Thank you, Netgalley, for this ARC! I was entranced the entire time. I loved the authors prose, I felt like I was reading a classic. This story is so original, and I’m genuinely pumped for it to hit the shelves next August. I feel so lucky I was able to read it so early!

"He searched within his soul and saw a terrible truth: that he'd rather they were dogs than damaged girls."

Written in a classical style the author's background as a literary researcher has given her an edge. No doubt all the revising she's done in her studies has prepared her well to write such a stunning debut novel. One of the best debuts, if not the best, I've ever read. Purvis establishes the setting and tone of the novel within a few pages and fully immerses readers in the small village of Little Nettlebed during a drought summer in the 18th Century. While perfectly evoking the period the author has a clear message for the 21st century as well.

The hot dry weather eats away at the villagers livelihoods, moods and good sense. One family is unfortunate to stick out and the villagers don't need much urging to believe the worst. The 5 Mansfield sisters lead a idyllic, if slightly isolated, life in the countryside, tending their farm and recently mourning the loss of their grandmother. Now with only their grandfather, who is quickly losing his sight, the sisters gain a reputation for eccentricity for their 'wild' ways. One man, Pete, takes an interest in them and when his interest isn't met with the response he sought, decides that it's up to him to punish the sisters.

The novel is told from various points of view, though never from the sisters themselves. This helps with the air of mystery surrounding the sisters, and their supposed ability to turn into dogs. Who are we to believe? The town drunk who is well known to lie, or reason and common sense? This also helps the author center a narrative exposing toxic masculinity and the ways young men and boys are introduced and acclimated to violence. To view violent acts as regular and abuse against anyone who doesn't conform, especially against women who do not submit, as normal, expected, behavior.

For readers who are looking for thought-provoking, but quick reads, with feminist messages. Similar to Shirley Jackson, Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder, and The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk.

The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis has often been described as The Crucible meets The Virgin Suicides, and while that comparison is fitting, Purvis adds a modern twist that makes it feel both timely and chilling. Set in the early 18th century, the novel strays from historical vernacular, opting for more accessible language, which makes it an enjoyable and immersive read.

The story unfolds through the perspectives of several townspeople, each adding layers to the growing hysteria that the five Mansfield sisters have transformed into hounds, wreaking havoc on the town. For many women, this story will hit close to home—there’s always a “Pete.” He’s the archetypal incel: bitter, entitled, and convinced of his own superiority, especially over women. Though he sees himself as holier than the rest of the town, he’s really a drunk, a loser, and someone with a fragile ego who can’t bear being “disrespected” by women. After being “snubbed” by the Mansfield sisters, Pete embarks on a destructive mission to ruin their lives, and his obsessive crusade spirals into madness.

Though not explicitly stated, I believe the story subtly suggests that Pete assaults two of the sisters, which marks the beginning of his descent into delusion and violence. In an era where mass hysteria and witch hunts were a reality, the story's events might seem outlandish, but unfortunately, in today’s world—where rumors and false accusations still hold power—The Hounding feels all too believable. Pete’s ability to convince an entire town that five innocent girls are possessed and transforming into vicious creatures is as unsettling as it is unnervingly plausible.

I loved the ending. While I would have liked more closure for some of the other characters, I’m satisfied with the resolution for one key individual, which brought a sense of justice to the otherwise harrowing narrative.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for providing an advanced eARC.

I could not put this book down! While I had a hard time connecting to the characters, I loved this story. Hearing the story from different characters, was disjointed, helps the reader understand the different players involved in the culminating event. The ending was artfully done, leaving plenty of room for the reader’s interpretation.

Xenobe Purvis's debut novel, "The Hounding," is a stunningly haunting tale interweaving the uncanny with the deeply human. Set in the eerie village of Little Nettlebed, the story follows the enigmatic Mansfield sisters, who find themselves at the center of supernatural rumors claiming they are transforming into dogs. Purvis's prose is both lyrical and chilling, perfectly capturing the unsettling atmosphere of eighteenth-century England.

What makes this novel truly compelling is its multitude of perspectives based on gossip, jealousy, and lies, thus revealing the villagers' fears and prejudices. The initial rumor begins with a man who feels hatred for the oldest Mansfield sister, Anne after being "disrespected" by her simply because she did not speak to him. He imagined he deserved complete control over all women, and Anne was not one to give up her control.

