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The Moss
Not yet published
Expected 30 Sep 25There are two things seventeen-year-old Emma Carver is known for: the fact that she grew up beside a sprawling bog, and that her sister went missing over a year ago. No leads, no clues, no trace. Having spent much of the past year trying to heal from the tragedy in the golden sun of the West Coast, Emma has just returned to Maine, feeling like three thousand miles wasn’t enough to escape the ghosts of her past, both literal and metaphorical.
Her return to New England brings her little comfort or closure. Her father seems convinced she should have stayed away, and the family’s old farmhouse that stands by the bog―known as the Moss―seems particularly upset to see her again. Darkly familiar shadows and specters fill her dreams, her periphery, the quiet spaces between her thoughts.
But something else is following her, pulling her in to the Moss, and it’s growing stronger by the day. With the help of a local boy, who had confessed his feelings for her just before she went away, Emma delves deeper and deeper into the mystery of the growing hauntings―and learns that not only might her sister still be alive, but if she’s willing to put herself in grave danger, there might just be a chance to save her.
“It reads like a long-lost fable, rich with beauty and imagination. A world you won’t forget.” Samantha Shannon, international bestselling author of The Bone Season, on A Shiver of Snow and Sky.
Her return to New England brings her little comfort or closure. Her father seems convinced she should have stayed away, and the family’s old farmhouse that stands by the bog―known as the Moss―seems particularly upset to see her again. Darkly familiar shadows and specters fill her dreams, her periphery, the quiet spaces between her thoughts.
But something else is following her, pulling her in to the Moss, and it’s growing stronger by the day. With the help of a local boy, who had confessed his feelings for her just before she went away, Emma delves deeper and deeper into the mystery of the growing hauntings―and learns that not only might her sister still be alive, but if she’s willing to put herself in grave danger, there might just be a chance to save her.
“It reads like a long-lost fable, rich with beauty and imagination. A world you won’t forget.” Samantha Shannon, international bestselling author of The Bone Season, on A Shiver of Snow and Sky.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 30, 2025
6 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 15, 2025
I’m all in when an author invites me into the chilling halls of a haunted, sinister, gothic house—one that gives me shivers, makes me hide under the covers, and yet keeps me compulsively flipping pages long past midnight. There’s nothing quite like that creeping dread and heart-pounding suspense to get the adrenaline pumping—and this YA paranormal horror mystery delivers everything I crave.
Set in a ghostly town in northern Maine—a place that feels straight out of Stephen King’s eerie universe—this story has serious “Haunting of Hill House” vibes, complete with a sprawling, moss-covered property that feels alive in the most terrifying way. The bog itself, known as the Moss, becomes a character of its own: vast, mysterious, and utterly menacing.
The book opens with a strong, atmospheric scene of two young sisters, Eve and Emma, playing in their strange childhood home in Scarrow when a bird hits the window. What follows—an act of kindness and the appearance of a spectral deer—sets the tone perfectly. I was hooked from page one. There’s a constant sense of foreboding, and I just knew something wasn’t right.
Fast-forward: tragedy has struck. Their mother is gone, and now Eve has disappeared too—leaving behind only a cryptic warning to avoid the Sedge Man, a chilling figure shrouded in mystery. With nowhere else to turn, their father sends Emma to live in Los Angeles with an aunt, far from the whispers and trauma of their hometown. But distance doesn’t bring peace. The past still haunts Emma—until, 368 days later, she makes the bold decision to return home.
Almost instantly, Emma is plagued by strange visions: a ghostly girl she doesn’t recognize appears on the plane, and upon landing, she’s met by Jordan, the boy who once confessed his feelings to her. While her emotions are in turmoil, her mission is clear—find Eve, uncover the truth, and face whatever darkness has taken root in their home. But the closer she gets, the more the moss seems to tighten its grip. Her dreams blur with reality, and the house seems to pulse with secrets. What really happened to Eve? What became of their mother? And most haunting of all—will Emma be next?
The ending was a showstopper—jaw-dropping and unexpected in the best way. While the pacing unfolds slowly, it builds tension in a perfectly haunting rhythm. This is a dark, eerie, gorgeously written tale filled with sisterly bonds, secrets, and supernatural suspense. If you're a horror fan who loves ghost stories with depth and dread, this is your next must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goosebump-inducing, sisterhood-powered stars!
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with this deliciously dark digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved every minute of the dread!
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Set in a ghostly town in northern Maine—a place that feels straight out of Stephen King’s eerie universe—this story has serious “Haunting of Hill House” vibes, complete with a sprawling, moss-covered property that feels alive in the most terrifying way. The bog itself, known as the Moss, becomes a character of its own: vast, mysterious, and utterly menacing.
The book opens with a strong, atmospheric scene of two young sisters, Eve and Emma, playing in their strange childhood home in Scarrow when a bird hits the window. What follows—an act of kindness and the appearance of a spectral deer—sets the tone perfectly. I was hooked from page one. There’s a constant sense of foreboding, and I just knew something wasn’t right.
Fast-forward: tragedy has struck. Their mother is gone, and now Eve has disappeared too—leaving behind only a cryptic warning to avoid the Sedge Man, a chilling figure shrouded in mystery. With nowhere else to turn, their father sends Emma to live in Los Angeles with an aunt, far from the whispers and trauma of their hometown. But distance doesn’t bring peace. The past still haunts Emma—until, 368 days later, she makes the bold decision to return home.
Almost instantly, Emma is plagued by strange visions: a ghostly girl she doesn’t recognize appears on the plane, and upon landing, she’s met by Jordan, the boy who once confessed his feelings to her. While her emotions are in turmoil, her mission is clear—find Eve, uncover the truth, and face whatever darkness has taken root in their home. But the closer she gets, the more the moss seems to tighten its grip. Her dreams blur with reality, and the house seems to pulse with secrets. What really happened to Eve? What became of their mother? And most haunting of all—will Emma be next?
