I started the book without any expectations, but what a delightful surprise it turned out to be!

The story follows a New York family that is offered a stunning house in a charming Southern town for just $100. At first, they are a bit skeptical, but they ultimately decide to take the plunge and move. Billie, the mother, even receives a grant to open her own restaurant, which seems to promise a slower, more fulfilling life in Juliana. The warm welcome they get from the locals makes it feel like they’ve found their new home, but as time goes on, it becomes clear that things aren't as perfect as they seem.

As the plot unfolds, the reality of Juliana begins to reveal itself. The town is controlled by three prominent families, known as the "old guards," who are the descendants of its founders. They harbor a significant and dark secret that casts a shadow over the community. Billie is full of energy and hope, while her husband Peter starts to spiral into paranoia, plagued by nightmares and insomnia. To make matters worse, their cat becomes increasingly wild, and their house is covered in a strange white dust that adds to the growing sense of unease.

This book fits well within the Southern Gothic genre, which often explores the sins of the past in the American South. It features eccentric characters, and decaying settings, and touches on themes of crime and violence.

The story does an excellent job of capturing the themes of belonging and family. Billie and Peter, despite being fundamentally good people, are deeply flawed and make questionable choices throughout the narrative. Their mistakes, along with the shame and regret that follow, leave them vulnerable to the sinister forces at play in Juliana.

The dark dealings of Juliana are run by these three elite families, while the average citizen remains blissfully unaware of the corruption surrounding them. The townspeople are so desperate to maintain their normal lives, untouched by darkness or trouble, that they fail to hold their leaders accountable. This blind acceptance allows the old guards to operate without scrutiny, ultimately leading to dire consequences for everyone involved.

The fact that Juliana lacks a bookstore speaks volumes about the town's rigidity and resistance to new ideas. In this place, education and open-mindedness seem irrelevant; only the rules set by the old guards matter.

Overall, this book is a brilliant read that draws you in and keeps you engaged. It explores the complexities of human nature and the dynamics of community, all while weaving a captivating tale that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page.

I loved this book! It was the perfect mix of history and cult like superstition. I will definitely be recommending this book.

Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Publishing, for the ARC of Gothictown. While a little slow in the beginning, it did manage to pick up towards the middle and finish with a pretty good ending. I wish it was a little bit more of a suprise-suspese ending, I definitely had figured out what was going to happen fairly quickly through.