Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review. This book was atmospheric and I was fully immersed in the bleakness of the town in which the factory was manufacturing its special silk. However, there was something missing from the execution of the story itself, with many of the storylines feeling unfinished. The descriptions of the spiders were a bit unnerving. The writing was exemplary but the overall story lacked substance.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bridget Collins, and William Morrow for allowing me to read The Silence Factory in the return of an honest review. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I can see how a lot of people will enjoy this book. It has a gothic, historical, fantasy, mystery, horror feel to it. It just failed to keep me engrossed in the story. Not sure why.

If you are looking for a gothic horror book to read, look no further. Bridget Collins has created another masterpiece. She has woven together the two stories of Sophia Ashmore, the lady of the house whose husband is on a quest to find the elusive spiders who will become his family’s fortune, and Henry Latimer, who decades later becomes involved with the Latimer family and their silk business. It is through these two perspectives that we learn the horror that can be wrought from taking something you cannot control.

This is the type of story that you would like to savor, but Bridget Collins’ style of writing briskly takes you along and pretty soon you have read the whole book in one sitting. You want to look away but you can’t, it has caught you in its web.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the digital ARC of this book.

The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins is gothic historical fiction that comes to a conclusion that leaves you feeling a prickle of unease as to how real everything felt while reading, especially in the last few pages.

Henry works to help people hear. Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy has a daughter who can neither hear nor speak. The two men find each other, and Henry manages to find himself invited to the Ashmore-Percy house to help the daughter, Philomel. Ashmore-Percy also owns a factory that produces a curious silk from rare spiders that can affect how one perceives sound. But there is more to the spider silk, Ashmore-Percy, and the town that Henry discovers as he tries to ingratiate himself in the household as a way to escape his own demons.

The story is interspersed with diary entries from Sophia Ashmore, whose husband is the one who first brought back the spiders. Sophia’s story is one of discovery and survival, one where an island community harnesses the delicate nature of spider silk to help them through the stages of life. The very same spider silk that ends up ensnaring Henry in Sir Ashmore-Percy’s schemes a generation later. With aspects of forbidden desire, hidden conspiracies, unsaid motives, and a town caught in the web of something that they do not understand, this story kept me riveted from the first page to the last. It is not a happy story, but it is one of self-realization and survival. And maybe one with a little bit of hope tangled up in a silken web of hidden truths and sticky lies.

A silent gothic historical mystery.

The Silence Factory tells two stories, Sophia's and Henrey's. Two lives are interwoven by a mythical spider with the ability to create silence via their silk. But this silk comes with a cost. It may create perfect silence for one, but it creates uncanny sounds for anyone nearby. While this story is filled with lyrical prose and many quintessential gothic elements, this particular story didn't fully work for me. While I am a fan of a slow-paced gothic novel, this one felt abnormally slow, and towards the end of the story I began to lose interest in the plot. While I enjoyed the descriptive writing overall, it did dramatically slow down the pacing/plot of the story, and not always in a good way. While it may not be one of my favorite gothic novels, I think that fans of the gothic genre, in general, will appreciate this story, but I would not recommend it to those who do not regularly seek out gothic stories. Thank you to Netgalley and William Marrow for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

This one promised gothic suspense but I did not get that here. Part of it was that the prologue was so long that I kept thinking wait am I in chapter one? There was just so much thrown at the reader there that it didn't really feel like a prologue. Maybe if it had been like "_ years ago" and more of a chapter one. I think overall the writing style just wasn't for me. Those who like the writing style will probably enjoy this one more.

I love Bridget Collins. I am obsessed with her adult books previously published. I love this book so much that I have purchased two different additions and will be looking for more. Her writing is stunning! I can always count on Bridger Collins to enhance me and her stories and creating an atmosphere that I get lost in. And to have a story about just that I swear she’s in my brain. This is what I needed. This is what I love the pacing was amazing. The story was amazing, the writing was beautifully done. I love this book!

Gothic Historical Mystery...I was HOOKED from start to finish! Eccentric and at some points startling, definitely a favorite!

The Silence Factor was an intense gothic story. I could not have anticipated where this story was going. Audiologist Henry Latimer has been brought to help Philomel, a young deaf girl at her father's request. Once he has met her father, Henry becomes enamored and will do everything he can to stay in his world. This means becoming involved in the spinning business that makes special silk spun from magical rare spiders. While the cost to make the silk is exorbitant, Henry sees all the benefits of the silk that completely drowns out sound. But the longer he stays, the more troubling the collateral of making the silk seems. undeniable. The descriptions are detailed, from the factory manufacturing process, and the ramifications of the weaving process. Henry is forced to deal with his own personal issues throughout the story which adds depth. I found the ending satisfying and rewarding after the journey Henry takes.

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 stars!

