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Invasive Species
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Expected 14 Apr 26“Dark and delectable. I gobbled this book up and enjoyed every last bite.“
—Kirsten Miller, author of The Change and The Women of Wild Hill
The women in Cold Harbor all have something to prove, and they'll have to do it in a world full of monsters.
Something’s not right in Cold Harbor—more so than usual. While this sleepy small town has seen its fair share of monsters in cheating husbands and leering bosses, none are as hungry as Mrs. Smith. The mysterious resident has finally emerged from her crumbling mansion on the hill, mesmerizing the townspeople with her beauty. Her secret? Nine human sacrifices to feed her immortality.
Natalie Scott is more worried about Mrs. Smith blocking her first real estate sale—the one that will take her from stay-at-home mom to working woman extraordinaire. She's eager to prove herself in a world where the social mores of 1980s suburbia reign, where she's expected to keep a magazine-perfect home and raise beautiful children, all while sticking to her husband's budget. Natalie's two best friends are facing their own demons, and Mrs. Smith and her deep, dark woods are an easy scapegoat for everyone's problems.
But Natalie's twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, and her Icelandic housekeeper, Una, can sense something deeper at play. Armed with library books and a whole lot of grit, Jill and Una team up to save the town once and for all. But as the rest of Cold Harbor sinks into anger, fear, and jealousy, they’ll have to confront the What does it really mean to be a monster?
—Kirsten Miller, author of The Change and The Women of Wild Hill
The women in Cold Harbor all have something to prove, and they'll have to do it in a world full of monsters.
Something’s not right in Cold Harbor—more so than usual. While this sleepy small town has seen its fair share of monsters in cheating husbands and leering bosses, none are as hungry as Mrs. Smith. The mysterious resident has finally emerged from her crumbling mansion on the hill, mesmerizing the townspeople with her beauty. Her secret? Nine human sacrifices to feed her immortality.
Natalie Scott is more worried about Mrs. Smith blocking her first real estate sale—the one that will take her from stay-at-home mom to working woman extraordinaire. She's eager to prove herself in a world where the social mores of 1980s suburbia reign, where she's expected to keep a magazine-perfect home and raise beautiful children, all while sticking to her husband's budget. Natalie's two best friends are facing their own demons, and Mrs. Smith and her deep, dark woods are an easy scapegoat for everyone's problems.
But Natalie's twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, and her Icelandic housekeeper, Una, can sense something deeper at play. Armed with library books and a whole lot of grit, Jill and Una team up to save the town once and for all. But as the rest of Cold Harbor sinks into anger, fear, and jealousy, they’ll have to confront the What does it really mean to be a monster?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 14, 2026
2612 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
68 books5,292 followersUSA Today and New York Times bestseller author Ellery Adams has written over forty novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a Native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, and rescue animals. She likes to spend her free time rearranging the bookshelves in her home in central North Carolina.
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 27, 2025
Wonderfully weird; I could not put this book down!!
Humorous at times, super creepy and unnerving at others, Invasive Species is a clash of 1980s-flavored domestic drama and mythological horror, with demons of both the supernatural and everyday sort.
I usually don't like it when a book offers the antagonist's POV, but this was definitely an exception, and I thought it was really well done. The whole thing felt super cinematic, and I could 100% see it being adapted into a movie or TV series.
I've been in a reading slump for over a month now, struggling to finish any book, but this one I devoured without pause. Highly recommend!
(Also, Ellery Adams, if you see this, I need an Una x Kristof prequel because I adored them and Una's backstory was incredible!)
Humorous at times, super creepy and unnerving at others, Invasive Species is a clash of 1980s-flavored domestic drama and mythological horror, with demons of both the supernatural and everyday sort.
I usually don't like it when a book offers the antagonist's POV, but this was definitely an exception, and I thought it was really well done. The whole thing felt super cinematic, and I could 100% see it being adapted into a movie or TV series.
I've been in a reading slump for over a month now, struggling to finish any book, but this one I devoured without pause. Highly recommend!
(Also, Ellery Adams, if you see this, I need an Una x Kristof prequel because I adored them and Una's backstory was incredible!)
October 18, 2025
Wow! I loved this one I took my time to savor this read as I got wrapped up with all the characters and the different points of view. I had my favorites Jill, Una and Charlie as they all and together to try and figure out the truth behind Mrs. Smith their odd neighbor. It was also very unique to the get the view from the monster. Every person had their own set of issues to deal and I liked all the flawed characters. Some parts made me laugh, some made me cringe, other times made me angry and some sad but that’s what makes the story so good as it draws you in and plays with your emotions.