Each villager's or character's viewpoint adds layers to the narrative of the sisters' ability to turn into raging mad dogs, showcasing how suspicion and fear of the unknown can lead to tragic consequences. The sisters, portrayed as misunderstood and odd, evoke empathy from a few and hatred from many who say they are from the devil as the girls navigate the perilous waters of societal judgment, isolation, and the need for doctors and the village vicar to cast the evil away.

Themes of conformity and the fear of difference resonate powerfully in today’s world, making the story feel timeless and relevant. Their sweet (almost blind) grandfather tries everything to get the girls to submit to village norms and expectations and considers moving the family to a new village that doesn't know them. But Anne refuses to run away from their problems, explaining that they shouldn't have to conform to others and leave their livelihoods and family lands behind. Purvis showcases in such a clever way the darkness of human nature and the fear that women (and girls) must endure daily. We, as women, are not made to add comfort to men; we are not made to provide them a sense of control or superiority, and we should feel safe to walk through our villages (neighborhoods) whenever we please. The author expertly blends these harsh realities with folklore, creating a riveting, thought-provoking, and unsettling tale.

"The Hounding" is a masterful exploration of how society often punishes those who dare deviate from the norm (there were several very interesting relationships and characters to read more about), the fine line between conformity and individuality, and the true freedom of women. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted narratives that probe the depths of human nature. Five stars!

** Also - This cover is gorgeous!

Thank you, #NetGalley, #XenobePurvis, and #HenryHolt&Company, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheHounding.

This was an interesting read. Intriguing and ambiguous. We never really get any answers, but it does bring up questions about the lengths people will go to spread rumors and the paranoia that can come from a group setting when a collective agrees that they don't like something. Sort of reminds me of the Trump phenomenon, a group of people unable to accept that they are wrong so they continue to spread lies and believe in something that isn't true.

A question for the readers of my review: If "The Hounding" is set to release in 2025, and I read "The Hounding" in 2024, of which year should I consider "The Hounding" to be my favorite novel? The answer is both. I fear I will never be able to get this one out of my head.

Described as "The Cruible meets the Virgin Suicides" I knew I was going to love this book from the jump. "The Hounding" is delicious and atmospheric- centered around the five Mansfield sisters told through the perspective of their blind grandfather, the village ferryman, the town bar maid, and two young boys hired by the Mansfields for the hay harvest. Despite being set in the eighteenth century, the language is easy to follow. It does not rely on the headiness of old english to spin a devastatingly beautiful prose. Every single word is deliberate and necessary- creating an all too real sense of dread. The ending leaves us with the heavy question: Is it safer to be a woman or a dog?

Thank you, Netgalley, Xenobe Purvis, and Henry Holt & Co for the eARC. I really, truly loved every second.

hell is a teenage girl.

the Mansfield sisters have the town of Little Nettlebed up in arms over the fear that they are, in fact, turning into dogs. It is a lovely new take on the crucible and, in my opinion, a better version of "Girls turning into a dog" than Nightbitch was able to accomplish. My only wish was to get more chapters from the girls POV.

Happy hunting!

Interesting and sad, written like an old classic novel. Unfortunately times haven't changed much in a few hundred years: the mob mentality to believe sensational lies rather than the truth is still alive and dangerous. Those who feel threatened by women/girls who don't behave as expected still feel justified to bully and attack them. I received this as an ARC from Henry Holt & Co. via Netgalley.

This was a really good story. I wish the ending had been longer. It didn't explain thoroughly why what happened to the girls happened, I think it wanted you to come to your own conclusions on that and grief. It ended rather abruptly, which was the only thing I didn't like.
Stories like this, you see how rumors spread and how groups of people together can willingly band together against others and bully or harass them, without proof other than heresay. Humans have always been like that. Many innocent have suffered due to one person who dislikes them, starting rumors that they get many to believe.
Like I said, a good story but it needed to be longer. I'd still recommend.

This was just as good as I was hoping based on the cover! I loved this, I loved the Mansfield sisters and I couldn't read this fast enough. It was a perfect read and I highly recommend. Thank you Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the ARC.

*The Hounding* by Xenobe Purvis is a gripping and atmospheric tale that masterfully weaves mystery and suspense. With richly drawn characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, Purvis creates an enthralling world you won't want to leave. A must-read for fans of dark, intricately layered storytelling.

I absolutely loved this book. It was definitely giving The Crucible meets The Virgin Suicides. I liked the setting as well. Will be getting myself a copy when it comes out!

