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These Dark Places
Some secrets should stay buried. Her husband’s won’t.
Della’s life was everything she’d dreamed a loving husband, teenage daughter, and a peaceful cottage in the woods with her own pottery studio. But then her husband, Leo, collapses and on his deathbed makes a devastating confession that turns Della’s world upside down.
Consumed by grief, Della finds the ancient woodland that once sheltered her now feels threatening. The only solace comes from her new neighbour, Carrie, whose kindness gives Della a fragile sense of hope.
As Della digs deeper into her husband’s hidden life, shocking discoveries emerge–about Leo and the life Della thought she knew, and even about Carrie herself. Is her neighbour truly a friend, or is she hiding the most dangerous secret of all?
Della’s life was everything she’d dreamed a loving husband, teenage daughter, and a peaceful cottage in the woods with her own pottery studio. But then her husband, Leo, collapses and on his deathbed makes a devastating confession that turns Della’s world upside down.
Consumed by grief, Della finds the ancient woodland that once sheltered her now feels threatening. The only solace comes from her new neighbour, Carrie, whose kindness gives Della a fragile sense of hope.
As Della digs deeper into her husband’s hidden life, shocking discoveries emerge–about Leo and the life Della thought she knew, and even about Carrie herself. Is her neighbour truly a friend, or is she hiding the most dangerous secret of all?
331 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2026
5 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Tailor
5 books90 followersHilary Tailor is a design consultant, and has worked with clients including adidas and Puma as a colour and trend forecaster. She was raised on the Wirral Peninsula and graduated from the Royal College of Art. The Vanishing Tide is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Secrets, lies, and too many subplots in the woods.
2.5 stars rounded up.
I really wanted to love this, but felt it was all over the place. Is there danger lurking in the woods? Is the new neighbor a threat? Or is something else going on? It might be all of the above, or nothing at all.
Della's life looks idyllic - an artist in a woodland cottage with her husband, Leo, and their teenage daughter Alex. But when Leo collapses and, on his deathbed, makes a shattering confession, Della's carefully built world begins to crumble. Soon the woods around her no longer feel like sanctuary but threat, and the arrival of a seemingly kind neighbor, Carrie, only deepens the unease.
The premise of Hilary Tailor's latest novel promises psychological suspense - a grieving widow uncovering her husband's secrets while possible menaces lurk in the woods or next door - but These Dark Places can't quite decide what it wants to be: a domestic thriller, a gothic mystery, or a soap-opera family drama. It flirts with all three but commits to none, effectively undercutting any tension.
Della herself is frustratingly passive, drifting through the aftermath of her husband's death with little depth of emotion or agency. Despite nearly two decades of marriage, her grief feels curiously muted, and I half expected her to show up to his memorial in leather pants and with pyrotechnics. Her friends, Tash and Robin, don't help matters, veering between unhelpful and downright toxic; with friends like that, who needs enemies? And while there's a somewhat intriguing subplot involving Della's unstable brother Ethan, it goes nowhere and fizzles out in a disappointing, anticlimactic way.
What works best is the story's setting. The ancient woodland, with its damp shadows and trees, carries far more atmosphere than most of the characters. The audiobook narration by Eilidh Beaton is also excellent - measured, expressive, and immersive - but even her performance can't rescue a story that never quite finds its focus.
For those who care about animal content: Della's elderly dog does die midway through the book (peacefully, but still sadly).
In the end, These Dark Places feels like a puzzle with half its pieces missing. The secrets are many, but the suspense never quite takes root.
Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing me with a copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"These Dark Places" is slated to be published on March 16, 2026.
2.5 stars rounded up.
I really wanted to love this, but felt it was all over the place. Is there danger lurking in the woods? Is the new neighbor a threat? Or is something else going on? It might be all of the above, or nothing at all.
Della's life looks idyllic - an artist in a woodland cottage with her husband, Leo, and their teenage daughter Alex. But when Leo collapses and, on his deathbed, makes a shattering confession, Della's carefully built world begins to crumble. Soon the woods around her no longer feel like sanctuary but threat, and the arrival of a seemingly kind neighbor, Carrie, only deepens the unease.
The premise of Hilary Tailor's latest novel promises psychological suspense - a grieving widow uncovering her husband's secrets while possible menaces lurk in the woods or next door - but These Dark Places can't quite decide what it wants to be: a domestic thriller, a gothic mystery, or a soap-opera family drama. It flirts with all three but commits to none, effectively undercutting any tension.
