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Tillinghast
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A dark and utterly original literary horror debut, following a priest whose bloodthirsty life has extended far longer than any mere human's—and is upended when a stranger comes to town
Stutley Tillinghast lives a solitary life, ostensibly as the minister of a remote rural parish in Rhode Island. For many decades now, what little human contact he’s allowed himself has been brief, frenzied and bloody, and has always ended in a shallow grave in his cellar. There’s a name for what he is, but he prefers not to use it is simple enough that he has his needs, and that when they become unbearable, he fulfils them. In his long and lonely life, he has met only one other like him—the woman he still yearns for, the one who made him what he is.
Then a girl arrives, searching for him. She has his last name, and bears an uncanny resemblance to that woman, awakening memories Tillinghast had long suppressed; the connection he feels for her is immediate and overwhelming. She’s also sick, very sick, with symptoms Tillinghast recognizes all too well...and only he knows how to cure her.
Inspired by the real events of the New England vampire panic of the nineteenth century, Tillinghast is a novel to sink your teeth at once a gripping, atmospheric horror that turns the classic monster narrative on its head; a literary work of exceptional prose about giving into--or resisting--our impulses; and a remarkably moving father-daughter story that will leave you unexpectedly hopeful—and rooting, despite your every instinct, for the killers.
Stutley Tillinghast lives a solitary life, ostensibly as the minister of a remote rural parish in Rhode Island. For many decades now, what little human contact he’s allowed himself has been brief, frenzied and bloody, and has always ended in a shallow grave in his cellar. There’s a name for what he is, but he prefers not to use it is simple enough that he has his needs, and that when they become unbearable, he fulfils them. In his long and lonely life, he has met only one other like him—the woman he still yearns for, the one who made him what he is.
Then a girl arrives, searching for him. She has his last name, and bears an uncanny resemblance to that woman, awakening memories Tillinghast had long suppressed; the connection he feels for her is immediate and overwhelming. She’s also sick, very sick, with symptoms Tillinghast recognizes all too well...and only he knows how to cure her.
Inspired by the real events of the New England vampire panic of the nineteenth century, Tillinghast is a novel to sink your teeth at once a gripping, atmospheric horror that turns the classic monster narrative on its head; a literary work of exceptional prose about giving into--or resisting--our impulses; and a remarkably moving father-daughter story that will leave you unexpectedly hopeful—and rooting, despite your every instinct, for the killers.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 23, 2026
9 people are currently reading
6567 people want to read
About the author
Clare Cavenagh
1 book22 followersClare Cavenagh spent her childhood in Erica, Australia, and her adolescence in Fribourg, Switzerland. She read English and then renaissance literature at the University of Cambridge, and now lives in London where she works as a copywriter. Her short fiction and criticism have been published in Editions L'Hèbe, Cambridge Quarterly and Eucalyptus Lit. Her first novel, TILLINGHAST, will be published in June 2026. She is currently working on her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 21, 2026
From the description I read, I expected something different. This wasn’t my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean that this is a bad book.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this free eARC of Tillinghast by Clare Cavenagh, to be published on June 4th, 2026.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this free eARC of Tillinghast by Clare Cavenagh, to be published on June 4th, 2026.
March 15, 2026
"Tillinghast inhaled through his nose, mostly fuel, but a little bit of soft, vegetal dampness. He could feel the potential of the movement in his hand. The band was wound, the energy was stored up, energy in his hand, in the match head, in the gasoline puddles on the floor and the volatile fumes in the air. No more actions were needed. He just had to let go. It was as easy as anything."
2.5.
I wanted to like this book soooo freaking bad. There's a review about Pride and Prejudice that says it's just about people going to each other's houses, and that's kind of how this novel felt to me. Nothing really happens. It's just the protagonist going from place to place.
Tillinghast kills a man within the first couple of pages, and through his letters his vampirism is explored, but not in the moment. So much more could've been expanded on, though it simply wasn't. I wish Tillinghast's relationship with Sarah would've been explored more.
