What Grows in the Dark

By: Jaq Evans

Narrated by: Elena Rey

"At once suspenseful and tender…a queer horror masterpiece."—Marisa Crane, author of I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself

In this chilling contemporary horror novel, a phony spiritualist returns to her hometown to assist in an investigation that eerily mirrors her sister’s death, forcing her to confront the secrets she’s been running from.

Sixteen years ago, Brigit Weylan’s older sister, Emma, walked into the woods in their small hometown of Ellis Creek. She never walked out. People said she was troubled—in the months leading up to her death, she was convinced there was a monster in those trees. Marked by the tragedy, Brigit left town and never looked back.

Now Brigit travels around the country investigating paranormal activity (and faking the results) with her cameraman, Ian. But when she receives a call from Ellis Creek, she’s thrust into the middle of a search for two missing teenagers. As Brigit and Ian are drawn further into the case, the parallels to Emma’s death become undeniable. And worse, Brigit can’t explain what’s happening to her: trees appearing in her bedroom in the middle of the night, something with a very familiar laugh watching her out in the darkness, and Emma’s voice on her phone, reminding Brigit to finish what they started.

More and more, it looks like Emma was right: there is a monster in Ellis Creek, and it’s waited a long time for Brigit to come home.

©2024 Jaq Evans (P)2024 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Great and unexpected Thriller

“What Grows in the Dark” is a gripping thriller/horror novel that takes listeners on an eerie, unexpected journey into the depths of fear and fascination. The author crafts a story that is both great and novel, weaving a tapestry of suspense and mystery that captivates from the first chapter. This book stands out for its ability to blend traditional elements of horror with fresh, innovative ideas, ensuring that even those who are not typically fans of the genre will find themselves engrossed.

The characters in “What Grows in the Dark” are a highlight, showcasing a diverse range of personalities, each with their own unique quirks and secrets. These characters are different and interesting, providing a strong emotional core to the story. Their development throughout the narrative is both satisfying and surprising, adding layers of complexity to the plot.

The narration is generally enhances the listening experience. Her ability to convey the mood and tension of the story is commendable. However, there are moments when the narration becomes a bit breathless in scenes that may not warrant such intensity. This can occasionally detract from the narrative’s flow, though it does not significantly impair the overall enjoyment of the audiobook.

Overall, “What Grows in the Dark” is a compelling listen that offers a unique twist on the thriller/horror genre. Its innovative story, intriguing characters, and mostly effective narration make it a standout. Even for those who typically steer clear of horror, this novel proves to be an engaging exception. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that combines suspense, horror, and a touch of the unexpected.

eh

I'm not really sure what to say, I personally felt the story was a bit hard to follow.

Freshman Novel Indeed

I feel like the author wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do with this first novel. Fast-paced thriller/horror or thoughtful character piece with tons of internal dialogue. I found myself saying, “come on already” a lot. The narration was terrible. Like another review mentioned, she would be breathy and dramatic when it wasn’t necessary. Definitely caused some eye rolls. I think the author is getting there and will write some great stories, just not this one.