I am a huge Kelley Armstrong fan and was ecstatic when she announced she was writing a horror novel. Hemlock Island was suspenseful, scary, and addictive. Check out my review and see why this novel is perfect for the spooky season!
by Kelley Armstrong
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Laney Kilpatrick has been renting her vacation home to strangers. The invasion of privacy gives her panic attacks, but it’s the only way she can keep her beloved Hemlock Island, the only thing she owns after a pandemic-fueled divorce. But broken belongings and campfires that nearly burn down the house have escalated to bloody bones, hex circles, and now, terrified renters who’ve fled after finding blood and nail marks all over the guest room closet, as though someone tried to claw their way out…and failed.
When Laney shows up to investigate with her teenaged niece in tow, she discovers that her ex, Kit, has also been informed and is there with Jayla, his sister and her former best friend. Then Sadie, another old high school friend, charters over with her brother, who’s now a cop.
There are tensions and secrets, whispers in the woods, and before long, the discovery of a hand poking up from the earth. Then the body that goes with it… But by that time, someone has taken off with their one and only means off the island, and they’re trapped with someone—or something—that doesn’t want them leaving the island alive.
I love a horror story where the characters are cut off from the outside world. Armstrong mixed supernatural elements with suspense to provide a hair-raising thriller. This one might require a night light.
After her divorce from Kit, Laney Kilpatrick began renting out the island home the two of them built on Hemlock Island. The home is the only inhabitant of the island. When her latest guest complains of blood in the closet, she and her teenaged niece head to the island. At the campground where they keep their boat, they are met by Kit and Jayla, his sister and her former best friend meet them there. They are later joined on the island by Sadie, another old high school friend, and her brother, who’s now a cop.
Armstrong blends shared history between the characters with the supernatural to create a story that kept me on edge. When Sadie goes missing and a severed hand is discovered, the group soon learns someone trapped them.
I am convinced Armstrong could write any genre she set her mind to. From historical to fantasy. The story is well done and reads like this is her hundredth horror novel. Fans of Ruth Ware will want to grab this one.
Hemlock Island shares its secrets and we soon learn about Kit & Laney’s failed marriage. It’s evident from the start that these two still have feelings for one another. We learn about the rifts between childhood friends and the darkest secrets from Laney’s past.
I highly recommend adding this to your fall reading list.
About Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed. Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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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
Stormi
This one is on hold on Libby and I can’t wait to give it a try, I am glad to see you enjoyed it!
Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
This was on my radar and your review makes me even more eager to read it. I’m on the library wait list…..getting tired of waiting! 🙂
Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
Katherine
This give me the chills just reading the blurb! A perfect read for spooky season!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m currently reading and loving this. As soon as I shut down the computer I’m going to hunker down and finish. Glad to see your 5 stars!
Greg
Oh yes I need this. I’m gonna read this during spooky month and can’t wait ha!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Well I LOVE Armstrong but I don’t really read horror. You certainly are giving it good marks though.
Nadene
This sounds delightfully spooky.
Ethan
This one sounds so suspenseful! Definitely adding it to my TBR!
sherry fundin
I am soooo behind on her books. I need to renew my library card so I can start playing ‘ketchup’. 🙂
hena
Oh I love the sound of it.. thanks for sharing.
Carla
I am not a big horror fan, but this sounds interesting. I also enjoy Kelley Armstrong’s writing. Nice review, Kimberly.