Della herself is frustratingly passive, drifting through the aftermath of her husband's death with little depth of emotion or agency. Despite nearly two decades of marriage, her grief feels curiously muted, and I half expected her to show up to his memorial in leather pants and with pyrotechnics. Her friends, Tash and Robin, don't help matters, veering between unhelpful and downright toxic; with friends like that, who needs enemies? And while there's a somewhat intriguing subplot involving Della's unstable brother Ethan, it goes nowhere and fizzles out in a disappointing, anticlimactic way.
What works best is the story's setting. The ancient woodland, with its damp shadows and trees, carries far more atmosphere than most of the characters. The audiobook narration by Eilidh Beaton is also excellent - measured, expressive, and immersive - but even her performance can't rescue a story that never quite finds its focus.
For those who care about animal content: Della's elderly dog does die midway through the book (peacefully, but still sadly).
In the end, These Dark Places feels like a puzzle with half its pieces missing. The secrets are many, but the suspense never quite takes root.
Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing me with a copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"These Dark Places" is slated to be published on March 16, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
These Dark Places is a beautifully unsettling domestic thriller that blends raw emotion with a slow‑building sense of dread. From the opening pages, Della’s world feels tender and lived‑in — a loving husband, a teenage daughter finding her way, and a quiet cottage in the woods where she shapes clay and calm in equal measure. Which makes the shattering of that life all the more devastating.
Leo’s deathbed confession is the spark that sends everything spiralling, and the author captures Della’s grief with striking authenticity. The woods that once felt protective now seem to close in around her, and the atmosphere shifts from peaceful to quietly menacing in a way that feels almost physical. It’s a brilliant use of setting — the landscape becomes a mirror for Della’s unraveling certainty.
Carrie, the new neighbour, arrives like a balm: warm, attentive, and exactly what Della needs in her darkest moments. But as Della begins to uncover the truth about Leo’s hidden life, the story takes on a deliciously twisty edge. Every new revelation adds another crack to the picture-perfect marriage she thought she had, and even Carrie’s kindness begins to feel… complicated.
The tension builds gently but relentlessly. Secrets surface, loyalties blur, and the question of who Della can trust becomes more urgent with every chapter. The author excels at that delicate balance between emotional depth and psychological suspense — you feel for Della even as you’re scanning every interaction for clues.
Dark, atmospheric, and quietly gripping, These Dark Places is a compelling exploration of grief, betrayal, and the dangerous comfort of strangers. A perfect read for fans of character-driven thrillers with a haunting, woodland edge.
My thanks to Hilary Tailor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Leo’s deathbed confession is the spark that sends everything spiralling, and the author captures Della’s grief with striking authenticity. The woods that once felt protective now seem to close in around her, and the atmosphere shifts from peaceful to quietly menacing in a way that feels almost physical. It’s a brilliant use of setting — the landscape becomes a mirror for Della’s unraveling certainty.
Carrie, the new neighbour, arrives like a balm: warm, attentive, and exactly what Della needs in her darkest moments. But as Della begins to uncover the truth about Leo’s hidden life, the story takes on a deliciously twisty edge. Every new revelation adds another crack to the picture-perfect marriage she thought she had, and even Carrie’s kindness begins to feel… complicated.
The tension builds gently but relentlessly. Secrets surface, loyalties blur, and the question of who Della can trust becomes more urgent with every chapter. The author excels at that delicate balance between emotional depth and psychological suspense — you feel for Della even as you’re scanning every interaction for clues.
Dark, atmospheric, and quietly gripping, These Dark Places is a compelling exploration of grief, betrayal, and the dangerous comfort of strangers. A perfect read for fans of character-driven thrillers with a haunting, woodland edge.
My thanks to Hilary Tailor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really loved These Dark Places by Hilary Tailor. It started out strong, with a major event right at the beginning and stayed strong throughout the whole story. It was intriguing and mysterious, but it was also heartwarming and emotional.
After the passing of her husband, Leo, Della is faced with learning to navigate finances and other domestic chores she relied on Leo for. As she and her daughter, Alex, navigate through their new life, she discovers things Leo kept hidden from her, many of them out of character for him. When her new neighbor Carrie moves in next door with her son, Jude, the two women become friendly almost immediately. But when Della becomes aware of another secret, she pulls away. How can she trust anyone including herself.
