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The Woman in the Dark
A debut psychological thriller about a woman who moves with her family to the gothic seaside house where her husband grew up--and where 15 years ago another family was brutally slaughtered.
Sarah and Patrick are happy. But after her mother's death, Sarah spirals into depression and overdoses on sleeping pills. While Sarah claims it was an accident, her teenage children aren't so sure. Patrick decides they all need a fresh start and he knows just the place, since the idyllic family home where he was raised has recently come up for sale. There's only one catch: for the past fifteen years, it has become infamous as the "Murder House", standing empty after a family was stabbed to death within its walls.
Patrick believes they can bring the house back to its former glory, so Sarah, uprooted from everything she knows, pours her energy into painting, gardening, and giving the rotting old structure the warmth of home. But with locals hinting that the house is haunted, the news that the murderer has been paroled, strange writing on the walls, and creepy "gifts" arriving on the doorstep at odd hours, Sarah can't shake the feeling that something just isn't right. Not with the house, not with the town, or even with her own, loving husband--whose stories about his perfect childhood suddenly aren't adding up. Can Sarah uncover the secrets of the Murder House before another family is destroyed?
Sarah and Patrick are happy. But after her mother's death, Sarah spirals into depression and overdoses on sleeping pills. While Sarah claims it was an accident, her teenage children aren't so sure. Patrick decides they all need a fresh start and he knows just the place, since the idyllic family home where he was raised has recently come up for sale. There's only one catch: for the past fifteen years, it has become infamous as the "Murder House", standing empty after a family was stabbed to death within its walls.
Patrick believes they can bring the house back to its former glory, so Sarah, uprooted from everything she knows, pours her energy into painting, gardening, and giving the rotting old structure the warmth of home. But with locals hinting that the house is haunted, the news that the murderer has been paroled, strange writing on the walls, and creepy "gifts" arriving on the doorstep at odd hours, Sarah can't shake the feeling that something just isn't right. Not with the house, not with the town, or even with her own, loving husband--whose stories about his perfect childhood suddenly aren't adding up. Can Sarah uncover the secrets of the Murder House before another family is destroyed?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
March 27, 2019
This book was absolutely creepy! I figured that the whole haunted house theme was just going to be a selling point and not really that relevant or present, but boy was I wrong! You could sense the eeriness and darkness of the house all throughout this book. It absolutely made my skin crawl! It was so dark and haunting I even felt like it had supernatural elements going on at some points... Just can't describe enough how creeped out I was by the atmosphere in this house! This had it all, it had great mystery element AND really good character development too. I got so incredibly frustrated with Sarah and how helpless and clueless she was I wanted to smack her! I absolutely hated her husband, Patrick! Joe and Mia were your typical bratty teenagers, and I couldn't stand them either. A lot of emotions going on with this one. The reveal was decent as well, although I kind of expected it towards the end. This is definitely one of the better Thrillers I've read. Ever. I would recommend this to any psychological suspense or horror junkie!! Cannot wait for Savage's next book to come out!
December 23, 2019
3.5 Stars
The Woman in the Dark has quite the sinister character here with the once beautiful victorian house that no longer holds beauty but creepiness. Now known as the Murder House, the creepiness to the house leans more to horror at times. I loved the Murder House and everything about it; however, the characters here were not as strong as the house was.
I enjoyed the pace of the story and found it very entertaining. I flew through this one quite fast, and I needed to know what went on and is going on in this house. I did, at times, get frustrated with the suspense of the story being dragged out, which made some the actions of the characters not feel so real.
There are a few things going on here with the character's actions that are dark and disturbing and kind of pushed things here for this dark and twisted reader. I feel the story needed a little more drama between the characters to soften that dark behaviour. For someone who dislikes drama, I can't believe I said that.
This one had all the elements to it that I love in a thriller, especially that setting and it really stands out here; however, I would have enjoyed it more if the characters didn't ignore some things that were happening.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
The Woman in the Dark has quite the sinister character here with the once beautiful victorian house that no longer holds beauty but creepiness. Now known as the Murder House, the creepiness to the house leans more to horror at times. I loved the Murder House and everything about it; however, the characters here were not as strong as the house was.
I enjoyed the pace of the story and found it very entertaining. I flew through this one quite fast, and I needed to know what went on and is going on in this house. I did, at times, get frustrated with the suspense of the story being dragged out, which made some the actions of the characters not feel so real.
There are a few things going on here with the character's actions that are dark and disturbing and kind of pushed things here for this dark and twisted reader. I feel the story needed a little more drama between the characters to soften that dark behaviour. For someone who dislikes drama, I can't believe I said that.
This one had all the elements to it that I love in a thriller, especially that setting and it really stands out here; however, I would have enjoyed it more if the characters didn't ignore some things that were happening.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
April 10, 2019
4.25 Stars
Welcome to the Murder House
Everything starts with that letter, the letter Sarah’s husband (Patrick) received about his childhood’s house. The beautiful Victorian house he grew up in, he saw happy memories but he wasn’t the one who imagined blood on the walls or whispering ghosts... That fairytale house fifteen years ago became the House of Horrors, The Murder House. Fifteen years ago the family living in there were stabbed to death, butchered, ripped apart by a madman. Now Patrick wanted them to go there and live their happily ever after but can they really find their fresh start there, considering Sarah’s history of anxiety and depression?!?
It keeps happening. The same thing’s going to happen. This house … Bad things happen to people who live in this house.
