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Spider, Spider: 'Revenge takes root as poison blooms'
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Vengeance is theirs and theirs alone. But who will deal the fatal blow?
Young Nancy Ratcliffe is on the run. Her father had sought refuge for his family with the Brethren, led by the charismatic but dangerous Prophet. But now her father is gravely ill, and even the sooty streets of Victorian London hold less terror for Nancy than the brutality of Brethren Hall.
Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time. Wrapped in dreams and visions, she paces the dark corridors and hidden staircases of the crumbling house she grew up in. The man who murdered a part of her disappeared many years ago, but still she hopes for revenge.
Jet-black and thrilling, Spider, Spider is an unforgettable tale of a woman who has lost herself in the poison of vengeance, and the knife-sharp girl who might just bring her back.
Young Nancy Ratcliffe is on the run. Her father had sought refuge for his family with the Brethren, led by the charismatic but dangerous Prophet. But now her father is gravely ill, and even the sooty streets of Victorian London hold less terror for Nancy than the brutality of Brethren Hall.
Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time. Wrapped in dreams and visions, she paces the dark corridors and hidden staircases of the crumbling house she grew up in. The man who murdered a part of her disappeared many years ago, but still she hopes for revenge.
Jet-black and thrilling, Spider, Spider is an unforgettable tale of a woman who has lost herself in the poison of vengeance, and the knife-sharp girl who might just bring her back.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 5, 2026
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sensational! This lived up to every expectation I had and more.
I absolutely loved a gothic story and everything that I adore was in here.
Spooky. Mysterious. Witchy. Asylum. Depravity. Kindness. Cruelty. Victorian. Botanical. Revenge. Survival. Strange.
Spider is a character that endured. She grit her teeth and had to become what she despised in order to survive. Patiently waiting until the day that she could pounce on much deserved prey.
I haven't a single fault with this book. I wish it didn't end, but it ended poetically.
I absolutely loved a gothic story and everything that I adore was in here.
Spooky. Mysterious. Witchy. Asylum. Depravity. Kindness. Cruelty. Victorian. Botanical. Revenge. Survival. Strange.
Spider is a character that endured. She grit her teeth and had to become what she despised in order to survive. Patiently waiting until the day that she could pounce on much deserved prey.
I haven't a single fault with this book. I wish it didn't end, but it ended poetically.
February 14, 2026
*Listened to Through NetGalley*
I listened to this on audio without having a physical copy, and I definitely think that made it harder to follow. For at least the first quarter of the book, I was just trying to piece together who was who and what was actually going on. There are time jumps, multiple perspectives, and characters being called different names, which gets confusing fast. Add in the fact that the narrator does not really change her voice for the main female characters, and they all start to blend together. The beginning felt more frustrating than mysterious.
Once everything settles a bit, the story itself is interesting. It digs into religious control and how women were treated as hysterical or less than in Victorian England, with a layer of possible witchcraft mixed in. The oracle sticks and the talking to crows give it a creepy vibe, and you are never totally sure what is real and what is in Sarah’s head. That uncertainty does add to the eeriness around Spider (Sarah), which I liked.
My favorite parts were the sections in the asylum. The writing felt clearer there and way easier to follow. I found myself more pulled into the story during those chapters, and I actually cared more about what was happening.
The ending was pretty predictable and did not really shock me. Overall, it was just okay. Not terrible, not amazing. If you read it, you will probably have a fine time, but I do not think you are missing out on anything huge if you skip it either.
I listened to this on audio without having a physical copy, and I definitely think that made it harder to follow. For at least the first quarter of the book, I was just trying to piece together who was who and what was actually going on. There are time jumps, multiple perspectives, and characters being called different names, which gets confusing fast. Add in the fact that the narrator does not really change her voice for the main female characters, and they all start to blend together. The beginning felt more frustrating than mysterious.
Once everything settles a bit, the story itself is interesting. It digs into religious control and how women were treated as hysterical or less than in Victorian England, with a layer of possible witchcraft mixed in. The oracle sticks and the talking to crows give it a creepy vibe, and you are never totally sure what is real and what is in Sarah’s head. That uncertainty does add to the eeriness around Spider (Sarah), which I liked.
My favorite parts were the sections in the asylum. The writing felt clearer there and way easier to follow. I found myself more pulled into the story during those chapters, and I actually cared more about what was happening.
The ending was pretty predictable and did not really shock me. Overall, it was just okay. Not terrible, not amazing. If you read it, you will probably have a fine time, but I do not think you are missing out on anything huge if you skip it either.