This is the story of a life journey, complete with tragedy and secrets, and learning how to navigate through the good and bad times. I loved all the characters, as each was strong and resilient, but not without flaws. This made them real. The writing was well paced and riveting, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged throughout. I haven't read Hilary Tailor before, but I will absolutely be adding her books to my TBR list.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy
After the passing of her husband, Leo, Della is faced with learning to navigate finances and other domestic chores she relied on Leo for. As she and her daughter, Alex, navigate through their new life, she discovers things Leo kept hidden from her, many of them out of character for him. When her new neighbor Carrie moves in next door with her son, Jude, the two women become friendly almost immediately. But when Della becomes aware of another secret, she pulls away. How can she trust anyone including herself.
This is the story of a life journey, complete with tragedy and secrets, and learning how to navigate through the good and bad times. I loved all the characters, as each was strong and resilient, but not without flaws. This made them real. The writing was well paced and riveting, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged throughout. I haven't read Hilary Tailor before, but I will absolutely be adding her books to my TBR list.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These Dark Places – Hilary Tailor
This book pulled me in from the very first pages and did not let go. From the start, the story is layered with tragedy; loss after loss that shapes every character and decision that follows. Grief is not just a background theme here; it is the driving force of the novel, influencing friendships, creating fractures in once-close relationships, and unexpectedly forging new bonds where characters least expect them.
The mystery element is woven in so smoothly. As the past and present collide, secrets slowly surface, and I was constantly second-guessing what I thought I knew. Every chapter revealed just enough to keep me on edge, making it impossible to put down; I ended up reading it in one sitting.
What stood out most was the emotional depth. The author captures how grief can isolate, harden, and transform people, while still leaving room for connection, healing, and hope. The friendships that evolve through shared pain felt raw and realistic, and the atmosphere throughout was tense, moody, and immersive.
A haunting, emotionally charged mystery that balances heartache with suspense. Highly recommend if you enjoy stories that explore grief, complicated relationships, and dark secrets that refuse to stay buried.
These Dark Places – Hilary Tailor
This book pulled me in from the very first pages and did not let go. From the start, the story is layered with tragedy; loss after loss that shapes every character and decision that follows. Grief is not just a background theme here; it is the driving force of the novel, influencing friendships, creating fractures in once-close relationships, and unexpectedly forging new bonds where characters least expect them.
The mystery element is woven in so smoothly. As the past and present collide, secrets slowly surface, and I was constantly second-guessing what I thought I knew. Every chapter revealed just enough to keep me on edge, making it impossible to put down; I ended up reading it in one sitting.
What stood out most was the emotional depth. The author captures how grief can isolate, harden, and transform people, while still leaving room for connection, healing, and hope. The friendships that evolve through shared pain felt raw and realistic, and the atmosphere throughout was tense, moody, and immersive.
A haunting, emotionally charged mystery that balances heartache with suspense. Highly recommend if you enjoy stories that explore grief, complicated relationships, and dark secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced reader copy
When Della's husband, Leo, unexpectedly dies, her world falls apart. Leo was the love of her life and the main breadwinner for their family. But as Della tries to pick up the pieces of her life she realizes that Leo was also keeping secrets and might not be the man she thought she married. And when Carrie and her son Jude move into the house next door, Della learns that some of Leo's secrets just might blow up the life she's created.
The writing was strong and I enjoyed the role of setting in the novel--the woodland where Della and her daughter, Alex, live feels like another character. For those who care about these kinds of things (like I do), an animal content warning: the elderly dog in the novel does die almost halfway through (though not in a violent way). Mostly I left this book feeling not much. None of the characters felt particularly engrossing (other than Leo, who was carrying so many secrets), and the undercurrent of danger that Della's mentally unhinged brother might show up at the house once Leo has died fell apart in a very anticlimactic end. There were pieces of this book that were interesting, but it didn't quite come together in the end.
These Dark Places is out March 16, 2026
When Della's husband, Leo, unexpectedly dies, her world falls apart. Leo was the love of her life and the main breadwinner for their family. But as Della tries to pick up the pieces of her life she realizes that Leo was also keeping secrets and might not be the man she thought she married. And when Carrie and her son Jude move into the house next door, Della learns that some of Leo's secrets just might blow up the life she's created.
