Published by Random House Audio Publishing Group on September 28, 2021
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Amazon UK
Goodreads
From New York Times best-selling author Erik Larson comes his first venture into fiction, an otherworldly tale of intrigue and the impossible that marshals his trademark approach to nonfiction to create something new: a ghost story thoroughly grounded in history.
Pioneering psychologist William James leads an expedition to a remote isle in search of answers after a family inexplicably vanishes. Was the cause rooted in the physical world...or were there forces more paranormal and sinister at work? Available only on audio, because as Larson says, ghost stories are best told aloud.
A group of researchers sets sail for the Isle of Dorn in the North Atlantic in 1905 to explore the cause of several mysterious disappearances, most notably a family of four who vanished without a trace after a week-long holiday on the island. Led by Professor James, a prominent member of the Society for Psychical Research, they begin to explore the island’s sole cottage and surrounding landscape in search of a logical explanation.
The idyllic setting belies an undercurrent of danger and treachery, with raging storms and unnerving discoveries adding to the sense of menace. As increasingly unexplainable events unfold, the now-stranded investigators are unsure whether they can trust their own eyes, their instincts, one another - or even themselves.
Erik Larson has written a terrifying tale of suspense, underpinned with actual people and events. Created specifically to entertain audio listeners, this eerie blend of the ghostly and the real will keep listeners captivated till the blood-chilling end.
Featuring Erik Larson reading his Notes for a Narrator.
So this is a book I wanted to love, I ignored the reviews and listened to the audiobook because the one way to learn of a ghost story is to be told one. I think this was meant to be a ghost story, and the ending tried to be chilling, but I just felt it was a bit meh.
Nothing was really explained and we had weird goings on, but some just didn’t make sense and they certainly didn’t unsettle me. I spent the day just listening to this and I loved the narrator of Julian Rhind-Tutt, he did a stellar job with the narrating but in the end, I just felt nothing, which makes me sad.
The story itself was fascinating and I loved the idea of these random people going on a trip to the Isle of Dorn to ‘investigate’ this house that stands alone. I mean that is enough to give me chills, to think of the history and what lurks in the walls and of course, the cellar. We have a great variety in the cast, but at times it felt there were too many, and I couldn’t remember everyone. I also think I lost my way with the audiobook at times, which doesn’t help.
I am still glad I gave this one a go if anything I kept listening and I was intrigued by the story. However, I wanted to be proven wrong with the reviews as I wanted so much more. I was hoping that on a heatwave this book would chill me to the bone, unfortunately, it didn’t achieve that…..
Until the next time xxx
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2022 Reading
- Published before 2022
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