February 16, 2026
Spider, Spider by L.C. Winter (Narrated by Molly Hanson)
If you’re a fan of gothic thrillers with a dark, witchy edge, Spider, Spider is absolutely worth the listen.
This story weaves together an eerie, atmospheric setting with layered characters and an undercurrent of unease that builds steadily throughout. At its core, it’s a gothic tale that explores secrets, identity, and the quiet power simmering beneath the surface, perfect for readers who enjoy a haunting, slow-burn experience.
L.C. Winter does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each one feels intentional and distinct, and the writing pulls you deeper into the story with every chapter. The gothic tone is consistent and immersive, which I personally loved, especially with that subtle witchy vibe woven throughout.
Molly Hanson’s narration elevates the entire experience. Her accent adds an extra layer of authenticity and mood, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and making the story feel even more vivid and grounded.
While the ending was a bit predictable for me, it ultimately worked. It tied everything together in a way that felt complete and satisfying, which I always appreciate, especially in a genre that can sometimes leave too many loose ends.
As someone who reads a high volume of thrillers, it’s not easy to surprise me, but this one still managed to fully engage me with its tone, character development, and immersive setting.
Thank you to NetGalley, L.C. Winter, and Bolinda Audio for the advanced copy of this audiobook. This was a great listen, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of gothic, atmospheric thrillers.
If you’re a fan of gothic thrillers with a dark, witchy edge, Spider, Spider is absolutely worth the listen.
This story weaves together an eerie, atmospheric setting with layered characters and an undercurrent of unease that builds steadily throughout. At its core, it’s a gothic tale that explores secrets, identity, and the quiet power simmering beneath the surface, perfect for readers who enjoy a haunting, slow-burn experience.
L.C. Winter does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each one feels intentional and distinct, and the writing pulls you deeper into the story with every chapter. The gothic tone is consistent and immersive, which I personally loved, especially with that subtle witchy vibe woven throughout.
Molly Hanson’s narration elevates the entire experience. Her accent adds an extra layer of authenticity and mood, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and making the story feel even more vivid and grounded.
While the ending was a bit predictable for me, it ultimately worked. It tied everything together in a way that felt complete and satisfying, which I always appreciate, especially in a genre that can sometimes leave too many loose ends.
As someone who reads a high volume of thrillers, it’s not easy to surprise me, but this one still managed to fully engage me with its tone, character development, and immersive setting.
Thank you to NetGalley, L.C. Winter, and Bolinda Audio for the advanced copy of this audiobook. This was a great listen, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of gothic, atmospheric thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC!
AOURGH this was so good. Genuinely. So good. The pretty cover did NOT lie.
I was planning on doing a tandem read with the audiobook and the written version, but after I read the first couple chapters and then switched to the audiobook, I just stuck to the audiobook completely. The narrator did an AMAZING job, doing so much to add feelings and vibes that she herself already deserves extra stars for how great of a job she did. The book was already great anyway, but the narrator just added a special something that really made the audiobook exceptional. I'd definitely recommend the audiobook specifically.
This book is amazing and I really don't know how to review it in a way that does it justice. Just the right kind and amount of creepy, with a hint of (plausibly deniable) witchcraft, this book is immaculately gothic, and I finished it in one sitting. The descriptions of both the environment (Spider's house especially) and the characters, the vibes, everything about it is perfect, and I immediately want to re-read it because it's just that good. There was no major plot twists, really, and especially if you read the blurb the events in this novel will seem pretty predictable, but that did not affect my reading experience at all. I didn't NEED any shocking plot twists, as just following the story along, as written by Winter and (again, amazingly!!!!) narrated by Hanson, was already enough to really draw me in and keep me focused on it until the very end (and I do not usually manage to stay focused that long!).
All the characters had an important role in the story, and while not all of them were three dimensional, exactly, they perfectly fulfilled their function, and it did not feel like there was any unnecessary or missing character. It all just fits perfectly.
The themes of the story, too, really gripped me, at times causing physical reactions (especially poor Spider's time in the asylum because what the HELL), attesting to Winter's incredible skill as a writer. This was a very, very easy 5 star read for me.
AOURGH this was so good. Genuinely. So good. The pretty cover did NOT lie.
I was planning on doing a tandem read with the audiobook and the written version, but after I read the first couple chapters and then switched to the audiobook, I just stuck to the audiobook completely. The narrator did an AMAZING job, doing so much to add feelings and vibes that she herself already deserves extra stars for how great of a job she did. The book was already great anyway, but the narrator just added a special something that really made the audiobook exceptional. I'd definitely recommend the audiobook specifically.
