by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator: Cady McClain
Length: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
This mesmerizing original short story—a prequel to The Sleepwalker—from Chris Bohjalian, bestselling author of The Sandcastle Girls and The Guest Room, tells the tale of one strange summer when a pair of horses die, an odd boy moves to a small Vermont town, and a woman rises from her bed and disappears into the night.
Lianna Ahlberg is seventeen when a thunderstorm snaps a power line to the earth, electrifying the ground, the rain spreading the current like wildfire across the wet grass. Two horses are killed in the nearby field, unnerving the neighbors, upsetting the peculiar boy who has just moved in, and filling Lianna with a deep and abiding sense of dread. This is not the first unusual thing to happen that summer—a summer when Lianna’s mother begins to sleepwalk in the smallest hours of morning—and it will not be the last.
I have read nearly all of Chris Bohjalian novels and have loved them. The Sleepwalker was on my December reading list when the opportunity presented itself to review The Premonition. I could not resist. This is a very short prequel narrated by Cady McClain on audio and available as an eBook. Bohjalian takes the reader to a quiet Vermont town and shares the events of one summer.
Shrouded in foreshadowing and laced with supernatural like elements this tale introduces us to sleepwalking and premonitions. The story that unfolds is classic Bohjalian. It pulled me in and left me eager to continue the story in The Sleepwalker.
Bohjalian gives us glimpses into the life of a young girl who experiences a premonition before a bizarre electrical accident, a mother who does strange things while sleepwalking and an odd little boy who obsesses over medieval times. The author delights in sharing these prequels with us, and I find they wet my palate and prepare me for the main course.
The author also seamlessly shares information about sleepwalking and how it impacts the entire family. He left me wildly curious about Lianna’s premonition and the strange young boy.
Cady McClain did an excellent job narrating, and I am almost sorry I didn’t wait for the audio of The Sleepwalker.
The Premonition by Chris Bohjalian sets the stage for his newest release The Sleepwalker Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Angela Adams
My book club just finished “The Guest Room” by this author. Good feedback all around the table. Thanks for the post.
blodeuedd
I should try it
Stormi Johnson
Not tried this author but I think I should, especially since you seem to really like him. 🙂
kindlemom1
Have a wonderful Christmas Kim!!
Laurel-Rain Snow
I loved this prequel, and The Sleepwalker was another fabulous read from this author. I’ve only read Midwives, The Guest Room, and now The Sleepwalker…so I’ll be checking out his other titles.
Thanks for sharing.
Debbie Haupt
You know I’ve had his novels come across my desk but I haven’t read him yet. I think maybe that should change! Thanks Kim
Melissa
Love Bohjalian…will definitely check this one out!
Melliane
that’s great mainly about the narration. I don’t think I knew about the author
Anna
Looks like fun. Have a great holiday. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Tracy Terry
Hmm, I’m really not a fan of prequel whether they be of books or films. Still, I know lots of bloggers who having enjoyed the series will doubtlessly love this.
Ailyn Koay
sounds creepy weird,i hope that this is more a psycho thriller than a horror story. but it does look more like a thriller
Silvia
You definitely piqued my curiosity, I’ll have to check the eBook! 🙂
Benish
Hi kimba 🙂 Hope you been well ! So good to see your blog posts again, I haven’t heard about this novel but I am looking forward to it after reading your review. Great review!
Danielle Nolan
This has stirred my curiousity for sure! I love that it includes a character who sleepwalks. My younger sister suffere (and I do say suffered) from sleep walking for several years. It was an unreal and at times dangerous experience. Great review!