn’t quite as strong and was a little predictable. There were even times when I wanted to shake Meg a bit and point her in the right direction. The flashbacks also became a bit too lengthy as the book went on – they provided good background, not all of it necessary, and did detract some from the tension and atmosphere of the primary plot. However, the quick pacing of the read and the author’s writing skills kept me fully engaged and as long as I didn’t stop to think too much, I found myself sucked into the narrative.

If you’re interested in atmospheric YA supernatural suspense/horror that involves teen drama and relationships, then this is certainly worth checking out. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this work, which will be published July 30, 2024. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wonderful, marvelous book ever. I adored this story. The author is great always. I would highly recommend
10/10

A teen girl’s attempt to make amends with her former friend group takes a sinister turn during a weekend getaway at an ancestral Irish estate in this atmospheric, literary horror from the author of Those We Drown.

Fantastic Y.A. gothic horror! This feels like it was written just for me. I loved it so much!

What worked: A wicked twist on THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER. This Gothic horror tale starts slowly and builds when some friends meet during Halloween at an Irish manor. Mix in some Irish urban legends of the Banshee and this is one thriller guaranteed to keep the reader guessing.

Meg isn't like her wealthy friends at an inclusion private school and when Lottie Wren asks her to the retreat to help her get back into school after being suspended? Meg is quick to accept. This is where the story has a whole I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST NIGHT vibe going for it. Mysterious and creepy things pop up like a maid that no one else sees except Meg. Rumors from the locals of the manor being cursed and even a glimpse of the Banshee at the river circulate.

I liked how the reader is kept guessing on what is fact and what is just rumors. Meg's so-called friend's truths are revealed after the Ouiji board reading. Then one friend goes missing. More unanswered questions and some subtle creepiness have Meg second-guessing her stay. And it doesn't help that Meg has a troubling past that implicates her.

The Wren twins are beautiful, talented, and very wealthy. I admit I was surprised at who was playing who in this suspenseful novel. Seb's warning at the beginning of the story is one that Meg later wishes she heeded. All the friends have their secrets. Some are darker than others.

Slow moving at times, the author does go back and forth in time which can be distracting. Readers see what leads up to the reason behind Meg's suspension, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Gothic horror mixed with secrets and urban Irish legends set in a creepy manor in Ireland.
Good Points
1. Gothic horror tale
2. I Know What You Did Last Night meets Gothic thriller

I wanted to love this but I felt confused the whole time I was reading, this had so much potential and it was just wordy for my taste

4.5 stars

This was even better than Amy’s first book! It revolves around a group of rich kids and one scholarship kid who come together for a Halloween party after a mysterious event caused a rift between them a few months prior. While it takes place in modern day, the spooky Irish castle setting gives it a super eerie gothic feel.

The murder mystery kept me on the edge of my seat and the flashbacks made it extra suspenseful waiting for the full reveal. It keeps you wondering if supernatural forces are really at work or if it’s all in their heads, and I actually found myself getting nervous during some of the scary parts. The ending was really intense and the plot twists were shocking & unexpected, highly recommend this!

Thank you to Random House for the ARC!

Amy Goldsmith has done it again! I loved her debut novel “Those We Drown” so I knew I was in for a treat with this one. I would argue that this one is even better!!

Our Wicked Histories is a dark young adult murder mystery thriller following a group of high school students who come together for a Samhain/Halloween party at a truly haunting Irish estate after some drama goes down between them at the end of the school year ball. Megs is trying to make amends and turn over a new leaf so that she doesn’t lose her scholarship to the fancy prep school, Greyscotts.

This book was so well organized and the plot develops beautifully. The author keeps us on our toes trying to figure out what went down between these friends. We jump around the timeline easily and are left to our own devices to try to piece together the many puzzles presented to us. This story is complex yet so easy to consume. As the pages turn your adrenaline will be pumping — this book is so captivating and hard to put down - the pacing is strong and I never felt bored or like anything was just filler. Every word was intentional and important to understanding the story as a whole. My favorite part is the ending - it was completely unpredictable for me and my jaw just kept dropping from everything that was revealed.

I am so incredibly grateful to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t sing enough praises about this book - I loved it so much. Amy’s writing is divine and I love consuming her literature. This will no doubt be a book I highly recommend to — if you are into fast paced paranormal, supernatural, scary, creepy, stories filled with secret and twists and tumultuous friend groups with secret love affairs that keeps you guessing then dive in! Your bones will be chilling by the end. ~ 4.5 stars

unique, dark, ominous. the cover was actually a perfect way to show us this one cause its very descriptive. be [prepared for lots of tension. tysm for the arc.

For some reason I could not get into this story. It started off so slow and I don’t think there was enough build up to the characters and the story in the beginning, so I kept getting a few of the characters confused or couldn’t place who was who. I felt like the story kept going around and around in circles until almost halfway through when something finally happened. At that point, I just wasn’t into it and I was very bored reading this unfortunately. I really wanted to like this story because the cover is beautiful and the summary seems super attractive, but it fell short for me.