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In the Midst of the Sea
Trapped in an isolated old house on Martha’s Vineyard in winter, Diana Barlow is either seeing ghosts or losing her mind …
After an estrangement from her parents, Diana came to Martha’s Vineyard to start a new life with her husband Ford and young daughter Samantha. The beautiful Victorian house that Ford inherited seemed the perfect home for a fresh beginning. But in the winter, when the tourists go home and the island is deserted, Diana is afraid she’s going crazy. Specters of people long dead flicker in and out of her vision. The antique dolls in her house never stay where they’re put. Samantha suddenly has a whole group of imaginary friends who live in the house and tell her terrible things. And Ford is becoming increasingly moody, unpredictable, and violent.
While Diana investigates the horrifying history of the house, the past, the present, the living and the dead fatally intertwine, and Diana realizes she and her daughter must escape ― if Ford and the house will let her.
After an estrangement from her parents, Diana came to Martha’s Vineyard to start a new life with her husband Ford and young daughter Samantha. The beautiful Victorian house that Ford inherited seemed the perfect home for a fresh beginning. But in the winter, when the tourists go home and the island is deserted, Diana is afraid she’s going crazy. Specters of people long dead flicker in and out of her vision. The antique dolls in her house never stay where they’re put. Samantha suddenly has a whole group of imaginary friends who live in the house and tell her terrible things. And Ford is becoming increasingly moody, unpredictable, and violent.
While Diana investigates the horrifying history of the house, the past, the present, the living and the dead fatally intertwine, and Diana realizes she and her daughter must escape ― if Ford and the house will let her.
- GenresHorrorParanormalFiction
332 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 6, 2022
Wow! I bought this book from a book signing in Plymouth MA. This book was so good- I couldn’t put it down! When I did have to put it down I kept thinking about when I could read it next. This book is engaging and kept the reader invested. I really found myself rooting for one of the characters to succeed in their venture. The author does a great job of creating suspense throughout the novel. It is sick and twisted but in a way that keeps the reader engaged and wanting to dive into the plot. One of the best horror novel I’ve read, by far!
September 22, 2023
If there is one genre I love, it is paranormal horror, ghost stories. I would probably read any kind. There are so many and though they might have similar themes or tropes each one has its own uniqueness. This one reminded me of another I read, Ruin by Rebecca Guy as there were similar themes.
In the Midst of the Sea is set on Martha’s Vineyard and I feel having a knowledge of the island or even having been there before would add to the atmosphere of the story as the author showcases the island's various locations and aesthetic. The narrative shifts between POVs as well as the past and present with some recurring events. The pacing is a bit slow at first, building up to the final act which felt very fast paced. The supernatural aspect of the story occurs quickly and throughout coupled with the deteriorating relationship between the main characters. As far as the characters are concerned, the antagonists fulfill their role well and earned much scorn from me. As far as the Diana, the main protagonist, while I felt for her, I also thought she made a few obvious mistakes in her actions which dulled my sympathies. Clearly that was intentional by the author but still.
The ending let me wanting. There were a few areas that felt unexplained mostly regarding the fate of certain characters and the sequence of events that lead to such a fate. I would have liked a few questions answered there. Overall, it was ok though there were some sections that were hard to read if you have issue with domestic violence and religious zealotry.
In the Midst of the Sea is set on Martha’s Vineyard and I feel having a knowledge of the island or even having been there before would add to the atmosphere of the story as the author showcases the island's various locations and aesthetic. The narrative shifts between POVs as well as the past and present with some recurring events. The pacing is a bit slow at first, building up to the final act which felt very fast paced. The supernatural aspect of the story occurs quickly and throughout coupled with the deteriorating relationship between the main characters. As far as the characters are concerned, the antagonists fulfill their role well and earned much scorn from me. As far as the Diana, the main protagonist, while I felt for her, I also thought she made a few obvious mistakes in her actions which dulled my sympathies. Clearly that was intentional by the author but still.
The ending let me wanting. There were a few areas that felt unexplained mostly regarding the fate of certain characters and the sequence of events that lead to such a fate. I would have liked a few questions answered there. Overall, it was ok though there were some sections that were hard to read if you have issue with domestic violence and religious zealotry.
June 26, 2019
In the Midst of the Sea is a classic ghost story you won’t be able to put down. McCarthy’s fantastic writing and storytelling will pull you in from the start. Set on Martha’s Vineyard across two centuries, the writer builds an atmosphere so realistic-and creepy- that you will be feel like you are there. Whether you have been to the Vineyard or not, this novel will pull you into the lives of the characters and the Island.
August 7, 2019
I bought the book from the author at a book release party and found it to be a very enjoyable read. It takes place on Martha's Vineyard and many of the places referenced were familiar to me.
Chapters alternated between a journal written in the 19th century and the present,with a great mix of spirits and suspense to keep me interested.
Chapters alternated between a journal written in the 19th century and the present,with a great mix of spirits and suspense to keep me interested.
June 30, 2025
Paranormal horror. Sort of. If you want ghosts, but not scary, this is your book.
November 20, 2025
This was a great October read for my bookclub! I must say, although horror/paranormal isn't my favorite genre, I really enjoyed this book! The way the author developed the characters, the crazy, twisted plot, described the setting and many encounters of the past were very well done! It really keeps you on the edge of your seat! Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves haunted ghost stories and surprises!
October 29, 2023
This was a great October read. The setting of the island mixed with the history of the house and its inhabitants made for a compelling read. I liked the way the author had a line of dread that just progressively intensified as the story unfolded. I could see this being made into a film, in the same line as The Shining.
February 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The author does such a wonderful job describing the characters that you really feel like you know them. You don’t want to put the book down because you want to find out what happens next. The setting is described in such good detail that even if you never have been there, you feel like you know the places. Hoping for a sequel to this!
May 3, 2026
This book is more about generations of domestic violence and history repeating while trying to disguise itself as a ghost story.
Men gratuitously beating and r*ping women and children. How original *eye roll*
What could have been an interesting story just ended up being disjointed, frustrating and boring.
Men gratuitously beating and r*ping women and children. How original *eye roll*
What could have been an interesting story just ended up being disjointed, frustrating and boring.
July 20, 2021
Scary and cool
October 10, 2022
A little dark. Not sure what I was expecting but definitely a good read. Enjoyed the unexpected twist at the end.
July 30, 2023
Review to come!
December 12, 2023
Challenges your own grasp on reality. Uniquely woven through time. Tension builds throughout the story leaving you on pins and needles. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
February 18, 2025
This book was so good! If you like paranormal stuff you will like this book. I definitely recommend.
November 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested every time I was reading it. And it left me a little bit of a question at the end. Well worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews