Editorial Content for Something in the Walls
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Daisy Pearce, who makes her home in the UK, is a relative newcomer on the horror circuit. But I can confidently say that her name will be remembered after the release of her latest novel, SOMETHING IN THE WALLS. This is classic supernatural horror dripping with terror from beginning to end.
In June 1989, we are introduced to Mina Ellis, who recently has earned her keep as a child psychologist. She has had difficulty getting a leg up in her career until she learns about a unique opportunity in the oddest of places. Mina has never gotten over the death of her brother, Eddie, when he was a child and needs to continue going to group grief counseling. Her fiancé Oscar, a rather dull, serious sort, does not seem to be able to give her the emotional support that the group offers her.
"SOMETHING IN THE WALLS is an instant classic, and Daisy Pearce is a new voice to watch in the horror genre."
Mina meets a new member, Sam Hunter, who is trying to deal with the sudden death of his wife. He approaches Mina after their meeting, indicating that he is a journalist who has a strange story to cover and could use her help. In the remote British village of Banathel resides a family with a teenager named Alice Webber, who may be undergoing a bit of supernatural activity. Many of their neighbors have written Alice off as a witch and gather outside her home each day. Some protest her wicked witchery, while others try to solicit her help.
Sam wants Mina to observe Alice over a short stay at their house and decide if there really is some paranormal activity going on, or if the Webbers are scammers. As Mina is introduced to the home, Alice’s family jokes that she should have brought along her bell, book and candle. While Mina is observing Alice and trying to build a relationship with her, she sees a young girl who at times seems normal and at other moments is extremely troubled. This makes her dive deeper, and throughout the narrative she becomes more of a believer that something else far more sinister is at play here.
As I was reading, I immediately thought about the British family haunting known as the Enfield Horror, which was the impetus for The Conjuring 2. I was amazed when Pearce referenced that very event during the story, which validated everything going on in this chilling tale. One of the highlights (and there are many) is the introduction of the next-door neighbors. All I will say is that whatever is going on in that house may be connected somehow to what Alice and her family are experiencing. Trust me, it is great.
The author does an excellent job creating and building the terror to the point where readers will get the same endorphin rush that they would experience watching a truly frightening film. SOMETHING IN THE WALLS is an instant classic, and Daisy Pearce is a new voice to watch in the horror genre.
Teaser
Newly minted child psychologist Mina aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. Alice Webber is a 13-year-old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better. But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. As Mina races to uncover the truth behind Alice’s condition, the dark cracks of Banathel begin to show.
Promo
Newly minted child psychologist Mina aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. Alice Webber is a 13-year-old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better. But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. As Mina races to uncover the truth behind Alice’s condition, the dark cracks of Banathel begin to show.
About the Book
Unbearably tense, utterly propulsive, and studded with folklore and horror, SOMETHING IN THE WALLS is perfect for anyone who loves Midsommar and THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE.
Newly minted child psychologist Mina has little experience. In a field where the first people called are experts, she’s been unable to get her feet wet. Instead she aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain, and anxiously contemplating her upcoming marriage to careful, precise researcher Oscar. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. And he has a proposition for her.
Alice Webber is a 13-year-old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.
But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. The town of Banathel has a deep history of superstition and witchcraft. They believe there is evil in the world. They believe there are ways of…dealing with it. And they don’t expect outsiders to understand.
As Mina races to uncover the truth behind Alice’s condition, the dark cracks of Banathel begin to show. Mina is desperate to understand how deep their sinister traditions go --- and how her own past may be the biggest threat of all.
Audiobook available, read by Ana Clements