The prose was easy to read, though a bit bland. Everything flowed smoothly, and I had a nice experience reading it—I just wish quite literally anything interesting would've happened. My expectations were a bit high, and unfortunately they weren't met.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
2.5.
I wanted to like this book soooo freaking bad. There's a review about Pride and Prejudice that says it's just about people going to each other's houses, and that's kind of how this novel felt to me. Nothing really happens. It's just the protagonist going from place to place.
Tillinghast kills a man within the first couple of pages, and through his letters his vampirism is explored, but not in the moment. So much more could've been expanded on, though it simply wasn't. I wish Tillinghast's relationship with Sarah would've been explored more.
The prose was easy to read, though a bit bland. Everything flowed smoothly, and I had a nice experience reading it—I just wish quite literally anything interesting would've happened. My expectations were a bit high, and unfortunately they weren't met.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
March 23, 2026lol got an ARC of this but now i'm scared
March 3, 2026
I assumed the stilted writing was due to translation issues, but nope, apparently it was an intentional choice. Huh.
DNF
ARC from netgalley
DNF
ARC from netgalley
March 23, 2026
3.5* really. An interesting take on a familiar theme just thought it took a long time to get where it was going.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Extremely well written, just a little boring for me
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As clergymen go, Reverend Stutley Tillinghast is, shall we say, quite unorthodox. Nominally in charge of a rural parish in Rhode Island, previously ministered to by his ancestors, he is afflicted by an irresistible taste for blood, which makes him kill to live and live to kill. You might well call him a monster, except that he takes no pleasure in his hunting sprees and is, on the contrary, torn by guilt at what his body makes him do. And so Tillinghast plans his own death (not easy when you are what he is). Then his reality is upended by the arrival of a young woman who may or may not be a relative, and may or may not share his affliction.
As explained in the author’s note at the end, Clare Cavanagh’s debut novel is inspired by the vampire panic that seized New England in the 19th century. During a wave of cases of consumption, people started believing that their deceased relatives were returning from the grave to feed on the living. A famous case involved Mercy Brown in Rhode Island in 1892, whose body was exhumed during an outbreak that locals thought was being caused by vampirism. This historical episode is woven into a contemporary tale with roots in the historical past.
The particular inspiration for this novel gives Cavenagh the opportunity to write a vampire novel with a twist. Indeed, the reverend protagonist is never explicitly described as a “vampire” and lacks some of the more typical qualities of the literary undead. For instance, he does not seem to mind sunlight; he is not a mind-reader; and his frenzied attacks lack the eroticism of the typical “Old World” vampire, seeming closer to the behaviour of a werewolf. Ultimately, Tillinghast comes across as a weary anti-hero who needs to confront tough moral choices.
Tillinghast suffers from some plot gaps and narrative gear changes that ultimately leave the reader wanting. Yet the unusual take on the vampire myth, the weaving of elements of New England folklore, and the psychological and moral debates at the heart of this novel still make it a worthwhile and compelling debut.
3.5*
https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...
As explained in the author’s note at the end, Clare Cavanagh’s debut novel is inspired by the vampire panic that seized New England in the 19th century. During a wave of cases of consumption, people started believing that their deceased relatives were returning from the grave to feed on the living. A famous case involved Mercy Brown in Rhode Island in 1892, whose body was exhumed during an outbreak that locals thought was being caused by vampirism. This historical episode is woven into a contemporary tale with roots in the historical past.
The particular inspiration for this novel gives Cavenagh the opportunity to write a vampire novel with a twist. Indeed, the reverend protagonist is never explicitly described as a “vampire” and lacks some of the more typical qualities of the literary undead. For instance, he does not seem to mind sunlight; he is not a mind-reader; and his frenzied attacks lack the eroticism of the typical “Old World” vampire, seeming closer to the behaviour of a werewolf. Ultimately, Tillinghast comes across as a weary anti-hero who needs to confront tough moral choices.