Thank you to Bridget Collins and William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

I feel a little mixed about this one because, theoretically, it has everything I love. Historical fantasy? Yes. Multiple timelines? Yes. Queer and disability rep? Yes. And yet, I don't feel particularly passionate about it in either direction. This is my first of Bridget Collins's books, although I've had my eye on them for a while since they've been compared with those of Natasha Pulley, and I liked it overall for sure.

First, the good. The writing is really gorgeous and makes for lush setting and dialogue. The concept for the fantasy elements with the spiders' silk and the way it interacts with sound was such a cool and original idea, and it felt crucial to the story, not as if it was added in as an afterthought. Sophy's journal was really intriguing and absolutely heartbreaking, so I really looked forward to those segments. The themes of motherhood and manipulation, both of Sophy and Henry and of the silk factory workers, were very raw and made sense for the story. I loved hearing about Philomel whenever she showed up, and I wish we had gotten more of her. The balance of passion and evident toxicity and abuse in Henry and Edward's relationship was done well. It got my heart racing at points and I couldn't tell whether I was compelled or disturbed which I think was the aim.

There aren't some massive flaws that I found but there were a few elements that fell short or that could have been expanded upon. In my opinion, a lot of the characters don't get the time or space that they deserve at the end. Edward, May, and Philomel hardly get a send-off. Sophy's story has a clear arc (upsetting as it is), but I wish Henry had really meditated on her legacy at the end having read her journal to really connect the two timelines. Henry wasn't a very compelling protagonist, at least in comparison to Sophy, so I struggled more with his sections (which are most of the book). His section always drags quite a bit in the middle. I would have loved to learn more about Hira as well. Generally, it seems like a lot of material was cut and I think a more fleshed out ending really would have benefited the book. The premise was cool but I wish more had been done with it. It's not even really an issue of execution, I just think this book needed more length tackle everything it could have.

I did like it and I would recommend it if you normally like gothic novels. If you want the fantasy elements to feel really complex or you like a more character-focused book, this might fall a little short. As always, it's worth a try, and I think this will be fantastic for the right kind of reader!

Happy reading!

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Publishing, and Bridget Collins for the advanced reader copy of the book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

Imagine having the ability to block out all the extraneous sounds that bother us in life. No more cars honking, dogs barking, or sirens blasting in the middle of the night. For those of us who are light sleepers, it sounds like a dream. For someone who discovered how to do this, it could mean a fortune.

The Silence Factory shifts back and forth between a secluded Greek island in the 1820s and the latter part of the century in a small town in England. In the 1820s, James Ashmore-Percy and his wife, Sophia, travel to the Greek Island in search of an elusive spider described to him in letters from a friend. At first, Sophia has trouble adjusting to the primitive conditions, but later finds a place with the women of the village. James is frustrated by his inability to find the specimens he was told about. He’s unkind to Sophia in many ways and typical of an emotionally abusive husband.

Many years later, Henry Latimer is still mourning his late wife when Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy wanders into the shop his father-in-law owns. Sir Edward is looking for a cure for his daughter’s deafness. Henry, an audiologist, agrees to visit the estate and see if he can help the child to hear. Once there, he learns the town of Telverton is home to Sir Edward’s factory which weaves a magical silk born from the spiders brought back by his great Uncle many decades before. Henry falls under the spell of the silk and Sir Edward.

The story was slow to start, but eventually, it gripped me. It is a dark, sinister, and magical thriller with people behaving about as I’d expect. Sir Edward is a well-fleshed-out character who manipulates those around him. His status allows him to do what he wants with little questioning. However, the family fortune is dwindling and he’s counting on the silk to make him rich. He’s distant with his daughter and angered by her governess teaching her “fingerspeak” to help her communicate.

The story from Henry’s perspective is compelling. I could tell he was under a spell of sorts, but at the same time he sees things that are warning signs and can’t shake them. The setting of the town and the factory is seen through his eyes, and he knows something is wrong, but seems powerless to comprehend exactly what’s going on.

For people who like dark, noir thrillers, I think you’ll enjoy The Silence Factory. It’s not my particularly favorite genre, but this is a good read. It took a bit for the story to hook me, but once it did I really wanted to see how it would all end. There are a few curves thrown in the story that I did not see coming as well. I recommend it.

The Silence Factory is a new novel by Bridget Collins and features the stories of Henry Latimer and Sir Edward as well as the historical account of Sophia Ashmore-Percy in the early 1800's via her journal.