This book is amazing and I really don't know how to review it in a way that does it justice. Just the right kind and amount of creepy, with a hint of (plausibly deniable) witchcraft, this book is immaculately gothic, and I finished it in one sitting. The descriptions of both the environment (Spider's house especially) and the characters, the vibes, everything about it is perfect, and I immediately want to re-read it because it's just that good. There was no major plot twists, really, and especially if you read the blurb the events in this novel will seem pretty predictable, but that did not affect my reading experience at all. I didn't NEED any shocking plot twists, as just following the story along, as written by Winter and (again, amazingly!!!!) narrated by Hanson, was already enough to really draw me in and keep me focused on it until the very end (and I do not usually manage to stay focused that long!).
All the characters had an important role in the story, and while not all of them were three dimensional, exactly, they perfectly fulfilled their function, and it did not feel like there was any unnecessary or missing character. It all just fits perfectly.
The themes of the story, too, really gripped me, at times causing physical reactions (especially poor Spider's time in the asylum because what the HELL), attesting to Winter's incredible skill as a writer. This was a very, very easy 5 star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As you all know by now, I'm a sucker for a beautiful front cover - and I seem to be collecting a fair few books with birds on the cover!
You might remember that I have an odd fear of birds (especially large black birds!) ....yet I have to admit that I grew to really quite like Corbeau (?) the crow throughout this read.
This was a dark read with a wonderful gothic atmosphere running throughout.
Whilst Nancy seeks to take revenge for the death of her father at the hands of the brethren he sought refuge with, Spider has been biding her time to get her own revenge on the man who killed her spirit many years before.
I listened to this on audio and I have to say that I spent a good 25/30% of the book feeling extremely out of touch and confused.
There were many timeline jumps and sections from different pov's that I struggled to follow in that form.
I think that this would have been much easier to follow if there had been a visual or some indication that the settings etc had changed.
Having said that, I just had to focus much more and eventually the narrative came through and things settled into a pattern that I could follow much more easily.
I loved Spider's story and found that I really sympathised with her mission, despite the outcome being one of revenge and potential murder.
The trauma she'd lived through whilst at the asylum with Dana was brutal and harrowing - but all so tragic that nobody really ever spoke up for the women there.
Eventually, it becomes much clearer how the connection between Spider and Nancy came about - and I fear that the ending was pretty predictable - but not in any way that spoiled the reading of this book.
The writing style draws us into this setting so well and I found it easy to visualise both the asylum scenes and the events playing out at the house in present day.
Despite the initial confusion, this was a great read and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future.
You might remember that I have an odd fear of birds (especially large black birds!) ....yet I have to admit that I grew to really quite like Corbeau (?) the crow throughout this read.
This was a dark read with a wonderful gothic atmosphere running throughout.
Whilst Nancy seeks to take revenge for the death of her father at the hands of the brethren he sought refuge with, Spider has been biding her time to get her own revenge on the man who killed her spirit many years before.
I listened to this on audio and I have to say that I spent a good 25/30% of the book feeling extremely out of touch and confused.
There were many timeline jumps and sections from different pov's that I struggled to follow in that form.
I think that this would have been much easier to follow if there had been a visual or some indication that the settings etc had changed.
Having said that, I just had to focus much more and eventually the narrative came through and things settled into a pattern that I could follow much more easily.
I loved Spider's story and found that I really sympathised with her mission, despite the outcome being one of revenge and potential murder.
The trauma she'd lived through whilst at the asylum with Dana was brutal and harrowing - but all so tragic that nobody really ever spoke up for the women there.
Eventually, it becomes much clearer how the connection between Spider and Nancy came about - and I fear that the ending was pretty predictable - but not in any way that spoiled the reading of this book.
The writing style draws us into this setting so well and I found it easy to visualise both the asylum scenes and the events playing out at the house in present day.
Despite the initial confusion, this was a great read and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Young Nancy Ratcliffe is on the run, forever looking over her shoulder or jumping at any shadow she casts, nerves frayed beyond repair, haunted by her past.
Her father only wished to seek refuge and survival for his small family with the Brethren, led by the charismatic, pious, holy Prophet who promised salvation for all who seek it, yet like the calling of a Siren, his words were sharper than a double-edged sword and the price for what he is offering could never be paid in full…
Nancy’s father is gravely ill, wasting away before her very eyes, and with little options left, she finds the sooty streets of Victorian London hold far less terrors than that of the brutal and dangerous Brethren Hall.
Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time, awake throughout a sea of visions and dreams, Spider paces the crumbling and dark corridors, staircases and rooms within her cocoon of the house she grew up in, and she shall have revenge on the man who murdered a part of her many years ago, and he may have thought himself free of her fangs, he would be foolish to think she would ever forget, or indeed forgive…
Through a set of circumstances akin to a chess board, the two meet and find solace in the fact that there may be a way for Nancy to finally help her family, and for Spider to finally make her kill yet the pair should be wary as the Prophet has just as many eyes as Spider, and his fangs may indeed be sharper and filled with a much deadlier poison…
Like the most insistent of toxins, this novel will get into your system, infect your senses, and leaves you obsessed and wanting more until the very last word. A stand-out debut of gothic delights!
Her father only wished to seek refuge and survival for his small family with the Brethren, led by the charismatic, pious, holy Prophet who promised salvation for all who seek it, yet like the calling of a Siren, his words were sharper than a double-edged sword and the price for what he is offering could never be paid in full…
Nancy’s father is gravely ill, wasting away before her very eyes, and with little options left, she finds the sooty streets of Victorian London hold far less terrors than that of the brutal and dangerous Brethren Hall.
Meanwhile, Spider is biding her time, awake throughout a sea of visions and dreams, Spider paces the crumbling and dark corridors, staircases and rooms within her cocoon of the house she grew up in, and she shall have revenge on the man who murdered a part of her many years ago, and he may have thought himself free of her fangs, he would be foolish to think she would ever forget, or indeed forgive…
Through a set of circumstances akin to a chess board, the two meet and find solace in the fact that there may be a way for Nancy to finally help her family, and for Spider to finally make her kill yet the pair should be wary as the Prophet has just as many eyes as Spider, and his fangs may indeed be sharper and filled with a much deadlier poison…
Like the most insistent of toxins, this novel will get into your system, infect your senses, and leaves you obsessed and wanting more until the very last word. A stand-out debut of gothic delights!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great read. A young girl and an older woman both have reason to hate a man who leads a cult called the Brethren. Calling himself the Reverend Prophet, Mr Jacob Darner is a cruel and violent man, a sadistic monster who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others. Told from the POVs of Nancy Ratcliffe and Spider/Sara and in multiple timelines, during the 1800’s, this is a compulsive read.
Briefly, Sara lives with her uncle. Neither of them are very demonstrative and are not close but even so the treatment he metes out when he believes she tried to poison him is shocking. Nancy, her younger sister Polly/Pigeon and their father are members of the Brethren. However, Nancy is feisty and is often in trouble with Darner so she decides to escape from the Brethren and make a home for her father and sister. Spider is wealthy but lives with her housekeeper Patience but her life is ruled by her obsessive need to exact vengeance on Darner.
This is an atmospheric gothic read. The tension level is high and it’s a great storyline. The writing was so good I genuinely hated Darner and if they’d asked me, I would’ve happily helped Spider and Nancy in their quest. You could see just how a cult can indoctrinate their followers, Pigeon still felt they should return after Nancy managed to get her out. The violence and so called punishments inflicted, mainly by Darner, was terrible and quite distressing. A fantastic Victorian gothic novel that was very entertaining. I loved it.
Briefly, Sara lives with her uncle. Neither of them are very demonstrative and are not close but even so the treatment he metes out when he believes she tried to poison him is shocking. Nancy, her younger sister Polly/Pigeon and their father are members of the Brethren. However, Nancy is feisty and is often in trouble with Darner so she decides to escape from the Brethren and make a home for her father and sister. Spider is wealthy but lives with her housekeeper Patience but her life is ruled by her obsessive need to exact vengeance on Darner.
This is an atmospheric gothic read. The tension level is high and it’s a great storyline. The writing was so good I genuinely hated Darner and if they’d asked me, I would’ve happily helped Spider and Nancy in their quest. You could see just how a cult can indoctrinate their followers, Pigeon still felt they should return after Nancy managed to get her out. The violence and so called punishments inflicted, mainly by Darner, was terrible and quite distressing. A fantastic Victorian gothic novel that was very entertaining. I loved it.
February 9, 2026
This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it absolutely did not let me down. Spider Spider is a creepy, gothic dream and an easy five star read for me.
From the very beginning, the author creates a deeply menacing atmosphere. There’s a constant undercurrent of unease and creeping dread that runs through the story, leaving you slightly on edge at all times. Told through dual perspectives and two timelines that slowly converge, I found myself completely hooked and needing to keep reading to understand what was really going on.
The characters are wonderfully unsettling; complex and revealed gradually, layer by layer. 🖤 I was never quite sure who I could fully trust. Everything felt morally grey and that constant uncertainty made me feel deeply uncomfortable as a reader. I loved it! There is a little hint of witchiness which I wasn’t expecting but was absolutely delighted by. 🕸️
At the heart of the story, though, is a terrible sadness. Beneath the darkness and menace there is a deeply emotional and tragic story, which makes the unsettling elements even more powerful.