The writing was strong and I enjoyed the role of setting in the novel--the woodland where Della and her daughter, Alex, live feels like another character. For those who care about these kinds of things (like I do), an animal content warning: the elderly dog in the novel does die almost halfway through (though not in a violent way). Mostly I left this book feeling not much. None of the characters felt particularly engrossing (other than Leo, who was carrying so many secrets), and the undercurrent of danger that Della's mentally unhinged brother might show up at the house once Leo has died fell apart in a very anticlimactic end. There were pieces of this book that were interesting, but it didn't quite come together in the end.
These Dark Places is out March 16, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a quick, fast-paced read, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me overall. I’m not a fan of thrillers that veer into overly mushy territory, and the writing itself felt fairly elementary.
The biggest issue for me was the FMC, Della. She was painfully passive for much of the story. I’m tired of reading about women who allow their husbands to control all the finances without ever pushing back, and that same pattern continued as she later let Tasha and Robin take over at points. She also allowed Alex to walk all over her. At least she was consistent in that regard but it made her incredibly frustrating to read. Thankfully, she does show some character growth in the second half, which was one of the few bright spots. Most of the characters were also irritating, and I disliked Carrie just as much as Della. Tasha was the only character I found remotely tolerable.
I also found the decision to kill the dog completely unnecessary. Peaceful or not, this is something that should come with a content warning.
Overall, while the pacing was good, the characters and writing style ultimately pulled this down for me.
Thank you for the ARC.
The biggest issue for me was the FMC, Della. She was painfully passive for much of the story. I’m tired of reading about women who allow their husbands to control all the finances without ever pushing back, and that same pattern continued as she later let Tasha and Robin take over at points. She also allowed Alex to walk all over her. At least she was consistent in that regard but it made her incredibly frustrating to read. Thankfully, she does show some character growth in the second half, which was one of the few bright spots. Most of the characters were also irritating, and I disliked Carrie just as much as Della. Tasha was the only character I found remotely tolerable.
I also found the decision to kill the dog completely unnecessary. Peaceful or not, this is something that should come with a content warning.
Overall, while the pacing was good, the characters and writing style ultimately pulled this down for me.
Thank you for the ARC.
January 11, 2026
I went on a real journey with this book. It started with a bang, shifted into a bit of a slow burn, but ultimately finished strong.
While I loved the cozy English woodland setting and the stormy nights, I initially found most of the characters pretty frustrating for various reasons. It was hard to root for anyone (aside from Marmite, the dog!)
That changed in the final third of the book. The story took an interesting turn that I didn’t see coming, and the pieces started clicking together. With some much-needed character growth and a satisfying touch of comeuppance, I ended up loving the ending.
I’m not sure I would consider this your traditional thriller. It has heart to it though. Maybe more of a Lisa Jewel vibe - part family drama, part mystery? Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it for ppl who like atmospheric suspense with a meaningful payoff. I plan to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!!
While I loved the cozy English woodland setting and the stormy nights, I initially found most of the characters pretty frustrating for various reasons. It was hard to root for anyone (aside from Marmite, the dog!)
That changed in the final third of the book. The story took an interesting turn that I didn’t see coming, and the pieces started clicking together. With some much-needed character growth and a satisfying touch of comeuppance, I ended up loving the ending.
I’m not sure I would consider this your traditional thriller. It has heart to it though. Maybe more of a Lisa Jewel vibe - part family drama, part mystery? Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it for ppl who like atmospheric suspense with a meaningful payoff. I plan to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reviewing an ARC
Della’s life came to a halt when her husband, Leo, unexpectedly passed away. It comes crashing down around her when she learns that he might not be the person she always thought he was. She is now left alone to manage parenthood, their isolated house in the woods, and the dangers they have been pushing away for years. This book explores Della’s journey through grief, both the mundane like realizing she never knew his laptop password and complex parts. This book explores Della’s past and present to build up a story based on complex relationships and what might happen to the future when secrets bubble to the surface. If you are a fan of thrillers, this one is for you!
I enjoyed this book. Tailor kept me captivated throughout with her writing style and an engaging plotline. I felt there were a bit too many big plot twists sprinkled in, but they all fit within the story being told.
