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The Daughters of Block Island
In this ingenious and subversive twist on the classic gothic novel, the mysterious past of an island mansion lures two sisters into a spiderweb of scandal, secrets, and murder.
Two sisters, strangers since birth yet bound by family secrets, are caught up in a century-old mystery on an isolated island.
After arriving on Block Island to find her birth mother, Blake Bronson becomes convinced she’s the heroine of a gothic novel—the kind that allowed her intermittent escape from a traumatic childhood. How else to explain the torrential rain, the salt-worn mansion known as White Hall, and the restless ghost purported to haunt its halls? But before Blake can discern the novel’s ending, she’s found dead, murdered in a claw-foot tub. The proprietress of White Hall stands accused.
Summoned by a letter sent from Blake before she died, Thalia Mills returns to the island she swore she’d left for good. She finds that Blake wasn’t the first to die at White Hall under suspicious circumstances. Thalia must uncover the real reason for Blake’s demise before the forces conspiring to keep Block Island’s secrets dead and buried rise up to consume her too.
Two sisters, strangers since birth yet bound by family secrets, are caught up in a century-old mystery on an isolated island.
After arriving on Block Island to find her birth mother, Blake Bronson becomes convinced she’s the heroine of a gothic novel—the kind that allowed her intermittent escape from a traumatic childhood. How else to explain the torrential rain, the salt-worn mansion known as White Hall, and the restless ghost purported to haunt its halls? But before Blake can discern the novel’s ending, she’s found dead, murdered in a claw-foot tub. The proprietress of White Hall stands accused.
Summoned by a letter sent from Blake before she died, Thalia Mills returns to the island she swore she’d left for good. She finds that Blake wasn’t the first to die at White Hall under suspicious circumstances. Thalia must uncover the real reason for Blake’s demise before the forces conspiring to keep Block Island’s secrets dead and buried rise up to consume her too.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 10, 2023
2888 people are currently reading
17865 people want to read
About the author
Christa Carmen
35 books352 followersChrista Carmen is the Bram Stoker Award-winning and two-time Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author of The Daughters of Block Island, Beneath the Poet's House, and the forthcoming How to Fake a Haunting, as well as the Indie Horror Book Award-winning Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked, the Bram Stoker Award-nominated "Through the Looking Glass and Straight into Hell" (Orphans of Bliss: Tales of Addiction Horror), and co-editor of the Aurealis Award-nominated We Are Providence and the Australiasian Shadow Award-nominated Monsters in the Mills. She lives in Rhode Island, and has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA from Boston College, and an MFA from the University of Southern Maine.
When she’s not writing, she keeps chickens; uses a Ouija board to ghost-hug her dear, departed beagle; and sets out on adventures with her husband, daughter, and bloodhound–golden retriever mix. Most of her work comes from gazing upon the ghosts of the past or else into the dark corners of nature, those places where whorls of bark become owl eyes, and deer step through tunnels of hanging leaves and creeping briars only to disappear. Visit her at www.christacarmen.com.
When she’s not writing, she keeps chickens; uses a Ouija board to ghost-hug her dear, departed beagle; and sets out on adventures with her husband, daughter, and bloodhound–golden retriever mix. Most of her work comes from gazing upon the ghosts of the past or else into the dark corners of nature, those places where whorls of bark become owl eyes, and deer step through tunnels of hanging leaves and creeping briars only to disappear. Visit her at www.christacarmen.com.
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May 21, 2024As I said earlier, this is for sure a love letter to gothic literature and now that I am submerging myself in the gothic, this book couldn't have come at a better time. More soon!
If you enjoyed this book, you might love The Bonny Swans by P. L. Watts free on Kindle Unlimited as part of the My Dark Library series I curated for Cemetery Gates Media.
If you enjoyed this book, you might love The Bonny Swans by P. L. Watts free on Kindle Unlimited as part of the My Dark Library series I curated for Cemetery Gates Media.
February 25, 2024
In a book that celebrates gothic novels of old, Christa Carmen is respectful of those novels, while also putting her own unique and modern spin on "gothic."
A young woman, Thalia, in Boston receives a letter from her sister, Blake. A sister she never knew she had. The letter arrives from Thalia's hometown on Block Island. Interested in spite of herself, Thalia, searches the internet and then finds that her newly discovered sister has just been found dead. Thalia is filled with the need to find out what happened, and so begins THE DAUGHTERS OF BLOCK ISLAND.
I'm not going to get into the plot too much as the synopsis and other reviews already do that. Instead, I want to talk about what the author was trying to do and how it made me feel. Obviously, I am not the author, but as a reader I think Carmen was paying tribute to those gothic novels that so many have loved for years. Novels like REBECCA, JANE EYRE, THE MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, etc.. I've read and loved all those novels. (Well, I just liked, not loved, UDOLPHO, all those long winded songs and poems, ugh...) I believe Christa Carmen nailed it, if that was, indeed, what she was doing here.
I think Carmen was also successful in putting her own spin on this novel. Many things about this tale are similar to those old books, but everything else here is modern and contemporary. I mean, imagine how different REBECCA would be if the unnamed narrator had a cell phone.
This was my first experience with Christa Carmen's work and I've come away impressed. The quality of the writing is top-notch. As with most gothic novels, this is paced on the slower side, and some may not enjoy the slow burning nature of this tale. The pacing does speed up as the finale approaches and I was glad that I stuck with it, because that denouement was KILLER.
I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future, but as for now, I'm so glad I read this book.
Highly recommended for fans of the gothic genre!
*Many thanks go out to my friend George, who not only gifted me a copy of the book, but also had it signed by the author. THANK YOU so much, George!*
A young woman, Thalia, in Boston receives a letter from her sister, Blake. A sister she never knew she had. The letter arrives from Thalia's hometown on Block Island. Interested in spite of herself, Thalia, searches the internet and then finds that her newly discovered sister has just been found dead. Thalia is filled with the need to find out what happened, and so begins THE DAUGHTERS OF BLOCK ISLAND.
I'm not going to get into the plot too much as the synopsis and other reviews already do that. Instead, I want to talk about what the author was trying to do and how it made me feel. Obviously, I am not the author, but as a reader I think Carmen was paying tribute to those gothic novels that so many have loved for years. Novels like REBECCA, JANE EYRE, THE MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, etc.. I've read and loved all those novels. (Well, I just liked, not loved, UDOLPHO, all those long winded songs and poems, ugh...) I believe Christa Carmen nailed it, if that was, indeed, what she was doing here.
I think Carmen was also successful in putting her own spin on this novel. Many things about this tale are similar to those old books, but everything else here is modern and contemporary. I mean, imagine how different REBECCA would be if the unnamed narrator had a cell phone.
This was my first experience with Christa Carmen's work and I've come away impressed. The quality of the writing is top-notch. As with most gothic novels, this is paced on the slower side, and some may not enjoy the slow burning nature of this tale. The pacing does speed up as the finale approaches and I was glad that I stuck with it, because that denouement was KILLER.
I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future, but as for now, I'm so glad I read this book.
Highly recommended for fans of the gothic genre!