The writing is sharp and immersive, with tension that builds steadily rather than relying on shock. The result is an emotive, atmospheric story that is utterly gripping from start to finish.
Creepy, twisted, dark, unsettling and deliciously sinister, Spider Spider is a book that truly crawls under your skin. Absolutely unmissable 🕷️✨
Thank you to the author and the publisher for sending me an early proof for review.
From the very beginning, the author creates a deeply menacing atmosphere. There’s a constant undercurrent of unease and creeping dread that runs through the story, leaving you slightly on edge at all times. Told through dual perspectives and two timelines that slowly converge, I found myself completely hooked and needing to keep reading to understand what was really going on.
The characters are wonderfully unsettling; complex and revealed gradually, layer by layer. 🖤 I was never quite sure who I could fully trust. Everything felt morally grey and that constant uncertainty made me feel deeply uncomfortable as a reader. I loved it! There is a little hint of witchiness which I wasn’t expecting but was absolutely delighted by. 🕸️
At the heart of the story, though, is a terrible sadness. Beneath the darkness and menace there is a deeply emotional and tragic story, which makes the unsettling elements even more powerful.
The writing is sharp and immersive, with tension that builds steadily rather than relying on shock. The result is an emotive, atmospheric story that is utterly gripping from start to finish.
Creepy, twisted, dark, unsettling and deliciously sinister, Spider Spider is a book that truly crawls under your skin. Absolutely unmissable 🕷️✨
Thank you to the author and the publisher for sending me an early proof for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Massively Menacing & Memorable
This was an easy five-star read for me — I was hooked from the very first line. I picked this up with no real expectations beyond the “Vengeance is theirs” hook in the NetGalley description, and still had absolutely no idea what I was walking into with “Spider Spider”.
If female protagonists and vengeance are your bag, then frankly, this is one you shouldn’t miss. The prose is phenomenal: richly detailed, atmospheric, and yet effortlessly readable. The characters — and indeed Hangcorner House itself — immediately come alive. The environs are so vividly drawn that, quite literally, the only thing missing was the smell — and, given the era, that omission was a genuine mercy.
The societal and familial obligations of the time are handled with real finesse, grounding the story and giving its darker elements real weight. Sara and Nancy may share a thirst for vengeance, but each arrives there by her own compelling, sharply drawn route.
“Spider Spider” (despite any arachnophobic qualms) is a viscerally different, darkly delicious, and beautifully written novel — one that proves even the ornithophobic reader has nothing to worry about.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for the DRC of “Spider Spider” by L. C. Winter.
“Spider Spider” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 5 March 2026.
This was an easy five-star read for me — I was hooked from the very first line. I picked this up with no real expectations beyond the “Vengeance is theirs” hook in the NetGalley description, and still had absolutely no idea what I was walking into with “Spider Spider”.
If female protagonists and vengeance are your bag, then frankly, this is one you shouldn’t miss. The prose is phenomenal: richly detailed, atmospheric, and yet effortlessly readable. The characters — and indeed Hangcorner House itself — immediately come alive. The environs are so vividly drawn that, quite literally, the only thing missing was the smell — and, given the era, that omission was a genuine mercy.
The societal and familial obligations of the time are handled with real finesse, grounding the story and giving its darker elements real weight. Sara and Nancy may share a thirst for vengeance, but each arrives there by her own compelling, sharply drawn route.
“Spider Spider” (despite any arachnophobic qualms) is a viscerally different, darkly delicious, and beautifully written novel — one that proves even the ornithophobic reader has nothing to worry about.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for the DRC of “Spider Spider” by L. C. Winter.
“Spider Spider” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 5 March 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did I read this just because Natasha Pulley wrote a blurb for it? I plead the fifth.
A haunted young woman lives in a big, gloomy house, growing poisonous plants and planning her revenge. A young girl is on the run from a corrupt congregation, having left her father and sister behind in the clutches of the church. When the two meet, they find that their wounds were dealt by the same man, and they will have their vengeance.
Amazing vibes, if you like your vibes kind of freaky and messed up! The writing is super smooth, and the book focuses a lot more on Nancy and Spider as characters than on the plot itself. I really liked the scenes we get from Spider's past and just the idea of this twisted woman living in a run-down house full of poisonous flowers and dolls. I also think there was a nice feeling of cohesion to the gothic elements, which I find a lot of book struggle with. There are the oracle sticks and the dolls and Corbeau the crow and the poisonous flowers, but they all feel like they work together and contribute to the overall atmosphere. The ending was a little predictable and anti-climactic, but I enjoyed the journey there!