Ashmore-Percy travels to the Greek island Kratos to identify a new insect. When she and her husband arrive they find their scientist connection deceased but Sophia is immediately befriended with Hira. At the same time, there is a more current story is of Henry Latimer and how his life changes when Sir Edward Ashmore - Percy comes to his store. Ashmore-Percy gifts a cloth to Henry that has strange powers. Latimer ends up working with Sir Edward and his strange findings and factory. It's slow moving and a touch hard to follow. Collins builds a great world and her gothic tones that help bring up the start!
#williammorrow #thesilencefactory #bridgetcollins

The Silence Factory, Bridget Collins's third novel for adults, is a tour de force of gothic suspense, both with fantastical and historical elements, and a sinister underbelly. The story alternates between narrators Sophia Ashmore-Percy and Henry Latimer. In 1820, Sophia is trying to make the best of her situation, essentially marooned on a remote island with her husband James and his obsessive pursuit in the name of science (or is it for fame and wealth?) Decades later, Henry Latimer finds himself entering the circle of Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy, his mysterious silk business, and the goings-on of Carthmute House, Sir Edward's estate. Collins sets both Sophia and Henry on their own unexpected - and treacherous - voyages of discovery, spinning and weaving her beautiful prose to captivate the reader from the first chapter to the novel's perfectly executed conclusion.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I have DNFef at 39% and will not be continuing this based off recent news I have found of Bridget Collins, the author, being a TERF. As well as there being antisemitism in another one of their novels.

One well spoken and research provided by is @ermreading on tiktok. I will not go against things I believe to support this author. If you are unaware please look up El on tiktok and watch the video. Along with doing your own research and making your own choice.

Historical fiction can always be a hit or miss and there was not a single miss in The Silence Factory.

I absolutely love this genre and it tends to get a lot of slack for being a slow burn and I typically don’t mind that at all but have to choose wisely when reading historical fiction. Typically that’s being in the right mindset and mood, but there was no need to fret here as this book didn’t fall into the typical entrapping of reading a historical fiction book.

The plot was so freaking fun and fantastical and could’ve gone fantasy or science fiction and lended a lot to making this a quick read. It doesn’t go that way but I loved how Collins incorporated facets of other genres seamlessly while retaining the genre she is in and not butchering what makes scifi/fantasy enjoyable.

There was so much nuance in this book from the grieving widow, to gay love, colonization and commentary on social classes. It wasn’t preachy, it was real and beautiful and I couldn’t get enough.

The cover alone had me desperate for this book and I was counting the days to release and still am even after reading. I cannot wait to pick this one up and add it to my collection the second it’s released. Bridget Collins can do not wrong!

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

The Silence Factory is a beautiful gothic historical fiction with horror and mystery elements.

We follow two POVs - Sophia and Henry.

Sophia’s story is told through journal entries as she travels to Greece with her awful husband who has become obsessed with the spiders that create magical silk. Henry’s story takes place in the future from Sophia. He meets Sir Edward - a descendant of Sophia’s husband who has now industrialized the spider silk. Henry becomes infatuated and spirals out of control as he navigates the consequences of this curious spider silk.

Overall, I thought this was a very interesting premise and Collins’ writing is beautiful and immersive. I was immediately drawn in by Sophia’s story and wish we would have gotten more from her. I did find the relationships that Henry formed to be under developed and rushed. I was surprised by his infatuation with Sir Edward, and never felt like it was truly justified. The middle of the book was a bit slow but the ending made up for it. Henry’s story felt resolved, but I wish the story would have ended with Sophia’s POV.

The Binding is in my top 10 favorite books of all time, with The Betrayals not far behind. I love Bridget Collins’ evocative, atmospheric stories that both hurt and heal the reader in equal measures. Needless to say, I was excited to start her latest, The Silence Factory. Set sometime in the 19th century (or early 20th), it follows the story of young widower Henry and a mysterious silk capable of silence the world, but at a cost that might prove too costly to bear.

Like her other books, The Silence Factory was full of beautiful lines and haunting imagery, with some truly prickling bits of body horror thrown in for good measure. The magic silk made for a sinister, unwinding kind of villain, both uncaring and invasive in equal measures. As an avid arachnophobist, the spider elements really made my skin crawl. While I didn’t love this quite as much as her two previous adult works— I found Henry too weak willed to root for and wasn’t quite sure of what resolution I was hoping for— I did enjoy Collins’ writing as always!

**Full review to be posted closer to publication!**
The Silence Factory is another excellent novel from Bridget Collins! I was immediately fascinated by the premise–silk from spiders that shields sound from the wearer, but causes odd sounds and effects to those on the other side!? Consider me hooked! I really enjoyed how Collins unraveled this story and how we got to enjoy two timelines associated with the silk and everything else that happens around. I particularly enjoyed following Henry Latimer's perspective and timeline and always looked forward to those chapters the most. What I always appreciate about Bridget Collins' writing is how she manages to create such effective and strong atmospheres that really draw readers in and writes in a way that calls for constant page-turning, and The Silence Factory had just that and more.

I thought I would try something out of my normal genre because this was highly recommended to me. It is just not for me.

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
༘Spoiler free ༘
⭐️4.9375/5

[Wow, absolutely incredible. I will be reading every book written by this author.

Stayed up until half two because i couldn’t stop reading this one. Review to come closer to publication.]

<b>Fantasy Scoring<\b>
Worldbuilding ➷ ✅ 5/5
Foreshadowing ➷ ✅ 5/5
Plot ➷ ✅ 5/5
Relationships ➷ ✅ 4.75/5

Thank you to Bridget Collins, HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.