Mina is a newly engaged child psychologist who is asked by Sam, who she met in a local grief group after losing her brother, to assess Alice, a teenager in a small village who is accused of being possessed by a witch. Mina, struggling to feel connected to her current life- including her fiance Oscar, agrees and hops on a train.
The village of Banathel is creepy and superstitious and full of characters. There is an imposed curfew due to the heat, lore about special stones on your doors that ward out evil spirits, and
Mina and Sam dig into the town's history, and it's never quite certain whether they want to confirm or disprove that Alice is indeed possessed. Her family could be creating this for the monetary gain, her sister might be pining for attention, the neighbor could be up to some dark things, anything was on the table. The ending catches you a bit by surprise!
I would have likely rated this higher if there were more backstory on the town and its lore instead of Mina and her fiancé. I felt like some of that was missing and it was so interesting!
The narrator for the audiobook was captivating and nuanced in a way that kept the book moving forward, I truly think listening to this via audio is the way to go if you have the option. It flowed easily from one chapter to another without feeling jumbled.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review

4⭐️

Mina is a newly graduated child phycologist looking for work when she meets Sam who’s a journalist and has an interesting proposition for her. He is working in a story involving 13 year old Alice who claims to be haunted by a witch and wants Mina to collaborate her story.

This book really had me in a chokehold, I simply couldn’t stop listening! With that being said there were things I didn’t care for which is why I ended up giving it a 4. I would recommend this if you enjoy thriller books that involve creepy kids 😂

This was an arc sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

A woman drowning in the grief of losing her young brother is thrust into a supernatural haunting that changes her forever.
This story twists and turns around central themes of loss, trust, poverty, power, societal pressures, and the battle of good vs evil. The imagery was completely and utterly tangible, leaving the hair on my spine standing up and checking every dark corner for movement. The narrator did an amazing job of capturing each character's emotions and niche.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good haunting story.

Ooh, this was so creepy! A really good blend of horror and psychological thriller. I loved the atmosphere (especially with the heat wave) and the isolated feel of the town. And I loved Mina’s strength in continuing to fight for answers. I do wish there had been a bit more clarity at the end in terms of who did what, but overall this was a really great read! And I loved the audiobook too!

"She watches me through the cracks in the bricks"

In a remote village called Banathel, there is a long history of witchcraft and superstition. They believe in evil, and it attaches itself to young women in the town and they have a specific way of dealing with it. Thirteen-year-old Alice Webber claims that a witch is haunting her, and the story comes across to journalist Sam Hunter. He wants to interview the family for a detailed story about the town's phenomenon and this young girl.

When Sam meets Mina at a local bereavement group to deal with the death of her brother, he proposes that she go with him to see Alice as she is a new child psychologist who needs experience in her field. Mina wants a proper job in her field of study, but it's difficult if no one wants to hire someone due to their lack of work history in psychology.

Together, Sam and Mina stay with Alice's family to study her to find out the best way to treat her ailment because surely, she isn't possessed by a witch. Things are not all as they seem. Alice's condition worsens as time goes on rather than better and Mina is sure she can figure out how to end her condition, but something keeps stopping her. Mina feels eyes on her everywhere, always watching. She gets feelings to avoid places and things, and something just isn't right. Whether it has to do with witchcraft, however, she is not convinced no matter the odd feelings she continues to have. Someone is trying to tell her, but she can't seem to get answers. Alice's parents are frustrated, and Mina desperately wants to find the truth. The truth however doesn't want Mina to know.

This is a slow-paced quirky story that certainly has the creepy factor laced throughout. I appreciate a mystery horror/thriller book that actually does feel scary and makes the hair on your arms rise. I can't seem to find any that brings that chill I want to have when reading a book in that genre lately.

I listened to the Audio ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

Expertly narrated and truly terrifying. This listen kept me on the edge of my seat. A creepy story about a recently graduated child psychologist who travels to a small town to help a young girl who is thought to be possessed by a witch. Folklore and horror stud this read, and the first 2/3 of the book were intense. The ending was not what I expected! Looking forward to reading more from Daisy Pearce.

Part ghost story, part haunted house, partly witchy. This British mystery sounded interesting but just wasn't for me. I couldn't really get into it. I did like the narrator and thought the story had potential but somehow felt like it missed the mark. I was able to listen to the end but was left ultimately underwhelmed. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I received this audio as an ARC. To me this wasn’t really a horror but more of a mystery. Mina had very little experience in her profession. She meets someone in her group sessions that offers her a client to take on but little did Mina know what she was getting herself into with Alice. Having to deal with witchcraft & weird people Mina tries to find out exactly what’s going on in this town.

