Interesting read. A family makes a move after finding the perfect home for just $100. The offer seems too good to be true. The whole town seems to know each other, but there is something weird going on. Why is the family having trouble sleeping?

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ALC!
The narrator did a great job keeping my attention!

This is the perfect novel for fans of Southern Gothic horror (specifically perfect for those who are also fans of Old Gods of Appalachia). I LOVED this book and would absolutely read again!

3.5 Stars

This was a crazy twisty story! It wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. It kind reminded me of a creepy Scooby Doo episode. I think I would of liked it more if it would of been a little bit shorter. It kinda dragged on through the middle of the book. Great ending though and was overall and enjoyable read. The narrator was fantastic! I loved how she captured the funny accent of the towns people.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Listening to Gothictown was interesting. Positives? Great atmosphere, love the history of the town, and overall well written. Negatives? Mostly I just didn’t care for the main character. I just think it was a selfish thing to do to uproot her family like that and move to somewhere she knew nothing about. She’s mainly the reason I didn’t give Gothictown four stars. But honestly I’d still recommend to those who love great atmosphere and quiet towns with secrets.

This was such a fun read (listen). Although it seems a bit predictable because a deserted town that offers you a whole house for $100 is destined to have its issues, it was still a fun experience.

Overall: 2.5/5
Narration: 3.5/5

First, shoutout to Kensington for sending me a physical copy of this book and to NetGalley for the ALC as well! If you know me, I love an immersive read, and I’m so grateful I had the audiobook because it made the reading experience way better. And I can confidently say that if I hadn’t had the audiobook, I probably would’ve DNF’d this one.

I have definitely been a victim of book marketing shenanigans before, so I didn’t take the comparisons in the blurb too seriously. But I will say, the description did prepare me mentally for the absolutely ridiculous decisions this main character was going to make. Anybody willing to buy a house from a spam email and uproot their family because someone offered them a $100 home in a place they have zero connection to? Yeah, they are going to be making some wildly unreliable and questionable choices throughout the book. And that’s exactly what we get here.

I mean, I know her last name is Hope, but Billy, come on, girl. Anyone who reads horror and thriller books knew there was no positive outcome to the decision you made.

Now, my issue with this book is that while I enjoyed the narration (probably around a solid 3-4 stars), the book itself was just… extremely boring. This should not have been a full-length novel. It would’ve excelled as a novella. And I know there are people who will be drawn to the synopsis, the book cover, and the title, just like I was. But all the great elements it had—elements that could have made an amazing horror story or an engaging thriller—were stretched too thin. By the time you get to the conclusion, it just doesn’t feel worth it.

The strongest part of this book is the setup: Billy gets the email, thinks relocating her family is a good idea, and sees it as a chance for a fresh start after losing her restaurant during COVID and dealing with her mother seemingly joining a cult. I also liked the eerie atmosphere—the interactions with the townspeople, the house itself, the lore of the town. The author really nailed that.

But the book’s length worked against it. I’m not saying it’s super long, but it felt like the author stretched it out to fit multiple genres. At times, it dabbles in romance, then thriller, then horror, then a bit of paranormal. And because it plays in so many different spaces, none of them feel fully developed.

That being said, I do think this book could work well for people who don’t usually read horror but want to dip their toes in. This has one of the softest landings for a horror book. The ending wasn’t bad, but it definitely wasn’t what I was hoping for. Cozy readers might actually enjoy it, which is funny considering the title Gothictown.

For me, though, this book spent way too much time on buildup, only to have those elements never really land. It relied heavily on Billy’s questionable choices to push the plot forward, and after a while, I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief anymore.

Also, Billy’s characterization was odd. It would’ve been way more interesting if she weren’t a mother or a wife. I think it would’ve made sense for her to relocate alone or with a best friend. The way she’s written, she’s making choices that don’t make sense for a partner or a mom—not in a “flawed character” way, but in a way that feels like the book completely forgot she had responsibilities.

Ultimately, I think this book would’ve benefited from being shorter. A tighter length would have forced the author to be more direct and commit to a specific genre. As it stands, there’s too much space in between the compelling moments, which makes it easy to lose interest. But I know there will be readers who love the atmospheric elements and the slow-burn pacing. If you’re going to read it, I highly recommend the audiobook—it made it much easier to get through!

As someone who's grew up in a small town in the south I definitely understand how creepy the south is. Carpenter obviously also gets that as well. This book was a little slow but creepy and atmospheric. The building dread as this book progressed. This is definitely one to check out if you enjoy that type of setting.

Gothictown had a premise I usually love—a whole town hiding a dark secret—but it didn’t quite deliver. I expected a haunting Southern Gothic or horror vibe, but it leaned more toward a slow-burn mystery, which made the pacing drag.

