The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister is folklore horror at its most interesting. Told as an Appalachian gothic, siblings must discover the secrets of their family while tending to ancestral land that is set on devouring them.

First off, the location is character unto itself. It is such a fantastic setting, immediately propping the book up with eeriness. The bog comes into play constantly—what it gives and what it takes, how the entire family seems to revolve their whole lives around it and why.

The Haddesleys are a complicated family with so much nuance. There are familiar ties to what they’ve always done being pulled apart by some of the siblings who decide to live differently, and those who discover more about the land on which they’re raised and their families. The secrets are plentiful and satisfying.

The writing itself is beautiful. Chronister has a way with words and I often found myself re-listening to certain sentences over and over again. The entire book has a captivating cadence to it, a sort of lullaby feeling that draws you in. The story idea felt fresh and original, and Chronister’s writing is both haunting and lovely. The audiobook narrator I felt could have used a bit more intonation for the characters to keep the pacing, but otherwise the story was wonderfully told.

Packed with secrets, betrayals and a sprinkle of the supernatural, The Bog Wife packs a punch that will keep you reading until the very last page.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced audiobook copy for review.

While I wish this had leaned even further into being an Appalachian folktale/Southern gothic eco-horror, it was still a great take on a gothic story deeply rooted in the environment (pun intended).

My one struggle with it is that I didn't like any of the characters (and I don't think Chronister intended for them to be likable) so I never got fully invested in the plot or the outcome for the Haddesley family. Even so, this is a great title to pick up to get you into the vibes of Autumn and spooky season.

Shannon McManus does a good job with the audiobook narration.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review.

The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

The Bog has given the Haddesley family everything it has needed but this generation of 5 siblings seems to have done something to upset the bog as it didn’t send the bog wife to birth the next generation. When middle sister Wenna comes home for the funeral of their father, she tries to free her siblings from the desolate life the bog is holding them to.

It might have been the weirdest book I have ever read. It’s like a gothic family drama. Never read anything like it. It’s slow. Like really slow and had it been paced a tad faster, this book would have won book of the year for me.

The characters all backwater in their views because they only know the bog. Wenna managed to leave and got married, something that wasn’t allowed with their almost cultish belief. It was a bizarre book but I couldn’t stop listening. If you need a family drama book with a wild storyline… This is it.

4 stars

A dash of fever dream, some strange family dynamics and a whole lot of peat, I really enjoyed piecing out what was going on with this one. I thought Shannon McManus’ narration worked really well for it the vibe the book was going for. The storyline isn't too complex which makes the audiobook a breeze to listen to.

The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister was simply stunning. This is an Appalachian gothic tale of a dysfunctional family and the supernatural bog they are tied to. Without giving any spoilers, I'll say that this was a very compelling read. I found myself losing track of time as I binged as much as could every time I picked it up. The setting was rich and eerie. The entire book was very dark and atmospheric. The plot, while somewhat slow, was very engaging and never had a boring moment.

The audiobook was pretty good. Shannon McManus did a wonderful job bringing the setting and story to life. I would have liked a little more emotion from the characters and distinct voices for each but I still really enjoyed it.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Bog Wife is a beautifully written gothic horror exploring generational trauma and family secrets. I loved Chronister’s approach to anthropomorphizing the bog so completely, into an actual human figure. This created a sharp contrast between nature and “humanity” as we know it.

The Haddesleys have lived in the bog their entire lives, never venturing into town or even to see a doctor. Held there by a family compact, generations old - they have no intention of ever leaving. However, when the bog tires of them taking, taking, and taking - what will happen when it’s decides to no longer give?

This was a haunting read based in rural Appalachia, and while the pacing started a bit slow for me I was so beyond hooked on the story. The narrator Shannon McManus absolutely crushed this one and I will definitely listen to more by her ASAP!

Check this on out if you enjoy family drama, rural settings, gothic horror, and nature!

**Thank you to Brilliance Audio and Counterpoint Press for the ALC of this haunting title!**

This was perfect for an October read. It was well done and engaging. I was mostly horrified and shocked about this family and the conditions of the house. This thing and the responsibility they had inherited.
I just couldn’t stop listening and the author and narrator did a great job leading through this mess of this dysfunctional family. I couldn’t turn away!
The narrator was Shannon McManus and she was amazing. Perfect for this story.
I was shocked and sad at the conclusion. Definitely a horror to behold.
Thanks Brilliance Audio via NetGalley.

As promised, the book opens with an intriguing sense of mystery and darkness. The author masterfully piques my curiosity in the prologue, leaving me pondering the mother's and setting the stage for a captivating narrative.

This slow-burn tale introduces the grown-up Haddesley siblings, each isolated on their property save for one - Wenna, the daring soul who ventured into the outside world. As their father lies on his deathbed, he summons Wenna back. This reunion unveils the complex family dynamics at play.

The author skillfully paints a vivid picture of each sibling: Charlie, poised to inherit the patriarchy; Edda, Wenna, Nora, and Percy, each with unique quirks and struggles. We're granted intimate glimpses into the strained relationships between father and children, the intricate sibling dynamics, and the Haddesley's striking beliefs and customs surrounding the enigmatic bog land.

The narrative takes a dark turn as each sibling grapples with the conflict between their ingrained beliefs and the unsettling truths uncovered by Charlie. A lie passed down through generations now threatens to unravel the very fabric of their existence. This revelation prompts profound introspection, challenging not only the siblings' acceptance of these long-held falsehoods but also their very sense of purpose.

Shannon McManus' narration proves to be a perfect complement to the story's somber tone. Her evocative performance brilliantly channels the atmospheric tension and the deep-seated internal struggles of the siblings. Despite the slow unraveling of the plot, McManus' skillful narration maintains the audiobook's momentum, keeping listeners engaged throughout the journey.

This thought-provoking tale invites us to reflect on the power of generational lies and the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths. It's a haunting exploration of family, identity, and the search for meaning in a world where long-held beliefs suddenly crumble.

Thank you, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley, for my free audiobook for review.

This was an interesting story about siblings that have to tend to a bog and, in return, the bog helps sustain them. But when the bog refuses to keep its bargain, one of the siblings thinks it’s a good opportunity to finally break free.

I found the pacing of the story to be a bit slow, though I do like the narrator. It wasn’t slow enough to keep from listening, and I’m glad I did because I’ve honestly never read anything like this before. If you’re looking for a unique story focusing on bizarre family traditions/curses, give this one a try!

Thanks for the opportunity to listen in advance!

This story was about family, traditions, beliefs, and a bog. Five siblings must come together to perform a rite of death for their father, and then the making of a bog wife by the eldest son. This family is not typical and yet, I could see my family members in these people. I enjoyed reading about this unique family and their beliefs about the bog and what it could give them. However, the bog needs things in return; a compact. This was a great story for horror fans, and even those who like to read about families and their trials.

I DNFed because the voice didn't grab me. May make another attempt at a later date as the issue may be a mood thing on my side.