Well, that escalated quickly!
This one had me starting out thinking I was going into one genre and totally flipped me into another like a black belt I didn’t see coming. Emma and Sam, daughter and mom, travel to a remote island off of Roanoke, where the islanders have a strange way of community. They seem like a perfect little island group of close-knit families and celebrations. But when the annual pie contest arrives, this sleepy little island flips its lid! From eccentric mother-in-laws and aunties to ghostly appearances and witchy vibes, this one kept me engaged and waiting for the next reveal. It definitely would’ve been a 4 star for me, if the ending hadn’t been cut to abrupt. Unfortunately, so many questions were left and problems not solved that it was left wanting. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A modern gothic horror that goes off the rails. This one wasn't for me. There's a lot about pregnancy, marriage, mother-daughter relationships, family ... all things I don't really care for, set against high strangeness that feels more random than chilling. I really struggled to follow what was going on. The novel starts out strong, with overly eager new neighbours and an oddly placed honeymoon home ... the pie is 'et, and pandemonium ensues. A white picket fence horror with a 60s vibe.

Don't Eat The Pie
Monique Asher

The Gothic horror and the familial drama are served up in thick slices in this excellent new novel of terror.

I was completely intrigued by both the duel perspectives that we're given - Each very different, they are characters that are fleshed out and complex, with tangled family dynamics.

Rosemary's Baby vibes galore, mixed with flavorings of Nat Cassidy's Nestlings and sweetened with some dark cult vibes, I greedily gobbled up every last page.

But whatever you do, Don't Eat The Pie!
I promise you'll just want more.

4.75 / 5

Thank you NetGalley, Monique Asher, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC audiobook.

Don't Eat the Pie by Monique Asher is a gripping, suspenseful read that immediately gave me the feeling of Rosemary’s Baby with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling undertones. Though it's listed as a horror novel, I would classify it more as a young adult thriller with a few adult themes sprinkled in. The suspense has a good build-up that kept me engaged as the plot unfolded.

However, after all the build-up, the ending felt a bit underwhelming. I was hoping for a more impactful resolution that matched the intensity of the earlier chapters. Additionally, I would have loved to see more character development, especially in terms of exploring the backstories of some of the key figures. It would have added even more depth to the story and made the characters' motivations clearer.

Overall, it's a solid, enjoyable read that balances tension and intrigue well, but with just a few tweaks, it could have reached its full potential. If you enjoy psychological suspense with a touch of horror, Don't Eat the Pie is worth picking up

Interesting concept - unfortunately this didn’t really work for me. I went in expecting an adult horror novel per the description and was met with a very young reading story. While it did have moments that gave me the heebie jeebies - I ultimately was left underwhelmed.

As always - just because this one wasn’t for me it may totally be a hit for you! Read if you’re a fan of Rosemary’s Baby + American Horror Story from a YA perspective.

Please check TW prior to reading - especially for literally everything Pregnancy related.

Thank you Dreamscape for the advanced copy.

hank you to NetGalley for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion of the story.

This is a great story for a debut author, one that has definite Rosemary's baby vibes wit a satisfying ending. I thought the book was fast paced and fun and delivers on its promise.

There were a few strings that weren't neatly tied up in the end, which didn't bother me that much. The pace was quick and sometimes I had a little bit of whiplash from not being able to sit with the horror, but it was fresh and modern and enjoyable.

The narrator did a wonderful job with the telling. Look forward to more from Asher.

Thanks to Netgalley, Monique Asher, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC audiobook.
Do you find small town southern charm to be unsettling? Is Rosemary's Baby on your top ten movie list? Then you'll love this gothic horror from author Monique Asher. While this does tend to read as more YA, there are a couple parts that are more mature than what would be in YA novels. Being that the story switches POV from an adult to a teenager throughout the story, it makes sense for portions of the book to read as YA.
When the story first started, I found myself getting slightly confused as the POVs switched, but it didn't take long for me to get the flow of the shifting perspectives, and once I did, I didn't want to put Don't Eat the Pie down!
There is just the right amount of descriptions and backstories given to the reader to feel immersed in the story without slowing down the plot progression. While I was familiar with how the story was going to go, as the similarities to Rosemary's Baby are not subtle, it still kept me engaged and wanting to know how certain parts would end. Who is in on it? What exactly do they want? The pacing was perfect in my opinion until the very end of the book. The last few chapters felt rushed and flew right through the climax of this story. The actual ending of the book is so abrupt that I rewound the chapter and thought something was wrong with my file before realizing that really was the end. I would have liked to have another chapter to tie it up. With how the last chapter ends, it almost feels like the author ran into a deadline and had to wrap it up, or just didn't know where else to go with the story. That is the only reason my review isn't 5 stars.

This story took me down so many twists and turns. You never know who to trust or what’s actually going on till close to the very end and I really enjoyed it. I loved the ghost aspect and the isolated island part. The narration was great too. 🥧

This was an interesting one. Started a little slow and was a little predictable, but the narrative was well done and the story flowed smooth.

Sam just got married and on her honeymoon her mother in law Nadine gets hurt and they need to cut the honeymoon short and go help take care of her. So with her new husband and teenage daughter Emma they go to the Island to care for Nadine.