The ending was a showstopper—jaw-dropping and unexpected in the best way. While the pacing unfolds slowly, it builds tension in a perfectly haunting rhythm. This is a dark, eerie, gorgeously written tale filled with sisterly bonds, secrets, and supernatural suspense. If you're a horror fan who loves ghost stories with depth and dread, this is your next must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goosebump-inducing, sisterhood-powered stars!
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with this deliciously dark digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved every minute of the dread!
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
October 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this – the perfect chilling read for October, laced with ghosts and creeping dread, wreathed around the unbreakable bond between two sisters.
August 28, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and by how sincerely creepy it was. I didn’t expect to be so unsettled as I was reading. I actually had to stop several times as I didn’t want to start imagining ghosts out of the corner of my eye right before bed.
The general plot revolves around a young female protagonist and her father. Her sister has gone missing like her mother went missing years prior. Both had an odd, ghostly attraction to the wet, mossy, dangerous bogland surrounding their farm. Images out of Celtic horror and two hundred year old murders seem to drift in on the mist over the bog. And slowly the protagonist is also beginning to feel drawn to the land. But she is determined to find out what happened to her sister before it is too late and the same happens to her. The closer she gets the more haunted she feels.
Sometimes “atmospheric and poetic” can be a euphemistic description for what turns out to be a long winded, boring book. Not in this case. This novel is exciting from page one, and while there are a few sections that I felt were a tad bit repetitive, the psychological elements of terror really keep you turning those pages. There are also a few places in which the author discusses how dry and hot it is—how much rain has been lacking. But you really can’t flip back and forth between draught and wet bogland. It just doesn’t work out ecologically. (Again this is an ARC so the author may have fixed these little moments). The prose itself is extremely well structured. There are so many beautiful lines!
Here are some examples:
“I can remember the day Dad told us, as vividly as if it were yesterday, that Mom had disappeared. Then without warning, she slipped quietly into past tense and never came back out of it.”
“The rest of your life seems so much longer after you’ve lost someone.”
Overall, I definitely recommend this to horror fans and thriller fans alike. It’s such a fun, engaging read, and I couldn’t put it down.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and by how sincerely creepy it was. I didn’t expect to be so unsettled as I was reading. I actually had to stop several times as I didn’t want to start imagining ghosts out of the corner of my eye right before bed.
The general plot revolves around a young female protagonist and her father. Her sister has gone missing like her mother went missing years prior. Both had an odd, ghostly attraction to the wet, mossy, dangerous bogland surrounding their farm. Images out of Celtic horror and two hundred year old murders seem to drift in on the mist over the bog. And slowly the protagonist is also beginning to feel drawn to the land. But she is determined to find out what happened to her sister before it is too late and the same happens to her. The closer she gets the more haunted she feels.
Sometimes “atmospheric and poetic” can be a euphemistic description for what turns out to be a long winded, boring book. Not in this case. This novel is exciting from page one, and while there are a few sections that I felt were a tad bit repetitive, the psychological elements of terror really keep you turning those pages. There are also a few places in which the author discusses how dry and hot it is—how much rain has been lacking. But you really can’t flip back and forth between draught and wet bogland. It just doesn’t work out ecologically. (Again this is an ARC so the author may have fixed these little moments). The prose itself is extremely well structured. There are so many beautiful lines!
Here are some examples:
“I can remember the day Dad told us, as vividly as if it were yesterday, that Mom had disappeared. Then without warning, she slipped quietly into past tense and never came back out of it.”
“The rest of your life seems so much longer after you’ve lost someone.”
Overall, I definitely recommend this to horror fans and thriller fans alike. It’s such a fun, engaging read, and I couldn’t put it down.
June 13, 2025
Alert! Bog horror, bog horror!
Okay, now that that's out of my system, let's talk about Emma, our seventeen-year-old protagonist who’s basically living my worst nightmare: stuck in a creaky old house in Maine next to a bog called the Moss that’s so eerie it might as well have its own horror movie soundtrack. I mean, a misty, sinister bog? That’s the kind of place where I’d lose my favorite scrunchie and my sanity in one go. Emma’s dealing with ghosts—literal and figurative—because her sister vanished into this bog, and her mom disappeared too. The vibes? Straight-up gothic, like if Jane Eyre got lost in a Stephen King novel. I was hooked.
Lueddecke’s writing is where this book shines like a full moon on a foggy night. It’s lush, atmospheric, and so vivid I could practically smell the peat and hear the creak of that haunted house. I read most of this curled up on my recliner, and I swear I kept glancing at my windows expecting to see some shadowy figure staring back. The way she weaves the bond between Emma and her missing sister had me tearing up—ugh, my heart! It’s like, I wanted to hug Emma and also maybe sage the entire house for her. Sisterly love wrapped in creeping dread? Yes, please.
It’s a slow burn, and I mean ~slow~. Like, I get it, we’re building tension, but sometimes I was like, “Emma, girl, can we speed-run this ghost hunt? I have laundry to do.” The horror elements are deliciously spooky, but a few jump-scares felt like they were trying too hard, like a Halloween pop-up store animatronic. Still, when the chills hit, they hit.
What I loved most, though, was how the story felt like a long-lost fable, all rich and dreamy. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s about grief, family, and facing your fears. I was rooting for Emma so hard, though I won’t lie, I wanted a birmore closure. Like, throw me a bone, Lisa, I’m emotionally invested here!
The Moss is a gorgeous, spooky read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good haunted house tale with heart or a good bog horror (yes, that is a genre!). I could’ve done with one less “what was that shadow?” moment, but it’s so atmospheric and heartfelt I couldn’t put it down. Read it, love it, and maybe don’t go near any bogs, swamps, marshes, or fens afterward.
(Yes, I was googling the differences between wetlands halfway through this novel).
Okay, now that that's out of my system, let's talk about Emma, our seventeen-year-old protagonist who’s basically living my worst nightmare: stuck in a creaky old house in Maine next to a bog called the Moss that’s so eerie it might as well have its own horror movie soundtrack. I mean, a misty, sinister bog? That’s the kind of place where I’d lose my favorite scrunchie and my sanity in one go. Emma’s dealing with ghosts—literal and figurative—because her sister vanished into this bog, and her mom disappeared too. The vibes? Straight-up gothic, like if Jane Eyre got lost in a Stephen King novel. I was hooked.
