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Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse
Not all lighthouses lead you safely to shore.
The old Tidehaven lighthouse has stood abandoned since the night its light failed and dozens of sailors drowned. Locals say the place is cursed. Elias, a guarded investigator of the supernatural, would rather keep his distance—until Benji, an old friend from his childhood, turns up at his doorstep asking questions he shouldn't.
What begins as curiosity quickly becomes survival, as the lighthouse stirs awake and pulls them both into its shifting halls. To escape, Elias and Benji must confront what waits not just the dead left behind, but also the ghosts they carry within themselves.
A haunted lighthouse, a house that remembers, and two men bound by past and present—Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse is a modern gothic tale of memory, longing, and the places that will not let us go.
The old Tidehaven lighthouse has stood abandoned since the night its light failed and dozens of sailors drowned. Locals say the place is cursed. Elias, a guarded investigator of the supernatural, would rather keep his distance—until Benji, an old friend from his childhood, turns up at his doorstep asking questions he shouldn't.
What begins as curiosity quickly becomes survival, as the lighthouse stirs awake and pulls them both into its shifting halls. To escape, Elias and Benji must confront what waits not just the dead left behind, but also the ghosts they carry within themselves.
A haunted lighthouse, a house that remembers, and two men bound by past and present—Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse is a modern gothic tale of memory, longing, and the places that will not let us go.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2026
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 23, 2026
4.5 stars
Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse by P.J. Thorneijk is an atmospheric tale of loneliness and connection, blending delicious prose and impeccable vibes.
I took my time with this story despite its length so I could savour every description, every feeling of eery discomfort or pang of sympathy.
I struggle often to feel immersed in the works I read, to imagine the environment, the weather, the vibe. The author accomplished this for me. I could imagine the wind and rain cutting into me; the salty spray of the ocean as the waves crash against solid rock; the cold and dread, pain and fear—the desperate desire to succumb.
My only gripe with this book is I wanted more! More of the characters, more backstory, more world-building.
I’m excited to see what else the author publishes and hope to return to this world—to Benji and Elias… and the House!
**I received an eARC and this review was given freely. These views are my own, honest thoughts.
Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse by P.J. Thorneijk is an atmospheric tale of loneliness and connection, blending delicious prose and impeccable vibes.
I took my time with this story despite its length so I could savour every description, every feeling of eery discomfort or pang of sympathy.
I struggle often to feel immersed in the works I read, to imagine the environment, the weather, the vibe. The author accomplished this for me. I could imagine the wind and rain cutting into me; the salty spray of the ocean as the waves crash against solid rock; the cold and dread, pain and fear—the desperate desire to succumb.
My only gripe with this book is I wanted more! More of the characters, more backstory, more world-building.
I’m excited to see what else the author publishes and hope to return to this world—to Benji and Elias… and the House!
**I received an eARC and this review was given freely. These views are my own, honest thoughts.
March 25, 2026
I loved the premise of this novella: Elias is a paranormal investigator whose only friend appears to be The House that he lives in. When his childhood friend Benji comes a-knocking, together they take on the local haunted lighthouse once and for all.
The grumpy-sunshine dynamic of Elis and Benji was cute, I really hope we get to see more of that in the future!
The grumpy-sunshine dynamic of Elis and Benji was cute, I really hope we get to see more of that in the future!
March 23, 2026
3.5
Started with an intriguing and creepy mystery surrounding an abandoned lighthouse and ended up in me falling in love with the characters. Cannot wait to read more about Elias and Benji!
Started with an intriguing and creepy mystery surrounding an abandoned lighthouse and ended up in me falling in love with the characters. Cannot wait to read more about Elias and Benji!
March 27, 2026
At the Harbor of Tidehaven, there stood the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse was very dependent upon as it protected ships from the dangerous cliffs. In 1961, there was a horrible storm and the light house stopped working. The Lighthouse was thoroughly checked out, anything to everything, was repaired or replaced but it never turned on again. There came a belief that the Lighthouse was cursed and the harbor was moved. Tidehaven was moved down the coast with a new, modern, sleek light.