August 9, 2025
What a weird and good book.
January 28, 2026
This was the weirdest but best book! I loved the realness of all the characters. There are multiple POVs and it works so well. The different POVs give so much more depth to all the characters. It allows you to see all their flaws as well as the other character’s flaws. Mrs. Smith was the perfect villain. Nothing redeemable about her. You’ll hate her and it makes the story that much better. I had no idea how the story was going to play out but I ate it up! I was hooked and finished this in less than a day.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC!
February 17, 2026
Invasive Species by Ellery Adams
A 1980's cape town gets rocked to its core when two children disappear during a youth regatta. Ultimately, this leaves two participants with a chilling realization that there are monsters among them and no one to protect them from the horrors seeping into their town. The parents in the town are too focused on the small town politics and suburban drama that consumes their life. The only adult that listens to the children's worries is the neighborhood nanny who lost her sister in a similar tragedy years prior to the regatta incident. In a classic 80's style adventure film, its up to the kids and one heroic adult to figure out what's going on and defeat the evil that shadows their town.
The story is told from four very different perspectives: a housewife, daughter, nanny, and evil neighborhood recluse. They guide the reader along in dynamic ways highlighting toxic traits that invade the human race as a whole, such as misogyny, body-shaming criticism from a parent, over consumption and ecological overshoot. Each point-of-view left me wondering who really is the
"invasive species."
On a personal note, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the horror genre. The writing is easily digestible. At times, I felt the story dragged with over explanation of character descriptions and internal monologue. However, it did not take away from the story. This book was like jumping into a classic 80's movie like The Goonies. It was a little scary, a little gruesome and packed full of adventure.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
A 1980's cape town gets rocked to its core when two children disappear during a youth regatta. Ultimately, this leaves two participants with a chilling realization that there are monsters among them and no one to protect them from the horrors seeping into their town. The parents in the town are too focused on the small town politics and suburban drama that consumes their life. The only adult that listens to the children's worries is the neighborhood nanny who lost her sister in a similar tragedy years prior to the regatta incident. In a classic 80's style adventure film, its up to the kids and one heroic adult to figure out what's going on and defeat the evil that shadows their town.
The story is told from four very different perspectives: a housewife, daughter, nanny, and evil neighborhood recluse. They guide the reader along in dynamic ways highlighting toxic traits that invade the human race as a whole, such as misogyny, body-shaming criticism from a parent, over consumption and ecological overshoot. Each point-of-view left me wondering who really is the
"invasive species."
On a personal note, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into the horror genre. The writing is easily digestible. At times, I felt the story dragged with over explanation of character descriptions and internal monologue. However, it did not take away from the story. This book was like jumping into a classic 80's movie like The Goonies. It was a little scary, a little gruesome and packed full of adventure.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
October 6, 2025
thank you netgalley for the ARC!
This is such an entertaining read! Right away Mrs Smith, drew me into this strange and wonderful book. The multiple POVs made this book feel so well rounded, bringing us right into this neighbourhood. Also the difference in the writing between the others and Mrs. Smith was shocking, making her feel so other worldly. I did find myself wanting to skip over to a chapter with Jill or Una because they were my favourites by far.
****4 stars ****
This is such an entertaining read! Right away Mrs Smith, drew me into this strange and wonderful book. The multiple POVs made this book feel so well rounded, bringing us right into this neighbourhood. Also the difference in the writing between the others and Mrs. Smith was shocking, making her feel so other worldly. I did find myself wanting to skip over to a chapter with Jill or Una because they were my favourites by far.
****4 stars ****
October 14, 2025
Ellery Adams delivers a spellbinding tale of womanhood, ambition, and cozy horror in Invasive Species. Set in the 1980s town of Cold Harbor, this story explores what happens when everyday monsters meet something truly supernatural. Adams weaves subtle horror through the familiar rhythms of suburban life, creating a world where PTA meetings, real estate dreams, and whispered gossip hide something far more sinister. This was such a fun departure into a new genre for Ellery!
October 5, 2025
The Mother of Eels needs to consume nine Pure Ones—children between 10 and 14—every hundred years to renew. For centuries, humans upheld a bargain: sacrifice a few to save the many. As the oceans grew crowded with oil and ships, people forgot the pact and forced her ashore. Still herself, still hungry, she takes human form as Mrs. Smith.