Tillinghast suffers from some plot gaps and narrative gear changes that ultimately leave the reader wanting. Yet the unusual take on the vampire myth, the weaving of elements of New England folklore, and the psychological and moral debates at the heart of this novel still make it a worthwhile and compelling debut.
3.5*
https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Stutley Tillinghast. Reverend Stutley Tillinghast. He is about as unreverential as it gets. He hunts, it’s a necessity and afterwards, there’s penitence. Now, he’s making an exit strategy. Then, most unexpectedly a young English girl comes into his life, she’s ill and extremely so. Tillinghast has seen her symptoms before, indeed, has experienced them and so knows what to do.
This story will not be for everyone as it’s undeniably dark, mysterious and very chilling. The writing is of a high-quality and this keeps me immersed in the storytelling. Infused into the strangeness of the plot is the story of him and Lena Browne whose name is the stuff of legend and rumour in this area of New England. The pacing is not fast, Stutley is telling his story and he’s taking his time in doing so. He gives his backstory, his interactions with Lena and to inform readers of his ghastly tale and the deeper it goes, the stranger it gets. It’s not especially graphic yet it’s obvious what’s happening annd the whys and wherefores soon become apparent and it has me transfixed. I like how things change and develop between Sarah and Tillinghast which is not expected given how things have been shaping up.
The strongest element of the book in my opinion, lies in the atmosphere created, it’s ghostly, ghastly and eerie with Tillinghast’s isolation and the isolated nature of its property and the church adding to this. Throughout there’s a palpable sense of unease, of off kilter oddness and at times a kind of weightless almost like an out of body experience is conveyed. Torment and turmoil are most apparent. Is there regret? Possibly.
Overall, I’d probably describe this tale which is based on real events in 19th century New England, as mild horror. It’s told at a languid pace but the high-quality writing has me engaged throughout.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction /The Borough Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
This story will not be for everyone as it’s undeniably dark, mysterious and very chilling. The writing is of a high-quality and this keeps me immersed in the storytelling. Infused into the strangeness of the plot is the story of him and Lena Browne whose name is the stuff of legend and rumour in this area of New England. The pacing is not fast, Stutley is telling his story and he’s taking his time in doing so. He gives his backstory, his interactions with Lena and to inform readers of his ghastly tale and the deeper it goes, the stranger it gets. It’s not especially graphic yet it’s obvious what’s happening annd the whys and wherefores soon become apparent and it has me transfixed. I like how things change and develop between Sarah and Tillinghast which is not expected given how things have been shaping up.
The strongest element of the book in my opinion, lies in the atmosphere created, it’s ghostly, ghastly and eerie with Tillinghast’s isolation and the isolated nature of its property and the church adding to this. Throughout there’s a palpable sense of unease, of off kilter oddness and at times a kind of weightless almost like an out of body experience is conveyed. Torment and turmoil are most apparent. Is there regret? Possibly.
Overall, I’d probably describe this tale which is based on real events in 19th century New England, as mild horror. It’s told at a languid pace but the high-quality writing has me engaged throughout.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction /The Borough Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Note for fellow horror readers: The Closet Door Rating System
Because I read mostly horror and psychological thrillers, my dark walk-in closet has become part of my review system. If a book is disturbing enough that I have to shut the closet door before bed so I’m not staring into the void during a midnight bathroom trip, it earns a 5/5 Closet Door rating. The lower the score, the safer I felt leaving it open… even if my husband “accidentally” did.
Closet Door Rating: 3/5 — Book Rating: 4/5
Inspired by the 19th-century New England Vampire Panic, Tillinghast follows Stutley Tillinghast, a man living a solitary and bloody existence due to a strange sickness. His quiet routine is disrupted when a woman named Sarah arrives carrying the same last name and the same affliction, forcing him to confront the long path that led him here.
