Title: THE TORMENTS
Author: Michael J. Malone
ISBN: 9781916788282
Publisher: Orenda Books
Pages: 276
Source: Review copy from Publisher
Blog Tour Organised by Random Things Tours
Hiding from the world in her little white cottage on the shores of a loch, Annie Jackson is fighting to come to terms with the world of the murmurs, a curse that has haunted female members of her family for centuries.
While she is within the ancient, heavy stone of the old dwelling, the voices merely buzz, but the moment she steps outside the door they clamour to torment her all over again, bringing with them shocking visions of imminent deaths.
Into this oasis comes her adoptive mother, Mandy McEvoy, begging for Annie’s help. Mandy’s nephew Damien has gone missing, after dropping off his four-year old son at his mother’s home.
Unable to refuse, but terrified to leave her sanctuary, Annie, with the help of her brother Lewis, is drawn in to a secretive, seductive world that will have her question everything she holds dear, while Lewis’ life may be changed forever…
Official Summary
25 September 2024
This is the second blog tour I have participated in for this author, thank you to Random Things Tours for including me.
The Torments by Michael J. Malone is a captivating and atmospheric journey into the eerie, shadowed corners of the human mind and the supernatural. As the second book in the Annie Jackson Mysteries, it brilliantly builds upon the series’ foundation, blending gothic elements with a contemporary thriller.
Annie, haunted by the ancient family curse of the “murmurs,” is an incredibly compelling protagonist. Malone has crafted her character with depth, making her internal struggles with these tormenting voices real. The contrast between the eerie sanctuary of her lochside cottage and the chaotic world outside heightens the tension, keeping you hooked on every page. I particularly appreciated the way the novel explores Annie’s internal battle—whether the curse is a blessing or a curse, and how it isolates her from the world, both physically and emotionally.
The arrival of her adoptive mother, Mandy, and the mysterious disappearance of her nephew Damien, thrust Annie out of her comfort zone, forcing her to confront her fears. The plot pulls you into a world steeped in secrets, a haunting family legacy, and a seductively dark mystery. Annie’s vulnerability is contrasted with her determination, and it’s this internal conflict that makes her journey so engrossing. The tension between Annie and her brother Lewis adds another layer of intrigue, especially as they uncover unsettling truths about their family and their past.
Malone’s writing excels in creating a brooding, gothic atmosphere, perfectly suited for fans of psychological thrillers and eerie mysteries. The loch, with its remote beauty, becomes almost a character itself, adding a sense of isolation and suspense. The pacing is steady, with bursts of intensity that keep you on edge, and the narrative twists are surprising and well-executed.
The Torments is a chilling, immersive read that delves deep into family secrets, curses, and the price of uncovering the past. It’s a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page, making you question the thin line between reality and the supernatural. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys dark, atmospheric mysteries with a gothic twist.
REMEMBER TO VISIT THE OTHER TOUR STOPS
Also by Michael J Malone
QUICKSAND OF MEMORY
Scarred by their pasts, Jenna and Luke fall in love, brimming with hope for a rosy future. But someone has been watching, with chilling plans for revenge … An emotive, twisty, disturbing new psychological thriller by the critically acclaimed author of A Suitable Lie and In the Absence of Miracles.
Jenna is trying to rebuild her life after a series of disastrous relationships.
Luke is struggling to provide a safe, loving home for his deceased partner’s young son, following a devastating tragedy.
When Jenna and Luke meet and fall in love, they are certain they can achieve the stability and happiness they both desperately need.
And yet, someone is watching.
Someone who has been scarred by past events.
Someone who will stop at nothing to get revenge…
About The Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Michael Malone is a prize-winning poet and author who was born and brought up in the heart of Burns’ country. He has published over 200 poems in literary magazines throughout the UK, including New Writing Scotland, Poetry Scotland and Markings. Blood Tears, his bestselling debut novel won the Pitlochry Prize from the Scottish Association of Writers. His dark psychological thriller, A Suitable Lie, was a number-one bestseller, and is currently in production for the screen, and five powerful standalone thrillers followed suit. The Murmurs, first in the Annie Jackson Mysteries series, was published to critical acclaim in 2023. A former Regional Sales Manager (Faber & Faber) he has also worked as an IFA and a bookseller. Michael lives in Ayr, where he also works as a hypnotherapist.
Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to read my review. While I usually shy away from supernatural fiction, this book offered a compelling mix of thriller and the supernatural, making it an enjoyable read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time, happy reading!
Great review!
Thank you