Book Recs: "The Death of Jane Lawrence"

Gothic Horror/ Psychological Thriller

You can smell and taste the blood

And you'll think twice about trying magic

In a post-war era, Jane Shoringfield seeks a practical marriage to preserve her everyday routine. One of her choices: surprisingly handsome surgeon Dr. Augustine Lawrence, seems to fit every one of the requirements for a business-minded marriage. He'll give her space and freedom, allow her to stay separate from him in town, and she can use her accounting skills with the ledgers at his clinic, but there's one condition: Jane must never come to stay at Lindridge Hall. Which begs the question, what secrets does Dr. Lawrence keep at his family's estate?

Author: Caitlin Starling

Author website: https://www.caitlinstarling.com/

Emojis: 🥴😯🤫🐣🩸

Related Recs: White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi, The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston, The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

What I loved about this book: A creepy setting with Lindridge manor, visceral horror, and a slow build of tension and desire.

What I wished were different: there were quite a few reviews that say around the 60% mark, and the novel drags with a specific obsession. I actually think this is quite important to the character's mental state to have this waiting period. I wished there'd been more external action during this time rather than internal.

Listen while reading: Atmospheric Gothic Horror Reading Music Playlist

This post is not sponsored. These are personal opinions :)