The old Lighthouse keeper never left, he stayed with the Lighthouse. In 1962, another fierce storm blew through and the Lighthouse was turned to rubble and the old keeper died.
Sixty years has passed, but Elias Mirel still saw the old Lighthouse, light up. At forty-one, Elias solved many a mystery, with his old compass. Elias wasn’t very much liked in his childhood. He bought odd things to school and asked many questions during history class. He was even known to spend his allowance on broken watches and chipped items. Even now he had no friends and he didn’t mind. In fact, it was better for the House. He didn’t have to worry about the chaos people caused if they came to visit.
Seeing the old Lighthouse lit up, Elias decided to take his old compass and go to the old Lighthouse. He had looked at photographs of the Lighthouse and looking at it now he saw it was different. His old compass was odd, that it never pointed north, and in fact it only moved when things weren’t quite right. Pointing it towards the Lighthouse the compass reacted crazily as Elias got closer. He thought he spent an hour at the Lighthouse and as he walked away he got a strange feeling.
When Elias returned to his House, that set back from the paved road, he notices footsteps and knee prints in the mud. As he got closer to the House he noticed a man sitting on his porch, with dirty hands and clothes. The man startled at the clang of the iron gate that surrounded the House. The man looked familiar to Elias, and but he told him he didn’t like visitors around the House. The man explains to Elias he was told to come here because he had information on the Lighthouse. Elias makes a mistake with the House, as he invites the man in with his dirty shoes.
The man introduces himself as, Benjamin “Benji” Summers. Elias remembers him now from his younger years, as the boy was two years younger than him. He was annoyingly talkative, loud and was never silent. Elias was opposite, he liked his silence. Benji followed Elias everywhere, even right up to the House that everyone avoided and detoured just to pass it. One day an incident happened at the House and Elias never saw Benji again. With odd and eerie memories, Elias was sent to therapy and even lied that he was better, to avoid being asked questions over and over again.
As Benji and Elias talk, Benji reveals he had an incident too, at the old Lighthouse. Benji explains he has dreams and Elias makes a decision to keep an eye on Benji. Even though Benji has a place to stay and a job, Elias offers a room in the House. Benji immediately jumps to the conclusion he and Elias are partners, but Elias objects. He’s only concerned about what the dreams are about. Even as Elias explains to
Benji what they will do he had his doubts. Elias gives him an iron ring to wear. As Elias heads for the door, he tells Benji to grab the kit. Elias gives him instructions: if he tells him to run…..run, stop…..stop and don’t ask anymore unrelated questions.
The more Elias and Benji pursued the eerie and dangerous events of the Lighthouse they become more familiar with each other, but it still became an annoyance on both their parts. When Benji comes up missing, Elias is sure he has gone to the Lighhouse alone. Will Elias go to his rescue? What will they face from the evilness of the Lighthouse and will they both survive?
“Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse” is the debut novel for the series “Archive of Instructions” by P.J. Thorneijk, and I hope it will continue. This is an eerie, dark and twisted paranormal tale that readers will not put down. It really is a page turner that keeps a quick pace and never slows down. I have to commend the author, as it’s brilliantly written, with new ideas and descriptions for: storms, scenery, the darkness, and what takes place in the lighthouse, the paranormal and the House itself. The story builds as a solid horror mystery and the author keeps readers immersed in the danger that surrounds the two MC’s, Benji and Elias. There are no hints or give aways as to what is about to take place at every turn in the Lighthouse or even the House.
I love the gradual connection between Elias and Benji. Even though they remember each other at some point, they still keep their distances and sort of annoy each other. Benji is the more friendly, outgoing type. Elias has always kept to himself and he’s more of a serious person. But there comes a point where the chemistry starts to develop. Being more open, Benji does share what happened to him when he was younger but Elias doesn’t share what happened to him. The story get’s deeply interesting but there is enough that leaves room for another story about what surrounds Elias, Benji and even the House.
