Equal parts mystery and thriller, this novel delivers all the eerie elements I crave in a story. Set on a remote island with a haunted house, and an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page. While I was initially unsure about the teenage protagonists, it quickly became clear that their age added a compelling layer to the narrative's intensity and emotional depth.

Barker masterfully weaves together some of my favorite horror tropes…. creepy teens, witchcraft, local lore, isolated location, and an ominous house all with a seamlessness that feels fresh rather than forced. I especially enjoyed how the main character, Billy, is forced to confront multiple moral dilemmas that help deepen the storyline beyond its terrifying surface.

I devoured this book in one sitting, completely hooked by the mystery of what was real, who could be trusted, and how far these characters would go to satisfy one terrifying demand… to please Emerson. If you're looking for a gripping, creepy read that pulls you into a dark, atmospheric world then you won't want to miss this one.

*Thank you to J.D. Barker, Hampton Creek Press / Simon & Schuster | Hampton Creek Press, RBmedia | Recorded Books and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.