Billie, the main character, was hard to connect with—unfaithful, self-absorbed, and oddly detached from her kid, who she barely mentioned. The audiobook was just okay, and the narrator’s voice for the daughter pulled me out of the story.

Overall, it wasn’t for me, but readers going in expecting mystery over horror might enjoy it more.

When I think of a gothic town...I think of old historic buildings, interesting characters, new beginnings and maybe a long-buried secret that no one is allowed to know about. So basically, the plot of Gothictown!

The audiobook is a little over 12 hours but time flew by for me because I was so investing in Billie's story in Juliana. Cassandra Campbell narrates perfectly for a cast of all ages, genders, and regional backgrounds! I enjoyed listening to her.

The title and cover are sure to lure readers in and I think we will see this all over Booktok/Bookstagram. My first time reading anything from the author and I'm definitely going to check out more! Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Carpenter, Cassandra Campbell, and RB Media for the opportunity to read Gothictown. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

This was a very interesting read/listen! It started off a little slow and I asked myself, “where are we going?” But it picked up and I figured out the direction! It was written well and the story kept me guessing and engaged.

It’s also crazy because I could definitely see something like this playing out in real life. People are wild 😅

So if you’re looking for a gothic tale with a bit of mystery, thrills, and a touch of paranormal, then this read is for you!


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a 3.5/5

About the audio: Great narrator, great pacing, no exaggerated performance that pulled me out of the story. Great overall.

A fast paced interesting read, but not one to remember. I think there could have been more ambiance in here but at the same time, the writing style made for a very quick read. The thing is; the stakes never felt too high.

It could've been a bit creepier and, in my opinion, it would have been nice to save that epilogue for later instead and have that information told to us by the 80% mark or even later. Knowing from the very beginning just made me wonder when things would get incredibly sick and twisty, but it didn't really happen. There were deaths, ominous things, even creepy animal-related stuff, but it somehow felt very peaceful.

With spoilers:

Maybe I would've cared more if the bad stuff was potentially going to happen to the kid, or if the husband had been likable at all. Even if you have an explanation as to why he was being a bit of a bitch, if I only get that information after everything is done, it won't change the fact that I didn't care about him at all at the time of the big-bad-thing. You can tell me why he was acting mean and even threw a random glass at her? Cool, but when he was gone I only thought ''hm, okay'' and I did not feel bad retroactively. (I don't think even Billie did, to be honest, lol)

2.5 ⭐️’s rounded ⬆️

The cover and title of this book is what first drew me in, but after listening I don’t think they fit the story. I was expecting something darker and more atmospheric to fit the bill of “Gothic”town.

With that said,
This southern mystery, wrought with hundreds of years of misdeeds and secrets in a cult like town with 3 main families that run everything seems to good to be true. Billie asks herself this when she gets an email detailing the towns initiative to gain residents by offering $100 homes and $30k to start her own business. She is all too eager to move her family there after closing her successful restaurant in NYC due to the lockdown.

The first 60% kept me intrigued to uncover exactly what was happening to Billie and her family. The more time spent in their new home the more they are hit with unfortunate events and potentially dangerous situations. One thing is made clear by the founding families, don’t ask too many questions and be careful who you talk to when looking for answers.

Readers will get those answers, but for me they were too predictable and slow to come. I found Billie’s rose colored glasses and blasé attitude when stuff was really going down to be frustrating. I get the woman was doing what she felt she needed to survive, but it ultimately fell flat for me.


Thank you to NetGalley & RBmedia for the ALC of Gothictown in exchange for my honest review.

With its haunting cover and intriguing description, "Gothictown" pulled me in from the first page. The author expertly delivers heart-pounding suspense and spine-tingling fear without ever needing to dip into the supernatural.

Imagine this: Billie Hope, tired of the concrete jungle of NYC, is given a jaw-dropping offer—a Victorian home in the charming town of Juliana, Georgia, for a mere $100.00, along with a business grant to kickstart her dream restaurant. It sounds like a fairy tale, right? But in a world flipped upside down by a pandemic, who could resist the allure of a fresh start away from the chaos? Billie, her husband Peter, and their daughter eagerly embark on their new adventure, ready to embrace everything this quaint small town offers.

From the moment I entered the story, I was captivated! The history of Julianna unfolds with generations of secrets and eerie whispers. But as the sun sets, the town reveals its true colors—far from the picture-perfect paradise. The family begins to experience unsettling nightmares, and Peter starts to change in disturbing ways, leaving Billie questioning their leap into the unknown.

This was my second read from this talented author, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Thank you to the author and RB Media/Recorded Books for providing an early audiobook copy through NetGalley. The narrator brought the story to life, adding an atmospheric touch that sometimes left me holding my breath.