The old Lighthouse keeper never left, he stayed with the Lighthouse. In 1962, another fierce storm blew through and the Lighthouse was turned to rubble and the old keeper died.
Sixty years has passed, but Elias Mirel still saw the old Lighthouse, light up. At forty-one, Elias solved many a mystery, with his old compass. Elias wasn’t very much liked in his childhood. He bought odd things to school and asked many questions during history class. He was even known to spend his allowance on broken watches and chipped items. Even now he had no friends and he didn’t mind. In fact, it was better for the House. He didn’t have to worry about the chaos people caused if they came to visit.
Seeing the old Lighthouse lit up, Elias decided to take his old compass and go to the old Lighthouse. He had looked at photographs of the Lighthouse and looking at it now he saw it was different. His old compass was odd, that it never pointed north, and in fact it only moved when things weren’t quite right. Pointing it towards the Lighthouse the compass reacted crazily as Elias got closer. He thought he spent an hour at the Lighthouse and as he walked away he got a strange feeling.
When Elias returned to his House, that set back from the paved road, he notices footsteps and knee prints in the mud. As he got closer to the House he noticed a man sitting on his porch, with dirty hands and clothes. The man startled at the clang of the iron gate that surrounded the House. The man looked familiar to Elias, and but he told him he didn’t like visitors around the House. The man explains to Elias he was told to come here because he had information on the Lighthouse. Elias makes a mistake with the House, as he invites the man in with his dirty shoes.
The man introduces himself as, Benjamin “Benji” Summers. Elias remembers him now from his younger years, as the boy was two years younger than him. He was annoyingly talkative, loud and was never silent. Elias was opposite, he liked his silence. Benji followed Elias everywhere, even right up to the House that everyone avoided and detoured just to pass it. One day an incident happened at the House and Elias never saw Benji again. With odd and eerie memories, Elias was sent to therapy and even lied that he was better, to avoid being asked questions over and over again.
As Benji and Elias talk, Benji reveals he had an incident too, at the old Lighthouse. Benji explains he has dreams and Elias makes a decision to keep an eye on Benji. Even though Benji has a place to stay and a job, Elias offers a room in the House. Benji immediately jumps to the conclusion he and Elias are partners, but Elias objects. He’s only concerned about what the dreams are about. Even as Elias explains to
Benji what they will do he had his doubts. Elias gives him an iron ring to wear. As Elias heads for the door, he tells Benji to grab the kit. Elias gives him instructions: if he tells him to run…..run, stop…..stop and don’t ask anymore unrelated questions.
The more Elias and Benji pursued the eerie and dangerous events of the Lighthouse they become more familiar with each other, but it still became an annoyance on both their parts. When Benji comes up missing, Elias is sure he has gone to the Lighhouse alone. Will Elias go to his rescue? What will they face from the evilness of the Lighthouse and will they both survive?
“Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse” is the debut novel for the series “Archive of Instructions” by P.J. Thorneijk, and I hope it will continue. This is an eerie, dark and twisted paranormal tale that readers will not put down. It really is a page turner that keeps a quick pace and never slows down. I have to commend the author, as it’s brilliantly written, with new ideas and descriptions for: storms, scenery, the darkness, and what takes place in the lighthouse, the paranormal and the House itself. The story builds as a solid horror mystery and the author keeps readers immersed in the danger that surrounds the two MC’s, Benji and Elias. There are no hints or give aways as to what is about to take place at every turn in the Lighthouse or even the House.
I love the gradual connection between Elias and Benji. Even though they remember each other at some point, they still keep their distances and sort of annoy each other. Benji is the more friendly, outgoing type. Elias has always kept to himself and he’s more of a serious person. But there comes a point where the chemistry starts to develop. Being more open, Benji does share what happened to him when he was younger but Elias doesn’t share what happened to him. The story get’s deeply interesting but there is enough that leaves room for another story about what surrounds Elias, Benji and even the House.
