Isn’t that cover gorgeous? Being compared to Simone St. James and Catriona Ward are big shoes to fill. Was this comparable? No.

I was waiting for a creepy gothic feel and suspense to boot. I was bored throughout. Some parts read like a historical fiction novel, which is not a genre I am interested in.

I’d like to thank Canelo, NetGalley, and Stephanie Sowden for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Publication date January 25, 2024

Oook what a creepy fun ride. I love thrillers where I want to find out the mystery before the big reveal and this was it. The characters were kind of a lot at times but that added to the fun of it all. I’m not usually a fan of time jumps but this was done really well. I give it a 4/5

This story about an aging heiress living alone in the Hollywood Hills and the desperate real estate agent trying to help her unlikeable boyfriend by unearthing something secret and very important from the crumbling mansion, really drew me in and kept me interested throughout. The dual timeline story tells of Audrey, the heiress's tragic and dysfunctional family during the early golden age of pre-WW2 moviemaking.
Sowden takes an interesting and possibly little known event of a fascist plot to 'take over' the industry and pave the way for the Germans to march into California, and weaves a twisty story around it.
The well-paced story and great sense of atmosphere, as well as the intriguing character of Audrey, made this a compelling read.

Hi and welcome to my review of Directions for Dark Things!

Stay tuned while I try to make sense of my thoughts and feelings about this one.

First of all, with that title and that cover and that blurb, I went in with expectations of a dark and moody book with a superbly atmospheric setting. It wasn’t. At least, I didn’t think so. Maybe my expectations were off, maybe I wanted too much, but I never really fell under this book’s spell. The mansion was just a stuffy house, not the delightfully gothic, creaky mansion it could have been, and should have been. And I kept waiting for all those dark things, but alas, I’m still waiting.

Secondly, I’m a mood reader and going in with the abovementioned expectations meant that I was in the mood for such a book, a dark contemporary thriller. I did not expect a large portion of the story to be historical fiction set in the years before WWII. I do love hist fic, I just wasn’t in the mood for it, which meant that it took me a while to warm to this storyline. Also, I dunno, it just felt rather random? Exploring Audrey’s memories, which is essentially what this storyline is, didn’t seem to add much to the story, or to Audrey as a character.

The reference to Catriona Ward and Simone St. James didn’t help, I’m sure. I’m a huge fan of both and quite frankly, I fail to see how these authors’ books compare to this one, in vibe, in writing, in story, in anything, really. That’s not to say Directions for Dark Things is a bad book, I just think it wasn’t really fair to the author to reference such queens of all things gothic and creepy.

To be fair, I have seen other reviewers describe this book as creepy. I, however, felt the creeps on only one single occasion, but at that point I was already past the halfway mark and it was just too little too late. I can recognise the elements that were supposed to be creepy, but all I felt was, well, annoyance at first, and later something like compassion, mostly. I can’t say more without giving too much away. It just feels like there were so many missed opportunities, including the reveals, that were supposed to be chilling, I guess, but to me were either quite predictable or rather random.

I’m afraid I’m sounding very negative. I don’t really mean to be. I think if you go in with the right expectations, you might enjoy it more than I did. For me, however, it mostly missed the mark.

Directions for Dark Things is out in digital formats and hardcover on 25 January.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Oh, dear.

'Directions for Dark Things' is one of those books that promises a lot, but unfortunately does not deliver. Readers have certain expectations when you draw comparisons to authors like Catriona Ward and Simone St. James. However, this attempt by Stephanie Sowder doesn't come anywhere near those authors. Not even close.

The once magnificent mansion owned by the Lloyd family is crumbling. It has caught the eye of many a realtor over the years for its vast lands and real estate possibilities. But Audrey Lloyd refuses to sell. That is, until she meets Terri Nicholls. All Audrey asks is that Terri spends the week with her. Terri agrees, but she isn't just interested in acquiring this house for her boss, possibly securing a promotion along the way. She's looking for something. There is something in Audrey's house that she needs.