Invasive Species opens with Mrs. Smith on land (well, in a hot tub) reading fashion magazines from her estate high in Cold Harbor. She’s the neighborhood “witch”: kids dare each other to trespass; adults gossip. As the end of her century nears, she must emerge to feed.
Cold Harbor is an upper-class White suburb where children join swim teams and take sailing lessons. Natalie wants her first big success as a realtor—her very first listing backs up to Mrs. Smith’s property, and she sees Mrs. Smith as the obstacle to sealing the deal. Beth wants, more than anything, to be a mother; she’s known for her marriage’s heat (until Mrs. Smith starts an affair with her husband) and her Polish cookies. Elaine is determined to throw the bar mitzvah that finally wins friends for her odd child, Charles, and she needs Mrs. Smith’s approval for the fireworks she’s set on.
At the story’s center are Jill (Natalie’s daughter, all big crush and bigger sweet tooth), Charles (Elaine’s offbeat son), and Una (the Polish nanny/cleaner who works for all three women and once watched the Mother of Eels devour her sister). The board is set: Mrs. Smith must procreate and consume nine children; the women chase their own versions of success, with Mrs. Smith in the way; the children don’t intend to be eaten; Una wants protection…and revenge.
At times charming, tragic, and unsettling, Invasive Species asks the question that lingers: Who is the real monster? The creature following her nature, or the humans who claim dominion over land and sea while abandoning the old pacts? The pacing drags in places, but the moral depth and folkloric unease make this one stick.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Invasive Species opens with Mrs. Smith on land (well, in a hot tub) reading fashion magazines from her estate high in Cold Harbor. She’s the neighborhood “witch”: kids dare each other to trespass; adults gossip. As the end of her century nears, she must emerge to feed.
Cold Harbor is an upper-class White suburb where children join swim teams and take sailing lessons. Natalie wants her first big success as a realtor—her very first listing backs up to Mrs. Smith’s property, and she sees Mrs. Smith as the obstacle to sealing the deal. Beth wants, more than anything, to be a mother; she’s known for her marriage’s heat (until Mrs. Smith starts an affair with her husband) and her Polish cookies. Elaine is determined to throw the bar mitzvah that finally wins friends for her odd child, Charles, and she needs Mrs. Smith’s approval for the fireworks she’s set on.
At the story’s center are Jill (Natalie’s daughter, all big crush and bigger sweet tooth), Charles (Elaine’s offbeat son), and Una (the Polish nanny/cleaner who works for all three women and once watched the Mother of Eels devour her sister). The board is set: Mrs. Smith must procreate and consume nine children; the women chase their own versions of success, with Mrs. Smith in the way; the children don’t intend to be eaten; Una wants protection…and revenge.
At times charming, tragic, and unsettling, Invasive Species asks the question that lingers: Who is the real monster? The creature following her nature, or the humans who claim dominion over land and sea while abandoning the old pacts? The pacing drags in places, but the moral depth and folkloric unease make this one stick.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2025
I got this ARC as a new Hive influencer and boy this was a doozy.
This wild and wonderfully weird story was just the right amount of creepy, funny, and anxiety inducing. A mix of 80’s suburban drama and mythological horror, Invasive Species definitely gave off Stranger Things vibes and I was here for it.
A perfect match for Grandy Hendrix fans, Ellery Adams delivers such a vivid world in such a small coastal town. I could 100% see this being a TV mini series in the future!
Lastly, I absolutely adored Una’s POV and her relationship with her husband Kristoffer was beyond precious. While it’s sometimes jarring to get the point of view of the monster in the story, aka Mrs. Smith, I actually really enjoyed it. She’s a sea monster baddie.
Comes out April 14, 2026!
This wild and wonderfully weird story was just the right amount of creepy, funny, and anxiety inducing. A mix of 80’s suburban drama and mythological horror, Invasive Species definitely gave off Stranger Things vibes and I was here for it.
A perfect match for Grandy Hendrix fans, Ellery Adams delivers such a vivid world in such a small coastal town. I could 100% see this being a TV mini series in the future!
Lastly, I absolutely adored Una’s POV and her relationship with her husband Kristoffer was beyond precious. While it’s sometimes jarring to get the point of view of the monster in the story, aka Mrs. Smith, I actually really enjoyed it. She’s a sea monster baddie.
Comes out April 14, 2026!
November 23, 2025
The villain concept here is pretty unique but overall I did nooooot enjoy this. I couldn’t tell if the audience was meant to be children, teens or adults (obviously adults but some of the storytelling was quite juvenile), I couldn’t tell why it was seemingly arbitrarily set in the 80s, and in general just did not think it was very well written.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hanover Square Press for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hanover Square Press for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was...weird. But also, wildly compelling. We've got a bit of desperate housewives in the 1980's, but also a legit sea monster.