March 23, 2026
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC copy of this book! This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
The old lighthouse of Tidehaven stands in ruin and abandoned since its light went off and dozens drowned inevitably. The place is clearly curse, say the locals. Elias, investigator of everything otherworldly and supernatural, is inclined to believe so too, and when he starts seeing the lighthouse stand proud as in old times, he rather keep his distance with the building. Yet the past comes knocking at his door; and trespassing, even.
Benji, an old friend, appears, asking too many questions, none of them good, and being attracted by the lighthouse to the point of being in danger. What begins as benign curiosity for the structure, quickly becomes survival, as the lighthouse stirs awake and pulls them both into its shifting halls. And it will not only be the ghosts of the dead left behind what will haunt them inside.
How I love finding hidden gems among all the first-timers authors coming out each year. That's to say that I consider this book a solid debut from the author, from whom I'll more than probably read more works in the future if they keep publishing.
Now, back to "Instructions", what I most liked was the dynamic between Elias and Benji, old friends reunited via the horrors of the local lighthouse: the pull it has over Benji and the nightmares it induces into Elias. These two have spent several years apart, and both have changed since they were kids, yet they fall into an intimate routine and find some comforting space around each other, even if its awkward at first. Yet, the chemistry was there, it felt natural and realistic, and i found myself wanting to follow these two wherever they might go.
And that "where" is, of course, the lighthouse. The main attraction and the crowning jewel; AKA, the said horrors that the men have to go through to save each other and even understand what's going on with the old building. I'm a fan of disorienting horror, where it leaves the reader as confuse as the characters are until the point where it gets resolve, so it is no wonder that I loved this book. In fact, I'm gonna consider it one of my favorite late debuts, alongside Local Heavens from KM Fajardo.
Maybe, if I had to complaint about something of this book, it would be that I would like to know more about the House, the place where Elias lives. A sentient place with, I'm hoping, a rich history. This is no detriment of the story, I just loved to know more about characters (yes, even buildings) that picked up my interest as much as the House has done. It looks like "Instructions" is the first book of a series, so I'm hoping to see the House more in the future👀
All in all, "Instructions" is definitely worth the chance, a short but intense read for fans of a more subliminal horror that will leave you at the edge of your seat. And P. J is definitely an author I'll keep on my radar in the future, 'cause… WOW No, really, this book was soooo good!! I couldn't stop reading, and I had stuff to take care of😂
The old lighthouse of Tidehaven stands in ruin and abandoned since its light went off and dozens drowned inevitably. The place is clearly curse, say the locals. Elias, investigator of everything otherworldly and supernatural, is inclined to believe so too, and when he starts seeing the lighthouse stand proud as in old times, he rather keep his distance with the building. Yet the past comes knocking at his door; and trespassing, even.
Benji, an old friend, appears, asking too many questions, none of them good, and being attracted by the lighthouse to the point of being in danger. What begins as benign curiosity for the structure, quickly becomes survival, as the lighthouse stirs awake and pulls them both into its shifting halls. And it will not only be the ghosts of the dead left behind what will haunt them inside.
How I love finding hidden gems among all the first-timers authors coming out each year. That's to say that I consider this book a solid debut from the author, from whom I'll more than probably read more works in the future if they keep publishing.
Now, back to "Instructions", what I most liked was the dynamic between Elias and Benji, old friends reunited via the horrors of the local lighthouse: the pull it has over Benji and the nightmares it induces into Elias. These two have spent several years apart, and both have changed since they were kids, yet they fall into an intimate routine and find some comforting space around each other, even if its awkward at first. Yet, the chemistry was there, it felt natural and realistic, and i found myself wanting to follow these two wherever they might go.
And that "where" is, of course, the lighthouse. The main attraction and the crowning jewel; AKA, the said horrors that the men have to go through to save each other and even understand what's going on with the old building. I'm a fan of disorienting horror, where it leaves the reader as confuse as the characters are until the point where it gets resolve, so it is no wonder that I loved this book. In fact, I'm gonna consider it one of my favorite late debuts, alongside Local Heavens from KM Fajardo.