*Many thanks go out to my friend George, who not only gifted me a copy of the book, but also had it signed by the author. THANK YOU so much, George!*
January 29, 2024
As someone who has spent summers on Block Island since before I could walk, and who has found endless inspiration in the windswept rocky beaches and towering clay cliffs, I was thrilled to discover a novel in one of my favorite genres taking place on my favorite island! Those who have only seen the island in summer will be hard pressed to envision it as the empty gothic wasteland Carmen invokes, but the howling wind and driving rain outside my window as I write this in my house on the south of the island beg to differ. It was endlessly fun to see some of my most well-known and well loved locations crop up (the Island Free Library and the Block Island Times are very real places) yet I didn’t quite feel that the prose and descriptions of the island overall built adequate atmosphere. The descriptions often come across as a rough sketch rather than an immersive experience, arguably a component more key to gothic fiction than blighted manors or ominous bachelors.
Still, I appreciated this novel as a modern homage to classics such as Jane Eyre and The Haunting of Hill House. The story is chock full of tongue and cheek references to titans of the genre, to a point that is fun but occasionally strays into the overdone, especially given the heaviness of some of the other subject matter (TW for sexual assault, addiction, overdose, and extreme physical violence). The story is an interesting mix of originality and clichés — I loved seeing a queer protagonist in the genre, for example, and appreciated the acknowledgement of the island’s homogeneity and history of racism. However, the villain of the novel is disappointingly transparent from the get-go and lacks complex motivations: the character incentives in general seem underbaked. I also think the story could have done without two character perspectives: without giving spoilers, the POV shift a quarter of the way in feels unnecessary and the story could have easily survived with just the later 3/4s intact.
Still, I appreciated this novel as a modern homage to classics such as Jane Eyre and The Haunting of Hill House. The story is chock full of tongue and cheek references to titans of the genre, to a point that is fun but occasionally strays into the overdone, especially given the heaviness of some of the other subject matter (TW for sexual assault, addiction, overdose, and extreme physical violence). The story is an interesting mix of originality and clichés — I loved seeing a queer protagonist in the genre, for example, and appreciated the acknowledgement of the island’s homogeneity and history of racism. However, the villain of the novel is disappointingly transparent from the get-go and lacks complex motivations: the character incentives in general seem underbaked. I also think the story could have done without two character perspectives: without giving spoilers, the POV shift a quarter of the way in feels unnecessary and the story could have easily survived with just the later 3/4s intact.
April 20, 2023
"The Daughters of Block Island" by Christa Carmen is a great gothic novel with a twist. I love atmospheric gothic novels, and this book grabbed my attention. The book kicks off with a bang, a letter from a dead woman, the prologue does a great job of setting up the tone, and builds up to an explosive climax.
The book is written in the present tense, from the third POV, and follows two estranged sisters: Blake Bronson and Thalia Mills. The book is divided into two sections: the first section follows Blake, and the second section follows Thalia. Just as we grow attached to Black, something happens, and then we are whisked away to Thalia's story.
Blake Bronson didn't have an easy life. She is an orphan and former alcoholic on the mend who comes to Block Island to find her birth mother, finds she has a sister, and ends up entangled in her very own gothic tale that doesn't end well for her.
Thalia was also unaware of the existence of Blake. A letter from Blake brings her back to the island she left a while ago to find out what happens to Blake and to uncover the island's secrets. Dangers are afoot, and if she is not careful, she too may suffer the same fate as her sister.
I enjoyed the story very much. The author weaves a tangled web and what began as a seemingly simple tale, turned out to be much more. There are several threads running through the story, some going back 100 years, and they all intersect. I had my suspicions, but they didn't come close to the curve balls the author threw at us.
A long-buried secret, ghosts, a gothic feel, secret passageways, murders, crumbling castle - this book has everything a reader wants from such a tale. Everything is sketched in good detail. The surprising twists brought to mind the gothic tales of "Rebecca", "The Picture of Dorian Gray", and "Jane Eyre", to name a few. There are many references and name-dropping of popular books, such as Ann Radcliffe’s "The Mysteries of Udolpho", but as I read some of them, I didn't mind. The book wasn't as creepy as I thought it will be, which is a good thing, but was still loaded with surprises, dark twists, creepy moments, and shocking revelations that leave you breathless as you follow the heroine around the island. Be prepared to jump out of your skin!
The setting is beautifully constructed, and there's a solid cast of supporting characters. I could imagine myself on the island, the descriptions were so vivid. And to think the real history of the White Hall (yes, there was such a place according to the author) is just as scandalous as our tale.
The ending was definitely hold-your-breath drama, and I loved how the author tied up all the loose ends very neatly. I highly recommend the book to fans of gothic novels and anyone looking for an exhilarating emotional ride filled with suspense.
*Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
The book is written in the present tense, from the third POV, and follows two estranged sisters: Blake Bronson and Thalia Mills. The book is divided into two sections: the first section follows Blake, and the second section follows Thalia. Just as we grow attached to Black, something happens, and then we are whisked away to Thalia's story.
Blake Bronson didn't have an easy life. She is an orphan and former alcoholic on the mend who comes to Block Island to find her birth mother, finds she has a sister, and ends up entangled in her very own gothic tale that doesn't end well for her.
Thalia was also unaware of the existence of Blake. A letter from Blake brings her back to the island she left a while ago to find out what happens to Blake and to uncover the island's secrets. Dangers are afoot, and if she is not careful, she too may suffer the same fate as her sister.
I enjoyed the story very much. The author weaves a tangled web and what began as a seemingly simple tale, turned out to be much more. There are several threads running through the story, some going back 100 years, and they all intersect. I had my suspicions, but they didn't come close to the curve balls the author threw at us.
A long-buried secret, ghosts, a gothic feel, secret passageways, murders, crumbling castle - this book has everything a reader wants from such a tale. Everything is sketched in good detail. The surprising twists brought to mind the gothic tales of "Rebecca", "The Picture of Dorian Gray", and "Jane Eyre", to name a few. There are many references and name-dropping of popular books, such as Ann Radcliffe’s "The Mysteries of Udolpho", but as I read some of them, I didn't mind. The book wasn't as creepy as I thought it will be, which is a good thing, but was still loaded with surprises, dark twists, creepy moments, and shocking revelations that leave you breathless as you follow the heroine around the island. Be prepared to jump out of your skin!
The setting is beautifully constructed, and there's a solid cast of supporting characters. I could imagine myself on the island, the descriptions were so vivid. And to think the real history of the White Hall (yes, there was such a place according to the author) is just as scandalous as our tale.
The ending was definitely hold-your-breath drama, and I loved how the author tied up all the loose ends very neatly. I highly recommend the book to fans of gothic novels and anyone looking for an exhilarating emotional ride filled with suspense.
*Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2023
Gothic horror but make it META
You might enjoy this if you like:
-Gothic horror!
-Small town secrets
-Stories about sisters
-Family secrets
-Dreary and atmospheric
You might enjoy this if you like:
-Gothic horror!
