I was looking forward to this book for so long, and I think my expectations were too high based on the description and reviews from authors I love. I DNF’d at 89 pages after a long struggle to get into the book, there were just way too many cringe meme references for me to handle in a book who’s tone and storyline did not vibe well with them. Add in a classic YA insta-romance that distracts from the actual mystery, a stereotypical influencer character, fanfiction style writing, and you have the perfect recipe to kill me. I may try this book again someday because of the aforementioned high hopes but I just had to walk away from it too many times to justify it for now.

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jo Schulte’s “The Whisperwood Legacy” is a dark mystery book filled with unique German folklore and family drama set against the eerie backdrop of an abandoned amusement park. With elements reminiscent of “Knives Out” (the mystery aspect with a missing person and an inheritance) and “The Hazel Wood,” (fictional folklore) this book expertly blurs the line between reality and fairy tale, weaving an atmospheric tale filled with secrets.

At the heart of the story is Frankie Strauss, a determined protagonist who has spent years distancing herself from her family’s legacy. But when her grandmother disappears, she is drawn back into the world of Whisperwood, an amusement park built around her family’s unique (and often unsettling) German folklore. As Frankie, along with her witty and sometimes chaotic cousins, attempts to unravel the park’s mysteries, she discovers that the stories she once dismissed as myths might hold more truth—and danger—than she ever imagined.

Schulte masterfully balances the book’s dark, creeping tension with humor that actually made me laugh out loud, particularly through Frankie’s interactions with her cousins. The book’s multimedia elements, such as news articles and snippets of folklore at the end of chapters, enhance the world-building and immerses you further into the Whisperwood legacy. The park itself is hauntingly described, its decaying attractions and unsettling atmosphere making for a truly immersive setting, though I would have appreciated a map to help me really visualize this unique park.

While the twists surrounding certain characters, like Jem and Zara, may be a bit predictable, the story’s strength lies in its rich folklore and the way magic subtly intertwines with the overarching plot. I did want some more focus on the supernatural elements, specifically with the fairy tales coming alive, but the book still delivers an engaging and layered mystery. The family drama is just as gripping as the park’s secrets, with greedy relatives waiting for their inheritance (all the adults in this book are horrible, like in “Knives Out”) and a subplot involving Frankie’s past adding depth to her character.

Ultimately, “The Whisperwood Legacy” is a captivating dark fantasy filled with mystery and a touch of magic. The ending, much like the fairy tales woven throughout the book, leaves you with a hopeful yet thought-provoking conclusion. Fans of eerie theme-park mysteries, folklore-infused fantasy, and high-stakes family dramas will find this book impossible to put down.

A dark blend of Knives Out and The Hazel Wood, The Whisperwood Legacy pulled me into its twisted fairytale world. This isn't your typical amusement park adventure; author, Jo Schulte has crafted a compelling mystery shrouded in Appalachian folklore and family secrets, where the lines between fantasy and reality blur with great effect.

Frankie Strauss is a refreshing protagonist. She's seen the dark side of her family's legacy and wants no part of it, making her a relatable outsider in the world of Whisperwood. Her determination to uncover the truth behind her grandmother's disappearance, and the park's closure, drives the narrative forward at a brisk pace. The dynamic between Frankie and Jem, the enigmatic groundskeeper, adds another layer of intrigue.

If you enjoy contemporary fantasy with a dark edge, family dramas with high stakes, and mysteries that will keep you up all night, then The Whisperwood Legacy is definitely one to add to your TBR. I highly recommend it!