by Camilla Sten
Translator: Alexandra Fleming
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
The Blair Witch Project meets Midsommar in this brilliantly disturbing thriller from Camilla Sten, an electrifying new voice in suspense.
Documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt has been obsessed with the vanishing residents of the old mining town, dubbed “The Lost Village,” since she was a little girl. In 1959, her grandmother’s entire family disappeared in this mysterious tragedy, and ever since, the unanswered questions surrounding the only two people who were left—a woman stoned to death in the town center and an abandoned newborn—have plagued her. She’s gathered a small crew of friends in the remote village to make a film about what really happened.
But there will be no turning back.
Not long after they’ve set up camp, mysterious things begin to happen. Equipment is destroyed. People go missing. As doubt breeds fear and their very minds begin to crack, one thing becomes startlingly clear to Alice:
They are not alone.
They’re looking for the truth…
But what if it finds them first?
I love Roanoke type stories and decided to read The Lost Village by Camilla Sten. Translated by Alexandra Fleming, Sten delivered a twisty horror that kept me reading into the wee hours.
This is a suspenseful horror story with little to no gore that will give you goosebumps.
Alice Lindstedt, a filmmaker, is obsessed with stories surrounding an old mining town referred to as “The Lost Village.” Her grandmother’s entire family disappeared along with the town in 1959.
In 1959 when people went to check on family members they discovered the entire town abandoned except for a female stoned to death in the town square and a newborn child found in the school infirmary.
Present Day. Alice and her film crew are here to gather info, take pictures, and put together a portfolio to entice backers to finance her documentary. The old mining town has no phone service, cutting them off from the world. They’ll be camping in the town square. Some crew use tents and others sleep in their vans.
From the abandoned buildings to the tension between Alice and Emmy. the filmmaker, you immediately get a sense of foreboding. The group is made up of Alice, her friend Max, Emmy and her boyfriend Robert.
The story was atmospheric, with strange sightings to weird noises like unexplained giggles. Soon equipment goes missing and discovers are made including strange drawling, letters, and blood.
How could an entire village disappear without a trace? It looked like they were in the middle of daily life when they vanished. Was it something sinister? Has it returned?
I thought the tale was clever. I kept wondering if they were all ill, and the answers were quite chilling.
Disturbing and suspenseful, I could see this tale on the big screen. I found myself telling them not to separate and growing anxious as the author revealed more clues. She slowly built up the suspense and horror as she revealed more of past events. I would read this author again.
Keep the lights on while reading The Lost Village by Camilla Sten. #Horror #suspense #NewRelease 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
Bookworm
I’m adding this to my wish list. Thanks for putting it on my radar, I love a good scary story.
czai
the atmospheric writing and the mystery of how the entire village disappeared really get me going with this one. I do feel it would work nicely in the big screen. I’d love to see this adapted at some point.
Debbie Haupt
ooh creepy yet I’m interested because of the lack of gore. You and your twisty horror Kim glad you liked it
Nadene
Ah, I am loving the sound of this story. I am wondering if I should read this in the day. ?
karakarinanbr
As much as I don’t mind reading horror, I can’t watch I on the screen! ? Great review, K!
Katherine
Oh this sounds amazing! I loved Blair Witch but this story is even better. I’m going to add this to my TBR and I agree that it sounds like it needs to be a movie!
Sophia Rose
The vanishing of Roanoke is a mystery that captivates me, too. I think this would scare the bejeebers out of me, but I’m curious enough to want to know what happened.
Stormi Johnson
I am a bit on the fence about this one but it does sound interesting. I am putting it on my wishlist for some day. 🙂
Anca
I don’t like horror movies, but I wonder if I would enjoy a horror story though. It’s good you’ve discovered an author you like.
Joyousreads
I absolutely love the ambiance of this novel. It reminds me of Night Film by Marissa Pressl.
Cyndy
I can see myself really enjoying this book. Great review and I am on my way to purchase…..