Lueddecke’s writing is where this book shines like a full moon on a foggy night. It’s lush, atmospheric, and so vivid I could practically smell the peat and hear the creak of that haunted house. I read most of this curled up on my recliner, and I swear I kept glancing at my windows expecting to see some shadowy figure staring back. The way she weaves the bond between Emma and her missing sister had me tearing up—ugh, my heart! It’s like, I wanted to hug Emma and also maybe sage the entire house for her. Sisterly love wrapped in creeping dread? Yes, please.
It’s a slow burn, and I mean ~slow~. Like, I get it, we’re building tension, but sometimes I was like, “Emma, girl, can we speed-run this ghost hunt? I have laundry to do.” The horror elements are deliciously spooky, but a few jump-scares felt like they were trying too hard, like a Halloween pop-up store animatronic. Still, when the chills hit, they hit.
What I loved most, though, was how the story felt like a long-lost fable, all rich and dreamy. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s about grief, family, and facing your fears. I was rooting for Emma so hard, though I won’t lie, I wanted a birmore closure. Like, throw me a bone, Lisa, I’m emotionally invested here!
The Moss is a gorgeous, spooky read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good haunted house tale with heart or a good bog horror (yes, that is a genre!). I could’ve done with one less “what was that shadow?” moment, but it’s so atmospheric and heartfelt I couldn’t put it down. Read it, love it, and maybe don’t go near any bogs, swamps, marshes, or fens afterward.
(Yes, I was googling the differences between wetlands halfway through this novel).
August 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.
Seventeen-year-old Emma is haunted. Not just by ghosts but by her sister's disappearance into the Moss, the giant bog near their house.
The book starts with one of the best opening sentences I've ever read. You know it's going to be a good book when it starts off so well.
The Moss is depicted with pitch-perfect descriptions as a sentient, malevolent area. Lisa expertly conjures up an eerie, spine-tingling atmosphere thanks to her incredible gift for description. And Lisa's wonderful use of language is obvious throughout the entire book - I don't think I've ever used the highlight feature quite so generously but her descriptions are so beautiful, visceral and hard-hitting without being overwhelming that I know I'll want to go back and read them again.
I also loved the character of Emma. Her feisty nature and the way she stood up for herself were admirable. It's nice to read about a heroine who doesn't let people away with too much!
I will watch Lisa's career with interest and can't wait to read her next book.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this review contains my own unbiased thoughts.
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.
Seventeen-year-old Emma is haunted. Not just by ghosts but by her sister's disappearance into the Moss, the giant bog near their house.
The book starts with one of the best opening sentences I've ever read. You know it's going to be a good book when it starts off so well.
The Moss is depicted with pitch-perfect descriptions as a sentient, malevolent area. Lisa expertly conjures up an eerie, spine-tingling atmosphere thanks to her incredible gift for description. And Lisa's wonderful use of language is obvious throughout the entire book - I don't think I've ever used the highlight feature quite so generously but her descriptions are so beautiful, visceral and hard-hitting without being overwhelming that I know I'll want to go back and read them again.
I also loved the character of Emma. Her feisty nature and the way she stood up for herself were admirable. It's nice to read about a heroine who doesn't let people away with too much!
I will watch Lisa's career with interest and can't wait to read her next book.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this review contains my own unbiased thoughts.
July 23, 2025
3.5
What a hauntingly good time following Emma's story.
Emma has been having visions of ghosts and hearing voices ever since her mother and sister went missing.
Some presumed her dad was the suspect but Emma was convinced their disappearance was tied to the bog that was next to their home.
Plagued by the undead she goes on a journey to discover the truth with Jordan the boy who stood by her side when everyone else abandoned her.
This story was creepy, entertaining, and just overall an enjoyable story.
Some parts were a bit slow but the prose and atmospheric writing was easy to consume making it for a great slump buster book.
I would absolutely recommend this story for a good creepy fall read to anyone that is entering into the horror genre.
I think its dark enough but not overly descriptive that newer readers into this genre would feel some of the heart pounding moments without a to of descriptive gore. I would say that seasoned horror readers may find this to be slightly lacking though; as its marketed as YA I don't forsee that being a major issue though given the intended audience.
Overall this is a great paranormal mystery with some suspenseful moments and endearing characters.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for this advanced reader copy all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a hauntingly good time following Emma's story.
Emma has been having visions of ghosts and hearing voices ever since her mother and sister went missing.
Some presumed her dad was the suspect but Emma was convinced their disappearance was tied to the bog that was next to their home.
Plagued by the undead she goes on a journey to discover the truth with Jordan the boy who stood by her side when everyone else abandoned her.
This story was creepy, entertaining, and just overall an enjoyable story.
Some parts were a bit slow but the prose and atmospheric writing was easy to consume making it for a great slump buster book.
I would absolutely recommend this story for a good creepy fall read to anyone that is entering into the horror genre.
I think its dark enough but not overly descriptive that newer readers into this genre would feel some of the heart pounding moments without a to of descriptive gore. I would say that seasoned horror readers may find this to be slightly lacking though; as its marketed as YA I don't forsee that being a major issue though given the intended audience.
Overall this is a great paranormal mystery with some suspenseful moments and endearing characters.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for this advanced reader copy all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 30, 2025
Bog Horror is all the rage right now, and while I’ve managed to collect a few books in this eerie new subgenre, The Moss was the first one I actually sat down to read—and I devoured it in a single sitting.
What’s meant to be a slow-burn, haunting tale quickly pulled me in with its immersive atmosphere and steadily building tension. Between the ghosts, strange creatures lurking in the bog, the mysterious moss itself, and the missing family members haunting Emma and her father, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what might be a product of Emma’s imagination, and that uncertainty makes the story all the more gripping.
Lisa Lueddecke’s writing is beautifully eerie and atmospheric, making The Moss a perfect fall read. Normally, I find multiple timelines or jumps between timelines distracting, but in this case, they added real depth to the story and enhanced the overall sense of mystery.
This was my first book by Lueddecke, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy.
