heater43's Reviews (1.19k)

A gripping whodunnit set against the stark, haunting beauty of Iceland. Death on the Island pulled me in with its moody atmosphere and compelling mystery. Eliza Reid does a fantastic job weaving Icelandic history and culture into the narrative—it added such a unique layer to the story and made the setting feel alive. The characters were well-drawn, and the twists kept me guessing. A solid debut that blends suspense with a strong sense of place. Looking forward to what Reid writes next!

Julie Chan Is Dead is a wildly inventive and sharply observant debut by Liann Zhang. Blending satire, mystery, and social commentary, this novel dives into influencer culture, identity, and the dark side of internet fame with biting wit and surprising heart.

The plot follows a mysterious death—and the unraveling chaos that ensues—as one woman questions not only what happened to Julie Chan, but who she herself really is in a sea of curated identities and digital masks. It’s clever, twisty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, while also raising deep questions about performative culture and the price of being seen.

Liann Zhang has a distinct, engaging voice, and while some parts felt a bit over-the-top or intentionally surreal, it fit the tone and themes well. The pacing kept me hooked, and the ending left me thinking long after I closed the book.

A Haunting, Beautifully Written Gem

The Permanence of Darkness by Andoni Iapetus is a stunningly atmospheric read that proves just how powerful a story can be in only 47 pages. From the first sentence, I was pulled into a dark, eerie world that felt both unsettling and heartbreakingly poetic.

The writing is elegant and immersive, the setting chillingly vivid, and the emotional weight of the story stayed with me long after I finished. It reads like a modern gothic tale—perfect for fans of quiet horror and psychological suspense.

This is a must-read if you love short fiction that lingers in your mind and soul. I absolutely loved it.

Cherie Priest delivers another eerie and atmospheric tale that kept me turning pages late into the night. It Was Her House First is a slow-burning haunted house story steeped in tension, grief, and ghostly revenge. The setting is vividly drawn—equal parts southern charm and creeping dread—and the characters feel raw and real, especially the protagonist grappling with her past and the house’s sinister secrets.

What really worked for me was the pacing: Priest knows how to let the horror build gradually, layering subtle chills before plunging you into full-on dread. The house itself is a character, looming and unforgettable, and Priest masterfully blends psychological tension with supernatural elements.

If you’re a fan of Shirley Jackson, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, or gothic fiction with a modern twist, this one’s for you. It’s unsettling in the best way.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.