T M Creedy

A Truly Disturbing Read

Right from the start of this book I knew I was going to love it. TM Creedy's writing style slithers through your veins and before you know it you're immersed, unable to pry your eyes away from the pages. It's nothing short of descriptive and you really feel like you could actually be there in the scenes.

I wholeheartedly loved the array of characters too in this novel, especially Belle. There's just something about her persona that just clicked. There's are also the weak and strong, arrogant and kind, shy and hurtful characters, all of which really does bring this novel to life.

The story begins in Australia near a town called Ararat in the 1900's era with a slight melancholy notion of what is to come, before quickly jumping to London, present day to the life of a gambling addict named Sara. Desperate for cash, Sara answers an advert in the local newspaper and from there her normal daily life changes unimaginably.
Without giving too much away, the young woman finds herself with a new identity and a new job as a house sitter within Crowlands House, near Ararat, Australia and this is where the story reveals itself, with disturbingly, shocking revelations that seethe into your bones of what really went on at this renovated place in the 1900's while it was an institute for children with downs syndrome. There's an eerie ambience within Crowlands house and a lingering presence Sara can't quite place. However, all is uncovered when a photograph is taken in the 'off limits' floor of the crumbling Victorian property.
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Although classed as a horror, this has more of a Gothic lore feel to it and you'll find that your emotions spare no control from the chilling finds to the heartbreaking truth. Some of the script can be downright hard to read and will really make you wonder if ever such things happened. One thing I know for sure is that The Crowlands will be forever embedded in my mind.

I'd definitely give this 6 star rating if I could and I can't believe this is only Creedy's second novel. There were a few typos but nothing novice in her writing at all. I'll be keeping an eye out for future releases.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.… (mais)