TW: Grief, domestic abuse
Della’s life came to a halt when her husband, Leo, unexpectedly passed away. It comes crashing down around her when she learns that he might not be the person she always thought he was. She is now left alone to manage parenthood, their isolated house in the woods, and the dangers they have been pushing away for years. This book explores Della’s journey through grief, both the mundane like realizing she never knew his laptop password and complex parts. This book explores Della’s past and present to build up a story based on complex relationships and what might happen to the future when secrets bubble to the surface. If you are a fan of thrillers, this one is for you!
I enjoyed this book. Tailor kept me captivated throughout with her writing style and an engaging plotline. I felt there were a bit too many big plot twists sprinkled in, but they all fit within the story being told.
TW: Grief, domestic abuse
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
These Dark Places is a well written mystery/family drama. I was expecting more of a thriller when I went into this to be honest, so that may have skewed my expectations. The story was interesting enough to keep my attention for the most part, although some points lagged a bit.
I didn't care much for Della, the MC, and the way that she was so passive toward everything. She did have some growth toward the end of the novel, so that's something. It simultaneously felt like there was too much going on and absolutely nothing going on. The storyline of Della's brother just kind of went nowhere, and I didn't really care for how Della and Carrie ended up in the end to be honest.
Though I was disappointed that this book wasn't as gripping as I had a expected, the writing is good, and the depiction of grief and pain was well done. Overall, an easy quick read with some interesting twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this audio arc!
I didn't care much for Della, the MC, and the way that she was so passive toward everything. She did have some growth toward the end of the novel, so that's something. It simultaneously felt like there was too much going on and absolutely nothing going on. The storyline of Della's brother just kind of went nowhere, and I didn't really care for how Della and Carrie ended up in the end to be honest.
Though I was disappointed that this book wasn't as gripping as I had a expected, the writing is good, and the depiction of grief and pain was well done. Overall, an easy quick read with some interesting twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this audio arc!
March 21, 2026
Solid 4! This is my first by this author.
Want to start by saying, I believed this was incorrectly categorized -- likely leading to lower reviews.
I loved the opening scene - it grabbed my attention. Loved the setting in the woods.
Struggled at times with a weaker than usual female, lead character… But I know some women are like this. After losing her spouse, she seems to just fall apart, and this is understandable when you haven’t had any hand in the bills/major household repairs or had any passwords to accounts or anything. And then, piecing through the rubble, you discover that your husband may have been leading a double life?! It would make me go down a rabbit hole of frantic investigating, too!
At times, it felt slow but at other points it kept me glued.
I enjoy domestic thrillers, or mysteries. This leaned closer to domestic suspense with a unique ending/premise. (I had to read the last chapter twice — it’s open to interpretation which can be frustrating for some.) All-in-all, a solid read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to review an early audio copy! It should be known that I thought the narrator, Eilidh Beaton, nailed it with multiple characters - I've never read a book with her before.
Want to start by saying, I believed this was incorrectly categorized -- likely leading to lower reviews.
I loved the opening scene - it grabbed my attention. Loved the setting in the woods.
Struggled at times with a weaker than usual female, lead character… But I know some women are like this. After losing her spouse, she seems to just fall apart, and this is understandable when you haven’t had any hand in the bills/major household repairs or had any passwords to accounts or anything. And then, piecing through the rubble, you discover that your husband may have been leading a double life?! It would make me go down a rabbit hole of frantic investigating, too!
At times, it felt slow but at other points it kept me glued.
I enjoy domestic thrillers, or mysteries. This leaned closer to domestic suspense with a unique ending/premise. (I had to read the last chapter twice — it’s open to interpretation which can be frustrating for some.) All-in-all, a solid read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to review an early audio copy! It should be known that I thought the narrator, Eilidh Beaton, nailed it with multiple characters - I've never read a book with her before.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐
This felt more general fiction that thriller, which is likely why it hasn't gotten better praise. The writing and setting is beautiful, yet at no point was I particularly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what comes next. Many of the elements that could have been interesting: Ethan, Alex finding out about the neighbors, the horrible relationship between Robin and Trish- are all just touched on but never explored. Had the author changed the ending to exclude the kiln part and the publisher marketed this as fiction I think it would find a more receptive audience, like "Where the Crawdads Sing".
thank you to NetGalley, the author Hilary Tailor, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this book.