Clare Cavenagh’s writing is deeply atmospheric, pulling you into the damp, decaying world of rural New England with vivid sensory detail. The novel opens strong, immediately immersing the reader in the brutality and isolation of Tillinghast’s life. His backstory is the most compelling part of the book and really drives the narrative forward. Tillinghast himself is a fascinating character. Despite how closed off he appears, his loneliness and desire for companionship quietly shape many of his choices.
The pacing slows once Sarah arrives, creating a few lulls in the middle, and the ending felt somewhat rushed compared to the careful buildup earlier in the story. Some developments resolve a bit too quickly.
Overall, this is a haunting and immersive gothic horror story about isolation and the powerful pull of human connection. The horror element is much more of that classic gothic building of dread and tension, and it sure does work well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Because I read mostly horror and psychological thrillers, my dark walk-in closet has become part of my review system. If a book is disturbing enough that I have to shut the closet door before bed so I’m not staring into the void during a midnight bathroom trip, it earns a 5/5 Closet Door rating. The lower the score, the safer I felt leaving it open… even if my husband “accidentally” did.
Closet Door Rating: 3/5 — Book Rating: 4/5
Inspired by the 19th-century New England Vampire Panic, Tillinghast follows Stutley Tillinghast, a man living a solitary and bloody existence due to a strange sickness. His quiet routine is disrupted when a woman named Sarah arrives carrying the same last name and the same affliction, forcing him to confront the long path that led him here.
Clare Cavenagh’s writing is deeply atmospheric, pulling you into the damp, decaying world of rural New England with vivid sensory detail. The novel opens strong, immediately immersing the reader in the brutality and isolation of Tillinghast’s life. His backstory is the most compelling part of the book and really drives the narrative forward. Tillinghast himself is a fascinating character. Despite how closed off he appears, his loneliness and desire for companionship quietly shape many of his choices.
The pacing slows once Sarah arrives, creating a few lulls in the middle, and the ending felt somewhat rushed compared to the careful buildup earlier in the story. Some developments resolve a bit too quickly.
Overall, this is a haunting and immersive gothic horror story about isolation and the powerful pull of human connection. The horror element is much more of that classic gothic building of dread and tension, and it sure does work well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating 3.75 Rounded up
Tillinghast changes from a lonely man who hides from his monstrous nature into someone who confronts who he truly is and tries to act with compassion despite his curse. One of the aspects I appreciated most about the story is the complexity of the main character, Mr. Tillinghast. He is not simply portrayed as a monster; he still possesses a sense of humanity. His struggles with guilt, loneliness, and morality make him a layered and sympathetic figure. Because of these qualities we are given an interesting moral conflict, the battle between humanity and monstrous instinct.
Another strong element of the novel is its rich gothic atmosphere. The story builds a dark, eerie mood that fits the supernatural theme very effectively. The isolated setting and mysterious tone, combined with a suspenseful sense of mystery, help keep the reader engaged. The novel is also deeply introspective. Much of the narrative explores questions of morality, identity, and whether someone who has done terrible things can still choose compassion. Readers who enjoy character-driven gothic fiction will likely find this especially appealing.
However, the slow and reflective style may not appeal to everyone. The novel contains relatively little action, and some sections focus heavily on Tillinghast’s internal thoughts, which can make the pacing feel slow at times. In addition, a few of the side characters could have been developed further.
Overall, Tillinghast is a thoughtful, moody gothic story about loneliness and the struggle between human conscience and monstrous instinct. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy atmospheric horror and complex characters rather than fast-paced thrills.
Tillinghast changes from a lonely man who hides from his monstrous nature into someone who confronts who he truly is and tries to act with compassion despite his curse. One of the aspects I appreciated most about the story is the complexity of the main character, Mr. Tillinghast. He is not simply portrayed as a monster; he still possesses a sense of humanity. His struggles with guilt, loneliness, and morality make him a layered and sympathetic figure. Because of these qualities we are given an interesting moral conflict, the battle between humanity and monstrous instinct.