-Small town secrets
-Stories about sisters
-Family secrets
-Dreary and atmospheric
November 1, 2023
Did someone say ATMOSPHERIC GOTHIC MYSTERY NOVEL?? Crumbling castles, secrets, murder..need I go on?! The writing is hauntingly beautiful and the story reveals itself slowly in true gothic dreary fashion, this felt like a classic gothic mystery with elements of historical fiction, I really enjoyed this, I would recommend to fans of who done its, mystery and horror
January 11, 2024
Just like that my 7th read of 2024 captured every free moment I had and got me up early to finish it. I do love gothic fiction and The Daughters of Block Island certainly lived up to the genre. Blake and Thalia and Fiona and Aileen along with the ghosts and passageways of Searles Folly kept me hooked.
Goodreads review published 11/01/24
Goodreads review published 11/01/24
May 13, 2025
This was pretty good. Worth reading if you enjoy the whole gothic fiction vibe. Also… I must admit… Block Island is on of my favorite places and that was a main motivator for me to read this in the first place, but I think being a Rhode Island native and a frequent Block Island visitor (even for routine mundane things like watching my kid play soccer) it sort of ruined the “gothic” feel because the Block Island in this book (which had some real life BI places in it) is t the Block Island I know and love, but that’s a me problem and should be for you especially if you’ve never been there!
Told in two parts, two sisters a drawn separately to BI for their own reasons (major spoilers surround these reasons which I won’t reveal). I will say, I was much more drawn to Part 1 with Blakes initial stop on the island. When her sister Thalia arrives in Part 2, I felt like some of the wind was taken out of the sails. BUT… as I said… it’s a good mystery that totally would work well as a beach read. It’s fast paced enough that you can read it in a day and it’s got some creepy moments.
Told in two parts, two sisters a drawn separately to BI for their own reasons (major spoilers surround these reasons which I won’t reveal). I will say, I was much more drawn to Part 1 with Blakes initial stop on the island. When her sister Thalia arrives in Part 2, I felt like some of the wind was taken out of the sails. BUT… as I said… it’s a good mystery that totally would work well as a beach read. It’s fast paced enough that you can read it in a day and it’s got some creepy moments.
January 23, 2024
The Daughters of Block Island is a stunning debut novel. Each character is well drawn and three dimensional, the plot is intricate, and the prose is beautiful. What stands out is Christa Carmen's ability to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense without clinging to any tired tropes.
Call it a modern gothic, a mystery, or a supernatural thriller, but whatever label is used, this book kicks ass. Oh, and I just found out it is on the preliminary ballot for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Go get it!
Call it a modern gothic, a mystery, or a supernatural thriller, but whatever label is used, this book kicks ass. Oh, and I just found out it is on the preliminary ballot for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Go get it!
October 10, 2023
Grade: C
I am a sucker for a good old gothic novel, and the allure of the gothic drew me to this title. The problem was, no matter how many times I was told this was a gothic novel, it never felt that way.
We start with Thalia receiving a letter from Blake, who ends up being her previously unknown half-sister. Then, we find out what happens to Blake. Then Thalia goes to find out what happens to Blake. Hijinks ensue. There is a house, White Hall, that tries to be the central gothic building, but it just isn't.
To be fair, there were things that I liked with this one. Carmen does a good job with the pace and I did keep turning the pages. There are a number of crucial descriptive scenes that Carmen executes well and I could clearly see what she was trying to say.
But, ultimately, this book didn't work for me. Not only did it fail to live up to its gothic promises, I found the main character of Blake to be just incredibly stupid. She is supposed to be a lawyer and a lawyer should clearly know better than to make the choices she makes. Also, as a lawyer, she would know how to get the information she needs and accomplish the things she needs to accomplish through legal means. Instead, she's running around like an amateur sleuth with a death wish.
Christa Carmen can write, and I'd be open to reading something else by her. This, however, was not a success for me.
I was given an electronic ARC of this book through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I am a sucker for a good old gothic novel, and the allure of the gothic drew me to this title. The problem was, no matter how many times I was told this was a gothic novel, it never felt that way.
We start with Thalia receiving a letter from Blake, who ends up being her previously unknown half-sister. Then, we find out what happens to Blake. Then Thalia goes to find out what happens to Blake. Hijinks ensue. There is a house, White Hall, that tries to be the central gothic building, but it just isn't.
To be fair, there were things that I liked with this one. Carmen does a good job with the pace and I did keep turning the pages. There are a number of crucial descriptive scenes that Carmen executes well and I could clearly see what she was trying to say.
But, ultimately, this book didn't work for me. Not only did it fail to live up to its gothic promises, I found the main character of Blake to be just incredibly stupid. She is supposed to be a lawyer and a lawyer should clearly know better than to make the choices she makes. Also, as a lawyer, she would know how to get the information she needs and accomplish the things she needs to accomplish through legal means. Instead, she's running around like an amateur sleuth with a death wish.
Christa Carmen can write, and I'd be open to reading something else by her. This, however, was not a success for me.
I was given an electronic ARC of this book through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
January 7, 2024
First, I love this cover. It's gorgeous and really helped give me a visual of this mansion that the mc's are visiting. However, I did this one as an audiobook and I would not recommend it.
I'm not sure why, but I found the narrator really pulled me out of the story instead of in. I'm not sure if it was the pitch or the tone, but I found myself rolling my eyes, getting impatient and really disliking half of the storyline. I did like Blake's a bit better but I didn't love it either. I found the reasoning for putting her life on hold and just rushing out a bit shocking. Did she even know it was all true? Anything can be faked. I think I would have done a bit more due-diligence.
But I think this might work better as a book and/or ebook. If you like gothic, spooky stories with the weather and the house being just as much of a characters they themselves, then you might give this one a try! Just maybe get a sample of the audio before you buy if you want to go that route.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I'm not sure why, but I found the narrator really pulled me out of the story instead of in. I'm not sure if it was the pitch or the tone, but I found myself rolling my eyes, getting impatient and really disliking half of the storyline. I did like Blake's a bit better but I didn't love it either. I found the reasoning for putting her life on hold and just rushing out a bit shocking. Did she even know it was all true? Anything can be faked. I think I would have done a bit more due-diligence.
But I think this might work better as a book and/or ebook. If you like gothic, spooky stories with the weather and the house being just as much of a characters they themselves, then you might give this one a try! Just maybe get a sample of the audio before you buy if you want to go that route.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 13, 2023
What a great story! Christa Carmen puts together a perfect blend of gothic suspense, and mystery. The atmosphere, the characters, and the setting all come together beautifully, and you’ll find yourself unable to stop turning those pages once past the halfway point. I loved this book!
November 11, 2023
3.5 stars
The Daughters of Block Island is a story about two sisters, strangers to each other, and their separate investigations into the mysteries of Block Island, Rhode Island. For Blake Bronson her trip to the island is an attempt to finally find a family of her own and a place to belong after a life of miserable foster homes and addiction. For Thalia Mills, a successful Boston lawyer who left Block Island and her strained relationship with her mother behind a decade earlier, her reluctant homecoming is the result of her determination to find out what happened to the sister she never knew existed. Thalia will soon learn that the mystery of her sister is only the latest in a string of secrets, lies, and violence that dates back well over a century.