So much potential for creepiness and yet, that was sorely lacking. The mansion is showing signs of age, sure, but there's nothing spooky about it. It's just spacious and full of stuff. Audrey herself is also old and slightly eccentric maybe. Definitely lonely, and okay, there's something about her that's not quite right, but there was never really a moment where she made my spine tingle or she chilled me to the bone. Audrey likes to play games, be it with chess pieces of actual human beings. And sometimes these games go wrong.

None of these characters are particularly likeable. I felt no affinity with any of them and definitely failed to understand Terri's reasoning for even being at the mansion in the first place. The only redeeming factor in this whole story was Don Vernon, the detective. He is called in when a body is found at the bottom of garden steps, and someone else lies injured in hospital. Don feels he made a mistake when he was a mere rookie, and this may just be his moment to put things right. As for Audrey, I feel the author missed an opportunity by not delving deeper into the psychological aspects. Why is she the way she is? Nature versus nurture? Anything to explain that darkness the reader is supposed to fear so much.

There are secrets to be discovered, obviously. Many came across as rather predictable to me. Overall, 'Directions for Dark Things' just lacked tension and the creepy factor I was expecting never materialised. The dark things that were promised in the title, and the blurb, failed to make an appearance. There seemed very little to find disturbing in any way. And don't even get me started on the random nazi storyline.

Plenty of times I considered not finishing the book but I continued, and kept hoping, but to no avail. I really don't like coming away from a book feeling like I wasted my time.

Audrey Lloyd, daughter of an esteemed movie mogul, led a solitary existence at the illustrious Lloyd Estate. After declining many offers over the years, she finally agreed to sell to ambitious broker, Terri Nichols, under the condition that they spent the week together. With that being said, something clearly wasn’t right at the mansion. Would they be able to make it through the week alive and well?

After reading the synopsis for Directions for Dark Things, I was excited to dive into it. In the interest of avoiding spoilers, all that I’ll say is that this book was different than I had anticipated. This wasn’t entirely a bad thing, but it required a shift in expectations. In this book, everyone seemed to have something to hide and had a little (or a lot) of wickedness to them! While all of the characters were well-executed, my personal favourite was Audrey Lloyd. She was initially shrouded in mystery and I enjoyed learning about her through a series of flashbacks into her upbringing and early adult life. With that being said, the first 65% of the novel was really slow-moving for me. While I was interested in the plot, I wasn’t fully invested. All that changed with a twist that flipped the story on its head. From that point onwards, I was dialed in, driven by a need to figure out how it would all end. I only wished the twist had occurred sooner as it would have enhanced the overall reading experience.

"Directions for Dark Things" by Stephanie Sowden is a captivating mystery that unfolds within the shadowy confines of The Lloyd Estate, an enormous mansion harbouring long-buried secrets. The narrative centres around Audrey Lloyd, the elderly and enigmatic owner, who guards the estate's dark history with unwavering secrecy. When ambitious broker Terri Nicholls finally secures a deal to purchase the property, she unknowingly steps into a tangled web of lies spun by Audrey over decades.

The strength of Sowden's storytelling lies in her ability to create a haunting atmosphere and a sense of foreboding. The mansion and its vast grounds become characters themselves, shrouded in an eerie darkness that reflects the secrets concealed within. The author masterfully builds suspense, inviting readers to peel back the layers of deception surrounding The Lloyd Estate.

The characters, particularly Audrey and Terri, are well-developed and contribute to the overall mystery. Audrey's cantankerous nature and the weight of her family's history add complexity to her character, while Terri's ambition and determination make her a compelling protagonist. The interactions between characters, especially as Detective Don Vernon becomes entangled in the unfolding drama, create a web of intrigue that keeps readers guessing.

The novel's pacing is well-calibrated, with a gradual uncovering of secrets that maintains the suspense throughout. The question of whether those who cross the threshold can emerge intact adds a psychological dimension to the mystery, inviting readers to contemplate the consequences of unravelling hidden truths.

"Directions for Dark Things" is a compelling read for fans of mysteries with a touch of psychological thriller elements. Stephanie Sowden's evocative writing style and the intricately woven plot make for an engaging experience. As the characters navigate the suffocating darkness of The Lloyd Estate, readers are taken on a journey through secrets, lies, and the consequences of uncovering the past.

