The Haunting of Paynes Hollow: A Novel

3.75 Stars

This book started out pretty slow for me. It took a bit to get into and I was debating if I wanted to keep going. I'm so glad I did. While, it feels like it drags, the second Sam gets to the cottage this book takes off and does not let you have a moment to breathe. After that first night, I could not put the book down. There was so much that seemed to happen in the span of under 300 pages [BOTM Edition], but it was in a way that was well rounded.

Sure, I kind of predicted the ending a little bit. [I always have a set of auto guesses at the start of any book like this] I was still pleasantly questioning each thing that happened. Overall, this was a well written book that had me on the edge of my seat at times and not wanting to put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen.

3.5 stars rounded up. better than I thought it would be. Sure it's a far fetched story and crazy. Still there was a lot going on. LOL 2 books in a row where dead old white men are making their children and/or grandchildren play games or complete tasks to get their inheritances. There is a bit of the unreliable narrator and def need to guess who to trust. Still thought this was well done.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been a fan of Kelley Armstrong for what feels like forever, so I was very excited to get an ARC through NetGalley. It also came in my Book of the Month box! I might be biased, but I really enjoyed this one. It’s a quick read at just under 300 pages but packed with atmosphere and intrigue. The story follows Samantha Payne, who inherits her estranged grandfather’s lakefront property on the condition that she stay there for a month. The beginning felt odd, but once the mystery started to unfold, I was hooked. The suspense, family secrets, and maybe supernatural (or maybe not) elements were built in such a way that they kept me turning pages. The setting is excellent, too—the secluded lakeside property adds to the story's eerie, tense vibe. I loved how Armstrong mixes folklore, family drama, and suspense. There were moments where I wasn’t sure what was real and what might be imagined, and I loved that. It’s clever, creepy, and keeps you reading. That said, there were a few spots where I wished for more explanation or answers. I can’t really say more without spoilers, but some parts left me craving more detail. Overall, this wasn’t scary in the traditional horror sense, which worked for me since I don’t usually read that genre. It’s suspenseful and mysterious without being overwhelming. I’d give it 3 ½ to 4 stars, and I’m rounding up because I had a great time reading it.