Everything seems great until things start happening with no explanation and with the creepy house next door. Is there a ghost? does someone sneak in to live there? Emma with her cousin try to figure out what's going on. When they get a warning that no one takes series all hell breaks lose. Sam gets deadly sick and no one can explain why its taking such a turn and the island and residents don't want anyone to leave. Why what's causing it? is this new family to good to be true?

This was a wild ride and had some really creepy characters. Gothic and Witchy vibes perfect to start off for Spooky season. I would of liked the ending to be a little longer I felt like I was shorted some more of the story. But a great edge of your seat story

Thank you NetGalley for the this Audio Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

What did I just listen to?? For real, I’m not sure how to even feel right now.
Supposed to be an adult horror but felt more like YA, as the characters were really immature and underdeveloped. The concept of the story was good, but again certainly not what I was prepared for. Horror? Yes. Cultish vibes? That’s a hard NO for me.
Overall just wasn’t my type of book. Oh, and that ending? I had to check to make sure something wasn’t wrong with my audio because that was VERY abrupt.

Overall 2.5 rounded to 3 stars, since the narrator did a good job.

Pub date: 24 September 2024

This read for as a YA horror, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just didn’t have the scary vibes I was hoping for when I requested to listen to the audiobook.

It was definitely unique and original. So that was a good thing! The narrator was great as well, with the differences between the two voices of the mother and the daughter. I listened at 2x and it was perfect.

The ending was decent, I am wondering if the author plans to right a sequel.

What a wild, weird story this one - and one that, frankly, I don't think the cover or title did justice... While I was immediately drawn in by both, the impression they gave me was of a much lighter story than the one I found. This is a layered, nuanced, snarky tale that I really enjoyed. For once, I think the comparables offered (Hide by White and Haunted House by Hendrix) were spot-on comparators - and I loved both of those also. Asher has done a really solid job crafting a world that is full of family and secrets and red herrings that threw me for a loop a number of times. I loved the exploration of family (found and made) and the nods to classic horror/gothic tales. This was a great find and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from Asher.

Very fun modern gothic, with almost folk horror touches (never trust the weird old people on an island who seem a liiiiittle too friendly…). And that ending!

Audio book has very good dial narrators voicing mother and daughter in opposing chapters.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy!

Don’t Eat the Pie was fantastic! I wish I had listened slower or it had been longer! The story was spooky, and creepy while still being super addictive!

DONT EAT THE PIE by Monique Asher

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook

Narration by Cady Zuckerman and Stephanie Willing was good.

3.5 ⭐️
A horror novel that begins with Sam as newly married and just wanting a normal family life for herself and daughter, Emma. Ben, Sam and Emma move to Edenic Camilla Island, to the house Ben grew up in, to care for his mom who has taken a fall. Things seem fine until they aren’t. The ominous house next door is where Ben’s first wife, Kristen died. The house next door is creepy and Emma begins seeing things, but despite her pleas, her mom doesn’t want to rock the boat with her new family. The messages that Emma is getting begin getting creepier and more dangerous. What are the secrets on Camilla Island that residents don’t want known? Everyone in Camilla Island has skeletons in their closets. And what’s up with the “pie party”?

This is a debut and I thought it was a decent read and I look forward to what Monique Asher has in store for us next. I felt this could be more for mature YA’s. It is a very dark and creepy read that touches upon, family drama, paranormal activity, evilness, domestic abuse, motherhood, trusting instincts, and not giving up.

What did I just read?! This book totally creeped me out. It was so atmospheric and unsettling. I recommend listening to the audiobook. The narrators did a great job!

I was first drawn to the book because of the title! I can definitely say you don’t want to eat the pie! I won’t go into it, so I don’t spoil the story, but the pie is a doozy! I’m getting creeped out again, just writing this review. The book is told from multiple POVs. There are lots of characters to remember, but they all add something important to the story. All of the characters really add to the “who can I trust” vibes of the story. My review is a little rambling, but it’s hard to completely put my thoughts about this book into words!

My only issue with the book was the very abrupt ending! I hope it means there is going to be a second book. I still need some answers. Definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy atmospheric horror evolving rituals and intergenerational drama.

Don’t eat the pie is a fast paced thriller that kept me wanting more. I will definitely read more by this author. Good for fans of YA. 3.5 stars

3.5 stars. This is a decent debut and I can see it some people loving it. I liked it, but it wasn't a favorite.

Some positives:
The opening chapters did a great job with establishing the atmosphere, tone and intrigue.
The snake imagery was creepy and uncomfortable.
The climax was fantastic and the very end was super memorable. That's going to linger in my memory.

Some not-positives:
I felt like the middle dragged a bit.
I didn't entirely understand the point of the multiple POVs. Emma's POV was great, but I was really underwhelmed by Sam's and I don't think it added much to the story. In fact, I think it hurt it. Also, weirdly, despite their POVs taking place in the same time period and being mother and daughter, they didn't seem to overlap a ton.
This felt like YA to me. Maybe that's just because I was more engaged with Emma's POV though.

I'd definitely check out more books from this author in the future.

Wet interesting book and premise! The cover is definitely eye catching I’ll give ya that! I did feel the story was a bit rushed and I had to keep restarting to make sure I was following. Narrator did amazing though!