Thank you to Net Galley and Del Rey for the ARC. This was a great read. I really enjoyed each of the POVs, the characters were all distinct and complicated. Even though Clara was an unlikable character, I loved how unapologetic she was about it. Her story and inner thoughts were always so amusing even though she was completely wrong. I also loved the sisterly relationship between Lily and Violet. This was a really fun read with a bit of a gothic vibe to it.

I’m glad I read this book in October. It was perfect for the spooky season. With that being said, I felt the middle of this book dragged on too much. I loved the premise of this book but it fell a little short to me. I still ended up enjoying my time with the book though. It was just an okay read to me and probably helped that I read it during spooky season. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

Thanks to Netgalley and RHPG- Ballantine Del Rey for the pre-release copy of At the Bottom of the Garden. Below you'll find my honest review.

I've never read Camilla Bruce before, but the description for this one jumped out at me as a good Halloween-season read, so I requested an ARC. I'm so glad I did!

I loved the characters, all of whom had some interesting depths to plumb and all of the POVs had a distinctly different voice, which isn't always the case in books with rotating POVs.

I absolutely loved the strange powers and the ghosty things in this one too! I really don't want to spoil much, but I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the supernatural, magic powers, and people getting what they deserve.

Violet and Lily are sisters who are recently orphaned and must live with their dreadful aunt. Aunt Clara is a greedy, jealous woman who takes what she wants. She only takes guardianship of her nieces because she wants their inheritance to help start her jewelry business. Not long after moving in with Aunt Clara, the girls start seeing strange things and develop special abilities. Violet and Lily so discover secrets that their aunt wanted to stay buried.

I went into this book mostly blind, like I do all my books. The story alternates through Lily, Violet and Aunt Clara's perspectives. I wasn't expecting the magical and paranormal events but was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this book and was a quick read for the fall.

Lily and Violet have lost their parents in a tragic accident. Still grieving, their Aunt Clara, who they don’t know, comes to collect them and take them to her large house and see to all of their needs.

But the girls figure out very fast that she is only interested in their money. And soon they find out she is also a killer. With bodies in the garden. Ghosts, who can be seen by Violet. And you know Clara is going to cash in on that.

This story had a good premise. The execution, not so much. Clara is a thoroughly despicable person but she sounded more like a cheesy cartoon character. The girls' alternate voices sounded the same and it was confusing.

Again, I am all for the story!

NetGalley/ RHPG January 28, 2024

Lily and Violet have recently lost their parents during an attempt to climb K2, with no other living relatives they are sent to live with their Aunt Clara, a woman they have never met, but as long as the girls get to stay together they are willing to live with a complete stranger.

Clara has spent her entire life hating the little brother whose children she is now in charge of, but, they are extremely rich children now with their parents gone and Clara is confident she can bleed them dry before they come of age. Even if that means literally bleeding them.

I feel really bad saying this after reading the author's note, but this was so cheesy, so unrealistic, so over the top, it was good. Aunt Clara is such a classic evil stepmother type character that she's almost comical when she's doing her plotting. And of course, once Lily and Violet are introduced, none of her plotting amounts to anything. She's fallen victim to thinking she's the smartest person in the room.

Lily and Violet's powers awakening with the death of their parents was interesting, although towards the end it seemed like they probably had been there the whole time and were either weaker or the girls just hadn't recognized them yet as they had no need too. I really enjoyed Violet's character she really was a simply well written nine year old kiddo. Lily was a bit too mature for me, I get that trauma can age children (from personal experience), but some of the things she said were just a bit off. Still enjoyed her, just not as much as Violet.

The one thing that kept this from being five stars (okay maybe two reasons) is the fact that this entire story relies on the police being absolute morons and it further relies on it being set in the seventies in a rural area for readers to buy that the police are absolute morons. There is just absolutely no way that Clara got away with the stuff she got away with, not without the police doing a far more serious investigation. And Dina, the housekeeper, character. Look I liked her, I'm glad she was there for the girls but she was the adult in this situation at no point did she attempt to reach out to the girls lawyers, hell CPS even, and she flat said it was because she didn't want to lose her job. She's watching these girls get abused emotionally and Violet later physically by being forced to do something that makes her violently ill, and she's just like, "But girls, I'll lose my job!" Again, no. And hey, maybe yes, but let's not turn her into a bigger hero than she was. I'm actually really concerned as to what Dina would have actually done if Clara had attempted to kill the girls, I really didn't see Dina putting her neck on the line for them at all. And again, even this relies on being believable only because it's a rural area and there aren't many jobs. Honestly, most of this book relies on a complete misunderstanding about how children wind up with family members after the death of their parents, and/or a misunderstanding about how "primative" the seventies were, and/or a belief that small town cops are morons, and/or all of the above. I'm leaning towards all of the above, so if you are unable to suspend reality, this book is gonna drive you bonkers.

Overall, is this the best ghost story you'll ever read? Absolutely not. Is it the worst? Nope. Was it a lot of fun? It really was. Between Aunt Clara's exaggerated evilness, the ghosts' childish and petty antics, and the girls being these insanely brave kiddos in the face of their evil Aunt it was just a super fun read. I definitely recommend this for really anyone. I don't think you have to be into ghost stairs to enjoy this, to be honest. With the character tropes being what they are, it lies neatly in the fairy tale column as well.