Maybe, if I had to complaint about something of this book, it would be that I would like to know more about the House, the place where Elias lives. A sentient place with, I'm hoping, a rich history. This is no detriment of the story, I just loved to know more about characters (yes, even buildings) that picked up my interest as much as the House has done. It looks like "Instructions" is the first book of a series, so I'm hoping to see the House more in the future👀
All in all, "Instructions" is definitely worth the chance, a short but intense read for fans of a more subliminal horror that will leave you at the edge of your seat. And P. J is definitely an author I'll keep on my radar in the future, 'cause… WOW No, really, this book was soooo good!! I couldn't stop reading, and I had stuff to take care of😂
March 24, 2026
This book follows Elias as he investigates a strange lighthouse. He is joined by his childhood friend Benji, who comes to him for help after he starts having nightmares about it. However, the lighthouse and the irresistable pull of what lies within prove to be more dangerous than either of them could have anticipated.
This is a solid, atmospheric debut with genuinely creepy moments and two compelling characters at its heart that left me wanting more.
For the most part, Thorneijk's story is vivid and immersive, although the writing can be be somewhat repetitive at certain points. I also wish some things were explored a little more thoroughly and were given a bit more attention. For example, I would have liked to have seen more of Tidehaven and its people. The brief conversation Elias has with the woman that runs the motel leads me to believe that people do talk about him and about the lighthouse and are at least on some level aware that there is something strange about it ("You're the one looking into the lighthouse, aren't you? I thought I'd heard your name before"), but this is the only time we see adult Elias interact with a resident. The town for me never really comes alive in a satisfying way, especially given what we learn about what goes on in the lighthouse.
I liked both Elias and Benji, although Benji lacked a little depth. I also felt there was not enough time to fully buy into their connection just yet. Because of this, certain moments towards the end fell a little flat. Sure, they were childhood friends which technically means they're not starting from 0. But when they last saw each other they were 10 and 12, which was 29 years ago. That's a long time! And it shows in the moment they first reunite. Let's just say they're not exactly off to a flying start, with neither of them even openly acknowledging they recognize the other yet. And from then to the end of the main story, we only spend about a day and a half with them, which is not a lot of time to build their bond. And on top of that, Elias is quite standoffish and distant. As far as I can tell, Benji and Elias never really learn much at all about each other or what they've been up to in the time they've been apart. Benji tries once, he asks "what happened to you?" but Elias doesn't answer him. This interaction also underscores why Elias's personality isn't really conducive to quickly (re-)building the sort of connection that the more emotional scenes rely on.
So in this book they haven't totally won me over yet, but I look forward to reading more about them in the second book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a solid, atmospheric debut with genuinely creepy moments and two compelling characters at its heart that left me wanting more.
For the most part, Thorneijk's story is vivid and immersive, although the writing can be be somewhat repetitive at certain points. I also wish some things were explored a little more thoroughly and were given a bit more attention. For example, I would have liked to have seen more of Tidehaven and its people. The brief conversation Elias has with the woman that runs the motel leads me to believe that people do talk about him and about the lighthouse and are at least on some level aware that there is something strange about it ("You're the one looking into the lighthouse, aren't you? I thought I'd heard your name before"), but this is the only time we see adult Elias interact with a resident. The town for me never really comes alive in a satisfying way, especially given what we learn about what goes on in the lighthouse.
I liked both Elias and Benji, although Benji lacked a little depth. I also felt there was not enough time to fully buy into their connection just yet. Because of this, certain moments towards the end fell a little flat. Sure, they were childhood friends which technically means they're not starting from 0. But when they last saw each other they were 10 and 12, which was 29 years ago. That's a long time! And it shows in the moment they first reunite. Let's just say they're not exactly off to a flying start, with neither of them even openly acknowledging they recognize the other yet. And from then to the end of the main story, we only spend about a day and a half with them, which is not a lot of time to build their bond. And on top of that, Elias is quite standoffish and distant. As far as I can tell, Benji and Elias never really learn much at all about each other or what they've been up to in the time they've been apart. Benji tries once, he asks "what happened to you?" but Elias doesn't answer him. This interaction also underscores why Elias's personality isn't really conducive to quickly (re-)building the sort of connection that the more emotional scenes rely on.