I really enjoyed the first third of this novel, which is told from Blake's perspective as she arrives one cold and rainy February at the White Hall Bed and Breakfast operated by the Searles sisters, the chilly Fiona and matronly Aileen. This is the section where the meta nature of this modern Gothic really shines. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric.
It is the Castle of Otranto. Ambrosio's abbey. Manderley. Udolpho. Every setting from every novel that has held her rapt and terrified over the years. It will hold her within its walls until her reason for coming to the island disintegrates beneath her. It is claustrophobia and decay and tragedy too intense for her fragile, newly recovered self to take.
Blake's visit is plagued not only by relentless rain, but by disappointments and possible ghostly visitations from the specter of White Hall.
A wall of wind slams against the mansion, but when it retreats, the eerie groaning at the other side of the room continues. The corners of Blake's vision go black, and this time the vertigo doesn't pass. The armoire, the fireplace, the rocking chair, the chaise, they shudder like dinghies in a hurricane-ravaged sea.
After Blake meets an untimely end in the clawfoot tub at the B&B, the perspective of the novel switches to Thalia, who receives a letter written by the ill-fated sister she never knew shortly before her death. Determined to confront her mother, Thalia takes the ferry to Block Island to finish unraveling the sordid mysteries Blake's presence brought to the muddy surface of the small community. I found Thalia to be a likeable character, but the story dragged a bit toward the middle. The end is where it sort of went off the rails for me. The villain was too over the top (and predictable), while the final third was also unnecessarily convoluted. I also have questions that were not addressed and found some of the choices of certain characters, choices that affected decades of their lives, baffling. Hence my rounding down instead of up. But I would recommend this to anyone who likes a Gothic thriller. I think the writing here was a lot better than many other contemporary thrillers I have read and I would read from this author again.
(As a side note, there's a pretty glaring mistake at the end of the book in a reference to the fate of Rebecca in Daphne Du Maurier's famous Gothic. But that's just a little nitpickiness from me and doesn't detract from the story here).
The Daughters of Block Island is a story about two sisters, strangers to each other, and their separate investigations into the mysteries of Block Island, Rhode Island. For Blake Bronson her trip to the island is an attempt to finally find a family of her own and a place to belong after a life of miserable foster homes and addiction. For Thalia Mills, a successful Boston lawyer who left Block Island and her strained relationship with her mother behind a decade earlier, her reluctant homecoming is the result of her determination to find out what happened to the sister she never knew existed. Thalia will soon learn that the mystery of her sister is only the latest in a string of secrets, lies, and violence that dates back well over a century.
I really enjoyed the first third of this novel, which is told from Blake's perspective as she arrives one cold and rainy February at the White Hall Bed and Breakfast operated by the Searles sisters, the chilly Fiona and matronly Aileen. This is the section where the meta nature of this modern Gothic really shines. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric.
It is the Castle of Otranto. Ambrosio's abbey. Manderley. Udolpho. Every setting from every novel that has held her rapt and terrified over the years. It will hold her within its walls until her reason for coming to the island disintegrates beneath her. It is claustrophobia and decay and tragedy too intense for her fragile, newly recovered self to take.
Blake's visit is plagued not only by relentless rain, but by disappointments and possible ghostly visitations from the specter of White Hall.
A wall of wind slams against the mansion, but when it retreats, the eerie groaning at the other side of the room continues. The corners of Blake's vision go black, and this time the vertigo doesn't pass. The armoire, the fireplace, the rocking chair, the chaise, they shudder like dinghies in a hurricane-ravaged sea.
After Blake meets an untimely end in the clawfoot tub at the B&B, the perspective of the novel switches to Thalia, who receives a letter written by the ill-fated sister she never knew shortly before her death. Determined to confront her mother, Thalia takes the ferry to Block Island to finish unraveling the sordid mysteries Blake's presence brought to the muddy surface of the small community. I found Thalia to be a likeable character, but the story dragged a bit toward the middle. The end is where it sort of went off the rails for me. The villain was too over the top (and predictable), while the final third was also unnecessarily convoluted. I also have questions that were not addressed and found some of the choices of certain characters, choices that affected decades of their lives, baffling. Hence my rounding down instead of up. But I would recommend this to anyone who likes a Gothic thriller. I think the writing here was a lot better than many other contemporary thrillers I have read and I would read from this author again.
(As a side note, there's a pretty glaring mistake at the end of the book in a reference to the fate of Rebecca in Daphne Du Maurier's famous Gothic. But that's just a little nitpickiness from me and doesn't detract from the story here).
December 10, 2023
"I know you're hungry, she tells the house. So what are you waiting for? Part the floorboards and swallow me."
A murder-mystery gothic novel, this book takes you to Block Island, following two sisters (Blake, and then Thalia) individually to discover the gruesome events that happened at mansion/hotel White Hall.
This book is intentionally structured in a way that follows the formula of an atmospheric gothic novel: there's a heroine, victim, perpetrator, combined with supernatural elements and a tragic history in a mansion that resides in the form of a supposed specter, or perhaps hallucinations. And of course, an eventual plot twist that is not entirely unexpected, that has to do with the previous generations. And I personally really appreciate that, because themes related to (generational) trauma, women's so-called hysteria, along with feelings of loneliness are best conveyed in such isolated and claustrophobic settings. The aura is established early on and it's easy to submerge yourself in Blake and Thalia's world with the typical spooky descriptions the author uses.
I just have one main gripe with this that knocks this novel down to 3 stars and that is its use of a metanarrative. In theory, I'm a sucker for that because I love the insertion of other references/works I'm familiar with and adore. I can certainly see how this is inspired by the likes of Rebecca and The Haunting of Hill House the most, for example, and this book often refers to other works as well such as Wuthering Heights, The Castle of Ontranto and The Mysteries of Udolpho. However, this book suffers from its redundancy of being too self-aware, constantly reminding the audience that the characters feel like they're in a gothic novel. With that kind of repetition, it just makes you feel like you're floating back to the top of the world you were previously submerged in. It's too on-the-nose and also unnecessary, like the author doesn't trust her audience to understand the references.
I would still recommend this book however — it's a decent and thrilling read for gothic mystery lovers, just not my first pick in that specific genre since I prefer a more oblique style of writing.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the review copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
A murder-mystery gothic novel, this book takes you to Block Island, following two sisters (Blake, and then Thalia) individually to discover the gruesome events that happened at mansion/hotel White Hall.
This book is intentionally structured in a way that follows the formula of an atmospheric gothic novel: there's a heroine, victim, perpetrator, combined with supernatural elements and a tragic history in a mansion that resides in the form of a supposed specter, or perhaps hallucinations. And of course, an eventual plot twist that is not entirely unexpected, that has to do with the previous generations. And I personally really appreciate that, because themes related to (generational) trauma, women's so-called hysteria, along with feelings of loneliness are best conveyed in such isolated and claustrophobic settings. The aura is established early on and it's easy to submerge yourself in Blake and Thalia's world with the typical spooky descriptions the author uses.