As always, thanks to NetGalley and Randomhouse Publishing - Ballantine for the eArc!


You can check out all of my reviews at my blog too! https://kellysbooknook.wordpress.com/

Lily and violet sent to live with their aunt Clara when their parents die. While living with Clara they uncover magical abilities and also learn about Clara's past murders. It was a nice story about sister relationships and overcoming challenges.

This very witchy book is the story of two sisters sent to live with a distant aunt after the death of their parents. This gave major Matilda energy, as well as Space Mountain vibes. I enjoyed reading this and hated the aunt so much, so great job! If you're fans of eerie magic and powerful sister bonds, this is for you!

The concept for this book drew me in but ultimately, I just couldn't vibe with the story itself. I couldn't stick with the slowburn and the characters, which I struggled to root for, also eroded my interest in the central conflict between the aunt and her nieces. The right reader will love this book, it's just not for me.

In a breathtaking tale where familial bonds and ominous secrets intertwine, Clara Woods finds herself thrust into the caretaker role for her nieces, the enigmatic Lily and Violet after a tragic accident claims their parents' lives on K2. Driven more by the allure of inheritance than genuine affection, Clara faces unforeseen challenges as the girls possess mysterious 'gifts' that add layers of intrigue, threatening to unveil her own sinister past and motives.

The narrative unfolds through alternating perspectives, weaving a rich tapestry of diverse viewpoints that reveal deeply buried secrets and emotional turmoil. While Violet's youthful innocence and Lily's burgeoning awareness offer compelling insights, Clara's chapters, pivotal yet occasionally theatrical, echo a villain reminiscent of timeless antagonists.

Though the plot intricately leads to a satisfying climax, the pacing can feel laborious, especially where suspense drags in the middle sections, dimming the vibrancy expected from such a rich conceptual foundation. The novel ambitiously explores supernatural abilities and moral ambiguity within a family drama but sometimes struggles to maintain momentum and fully realize its thematic potential.

In conclusion, this novel promises a remarkable exploration of supernatural abilities and moral dilemmas wrapped in a compelling family drama. While it occasionally falls short in execution, the concept holds immense promise, particularly if the impact of the girls' abilities on the unfolding events were further developed with greater depth and flair.

Thank you Random House Publishing, Del Rey, Camilla Bruce, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

One of my highly anticipated books of next year and by my favourite author too! So take this review with a grain of salt as I might be a bit biased. Again, Camilla Bruce has killed it with the plot and characters. They shine brightly in this book. It has this sense of eeriness and unreality that I highly enjoyed. The chapters are short abd the pace is fast, so I don't think there is any chance of getting bored. I am certain this book will make waves when it gets published next year!

When Clara Woods’s brother and his wife go missing during a tragic climbing accident, Clara—the closest living relative—is deemed responsible for their two girls. She isn’t very interested in caring for the little brats but she IS interested in their inheritance. Clara does have a secret she’s keeping from the girls though… She’s a killer. But that’s fine because the girls have their own secrets—they harness special abilities of sight—and when they join Clara in her home, getting her hands on the girls’ inheritance becomes a lot more complicated than she could have imagined.

Points of view alternate between Clara; Lily, the eldest of the two girls at fourteen; and Violet, nine. I much preferred the girls’ point of view, especially Violet; I found Clara’s point of view to be dull and, quite honestly, cheesy. She gives off big Count Olaf vibes which who doesn’t love Count Olaf BUT it felt very… young adult… and like she was just a caricature of an evil villain rather than a real person.

The narrative was repetitive, monotonous, and failed to dazzle me like the synopsis did.

Thank you Random House Publishing, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Available 01/28/2025.

Thank you @netgalley, Camilla Bruce, and Random House Publishing Group for this arc kindle copy of At the Bottom of the Garden. 5 stars all around for this fantastic read. I freaking loved this. The story starts off strong with the cynical Aunt Clara, acting as the closest living relative of two recently orphaned daughters from her passed brother. She accepts the girls as part of her grand scheme to getting rich and leaving behind a legacy since they have a hefty inheritance. She’s one ruthless bitch who is willing to do anything (really, anything) to get what she feels she has earned. As the story unravels, we learn that the two girls have some supernatural gifts, and they can help the living and dead with their woes…but they accidentally unearth their Aunt Clara’s dirty secrets and the real entertainment begins. I would describe this book as a mix of Lemony Snicket’s with a little Matilda mixed in. We even get our own Miss Honey. I will definitely be reading all things Camilla Bruce now. 10/10 would recommend #atthebottomofthegarden

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of At the Bottom of the Garden.

I enjoyed the author's previous book, You Let Me In and the premise of At the Bottom of the Garden was intriguing, I was pleased my request was approved.