This felt more general fiction that thriller, which is likely why it hasn't gotten better praise. The writing and setting is beautiful, yet at no point was I particularly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what comes next. Many of the elements that could have been interesting: Ethan, Alex finding out about the neighbors, the horrible relationship between Robin and Trish- are all just touched on but never explored. Had the author changed the ending to exclude the kiln part and the publisher marketed this as fiction I think it would find a more receptive audience, like "Where the Crawdads Sing".
thank you to NetGalley, the author Hilary Tailor, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this book.
March 21, 2026
Leo, the love of Della’s life dies unexpectedly and all of a sudden her life is turned upside down. He has kept secrets from her the past year and she struggles to unravel what he has kept hidden.
Realising that she has also lost her identity during the marriage, makes her question so many things. And then there are the new neighbours that move in next door, is there a connection?
I love Hilary Tailor’s book, they make me slow down and savour the writing and I get so caught up in time and place.
Her books are very much character driven novels, with a touch of something that has to be found out….mystery is not quite the right word but it certainly kept me guessing.
This didn’t disappoint. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
Realising that she has also lost her identity during the marriage, makes her question so many things. And then there are the new neighbours that move in next door, is there a connection?
I love Hilary Tailor’s book, they make me slow down and savour the writing and I get so caught up in time and place.
Her books are very much character driven novels, with a touch of something that has to be found out….mystery is not quite the right word but it certainly kept me guessing.
This didn’t disappoint. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC.
Wow, what an intriguing and wonderful book, I couldn't tear myself away.
The female protagonist, Della, gets a panicked call to come to the hospital because of her husband. He dies soon after her arrival. All of a sudden she's alone, with a
traumatized daughter, her future dark and terrifying. Her childhood was very unhappy and she's petrified of her abusive brother. Her husband made her feel safe, but now he's gone.
Her journey, from feeling helpless and unable to cope, to finally being strong, independent and part of a happy, albeit unusual family,makes for a wonderful book.
Wow, what an intriguing and wonderful book, I couldn't tear myself away.
The female protagonist, Della, gets a panicked call to come to the hospital because of her husband. He dies soon after her arrival. All of a sudden she's alone, with a
traumatized daughter, her future dark and terrifying. Her childhood was very unhappy and she's petrified of her abusive brother. Her husband made her feel safe, but now he's gone.
Her journey, from feeling helpless and unable to cope, to finally being strong, independent and part of a happy, albeit unusual family,makes for a wonderful book.
Review of advance copy
This domestic thriller is an emotional novel that twists and turns, offering surprises and revelations as the tension skilfully builds. The woodland setting is beautifully evoked, as is the atmosphere of threat that pervades many of the pages. The main character Della is a potter, and the detail about her work and the processes she uses add a real richness to the writing. I found myself yearning to be able to go to an exhibtion of her work once she'd decided to be true to her creativity - a sign that the character had truly come to life for me!
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Della"s husband Leo is taken ill suddenly his final words send shivers down her spine. He tells her he's seen her dangerous brother Ethan in the woods surrounding their remote woodland home. And after his death she discovers even secrets that Leo has kept from her. As she learns to live a life without him, she realises that maybe she wasn't "living" with him either
This novel is dark and gripping thriller that’s easy to get pulled into. The story is full of secrets, tension, and unexpected twists. A good choice if you enjoy stories with emotional depth, intruige and plenty of family drama.
This novel is dark and gripping thriller that’s easy to get pulled into. The story is full of secrets, tension, and unexpected twists. A good choice if you enjoy stories with emotional depth, intruige and plenty of family drama.
March 18, 2026
First things first, thank you both Netgalley and also Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!
A story playing in a cottage in a sheltered woods area? Yes, count me in. While I am a chicken myself - I can not even walk around a guarded campground alone at night - I do really enjos this kind of stories. Also, this was more than 'just' a thriller, for me, the most tension was coming from all the emotions and the grief Della is going through after losing her husband. It was not as much as a mystery as many other thrillers are, but if you look for something else to read for once, which does focus less on crime and gore, and more on relationship and emotions, this one is for you!