What’s meant to be a slow-burn, haunting tale quickly pulled me in with its immersive atmosphere and steadily building tension. Between the ghosts, strange creatures lurking in the bog, the mysterious moss itself, and the missing family members haunting Emma and her father, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what might be a product of Emma’s imagination, and that uncertainty makes the story all the more gripping.
Lisa Lueddecke’s writing is beautifully eerie and atmospheric, making The Moss a perfect fall read. Normally, I find multiple timelines or jumps between timelines distracting, but in this case, they added real depth to the story and enhanced the overall sense of mystery.
This was my first book by Lueddecke, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy.
August 26, 2024
disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Moss is a young adult horror that takes place in a haunted, strange house steeped in a dark presence of some sort, situated next to a bog which lures people in - those who have a gifted sight & seeps into their very being & their very souls. It had such a good premise & had a really strong opening & a really strong finish - but it unfortunately dragged in the middle for me a little. Strong characterisation and I absolutely adored the vibe. This is definitely a novel I'd recommend for anyone looking for an eerie & subtle horror story with mystical vibes.
The Moss is a young adult horror that takes place in a haunted, strange house steeped in a dark presence of some sort, situated next to a bog which lures people in - those who have a gifted sight & seeps into their very being & their very souls. It had such a good premise & had a really strong opening & a really strong finish - but it unfortunately dragged in the middle for me a little. Strong characterisation and I absolutely adored the vibe. This is definitely a novel I'd recommend for anyone looking for an eerie & subtle horror story with mystical vibes.
June 22, 2025
★★★ ½
i've always been a sucker for houses that hold history, and i can say confidently that the moss has delivered—sharing with me its own little folktale of the rips in the seams between this world and one that is not-quite-ours, tethered by hope and want and the unwavering resolve to not give up on those we love. driven by an urge to find the fate that befell her presumed-dead sister and mother, protagonist emma carver provides a distinct determination that feels real to us: that doesn't cross over into the realm of "badass for the sake of it" like some other young adult fmcs i've come across. though the writing feels simple, as is characteristic of ya, it also works in this book's favor—especially as it doesn't try to preach moral pedantry to its readers and lets the themes of the story speak for themselves.
more than anything, i appreciate that this book didn't try to overstay its welcome or try to be something too lofty and then fail to deliver. its simplicity works well, and allows it to devote more time to the smaller, emotional moments that really flesh out the characters and their worries (and, of course, the hauntings in the bog). with that said, the environment seemed more eerie than downright scary, which—though incredible to build the atmosphere that creeped into the hearts of the carver family—lent itself to me not feeling as impacted by the climactic scenes of the novel as i could have. overall a great title, but perhaps may resonate more with those less acclimated to horror as a genre.
thank you to simon and schuster and netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own.
i've always been a sucker for houses that hold history, and i can say confidently that the moss has delivered—sharing with me its own little folktale of the rips in the seams between this world and one that is not-quite-ours, tethered by hope and want and the unwavering resolve to not give up on those we love. driven by an urge to find the fate that befell her presumed-dead sister and mother, protagonist emma carver provides a distinct determination that feels real to us: that doesn't cross over into the realm of "badass for the sake of it" like some other young adult fmcs i've come across. though the writing feels simple, as is characteristic of ya, it also works in this book's favor—especially as it doesn't try to preach moral pedantry to its readers and lets the themes of the story speak for themselves.
more than anything, i appreciate that this book didn't try to overstay its welcome or try to be something too lofty and then fail to deliver. its simplicity works well, and allows it to devote more time to the smaller, emotional moments that really flesh out the characters and their worries (and, of course, the hauntings in the bog). with that said, the environment seemed more eerie than downright scary, which—though incredible to build the atmosphere that creeped into the hearts of the carver family—lent itself to me not feeling as impacted by the climactic scenes of the novel as i could have. overall a great title, but perhaps may resonate more with those less acclimated to horror as a genre.
thank you to simon and schuster and netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own.
August 9, 2025
2.75⭐️
I wish I enjoyed this book but unfortunately found the story to feel flat. I didn’t find myself interested in the mystery or quite frankly the Moss… there was no shock factor but I did like how descriptive the scenes were to explain what’s seen in the Moss. I also appreciate the way grief is handled in this story. And not just the grief of completely losing someone due to tragedy but the feeling when someone is no longer present in your life.
I wish I enjoyed this book but unfortunately found the story to feel flat. I didn’t find myself interested in the mystery or quite frankly the Moss… there was no shock factor but I did like how descriptive the scenes were to explain what’s seen in the Moss. I also appreciate the way grief is handled in this story. And not just the grief of completely losing someone due to tragedy but the feeling when someone is no longer present in your life.
February 14, 2025
3 . 5 stars
this was very good I found the blurb interesting so I listened to it at some points I got bored for the most part I was interested .I'm scared of the moss to
this was very good I found the blurb interesting so I listened to it at some points I got bored for the most part I was interested .I'm scared of the moss to
July 14, 2025
BOG HORROR! This was one of the most atmospheric YA paranormal stories I’ve ever read. This book provides the ultimate escapism, perfect for spooky season, and I cannot wait for everyone to be able to experience the town of Scarrow this September.
If I could describe this book aesthetically, I’d compare it to a modern Jane Eyre. It’s ghostly, it’s foggy, it’s bleak, it’s gothic, even though it takes place in small town Maine. It’s not really in your face horror and is definitely a slow burn, and the horror more about the vibes. It’s chilling not from jump scares or constant twists, but more of an atmospheric horror. Just the setting alone is unsettling. This is a haunted house story, bog horror, and a ghost story all in one. You’ve got a main character who sees dead girls, not to mention the dead girls stand in the trees staring at you the whole time, plus a haunted bog next to a gothic house built in the 1700s. Gruesome visions, dead girls, paranormal experiences the moment she’s back in Scarrow, this girl is braver than I am lmao.