I just have one main gripe with this that knocks this novel down to 3 stars and that is its use of a metanarrative. In theory, I'm a sucker for that because I love the insertion of other references/works I'm familiar with and adore. I can certainly see how this is inspired by the likes of Rebecca and The Haunting of Hill House the most, for example, and this book often refers to other works as well such as Wuthering Heights, The Castle of Ontranto and The Mysteries of Udolpho. However, this book suffers from its redundancy of being too self-aware, constantly reminding the audience that the characters feel like they're in a gothic novel. With that kind of repetition, it just makes you feel like you're floating back to the top of the world you were previously submerged in. It's too on-the-nose and also unnecessary, like the author doesn't trust her audience to understand the references.
I would still recommend this book however — it's a decent and thrilling read for gothic mystery lovers, just not my first pick in that specific genre since I prefer a more oblique style of writing.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the review copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2023
This is one of the best “who-done-it”s I’ve read in a really long time! It instantly hooked me and it kept me guessing until the end which was great! I loved the writing style - it made it super quick and easy to fly through and impossible to put down! I highly recommend checking this one out when it’s comes out! October 10th!
August 29, 2024
truly, i LOVE a self aware book or movie, but this was way way way too much lmao
-somehow the most unbelievable part of this book was that these women can remember the plots and events of books they read 20+ years ago
-liked it at first bc it was a gothic novel version of SCREAM's love letter to slashers
-"trapped in a gothic novel" "stuck between the pages of a gothic novel" "gothic novel, gothic novel" WE GET IT my god
-i know blake was an addict but she was too incredibly whiny for my taste
-too much annoying inner monologuing
-we get it thalia, you're a LAWYER
-everyone was dumb as hell
-narrator was good, i look forward to finding linda jones on another book i might like
-more than a few muddy motives for lots of actions
-cover is sick tho
-somehow the most unbelievable part of this book was that these women can remember the plots and events of books they read 20+ years ago
-liked it at first bc it was a gothic novel version of SCREAM's love letter to slashers
-"trapped in a gothic novel" "stuck between the pages of a gothic novel" "gothic novel, gothic novel" WE GET IT my god
-i know blake was an addict but she was too incredibly whiny for my taste
-too much annoying inner monologuing
-we get it thalia, you're a LAWYER
-everyone was dumb as hell
-narrator was good, i look forward to finding linda jones on another book i might like
-more than a few muddy motives for lots of actions
-cover is sick tho
December 9, 2023
I love the gothic, oppressive atmosphere of THE DAUGHTERS OF BLOCK ISLAND, by Christa Carmen. The majority of the characters left quite an impression on me. While there were several things I guessed fairly easily, the writing style alone made me want to keep reading on. There were some very good additions that I did NOT expect, and those made me appreciate the uniqueness of the story even more.
Recommended.
Recommended.
October 2, 2023
Huge thanks to Christa for sending me a digital ARC of her debut novel!
The Gothic novel. Ahhh… my old nemesis. Those dark corners, those subtle nods to the ‘otherness’ in the room… Much like Epistolary stories, Gothic stories can be a hit or miss for me, but having previously read (and greatly enjoyed) Christa’s work, I was very intrigued by what I’d discover on Block Island.
This novel reviews itself slowly, layer by layer as more of the story is revealed and it seems like the perfect October-curl-up-in-a-blanket-by-the-fire type novel, which I think will have fans of this type of story over the moon.
What I liked: The novel begins with Thalia receiving a letter from a sister she didn’t know she had. Blake has reached out from Block Island, a place Thalia told herself she’d never return to. After doing some digging, she discovers that Blake passed away not long after sending the letter – and that Blake was on Block Island, searching for her own mom she’d never met, having been giving up for adoption, as well as for Thalia, the sister she didn’t know she had.
Carmen does a wonderful job of keeping the complexities of this island and its inhabitants sinister, as though Blake (and later Thalia) and annoyances and intrusions, while being superficially friendly. It captures the feeling one gets well, when going on vacation and having those who wish you stayed away let you know they wished you stayed away.
There’s a delicate paint-brush-stroke-esque to the way Carmen reveals this story, a textured softness that belies the darkness that seeps into every cranny, a fascinating misting of the readers brain that says ‘don’t get too comfortable.’
This remains in place up to (and including the afterword) the very end, when the story opens wide and the reveals take place. While this novel does wear a lot of its influences on its sleeves, its that familiarity that keeps this grounded in a slow burning tension from page one until the very end.
What I didn’t like: Like most Gothic stories of any length I read, I do struggle with some of the pacing. Carmen keeps things moving and keeps the reader engaged, but for some it may possess a pace that is less than what they typically enjoy and will hinder their progression through such a wonderfully written novel.
Why you should buy this: This novel feels like a modern throwback to the classics, where a rain-soaked woman is illuminated by the flash of lightening, while she flees from the horror within the home.
Carmen has done an immaculate job of building the setting into the story as much as the characters drive the novel and throughout we get quick, sharp stabs of horror, which worked so well to keep the reader on their toes.
As for me, I enjoyed it, but still had to work my way through it, this type of novel not one I’d normally ever go out and choose. So, for me, this was a solid 3/5 read. For those who’ll eat this one up and are desperately waiting for this to arrive, it’ll be an easy 5/5. So, I’ll split the difference and go with a very solid 4/5 overall, and one I definitely suggest you grab if you love this type of book!
The Gothic novel. Ahhh… my old nemesis. Those dark corners, those subtle nods to the ‘otherness’ in the room… Much like Epistolary stories, Gothic stories can be a hit or miss for me, but having previously read (and greatly enjoyed) Christa’s work, I was very intrigued by what I’d discover on Block Island.
This novel reviews itself slowly, layer by layer as more of the story is revealed and it seems like the perfect October-curl-up-in-a-blanket-by-the-fire type novel, which I think will have fans of this type of story over the moon.
What I liked: The novel begins with Thalia receiving a letter from a sister she didn’t know she had. Blake has reached out from Block Island, a place Thalia told herself she’d never return to. After doing some digging, she discovers that Blake passed away not long after sending the letter – and that Blake was on Block Island, searching for her own mom she’d never met, having been giving up for adoption, as well as for Thalia, the sister she didn’t know she had.
Carmen does a wonderful job of keeping the complexities of this island and its inhabitants sinister, as though Blake (and later Thalia) and annoyances and intrusions, while being superficially friendly. It captures the feeling one gets well, when going on vacation and having those who wish you stayed away let you know they wished you stayed away.
There’s a delicate paint-brush-stroke-esque to the way Carmen reveals this story, a textured softness that belies the darkness that seeps into every cranny, a fascinating misting of the readers brain that says ‘don’t get too comfortable.’
This remains in place up to (and including the afterword) the very end, when the story opens wide and the reveals take place. While this novel does wear a lot of its influences on its sleeves, its that familiarity that keeps this grounded in a slow burning tension from page one until the very end.
What I didn’t like: Like most Gothic stories of any length I read, I do struggle with some of the pacing. Carmen keeps things moving and keeps the reader engaged, but for some it may possess a pace that is less than what they typically enjoy and will hinder their progression through such a wonderfully written novel.
Why you should buy this: This novel feels like a modern throwback to the classics, where a rain-soaked woman is illuminated by the flash of lightening, while she flees from the horror within the home.