#Gothictown #EmilyCarpenter #RBMedia #RecordedBooks #audiobookreview #netgalley #Georgia #ARC #capcut #lefttoread #reader #read #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #lovetoread #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #booktok #bookish

Emily Carpenter's latest Southern Gothic thriller and soon a TV series, GOTHICTOWN, is a dark, creepy, and atmospheric wickedly delicious thriller. It beckons you into a seductive world, where all your desires can be fulfilled… if you're willing to pay the price.

The story unfolds in a seemingly idyllic town in Georgia, rich with history and a chilling atmosphere, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre. A restauranteur from NYC is lured to a Southern town in Georgia, post-pandemic, with all the enticing incentives that turn into a horror nightmare for her and her family.

About...

Billie Hope was a successful owner of a New York restaurant called Billie's that celebrities often frequented; however, during the pandemic, she was forced to close.

She is at odds since her mom decided to join a cult in Maine, and she misses the busy restaurant to keep her busy.

She learns of a Southern town, two hours north of Atlanta, in (fictional) Juliana, Georgia, offering incredible incentives to build up the city and business. A beautiful, spacious Victorian home (furnished), land to grow things for a restaurant, and a large grant to open a restaurant. Billie is delighted, thinking this is fate.

Gentle Juliana Beckons You…

"Start your life today in a community that cares, courtesy of the Juliana Initiative.

Founded in 1832, Juliana, Georgia, is an idyllic, historic, riverside mill town that offers every amenity you need to start your new business, continue your remote work, or set up your practice in a safe, secure, and vital environment away from city life. Juliana has always been its own town, and we are proud of it. The weather is warm here and so are the people. We welcome all to our jewel of the South."
— Gentle Juliana

Finally, Billie convinces her husband, Peter (therapist), and young daughter, Mere, to make the move, filled with hope and excitement at the prospect of the beautiful home and the opportunity to open her dream restaurant.

But then, things take a bizarre turn. Sleep becomes elusive, nightmares and strange events unfold, evil forces of Juliana surround their home, and the town's leaders exhibit peculiar behavior. Rumors about a well on their property add to the mystery. Beneath the town's warm hospitality, something sinister lurks. As the stress mounts, their marriage is tested, and Billie is left grappling with the inexplicable.

The story is filled with suspense and tension, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wondering if they will escape.

Check out the website for more: Gentle Juliana. So much fun and a playlist!

My thoughts...

I loved GOTHICTOWN! The author cleverly creates the Southern Gothic chilling atmospheric setting that is so enticing on the outside with a menacing sinister horror lurking with every page turn and those creepy EVIL characters!

From the evil forces of Juliana to its eccentric characters, sins of the town's past, and sinster ghostly events, all make for an engrossing unputdownable tale.

GOTHICTOWN is the author's finest work, and I eagerly anticipate a sequel. The TV series based on this gripping tale only adds to the excitement.

Audiobook...

The audiobook is superb, narrated by one of my favorites, Cassandra Campbell! Her performance was award-winning, elevating the story with vivid settings and the perfect impressive voice for all the characters, particularly Billie! I highly recommend the audiobook.

The area...

An Atlanta gal for many years, spending my entire career there, living in Vinings, Buckhead, and Midtown, and later Big Canoe, GA (which I loved) about an hour north of Atlanta, and dated a guy in Dalohenga (mentioned in book) until I moved to Florida. I love stories set in Georgia, and Atlanta will always be home for me (my grown sons wish I still lived there as Florida is not an easy drive from NC). I adore and support Atlanta authors.

Author's Note...

I thoroughly enjoyed the author's note. It provided a fascinating insight into the inspiration behind the book and the history of Roswell, GA. Wow, I could not wait to find the inspiration—adding depth to the story, making me appreciate the author's work even more.

Ironically, years ago, I was the Director of Membership and Events for the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (overseeing the cities of Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Mountain Park) and did not know about all this scandalous history! Later, I was an associate publisher for Atlanta's largest commercial real estate directory for many years, Atlanta B2B Magazine, Publisher of Atlanta New Homes Data Book and several online commercial real estate companies in Atlanta, covering these areas. It is always fun to learn something new. Fascinating. Thank you, Emily!

Note to Emily...

Please write a ghostly Gothic book set in Columbus, GA! This town also has many historic Victorian homes, and the city has ghosts, very mysterious, creepy, and strange townspeople, making this a perfect setting. I had a client located downtown, and I spent six months there and could not wait to leave! Lots of haunting stories here.

Recs...

GOTHICTOWN is for fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Ashley Winstead, Stacy Willingham, Laura McHugh, and Jennifer McMahon—for readers who enjoy well-written Southern Gothic tales with a touch of horror.

Thanks to Kensington, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for the gifted advanced review and listening copies in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: March 25, 2025
March 2025 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter

Gothictown by Emily Carpenter was an interesting concept and a wonderfully eerie setting, but unfortunately the execution fell short of its potential.