4.5 Actual stars. Loved this. Firstly, I loved the cover of this book, if there is a painting of these beautiful dogs I would love to buy it. Secondly I also really enjoyed this read about 5 sisters living in the English town during the 18th century who are accused by a witness of turning into dogs. The 5 Mansfield girls are perceived by most of the townsfolk as being haughty and unfriendly, they live with their elderly, widowed grandfather who is nearly blind in the town of Little Nettlebed. Life seems to be idyllic until the long, hot summer when strange things begin to happen, the river begins to dry up, dead animals are turning up and the surly river punter Pete, accuses the girls of turning into dogs. But is he just a hapless drunk or is there truth to his claim? Suspicions and tempers flare when some of the narrow minded townsfolk begin to believe the stories and things lead to unimaginable result. Atmospheric, well written and just plain awesome.

Big thank you to author Xenobe Purvis and NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

The Hounding is described as The Crucible meets The Vrigin Suicides in the book description and I think that is a really apt way to put it. There is also some reminisce to The VVitch and Perfume, in my mind. This is a story set in 18th century England where five sisters in the care of their blind grandfather are accused of turning into dogs.
The story is told by following several characters who are around the town and near to the sisters but not by following the sisters themselves. In this way it is quite similar to The Virgin Suicides. I truly enjoyed being in these various people's perspectives, and their dreads and innermost fears felt quite palpable to me. I especially enjoyed the grandfather's point of view because of his unique experience of the world having very limited sight.
The language felt simple to me, but being in a historical setting, it was almost a comfort to not have to concentrate on the prose too much.
I enjoyed being in this dread-filled world where being "odd" could be a life or death choice, it's a world that will be sticking in my mind for a while.

Perfect for those of us who grew up loving Wuthering Heights and Sophia Coppola movies. On par with the hysteria of the Salem witch trails and a true testament to girls/sisters relationships and a shared madness. As a weird girl, this resonated a lot with me. Phenomenal. This reminded me of We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (and Jackson is in such a class of her own, so that is a huge compliment to Purvis). The Mansfield girls and their grandfather are already pariahs—envied and disliked by most of the village—mostly for their relative wealth and because the girls are not as docile and submissive as young ladies “should” be, in the eyes of some. Then, a local (soon to be one of the most hated characters you’ve ever read) claims he’s witnessed the girls transform into dogs. Crucible-level rumor mill begins churning, and it's immediately clear that the whole town is heading towards a fever pitch that will not end well.

The idea of women turning into dogs isn’t new—the recent Nightbitch, for one, comes to mind. But in this perfectly paced 200-page delight, the idea doesn’t feel stale or trite at all—this book was utterly bewitching. The atmosphere (bleak, feverish, murderous heat of summer mixed with superstitious, debase, small-minded mob mentality) is reminiscent of some of my favorite short stories (The Lottery, again Jackson, comes to mind). And for me, the ending was nearly perfect.

I haven’t read many five-star books this year, but this one ticked all the boxes for me. Xenobe Purvis’s prose, and her incredible grasp of humanity, is something I rarely find in contemporary authors, and I love it. Also, it’s feminist as f$*% in the best ways.

Phenomenal. This reminded me of We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (and Jackson is in such a class of her own, so that is a huge compliment to Purvis). The Mansfield girls and their grandfather are already pariahs—envied and disliked by most of the village—mostly for their relative wealth and because the girls are not as docile and submissive as young ladies “should” be, in the eyes of some. Then, a local (soon to be one of the most hated characters you’ve ever read) claims he’s witnessed the girls transform into dogs. Crucible-level rumor mill begins churning, and it's immediately clear that the whole town is heading towards a fever pitch that will not end well.

The idea of women turning into dogs isn’t new—the recent Nightbitch, for one, comes to mind. But in this perfectly paced 200-page delight, the idea doesn’t feel stale or trite at all—this book was utterly bewitching. The atmosphere (bleak, feverish, murderous heat of summer mixed with superstitious, debase, small-minded mob mentality) is reminiscent of some of my favorite short stories (The Lottery, again Jackson, comes to mind). And for me, the ending was nearly perfect.

I haven’t read many five-star books this year, but this one ticked all the boxes for me. Xenobe Purvis’s prose, and her incredible grasp of humanity, is something I rarely find in contemporary authors, and I love it. Also, it’s feminist as f$*% in the best ways. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a wonderfully done novel, I loved the idea of are they turning into dogs or is this in their head. It does a great job in using the historical setting and that the characters worked in this world. It had me guessing what was happening and how everything worked overall. Xenobe Purvis has a great writing style and can’t wait to read more from them as this was really well done.