The vibes are the strongest part of this book. One of the most atmospheric YA horror books I’ve read! Not only is it set in a haunted moss covered house next to an eerie bog called The Moss, the town of Scarrow itself is ghostly. The fact that Emma leaves nice and safe Los Angeles to come back to this home right next to the bog that not only her sister but also her mother disappeared into? She’s braver than me! But Emma does decide to return to Scarrow a year after her sister’s disappearance, who left no clue except a cryptic message saying she wants to be with their missing mother, thinks she knows how to find her, and to “stay away from the sedge man”. Which, hearing that would make me want to stay far away in sunny LA even more. Though, it is sad that her dad was in that lonely and haunted house next to that weird bog by himself for a year.
There’s also a huge sense of, the characters know more than they’re letting on, which SIGNIFICANTLY ups the readability factor. Emma’s dad seems unaware, but little hints get dropped that makes you wonder if he knows more about the bog than he’s letting on. Like constantly warning Emma against the bog and if she asks if it’s because she’ll drown, he says “if you’re lucky”. Then goes on to call The Moss a predator, liminal, always watching. Not only is there clearly something paranormal going on, but Emma’s dad is not blissfully unaware, even if he is unaware of the gruesome visions and dead people that she sees.
“Ghosts don’t care if we believe in them or not. They’ll haunt you all the same.”
September really is the perfect release date for this book because aside from the atmospheric misty vibes, The Moss takes place during autumn too! Apple picking and fall events are scattered in amongst all the ghostly sightings. And yes, while it is a slow burn, it still works because the mystery is enticing enough to keep you flipping the pages. It never feels boring, because the stakes are high enough to keep you motivated to keep reading, so in this case, it works. Not too much happens before the end because of how slow it is, but somehow it still works. It never feels like it lags and it goes by quickly.
However, the ending felt a bit too inconclusive for my taste. I wanted more of an explanation than what we got. Some readers probably would be ok with how it ended, but I wanted to know more about the mysteries of the bog! Overall though, a gorgeous and atmospheric read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
If I could describe this book aesthetically, I’d compare it to a modern Jane Eyre. It’s ghostly, it’s foggy, it’s bleak, it’s gothic, even though it takes place in small town Maine. It’s not really in your face horror and is definitely a slow burn, and the horror more about the vibes. It’s chilling not from jump scares or constant twists, but more of an atmospheric horror. Just the setting alone is unsettling. This is a haunted house story, bog horror, and a ghost story all in one. You’ve got a main character who sees dead girls, not to mention the dead girls stand in the trees staring at you the whole time, plus a haunted bog next to a gothic house built in the 1700s. Gruesome visions, dead girls, paranormal experiences the moment she’s back in Scarrow, this girl is braver than I am lmao.
The vibes are the strongest part of this book. One of the most atmospheric YA horror books I’ve read! Not only is it set in a haunted moss covered house next to an eerie bog called The Moss, the town of Scarrow itself is ghostly. The fact that Emma leaves nice and safe Los Angeles to come back to this home right next to the bog that not only her sister but also her mother disappeared into? She’s braver than me! But Emma does decide to return to Scarrow a year after her sister’s disappearance, who left no clue except a cryptic message saying she wants to be with their missing mother, thinks she knows how to find her, and to “stay away from the sedge man”. Which, hearing that would make me want to stay far away in sunny LA even more. Though, it is sad that her dad was in that lonely and haunted house next to that weird bog by himself for a year.
There’s also a huge sense of, the characters know more than they’re letting on, which SIGNIFICANTLY ups the readability factor. Emma’s dad seems unaware, but little hints get dropped that makes you wonder if he knows more about the bog than he’s letting on. Like constantly warning Emma against the bog and if she asks if it’s because she’ll drown, he says “if you’re lucky”. Then goes on to call The Moss a predator, liminal, always watching. Not only is there clearly something paranormal going on, but Emma’s dad is not blissfully unaware, even if he is unaware of the gruesome visions and dead people that she sees.
“Ghosts don’t care if we believe in them or not. They’ll haunt you all the same.”
September really is the perfect release date for this book because aside from the atmospheric misty vibes, The Moss takes place during autumn too! Apple picking and fall events are scattered in amongst all the ghostly sightings. And yes, while it is a slow burn, it still works because the mystery is enticing enough to keep you flipping the pages. It never feels boring, because the stakes are high enough to keep you motivated to keep reading, so in this case, it works. Not too much happens before the end because of how slow it is, but somehow it still works. It never feels like it lags and it goes by quickly.
However, the ending felt a bit too inconclusive for my taste. I wanted more of an explanation than what we got. Some readers probably would be ok with how it ended, but I wanted to know more about the mysteries of the bog! Overall though, a gorgeous and atmospheric read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
June 17, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Moss” by Lisa Lueddecke is a haunting, atmospheric YA thriller that sinks its tendrils into you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. With gothic undertones and a creeping sense of dread, it’s a story that’s equal parts supernatural mystery and emotional exploration of grief, sisterhood, and the enduring pull of the past.
Set in the eerie town of Scarrow, Maine, the book centers around 17-year-old Emma, whose life has been upended by the mysterious disappearances of both her mother and older sister, Eve. A year after Eve vanishes, Emma returns home from Los Angeles, drawn back to the boggy, moss-covered land surrounding her childhood home. The Moss is more than just a setting here. It pulses with unsettling energy, an entity unto itself that lures, whispers, and threatens to consume.
Lueddecke’s prose is lush and lyrical, the kind that paints pictures in your mind and conjures goosebumps on your skin. From the creaking old house to the spectral sightings and strange dreams, the atmosphere is thick with unease. There’s a slow, deliberate pacing to the narrative that might test some readers' patience, but it serves a purpose -- building a dense fog of suspense before plunging you into the heart of the mystery. By the time Emma ventures into the Moss, the dread is palpable and inescapable.
The emotional core of the book lies in the bond between Emma and Eve. Even in absence, their relationship drives the story forward. Emma’s unwavering belief that her sister might still be alive, somewhere inside the Moss, lends the story a tragic urgency. Her journey is as much about confronting personal grief as it is about surviving a supernatural threat.
The horror here isn’t flashy; it’s subtle and psychological, with a few well-placed jump-scares and a deeply unsettling tone that lingers long after the final page. At times, it reads like a dark fairytale or long-lost legend, filled with whispers in the dark and shadowy figures in the fog. Readers who enjoy atmospheric stories will feel right at home and equally unnerved.