Gothic fans, you're going to love this story and all of its creaky, cobwebbed corners!
Thank you to L. C. Winter and Duckworth Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
A haunted young woman lives in a big, gloomy house, growing poisonous plants and planning her revenge. A young girl is on the run from a corrupt congregation, having left her father and sister behind in the clutches of the church. When the two meet, they find that their wounds were dealt by the same man, and they will have their vengeance.
Amazing vibes, if you like your vibes kind of freaky and messed up! The writing is super smooth, and the book focuses a lot more on Nancy and Spider as characters than on the plot itself. I really liked the scenes we get from Spider's past and just the idea of this twisted woman living in a run-down house full of poisonous flowers and dolls. I also think there was a nice feeling of cohesion to the gothic elements, which I find a lot of book struggle with. There are the oracle sticks and the dolls and Corbeau the crow and the poisonous flowers, but they all feel like they work together and contribute to the overall atmosphere. The ending was a little predictable and anti-climactic, but I enjoyed the journey there!
Gothic fans, you're going to love this story and all of its creaky, cobwebbed corners!
Thank you to L. C. Winter and Duckworth Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
February 6, 2026
It’s not often that I read a gothic historical fiction/mystery book, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
It’s a tale set in the darkest places of Victorian London where we meet Sarah and Nancy, and their nemesis ‘Darner’: also known as The Prophet. The story is told in the third person, and alternates between the two females, who both want revenge against Darner.
The narrative had me gripped from beginning to end, as it weaves extracts from both Sarah and Nancy’s lives and we learn why they both seek to settle a score with Darner. Darner is evil personified; an utterly cruel member of society who demands the utmost obedience from anyone who crosses his path; and who enjoys watching people suffer under his deliverance.
We meet Sarah initially, as an older lady, who is now known as Spider. She lives a quiet, solitary life, in an old, rickety house, and has many quirks and fascinations. Interspersed throughout Spider’s story, is that of Nancy and her family who are currently suffering under Darner’s cruel punishments. When Nancy decides to run away, she faces a dangerous life on London streets with little chance of hope.
The resilience and determination of both Spider and Nancy shine through in this time of history when professional men were taken at their word, and the poor had little to no say over matters affecting them. They are two females, physically weak in the hands of men, but determined to wreak vengeance on the man who has inflicted so much pain on them.
Can they work together to bring this tyrant down, or will they fail and meet the hangman’s noose? It’s one to read if you want to find out…😉
With many thanks to the publisher for this proof copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
Dark, gothic, and utterly absorbing—Spider, Spider is the kind of novel that lingers long after the final page. L. C. Winter weaves a tale of vengeance and survival in Victorian London, where shadows seem to breathe and every corridor hides a secret.
Nancy Ratcliffe’s desperate flight from the brutality of Brethren Hall is heart-wrenching, and Spider herself—haunted, enigmatic, and driven by revenge—feels like a character born straight from the pages of a gothic classic. Winter’s prose is sharp yet lyrical, painting London’s soot-stained streets and crumbling houses with a vivid, unsettling beauty.
What makes this book so compelling is its atmosphere: the menace is palpable, but so too is the fragile hope that flickers in the darkness. It’s a story of women navigating danger, reclaiming power, and confronting the poison of vengeance.
Fans of Bridget Collins or Anna Mazzola will find themselves right at home here. Spider, Spider is black as night, cleverly woven, and gloriously gothic—a novel that grips you with its menace and refuses to let go.
With thanks to LC Winter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Nancy Ratcliffe’s desperate flight from the brutality of Brethren Hall is heart-wrenching, and Spider herself—haunted, enigmatic, and driven by revenge—feels like a character born straight from the pages of a gothic classic. Winter’s prose is sharp yet lyrical, painting London’s soot-stained streets and crumbling houses with a vivid, unsettling beauty.
What makes this book so compelling is its atmosphere: the menace is palpable, but so too is the fragile hope that flickers in the darkness. It’s a story of women navigating danger, reclaiming power, and confronting the poison of vengeance.
Fans of Bridget Collins or Anna Mazzola will find themselves right at home here. Spider, Spider is black as night, cleverly woven, and gloriously gothic—a novel that grips you with its menace and refuses to let go.
With thanks to LC Winter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A creepy, unnerving and disorienting historical novel. I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This has quite horrific elements, particularly with the treatment of some of the characters. However this is juxtaposed with some quite beautiful writing. They are strange fellows but it works so well. We’re led through some quite distressing scenes which are bathed in gorgeous prose. I really enjoyed the writing of this book, it stood out for me.