Reading this book is like watching those haunted house's movies, the feeling is the same but at the same time was completely different. I couldn’t feel the time while reading this novel. It’s slow-paced but in a good way that keeps you at the edge of your seat while you’re chewing your nail. I could guess the twists but it didn't lessen any of its enjoyment. The writing was really good but I should say it’s not an easy read and you have to proceed with caution. Told in dual POV (Sarah and an anonymous person), 1st person. It’s a standalone novel with a satisfying ending. It was hard to put this down and gave me such a thrill. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Welcome to the Murder House
Everything starts with that letter, the letter Sarah’s husband (Patrick) received about his childhood’s house. The beautiful Victorian house he grew up in, he saw happy memories but he wasn’t the one who imagined blood on the walls or whispering ghosts... That fairytale house fifteen years ago became the House of Horrors, The Murder House. Fifteen years ago the family living in there were stabbed to death, butchered, ripped apart by a madman. Now Patrick wanted them to go there and live their happily ever after but can they really find their fresh start there, considering Sarah’s history of anxiety and depression?!?
It keeps happening. The same thing’s going to happen. This house … Bad things happen to people who live in this house.
Reading this book is like watching those haunted house's movies, the feeling is the same but at the same time was completely different. I couldn’t feel the time while reading this novel. It’s slow-paced but in a good way that keeps you at the edge of your seat while you’re chewing your nail. I could guess the twists but it didn't lessen any of its enjoyment. The writing was really good but I should say it’s not an easy read and you have to proceed with caution. Told in dual POV (Sarah and an anonymous person), 1st person. It’s a standalone novel with a satisfying ending. It was hard to put this down and gave me such a thrill. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
December 2, 2018
Sarah is recovering from a breakdown after losing her Mother. Husband Patrick is adamant that they should move to his old family home by the sea even if it financially breaks them. The house is not called the murder house for no reason though!! As much as he makes the house sound idyllic it’s hard to forget 3 people were killed there.
A very chilling read, a proper nail biter full of wonderful suspense, murder and twists along the way.
Loved how Patrick’s lies come to light and revealed who he really is. I found him to be shifty from the start!! All the time there is someone out there watching and plotting this family’s downfall, you had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my review
A very chilling read, a proper nail biter full of wonderful suspense, murder and twists along the way.
Loved how Patrick’s lies come to light and revealed who he really is. I found him to be shifty from the start!! All the time there is someone out there watching and plotting this family’s downfall, you had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2018
Sarah and Patrick have always had an easy family life. But when Sarah's mother dies, Sarah is sent on a downward spiral. They decide to move away and make a fresh start with their two children. They move to the large seaside house that Patrick grew up in. But horrific and brutal murders took place there. The locals call it the "Murder House". The house has been empty since the murders took place 15 years ago. Sarah did not want to move, but she is eventually persuaded. Patrick soon becomes less like the man Sarah knew.
I found it difficult to get into this book at first. There were many unanswered questions and I felt a little bit confused. Bit I'm glad I persevered with it as what a marvellous book it turned out to be. This is a very dark story that's narrated by Sarah. There are a few twists and the characters are well described. The tension builds with every turn of the page. A gripping thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. I would have given this book 5 stars if the beginning had been better.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group, UK and the author Vanessa Savage for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found it difficult to get into this book at first. There were many unanswered questions and I felt a little bit confused. Bit I'm glad I persevered with it as what a marvellous book it turned out to be. This is a very dark story that's narrated by Sarah. There are a few twists and the characters are well described. The tension builds with every turn of the page. A gripping thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. I would have given this book 5 stars if the beginning had been better.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group, UK and the author Vanessa Savage for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2019
I do! I do have to give it five chilling, thrilling stars! If there ever was a book to pull me out of a recent slump, well, this is it! First page starts with: “Two more bodies found in the Murder House.” Gahhhhh!!! My hands could not turn the pages fast enough as the momentum built. A sordid house with past secrets. Same spooky house with a history of a gruesome family murder. Our current characters moving into same home (what? Are you all crazy???) Sarah’s husband has a demented need to buy and move into the Murder House. Why? Read this book and find out!
The part where Sarah goes out shopping for paint and wallpaper, yet was it just me imagining the blood stains underneath and brain matter splattered all over the walls and floors?? That she chose a soothing color like dove gray???? Honey, dove gray is not going to cover any prior murder scene and that house is not emanating any soothing vibes! Gahhhhh!
A cellar door with a padlock? Patrick painting the cellar walls white at 3:00 am? What’s that all about? A pair of baby booties tossed into a tree outside the bedroom window? Patrick losing his job and becoming more ragged and manipulative with red rimmed eyes? Since moving into the house, his personality changes day by day, not getting better as he said it would, but becoming disturbingly worse!!
Sarah has her own set of problems, one which is being very weak and easily manipulated. The recent death of her mother has caused her to spiral into a deep depression. Which Patrick uses to manipulate her further.
When Patrick came along in Sarah’s younger days and swept her off her feet, it’s love at first sight for her; hmmm, but is it for him? Read this and find out!
Their two teenaged kids, Joe and Mia, of course, have some psychological issues because of the family dynamics and I’m sure, the genetics as well as normal teenage angst and rebellion. It seems like everyone is playing against one another in full view or secretly. There’s a lot of placating going on.
But this move to the former Murder House, and formerly Patrick’s childhood home, is not going to be their salvation. There are people from the past, and townsfolk, who play into this story, each with their own reasons and back history so it’s enticingly difficult for the reader to figure out who is lying, who really is trying to help.
There are scenes of escalating abuse and manipulation. It’s obvious Patrick is trying to overmedicate Sarah and possibly their son, Joe, after an “accident.” Gahhhhh!
The finale crescendoed and was shatteringly revealed. What a clever ending.
I must say it was very refreshing for me to read this chilling psychological thriller. In true form, it wasn’t just a nasty haunted old house that a story was written about. It WAS a nasty haunted old house with a fitting story and excellent description to quench my creepy and scary reading desires! The characters were synchronized very well for the story and played off each other with a highly dysfunctional dynamic that was imperative to the success of the story.
Author, author: please give us another book as well written as this one!
The part where Sarah goes out shopping for paint and wallpaper, yet was it just me imagining the blood stains underneath and brain matter splattered all over the walls and floors?? That she chose a soothing color like dove gray???? Honey, dove gray is not going to cover any prior murder scene and that house is not emanating any soothing vibes! Gahhhhh!
A cellar door with a padlock? Patrick painting the cellar walls white at 3:00 am? What’s that all about? A pair of baby booties tossed into a tree outside the bedroom window? Patrick losing his job and becoming more ragged and manipulative with red rimmed eyes? Since moving into the house, his personality changes day by day, not getting better as he said it would, but becoming disturbingly worse!!
Sarah has her own set of problems, one which is being very weak and easily manipulated. The recent death of her mother has caused her to spiral into a deep depression. Which Patrick uses to manipulate her further.
When Patrick came along in Sarah’s younger days and swept her off her feet, it’s love at first sight for her; hmmm, but is it for him? Read this and find out!
Their two teenaged kids, Joe and Mia, of course, have some psychological issues because of the family dynamics and I’m sure, the genetics as well as normal teenage angst and rebellion. It seems like everyone is playing against one another in full view or secretly. There’s a lot of placating going on.
But this move to the former Murder House, and formerly Patrick’s childhood home, is not going to be their salvation. There are people from the past, and townsfolk, who play into this story, each with their own reasons and back history so it’s enticingly difficult for the reader to figure out who is lying, who really is trying to help.
There are scenes of escalating abuse and manipulation. It’s obvious Patrick is trying to overmedicate Sarah and possibly their son, Joe, after an “accident.” Gahhhhh!
The finale crescendoed and was shatteringly revealed. What a clever ending.
I must say it was very refreshing for me to read this chilling psychological thriller. In true form, it wasn’t just a nasty haunted old house that a story was written about. It WAS a nasty haunted old house with a fitting story and excellent description to quench my creepy and scary reading desires! The characters were synchronized very well for the story and played off each other with a highly dysfunctional dynamic that was imperative to the success of the story.
Author, author: please give us another book as well written as this one!
November 30, 2019
WOW! “The Woman in the Dark” was my 100th read this year and what a brilliant thriller!
Compelling writing and continuous tension ensured that I was riveted to the story for the entirety of the book. A debut domestic thriller that reads like the work of a much more experienced author.
A thriller chock-full of lies, secrets, family dysfunction, and menace.
The Welsh seaside setting, the macabre house, and the protagonist, Sarah, all combined to make this novel one of my favourite reads this year!
Highly recommended! Now, I can’t wait to read Vanessa Savage’s second novel “In the Woods” due to be published in January 2020 by Sphere.
Compelling writing and continuous tension ensured that I was riveted to the story for the entirety of the book. A debut domestic thriller that reads like the work of a much more experienced author.
A thriller chock-full of lies, secrets, family dysfunction, and menace.
The Welsh seaside setting, the macabre house, and the protagonist, Sarah, all combined to make this novel one of my favourite reads this year!
Highly recommended! Now, I can’t wait to read Vanessa Savage’s second novel “In the Woods” due to be published in January 2020 by Sphere.
October 24, 2018
The Woman in the Dark is a relevant and very disturbing tale, taking on elements of mental health, abuse and the things that define us.
It was an addictive, unnerving read, with “The Murder House” taking on a presence of its own – the idea that places of violence hold onto that violence gives this oft told tale an extra, intriguing layer.
In a family full of secrets, the story plays out in pacy and thought provoking style, as Sarah fights her inner demons in an effort to protect that family – it is a fascinatingly dark read that leaves you thinking of it after it is done.
Enjoyed it muchly even though it made me shiver.
Recommended.
It was an addictive, unnerving read, with “The Murder House” taking on a presence of its own – the idea that places of violence hold onto that violence gives this oft told tale an extra, intriguing layer.
In a family full of secrets, the story plays out in pacy and thought provoking style, as Sarah fights her inner demons in an effort to protect that family – it is a fascinatingly dark read that leaves you thinking of it after it is done.
Enjoyed it muchly even though it made me shiver.
Recommended.
June 5, 2019
4,75/5
“No quiero poner un pie en esa casa, pero Patrick no veo lo que yo veo cuando miro las fotos. Él ve la hermosa casa victoriana en la que se crió, con su tejado a dos aguas, una casa de ensueño antes de convertirse en la casa del terror del condado. Él ve recuerdos felices de una infancia vivida junto al mar. No imagina sangre en las paredes ni el susurro de unos fantasmas. No ve la casa maldita, pero yo sí.”
Oculta en la sombra se ha convertido en una de mis mejores lecturas de este año. Un thriller complejo, oscuro e inquietante sobre una familia que se muda a una casa "maldita" Es imposible dejar de leer hasta el final.
-Blogger: https://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.c...
“No quiero poner un pie en esa casa, pero Patrick no veo lo que yo veo cuando miro las fotos. Él ve la hermosa casa victoriana en la que se crió, con su tejado a dos aguas, una casa de ensueño antes de convertirse en la casa del terror del condado. Él ve recuerdos felices de una infancia vivida junto al mar. No imagina sangre en las paredes ni el susurro de unos fantasmas. No ve la casa maldita, pero yo sí.”
Oculta en la sombra se ha convertido en una de mis mejores lecturas de este año. Un thriller complejo, oscuro e inquietante sobre una familia que se muda a una casa "maldita" Es imposible dejar de leer hasta el final.
-Blogger: https://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.c...
March 17, 2019
I really wasn't expecting much with this. What I did like was that 'is it a haunting or not' vibe it had going for it. That was okay.
This is about a family who moves back into the father's childhood home, which just so happened to be the scene of a triple homicide, and all that entails.
What killed this for me is the absolute passivity of the mother (the MC). I just couldn't with her. I wanted to throw this book half way through it. You couldn't even call her stupid, because she acknowledges this shit, but she does NOTHING. Absolutely NOTHING throughout the book, save for one occasion (and her big plan was to pseudo-cheat on her hubby, which she backs out of.) Her favorite catch phrase in this book was "I can't confront him now." The stuff that happened to her was TERRIBLE and she just kept on keeping on.
Here's a list of the major issues that happened: There's like 18 things that happen and she's all like 'I can't confront him now'
She didn't even correct them when they spewed lies. Like, her kids accuse her (especially her daughter) of trying to kill herself and that she wanted to move there, when it was an accident (ahem) and she did, but she just let's them continue on.
I hated her daughter too, which didn't help.
There was also one of them whole 'shadowy ebil presences that talks in gibberish that's supposed to be scary' thing at the end of most chapters. It's not scary. That sort of shit has been done to death. Let that horse die already.
This is about a family who moves back into the father's childhood home, which just so happened to be the scene of a triple homicide, and all that entails.
What killed this for me is the absolute passivity of the mother (the MC). I just couldn't with her. I wanted to throw this book half way through it. You couldn't even call her stupid, because she acknowledges this shit, but she does NOTHING. Absolutely NOTHING throughout the book, save for one occasion (and her big plan was to pseudo-cheat on her hubby, which she backs out of.) Her favorite catch phrase in this book was "I can't confront him now." The stuff that happened to her was TERRIBLE and she just kept on keeping on.
Here's a list of the major issues that happened: There's like 18 things that happen and she's all like 'I can't confront him now'
She didn't even correct them when they spewed lies. Like, her kids accuse her (especially her daughter) of trying to kill herself and that she wanted to move there, when it was an accident (ahem) and she did, but she just let's them continue on.
I hated her daughter too, which didn't help.
There was also one of them whole 'shadowy ebil presences that talks in gibberish that's supposed to be scary' thing at the end of most chapters. It's not scary. That sort of shit has been done to death. Let that horse die already.
August 22, 2019
Married couple Patrick and Sarah are struggling in their marriage, especially after Sarah’s mother died, sending her into a deep depression. After Sarah experiences a sleeping pill overdose, the couple knows they need to make a change.
When Patrick sees that his childhood home is up for sale, Patrick and Sarah—along with their teenagers Joe and Mia—move away from their quaint town to the seaside town where Patrick grew up. But Sarah is hesitant about moving because 15-years earlier, a family was mass-murdered inside that very home and now it’s been touted as the Murder House by locals.
At first, the home seems to be just the change this family needed, but then Sarah starts to feel something is off about this house. Mysterious gifts start appearing on their doorstep, items are moved among the house, and she’s positive someone has been watching them. And while doing some painting around the house, she sees some bone-chilling drawings and writing under the wallpaper in the basement. She gets the feeling they aren’t alone and that this Murder House could be haunted after all...
The Woman in the Dark is Vanessa Savage’s debut novel. A cross between a thriller and a horror, this book keeps you in suspense until the very end as to whether or not there is a paranormal aspect to it. I found the first half of the book very atmospheric, but extremely slow. After the halfway mark, twists are thrown in and the pace picks up somewhat. The husband, Patrick, is absolutely despicable and the daughter, Mia, is insufferable. So if you dislike unlikable characters, steer clear of this book. Overall, this was an enjoyable, creepy, atmospheric read. 3.5/5 stars.
When Patrick sees that his childhood home is up for sale, Patrick and Sarah—along with their teenagers Joe and Mia—move away from their quaint town to the seaside town where Patrick grew up. But Sarah is hesitant about moving because 15-years earlier, a family was mass-murdered inside that very home and now it’s been touted as the Murder House by locals.
At first, the home seems to be just the change this family needed, but then Sarah starts to feel something is off about this house. Mysterious gifts start appearing on their doorstep, items are moved among the house, and she’s positive someone has been watching them. And while doing some painting around the house, she sees some bone-chilling drawings and writing under the wallpaper in the basement. She gets the feeling they aren’t alone and that this Murder House could be haunted after all...
The Woman in the Dark is Vanessa Savage’s debut novel. A cross between a thriller and a horror, this book keeps you in suspense until the very end as to whether or not there is a paranormal aspect to it. I found the first half of the book very atmospheric, but extremely slow. After the halfway mark, twists are thrown in and the pace picks up somewhat. The husband, Patrick, is absolutely despicable and the daughter, Mia, is insufferable. So if you dislike unlikable characters, steer clear of this book. Overall, this was an enjoyable, creepy, atmospheric read. 3.5/5 stars.
May 31, 2019
I went into The Woman in the Dark expecting something in the vein that we've come to expect from "The Woman/Girl" titles - you know, unreliable narrator due to trauma/memory issues, mystery that would have been easily cleared up if not for said trauma/memory issues, vaguely menacing love interests - in short, a pretty meh experience. Instead, I found myself actually completely hooked - Sarah was a character who won me over despite being doormat-adjacent, usually a complete deal-breaker. Her children weren't just young, child-shaped, placeholders, but people, well-rounded, individuals with their own personalities. The husband - a complete bastard from the start - avoids comic-villain levels of evil, and is instead horrifyingly realistic in his mood swings and rages, followed (of course) with apologies and promises.
The overall atmosphere of this book is a rather well-done mix of claustrophobia, and the contrast of Sarah's dawning realisation of reality. These two aspects could easily have been in conflict, one forever pulling you out of the other, but instead they were balanced (somehow) into enhancing each other instead. It's a delicate balance, and one I was impressed to see done so well.
All in all, while this might still be contained within the thriller genre I mentioned above, this is a shining example of what that genre should and could be if it would just try. A book I really enjoyed in the end, and an author to watch.
The overall atmosphere of this book is a rather well-done mix of claustrophobia, and the contrast of Sarah's dawning realisation of reality. These two aspects could easily have been in conflict, one forever pulling you out of the other, but instead they were balanced (somehow) into enhancing each other instead. It's a delicate balance, and one I was impressed to see done so well.
All in all, while this might still be contained within the thriller genre I mentioned above, this is a shining example of what that genre should and could be if it would just try. A book I really enjoyed in the end, and an author to watch.
October 24, 2019
3.5 stars
In the lead up to Halloween and with Autumn having the perfect atmosphere, this was a suitable and thrilling read that kept me in suspense and curious for the full length of the novel.
Without giving any spoilers, I did have my suspicions regarding the involvement of one character in the story but I didn't know how or if that character would be involved. Can I be any more vague? No. But as always, I think it's best to go into these kinds of stories with as little to no information as possible.
This novel had a very interesting ending with most things being tied up but at the same time, there was one character that I still am curious about. This character was introduced and mentioned frequently throughout the story and I wonder what the ending was like for them.
I feel like most thrillers contain a lot of graphic content so it may seem obvious that this novel would contain dark content as well. However, I feel the need to mention some of the content for readers to be aware of. Some of the graphic content included in this novel is: rape, abuse (physical and emotional), depression, homophobia, suicide, drug addiction, alcoholism, and self-harm.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
In the lead up to Halloween and with Autumn having the perfect atmosphere, this was a suitable and thrilling read that kept me in suspense and curious for the full length of the novel.
Without giving any spoilers, I did have my suspicions regarding the involvement of one character in the story but I didn't know how or if that character would be involved. Can I be any more vague? No. But as always, I think it's best to go into these kinds of stories with as little to no information as possible.
This novel had a very interesting ending with most things being tied up but at the same time, there was one character that I still am curious about. This character was introduced and mentioned frequently throughout the story and I wonder what the ending was like for them.
I feel like most thrillers contain a lot of graphic content so it may seem obvious that this novel would contain dark content as well. However, I feel the need to mention some of the content for readers to be aware of. Some of the graphic content included in this novel is: rape, abuse (physical and emotional), depression, homophobia, suicide, drug addiction, alcoholism, and self-harm.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
March 8, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He sees the beautiful Victorian house he grew up in, with its pitched roof and gabled ends---a fairy-tale house before it became the county House of Horrors. He sees happy memories of a childhood lived by the sea. He doesn't imagine blood on the walls or whispering ghosts. He doesn't see the Murder House, but I do.
Sarah grew up with a mother who suffered from agoraphobia and a father who left, her childhood was less than ideal. When she meets Patrick, as a young nineteen year old, he sweeps her off her feet with his pretty face and pretty stories of a charming childhood. When he introduces her to his newborn baby boy Joe, she is swept up again. Her friend Caroline warns her that she is losing herself to Patrick but Joe needs her and she agrees to a pleading Patrick to get married. An abandoned college degree, birth of a daughter, and deep depression over her mother's death, has Sarah slowly seeing underneath all the pretty facades.
With my mother's money, I could make my husband's dream come true. But in doing that, I'd be destroying every dream of my own.
Woman in the Dark, has a strong Amityville Horror vibe with elements of The Girl on the Train. The story is mostly told all from Sarah's point of view with little snatches of a mystery person's pov. If you're familiar with the aforementioned stories, you'll know pretty soon where the story is headed. There were plenty of secondary characters to try to throw you off and have you second guessing supernatural or psychological, but most of the feelings of dread found here are from the knowing what Sarah is about to go through. The writing style, especially in the beginning, used a lot of short choppy sentences that gave it a staccato flow for me. This worked and didn't work for me, not a personal style favorite but when put together with how Sarah, her husband, and her two kids are portrayed in the first half, isolated or detached from one another, the style fits. The second half flows more smoothly as the pace picks up a bit, the reader starts to learn more as Sarah and her family start to interact and blind spots from only getting Sarah's point of view, start to fill.
I'm thinking of the dozen cracks in his control that have grown since we moved here.
When the reader comes into the story, Sarah is trying to emerge from deep depression over her mother's death and a maybe suicide attempt. Patrick convinces her to give up her inherited money to buy his childhood dream home, which they can only afford because fifteen years ago, a family, except for the younger son, was murdered there. Patrick's childhood home is called Murder House. Every thing is murky for Sarah as she is on medication and trying to become herself again, this makes the story murky, along with a lot of characters. Some secondary characters worked as credible misdirections and others, like Ian Hooper convicted of one of the murders, Tom the surviving younger son, and Sarah's friend Caroline, ended up landing very flat because of how they weren't utilized correctly; introduced, tangentially boogeymen, at times forgotten, and then left to sort of drift off.
I have to face it, stop hiding. I shake my head. I always do this---eyes tight shut, hands over my ears, hoping it will all go away if I just pretend it isn't happening. I can't do that anymore.
While I mentioned the constant circling of the question between supernatural or psychological, which the story never really gives a definite answer to, and Patrick's slow unraveling sending shivers down your spine, I think a lot of women will recognize the true horror of the story to be all the gaslighting. Murder House felt like an allegoric symbol for a woman trapped, pretty veneer covering up rot, showing once again, ghosts might not be the scariest beings haunting your home.
He sees the beautiful Victorian house he grew up in, with its pitched roof and gabled ends---a fairy-tale house before it became the county House of Horrors. He sees happy memories of a childhood lived by the sea. He doesn't imagine blood on the walls or whispering ghosts. He doesn't see the Murder House, but I do.
Sarah grew up with a mother who suffered from agoraphobia and a father who left, her childhood was less than ideal. When she meets Patrick, as a young nineteen year old, he sweeps her off her feet with his pretty face and pretty stories of a charming childhood. When he introduces her to his newborn baby boy Joe, she is swept up again. Her friend Caroline warns her that she is losing herself to Patrick but Joe needs her and she agrees to a pleading Patrick to get married. An abandoned college degree, birth of a daughter, and deep depression over her mother's death, has Sarah slowly seeing underneath all the pretty facades.
With my mother's money, I could make my husband's dream come true. But in doing that, I'd be destroying every dream of my own.
Woman in the Dark, has a strong Amityville Horror vibe with elements of The Girl on the Train. The story is mostly told all from Sarah's point of view with little snatches of a mystery person's pov. If you're familiar with the aforementioned stories, you'll know pretty soon where the story is headed. There were plenty of secondary characters to try to throw you off and have you second guessing supernatural or psychological, but most of the feelings of dread found here are from the knowing what Sarah is about to go through. The writing style, especially in the beginning, used a lot of short choppy sentences that gave it a staccato flow for me. This worked and didn't work for me, not a personal style favorite but when put together with how Sarah, her husband, and her two kids are portrayed in the first half, isolated or detached from one another, the style fits. The second half flows more smoothly as the pace picks up a bit, the reader starts to learn more as Sarah and her family start to interact and blind spots from only getting Sarah's point of view, start to fill.
I'm thinking of the dozen cracks in his control that have grown since we moved here.
When the reader comes into the story, Sarah is trying to emerge from deep depression over her mother's death and a maybe suicide attempt. Patrick convinces her to give up her inherited money to buy his childhood dream home, which they can only afford because fifteen years ago, a family, except for the younger son, was murdered there. Patrick's childhood home is called Murder House. Every thing is murky for Sarah as she is on medication and trying to become herself again, this makes the story murky, along with a lot of characters. Some secondary characters worked as credible misdirections and others, like Ian Hooper convicted of one of the murders, Tom the surviving younger son, and Sarah's friend Caroline, ended up landing very flat because of how they weren't utilized correctly; introduced, tangentially boogeymen, at times forgotten, and then left to sort of drift off.
I have to face it, stop hiding. I shake my head. I always do this---eyes tight shut, hands over my ears, hoping it will all go away if I just pretend it isn't happening. I can't do that anymore.
While I mentioned the constant circling of the question between supernatural or psychological, which the story never really gives a definite answer to, and Patrick's slow unraveling sending shivers down your spine, I think a lot of women will recognize the true horror of the story to be all the gaslighting. Murder House felt like an allegoric symbol for a woman trapped, pretty veneer covering up rot, showing once again, ghosts might not be the scariest beings haunting your home.
February 1, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! One of the best I've read in a while. Gripping from start to finish! Way too believable
July 3, 2019
4.5 stars really. This was a disturbing, difficult to find any positive elements, read. Yet I was totally engrossed in the story line in spite of it all. I think, as others have said, it is better to go into this book blind.
It's a story of abuse, mental illness, secrecy, pain....yet it was so well written. I believe it was the author's debut novel and I will definitely be looking out for her next book.
It's a story of abuse, mental illness, secrecy, pain....yet it was so well written. I believe it was the author's debut novel and I will definitely be looking out for her next book.
March 22, 2019
I wanted to like The Woman in the Dark. A new women author writing gothic horror with a psychological thriller twist? That sounds like everything I love.
Unfortunately, I was let down somewhere in the middle of the novel when I realized they were really going to play out two of my least favorite tropes; the manipulative bastard trope and the mysterious dead baby.
I don't mind when the husband/boyfriend/lover is a manipulative bastard as long as the main character dealing with the bullshit grows into a strong badass, but that didn't really happen here. Instead, Sarah remained a "woman in the dark" up until the almost very end.
And I hate hate hate hate when books drag out a dead child (real or fake) for no real reason other than to shock., but that's probably just me with my complicated feelings about dead kids because I have one.🤷🤷🤷
Anyways, the writing was very descriptive and the setting was atmospheric and spooky, but it never really came fully around to be scary or creepy or thrilling. It was like a watered down daytime soap opera on the disney channel (because there's no gore or sex or excitement). "It's not me, it's you. Oh wait maybe it is me, but it might be you too" 🙄
For a debut, I thought the writing was expressive and there was a good idea there. I will read the author's next book because I'm a sucker for books with the gothic feel and I think she's only going to get better.
Unfortunately, I was let down somewhere in the middle of the novel when I realized they were really going to play out two of my least favorite tropes; the manipulative bastard trope and the mysterious dead baby.
I don't mind when the husband/boyfriend/lover is a manipulative bastard as long as the main character dealing with the bullshit grows into a strong badass, but that didn't really happen here. Instead, Sarah remained a "woman in the dark" up until the almost very end.
And I hate hate hate hate when books drag out a dead child (real or fake) for no real reason other than to shock., but that's probably just me with my complicated feelings about dead kids because I have one.🤷🤷🤷
Anyways, the writing was very descriptive and the setting was atmospheric and spooky, but it never really came fully around to be scary or creepy or thrilling. It was like a watered down daytime soap opera on the disney channel (because there's no gore or sex or excitement). "It's not me, it's you. Oh wait maybe it is me, but it might be you too" 🙄
For a debut, I thought the writing was expressive and there was a good idea there. I will read the author's next book because I'm a sucker for books with the gothic feel and I think she's only going to get better.
February 7, 2021
Demasiado predecible.
April 20, 2019
I saw a few great 5 star reviews of this book in January (namely those by Susan Hampson and Jacob Collins) so when I noticed that The Woman In the Dark was a kindle offer in February I decided to buy it. And due to the fabulous Good Friday weather we had, I chose it to read in the beautiful sunshine whilst sitting out in the garden. And I just want to start by saying that those much trusted blogger reviews were right and that THIS WAS THE BEST 99p I HAVE SPENT ALL YEAR!!! Honestly, this book was just a perfectly crafted piece of psychological suspense with a darkly atmospheric tension that held my attention so deeply we ended up eating sandwiches for tea at 9pm! NOTHING was going to drag me away from this book and food was definitely low on my list of priorities whilst I was inside The Murder House!
Meet the perfect family-perfectly dysfunctional that it! Sarah and Patrick have always had the most idyllic family life with their two children Joe and Mia but after Sarah’s mother dies, her grief becomes the catalyst for a change in all their relationships. Her depression leads her into an attempted suicide which then prompts Patrick to take charge and decide that they need a change in environment which should then restore perfection to their future together. And this was when alarm bells started ringing for me! Patrick started to change as soon as they began this new start but his controlling nature was visible to me even before the move. And it was certainly the reason that they were now living in a house that was the scene of an historic murder case! That house was practically a character in its own right here (it reminded me of that “family” horror film Monster House! If you’ve seen it you’ll know what I mean and if you haven’t…well…DON’T!) and I had a very easy time imagining each and every room in my head. Every time the cold spots were mentioned I literally got goosebumps, even though I was sitting in the warm sunshine, as I really felt as though I was there walking through those rooms with Sarah as she sought answers to her husbands behaviour. None of the main characters were particularly likeable but that’s the way I usually prefer them and I loved how worked up I got when they acted in ways that irritated me! I know that teenagers can become quite obnoxious and behave badly towards their parents (I’ve always thought it’s a way of making the coming separation easier) but Mia’s attitude towards her mother really did wind me up! Later I realised that, ofcourse, there was more to her behaviour than I thought but I really did want to shake her at times and I’m NOT someone who’s easily wound up!
I could explain more about how these characters affected me but to be honest I really just want you to read this book and have all the horror I felt punch you full on in the chest! Vanessa Savage has done a brilliant job of slowly getting the readers attention by feeding them small titbits of information and then holding them over our heads, just out of reach, until she decides to dangle them in front of us again. There were definite shocks to be had throughout the narrative and twists to the storyline that I certainly hadn’t been expecting. But it was the slowly menacing pace and the chilling “creepy as hell” house that took this book to another level of spine tingling intimidation. And I just want to mention that the salt on the windows creeped me out more than I thought possible as it reminded me of the time I lived in my own seaside “house of dreams”. One night I thought I heard a tapping at my window which I ignored as I was just coming out of a deep sleep so thought I had been dreaming. The next morning when I opened my curtains there on the window, written in the dried salt residue, was a message which said “Hi Joanne” written in a heart. I never found out who wrote it…
And on that rather disturbing memory I will end this review by saying that although this book creeped me out just as much as that message, it was absolutely brilliant! Vanessa Savage is a HUGELY talented writer and I can’t believe The Woman In the Dark is actually her debut! I’m now desperately awaiting her second book and as soon as it is released it will shoot straight to the top of my TBR pile!
Very highly recommended!
Meet the perfect family-perfectly dysfunctional that it! Sarah and Patrick have always had the most idyllic family life with their two children Joe and Mia but after Sarah’s mother dies, her grief becomes the catalyst for a change in all their relationships. Her depression leads her into an attempted suicide which then prompts Patrick to take charge and decide that they need a change in environment which should then restore perfection to their future together. And this was when alarm bells started ringing for me! Patrick started to change as soon as they began this new start but his controlling nature was visible to me even before the move. And it was certainly the reason that they were now living in a house that was the scene of an historic murder case! That house was practically a character in its own right here (it reminded me of that “family” horror film Monster House! If you’ve seen it you’ll know what I mean and if you haven’t…well…DON’T!) and I had a very easy time imagining each and every room in my head. Every time the cold spots were mentioned I literally got goosebumps, even though I was sitting in the warm sunshine, as I really felt as though I was there walking through those rooms with Sarah as she sought answers to her husbands behaviour. None of the main characters were particularly likeable but that’s the way I usually prefer them and I loved how worked up I got when they acted in ways that irritated me! I know that teenagers can become quite obnoxious and behave badly towards their parents (I’ve always thought it’s a way of making the coming separation easier) but Mia’s attitude towards her mother really did wind me up! Later I realised that, ofcourse, there was more to her behaviour than I thought but I really did want to shake her at times and I’m NOT someone who’s easily wound up!
I could explain more about how these characters affected me but to be honest I really just want you to read this book and have all the horror I felt punch you full on in the chest! Vanessa Savage has done a brilliant job of slowly getting the readers attention by feeding them small titbits of information and then holding them over our heads, just out of reach, until she decides to dangle them in front of us again. There were definite shocks to be had throughout the narrative and twists to the storyline that I certainly hadn’t been expecting. But it was the slowly menacing pace and the chilling “creepy as hell” house that took this book to another level of spine tingling intimidation. And I just want to mention that the salt on the windows creeped me out more than I thought possible as it reminded me of the time I lived in my own seaside “house of dreams”. One night I thought I heard a tapping at my window which I ignored as I was just coming out of a deep sleep so thought I had been dreaming. The next morning when I opened my curtains there on the window, written in the dried salt residue, was a message which said “Hi Joanne” written in a heart. I never found out who wrote it…
And on that rather disturbing memory I will end this review by saying that although this book creeped me out just as much as that message, it was absolutely brilliant! Vanessa Savage is a HUGELY talented writer and I can’t believe The Woman In the Dark is actually her debut! I’m now desperately awaiting her second book and as soon as it is released it will shoot straight to the top of my TBR pile!
Very highly recommended!
August 29, 2022
Ug! I made it 85% of the way and then there’s a violent r*pe scene. Why oh why.
This book was very dramatic and I think maybe I just don’t like domestic thrillers is what I’m realizing.
Not for me.
This book was very dramatic and I think maybe I just don’t like domestic thrillers is what I’m realizing.
Not for me.
April 17, 2021
Ahhh there’s nothing sadder than a thriller that isn’t that thrilling. This just felt so average, nothing particularly stood out as original. The plot twists were predictable in my opinion and it had every thriller cliché that has been done in this genre to death (no pun intended). By no means a bad book, just so painstakingly average when I was expecting something more.
The writing was fine, it got straight to the point and it did its job. I feel like this narrative did a lot of telling and no showing. It never dropped subtle hints for the reader to piece clues together – it kind of just told you everything as you went along which almost defeats the point of a mystery. The characters felt really two dimensional and I’m not sure they even did anything other than live in this house for the entirety of the book. They fell so flat for me and their speech was beyond unnatural. The conversations they all ended up having were so strange for me.
I didn’t really feel the suspense and found myself not caring. To top it off, the ending was rushed and disappointing.
This sounds like such a negative review but honestly it wasn’t a terrible book – just could’ve been executed a lot better. The concept overall is pretty good but I just don’t think the formatting did it any favours.
The writing was fine, it got straight to the point and it did its job. I feel like this narrative did a lot of telling and no showing. It never dropped subtle hints for the reader to piece clues together – it kind of just told you everything as you went along which almost defeats the point of a mystery. The characters felt really two dimensional and I’m not sure they even did anything other than live in this house for the entirety of the book. They fell so flat for me and their speech was beyond unnatural. The conversations they all ended up having were so strange for me.
I didn’t really feel the suspense and found myself not caring. To top it off, the ending was rushed and disappointing.
This sounds like such a negative review but honestly it wasn’t a terrible book – just could’ve been executed a lot better. The concept overall is pretty good but I just don’t think the formatting did it any favours.
February 19, 2019
I thought this book was excellent. The story had me hooked from the start and I absolutely loved it. I really felt for Sarah and Joe in the story not so much for Mia as I felt she was horrendous to her mum who didn’t deserve it. There was so many twists and turns, some I saw coming and others which shocked me. It was so well written and put together well. It was a great book with interesting characters and I definitely recommend it.
September 14, 2019
The Murder House was depicted so brilliantly. Creepier than most thrillers.
Shelved as 'wishlist'
September 8, 2021Heather made me do it
August 15, 2021
Es una fantasía de thriller muy al estilo clásico.
August 18, 2019
This has been one of the creepiest and most atmospheric books I've read this year. I really did love this story and it gave me AHS Season 1 vibes - I loved it. This book is told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator (the wife) and how her husband bought the Murder House he used to live in as a child. After they move in, a bunch of crazy things start happening with all of the family members, and I honestly didn't know if it was a paranormal book or not! The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because towards the 3/4 mark I felt like there was some repetition and a few boring parts could have been cut out. I highly recommend to people who love horror/creepy books! This would be a great read for Halloween!
February 5, 2020
suspenseful and atmospheric read - loved it. 4 and half stars!!
September 7, 2021
This was so riveting and creepy and I felt STRESSED OUT when reading it. I even read it on a road trip at the risk of getting car sick. I kept texting my friend suspicions about one of the characters and was even talking to my husband about them like they were real people. The back story that's gradually revealed is truly fucked up. I enjoyed Savage's other book too, and I'm really going to need to her write more ASAP.
January 28, 2020
3.5 Stars rounded up.
August 14, 2019
No ha estado mal, un poco aburrido a ratos pero nada grave. El final muy escabroso. Sí que recuerda a El resplandor de S. King pero... sin su genialidad.
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