Melody's Reading Corner: June 2022

The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon

Melody

Scout Press | 26 April 2022 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

"Monsters are real. They're all around us, whether we can see them or not." ~ Pg 31

Jennifer McMahon is a master when it comes to creating atmospheric settings combining with a cast of intriguing characters. This book explores the complexity and perceptions of the human minds. It's also a book about monsters, fear and the darkness that lurks within us all.

In 1978, Dr. Helen Hildreth was the brilliant psychiatrist at her renowned treatment center in Vermont. Helen was devoted to her work and it is no wonder that many mentally challenged patients seemed to deem fit to perform their daily lives through her supervision and special care. For this, she was well-known in the community and many respected her for her works. But back at home, she was simply a grandmother who took care of her grandchildren, Violet and Eric, after the passing of their parents due to an accident. As much as Helen was kind and loving towards them, she'd her rules when it comes to discipline and behaviours. So while Vi and Eric were nice and obedient children, their lives were basically quite reserved and all the more they were homeschooled. Then, their once-mundane lives changed after Helen brought a girl into their home. Iris was quiet and was different from all the children they'd met. But Vi was excited to meet a new friend so in no time she and Iris formed a bond and the three of them would go explore for monsters and the likes (Vi and Eric formed their own club in which they'd go investigate all kinds of supernatural things and urban legends. More like to satisfy their curiosity and to justify their findings rather than hearsay.)

In another timeline in 2019, Lizzy Shelley is the host of the popular podcast, Monsters Among Us. When news of a young girl is abducted and a monster sighting have the neighbourhood worried and scared, Lizzy decided to visit her old hometown in Vermont, hoping to find some answers not only of the missing girl case and also what happened to the once renowned mental facility and the rumours surrounding it.

I was glad to report that I've finally found a book that surpassed (or at least on par with) another McMahon book which remains my favourite - The Winter People. The author's writing is smooth and engaging and this is one reason why I enjoy reading her books so much, alongside with the atmospheric setting (which is her signature) and of course, the characters. What's haunting about this story is; perception can be a tricky thing and there's sometimes a fine line between good and evil, ethical and immorality. Without saying too much, all I could tell you is to read this book and enjoy McMahon's marvellous storytelling. It was an unforgettable journey to me and I hope you feel the same after reading it.

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Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Paranormal, Psychological Thriller 8 comments |

The Wild Girls by Phoebe Morgan

Melody

HQ | 15 April 2021 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

To begin with, this was a story about four friends and how their wild pasts have caught up with them set in a luxury retreat in Botswana.

Grace, Alice, Hannah and Felicity used to be besties since their college days. But their relationship fell apart due to a gathering one night, leading to misunderstanding, miscommunication and finally estrangement. In the introduction, it was clear that the four friends, with the exception of Felicity, was not fully happy and satisfied with their lives. Felicity was a mysterious character, partly because she's vanished without a trace and like the other three friends, the reader couldn't stop wondering about her until the invitation arrives.

Imagine the curiosity and the anticipation when all heard about Felicity finally making her appearance. And that's not all, she's inviting them all to her birthday bash in Botswana with all expenses paid. Despite their skepticism, they proceed to meet up their long-time friend while hoping to reconnect their friendship on an African safari vacation.

But then things didn't go expectantly once they've arrived at the luxury safari lodge. For starters, there's no sign of the promised party and the guests. Felicity is nowhere in sight, although they receive a text from her and ask them to make themselves at home; and that she'd be joining them very soon. As the three friends settle down quickly, they couldn't help feeling a sense of unease and foreboding as the time passes and Felicity is still nowhere in sight. To complicate matters, the place is isolated and there's no phone signal. What happened to Felicity and is anyone within the group has planned the trip with an ulterior motive?

I dived into this book with high hope and expectations because of the locked-room mystery set in an exotic location. I'm not really familiar with Botswana so I was looking forward to reading more of this place. Unfortunately, there wasn't much information or description of it except the fictional lodge the characters are staying. There wasn't much description of any wildlife too so in my opinion, the setting was simply in the wild but minus the safari experience. Talk about disappointment. This matter aside, the characters are well fleshed out and developed, though; and it has a claustrophobic vibe throughout so these are the strength of the story. The execution was fine, just that it lacks a bit of punch towards the ending in my opinion. Overall it was a good escapism read and I'll be curious of the author's next book.