Carmen has done an immaculate job of building the setting into the story as much as the characters drive the novel and throughout we get quick, sharp stabs of horror, which worked so well to keep the reader on their toes.
As for me, I enjoyed it, but still had to work my way through it, this type of novel not one I’d normally ever go out and choose. So, for me, this was a solid 3/5 read. For those who’ll eat this one up and are desperately waiting for this to arrive, it’ll be an easy 5/5. So, I’ll split the difference and go with a very solid 4/5 overall, and one I definitely suggest you grab if you love this type of book!
May 14, 2024
Incase you don't know
THIS IS DEFINITELY A GOTHIC NOVEL, RIGHT?!
THIS IS DEFINITELY A GOTHIC NOVEL, RIGHT?!
August 21, 2024
3.25 rounded down
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNvnPVJt/
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNvnPVJt/
May 30, 2023
First, many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for making this available.
The Daughters of Block Island has the trappings of what could be a modern gothic tale, but falls a bit short for me. Our first narrator is Blake, a recovering addict who has come to Block Island with hopes of finally having answers from the mother who gave her up. She finds herself caught up in the gothic tales she has found solace in the moment she arrives, but then finds herself repeating the "rules" of the gothic tales.
Narrator changes to Thalia who learns of the half sister she never knew and her death simultaneously. Now she's looking to find out what truly happened and how a secret this big had been hidden for all these years.
Let me say, I think this is such an intriguing idea and immediately pulled me in. That being said, it feel short. This was a very slow read and I'm torn if it was the writing or just the overall pace. There were many times reading this that the third voice narration actually pulled me out of the story more than pulling me in. There are references and hints to the classic gothic tales and tropes, but it never really merged together. On one hand, it was meant to be more of Blake's POV than Thalia's, but it always felt like an aside reference that never merged together.
On another hand, it also felt like the small "townie" mentality was being pushed so hard, yet also kept at a distance. It also felt so tied up with the characters that it seemed like the end was so rushed.
An interesting idea and plot, but fell just off the mark for me.
The Daughters of Block Island has the trappings of what could be a modern gothic tale, but falls a bit short for me. Our first narrator is Blake, a recovering addict who has come to Block Island with hopes of finally having answers from the mother who gave her up. She finds herself caught up in the gothic tales she has found solace in the moment she arrives, but then finds herself repeating the "rules" of the gothic tales.
Narrator changes to Thalia who learns of the half sister she never knew and her death simultaneously. Now she's looking to find out what truly happened and how a secret this big had been hidden for all these years.
Let me say, I think this is such an intriguing idea and immediately pulled me in. That being said, it feel short. This was a very slow read and I'm torn if it was the writing or just the overall pace. There were many times reading this that the third voice narration actually pulled me out of the story more than pulling me in. There are references and hints to the classic gothic tales and tropes, but it never really merged together. On one hand, it was meant to be more of Blake's POV than Thalia's, but it always felt like an aside reference that never merged together.
On another hand, it also felt like the small "townie" mentality was being pushed so hard, yet also kept at a distance. It also felt so tied up with the characters that it seemed like the end was so rushed.
An interesting idea and plot, but fell just off the mark for me.
January 6, 2024
Oh I was disappointed with this one. This would be a prime example of the author telling you what's happening not showing. It's not that long of a book but boy was it sluggish. I did not like a single character, the dialogue is not believable one bit and we get IT... the characters all love Gothic books. We don't need to keep bringing it up for all 46 chapters.
One day I'll find a great Gothic/mystery book, this one was not it.
One day I'll find a great Gothic/mystery book, this one was not it.
October 16, 2023
The nitty-gritty: Fans of eerie, gothic fiction will not want to miss The Daughters of Block Island, a contemporary thriller dripping with atmosphere.
“She looks back to see White Hall looming behind her like a haunted house. Like a nightmare. Like the cover of a horror novel. It bares its teeth, beckons her through the rain and the gloom beyond the skeletal branches of the waiting mulberry forest—for it’s after midnight, and the previously bright moon has pulled a cloud over itself like a blanket.”
I’m so glad I discovered Christa Carmen, and The Daughters of Block Island was the perfect book to read for spooky season. Carmen has written a meta gothic tale that hearkens back to stories like Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights or The Mysteries of Udolpho, and she nails the Gothic sensibility perfectly. The “meta” element comes into play with the character of Blake Bronson, who grew up on old gothic tales (The Mysteries of Udolpho was her favorite), and once she arrives on Block Island, she realizes she might just be living in a gothic story herself. This book is also perfect for readers looking for something a bit darker than usual, since it’s almost Halloween, but who don’t like horror novels. I would call this a mystery/thriller, since there aren’t any supernatural elements, but the author’s wonderful descriptions of the rain-soaked, cliff-side mansion that dominates the story put it firmly in the “eerie” category.
The story opens with a mysterious letter. Thalia Mills grew up on Block Island, but she hasn’t been back in years. Her mother Maureen still lives there, working as a waitress in a high end restaurant. But when Thalia receives a letter from a woman named Blake Bronson, her world is turned upside down. In the letter, Blake claims to be Thalia’s sister—a sister she didn’t know she had—and included with the letter is a copy of Blake’s birth certificate, naming her mother as Maureen Mills. Right after reading the letter, Thalia hears about a death on Block Island. Twenty-six year old Blake Bronson was found dead in her bathtub, and Fiona Searles, the owner of the B&B where Blake was staying, has been arrested for the murder.
Thalia immediately leaves for Block Island, determined to solve the mystery of what happened to Blake, as well as confront her mother. Why didn’t Maureen ever tell her she had a sister? Who is the Mulberry Maiden? And how is Blake’s death connected to White Hall, the looming mansion where she was found dead? Thalia is about to uncover decades worth of family secrets, but she needs to hurry before she becomes the next victim.
The first part of the story is told from Blake’s point of view, so the reader gets to see what happens to her on Block Island, including her gruesome murder (although the details are fuzzy because at this point we don’t know the identity of the killer). The second part picks up several weeks after and is Thalia’s story, as she navigates an uncomfortable reunion with her mother and attempts to find out what happened to Blake. Carmen spins a twisty tale about family secrets, domestic abuse, orphans and drug addicts, with an atmospheric setting as a backdrop. At the center of everything is White Hall, the epitome of Gothic mansions, where the ghost of Mary Searles just might haunt the halls. The author’s writing style is perfect for her story, and I became completely immersed in Blake’s and Thalia’s journeys to find the truth.
Besides Blake and Thalia, we meet the girls’ mother Maureen, a substance abuser with a horrible secret in her past. At first I didn’t like her at all, but later you learn why she’s so cold, and I felt so sorry for her. Aileen is the proprietress at White Hall, and she’s also the sister of Fiona, the woman accused of Blake’s murder. Thalia intends to interview every single person on the island connected to her mother, but Aileen isn’t interested in telling her anything—at first. Then we have Martin Dempsey, who owns half the town and is connected to Maureen and Fiona in some very unpleasant ways. In typical murder mystery fashion, the author casts suspicion on just about every character before the truth is finally revealed at the end of the story. It was great fun watching Thalia solve the mystery of Blake’s death, as well as her quest to learn more about Maureen’s past and why she kept Blake a secret all these years.