Sadly, this didn't meet my expectations for a number of reasons:

1. Long-winded exposition from the three main POVs, Lily, Violet, and the mean old aunt, Clara

2. For a narrative revolving around supernatural abilities and ghosts, the narrative was dull and tedious. There was no urgency or suspense, no excitement or drama.

3. Lily and Violet's voices sound familiar and I found it hard to distinguish between the two and remember who was older.

It also didn't help that I hoped this would be a dark, macabre, witchy tale and it was anything but.

The writing is good, but the story tragically boring and slow.

Lily and Violet are forced to move in with their Aunt Clara when their parents die. Clara is a horrible person and only wants to be the children's guardian because of money. Greed of is not Clara's biggest sin. Oh no, she is a murderess. As Lily and Violet try to escape the grips of Aunt Clara, they discovery they have some very unique abilities that come with a price.

I really love Camilla Bruce's writing and this book was no different. The story moved at a good pace and gave off gothic horror vibes. The chapters are told through alternating POV, Clara, Lily and Violet, as we learn all of Clara's bad deeds and the gifts the girls possess. The ending was truly satisfying!

I haven’t had the pleasure of reading this author before, but I absolutely will be because this was such a great time.

This creepy, revenge fueled story Is inventive and engaging. The characters are all so multi-faceted, with their own unique voices, personalities, and morals.

When two young sisters fall into the care of their money hungry aunt, they begin to discover the trail of hatred that lurks behind her, among those she has wronged. In her drive to build her business, she will stop at nothing to secure the funding, even if that means becoming guardian to her young nieces in order to scoop up their inheritance.

Soon, she learns that these girls have a unique ability and sees dollar signs in her future. This was a wild ride. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the pacing, the vibe. So. Good.

At the Bottom of the Garden* by Camilla Bruce is a deliciously dark and twisted story that blends elements of gothic horror with a gripping psychological thriller. Clara Woods is no ordinary widow; she’s a killer who has long buried her secrets—quite literally—beneath the flower bed at the bottom of her garden. But her carefully constructed life begins to unravel when her two young nieces, Lily and Violet, arrive after the tragic death of their parents.

Clara’s motivations are clear from the start: she’s not interested in playing the doting aunt but rather in gaining access to the girls’ assets to fund her dream of creating a diamond jewelry line. But Violet has a terrifying gift—she can see the dead, including Clara’s buried past. As ghosts begin to resurface, Clara finds herself in a battle of wits and wills with the girls, who know far more than they should about her deadly secrets.

Camilla Bruce masterfully creates a tense and eerie atmosphere, where every shadow and whisper feels charged with impending doom. Clara is a fascinatingly complex character—cunning, ruthless, and unapologetically self-serving—yet you can’t help but be drawn into her twisted world. The dynamic between Clara and the girls, particularly the supernatural tension with Violet, adds layers of suspense that keep you guessing what will happen next.

The pacing is steady, with moments of creeping dread that build to a chilling climax. Bruce’s writing is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a garden that’s far from a place of peace and tranquility. While some might find the story a bit dark for their taste, it’s precisely this macabre edge that makes it such a compelling read.

*At the Bottom of the Garden* is a thrilling journey into the mind of a woman who will stop at nothing to protect her secrets, even when the past refuses to stay buried. Fans of gothic tales with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy in this haunting and suspenseful novel.

#AttheBottomoftheGarden #NetGalley

This is definitely a slow burn, dragging out the suspense a little bit too much in places for my taste. I was hoping Aunt Clara would have some sort of redemptive quality to her, but overall she's just a horrible character that I didn't really care about. The ending of the story unfolds to reveal that we've been given little tidbits on how it'll all end like a breadcrumb trail. Overall I felt this story was fine.

When an accident on K2 takes their parent's lives, 9 year old Violet and 14 year old Lily are uprooted from their lives to go live with their estranged Aunt Clara. Aunt Clara has never met her brother's children and could have gone her entire life just fine without meeting them, until she realizes the monthly stipend she will be given for housing both children. Motivated by greed she feels she is owed by her once spoiled, now deceased brother, she takes in the children. Little does she know, her nieces are "gifted" and are about to unleash her dark secrets to the world if she can't control them.

Told in alternating chapters between the point of views of Violet, Lily, and Aunt Clara, the story slowly unfolds to reveal Aunt Clara's past and the "gifts" the two girls possess. This is definitely a slow burn, dragging out the suspense a little bit too much in places for my taste. I was hoping Aunt Clara would have some sort of redemptive quality to her, but overall she's just a horrible character that I didn't really care about. The ending of the story unfolds to reveal that we've been given little tidbits on how it'll all end like a breadcrumb trail. Overall I felt this story was fine. I'm not a huge fan of slow building stories, especially stories that don't give the full details. I wished they would have elaborated a little more on the girl's gifts, which is part of why I didn't rate this book higher.

An interesting if uneven story about family and ghosts and revenge. When Lily and Violet are orphaned, their grasping, vile aunt Clara takes them in, interested in the fortune they'll inherit. But the girls begin to develop supernatural powers, revealing Clara's worst crimes--and soon all three--plus Clara's employee Dina--are desperate for a way out. Having the villain POV is a nice twist, and the overall story is satisfying.