The book deliberately disorients the reader, leading you down different roads until you can make the connections for yourself. I really enjoyed the satisfying moments of realisation. The book is told over different timelines with new characters introduced. What’s prevalent throughout though is the cruelty of those with power, aimed particularly at women.
The story is painful at times, and trigger warnings should be considered. But it’s also a story of determination, bravery, beating the monsters. All dressed with creepy houses, perilous plants, historical detail. A great read.
This has quite horrific elements, particularly with the treatment of some of the characters. However this is juxtaposed with some quite beautiful writing. They are strange fellows but it works so well. We’re led through some quite distressing scenes which are bathed in gorgeous prose. I really enjoyed the writing of this book, it stood out for me.
The book deliberately disorients the reader, leading you down different roads until you can make the connections for yourself. I really enjoyed the satisfying moments of realisation. The book is told over different timelines with new characters introduced. What’s prevalent throughout though is the cruelty of those with power, aimed particularly at women.
The story is painful at times, and trigger warnings should be considered. But it’s also a story of determination, bravery, beating the monsters. All dressed with creepy houses, perilous plants, historical detail. A great read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a great gothic revenge story and the atmosphere was everything. The first 30 percent was a little confusing for me with the timeline and POV shifts. I felt slightly out of sync at first. But once I really locked in and captured what was happening, the story completely came together and I was hooked.
Nancy fleeing the Brethren and the terrifying Prophet felt tense and desperate. Spider’s storyline was the one that really gripped me though. Her trauma, her anger, and the way revenge slowly shaped her felt raw and tragic. Even when her path leans toward violence, I understood her.
The ending was a bit predictable, but in a way that it should have ended. It felt fitting and didn’t take away from the impact.I listened on audio and it was so well done. The narrator’s voice and emotion added a lot to the tension and helped ground the heavier moments.
Thanks to NetGalley & Bolinda Audio for the gifted copy!
Nancy fleeing the Brethren and the terrifying Prophet felt tense and desperate. Spider’s storyline was the one that really gripped me though. Her trauma, her anger, and the way revenge slowly shaped her felt raw and tragic. Even when her path leans toward violence, I understood her.
The ending was a bit predictable, but in a way that it should have ended. It felt fitting and didn’t take away from the impact.I listened on audio and it was so well done. The narrator’s voice and emotion added a lot to the tension and helped ground the heavier moments.
Thanks to NetGalley & Bolinda Audio for the gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Very enjoyable book! I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. It has a very gothic witchy vibe which is right up my alley, and follows two individuals Spider and Nancy through their quest to bring down one man who has brought them both harm. The story definitely had some small gaps here and there, and it was never really clear to me what age Spider was supposed to be. I think the backstory for Spider could have been a little more fleshed out and oriented in time. It wasn’t obvious to me how much time had passed between Spider’s historical timeline and the current timeline of the book. That said, this was a fun read and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys gothic witchy stories focused on revenge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, what a debut!!!!
L.C. Winter's makes you really feel like you are right there with these women in Victorian Era London.
I listened to the audiobook and I was not disappointed!
The narrator was incredible and she did such a wonderful job with all the characters.
All throughout this story, you can feel the pain Nancy and Spider go though, it is so detailed and believable, from praying on their knees to the sounds of the bell tower. The Brethren and the Asylum
This is told from Nancy and Spider's POV, from present to past and back to present again in such a beautiful way.
I highly, highly, recommend this. Gothic dark thriller!
I want to thank Netgalley, L.C. Winter and Bolinda Audio for and Audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
L.C. Winter's makes you really feel like you are right there with these women in Victorian Era London.
I listened to the audiobook and I was not disappointed!
The narrator was incredible and she did such a wonderful job with all the characters.
All throughout this story, you can feel the pain Nancy and Spider go though, it is so detailed and believable, from praying on their knees to the sounds of the bell tower. The Brethren and the Asylum
This is told from Nancy and Spider's POV, from present to past and back to present again in such a beautiful way.
I highly, highly, recommend this. Gothic dark thriller!