While some parts of the middle section drag slightly, and you may crave more immediate answers, the payoff is well worth the wait. The final act delivers both emotional and narrative closure, with a twisty, evocative ending that stays true to the story’s dreamlike, nightmarish feel.
Overall, “The Moss” is a gorgeously written, deeply eerie tale about loss, love, and the darkness we carry with us. It’s a slow-burn ghost story for those who love atmosphere, sisterly bonds, and supernatural forces rooted in nature. Just don’t read it near a swamp or alone at night.
“The Moss” by Lisa Lueddecke is a haunting, atmospheric YA thriller that sinks its tendrils into you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. With gothic undertones and a creeping sense of dread, it’s a story that’s equal parts supernatural mystery and emotional exploration of grief, sisterhood, and the enduring pull of the past.
Set in the eerie town of Scarrow, Maine, the book centers around 17-year-old Emma, whose life has been upended by the mysterious disappearances of both her mother and older sister, Eve. A year after Eve vanishes, Emma returns home from Los Angeles, drawn back to the boggy, moss-covered land surrounding her childhood home. The Moss is more than just a setting here. It pulses with unsettling energy, an entity unto itself that lures, whispers, and threatens to consume.
Lueddecke’s prose is lush and lyrical, the kind that paints pictures in your mind and conjures goosebumps on your skin. From the creaking old house to the spectral sightings and strange dreams, the atmosphere is thick with unease. There’s a slow, deliberate pacing to the narrative that might test some readers' patience, but it serves a purpose -- building a dense fog of suspense before plunging you into the heart of the mystery. By the time Emma ventures into the Moss, the dread is palpable and inescapable.
The emotional core of the book lies in the bond between Emma and Eve. Even in absence, their relationship drives the story forward. Emma’s unwavering belief that her sister might still be alive, somewhere inside the Moss, lends the story a tragic urgency. Her journey is as much about confronting personal grief as it is about surviving a supernatural threat.
The horror here isn’t flashy; it’s subtle and psychological, with a few well-placed jump-scares and a deeply unsettling tone that lingers long after the final page. At times, it reads like a dark fairytale or long-lost legend, filled with whispers in the dark and shadowy figures in the fog. Readers who enjoy atmospheric stories will feel right at home and equally unnerved.
While some parts of the middle section drag slightly, and you may crave more immediate answers, the payoff is well worth the wait. The final act delivers both emotional and narrative closure, with a twisty, evocative ending that stays true to the story’s dreamlike, nightmarish feel.
Overall, “The Moss” is a gorgeously written, deeply eerie tale about loss, love, and the darkness we carry with us. It’s a slow-burn ghost story for those who love atmosphere, sisterly bonds, and supernatural forces rooted in nature. Just don’t read it near a swamp or alone at night.
June 10, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
THE MOSS by Lisa Lueddecke
Thank you Netgalley and Simon&Shuester (SimonTeen) for the earc (Sept 30)
A year after the disappearance of her sister, Emma returns home. With no leads on her sister's disappearance Emma is left wondering what happened. The Moss calls to her, pulling her in as things lurk in the shadows. Emma can't help but wonder if the Moss called to her sister too.
What initially drew me into THE MOSS was the cover and description. With its eeriness, plant-like/environment-y atmosphere, I immediately thought this sounded something that Amy Goldsmith and Ginny Myers Sain would write (both of which are very talented authors who create gothic-y, very moody, atmospheres). Safe to say, with its chilling atmosphere, descriptions like pictures being painted, and something like the Moss itself, this book hit those notes.
THE MOSS is utterly creepy. This YA thriller has notes of horror that really left me on edge and with a lot of questions. I wanted to know EVERYTHING. What Emma was seeing, what happened to her sister, is the Moss a living thing? Throughout the entirety of this book, that's what I was thinking. Parts of this book felt a little dragged out, specifically toward the middle. I think---for the most part---that's because I wanted to know the answers to those questions I listed, and I wanted to know them asap. Like wanting the book to be over kind of asap---but not in a bad way. Despite that, I liked this book. I thought the characters were likeable, and thar it was all out interesting. This book comes out just in time for Halloween with all its thrills and chills.
THE MOSS by Lisa Lueddecke
Thank you Netgalley and Simon&Shuester (SimonTeen) for the earc (Sept 30)
A year after the disappearance of her sister, Emma returns home. With no leads on her sister's disappearance Emma is left wondering what happened. The Moss calls to her, pulling her in as things lurk in the shadows. Emma can't help but wonder if the Moss called to her sister too.
What initially drew me into THE MOSS was the cover and description. With its eeriness, plant-like/environment-y atmosphere, I immediately thought this sounded something that Amy Goldsmith and Ginny Myers Sain would write (both of which are very talented authors who create gothic-y, very moody, atmospheres). Safe to say, with its chilling atmosphere, descriptions like pictures being painted, and something like the Moss itself, this book hit those notes.
THE MOSS is utterly creepy. This YA thriller has notes of horror that really left me on edge and with a lot of questions. I wanted to know EVERYTHING. What Emma was seeing, what happened to her sister, is the Moss a living thing? Throughout the entirety of this book, that's what I was thinking. Parts of this book felt a little dragged out, specifically toward the middle. I think---for the most part---that's because I wanted to know the answers to those questions I listed, and I wanted to know them asap. Like wanting the book to be over kind of asap---but not in a bad way. Despite that, I liked this book. I thought the characters were likeable, and thar it was all out interesting. This book comes out just in time for Halloween with all its thrills and chills.
July 22, 2025
Creeping, paranormal horror of nature - and how the unknown can both entice us and frighten us.
Emma, our teenage protagonist, is returning home to Maine after a year spent away after the loss of her sister (and several years after the loss of her mother) to the Moss, a bog bordering their town. No one could locate them or their deceased bodies, and the mystery has put an unwelcome mark on Emma's father. Emma is a believable character, and it was interesting seeing the mystery and horror unfold from her viewpoint, as someone related to it all but still young enough to react with a dash of emotionality.