Another strong element of the novel is its rich gothic atmosphere. The story builds a dark, eerie mood that fits the supernatural theme very effectively. The isolated setting and mysterious tone, combined with a suspenseful sense of mystery, help keep the reader engaged. The novel is also deeply introspective. Much of the narrative explores questions of morality, identity, and whether someone who has done terrible things can still choose compassion. Readers who enjoy character-driven gothic fiction will likely find this especially appealing.
However, the slow and reflective style may not appeal to everyone. The novel contains relatively little action, and some sections focus heavily on Tillinghast’s internal thoughts, which can make the pacing feel slow at times. In addition, a few of the side characters could have been developed further.
Overall, Tillinghast is a thoughtful, moody gothic story about loneliness and the struggle between human conscience and monstrous instinct. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy atmospheric horror and complex characters rather than fast-paced thrills.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Inspired by true events during the New England vampire event of the 19th century, Stutley Tillinghast has been living a solitary, bloody lifestyle. Alone until a woman comes searching for him, bearing the same last name and the same sickness that plagues him.
Upon her arrival, #Tillinghast takes us down the winding path of his past—where he came from, his family, and how he became the monster he is now. His desire to end the wicked pattern he’s been living slowly slips away as he spends more time with his unexpected guest.
Clare Cavenagh writes beautifully as she takes us through this dark, twisted world, becoming immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells.
The novel starts off strong, diving right into the dark and gore of Tillinghast’s life. It slows down a bit upon the arrival of Sarah, maybe showing how Tillinghast had little awareness of time until now—how time didn’t matter until now. Tillinghast’s backstory is captivating and the driving force of the story.
I overall enjoyed this book, even though there were a few lulls throughout. I felt the ending was a little rushed—or that it was like “okay, moving on.” Some things were sort of easily accepted and brushed over.
I also loved Tillinghast’s dynamic character—how closed off he seems only because of the unnatural forces keeping him from others. He perfectly demonstrates how the desire for companionship—no matter what form—can trump all else.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves haunting and dark stories that captivate the senses and transform the world around you.
Thank you #NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
Upon her arrival, #Tillinghast takes us down the winding path of his past—where he came from, his family, and how he became the monster he is now. His desire to end the wicked pattern he’s been living slowly slips away as he spends more time with his unexpected guest.
Clare Cavenagh writes beautifully as she takes us through this dark, twisted world, becoming immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells.
The novel starts off strong, diving right into the dark and gore of Tillinghast’s life. It slows down a bit upon the arrival of Sarah, maybe showing how Tillinghast had little awareness of time until now—how time didn’t matter until now. Tillinghast’s backstory is captivating and the driving force of the story.
I overall enjoyed this book, even though there were a few lulls throughout. I felt the ending was a little rushed—or that it was like “okay, moving on.” Some things were sort of easily accepted and brushed over.
I also loved Tillinghast’s dynamic character—how closed off he seems only because of the unnatural forces keeping him from others. He perfectly demonstrates how the desire for companionship—no matter what form—can trump all else.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves haunting and dark stories that captivate the senses and transform the world around you.
Thank you #NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | The Borough Press for providing me with the ARC.
Pub Date 4 Jun 2026
I fell in love with the cover, it’s simply one of the most beautiful covers ever. But I’m sad to say that the book itself was a bit of a letdown. I loved the different approach to the vampire subgenre of horror, how Tillinghast is not named the thing that he is. It adds to the mystery, although you clearly know what is happening. But the main issue for me was the pacing of the story, it was painfully slow. This is more of a historical novel that takes part in our modern times. I was highly intrigued by the confession that Tullinghast was writing and if the book was presented solely that way, I would have liked it better, no doubt. At times the narrative really dragged, there were sentences describing every little action the character took to do simple tasks and the constant questions the characters were asking themselves started to bother me by the end. I just don’t like this type of writing. And the biggest negative for me was a time discrepancy that was not explained and it was one of the main mysteries of the plot. I won’t get into this, because it is a spoiler, but it was unsatisfying not knowing how exactly this “relationship” was possible. I am still interested in Clare Cavenagh’s future works. Read this novel if you love slower paced historical fiction with dark and disturbing elements.