This novel by Daisy Pearce delivers an eerie, atmospheric read with a sense of dread and menace as thick as the oppressive heat wave suffocating the village of Banathel. The witchy undertones and dark, unsettling tension kept me engaged for most of the book, making it a unique blend of psychological thriller and horror. However, while the atmosphere was the real star, the pacing and style were less than engaging at times, and I found the audiobook narration dragged the story down rather than enhancing it—this one might be better read than listened to. The first three-quarters had me gripped, but after all that suspense, the ending felt abrupt and took an unexpected turn that left the built-up tension fizzling out. Additionally, some plot points felt implausible, and the main character—a child psychologist who often acted more like a detective—created a disconnect that made it harder to fully immerse myself in the story. While I enjoyed the eerie elements and Pearce’s writing, I didn’t fully click with the characters or plot. That said, Pearce’s talent is undeniable, and I’d still be interested in picking up more of her work in the future. A solid 3/5 stars.

Here’s my review:

Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce is an atmospheric slow-burn thriller that masterfully blends folklore with psychological horror. Fans of Weyward and The Book of Witching will appreciate its rich exploration of historical lore—riddance ceremonies, hag stones, and old-world superstitions—while those who love a creeping sense of dread will be hooked by its what is happening suspense.

The story follows a young psychologist on her first in-person evaluation, stepping into a case that seems like a routine observation—until the layers of folklore, fear, and something far more unsettling begin to unravel. The tension builds beautifully, creating a gripping mix of history and horror that lingers long after the last page. If you love slow-burning, folklore-infused thrillers with an eerie, immersive atmosphere, this is one to add to your list!

Read If You Like:
- Psychological thrillers with supernatural elements
- Atmospheric, slow-burn suspense
- Folklore and horror intertwined
- Complex female protagonists
- Unpredictable plot twists

Something in the Walls is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully blends supernatural elements with deep emotional storytelling. The narrative follows Mina, a newly minted child psychologist, who is drawn into a case involving Alice, a 13-year-old girl in the remote village of Banathel. Alice claims to be haunted by a witch, and as Mina delves deeper into the case, she uncovers unsettling truths about the village's dark traditions and her own past.

The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The atmospheric setting of Banathel, with its rich folklore and eerie ambiance, enhances the story's suspense and mystery. The complex character development, particularly of Mina, adds depth to the narrative, making her journey both compelling and relatable.

Something in the Walls is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers that offer more than just scares. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a perfect blend of horror and psychological depth, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Thank you so much for my ALC and EARC!

Something In The walls was pretty creepy had me intrigued. Mina is invited to make an assessment on a young girl named Alice who has been said to be haunted by a wicth. Sine Mina doesn't have a lot of experience as a new child psychologist she jumps on this opportunity. When Mina arrives to the village of Banathel she finds the towns people are growing hysterical over the haunting of Alice.

As Mina Diggs deeper into her assessment of Alice she now questions can a person be haunted by a witch.

The pacing of this book was pretty steady. I would say this isn't my normal type of read but I did end up enjoying it.

Mina is a new child psychologist and is having a hard time finding work in her field. She’s engaged and spending her days planning her wedding and attending group therapy because she still struggles with the loss of her brother. That’s where she meets Sam, a journalist who has lost his daughter. One day he calls her and asks to meet up. He has a job offer for her. There’s a girl name Alice who needs her help. Strange things are happening to the girl and she is suspected to be a witch. Mina is unsure but ends up accepting the job offer, against her fiancés wishes. She thinks she can help Alice, and just maybe Alice can help her.

I listened to this in audiobook format. It is narrated by Ana Clements and she does a fantastic job. She really lent this story emotion and believability. Her voice worked so well in this spooky atmosphere. I highly recommend it in audio format.

I did find this to be a creepy read, unlike some other reviewers. I was completely hooked all the way through. I will definitely check out this authors other books as the writing was really phenomenal. Unfortunately, I have to agree the ending was a bit of a let down. It left some really loose ends.
Thank you to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this in exchange for an honest review.

I had really high hopes for this book. The synopsis was fantastic and I buckled in expecting a spooky read. I had seen the mixed reviews but I was hoping I would fall into the loved it category but I'm sad to say that it fell a little flat for me. While there were some good parts to the book, ultimately I needed more to get it over the line.

I experienced Someone in the Walls through audiobook, and I have to say—the narrator truly brought the story to life. The characters felt vivid and compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added layers to their personalities. I sometimes struggle when listening to books with accents—it can take me a bit to settle in—but here, the accent was easy to follow and never too thick. It actually helped immerse me even more in the eerie, isolated atmosphere of Banathel.