It was funny and interesting, but also a pretty surface level read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
It was funny and interesting, but also a pretty surface level read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really weird book but in the best possible way! It was like watching an '80s sci-fi movie. As you read it you really do get a full cinematic experience in your head. I would not be surprised if down the road we see this being adapted into a movie or a TV show.
It did take me a little while to get into this book just because there are so many different perspectives you read from but once you really get into the flow of the book it's all laid out and very organized so it doesn't really get confusing.
It was interesting to read from the perspective of the monster. I absolutely love how when you get to a chapter from Mrs Smith's perspective it is written in almost a different style so you can very clearly see the difference between her and everyone else.
The juxtaposition you get from this being a horror supernatural book with the everyday elements of regular suburban life was very cool. I am a big fan of Ellery Adams writing I love her cozy mystery books so it was really fun to read something vastly different. She is such an incredibly talented writer I'm excited to see what's going to come next.
It did take me a little while to get into this book just because there are so many different perspectives you read from but once you really get into the flow of the book it's all laid out and very organized so it doesn't really get confusing.
It was interesting to read from the perspective of the monster. I absolutely love how when you get to a chapter from Mrs Smith's perspective it is written in almost a different style so you can very clearly see the difference between her and everyone else.
The juxtaposition you get from this being a horror supernatural book with the everyday elements of regular suburban life was very cool. I am a big fan of Ellery Adams writing I love her cozy mystery books so it was really fun to read something vastly different. She is such an incredibly talented writer I'm excited to see what's going to come next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars
I expected to have some fun with this book based on the synopsis, but it absolutely blew me out of the water (sorry). This was VERY fun and deeper than I expected, too.
Natalie is a housewife who is trying to move into career woman territory, but no one is making that easy on her, and the more I got to know her, the more okay I felt about that. She's not the worst, by any means, but she's a little gross in some increasingly apparent ways. It seems like she might come up against an interesting match when everyone's least favorite neighbor, the elusive Mrs. Smith, starts slithering her way into the social scene. She is...memorable, to say the least.
In addition to these two, the novel is full of great characters, with Una and Jill (the local shared house cleaner and Natalie's young daughter, respectively), as the standout stars. I LOVED getting to know both of them and to see their relationship develop. It's also fascinating to uncover information about their circumstances alongside them. The pacing and the info roll is so strong throughout.
I found this unputdownable and read it almost straight through. I cannot wait until the audiobook comes out so that I can experience this wild situation in that modality, too.
Fans of suburban drama, monsters, and women of all ages simply killing it in life will have a total blast with this one. I know I did.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I expected to have some fun with this book based on the synopsis, but it absolutely blew me out of the water (sorry). This was VERY fun and deeper than I expected, too.
Natalie is a housewife who is trying to move into career woman territory, but no one is making that easy on her, and the more I got to know her, the more okay I felt about that. She's not the worst, by any means, but she's a little gross in some increasingly apparent ways. It seems like she might come up against an interesting match when everyone's least favorite neighbor, the elusive Mrs. Smith, starts slithering her way into the social scene. She is...memorable, to say the least.
In addition to these two, the novel is full of great characters, with Una and Jill (the local shared house cleaner and Natalie's young daughter, respectively), as the standout stars. I LOVED getting to know both of them and to see their relationship develop. It's also fascinating to uncover information about their circumstances alongside them. The pacing and the info roll is so strong throughout.
I found this unputdownable and read it almost straight through. I cannot wait until the audiobook comes out so that I can experience this wild situation in that modality, too.
Fans of suburban drama, monsters, and women of all ages simply killing it in life will have a total blast with this one. I know I did.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
February 26, 2026
Ellery brings us into 1980’s suburbia, where women strive for perfection, status, and a body that screams “put together”. Women like one of our FMC’s, Natalie, are also determined to prove they can do it all-family, job, perfect house, etc. She’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen, including putting immense pressure on her daughter, Jill, to eat healthy so she won’t be fat. For her part, Jill just wants to be an average girl, and be able to eat, or even do, something without fear of criticism from her mother.
