Title: Horrid
Author: Katrina Leno
First published September 15, 2020
327 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316537247 (ISBN10: 0316537241)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
Katrina Leno, author of the captivating novel You Must Not Miss, presents a spine-chilling contemporary horror story that delves into the depths of grief, mental illness, and the power of the unknown. When Jane and her mother move to the gloomy North Manor, they hope to leave behind their painful past and start anew.
However, the house harbors dark secrets that leave them feeling isolated and tormented. As Jane navigates her new life, she finds comfort in her father’s old books and memories, but she also faces bullying from the local troublemaker.
Meanwhile, her mother’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and Jane discovers a locked room that holds a little girl’s bedroom. But the room is not as empty as it seems, and Jane begins to question what lurks in the shadows of North Manor.
Is it their grief, mental illness, or something far more sinister and horrid?
About the Author
Katrina Leno is a talented author who has both written and read numerous books. Books are truly remarkable, aren’t they?
Editoral Review
Katrina Leno’s latest novel, Horrid, is a haunting and heartbreaking exploration of grief, family, and the ties that bind us together. Leno’s skillful writing offers readers an eerie and enchanting atmosphere that draws them deep into the story’s mysteries.
Published on September 15, 2020, this novel is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy dark and twisty tales with a touch of magic. The story takes place in the small coastal town of Meadowlark where Jane North-Robinson has recently moved into the sprawling manor inherited from her deceased aunt.
Haunted by the loss of her mother, and resentful of the new woman her father has brought into their lives, Jane is a reluctant newcomer to Meadowlark. But as she settles into her aunt’s eerie old house, she begins to realize that there may be something more sinister at play than just her family’s dysfunction.
Leno’s characters are richly drawn, and Jane’s complex relationships with her father, step-mother, and friends provide a fascinating and nuanced look at the complexities of family dynamics. In addition to the captivating characterizations, the author expertly weaves elements of magic and the supernatural into the narrative, adding a layer of mysticism and intrigue that raises the stakes of the story.
Throughout Horrid, Leno masterfully builds tension, stringing readers along on a journey that is at once mysterious, suspenseful, and deeply emotional. The novel’s pacing is pitch-perfect, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the story, while never letting up on the rising sense of urgency.
One of the novel’s standout aspects is its themes of grief, and the different ways that people deal with loss. Leno’s exploration of how families cope, or don’t cope, with tragedy is both moving and authentic.
The author’s decision to center the story around a young girl grappling with the loss of her mother is also particularly impactful, adding another layer of emotional resonance to the narrative. However, while Horrid is a beautifully-written and engaging read, it does have a few flaws.
The resolution of the mystery at the center of the story feels somewhat rushed and could have been given more time to properly develop. Additionally, while the magic in the story adds to the overall ambience, the system of magic utilized by the author feels somewhat ill-defined at times.
Overall, Horrid by Katrina Leno is a must-read for fans of dark, atmospheric fiction. Leno’s writing is masterful, the characters are rich and complex, and the themes of grief, family, and loss are handled with care and nuance.
However, readers should be aware that the novel contains some darker themes, and may not be suitable for all. We highly recommend Horrid to anyone looking for a deep and emotive read that will stay with them long after they’ve turned the final page.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