The Moss is an intriguing set piece, complete with a borderline supernatural feeling. There are places in the world that are mysterious in the most unsettling ways, and the Moss is portrayed in this manner. It held a spookiness to it that made me squirm a little as the main characters edged ever closer to its borders and away from the safety of the house and town.
I enjoyed the mystery build-up of what happened to Emma's sister. We eventually learn what happened to her and her mother toward the last 20% of the story. The present-day chapters are broken up with "Before Mom" (before Emma's mother disappeared into the bog) and "After Eve" (after Emma's sister disappeared into the bog) that helped to build the setting, the characters, and their relationship with each other. The sisterly bond is quite strong as it drives Emma to make life-altering choices to find out what became of her sister.
Overall, a nice suspenseful read with an otherworldly-feeling horror that had me reading until the end.
Emma, our teenage protagonist, is returning home to Maine after a year spent away after the loss of her sister (and several years after the loss of her mother) to the Moss, a bog bordering their town. No one could locate them or their deceased bodies, and the mystery has put an unwelcome mark on Emma's father. Emma is a believable character, and it was interesting seeing the mystery and horror unfold from her viewpoint, as someone related to it all but still young enough to react with a dash of emotionality.
The Moss is an intriguing set piece, complete with a borderline supernatural feeling. There are places in the world that are mysterious in the most unsettling ways, and the Moss is portrayed in this manner. It held a spookiness to it that made me squirm a little as the main characters edged ever closer to its borders and away from the safety of the house and town.
I enjoyed the mystery build-up of what happened to Emma's sister. We eventually learn what happened to her and her mother toward the last 20% of the story. The present-day chapters are broken up with "Before Mom" (before Emma's mother disappeared into the bog) and "After Eve" (after Emma's sister disappeared into the bog) that helped to build the setting, the characters, and their relationship with each other. The sisterly bond is quite strong as it drives Emma to make life-altering choices to find out what became of her sister.
Overall, a nice suspenseful read with an otherworldly-feeling horror that had me reading until the end.
January 7, 2025
The Moss is a beautifully haunting book that tells the story of a grieving family, the ghosts of the past, and the lengths we will go to save those we love.
Emma's Mother & sister have both disappeared, one after the other, and there have been no traces of them in the years since. But Emma knows where they went: into the Moss, the vast bog next to their home. Emma herself has heard its call, and been haunted by it her whole life; she knows the Moss wants her to venture inside, and lose herself like her Mom and sister did. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Emma believes that her sister is still alive, lost somewhere in the bog, and she is determined to find her, no matter the cost.
I really enjoyed this story. It is softly spooky and reels you in almost like a fairytale; by the time the reader learns just how dark and malicious the bog is, it's too late, and we have no choice but to brave it with Emma. It is a slow burn, and I expected to enter the bog earlier in the story; but without saying much to avoid spoilers, it is so worth it to wait for that part of the book.
The Moss does discuss grief, both personal and in a family setting; so please be aware of that going in. The subject is handled gently and very well.
I would recommend The Moss to readers who enjoy ghost stories, ancient, mysterious bogs, forests, or other natural settings in their stories, and books that highlight sisters and their relationships.
Emma's Mother & sister have both disappeared, one after the other, and there have been no traces of them in the years since. But Emma knows where they went: into the Moss, the vast bog next to their home. Emma herself has heard its call, and been haunted by it her whole life; she knows the Moss wants her to venture inside, and lose herself like her Mom and sister did. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Emma believes that her sister is still alive, lost somewhere in the bog, and she is determined to find her, no matter the cost.
I really enjoyed this story. It is softly spooky and reels you in almost like a fairytale; by the time the reader learns just how dark and malicious the bog is, it's too late, and we have no choice but to brave it with Emma. It is a slow burn, and I expected to enter the bog earlier in the story; but without saying much to avoid spoilers, it is so worth it to wait for that part of the book.
The Moss does discuss grief, both personal and in a family setting; so please be aware of that going in. The subject is handled gently and very well.
I would recommend The Moss to readers who enjoy ghost stories, ancient, mysterious bogs, forests, or other natural settings in their stories, and books that highlight sisters and their relationships.
November 14, 2024
Emma lives with her father in an old house in Maine. Beside the house is a mysterious, misty bog, called the Moss, which her father warns her never to enter. But he gave the same instruction to Emma’s sister, Eve. A year ago Eve vanished and, before that, so did the girls’ mother. With two mysterious tragedies befalling the same family, the townsfolk and police suspect the father. However, Emma is sure neither disappearance was his doing. Part of her senses Eve is still alive. Sinister voices and visions lure Emma towards the Moss. Although mindful of her father’s warning, she finds it ever harder to resist the call. With the help of school friend Jordan, she researches the house’s previous owners and discovers a treacherous history. Did something similar happen to Eve? To their mother? Does the same fate await Emma?
The writing evokes the power of nature and legend, and builds a creeping sense of menace and doom.
Although the novel is categorised as Young Adult, it felt more like adult literary fiction, along the lines of folkloric coming-of-age stories such as Lucie McKnight Hardy’s Water Shall Refuse Them or Ruth Gilligan’s The Butchers.
A good read. With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
The writing evokes the power of nature and legend, and builds a creeping sense of menace and doom.
Although the novel is categorised as Young Adult, it felt more like adult literary fiction, along the lines of folkloric coming-of-age stories such as Lucie McKnight Hardy’s Water Shall Refuse Them or Ruth Gilligan’s The Butchers.
A good read. With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
May 3, 2025
The atmosphere of this book was really good, it gave the perfect vibe for a horror story. The haunted house that seemed to have this dark presence looming over it, the bog luring people in, and the madness of how the bog seeped into people’s very souls. The eerie vibes were great. It did drag out a bit in the middle but the start of the story was good and the ending was worth the read.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For
✓ Horror
✓ Ghosts
✓ Young Adult
✓ Missing Person
✓ Haunted House Vibes
⚠️ Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Spice Level: n/a
Sad Level: 💧💧💧
Plot: 8/10
Pace: 8/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Enjoyability: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Character: Emma
Favorite Quote: (coming soon, due to this be an arc I can’t share a quote yet)
POV: First Person
Pages: 304
Format: ebook
Language: English
Release Date: 30, September 2025
July 21, 2025
First Line: We broke the rules just once, and we paid for it.