Pub Date 4 Jun 2026
I fell in love with the cover, it’s simply one of the most beautiful covers ever. But I’m sad to say that the book itself was a bit of a letdown. I loved the different approach to the vampire subgenre of horror, how Tillinghast is not named the thing that he is. It adds to the mystery, although you clearly know what is happening. But the main issue for me was the pacing of the story, it was painfully slow. This is more of a historical novel that takes part in our modern times. I was highly intrigued by the confession that Tullinghast was writing and if the book was presented solely that way, I would have liked it better, no doubt. At times the narrative really dragged, there were sentences describing every little action the character took to do simple tasks and the constant questions the characters were asking themselves started to bother me by the end. I just don’t like this type of writing. And the biggest negative for me was a time discrepancy that was not explained and it was one of the main mysteries of the plot. I won’t get into this, because it is a spoiler, but it was unsatisfying not knowing how exactly this “relationship” was possible. I am still interested in Clare Cavenagh’s future works. Read this novel if you love slower paced historical fiction with dark and disturbing elements.
March 17, 2026
*Review based on an ARC ebook copy courtesy of NetGalley and Viking Press*
Tillinghast was an interesting story. I wanted to love it, as I felt the description was captivating. In reality, I felt pretty neutral about it. It is well-written, and the author captures the gothic and bleak tones well. The plot has a lot of potential, but ultimately I feel like the author missed some opportunities in the story. Within the first few pages, we already see Stutley Tillinghast in the throes of his secret desires, but the way the author has chosen to portray the story and the way the story is meant to unfold, you end up with my questions than answers.
I did enjoy the way the author chose not to name what Tillinghast is. It is implied, and the more you learn, the more you begin to unpack what/who he is, but that mysterious unnamed monster in him really adds to the gothic nature of this story.
Probably the biggest negative for me was a time discrepancy that was never explained and it was one of the biggest mysteries in the plot. I don’t like posting spoiler reviews, but it felt very incomplete not knowing how this relationship and the fruits of such was possible.
I would definitely read more of Clare Cavenagh in the future, but this book did fall short of my expectations. If slow paced gothic historical fiction is your thing, read this!
Thank you to NetGalley, Viking Press, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Tillinghast was an interesting story. I wanted to love it, as I felt the description was captivating. In reality, I felt pretty neutral about it. It is well-written, and the author captures the gothic and bleak tones well. The plot has a lot of potential, but ultimately I feel like the author missed some opportunities in the story. Within the first few pages, we already see Stutley Tillinghast in the throes of his secret desires, but the way the author has chosen to portray the story and the way the story is meant to unfold, you end up with my questions than answers.
I did enjoy the way the author chose not to name what Tillinghast is. It is implied, and the more you learn, the more you begin to unpack what/who he is, but that mysterious unnamed monster in him really adds to the gothic nature of this story.
Probably the biggest negative for me was a time discrepancy that was never explained and it was one of the biggest mysteries in the plot. I don’t like posting spoiler reviews, but it felt very incomplete not knowing how this relationship and the fruits of such was possible.
I would definitely read more of Clare Cavenagh in the future, but this book did fall short of my expectations. If slow paced gothic historical fiction is your thing, read this!
