Banyan Court, Tower Hamlets, London is one residential building you might not want to live in. Not ever.

Thirteen guests are each sent an invitation to dinner with the infamous Tobais Fells a wealthy businessman (and all round unsavory character), the building owner and tenant in the penthouse of Banyan Court. 

They all accept. But before they get to the dinner party you must hear their haunting stories...one by one. 

It is essentially twelve short stories that then tie together for the thirteenth and final chapter.
This was my first horror novel and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the dark creepy nature of the book, it was atmospheric and Sims certainly knows how to create incredible dark tension.  I also enjoyed the climatic end of the Thirteenth Story.

I would recommend this to fans of thrillers who want to try something a little different, I am also suggesting anyone who is possibly not a fan of audio books. Why? Because it is narrated by a full cast of thirteen different actors that brings a fresh perspective, builds tension and brings each character to life adding another layer of depth to the ghostly stories. In addition, the sound effects helped to build on the eerie creepy tension. I also enjoyed the music interludes as the audio moved from one chapter to the next and subtly suggesting its connection to the overall plot and final climactic Thirteenth Story in the book.  

Together with the narration the sound effects brought this story together and to life beautifully. I was questioning continually are they each sane or insane or is this the paranormal at work or not? There were clearly some stories I enjoyed better than others overall the whole book came together really well through the narration and Sim’s clever plot. 

I thought it was a brilliant setting for the book, a thirteen story residential apartment building, with two sides: apartments for the rich and affordable housing on the other for the poor residents and of course the metaphorical spin of the real world and supernatural world haunting the said building. Very clever Sims! I really like the book cover too which was one of the aspects that attracted me to the book. 

Bravo, it was a brilliant debut!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Orion Publishing Group for a copy of this audio book  in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first ever Jane Austin read/listen.

I really enjoyed it overall. I particularly enjoyed the narration by Billie Piper and an additional full cast for each of the characters in the book.

As I have not read or listened to any other Jane Austin books I don't have a comparison. I'm looking forward to reading more in future.

A great Audible production I felt.

I’m struggling to collect my thoughts about this book. I have mixed feeling about it. I feel conflicted, contradictory in my opinion of the book. Yet, I have already recommended it to my two best friends!

If you ask me did I enjoy the book? Yes, for sure, it is a memorable read. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, as a light and entertaining read. It is a charming book.

The main themes of the book are Racism, Motherhood, Privilege and relationships. The plot rides on an almighty coincidence that keeps you captivated furiously to see the story play out.

The dialog between characters is brilliant. Once again, I am not disappointed by my audible purchase as the narrator switches between characters and punchy authentic way.

So what didn't I like? Why am I conflicted? In part I liked the two main protagonists Alix and Emira yet they both annoyed me at times. Alix was just painfully self aware, protective, almost obsessive about Emira and certainly neglected her daughter Briana. Emira whilst at times showed strength of character lacked a sense of purpose and aspirations for her life. And the ending, come on. The outcomes for the main characters where not satisfying.

Overall it was a fast paced and promising read. I am glad I read it. And will continue to recommend it. A 3.5 rounded to 4