The book's strongest aspect was the atmosphere—the tiny-town setting came alive, and the growing tension of foreboding kept me interested in the early going. The idea that a seemingly ideal town had an underlying dark secret was fascinating, and I awaited where the author would take things.

Unfortunately, the pacing was atrocious. The first 60% was plodding with too much setup and not enough payoff. When the plot did finally twist, it was frustrating rather than satisfying, as the main character's choices became increasingly illogical and unbelievable. Her motivations weren't always apparent, and I couldn't connect with her because of it.

There were also too many inconsistencies throughout the book—characters being too quick or too slow to respond to, and respond sensibly to, major events, illogical jumps that did not make sense, and plot threads that were introduced and never resolved. The supernatural elements had promise but were not developed enough, and the ending tied up too conveniently after such a slow build-up.

Claiming to mashup-market this as The Lottery cross-cut with Sharp Objects was dishonest—it neither achieved the psychological depth of Sharp Objects nor went completely whole hog with the eerie, creepy theme possibilities of The Lottery. Rather, it alternated between gothic horror and thriller without quite finishing off either genre.

While I loved the mood and atmosphere, the exasperating plot and character choices made this one a letdown. I wish I could have liked it better, but ultimately just didn't connect with it.

Arc review ✨

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early audio copy in exchange for an honest review! Some parts ahead are maybe spoiler ish so warnings there but if you are a horror buff, you will not be surprised by them at all, I know I wasn’t.

This one follows a popular horror plot of “Young family moves to a what anyone could see is a too go to be true idyllic small town filled with red flags for a better life” and I figured this would be predictable (it was) but I so badly needed a fun and fast paced pallet cleanser read in between all my literary fiction and over the top complicated fantasy trilogy binges though.. so I kept listening… and waiting.

Note here, the audio narrator did well! I didn’t mind them.

First off, poor Peter. Thats pretty much the extent of my emotional range in this book, I could care less about anyone else. I saw what was coming for him from the first chapter. Anywho, overall this book was not as exciting as I had hoped. I was expecting more action I think. The author could have just went ham with this, all the ingredients were there… it all felt so safe and that’s why it’s a lower rating. I was kind of bored. They did one of the “sacrifices” by just putting someone to sleep almost peacefully…

The ending felt off as well… I do love a happy ending as much as the next person but they got out relatively unscathed and everyone just goes to prison?…. Again, safe. That’s how I’ll sum this one up. It wasn’t bad, I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. Kind of a bummer.

⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up cause goodreads makes me round.

🖤

*Gothictown* is an eerie, slow-burning gothic thriller that left me feeling unsettled—in the best way. While the story dragged at first, it gradually built an atmosphere of creeping dread that kept me hooked. The audiobook’s unsettling tone and suspenseful moments made for a disturbing yet compelling listen.

I especially loved that the protagonist is a mother, adding a unique perspective and emotional depth. Her strength in standing against a delusional cult and its narcissistic, power-hungry men was one of the highlights of the story.

The narration enhanced the haunting atmosphere, and the production was clean. Though the pacing wasn’t always perfect, the chilling twists made up for it. If you enjoy slow-burn gothic horror with cult themes and a strong female lead, *Gothictown* is worth a listen.

From the start, you knew the main character, Billy, and her husband, Peter, and daughter, Meredith, were in for some rough times. The suspense was amazing as they moved to Juliana, Georgia, and started meeting the locals, who had strange customs and somewhat diluted stories of the creepy history of the town. With time, Peter especially deteriorated under the strain of the strange dreams the whole family experienced, haunted by ghosts of the past. I found myself wondering when the shoe was going to drop for Billy and her family and eager to find out what horrors awaited them. The narration did a great job of portraying the tone of the novel. Fans of spooky, gothic thrillers will love this book.

READ IT IF YOU'RE INTEREST IN OR LIKED
- Creepy small town vibes
- Cozy horror blended with dark thriller
- Cults
- Southern gothic
- Folk horror
- Murder mystery
- Too good to be true fixer-upper
- The Grip of It by Jac Jemc
- The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
- Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

BRIEF REVIEW
Saving my favorite of the week for last. This book could have gone in so many different directions but where it ended up was not what I expected AT ALL. I think this may have had one of the most satisfying endings I've ever read. I don't usually like slow burns but in this Southern Gothic story it was just enough action to keep you unsettled the entire time.

Special thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for advanced audiobook for honest review

Welcome to Gentle Juliana! Where if you treat her right, good things will be passed on to you, BUT wake the sleeping bear and everything you love could be lost. Set in northern area of Georgia, Juliana is an idyllic small town that is postcard perfect. So much so, that it captures hearts of Billy and her family with a great incentive to move. The old families worship Juliana, and they will stop at nothing to keep the old ways alive.

Cassandra Campbell was amazing! Keeping the many characters in line. The different southern dialects and the main character being from New York.

5 Star read & audiobook, highly recommend.