Carmen uses typical Gothic tropes to great effect, like the non-stop rain that falls almost the entire story; the crumbling mini replica of White Hall that stands apart from the house, close to the cliffs; a scary, thrilling scene involving underground tunnels, and much more. The story maintains a wonderfully old-fashioned feel, even though it takes place in the present day, and I was so impressed by how easy it was to fall into it.
The author gives her story extra depth by including themes like substance addiction and domestic abuse, but don’t worry—this isn’t an “issue” book. These elements felt natural to the characters and worked to make the plot even better.
The final climax is suitably melodramatic and did not disappoint. The author also includes a brief epilogue to explain where the characters ended up after those events, and I thought it was the perfect ending. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author!
Big thanks to Christa Carmen for providing a review copy.
“She looks back to see White Hall looming behind her like a haunted house. Like a nightmare. Like the cover of a horror novel. It bares its teeth, beckons her through the rain and the gloom beyond the skeletal branches of the waiting mulberry forest—for it’s after midnight, and the previously bright moon has pulled a cloud over itself like a blanket.”
I’m so glad I discovered Christa Carmen, and The Daughters of Block Island was the perfect book to read for spooky season. Carmen has written a meta gothic tale that hearkens back to stories like Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights or The Mysteries of Udolpho, and she nails the Gothic sensibility perfectly. The “meta” element comes into play with the character of Blake Bronson, who grew up on old gothic tales (The Mysteries of Udolpho was her favorite), and once she arrives on Block Island, she realizes she might just be living in a gothic story herself. This book is also perfect for readers looking for something a bit darker than usual, since it’s almost Halloween, but who don’t like horror novels. I would call this a mystery/thriller, since there aren’t any supernatural elements, but the author’s wonderful descriptions of the rain-soaked, cliff-side mansion that dominates the story put it firmly in the “eerie” category.
The story opens with a mysterious letter. Thalia Mills grew up on Block Island, but she hasn’t been back in years. Her mother Maureen still lives there, working as a waitress in a high end restaurant. But when Thalia receives a letter from a woman named Blake Bronson, her world is turned upside down. In the letter, Blake claims to be Thalia’s sister—a sister she didn’t know she had—and included with the letter is a copy of Blake’s birth certificate, naming her mother as Maureen Mills. Right after reading the letter, Thalia hears about a death on Block Island. Twenty-six year old Blake Bronson was found dead in her bathtub, and Fiona Searles, the owner of the B&B where Blake was staying, has been arrested for the murder.
Thalia immediately leaves for Block Island, determined to solve the mystery of what happened to Blake, as well as confront her mother. Why didn’t Maureen ever tell her she had a sister? Who is the Mulberry Maiden? And how is Blake’s death connected to White Hall, the looming mansion where she was found dead? Thalia is about to uncover decades worth of family secrets, but she needs to hurry before she becomes the next victim.
The first part of the story is told from Blake’s point of view, so the reader gets to see what happens to her on Block Island, including her gruesome murder (although the details are fuzzy because at this point we don’t know the identity of the killer). The second part picks up several weeks after and is Thalia’s story, as she navigates an uncomfortable reunion with her mother and attempts to find out what happened to Blake. Carmen spins a twisty tale about family secrets, domestic abuse, orphans and drug addicts, with an atmospheric setting as a backdrop. At the center of everything is White Hall, the epitome of Gothic mansions, where the ghost of Mary Searles just might haunt the halls. The author’s writing style is perfect for her story, and I became completely immersed in Blake’s and Thalia’s journeys to find the truth.
Besides Blake and Thalia, we meet the girls’ mother Maureen, a substance abuser with a horrible secret in her past. At first I didn’t like her at all, but later you learn why she’s so cold, and I felt so sorry for her. Aileen is the proprietress at White Hall, and she’s also the sister of Fiona, the woman accused of Blake’s murder. Thalia intends to interview every single person on the island connected to her mother, but Aileen isn’t interested in telling her anything—at first. Then we have Martin Dempsey, who owns half the town and is connected to Maureen and Fiona in some very unpleasant ways. In typical murder mystery fashion, the author casts suspicion on just about every character before the truth is finally revealed at the end of the story. It was great fun watching Thalia solve the mystery of Blake’s death, as well as her quest to learn more about Maureen’s past and why she kept Blake a secret all these years.
Carmen uses typical Gothic tropes to great effect, like the non-stop rain that falls almost the entire story; the crumbling mini replica of White Hall that stands apart from the house, close to the cliffs; a scary, thrilling scene involving underground tunnels, and much more. The story maintains a wonderfully old-fashioned feel, even though it takes place in the present day, and I was so impressed by how easy it was to fall into it.
The author gives her story extra depth by including themes like substance addiction and domestic abuse, but don’t worry—this isn’t an “issue” book. These elements felt natural to the characters and worked to make the plot even better.
The final climax is suitably melodramatic and did not disappoint. The author also includes a brief epilogue to explain where the characters ended up after those events, and I thought it was the perfect ending. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author!
Big thanks to Christa Carmen for providing a review copy.
November 15, 2023
The Daughters of Block Island is full of mystery, family secrets and murder. The perfect ingredients for a gothic tale. I loved the nods throughout this book to classic gothic novels. The sheer amount of rain was something of a send up and was entertaining amongst the more chilling atmosphere. The twist on classics was done well. The plot holds it own with a great ending. Overall a good read that I would recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
August 10, 2024
Okay, now that I’ve thought about it, I can sadly say - this was a one star for me. I was really looking forward to it too! It takes place on Block Island (which is amazing and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set there), the author is from Rhode Island (yay small state rep!), and I enjoy mysteries and thrillers (and this one was supposed to deliver some gothic horror as well).
Key word? Supposed to.
It most assuredly did NOT.
First off, this has one of my biggest pet peeves (though it doesn’t really have to do with the book itself) which is when the back cover reveals something that happens decently far into the book. Something happens around 100 pages in which is totally spoiled if you read the back cover. Since I knew it was coming, I didn’t feel the same urgency that Blake felt during Part One. I knew she was going to die, so why introduce her pending court case? Obviously she wasn’t going to make it back for that.
Blake’s chapters started off interesting enough, especially when there were hints of the place being haunted by the matriarch of the family. I really enjoyed those parts.
However, once Blake died and Thalia took over, the story sank like a rock for me.
Thalia, ugh. I could not stand Thalia. She was supposed to be a hotshot lawyer and SO SMART — so why did she make dumb decision after dumb decision after dumb decision?
The story is told in third person present tense (which is almost always a struggle for me) so that definitely detracted from the book as well. I also found the pacing to be very slow, which is never a good sign when I’m reading a mystery or a thriller.
This book is also VERY heavy on the man hating, which I’m not personally a fan of. Literally every male character was a scumbag and the villain was part of a generation of scumbag men who raped and took advantage of women on Block Island for hundreds of years. The book also seemed to have the stance of “his ancestor was horrible and so he inherited it” which I disliked.
The story was dark and depressing, and the house didn’t even turn out to be haunted (they were gaslighting Blake).