So in this book they haven't totally won me over yet, but I look forward to reading more about them in the second book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2026
I'd like to thank Book Sirens and P.J. Thorneijk for this eARC, all opinions are my own, and I'm leaving this review of my own volition.
Short Summary:
Elias Mirel, a supernatural investigator, has been watching the lighthouse from afar ever since it showed back up. Supposedly having been destroyed in 1962, it still stands haunted with souls of the dead. He gets a visitor one night, a boy he used to know now grown, Benji. He needs somewhere to stay and Elias wants to keep an eye on him, as the lighthouse seems to draw Benji in.
Thoughts:
I think first and foremost the most important detail about this book for me is not that its a queer horror, but that its a queer horror with a SENTIENT HOUSE. I looove that, a house protective of its owner, yess I eat it up. Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse is an incredibly short novel, almost a novella. Because of the length of the novel I feel like a lot of detail was left out, I wished I got more about how they became the people they are today, how their romance blossoms, details of the town and more history of the lighthouse. The romance also didn't seem to build it was just suddenly there, which actually didn't bother me because I like them together, but I would've enjoyed to see some subtle yearning or interest.
This may be P.J's debut novel but it is not the first book they've written, the writing is so beautiful and descriptive. Though we don't get a lot of characterization of Benji and Elias due to how short the novel is, I still was able to tell what kind of people they were, even if I didn't get to see how they came to be that way. Their descriptions of feelings, the settings and even the creature in this novel were great.
Instructions of Leaving the Lighthouse is a very short queer horror with hauntings and a creatures. Perfect for fans of The Staircase in the Woods.
Trigger Warnings I Gathered: anxiety, body horror, emotional abuse, child abuse, and gore
Short Summary:
Elias Mirel, a supernatural investigator, has been watching the lighthouse from afar ever since it showed back up. Supposedly having been destroyed in 1962, it still stands haunted with souls of the dead. He gets a visitor one night, a boy he used to know now grown, Benji. He needs somewhere to stay and Elias wants to keep an eye on him, as the lighthouse seems to draw Benji in.
Thoughts:
I think first and foremost the most important detail about this book for me is not that its a queer horror, but that its a queer horror with a SENTIENT HOUSE. I looove that, a house protective of its owner, yess I eat it up. Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse is an incredibly short novel, almost a novella. Because of the length of the novel I feel like a lot of detail was left out, I wished I got more about how they became the people they are today, how their romance blossoms, details of the town and more history of the lighthouse. The romance also didn't seem to build it was just suddenly there, which actually didn't bother me because I like them together, but I would've enjoyed to see some subtle yearning or interest.
This may be P.J's debut novel but it is not the first book they've written, the writing is so beautiful and descriptive. Though we don't get a lot of characterization of Benji and Elias due to how short the novel is, I still was able to tell what kind of people they were, even if I didn't get to see how they came to be that way. Their descriptions of feelings, the settings and even the creature in this novel were great.
Instructions of Leaving the Lighthouse is a very short queer horror with hauntings and a creatures. Perfect for fans of The Staircase in the Woods.
Trigger Warnings I Gathered: anxiety, body horror, emotional abuse, child abuse, and gore
March 22, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Most lighthouses are glowing beacons that will guide you safety to shore. however there are some that lead you out of stormy waters into something much worse. Elias, a investigator of the supernatural and Benji, his childhood friend, seeks to uncover the mysteries of the Tidehaven lighthouse. However they uncover something much more dangerous than either of them expected and what begins as a simple investigation, becomes a fight for their very survival…
This was a solid paranormal mystery tale. I am a big fan of "Mr sunshine & Mr raincloud" dynamic, with Benji and Elias fitting these roles respectively. With it being a novella, there is less time to flesh out the character relationships (hopefully this will be explored further down the line in the series), so having them previously be childhood friends was a great way to establish a quick connection between our two main characters.