The audiobook hooked me right from the start. There’s a fireplace scene early on that haunted me long after I hit pause (it even crept into my dreams that night). The slow-building dread and unsettling moments kept me on edge, and I loved how the tension simmered as the story unfolded.

But about three-quarters in, things took a turn. The plot shifted to a dark, buried town secret—which was chilling on its own—but it felt like the original mystery around Alice, the possession fears, and the witch’s bottle were suddenly forgotten. I don’t mind open endings, but this felt like those plotlines just… dropped off. If Pearce had sprinkled in a few callbacks or hinted at a sequel, it would’ve felt more complete. Instead, it reminded me of those storytelling exercises where one person writes the first half and another writes the second—it didn’t quite connect.

That said, the terror was real, and those nightmare-worthy moments made the read worth it. Pearce knows how to craft fear. Also, heads-up—there’s mention of child abuse, which may be triggering for some listeners. Overall, a chilling listen with a fantastic narrator, even if some threads are left hanging.

Something In The Walls gives all of the eerie, unsettling vibes that we love from a paranormal horror, with a good supporting plot and storyline. The first half of the book was great. We have Mina, a child psychologist, examining a possessed teenage girl, Alice. During her examination period, strange things occur. There are hauntings, possessions, deaths- overall just terrifying. As the story progressed, however, I found myself losing interest. The pacing began to slow, and things became a little patchy and confusing. The ending didn't do the story any justice either. I don't feel it tied together nicely or worked well with the first half. I do like how the atmosphere was steady throughout the story, though. 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Daisy Pearce for this ARC.

Wonderfully narrated by Ana Clements, this tense horror novel is a heartbreaking examination of grief, guilt, hope and greed. Mina is a just-graduated child psychologist, engaged to a man who is maybe not a good match for her. She is still mourning the death of her younger brother when she meets a journalist named Sam at a grief group. Sam is investigating a teenager who may be possessed by a witch and can see the dead. Sam and Mina decide to go to Banathel to learn if young Alice is truly possessed or needs a psychologist.

Author Daisy Pearce skillfully unfolds Mina and Sam's backstories and the disturbing history of the backward village of Banathel and its preoccupation with curing rebellious young women. I was deeply drawn into this story where the suspense builds to such a fever pitch that I was physically tense and visibly angry during the climactic scene at the end.

I feel that Ana Clements' tentative and tremulous narration perfectly captured how well Daisy Pearce described Mina, and I BELIEVED them both. I was in that claustrophobic and hot house, I was in that basement, I was in that town. The ending was completely satisfying!

If you enjoyed the mind-bending of Tremblay's Head Full of Ghosts and the modern gothic feel of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, with a little of Thomas Olde Heuvelt's Hex thrown in, you will enjoy this book.

Thank you so much to St Martin's Press for the earc, all opinions are my own.

I got to 45% and I just cannot get into this book. The pacing is weird, the story just seems to be missing some details. And maybe that is the point but it is not for me. We start with Mina having a pregnancy scare in a pharmacy bathroom then returns home to her finance who is too busy to be bothered by wedding planning. Mina decides to go off to some small village to see if she can help a young girl, Alice, suffering from some sort of ailment.

While I enjoyed the story for what it was, I couldn't help shake the image of what it could be.

I don't think i it registered with me the purpose of Mina taking on the case of Alice. I assumed she was also a reporter, as her actions seemed more on par with being a reporter. I would have loved more story unfolding with Alice and cases where her situation happened with other kids. I don't think we got enough interactions with Alice for Mina's presence to make much sense.

The ending was predictable, but also a little confusing in parts. Though, I enjoyed listening to it- the narrator did very well.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Macmillian Audio for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion!

Mina is a child psychologist who still suffers from the lost of her brother when she was a child. She attends an emotional grief support group and connects with Sam, a journalist. Together they become interested in a case about a young girl Alice who claims she is possessed by a witch. They travel to Alice's town and immediately weird things start to happen. Mina and Sam can't tell what is real and what is fake, and honestly as a listener, I couldn't either the whole time. I truly had no idea where this was going the whole time, it was creepy and kept me on my toes. Paranormal thrillers can be hit or miss for me but I enjoyed this one! It's definitely more trippy horror movie vibes (so Midsommar was a great comparison) then the typical thrillers I read.

I found it slow to get into, and I think that was partly due to the narrator. I wasn't a huge fan of hers. But the story itself drew me in and by the end I found myself reading the e-book to see how it ends fast.