Hemlock Island: A Novel

A standalone horror novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.

Laney Kilpatrick has been renting her vacation home to strangers. The invasion of privacy gives her panic attacks, but it’s the only way she can keep her beloved Hemlock Island, the only thing she owns after a pandemic-fueled divorce. But broken belongings and campfires that nearly burn down the house have escalated to bloody bones, hex circles, and now, terrified renters who've fled after finding blood and nail marks all over the guest room closet, as though someone tried to claw their way out...and failed.

When Laney shows up to investigate with her teenaged niece in tow, she discovers that her ex, Kit, has also been informed and is there with Jayla, his sister and her former best friend. Then Sadie, another old high school friend, charters over with her brother, who’s now a cop.

There are tensions and secrets, whispers in the woods, and before long, the discovery of a hand poking up from the earth. Then the body that goes with it... But by that time, someone has taken off with their one and only means off the island, and they’re trapped with someone—or something—that doesn’t want them leaving the island alive.

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Published Sep 12, 2023

304 pages

Average rating: 7.8

20 RATINGS

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Books & Brews

Books & Brews is an evening adult book club from the Trussville Public Library where you can share your thoughts about this month's book while enjoying delicious food and drinks at Ferus Artisan Ales. It meets on the second Monday of every month at 7:15 PM in the event room at Ferus. 

Community Reviews

Enid Cangiano
Dec 29, 2025
8/10 stars
Laney has been renting her vacation home to strangers, a home that is located on an Island that was gifted to her by her ex husband. Yes, that is what I said. Listen is this book a bit far fetched yes, but I would say the same about the TV show Supernatural or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so if you are into those types of shows/genres then you will fully get this book and enjoy just the same. If you are not a fan, don't read this book only to give it a bad review.
I quite enjoyed it but no surprise there, Kelley Armstrong is by far one of my favorite authors, she can right paranormal, fantasy, thrillers and I love it all. Hemlock Island is no exception.
You have crazy things going on in this Island that may seem far fetched but it's what kept me on the edge of my seat. I am not much for gore or similar things of that nature but this was well written that it didn't make me lose my lunch.
My only critic to this is and it's all my personal preference I was not a fan of the ending, I guess I had kind of hoped for it to go a different route but I respect and understand why it went this way.


⭐ Revelation of secrets
⭐ Paranormal
⭐ Thriller
⭐ Great story line
Gwendola
Nov 30, 2025
10/10 stars
Weird, I couldn't put it down, it had twists and turns you won't see coming.
Nicola
Oct 18, 2025
8/10 stars
At no point did I know where this book was going to go. The captivating story about a woman must face the reality of what life has given her. She must travel to her secluded island where she is faced with unimaginable terror.
RealLifeBelle
Jan 12, 2025
8/10 stars
This will be a SPOILER-FREE review. Firstly, thank you NetGalley for letting me read the eGalley of this book. I give this book 4.5 stars in the horror genre because it DELIVERS. One part made me not want to read anymore horror books ever, but in a good way. It builds a sense of isolation, suspense and mystery throughout.
I recommend this book when it comes out SEPTEMBER 12, 2023!!!
Shahna
Jul 18, 2024
6/10 stars
The horror starts immediately which is great.

I'm glad it's not zombies.

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