I wanted to rate this higher. I really did but the paranormal aspect threw me for a loop that I wasn’t into. Also, I felt like the author left the path of why Kendall was there in the first place (to write and discover about the missing girl). It was an afterthought after a while.

I liked how easy it was to read and how much I rooted for Kendall and Sam. I had a feeling something would happen with Sam but it really felt like the author had 1247472829 options in her head and instead of making one or two really thought out, she tried to get every twist to fit somewhere.

The Wild Things by London Clarke is a dark, atmospheric, and utterly gripping psychological thriller that delves into the depths of human nature and the shadows that lurk within us all. Set against a hauntingly vivid backdrop, the novel follows a group of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected and often chilling ways. Clarke’s writing is richly descriptive, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and madness blurs, and the wildness within each character begins to surface.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of the primal instincts and darker impulses that lie beneath the veneer of civility. Clarke masterfully builds tension throughout the narrative, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page. The characters are complex and flawed, each grappling with their own demons and desires, making them feel incredibly real and relatable—even when their actions are anything but.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build steadily, and the plot is peppered with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Clarke’s use of setting is particularly effective, with the wild, untamed landscape serving as a metaphor for the untamed aspects of the human psyche. The prose is sharp and evocative, with a distinctly British sensibility that adds to the novel’s unique tone.

While the book’s dark themes and unsettling content may not be for everyone, those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a literary edge will find much to appreciate. The exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and the nature of evil is thought-provoking and adds depth to the story.

In summary, The Wild Things is a compelling and haunting read that showcases London Clarke’s talent for crafting intricate, character-driven narratives. It’s a novel that stays with you, challenging you to confront the wildness within yourself. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and dark, atmospheric fiction, this is a book that demands to be read with the lights on—preferably with a cup of tea in hand to steady the nerves.

"It seems that for every breath I should take, the being is taking it for me."

Kendall Casey, a true crime writer, has just moved to North Carolina to focus on her next book, and to be closer to her best friend, Sam. While investigating the disappearance of Eliana, the subject of her next book, she begins to suspect that the friendly next door neighbors may be a bit less friendly than she originally thought, and may even be dangerous.

WOW. 4.5 stars rounded down, only because I felt the explanation around the herbs and techniques was a bit too loose to explain everything for me. But, wow, what a book! The pace was great, the characters were vivid and well thought out, and I absolutely loved being drawn more and more into this incredibly creepy story.

I think my favorite (and most terrifying part) was the men in the trees. Not sure how I'll be able to walk my dog at night without inspecting the trees for the next week or so...

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

Such a great book. Couldn't stop reading it. Thank you for my advance reader copy. Can't wait to look up other books from this author.

The Wild Things
London Clarke

“We all need someone”
“She’s right - we do. Not just to save us from loneliness but to rescue us from the dark corners and give us a chance to write new endings together.”

The Wild Things is a horror novel from London Clarke - my first London Clarke book. And my god was I not ready for it. I was hooked from the very first chapter, even though nothing awfully exciting was happening. The writing drew me in, and I was enthralled into the wee hours of the morning to finish in one sitting.

Going in, I was prepared for a semi-nomadic true crime writer researching a cold case in the mountains of North Carolina. What I wasn’t prepared for was the heavy dose of cultiness, the paranormal, and all the twists. And then the narrator’s sister showed up, and I thought there were so many elements to be brought together, there’s no way to do all of these plot points justice throughout the book, let alone wrap everything up.

But that’s exactly what our author did. There was not one loose string left in the wind (or nailed to a tree) and I feel fully satisfied finishing this book.

If you are into creepy neighbors, crime, psychological experiments, the paranormal, and cult leaders who think they’re a god, this is the perfect book for you. I have a feeling this will be sticking with me for quite some time.

#TheWildThings #NetGalley sent me on a wild ride, with so many twists and turns I couldn't put the book down.
This book intrigued me from the beginning and by the second paragraph I was in deep.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

A 5 star must read!

Wow! What a twist you didn’t see coming in this one. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. The end of each chapter had me itching to know what happened next. If you like thriller meets supernatural type book vibes, then this one is absolutely a must read!

This book was a really enjoyable read. It drew me in from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. It has a bit of everything - dark, paranormal, thriller vibes with just a hint of romance.

The story follows Kendall Casey, a true crime writer who’s moved to a remote neighbourhood in order to do some research for her new novel. I loved the setting throughout, the rural location really added the overall atmosphere of the entire book and I found myself second guessing everything along with the FMC as I read.

Her new neighbourhood “The Cove”, is portrayed as the perfect place to live - set in the mountains of North Carolina and surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, with an array of welcoming neighbours. However Kendall soon realises things may not be as harmonious as they seem.

The pacing throughout this book was perfect, fast moving with short chapters that kept me hooked from the start. There’s mystery, drama and tension woven throughout that left me wanting more right up until the last page. I found myself hugely invested in the characters and it had the perfect ending, I would definitely recommend this book.

Murder, suspect, intensity, you name it and this boook provides this naturally and effectively. Mind blowing twists, turns and characters/world/scene building. Hats off to London Clarke.

The Wild Things by London Clarke is a psychological thriller with paranormal aspects that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about your neighbors, and I enjoyed every step of the way. From the start, you're given a heads-up about which neighbors to look out for, but it doesn't keep you from guessing some of the plot twists I found myself on the edge of my seat for.

We've all had a problem neighbor, or two, and Clarke's take on it really makes you stop and think about just what goes on behind closed doors, and if can really trust the person who lives next to you. At times it was dark, suspenseful, and chaotic, but overall leaves you with a sense of craving justice.

If you're into psychological thrillers that leave you guessing until the very last page, this one is definitely for you.

Wow! This book had everything in it - cold case, fresh murder, supernatural, cult, science, witch craft ! And they all surprisingly work together. I’ve always been a reclusive neighbor and I’ll probably stay that way now 😂 happy to find out this is part of a series! Can’t wait to read the others.

Wow what a great read. I loved this book so much I read it all today. I couldn't put it down. I was determined to know the end. The story centres around Kendall Casey who moves into a new neighbourhood called the cove. Her reason so she could investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl who was still missing after 13 years. She was also writing a true crime book about it. Like every new neighbourhood you also have new neighbours. This is what makes the book so interesting. I'm sure everyone at some time in their lives have had neighbours they don't necessarily get on with or like. For Kendall this is an understatement. Her neighbours are creepy dangerous and very good at manipulation. Can she find the answers to her questions and at what cost? There is nothing slow about this book. It keeps you hooked all the way through. Drama, tension and horror are the key elements to this book. I would highly recommend this.

Kendall is investigating the disappearance of elaina a young girl who was taken from her home 10 years before. Kendall moves to a small town where her friend Sam lives to write a book about Elainea.

Strange things are going on in her new neighborhood and funds between neighbors are the norm. There's a lot of mystery and suspense in this book and a lot of creepy neighbors. I found the book interesting but a bit too ridiculous for me, although I really liked the characters of sam and Kendall.