**read for Book Scavenger Hunt — a book by a Rhode Island author**
_____________________________
Definitely have to think about this for a bit. I don’t know what to say about it — I just know I DIDN’T LIKE IT.
Key word? Supposed to.
It most assuredly did NOT.
First off, this has one of my biggest pet peeves (though it doesn’t really have to do with the book itself) which is when the back cover reveals something that happens decently far into the book. Something happens around 100 pages in which is totally spoiled if you read the back cover. Since I knew it was coming, I didn’t feel the same urgency that Blake felt during Part One. I knew she was going to die, so why introduce her pending court case? Obviously she wasn’t going to make it back for that.
Blake’s chapters started off interesting enough, especially when there were hints of the place being haunted by the matriarch of the family. I really enjoyed those parts.
However, once Blake died and Thalia took over, the story sank like a rock for me.
Thalia, ugh. I could not stand Thalia. She was supposed to be a hotshot lawyer and SO SMART — so why did she make dumb decision after dumb decision after dumb decision?
The story is told in third person present tense (which is almost always a struggle for me) so that definitely detracted from the book as well. I also found the pacing to be very slow, which is never a good sign when I’m reading a mystery or a thriller.
This book is also VERY heavy on the man hating, which I’m not personally a fan of. Literally every male character was a scumbag and the villain was part of a generation of scumbag men who raped and took advantage of women on Block Island for hundreds of years. The book also seemed to have the stance of “his ancestor was horrible and so he inherited it” which I disliked.
The story was dark and depressing, and the house didn’t even turn out to be haunted (they were gaslighting Blake).
**read for Book Scavenger Hunt — a book by a Rhode Island author**
_____________________________
Definitely have to think about this for a bit. I don’t know what to say about it — I just know I DIDN’T LIKE IT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this creepy and atmospheric book. It centers on 2 different protagonists and is broken into 1 section for each. The first is Blake, who finds out who her biological mother is and goes to a remote island off of the coast of the Northeastern US to find her. The 2nd is Thalia, Blake's newly found sister who goes on her own trip to find out some answers.
The creepy mansion is like a character in itself- it was described very well and I was able to picture myself there. I loved the idea of the miniature replica too. The 2 main characters were well-formed and made what I felt to be reasonable decisions. There were many twists and turns around who was hiding what secret in terms of the many tertiary characters to whom they came into contact in their quest for what had really happened in the past. The end of the book dragged a bit for me- I felt some of the action almost went on a little bit too long when the secrets had been revealed and the end was in sight.
Overall, really enjoyable read with believable characters and a fantastic setting. I am looking forward to what this author comes up with next!
The creepy mansion is like a character in itself- it was described very well and I was able to picture myself there. I loved the idea of the miniature replica too. The 2 main characters were well-formed and made what I felt to be reasonable decisions. There were many twists and turns around who was hiding what secret in terms of the many tertiary characters to whom they came into contact in their quest for what had really happened in the past. The end of the book dragged a bit for me- I felt some of the action almost went on a little bit too long when the secrets had been revealed and the end was in sight.
Overall, really enjoyable read with believable characters and a fantastic setting. I am looking forward to what this author comes up with next!
October 27, 2023
{3.5 stars}
When Talia gets a letter in the mail from a sister she never knew she had, she is rightly shocked. As she starts to research this woman’s name, she finds out she was murdered just after the letter was sent. Now, to get answers she must go back to the isolated island she has fled from and face her mother, who she hasn’t spoken to in a decade. When she gets there, she realizes the island has more secrets than she knew and her reality is completely upended. The more information she gathers, the more danger she is in.
This was a like, not a love for me. I definitely liked the Gothic vibes and the old mansion house. But I didn’t really connect to Talia or Blake as much as I wanted to in order to feel their terror. I did really like their mother Maureen, but we didn’t get that many scenes with her. While I liked the vibes, I think in the end, it just wasn’t twisty enough for me.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above my own.
When Talia gets a letter in the mail from a sister she never knew she had, she is rightly shocked. As she starts to research this woman’s name, she finds out she was murdered just after the letter was sent. Now, to get answers she must go back to the isolated island she has fled from and face her mother, who she hasn’t spoken to in a decade. When she gets there, she realizes the island has more secrets than she knew and her reality is completely upended. The more information she gathers, the more danger she is in.
This was a like, not a love for me. I definitely liked the Gothic vibes and the old mansion house. But I didn’t really connect to Talia or Blake as much as I wanted to in order to feel their terror. I did really like their mother Maureen, but we didn’t get that many scenes with her. While I liked the vibes, I think in the end, it just wasn’t twisty enough for me.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above my own.
November 30, 2023
The vibes of this book are truly immaculate. The creepy mansion on a cliff over an ocean, nonstop rain, shady townspeople, possible ghosts in the mansion - it’s the perfect gothic horror story. The Daughters of Block Island is a gothic novel within a gothic novel and it could not have been executed better. 🖤 🕸️ 🕷️ ⚡️
The atmosphere and the vibes. Just perfection, chefs kiss 🤌🏻
The atmosphere and the vibes. Just perfection, chefs kiss 🤌🏻
March 8, 2024
This book was recommended to me by an employee in The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale AZ and was not something I would have chosen! I used to enjoy gothic stories when I was young and this was a creative story!
December 3, 2023
Explicit TW for SA, SI, and violence
Yes, I do see the irony in reading a gothic, murder mystery as a palate cleanser from contemporary lit, and no, I will not be taking criticism on it at this time.
An incredibly solid 4.5 and pleasant surprise from a free Amazon book. This novel was deliciously twisty and every time I thought I had the plot pinned down, a small shift would catch me by surprise.
I loved that each part of the novel was narrated by a different sister. It got me to really root for both Blake and Thalia without feeling like I didn’t have a fully formed idea of either sister. I also loved Sarah and Patrick—secondary characters that provided some levity and stability to the crazy plot.
I docked half a point because at some points, things got a bit *too* meta and story book-esque. The town librarian recounted her tragic origin story and—I kid you not—began with “once upon a time.” And the last twenty or so pages were filled with so much villain monologuing I had to laugh.
Overall, a very enjoyable thriller and one that I’ve already raved about to two of my closest friends (Hi Sara! Hi Lekha!).
Yes, I do see the irony in reading a gothic, murder mystery as a palate cleanser from contemporary lit, and no, I will not be taking criticism on it at this time.
An incredibly solid 4.5 and pleasant surprise from a free Amazon book. This novel was deliciously twisty and every time I thought I had the plot pinned down, a small shift would catch me by surprise.
I loved that each part of the novel was narrated by a different sister. It got me to really root for both Blake and Thalia without feeling like I didn’t have a fully formed idea of either sister. I also loved Sarah and Patrick—secondary characters that provided some levity and stability to the crazy plot.
I docked half a point because at some points, things got a bit *too* meta and story book-esque. The town librarian recounted her tragic origin story and—I kid you not—began with “once upon a time.” And the last twenty or so pages were filled with so much villain monologuing I had to laugh.
Overall, a very enjoyable thriller and one that I’ve already raved about to two of my closest friends (Hi Sara! Hi Lekha!).
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