Thank you to NetGalley, Viking Press, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
3/5 stars overall
Tillinghast is, at it's core, a vampire book. because of this, and because "literary horror" is typically the only kind of literary narrative i can tear through, i really expected this to be a quick and thought provoking read.
i think that this book was not for me. the narrative meanders and feels kind of pointless at times, and Tillinghast (the main character) is the most bland character in the novel. Sarah's sections were much more interesting in my opinion, and i found myself disappointed whenever we inevitably returned to focusing on Tillinghast again. i also don't think that the narratives of Sarah and Tillinghast seem distinct enough, as both kind of read as vaguely british even though Tillinghast has primarily resided in new england.
i felt like sections of this book were overwritten while questions still remained--i will try to convey this without giving away any plot details. at one point, a blood transfusion is needed, and we get laborious detail regarding how the materials for this are obtained,inserting the needle and cannula, and the timing of each medical procedure, but the fact that this blood could not have been refrigerated for days is ignored.
i think that readers that enjoy very slow-burn horror and can't handle much gore would enjoy reading this, but that is the opposite of my taste when it comes to horror.
3/5 stars overall
Tillinghast is, at it's core, a vampire book. because of this, and because "literary horror" is typically the only kind of literary narrative i can tear through, i really expected this to be a quick and thought provoking read.
i think that this book was not for me. the narrative meanders and feels kind of pointless at times, and Tillinghast (the main character) is the most bland character in the novel. Sarah's sections were much more interesting in my opinion, and i found myself disappointed whenever we inevitably returned to focusing on Tillinghast again. i also don't think that the narratives of Sarah and Tillinghast seem distinct enough, as both kind of read as vaguely british even though Tillinghast has primarily resided in new england.
i felt like sections of this book were overwritten while questions still remained--i will try to convey this without giving away any plot details. at one point, a blood transfusion is needed, and we get laborious detail regarding how the materials for this are obtained,inserting the needle and cannula, and the timing of each medical procedure, but the fact that this blood could not have been refrigerated for days is ignored.
i think that readers that enjoy very slow-burn horror and can't handle much gore would enjoy reading this, but that is the opposite of my taste when it comes to horror.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a bit light on horror in my opinion, but I still found Tillinghast to be entertaining. In tone and premise this reminded me a lot of The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland, but I think the page count here was more appropriate for the pacing. The main character leads a very solitary life as a sort of self-inflicted punishment for what he is, so the beginning is a little light on action other than his murder routine. While I don't think it's for everyone, I liked that a lot of things were left unanswered as to how the vampirism here works. It makes sense that we don't get to understand something the characters themselves have no answers for, so I'll allow the ambiguity to an extent.
I think for me what would have fleshed this out more is greater depth on his early life pre-vampirism, as this is limited to short excerpts of his written life story. The parts that focus on the New England vampire panic were really interesting, and I wish we got more of this so we could expand his character a bit. I warmed up to him more once Sarah comes into the picture; their relationship was oddly heartwarming to watch develop. If this were any longer I think I'd expect more questions answered, but overall I enjoyed the character development and the particulars of the vampirisim so I think I'd give this 4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
I think for me what would have fleshed this out more is greater depth on his early life pre-vampirism, as this is limited to short excerpts of his written life story. The parts that focus on the New England vampire panic were really interesting, and I wish we got more of this so we could expand his character a bit. I warmed up to him more once Sarah comes into the picture; their relationship was oddly heartwarming to watch develop. If this were any longer I think I'd expect more questions answered, but overall I enjoyed the character development and the particulars of the vampirisim so I think I'd give this 4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
High hopes... were not met. The writing keeps you at an emotional remove from the characters and I didn't feel like I knew or cared for any of them. Not much happens but there is also not much beneath the surface.
