Wordy Wednesday - Pippa Harvey, The Watcher's Lullaby

Back in the olden days of this blog, when I was keen and less lazy I had a regular author slot once a week on a Wednesday. This slot might be a review of a book I read or an interview with an author, or maybe advice on reading, reviewing etc.

But as I said , I got older, lazier and booktok seems to be the place the young folks find out about books these days. However, not to be deterred and just in case some other old people (or you young'uns) like to still read a bit I decided to bring it back.

So today I am starting with a review. I was kindly sent an e-book by Pippa Harvey,  The Watcher's Lullaby.

It's been a while since I've read a creepy book and this book is very creepy. Lots of atmosphere and some genuinely scary 'goosebump' moments.

The story follows two women who live in the same house many many years apart, and one of them appears to have stayed around. Is it all it seems though? Is the watcher a malevolent spirit or a loss soul? 

Some of the themes around the behavior of the men in the tale are interesting, although they do stick to the 'man who assumes women are being irrational' which helps the story move on but is a little annoying.

 "Sweetheart, you can't let yourself be spooked by noises and creaks in this house. Older properties come with their imperfections."

 The female characters are stronger and support each other most of the time. The historical part of the story is very sad, with Maud being a very emotionally lost person with scarce support from those around her. 

 "Without a word, William walks into the rear parlour and adds some coal to the range. Taking a seat by the fire, he reaches for Henry Stephen's Book of the Farm. It's always beside his chair and, apart from the newspaper, the only reading he ever does, usually on a Sunday afternoon. Not only does it guide him on the animals and crops, but it means he can avoid conversation."

Bea copes better as a strong independent woman, although at times I worried her marriage would fail because of the stress of the new home.

The two women are linked by the house, and their lives share many similarities. But how far will the links take them, how close will their lives become?

No spoilers here, but this is a ghost story. Read it in a darkened room by candle light in a storm and you will be jumping at every breath of wind.

 You can get a copy here

 Trigger warnings for child loss.