A story playing in a cottage in a sheltered woods area? Yes, count me in. While I am a chicken myself - I can not even walk around a guarded campground alone at night - I do really enjos this kind of stories. Also, this was more than 'just' a thriller, for me, the most tension was coming from all the emotions and the grief Della is going through after losing her husband. It was not as much as a mystery as many other thrillers are, but if you look for something else to read for once, which does focus less on crime and gore, and more on relationship and emotions, this one is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Almost a thriller that took an odd turn I was not expecting. I was a bit underwhelmed with the mystery of Leo and disappointed we didn't get an epic stand off with Ethan which is what the whole first half felt like it was leading to. Still, a page turner with a beautiful and out of the ordinary setting.
PS the dog dies 😩 which is ALWAYS unnecessary.
4 stars because I never knew what the heck was going to happen (in a good way) and I had to Google a bunch about pottery (in a great way) and learned something new!
PS the dog dies 😩 which is ALWAYS unnecessary.
4 stars because I never knew what the heck was going to happen (in a good way) and I had to Google a bunch about pottery (in a great way) and learned something new!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one was a struggle for me. The pacing is very slow, and I never fully connected with the characters… especially the FMC, whose passivity and constant spiraling made it hard to stay invested. I kept waiting for the tension to build, but instead it felt repetitive and stalled for much of the book.
The last 20% is easily the strongest part and finally brings some momentum, which honestly made me wish the entire book had that same energy. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t a good fit for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The last 20% is easily the strongest part and finally brings some momentum, which honestly made me wish the entire book had that same energy. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t a good fit for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2026
This one took me on a journey!! The pacing starts slow, but once you get going, this just gets better and better.
I wasn’t expecting this one to hit me so hard. There are aspects of this book that totally took me by surprise and pulled at my heartstrings!!!!
This is yet another meaningful example of ways in which men prey on women. I connected with Della. I felt her pain and her rage. I connected with other characters as well, all written with such purpose. Highly recommend!
I wasn’t expecting this one to hit me so hard. There are aspects of this book that totally took me by surprise and pulled at my heartstrings!!!!
This is yet another meaningful example of ways in which men prey on women. I connected with Della. I felt her pain and her rage. I connected with other characters as well, all written with such purpose. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great read—this book grabbed me within the first two pages and never let go. I loved the way the hints were revealed slowly, building suspense all the way to the end. While my suspicions about the ending were confirmed, there was still an unexpected twist that made it even more satisfying. A must-read for anyone who loves a suspenseful book they can’t put down
Thank you NetGalley, for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley, for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
These Dark Places delivers all the ingredients you'll want from a psychological thriller - it's gripping, chilling, twisty and so much more. Hilary's skill in describing setting becomes a character in itself and with a plot that's deeply layered, just when you think you know where the story's going, it switches direction - utterly brilliant!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a slow burn to me but I liked it and couldn't put it down until we knew what was going on. The slow burn kept the mysteries unraveling one by one. I think it could have a bit more action. It makes you think even in marriages there are always secrets. You really never know anyone fully. I would recommend to others for a quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my fourth book. I wanted to explore the idea of living next door to someone you share your troubles with, only to suspect they might be part of the problem. Thank you for choosing this book and for taking the time and effort to review it.
January 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book just didn’t capture my attention the way the synopsis did. I understood the idea but I never put the book down excited to pick it back up. However, I liked the plot enough to hopefully read more of the author’s books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF
thanks netgalley
thanks netgalley
March 7, 2026
This was my first Hilary Tailor book and I had a really good time with it.
Eilidh Beaton absolutely showed up with this narration. From the opening hospital scene with Leo she came in strong and just kept delivering. She had to juggle a bunch of different characters teenagers, parents, side characters… and made them all feel distinct and believable. I was locked in the entire time and honestly think the narration elevated the story.
The story itself is suspenseful and layered with interwoven timelines, family secrets, and complicated mother/daughter relationships. I always enjoy when family dynamics and generational traits start blending together and revealing the bigger picture over time.
Overall, a solid thriller and I’d definitely read anything book by her!
Eilidh Beaton absolutely showed up with this narration. From the opening hospital scene with Leo she came in strong and just kept delivering. She had to juggle a bunch of different characters teenagers, parents, side characters… and made them all feel distinct and believable. I was locked in the entire time and honestly think the narration elevated the story.
The story itself is suspenseful and layered with interwoven timelines, family secrets, and complicated mother/daughter relationships. I always enjoy when family dynamics and generational traits start blending together and revealing the bigger picture over time.
Overall, a solid thriller and I’d definitely read anything book by her!
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