While the adults are busy running their picture perfect lives, the kids, specifically Jill, and her friend, Charlie, are growing suspicious of who is in the crumbling mansion. They know something is wrong-they can feel it-and the author creates a growing tension between those who refuse to ignore the danger bubbling under the surface, and those who are more concerned with making a societal splash. But the kids do have an ally, Una, who knows she has seen the enemy before-when she was a child. She always knew the stories were real, and she’s determined to help the children defeat the monster.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. She gave us real life nightmares-misogyny, unrealistic expectations, keeping up appearances, jealousy, etc-and blended it with supernatural horror, and nightmares from the deep. It was a gripping ride from start to finish, and one that I recommend. 4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, and Hanover Square Press, for my arc. My opinion is my own.
While the adults are busy running their picture perfect lives, the kids, specifically Jill, and her friend, Charlie, are growing suspicious of who is in the crumbling mansion. They know something is wrong-they can feel it-and the author creates a growing tension between those who refuse to ignore the danger bubbling under the surface, and those who are more concerned with making a societal splash. But the kids do have an ally, Una, who knows she has seen the enemy before-when she was a child. She always knew the stories were real, and she’s determined to help the children defeat the monster.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. She gave us real life nightmares-misogyny, unrealistic expectations, keeping up appearances, jealousy, etc-and blended it with supernatural horror, and nightmares from the deep. It was a gripping ride from start to finish, and one that I recommend. 4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, and Hanover Square Press, for my arc. My opinion is my own.
September 12, 2025
** This review is based on an e-ARC I received from Net Galley **
** Rating: 4.5/5 **
Invasive Species is a story about the women of Cold Harbor and what they will do to achieve their goals. All of this taking place in a town under the stresses of a mysterious woman named Mrs. Smith.
Natalie Scott is a mother trying to reclaim her identity after being a stay-at-home mother for several years, wrangling her three children and the multiple responsibilities that entails. You feel her desire to succeed and reclaim her life by jumping back into the workforce. You want her to succeed surrounded by those that don’t believe in her and facing her own doubts.
Her daughter Jill is trying to find her own identity when she gets drawn into the mystery of what is going on in Cold Harbor. Is something deeper happening? Or is the town using the mysterious Mrs. Smith and her property as a scapegoat? Jill enlists the help of their housekeeper Una to help figure it out.
The story succeeds greatly in slowly building the tension, chapter by chapter, as it approaches the final act of the book. The multiple points of view do an amazing job of showing how the situation is weighing on each character. In a small town, the garden club gossip can affect people’s attitudes and reveal secrets.
Invasive Species is a story that is rich in characters and tension. Some people want what’s best for the town of Cold Harbor while others are only out for themselves. It’s up to the reader to discover which.
** Rating: 4.5/5 **
Invasive Species is a story about the women of Cold Harbor and what they will do to achieve their goals. All of this taking place in a town under the stresses of a mysterious woman named Mrs. Smith.
Natalie Scott is a mother trying to reclaim her identity after being a stay-at-home mother for several years, wrangling her three children and the multiple responsibilities that entails. You feel her desire to succeed and reclaim her life by jumping back into the workforce. You want her to succeed surrounded by those that don’t believe in her and facing her own doubts.
Her daughter Jill is trying to find her own identity when she gets drawn into the mystery of what is going on in Cold Harbor. Is something deeper happening? Or is the town using the mysterious Mrs. Smith and her property as a scapegoat? Jill enlists the help of their housekeeper Una to help figure it out.
The story succeeds greatly in slowly building the tension, chapter by chapter, as it approaches the final act of the book. The multiple points of view do an amazing job of showing how the situation is weighing on each character. In a small town, the garden club gossip can affect people’s attitudes and reveal secrets.
Invasive Species is a story that is rich in characters and tension. Some people want what’s best for the town of Cold Harbor while others are only out for themselves. It’s up to the reader to discover which.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dark story of a small town in Long Island told by the 13 year old scared of the ocean, the Icelandic housekeeper who hears all, the bored housewife turned relator, and the monster. Not only is this a wonderfully told monster story, the monster makes some very very valid points on the 'invasive species" being humans who are destroying the ocean. A 1000 year old monster is up for her 100 year life cycle to restart and living as a recluse on the outskirts of town for the past 90 years, she must join society again to consume her 9 "man-children" to replenish her life. This story was wonderfully paced, stomach churning in the detail, and heartbreaking in the end. Una, Mrs. Smith, and Jill's storylines I feel like were wrapped up beautifully, I wanted a little more with Natalie. I felt like we were left with some unanswered questions with her actions. All in all a haunting story that I would read again and will recommend to everyone who loves a good horror. I'm not afraid of the ocean, but after this I will be looking at eels differently.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hanover Square Press for letting me read this book early!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hanover Square Press for letting me read this book early!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a delightfully wicked, Lovecraftian gem that completely pulled me in. With its eerie small town atmosphere and the unsettling sense that something monstrous is hiding in plain sight, this novel creates a constant undercurrent of dread and fascination. Adams delivers “modern Lovecraft” in the best possible way with honoring the cosmic horror roots while making the story accessible, character driven, and emotionally engaging. The blend of creeping unease, community dynamics, and escalating horror is expertly handled.
The characters are well developed and believable, which makes the unfolding terror hit even harder. Their relationships of a small town and reactions ground the story, allowing the supernatural elements to feel both surreal and disturbingly real. Smart, atmospheric, and thoroughly entertaining, this is a standout for fans of cosmic horror and small-town mysteries with a dark edge. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The characters are well developed and believable, which makes the unfolding terror hit even harder. Their relationships of a small town and reactions ground the story, allowing the supernatural elements to feel both surreal and disturbingly real. Smart, atmospheric, and thoroughly entertaining, this is a standout for fans of cosmic horror and small-town mysteries with a dark edge. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐ A deliciously dark blend of 1980s suburbia and monstrous horror...what a read!
I have read most of Ellery Adams' cozy small-town mysteries and have always been a big fan of her writing. What a bold step out of that comfort zone into a deliciously dark, atmospheric, genre-bending novel. The reader is immediately set on edge and immersed in a world of stifling social expectations, inner demons, and the quiet strength it takes to break free.
The story comes alive in such a vivid way that your senses seem to materialize out of thin air...tangible, oppressive, electric... while the mythological elements and the villain's menacing presence are so enrapturing that you literally hold your breath.
If you are in the mood for a read that is not like every other book out there, pick this one up for a delectable (and chilling) good time!
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
@htpbooks
I have read most of Ellery Adams' cozy small-town mysteries and have always been a big fan of her writing. What a bold step out of that comfort zone into a deliciously dark, atmospheric, genre-bending novel. The reader is immediately set on edge and immersed in a world of stifling social expectations, inner demons, and the quiet strength it takes to break free.
The story comes alive in such a vivid way that your senses seem to materialize out of thin air...tangible, oppressive, electric... while the mythological elements and the villain's menacing presence are so enrapturing that you literally hold your breath.
If you are in the mood for a read that is not like every other book out there, pick this one up for a delectable (and chilling) good time!
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
@htpbooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love everything that Ms. Ellery Adams writes. Her style of writing is distinctive and I recognize her witty, astute, learned and fun way of storytelling.
I was very intrigued by this book and its title, since it is quite a departure from cozy mysteries, but I do enjoy sci-fi books once in a great while.
This book was interesting, and a quick read, though it indeed turned out to be quite unlike anything else she has written (to my knowledge).
The different points of view were very clearly written, and I was not confused as to who was narrating each part of the story.
It is clear to me that Ms. Adams has excelled in another genre, but I hope to be reading many more cozy mysteries, which is my genre of preference.
I thank Net Galley, Harlequin Trade Publishing /Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy and post a personal review. I also thank Ellery Adams for writing this book.
I was very intrigued by this book and its title, since it is quite a departure from cozy mysteries, but I do enjoy sci-fi books once in a great while.
This book was interesting, and a quick read, though it indeed turned out to be quite unlike anything else she has written (to my knowledge).
The different points of view were very clearly written, and I was not confused as to who was narrating each part of the story.
It is clear to me that Ms. Adams has excelled in another genre, but I hope to be reading many more cozy mysteries, which is my genre of preference.
I thank Net Galley, Harlequin Trade Publishing /Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy and post a personal review. I also thank Ellery Adams for writing this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While the concept and mythology behind Mrs. Smith is fascinating, (I was really hoping for more about her origin and history) I did not enjoy Invasive Species.
The book dives into the interior lives of several wealthy, 1980's housewives living on the coast with their ridiculously basic husbands and boring children--though I had no idea until almost halfway to the end that it wasn't supposed to be set in the modern day. Aside from the celebrity name drops popular at the time and lack of cellphones, there doesn't seem to be any narrative purpose for this.
Which brings up the weird writing that thinks itself quirky, when it's really just juvenile. This especially makes for a jarring experience due to the explicit content present in some scenes. Invasive Species attempts to dissect the idea of 'who is the real monster' without actually fleshing any of the human "monsters" out. They're annoying, judgemental hypocrites who inevitably get what they want in the end (for the most part)--but I wouldn't necessarily call them all monsters.
I don't know, the wacky horror and dumb neighborhood drama didn't do it for me at all. I might have liked it more if the novel had been mostly or entirely from Mrs. Smith's pov, but it isn't, so this suburban mom cosmic horror will be a hard pass.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author Ellery Adams for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
The book dives into the interior lives of several wealthy, 1980's housewives living on the coast with their ridiculously basic husbands and boring children--though I had no idea until almost halfway to the end that it wasn't supposed to be set in the modern day. Aside from the celebrity name drops popular at the time and lack of cellphones, there doesn't seem to be any narrative purpose for this.
Which brings up the weird writing that thinks itself quirky, when it's really just juvenile. This especially makes for a jarring experience due to the explicit content present in some scenes. Invasive Species attempts to dissect the idea of 'who is the real monster' without actually fleshing any of the human "monsters" out. They're annoying, judgemental hypocrites who inevitably get what they want in the end (for the most part)--but I wouldn't necessarily call them all monsters.
I don't know, the wacky horror and dumb neighborhood drama didn't do it for me at all. I might have liked it more if the novel had been mostly or entirely from Mrs. Smith's pov, but it isn't, so this suburban mom cosmic horror will be a hard pass.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author Ellery Adams for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This novel is wonderfully weird, strange and absolutely unputable.
The Gold Coast is a place where the neighbors keep their hedges trimmed, their waists thin and their husbands satisfied - that's until Mrs Smith makes her entrance.
This is a mythological horror that makes you think.
A horror that's a commentary about our world and how people struggle to please and be seen by others instead of their selfs.
A horror that asks what it means to be a villian/predator. Are we / can we all be villians? Or is villians/predators something that's constructed by society?
I most highly recommend this book - if you like Mona Awad (ok, maybe not her latest - sorry Bunny..) I'm more then sure that you'll love this book.
Simma eller sjunk like we say in Sweden.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+ and the author for the e-ARC.
The Gold Coast is a place where the neighbors keep their hedges trimmed, their waists thin and their husbands satisfied - that's until Mrs Smith makes her entrance.
This is a mythological horror that makes you think.
A horror that's a commentary about our world and how people struggle to please and be seen by others instead of their selfs.
A horror that asks what it means to be a villian/predator. Are we / can we all be villians? Or is villians/predators something that's constructed by society?
I most highly recommend this book - if you like Mona Awad (ok, maybe not her latest - sorry Bunny..) I'm more then sure that you'll love this book.
Simma eller sjunk like we say in Sweden.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+ and the author for the e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
This was a weird and wonderful read and honestly I'm not sure what to think of it.
I found it very easy to read and enjoyed the multiple points of view, although there were a couple that I'm not sure if they really added much to the overall story. I liked the creepy atmosphere and you could really feel the strange energy surrounding Mrs. Smith and her house.
Mrs. Smith's story was really interesting, but it did feel a bit rushed at the end. I wish we would have gotten to see more of the aftermath of Charles Bar Mitzvah, especially what happened with Don and Beth, as that situation was focused on throughout the book but ultimately never explained.
The book read as a YA novel, so the sex scenes felt out of place to me.
Overall I did enjoy the book, but it left me wanting more and I think it needed a more complete ending.
This was a weird and wonderful read and honestly I'm not sure what to think of it.
I found it very easy to read and enjoyed the multiple points of view, although there were a couple that I'm not sure if they really added much to the overall story. I liked the creepy atmosphere and you could really feel the strange energy surrounding Mrs. Smith and her house.
Mrs. Smith's story was really interesting, but it did feel a bit rushed at the end. I wish we would have gotten to see more of the aftermath of Charles Bar Mitzvah, especially what happened with Don and Beth, as that situation was focused on throughout the book but ultimately never explained.
The book read as a YA novel, so the sex scenes felt out of place to me.
Overall I did enjoy the book, but it left me wanting more and I think it needed a more complete ending.
September 16, 2025
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓-𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒉. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅, 𝒍𝒊���𝒅, 𝒐𝒃𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅.
This was the author's first foray into horror, and what a wild story she's created! The sleepy, isolated town of Cold Harbor, the 80s setting, and the infusion of both Greek mythology and Icelandic folklore elevated this story into something completely sinister, seething and writhing beneath the surface. Speaking of beneath the surface, all small towns are the same, aren't they? Full of friendly faces and bright smiles that hide the monsters walking around in plain sight.
In Cold Harbor, there are plenty of monsters living out in the open , but one, the elusive Mrs. Smith, lives away from society in a secluded crumbling mansion with vines twisting and choking the property. Natalie Scott is determined to be more than a wife and mother, and she's trying to get her first sale as a realtor. However, she knows that Mrs. Smith's overgrown property and stunning lack of curb appeal will be a detriment to any possible sale in the area.
Spurred on by confidence and sheer grit, she appeals to Mrs. Smith, and a bargain is stuck--she will pay Natalie's two children to clear the yard for her. But when Natalie's pre-teen daughter Jill finds some odd carvings and out of place relics in the newly cleared yard, she grows uneasy. She confides in the family's Icelandic housekeeper Una, and the two of them hit their local library to research the folklore section. What they uncover there will be the stuff of nightmares.
Deeply atmospheric, exhaustively researched, and filled with the grit and determination of fierce women, this is folklore and storytelling at its finest. Many thanks to HTP Books for this early copy. Look for this one April 14, 2026.
This was the author's first foray into horror, and what a wild story she's created! The sleepy, isolated town of Cold Harbor, the 80s setting, and the infusion of both Greek mythology and Icelandic folklore elevated this story into something completely sinister, seething and writhing beneath the surface. Speaking of beneath the surface, all small towns are the same, aren't they? Full of friendly faces and bright smiles that hide the monsters walking around in plain sight.
In Cold Harbor, there are plenty of monsters living out in the open , but one, the elusive Mrs. Smith, lives away from society in a secluded crumbling mansion with vines twisting and choking the property. Natalie Scott is determined to be more than a wife and mother, and she's trying to get her first sale as a realtor. However, she knows that Mrs. Smith's overgrown property and stunning lack of curb appeal will be a detriment to any possible sale in the area.
Spurred on by confidence and sheer grit, she appeals to Mrs. Smith, and a bargain is stuck--she will pay Natalie's two children to clear the yard for her. But when Natalie's pre-teen daughter Jill finds some odd carvings and out of place relics in the newly cleared yard, she grows uneasy. She confides in the family's Icelandic housekeeper Una, and the two of them hit their local library to research the folklore section. What they uncover there will be the stuff of nightmares.
Deeply atmospheric, exhaustively researched, and filled with the grit and determination of fierce women, this is folklore and storytelling at its finest. Many thanks to HTP Books for this early copy. Look for this one April 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What the heck did I just read? This was a weird one and I mean that in a good way? Kinda? I actually really loved Mrs. Smith's POV and probably would have liked this book even more if it was told more from her perspective. I don't mind multi POV's but the standout here was Mrs. Smith. This book was a bit creepy and a bit gruesome with some neighborhood drama added. It was a fun time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a delight!
At first, I thought it might be a little too quirky for me. Soon enough, though, I was completely into our little town, some plucky kids, and a very villainous (and somewhat recognizable) monster.
And about that recognizable monster. I'm not saying she is based on ...but I'm also not saying she's not. I'll just say, eels and all, she's awfully familiar and a whole lot of fun!
The book is suspenseful, fun and has a few body parts here and there - just what I needed!
Absolute blast of a read!
At first, I thought it might be a little too quirky for me. Soon enough, though, I was completely into our little town, some plucky kids, and a very villainous (and somewhat recognizable) monster.
And about that recognizable monster. I'm not saying she is based on ...but I'm also not saying she's not. I'll just say, eels and all, she's awfully familiar and a whole lot of fun!
The book is suspenseful, fun and has a few body parts here and there - just what I needed!
Absolute blast of a read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Truly a gripping and atmospheric story with strong characters and an interesting mix of horror and small town drama. I really enjoyed Natalie, Jill, and Una, and how the book explores what it truly means to be a monster. Mrs. Smith is so mysterious and unsettling, and the plot kept me engaged from start to finish. Well written, emotional, and easy to follow. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was very odd. Not bad, not great, just odd. It reads a bit like an unfinished draft… while it’s polished from a technical standpoint, the story itself feels incomplete. It’s unclear why some specific povs were selected, and not all of them elevate the story/plot/flow. The concept is interesting and creative, execution just wasn’t there for me.
December 11, 2025
wild and dark book with my favorite POV obviously being our antagonist, Mrs. Smith, as the other two blend together a little bit. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Read
December 17, 2025sooo idk when i should post a review for this...
Review of advance copy received from Author
To date, this is my best and most personal book. The setting and many scenes are straight out of my childhood. This story has heart. It also has teeth. I hope you love it.
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