Audrey Lloyd is a very rich, eccentric, old lady living in a huge decaying pile built by her father, a Hollywood mogul in the 1930s. Terri is the lone female in a cut-throat developer company whose male colleagues are, frankly, vile. Don is a police detective nearing retirement but with memories from a case involving said decaying pile, decades ago and his first case. Three points of view with Audrey's being split between 'now' and the 1930s but it is always clear to whom and when the narration refers. The story brings in Nazi and Jewish conflict in the USA around the time of World War II, family mental illness, deceit and 'shove it under the carpet and ignore it'. At first we think that Terri simply wants to get a deal by persuading Audrey to sell the estate to her in order to be seen as a valued colleague but it was never going to be that simple. Don sort of plods along and brings threads together, sort of. None of the three main characters are especially likeable, actually the two women are unpleasant. The writing is very good and context admirable - you can fell the creepiness of the house and occupants, the junk, the possum poo and you have to wonder why on earth Terri is there at all let alone agreeing to stay for the week. Whilst it did become predictable it still had enough uncertainty to make it worth finishing. 3.5* rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This book had an interesting story line that included some fact and some fiction of the events leading up to World War 2. Normally I'm not a history person but the way Stephanie works these into the book makes for a good read. The boom was suspenseful enough to keep me guessing as to what exactly happened to Audrey Lloyd the owner of the Lloyd mansion and to Terri who we find out early on survived the week she spends at the Lloyd mansion but does not come out completely unscathed. Overall the story kept me reading into the late hours of the night which not just any book can do. I really enjoyed the mystery and the story and would definitely reccomend this book!

Resending as I don't think my first attempt saved!

I really enjoyed this, my first by Stephanie Sowden. I have a liking for unreliable narrators and flawed characters, and Sowden introduces the reader to 3 different viewpoints - an elderly recluse, a young real estate agent and a detective nearing the end of his career - and various supporting characters who all have vulnerabilities that feed the events.

Switching between viewpoints and dipping between present and past was handled well with Audrey's present-day situation and state of mind shifting seamlessly into reminiscences that allow us to glimpse her younger days.

Audrey was pretty menacing at times but there was still scope for empathy for her. I'll look out for more by this author. Thank you!

Just like the last book I read by Stephanie Sowden this book had plenty of suspense and kept me hooked.

My Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ pretty good but definitely not her best!!!!

Goodreads Synopsis
Something peculiar is going on at The Lloyd Estate. The enormous house and its vast grounds are rarely seen by outsiders. Only Audrey Lloyd - the cantankerous elderly owner and only daughter to the famed movie mogul who built the mansion - knows of the suffocating darkness that has settled on the place.

Property developers have come to Audrey over the decades. Countless times they have been rebuffed. Now, she agrees to sell to ambitious broker Terri Nicholls. But Terri has to trade something of her own in return.

Detective Don Vernon is on the brink of retirement. Instead, he is about to be caught up in a web of lies; one which Audrey has been spinning for decades. Can those who cross the threshold make it out in tact?

I waited and waited for this… my good friend Lit with Leigh alerted me as soon as it dropped on NetGalley and I was into it… however…this for me is a 3 star.

Was I disappointed - Yes. But is it bad - No (with some exceptions) but by and large people will eat this up. So please don’t let my review stop you from giving it a try if you like the popcorn thriller style novels.

I am unable to read this book without comparing everything about it.. the writing, the style, the history, the twists - to her debut novel. After Everything you Did is pretty unbeatable as far as debuts go and was 100% one of my favourite reads of 2022, I have recommended it to everyone. I got it on NG and I even bought the hardcover … so this book had some living up to do. Unfortunately though… it simply did not meet the standards of her first book.

I feel like this author has put herself at a disadvantage now by writing such an amazing debut but… thats ok… I will review this none the less.

