Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Crypt of the Moon Spider Author: Nathan Ballingrud Series: The Lunar Gothic Trilogy Genre: Science Fiction Horror Published: 8/27/24 by TOR Nightfire I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   In 1923, Veronica is sent by her husband to The Barrowfield Home for Treatment of the Melancholy on the moon. The facility is surrounded by forests covered in spider silk. That description sets up the unique setting for this fantastic first novella in a trilogy. Match that with incredible gothic atmosphere and body horror gives you one creepy strange ride.  I recommend this one for fans of strange stories and science fiction horror. It is a great one. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

  Title: The Chamber Author: Will Dean Genre: Mystery/Thriller Published: 8/6/24 by Atria Books I received a copy for review through NetGalley. Six saturation divers living at high pressure inside a small hyperbaric chamber in order to work on the sea floor are thrown into the middle of a murder investigation when one of them turns up dead. In the four days until they can be released from the chamber they will be stuck in a high pressure situation in more ways than one. This book has a super intriguing premise, you can't do better with a closed door mystery than a sealed hyperbaric chamber. Learning about life in the hyperbaric chamber is fascinating, but can be a pass for those that don't like any science in their books. This book was full of tension and felt claustrophobic with such a small enclosed setting.  I would highly recommend The Chamber to those who like who done-it mysteries with a bit of science. My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

  Title: The Drowning House Author: Cherie Priest Genre: Horror Published: 7/23/24 by Poisoned Pen Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   The night the house washes up on shore on an isolated island Mrs. Culpepper dies, and Simon Culpepper goes missing. It is up to Simon's childhood friends, Melissa and Leo, to find out the mysteries of the house and their friend's disappearance. The Drowning House has a fantastic premise, a mysterious house washes up on the shore. Who can resist such a unique setup. This book is a bit of a slow burn, but that gave the time to develop a wonderful friendship between Simon, Melissa, and Leo. Plus, their strong connection to Mrs. Culpepper. Ultimately, this book was a fun read with magic, ghosts, and friendship. I would recommend this novel for those that like a haunting, mysteries, and don't mind a slow burn. My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Title: That Which Stands Outside Author: Mark Morris Genre: Horror Published: 7/16/24 by Flame Tree Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   Todd starts a romance with Yrsa in London. Everything is great until they visit her home Nordic island where things get very strange.   That Which Stands Outside is a great horror book based on Nordic Folklore.  The folklore elements were unlike any I have read before. Despite a slow start this novel tense, claustrophobic, and creepy. I would recommend this novel to fans of folk horror who don't mind a slow burn. My Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars