Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sleeping Celeste

Rate this book
It is October 1885, and Marie Maecott seems to be the only one who knows what has happened to her daughter, Celeste. She s angry that no one else understands her daughter's condition, as any mother would be. The one chill night, groundskeeper for Heathridge Cemetery, Jacob Willis, tells her a dark secret in his family's past that just may hold the key to her problem. Marie will need to set off on a journey to find out - one in which she will discover terrible parts of herself - parts that would have been better off left buried. And some are going to find out the truth of the timeless adage: it is best not to come between a mother and her child.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2022

7 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Alana K. Drex

13 books101 followers
I like to read a range of horror and i like to write a range of horror. It can get messed up. W/ Love, Be Warned

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
115 (73%)
4 stars
34 (21%)
3 stars
4 (2%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Rachaelbookhunter.
466 reviews
October 12, 2022
Are you looking for a perfect Halloween read? Look no further! Sleeping Celeste will lead you on a dark, twisted path to a haunting end. Your time spent with her will be tragic, bloody, and horrifying. Never fear though the journey will be worth it. In fact it will be a quick experience as you flip through page after page to discover the gruesome secrets within. Are you supposed to smile after reading about rotting corpses in a graveyard?

The year is 1885 and Celeste lies in the ground of Heathridge Cemetery. Only her mother Marie Maecott knows this is temporary but she is still angry that no one else understands her daughter's condition! One night on a visit with Celeste the groundskeeper tells her a secret that just might be able to help her. Marie will do anything, anything to bring her daughter home... So now you know what to do. Join Marie on her journey if you dare.

Sleeping Celeste is creepy, well written and thoroughly satisfying. Recommend, recommend, recommend!
Profile Image for Hayla.
729 reviews64 followers
July 14, 2023
Sorry, I don’t do vivid scenes of kitten murder. DNF at 25%
Profile Image for Rachel.
88 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2023
Marie, a grief stricken mother, descends into madness over the loss of her daughter. She will do anything to keep her near. Why can't anyone comprehend that Celeste isn't dead? She's simply sleeping, and mothers know best...

This novella was disturbing, creepy and a whole lot of twisted. I devoured this gem in a sitting. The eerie twist was unexpected and the details will make you cringe. I love the way Alana turns a tragedy into a world of f*cked up. Nothing I appreciate more than a story-teller that doesn't hold back and writes freely. Loved this read.
Profile Image for C.J. Daley.
Author 5 books143 followers
November 3, 2023
I’m really happy I found this author’s account as this spooky novella is brand new this month, so what a better book to add to my reading list? This released 10/9/22, so please add it to your lists or get yourself a copy and read before Halloween!

This is a story of desire, loss, grief, guilt, obsession, and sacrifice. This was a bit bone chilling honestly. It’s short and to the point, but manages to be elegant and eerie at the same time? The writing is great and pulled me right in.

A daughter lost too soon and a mother that can’t let go. A loving husband that has a viewing window installed so that his grieving wife can visit their daughter…but what if that isn’t enough? Shouldn’t a mother be able to do more?

Honestly this novella has a story thread that deals with adultery. That’s something I think is seen in horror all too often and I most often absolutely hate it. It is often overdone and overused as a sexual basis for the scenes. This author did not do this. It’s handled deftly and they expertly handle the behavioral pulls behind why someone would do that, not the act themselves. I am impressed and thankful as it really added to me enjoying.

Twists and turns abound. I was surprised more than once reading this!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Marci Heath.
475 reviews41 followers
July 20, 2023
This is a beautiful written novella that is very disturbing. I wasn’t able to stop reading it. In fact, I read it twice to make sure I didn’t miss a single thing. It’s a tale of a mother and her unwavering love for her daughter. This story reminds us that, we will do just about anything for our loved ones. This creepy tale will not disappoint you!!
Profile Image for A.W. Mason.
Author 10 books22 followers
October 13, 2022
Sleeping Celeste is a tale spun around a mother's love and madness. What lengths will she go through to have her daughter by her side again? Read on and find out, you'll still never see the ending coming!
Profile Image for Samuel (Still Reading Sam) M..
Author 6 books40 followers
October 12, 2022
"I hold this grief deep within me as if it is a newborn I need to keep warm. This feeling I treasure, though it slowly smothers me from the inside. No one else will keep this feeling alive."
.
Spoilers/ Review for Sleeping Celeste by Alana K. Drex
.
Sleeping Celeste centres on Marie Maecott who has recently lost her daughter, Celeste, and wants nothing more than to bring her back. Her husband, John, is concerned for Marie's mental health, creates a sarcophagus where Celeste can be seen above ground. A chance encounter with the local undertaker, Jacob Willis sets Marie on a surprising path... 
.
Alana sent me this tale in exchange for an honest review. I had read one or two of Alana's works before I think, and I looked forward to more from her.
.
The opening narration is well done and I feel it sets the tone of the book nicely; a sombre, grief stricken tale. Marie makes for a superb narrator, and the way we really felt for her, with the loss of her child, and the prose of the tale is distinctly Victorian, something which I feel Drex captures. It reminded me in places of Pet Semetary, with the concepts of loss and resurrection being floated in front of the main character's face. The encounter with Tress and the way the story introduces some lore alongside the potential dangers is nicely done and feels like we are getting quiet hints as to what's to come. I absolutely devoured the second half of this one, and Drex keeps you hooked right until the very last page. My only wish would be we had a bit more from this, and a few extra scenes might have been nice, but that's me being me. Nothing major. Overall, this is a brilliant grief horror story which asks the question how far someone is willing to go for their child!
.
Overall 4.5/5
Many thanks to Alana for the ARC!
Profile Image for Heidi.
523 reviews52 followers
July 26, 2023
Alana Drex has written a story that Stephen King would be proud of. While reading I kept getting Pet Semetery vibes.

"Now I understand how loss can make one mad"

A tale of loss and grief horror most horrible with an "animal trigger"

Marie Maecotts grief over the loss of her daughter Celeste goes beyond what is considered ordinary.
The Perfect Halloween read. You will read in 1 sitting.

Alana Drex is an auto buy horror reader for me!
Profile Image for Alex Tilley.
Author 12 books7 followers
July 2, 2023
This necromantic tale turns the story of a mother's loss into something as disturbing and beautiful as Faulkner's A Rose for Emily. The writing is essentially flawless, and despite the wanton recklessness of Marie, you can't help but feel for her plight and desperation. The ending is disturbing and satisfying, and a heavy payoff for this 100-page novella. Celeste sucking the blood right from Marie's breast was a perfect twist ending to this tale, tying everything together so nice and clean (despite the gruesome result). I would love to hear more about Tress, her story, and the story of her twisted twin watchers, but despite that craving, Sleeping Celeste is a beautifully written tale and has me sold on Alana's writing. I'll definitely be buying The Scampering and more of her works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Billy Jr..
Author 6 books26 followers
October 15, 2022
Sleeping Celeste is a unique story in every sense of the word. The premise is different, the horror is prevalent, and the emotion bleeds page after page.

Alana Drex writes this beautifully in a gothic style which is rhythmic poetry that sings to you and then stalks you with a lurking horror just over the horizon.

The dialogue is thoughtful and profound and the madness the lead character enters is one you could almost see happening to anyone who wishes to bring back her light from darkness.

5 star read and will read multiple times.
Profile Image for Gillian Church.
Author 2 books21 followers
November 5, 2022
"The thing about John is he always thought me to be a flower, when I have been a thorn, unbeknownst to myself even, until now."

This novella is the perfect gothic horror treat. It starts off dark, with a grieving mother in denial about her daughter's death, and very quickly descends into depths I never expected it would reach. It's beautifully written, heartwrenching, and dreadful in the best way. I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling it, but it's absolutely a great read for any gothic horror fan.
Profile Image for Damien Casey.
Author 27 books88 followers
October 28, 2022
Imagine if Pet Semetary was written by Poe and then made into an episode of Tales from the Crypt. This book is written poetically, but does not let up on the ooey gooey. Alana K. Drex has fun writing, you can tell by reading every single line. I was impressed heavily by The Scampering and then her story “Best Fxiends.” Sleeping Celeste has the same passion for writing present, but comes in a completely different package. Alana is extremely diverse and she manages to capture that within this quick read. Also, I need to note, this is downright creepy. The perfect book for a cold night with a glass of hot beverage.
Profile Image for H. Everend.
Author 21 books119 followers
December 19, 2022
I had heard so many wonderful things about this novella. I consumed it so fast, I found myself going back and re-reading parts again just to make sure things that happened --- actually did. "Sleeping Celeste" is an incredible piece of gothic and gruesome horror. Marie was so devoted to getting her daughter to "wake up" and stopped at nothing to make sure a reality. Certainly puts a new spin on a mother's love if you ask me. The things she DID to help bring her daughter back was...wow. The attention to detail was amazing, leaving me captivated from the intriguing beginning to the brutal, shocking end. Drex is a rare gem with her work, and I can't wait to see what she puts out next!
Profile Image for E.C. Hanson.
Author 17 books46 followers
March 24, 2023
My first work by this author and it won't be the last. It reminded me of books written long ago yet contained enough teeth to make you want to fire through the pages. My only regret is not reading this in October near a warm fire.
Profile Image for C.J. Daley.
Author 5 books143 followers
October 18, 2022
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I’m really happy I found this author’s account as this spooky novella is brand new this month, so what a better book to add to my reading list? This released 10/9/22, so please add it to your lists or get yourself a copy and read before Halloween!

This is a story of desire, loss, grief, obsession, and sacrifice. This was a bit bone chilling honestly. It’s short and to the point, but manages to be elegant and eerie at the same time? The writing is great and pulled me right in.

A daughter lost too soon and a mother that can’t let go. A loving husband that has a viewing window installed so that his grieving wife can visit their daughter…but what if that isn’t enough? Shouldn’t a mother be able to do more?

Honestly this novella has a story thread that deals with adultery. That’s something I think is seen in horror all too often and I most often absolutely hate it. It is often overdone and overused as a sexual basis for the scenes. This author did not do this. It’s handled deftly and they expertly handle the behavioral pulls behind why someone would do that, not the act themselves. I am impressed and thankful as it added to my enjoying it.

Twists and turns abound. I was surprised more than once reading this!
Profile Image for Derek Hutchins.
Author 13 books25 followers
June 13, 2023
Wasn’t sure what to expect from this going in but I thoroughly enjoyed this! It’s like if Edgar Allan Poe meets Pet Semetary but written by a woman. The first person unreliable narration was so fun — you know it’s not going to end well but the story just sinks it’s teeth in and doesn’t let go. It moves fast and as the layers of the story and our narrator’s tainted past reveal themselves you can’t help but watch through your fingers for the inevitable train crash. Well done Alana! Can’t wait to read more from you.
83 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2022
I love it when a spooky book lives up to its gorgeous cover.

In Alana K Drex's excellent novella Sleeping Celeste, a desperately grieving mother named Marie has convinced herself that her little girl is merely sleeping. When it is hinted to her that a woman from the woods may have knowledge that would reverse Celeste's condition, Marie discovers firsthand the lengths that sorrow will allow some bereaved people to go.

Drex has skillfully written a horror tale that, in the tradition of The Monkey's Paw and Pet Sematary, reminds us that sometimes dead is better. It unfolds with a mounting sense of dread, delivering a doozy of a twist midway and some genuinely creepy moments that will stay with you after the end. A perfect read for October, or anytime you're in the mood for a chilling story.
Profile Image for C.F. Page.
Author 8 books78 followers
October 18, 2022
An innovative spin on the otherwise exhausted “sometimes dead is better” cautionary tale. If you’re looking for a solid gothic horror novel (or, a term I coined, “Gothic Anti-Romance”), definitely check this out.

Although the story itself is a 4.5/5 (I’ll be the first to admit that Gothic ain’t my jam, but I found myself breezing through nonetheless), there were some funky typesetting stuff—at least in the version I read, but it may be fixed in later editions, so don’t hold this statement as gospel—in the paperback.

Sleeping Celeste reads like an authentic Gothic experience, rich in human emotions (and a bit of melodrama, too, as it’s a staple in the Gothic genre of literature).
Profile Image for Cal Vance.
8 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2022
Sleeping Celeste is a short, intense read all the way through. Alana does a superb job capturing the imagery of her characters and bringing the story to life from the pages within. A highly recommended novella and one filled with twists and turns until the very last page.
1 review
October 15, 2022
This is the perfect book for anyone who likes scary, creepy plot twisting books. The author's imagination keeps you guessing right up to the last page. Very eerily enjoyable.
Profile Image for Nadine Stewart.
Author 7 books26 followers
July 25, 2023
Where have these little horror Novella’s been all my life?? I can’t seem to get enough of them lately. Sleeping Celeste is no exception.

This was right up my alley with it being a bit of historical fiction too. It gave me real classic horror vibes mixed with a little psychological horror that reminded me a little of The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

The writing seemed almost poetic in some places. And the twists just hit out of nowhere one after the other. This one will keep you on your toes. And that ending…!!! I will definitely read this one again and again.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Lit.for.Lit.
108 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2023
This book is somewhere between The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe and Pet Sematary by Stephen King! Alana’s writing is brilliant and captivatingly dreadful in the most alluring way. She built transfixing settings, mesmerizing characters, and set a ticking time bomb of a staggering twist that blew my mind! Grief guilt at its most twisted best!

This is a must read if you enjoyed The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Alan Poe, Pet Semetary by Stephen King, and Voodoo Child by Thomas Gloom!
Profile Image for Windy.
117 reviews8 followers
July 21, 2023
This ominous little novella now lives full time in my head and even caused me a nightmare. I don’t recall ever dreaming of being lost in a cemetery before reading this 🫣

Marie has lost her sweet young daughter and in her unhinged distress, finds a sinister solution to her extreme grief.

Sleeping Celeste is beautifully written and shockingly emotional! In my opinion, it deserves a blind entry but checking TW’s is always a good idea 😉
Profile Image for Stuart Knott.
Author 21 books63 followers
July 17, 2023
"Sleeping Celeste" is a brisk gothic horror tale that’s firmly focused on blind obsession. Marie is absolutely devastated after the loss of her daughter, Celeste and is convinced that the girl has simply fallen into a deep sleep. Much of Marie’s refusal to accept Celeste’s obvious condition stems from a twisted, shocking guilt that turns the entire tale on its head. Marie is driven to near madness at the thought of Celeste being buried under the ground so her dutiful husband has the girl displayed in a special sarcophagus, one that contains a little window so Marie can gaze upon and touch her daughter’s face day after day.

In time, Marie’s obsession only grows. As she did when her daughter was alive, Marie watches Celeste like a hawk, waiting for the day when she will surely awaken. It’s during her nightly vigils that the resident groundskeeper tells her about his Aunt Tress, who may hold the key to awakening Celeste through her black magic. Marie is unperturbed by horrific stories of mewling, zombie-like cats since she’s certain Celeste will retain her true personality since she’s not really dead; all Marie needs is a suitable sacrifice, a morbid incantation, and the will to try and awaken her beloved daughter.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s like "Pet Sematary" (King, 1983) meets Edgar Allan Poe! The author does a fantastic job of making you sympathise with Marie and then begin to question her sanity, before turning her into a tragic figure who’s turned to deception and murder to reunite with her daughter. Marie’s fascination with Celeste speaks to the blinkered tragedy of losing a loved one; Marie will do anything, brave any danger, for a way to awaken her but cannot entertain the thought that her daughter is dead because to admit that would be to admit her culpability, and this is all wonderfully realised in the shocking and gory ending!
Profile Image for DA.
Author 3 books133 followers
November 21, 2022
Chilling!

A story that will chill you to the bone. I really liked this book and how there were several twists. The main character Marie was written so well you could feel her despair and her guilt. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for buzzcutbiblio.
174 reviews
June 24, 2023
Sleeping Celeste is the perfect gothic novella. I felt an array of emotions while reading this. I can’t wait to reread this every Halloween until I die. This is an author you don’t want to miss! I can’t wait for her next one 😍
Profile Image for Hayley Anderton.
Author 35 books146 followers
October 28, 2022
A haunting short tale that walks the line between emotional and terrifying! It was interesting to read about what inspired it too! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Tobin Elliott.
Author 22 books183 followers
April 21, 2023
"I hold this grief deep within me, as if it is a newborn I need to keep warm."

When I'm asked what kind of horror I enjoy, I always say the same thing... For me, the horror I enjoy the most is the one where you know, as you read, that really bad things are going to happen. You don't know what, necessarily, and you don't always know to whom, but you know it's coming, and you know it's going to be bad.

Drex has written exactly the kind of horror I enjoy. This is basically what Pet Sematary would have been if Poe had collaborated with Lovecraft in one of his more subdued moods.

She sets the tone perfectly with that very first line above, and then drops us into a bizarre little gothic nightmare of madness and obsession.

And, through it all, the reader just knows that really bad things are going to happen. And yet, even with that, Drex screws the suspense tighter and tighter.

I honestly, truly, enjoyed the hell out of this quick little read, and I'm down to read anything else she's going to publish.
Profile Image for Sibbysbooks.
30 reviews
October 19, 2022
I am so proud of my good friend alana.k.drex to write the story of Sleeping Celeste. I was so excited to be asked to be a beta reader for this book and I loved every inch of it. From Drex’s characters to her story plot, you will be taken right in. She has such a way with words and makes some of the most beautiful dark/eerie descriptions that will leave your skin crawling for more. This novella is one you will want to finish in one sitting just to find out what happens next!!

About the book: Set in the year 1885, This is a Gothic horror story about a mother’s grief after loosing her only child. As we know everyone handles grief in their own way and main character Marie certainly did. Marie meets some very interesting characters along the way and gets herself into some frightening circumstances. Marie is a mother who is willing to do anything for her child. Perfect spooky read for October!
Profile Image for Bookishme_lisamarie.
434 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2022
A heartbreakingly creepy tale! Sooo good!!

A mother loses her young daughter one morning. She is so distraught and in such denial of her little girl's passing that she can't bear to have her buried while she "sleeps". Her husband begrudgingly has her reburied in a sarcophagus with a window through which she can see and talk to her daughter.

When she learns of a chance to possibly see her daughter wake up and live again, she is willing to make any sacrifice to have that happen.

This is a twisted look at death, grieving and denial and what a mother may be willing to do to be with and protect her child.

Really great writing! It's a dark, relatively fast paced, short read that never once lost my attention. 5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.