I thought the eery and creepy paranormal tone was handled nicely throughout the story (especially as they creep further into the lighthouse itself).
The book ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger, setting up the next "mystery of the week" and I really like the idea of each novella being their own mini paranormal investigation, hopefully with further character / relationship developments going on as the series progresses.
Most lighthouses are glowing beacons that will guide you safety to shore. however there are some that lead you out of stormy waters into something much worse. Elias, a investigator of the supernatural and Benji, his childhood friend, seeks to uncover the mysteries of the Tidehaven lighthouse. However they uncover something much more dangerous than either of them expected and what begins as a simple investigation, becomes a fight for their very survival…
This was a solid paranormal mystery tale. I am a big fan of "Mr sunshine & Mr raincloud" dynamic, with Benji and Elias fitting these roles respectively. With it being a novella, there is less time to flesh out the character relationships (hopefully this will be explored further down the line in the series), so having them previously be childhood friends was a great way to establish a quick connection between our two main characters.
I thought the eery and creepy paranormal tone was handled nicely throughout the story (especially as they creep further into the lighthouse itself).
The book ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger, setting up the next "mystery of the week" and I really like the idea of each novella being their own mini paranormal investigation, hopefully with further character / relationship developments going on as the series progresses.
March 23, 2026
This novella is short and sweet, although I needed more!
I loved the vivid descriptions of the atmosphere, the memories, the landscape, etc. I felt like I was there by the sea with the characters, tasting salt in the air and feeling the coolness of the wet stones on my own skin.
I also enjoyed seeing the two men interact with their different personalities shining. They seemed to give off a slight grumpy x sunshine vibe, which I love! They’re each haunted by their pasts and drawn to the area with the creepy lighthouse. It was endearing to see how they dealt with present issues and discussed ways to search for answers.
For what the men were dealing with, I felt the ending was unrealistic and rushed. There needed to be more build up as to the goings on at the lighthouse as well as how the story’s ending would work. There should have been more development of both the plot and the backstory of each character.
I also don’t think an epilogue is necessary for any book under 150 pages, but I can see where it might leave potential for future installments!
I loved the vivid descriptions of the atmosphere, the memories, the landscape, etc. I felt like I was there by the sea with the characters, tasting salt in the air and feeling the coolness of the wet stones on my own skin.
I also enjoyed seeing the two men interact with their different personalities shining. They seemed to give off a slight grumpy x sunshine vibe, which I love! They’re each haunted by their pasts and drawn to the area with the creepy lighthouse. It was endearing to see how they dealt with present issues and discussed ways to search for answers.
For what the men were dealing with, I felt the ending was unrealistic and rushed. There needed to be more build up as to the goings on at the lighthouse as well as how the story’s ending would work. There should have been more development of both the plot and the backstory of each character.
I also don’t think an epilogue is necessary for any book under 150 pages, but I can see where it might leave potential for future installments!
March 22, 2026
It's gay monster house.
Did I laugh? Yes. Did I kick my little feetsies because of the cuteness of Elias and Benji? 100%. Was I also freaked out by the liminal horror trying to eat them alive? Absolutely.
I will never look at a chair the same way again.
And let's talk about prose.
There are only 26 letters in the English alphabet, and yet Thorneijk manages to describe darkness in a new way I've never read before:
“But as the seconds pass, the darkness itself seems to change, thinning slightly, letting the suggestion of space take form.”
I mean DANG.
And the main two?
“Too bad. I’m not walking away because you don’t like being seen.”
MMM I love it.
You're doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing this. Especially since Thorneijk drops a whole cliff on our necks in the final moments.
Read this book.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Did I laugh? Yes. Did I kick my little feetsies because of the cuteness of Elias and Benji? 100%. Was I also freaked out by the liminal horror trying to eat them alive? Absolutely.
I will never look at a chair the same way again.
And let's talk about prose.
There are only 26 letters in the English alphabet, and yet Thorneijk manages to describe darkness in a new way I've never read before:
“But as the seconds pass, the darkness itself seems to change, thinning slightly, letting the suggestion of space take form.”
I mean DANG.
And the main two?
“Too bad. I’m not walking away because you don’t like being seen.”
MMM I love it.
You're doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing this. Especially since Thorneijk drops a whole cliff on our necks in the final moments.
Read this book.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
March 22, 2026
This is a contemplative and sweet spooky read involving two men, both haunted in differing ways, and a haunted lighthouse. It’s a deliberate build to the horror and is spooky without leaning too far into it. There’s almost a video game feel to the last quarter with the expanding rooms and figures just out of view when you look behind, and it heightens the narrative.
The relationship between the two is such a delight to read, still in the early stages, but I adored the support both given and received by the pair, as well as the groundwork for it to continue. This was also a prime example of sentient house which I love.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC!
(Read 03Mar26-04Mar26)
The relationship between the two is such a delight to read, still in the early stages, but I adored the support both given and received by the pair, as well as the groundwork for it to continue. This was also a prime example of sentient house which I love.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC!
(Read 03Mar26-04Mar26)
March 22, 2026
This thriller novella is gripping and entertaining. The setting is captivating, haunting and mysterious adding to the story. Elias is perfectly grim and haunting vs Benjamin who is steady and a bit more aloof. Both written beautifully with their own intricacies that makes them endearing and intriguing. The pair having been acquainted in childhood and reconnected because of a reappearance of an old lighthouse. The lighthouse Elias is trying to uncover the mysteries of. Making them a compelling pair in the dark and eerie hunt to understand the lighthouse that has seemingly been pulled back into existence and lured them in.
March 24, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens and P.J. Thorneijk for providing me with an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.
I adored the idea of this one, and I feel that I could have started to love the characters. But, unfortunately, this needed to have a little more body to it. The beginning with the main characters meeting and growing as well as the main conflict for the two was brushed over, Making it hard to care about the rest. Also Benji mostly only said the same four or five lines for a lot of the story, making him feel one-dimensional. I liked the second half, but I think it would have been more powerful with more of a build-up in the beginning.
I adored the idea of this one, and I feel that I could have started to love the characters. But, unfortunately, this needed to have a little more body to it. The beginning with the main characters meeting and growing as well as the main conflict for the two was brushed over, Making it hard to care about the rest. Also Benji mostly only said the same four or five lines for a lot of the story, making him feel one-dimensional. I liked the second half, but I think it would have been more powerful with more of a build-up in the beginning.
March 22, 2026
What a wonderful, gothic little lighthouse book. I enjoyed the atmosphere of this story immensely, and loved the way Elias and Benji’s relationship slowly built throughout the story. There were some genuinely spooky moments that made me feel as though I was watching a horror movie. I loved the description of the entity our characters end up dealing with toward the end as well, loved its mimicry of a lighthouse. Overall a great read, and I’m excited to see what else Thorneijk writes. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2026
Three and a half stars rounded up to four. It does not deserve to be rounded down.
It took me a couple of attempts to start this book but, once I had started, I was happy. Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse is good and I really liked the main characters. It is a very quick read and I will be happy to continue with the series.
We are warned that the book ends in a cliffhanger but the ending is not abrupt. We know that there is more to come but they are safe for now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It took me a couple of attempts to start this book but, once I had started, I was happy. Instructions for Leaving the Lighthouse is good and I really liked the main characters. It is a very quick read and I will be happy to continue with the series.
We are warned that the book ends in a cliffhanger but the ending is not abrupt. We know that there is more to come but they are safe for now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2026
3.5**. This was a strange but good book. Elias is a paranormal investigator on a mission to find out about the Lighthouse in his town. Benji is an old school buddy who is drawn back to the town, after having strange dreams. One night they are drawn to the Lighthouse, where we find some really strange & interesting occurrences. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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