The Grief House Book Review

Title: THE GRIEF HOUSE

Author: Rebecca Thorne

ISBN: 978 1526 6562 30 

Publisher: Raven Books

Pages: 362

Source: Review Copy from Jonathan Ball Publishers

A week-long grief retreat on a beautiful country estate with no phones and no Wi-Fi isn’t ex-tarot reader Blue’s usual getaway. But ever since her mother’s death, she’s been carrying a secret. Could this finally help her let it go?
When she arrives, it’s raining, and there’s something strange about the house. Only a few guests have made it through the weather. As the owners, Molly and Joshua Park, try desperately to cling to normality, the storm worsens until they’re stranded in the house – cut off from the outside world.
And after one of the guests disappears in the night, Blue wonders who around her, the Parks and the guests, is telling the truth about why they’re there – and whose grief might be hiding a deeper secret.
The floodwater rises. Everyone is keeping secrets – but only one is a killer. Can Blue escape with her life, and her sanity?

Official Summary

18 April 2024

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this review copy. This book offers something a little different with a mix between thriller and horror. I am new to this author and was not sure what to expect. “The Grief House” turned out to be a gripping thriller full of mystery, set within the eerie confines of a secluded country estate. The story follows Blue, a former tarot reader burdened with grief and haunted by secrets, as she attends a unique grief retreat hosted by the enigmatic Molly and Joshua Park.

What initially seems to be a tranquil respite from the world quickly transforms into a chilling tale of isolation and suspicion. The setting – a grand house surrounded by relentless rain and rising floodwaters – adds a layer of atmospheric tension that flows off every page. Thorne weaves a sense of foreboding throughout the narrative, making the house itself feel like a character with its own secrets.

Blue is a compelling protagonist, struggling to come to terms with her mother’s death and the weight of her concealed truth. Her journey towards acceptance and self-discovery unfolds amidst a backdrop of escalating uncertainty and danger. The supporting cast, including the eccentric owners Molly and Joshua and the eclectic mix of retreat guests, each harbour their own grief and hidden motives, adding depth to the unfolding mystery.

The pacing of the story is well executed, with the suspense building steadily as the storm intensifies and the guests become trapped within the house. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, you are kept on the edge of your seat, guessing at the true intentions of each character. Thorne’s character development ensures that even seemingly minor players have a role to play in the intricate web of deceit. The central theme of grief is explored with sensitivity, highlighting the various ways individuals cope – or fail to cope – with loss. Each character’s grief is a catalyst for their actions, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. As the mystery deepens and suspicions mount, Blue must navigate this treacherous emotional landscape to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

This book is a captivating blend of psychological suspense and gothic atmosphere. The author’s evocative storytelling creates a chilling and immersive reading experience. Fans of atmospheric thrillers will find themselves engrossed in this haunting tale of grief, secrets and survival. If you are looking for a book that will keep you intrigued right to the end, then this is the one for you.

Also By Rebecca Thorne

The Day Death Stopped

An out-of-control spell isn’t her problem.
Listen. Claire Bishop is Las Vegas’s greatest stage magician, and she’s perfectly happy with that fame. Ozarik is the next Zaro, the leader of the world’s witches, the modern-day Darcy everyone swoons over. Just because Claire shares Zaro’s unfathomable magic doesn’t mean she shares the responsibility.
So, if Ozarik wants to make himself a villain by casting an ultra-dangerous spell to stop death on Earth “for her,” to “protect her,” that sounds like a him-problem. Claire has a show in four hours. Skipping it to save the world might give her manager a heart attack.
Ozarik may be her friend, but it sounds like a lot of work.
Ugh. Fine.

About the Author

Author bio from the author’s site

I have not managed to find a lot about this author. Unfortunately the author link on GoodReads directs you to the wrong Rebecca Thorne…. Apologies.

When I find more information about the author – I will share it on social media.

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this review copy. This book was full of surprises and I look forward to hearing what you think of it. Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts. Until next time…. Happy reading!

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