Reasons to Read:
Eerie Disappearance 🌫️ — Emma returns to her hometown where her sister vanished, with only a haunting note and a warning about the sinister Sedge Man.
Living Landscape 🌿 — The nearby bog, known as the Moss, pulses with eerie power and memory—almost as if it’s alive and watching.
Haunted Family Secrets 👻 — As whispers of her mother’s past resurface, Emma must unravel generations of darkness to rescue her sister—and herself.
Good For People Who Like: Slow burn, ethereal writing
Rating: 3 trees
Thoughts: I was sent this book from the publisher to read and what sold me on it was how atmospheric it was. And it seems like I have a very different opinion than other people, but I felt like the writing was so ethereal that it was hard to connect to. I wanted to feel closer to Emma, especially when she is with her Dad and a guy named Jordan. But I will say, the ending was quite exciting and made me raise the rating a bit.
Reasons to Read:
Eerie Disappearance 🌫️ — Emma returns to her hometown where her sister vanished, with only a haunting note and a warning about the sinister Sedge Man.
Living Landscape 🌿 — The nearby bog, known as the Moss, pulses with eerie power and memory—almost as if it’s alive and watching.
Haunted Family Secrets 👻 — As whispers of her mother’s past resurface, Emma must unravel generations of darkness to rescue her sister—and herself.
Good For People Who Like: Slow burn, ethereal writing
Rating: 3 trees
Thoughts: I was sent this book from the publisher to read and what sold me on it was how atmospheric it was. And it seems like I have a very different opinion than other people, but I felt like the writing was so ethereal that it was hard to connect to. I wanted to feel closer to Emma, especially when she is with her Dad and a guy named Jordan. But I will say, the ending was quite exciting and made me raise the rating a bit.
October 27, 2024
Initially, I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish this book, but I am pleased I did.
The Moss is a gothic mystery about a girl whose mother and sister disappeared into a strange bog outside her house. The gloomy and tense atmosphere Lueddecke creates is masterful and permeates the story entirely, creating a constant sense of foreboding. However, I found myself not entirely enthralled. The real action only truly starts about 75% of the way in, and though that section is well crafted and written, the rest of the story seems to lack pace. It is almost as if they weren't sure what was in the Moss but kept writing until an idea came.
Truly, the reason to read this novel is for Lueddecke's skill in imagery. I could imagine every awful inch of the Moss through her words, and I will look out for her books again for just this reason.
If you liked the work of Kate Alice Marshall, I think this would be for you.
The Moss is a gothic mystery about a girl whose mother and sister disappeared into a strange bog outside her house. The gloomy and tense atmosphere Lueddecke creates is masterful and permeates the story entirely, creating a constant sense of foreboding. However, I found myself not entirely enthralled. The real action only truly starts about 75% of the way in, and though that section is well crafted and written, the rest of the story seems to lack pace. It is almost as if they weren't sure what was in the Moss but kept writing until an idea came.
Truly, the reason to read this novel is for Lueddecke's skill in imagery. I could imagine every awful inch of the Moss through her words, and I will look out for her books again for just this reason.
If you liked the work of Kate Alice Marshall, I think this would be for you.
July 22, 2025
Thank you so much Simon Teen for the e-arc of this book!! I loved the atmospheric and spooky vibes right off the bat. I have always loved books and movies that have an eerie bog or forest area. The ghosts in the old gothic house made me think of The Haunting of Hill House. The mystery surrounding Eve’s disappearance mixed with the flashes to the past had me flipping the pages. The imagery was so cool and immersive. The writer’s strong point is her descriptions to make you feel both unsettled and in awe. It shows just how far a person would go to save their sister. I think anyone who loves a beautiful spooky read with all the gothic vibes would love this book. It’s coming out at the perfect time of year too!!
August 29, 2024
Received this book as an arc from NetGalley.
I loved the premise, tone and pacing of this book. However there was something that kinda dragged for me. Emma is such a good protagonist, strong, caring I really enjoyed her character.
It was a very good erie kinda creepy book that id suggest to anyone looking for that kind of read.
I loved the premise, tone and pacing of this book. However there was something that kinda dragged for me. Emma is such a good protagonist, strong, caring I really enjoyed her character.
It was a very good erie kinda creepy book that id suggest to anyone looking for that kind of read.
June 9, 2025
really enjoyed this ghost story and the idea of barrow-wights in the bog was very interesting but part of me wishes this had been more grounded in reality. it could have worked really well as an exploration of how grief affects a young woman with a predisposition to psychosis who lent into her delusions to avoid the truth of her loss and how this was a generation pattern of trauma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
This was truly a haunting read. Emma has to deal with the aftermath of the disappearance of her sister and mother. Everyone seems to have given up except for her. Is it connected to the mystery of the Moss?? This book was made for a gloomy October weekend. The scenery was beautifully descriptive and it really set the tone for the haunting story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
Thank you netgalley and Simon teen for the e-arc! All thoughts are my own. This was creepy, mysterious, and all around good ya horror story. I was intrigued by what exactly was the moss and how everything would play out and wasn’t disappointed.
April 30, 2025
Thank you to Simon Teen for the galley in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was really good. Gothic atmosphere, horror/ thriller… had me on the edge of my seat at times. A must read come the fall!
November 7, 2024
A really enjoyable fast paced read, that follows the bond of two sisters and the mysterious moss which haunts them. Page-turner which keeps you hooked until the end!
March 3, 2025
Chilling and brilliantly written. There were a few times I was certain I knew the direction the narrative was heading but I was happy to be wrong.
March 9, 2025
This was very atmospheric, Lisa Lueddecke always writes a great atmosphere and this was a really good mystery.
July 18, 2025
haunting, drowning, bewitching, and bogged haunted story filled with some absolutely well-done horror and some absolutely well-done intimidation. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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