Stutley Tillinghast is the minister of a seemingly closed parish in Rhode Island. He also kills people and buries them in his basement. He is a vampire, but he and the novel avoid this word, instead reiterating hints towards his nature so much that I wish they had just come out and said it. The vampire that made him is the only other one he has met, and since she left, he has lived a long and lonely existence and changed his name when required every few decades. He has always hoped she would one day return, so when a girl arrives looking a lot like her with Tillinghast's last name, with symptoms Tillinghast knows well, he cures her the way he learned to, as he writes his story with all of his resurfaced memories.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Stutley Tillinghast is the minister of a seemingly closed parish in Rhode Island. He also kills people and buries them in his basement. He is a vampire, but he and the novel avoid this word, instead reiterating hints towards his nature so much that I wish they had just come out and said it. The vampire that made him is the only other one he has met, and since she left, he has lived a long and lonely existence and changed his name when required every few decades. He has always hoped she would one day return, so when a girl arrives looking a lot like her with Tillinghast's last name, with symptoms Tillinghast knows well, he cures her the way he learned to, as he writes his story with all of his resurfaced memories.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tillinghast follows Stutley Tillinghast, the minister of a remote Rhode Island parish whose carefully hidden, bloodthirsty existence is disrupted when a sick young woman bearing his name arrives in town. The isolated setting and eerie atmosphere are richly drawn and were my favorite part of this novel. The blurb promises a dark, original take on literary horror which I keep gravitating towards lately so I was super excited to pick this one up. The pacing felt too slow for me at times, causing the tension to wane but still, it was an enjoyable reading experience.
4⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins UK & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
4⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins UK & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Geez look I dunno. It's a cool take on vampire mythology, weaving in real life New England panic (were they just always panicking up there?), but it's a bit boring.
Writing was fine, but it was just a padded out book where nothing of real consequence happened. There were a few moments of tension (I liked the bit where Tilinghast went to the hospital the second time...) but overall it's just like...yeah, and? We need to keep authors accountable to executing a good story alongside their cool idea.
Writing was fine, but it was just a padded out book where nothing of real consequence happened. There were a few moments of tension (I liked the bit where Tilinghast went to the hospital the second time...) but overall it's just like...yeah, and? We need to keep authors accountable to executing a good story alongside their cool idea.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for providing me with the ARC.
Honestly, I really liked the first half of this book, I was so so immersed that I read 70% of the book in one sitting because I was excited that his past will be revealed and everything will be told to us and there will be more action as it's a horror or creepy vibes, but tbh, the lack of explanation did make it mysterious, us not knowing who he really is, what all 3 of them are, all in all a historical slow horror fiction that you might like if you are into mysterious vibes 👏🏼.
Honestly, I really liked the first half of this book, I was so so immersed that I read 70% of the book in one sitting because I was excited that his past will be revealed and everything will be told to us and there will be more action as it's a horror or creepy vibes, but tbh, the lack of explanation did make it mysterious, us not knowing who he really is, what all 3 of them are, all in all a historical slow horror fiction that you might like if you are into mysterious vibes 👏🏼.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tillinghast offers an understated vampire tale with strong prose and a cold New England atmosphere. Its best moments come through Stutley's confession, his isolation, and his growing bond with Sarah—never naming his condition keeps the story genuinely eerie. The 19th-century setting and vampire lore add real weight. But the pacing drags, the narrative lingers on minutiae, and the ambiguity often frustrates rather than haunts. A key mystery about the timeline and central relationship never quite lands. If you love slow, literary historical dark fiction, you'll likely dig it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very unique read. I thought the writing was brilliant. Not all that much happens to be honest but that is part of the charm, it reads as a character analysis of an old ass hella emo vampire priest. Literally what more do you want. I think it would be higher if more happened, as this just felt like a set up for something, I was waiting for more, but I will certainly read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
I loved this story. I enjoyed the connection to a real vampire panic. It was a slow, ethereal story: the pacing made the story that much more enthralling to me. As with many horror tropes, vampires are hard to make feel fresh or add anything new to the story. For me, this was a perfect example of how to do vampires effectively without copying everything else out there. The less you know about it before reading it, the better. Great read.
I loved this story. I enjoyed the connection to a real vampire panic. It was a slow, ethereal story: the pacing made the story that much more enthralling to me. As with many horror tropes, vampires are hard to make feel fresh or add anything new to the story. For me, this was a perfect example of how to do vampires effectively without copying everything else out there. The less you know about it before reading it, the better. Great read.
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