I want to thank Netgalley, L.C. Winter and Bolinda Audio for and Audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2025
A beautifully written and incredibly accomplished debut novel! I love the way this writer conjures atmosphere, leading the reader slowly into this web of darkness, secrets and revenge. A gorgeous slice of gothic literature, at times the villain’s cruelty had me speed-reading, but other times I slowed right down, lingering over the lovely phrasing and eeriness of the prose. That said, I hurried towards the end, desperate to know which of these characters would be the one to enact their long-overdue revenge. I found the ending very satisfying - balancing that line between historical realism and modern sensibility. I salute this author and look forward to her next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a beautifully written revenge story. One common pitfall in such plots is that they can feel narrow, focusing almost exclusively on the act of revenge itself. While I don’t usually mind that, this book manages to go beyond it, weaving in glimpses of the past that reveal both the reasons behind the characters’ actions and the consequences that shaped them. These carefully placed backstory elements add depth and nuance, making the narrative feel richer and the revenge more compelling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is honestly so unique and interesting, but I’m not going to lie… the first third had me completely lost.
The story jumps through different timelines without much warning, and the characters all sounded so similar — different names, but the exact same voice. It was genuinely confusing, and I kept wishing I had a written version in front of me just to keep track.
But once everything started to click… wow. The second half was truly amazing. The plot became clearer, the pieces finally fell into place, and suddenly I couldn’t stop listening.
A challenging start, but such a rewarding finish.
The story jumps through different timelines without much warning, and the characters all sounded so similar — different names, but the exact same voice. It was genuinely confusing, and I kept wishing I had a written version in front of me just to keep track.
But once everything started to click… wow. The second half was truly amazing. The plot became clearer, the pieces finally fell into place, and suddenly I couldn’t stop listening.
A challenging start, but such a rewarding finish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced listening copy of this book.
The narrators voice was nice and calm, well spoken and had all the right tones at the right times. No over exaggerated accents or anything like that. Very pleasant to listen to.
I really enjoyed this book, the planning and the wait for revenge on an absolute monster, someone who preaches about god and redemption but uses it to abuse and control people. It has all the elements that I love, historical, an asylum, witchy, and revenge!!
When this book is released I definitely recommend reading/listening to it.
The narrators voice was nice and calm, well spoken and had all the right tones at the right times. No over exaggerated accents or anything like that. Very pleasant to listen to.
I really enjoyed this book, the planning and the wait for revenge on an absolute monster, someone who preaches about god and redemption but uses it to abuse and control people. It has all the elements that I love, historical, an asylum, witchy, and revenge!!
When this book is released I definitely recommend reading/listening to it.
November 21, 2025
3.5 stars
Took me the tiniest while to get everyone set in place. Who Spider was, and exactly what was going on
With that done, I enjoyed this tale of revenge.
It's got a few creepy moments, with talk of witchcraft, and even more concerning moments of a man who likes power too much and is happy to abuse it.
Some excellent characters and a great sense of time and place.
Oh, and a beautiful cover.
Lots to like here.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
Took me the tiniest while to get everyone set in place. Who Spider was, and exactly what was going on
With that done, I enjoyed this tale of revenge.
It's got a few creepy moments, with talk of witchcraft, and even more concerning moments of a man who likes power too much and is happy to abuse it.
Some excellent characters and a great sense of time and place.
Oh, and a beautiful cover.
Lots to like here.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
December 5, 2025
A very satisfying tale of feminine rage where two women come together to exact their revenge on a man. And the ending was oh so satisfying.
Though I enjoyed it, and loved the gothic writing, it kind of lacked plot-wise.
Though I enjoyed it, and loved the gothic writing, it kind of lacked plot-wise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A superb visit into the Victorian era and the harsh life that it was. This is well written and paced just about right I read this within a couple of days as it was so intriguing. The right amount of mystery, revenge and hope makes this for a great story!
Review of advance copy
Givrn to me as an ARC read from #itsthebookparty
Did enjoy this.
Gothic, historical, twisty, dark.
Less than 300 pages so read quickly.
It took me a while to join the dots... i preferred the second half of the book when it all started to come together.
Did enjoy this.
Gothic, historical, twisty, dark.
Less than 300 pages so read quickly.
It took me a while to join the dots... i preferred the second half of the book when it all started to come together.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ALC Review✨
Victorian setting with an asylum, and a females burning rage? It had me hooked.
I really enjoyed this, it's the perfect story that gives spooky vibes, botanical witchy feelings, the horrors of an asylum and two women with rage filled hearts seeking revenge.
Victorian setting with an asylum, and a females burning rage? It had me hooked.
I really enjoyed this, it's the perfect story that gives spooky vibes, botanical witchy feelings, the horrors of an asylum and two women with rage filled hearts seeking revenge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
dark and ominous book with some fantastic plotting and some excellent vibes. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
February 19, 2026
A dark historical fiction with a twisted web of revenge weaving through its pages.
Perfect if you love old spooky houses, orphans and a little bit of magic.
Perfect if you love old spooky houses, orphans and a little bit of magic.
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