So first up what did I enjoy…

I liked the writing of course, Sowden does have a way with words and she does her research. Her study of choice is American History (even though she herself is from the UK although you wouldn't think that) and she knows her shit… that is for sure. What I like is that you get a story that has historical elements that aren’t boring… now I know some people just read that and said HOW DARE YOU… but I said it… history can be boring… it depends who is bringing it to you and the way the author writes makes it interesting. I know she weaves real events from real timelines into her books so it really is interesting.

Unlike the first book this one didn’t really hit the mark for me. It wasn’t the same level of back story and interesting… although still good.

I of course liked the multi-timelines and multi-POVs if this isn’t your fave style of book then skip this and her first one… there is a lot of back and forth but it isn’t confusing… but if you hate that multi focus then this one wont be your cup of tea. I love it though… it keeps me so engaged… making me go … ahhh just one more chapter….because you read something in Terri’s POV and then it switches to Detective Don and you’re like nooooo bring Terri back. I love that feeling of wanting to binge read a book. Having said that… while that happened a little bit, absolutely not on the same level as the first book. (I did warn you I cannot review without comparing and I simply wont).

I can’t say I liked any of the characters which isn’t a deal breaker but no one made me want to root for them. In her debut novel the POV of the potential baddie, I was rooting for her… even though she was accused of some heinous acts…. I really liked her… but in this we have spoilt characters with too much money, dummy characters that are trying to be clever but unable to see red flags and the detective who was really a mouth piece to tie it all together… he was a none event. Terri’s boyfriend who we don’t hear from in his own POV (thank Christ) was the worst… I wanted to off him myself… I hated him.

The story felt a bit disjointed… like there was something sinister happening and at play but then it kind of fizzled out and just wasn’t that interesting in the end. I mean… it wasn’t the worst but I think there were a few ways it could of gone where it could have been so much better and yet I felt left at the alter with the direction it took.

Overall, if you like this author and are expecting the same kind of ride as her debut… well clearly I do not think you get that. But if you like her and want to give it a go… please by all means, its still good but not great.

If you haven’t read her debut then read this first and go back and read After Everything you Did second so you can like this and then get blown away… I assume you will be back if you don’t like it but lets be honest you can’t blame me hahaha!!! The twist though…ahhh that’s a twist.

Give it a go the author is lovely and she writes really well and has researched her topic so well worth the read.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Stephanie Sowden and Canelo publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is one creepy book. Audrey Lloyd, the elderly lady who owns the house that everybody wants, starts out to be a lonely, old lady who just wants some company. This change rather quickly once Terri comes to visit. It seems that Audrey has had a rough life, and has trouble with what is real. It was a sinister and dark story, beginning in the early 1980’s and jumping back through Audrey’s life. There is something about that house, that everyone wants to sell and become rich. It is a maze, easy to get lost and so much junk.

It is a very bingeable book, I read it in 2 sittings. Each chapter leaving you wanting more.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. Published on January 25th.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher fir letting me review.

Terri, a broker, goes to the home of Audrey in hopes of getting her to sell her home, which Audrey agrees to in exchange for a week of her complete. From the start, the atmosphere is intense and unsettling. People have been trying to buy the home for its famed reputation for a very long time, with her father being a prolific movie mogul with an interesting past.

The way this book from the beginnkng has lots of drama and lots of buried secrets.

Toward the middle it starts to drag but overall was a good read, thrilling and overall would recommend the book!

4 star read !

Intriguing and twisty, this is a very layered tale of suspense.

Terri, a broker, goes to the home of Audrey in hopes of getting her to sell her home, which Audrey agrees to in exchange for a week of her company.

Immediately, the atmosphere is intense and unsettling. People have been trying to buy the home for its famed reputation for a very long time, with her father being a prolific movie mogul with an interesting past.

Audrey freaked me out right off the bat and I knew something was going down. I was pleasantly surprised, too with the turn of events.

The way this book unfolds is so intricate. Lots of drama, lots of buried secrets, LOTS of atmosphere!!

The middle is where I lost some of the momentum I had, though. This was good, but I felt there was some aspect that I wasn’t getting. There are time jumps that tell the history of these situations and I liked that. But there were character arcs that I didn’t care for interspersed.

All in all, this was thrilling and enjoyable!