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Graveyard of Lost Children
"With nimble pacing, genuine scares, and a riveting central mystery, Graveyard of Lost Children is a bonafide page-turner." —Rachel Harrison, author of Cackle and Such Sharp Teeth
ONCE SHE HAS HER GRIP ON YOU, SHE'LL NEVER LET YOU GO.
At four months old, Olivia Dahl was almost murdered. Driven by haunting visions, her mother became obsessed with the idea that Olivia was a changeling, and that the only way to get her real baby back was to make a trade with the "dead women" living at the bottom of the well. Now Olivia is ready to give birth to a daughter of her own…and for the first time, she hears the women whispering.
Everyone tells Olivia she should be happy. She should be glowing, but the birth of her daughter only fills Olivia with dread. As Olivia's body starts giving out, slowly deteriorating as the baby eats and eats and eats, she begins to fear that the baby isn't her daughter at all and, despite her best efforts, history is repeating itself. Soon images of a black-haired woman plague Olivia's nightmares, drawing her back to the well that almost claimed her life—tying mother and daughter together in a desperate cycle of fear and violence that must be broken if Olivia has any hope of saving her child…or herself.
Baby Teeth meets The Invited in a haunting horror novel about the sometimes-fragile connection between a woman's sense of self and what it means to be a "good" mother.
ONCE SHE HAS HER GRIP ON YOU, SHE'LL NEVER LET YOU GO.
At four months old, Olivia Dahl was almost murdered. Driven by haunting visions, her mother became obsessed with the idea that Olivia was a changeling, and that the only way to get her real baby back was to make a trade with the "dead women" living at the bottom of the well. Now Olivia is ready to give birth to a daughter of her own…and for the first time, she hears the women whispering.
Everyone tells Olivia she should be happy. She should be glowing, but the birth of her daughter only fills Olivia with dread. As Olivia's body starts giving out, slowly deteriorating as the baby eats and eats and eats, she begins to fear that the baby isn't her daughter at all and, despite her best efforts, history is repeating itself. Soon images of a black-haired woman plague Olivia's nightmares, drawing her back to the well that almost claimed her life—tying mother and daughter together in a desperate cycle of fear and violence that must be broken if Olivia has any hope of saving her child…or herself.
Baby Teeth meets The Invited in a haunting horror novel about the sometimes-fragile connection between a woman's sense of self and what it means to be a "good" mother.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2023
About the author
Katrina Monroe
10 books353 followersKatrina Monroe is the author of They Drown Our Daughters; Graveyard of Lost Children; and Through the Midnight Door. A private investigator by day, she lives in Minnesota with her wife, two children, and Eddie, the ghost who haunts their bedroom closets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
November 15, 2023
Damn. When a book is so dark, you get drowned in it and would need more nights to take a break in between the first and the second half which you would realise it wasn’t just enough. Damn dark book. And I was obsessed with the story. It’s creepy. It’s heartbreaking. It’s disturbing. It’s representative. It’s realistic. And that’s made it more creepy!
This story is told in two timelines. However, for the most part of it, it’s the story of a couple who just had a child and the new mother is experiencing the tug between the expectations of a good mother and something that’s beyond her explanations that’s haunting her day and night.
Something is desperately trying for her attention and her health deteriorates. She wants help but she knows no one can help except find answers from an old story that lived a long time ago. Not to spoil anything here so I won’t mention even words that are mentioned in the blurb. I would totally suggest you to go into this book blindly!
The writing is good in a way it knows when to set the required pace and the difference in the timelines is fairly evident which I really appreciate.
However I do feel dull at times in between while reading the book and I do feel some parts do appear repetitive. Also I feel the book could have been a few pages. The ending is a bit underwhelming for me with all that hype built up in the first eighty percent of the book.
But the book lives true to its title and the cover. If you’re looking for a creepy chilling read, go for this one when it comes out.
Also, check out the last few pages of the book as it covers well on the book club discussion topics.
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press, for the advance reading copy.
This story is told in two timelines. However, for the most part of it, it’s the story of a couple who just had a child and the new mother is experiencing the tug between the expectations of a good mother and something that’s beyond her explanations that’s haunting her day and night.
Something is desperately trying for her attention and her health deteriorates. She wants help but she knows no one can help except find answers from an old story that lived a long time ago. Not to spoil anything here so I won’t mention even words that are mentioned in the blurb. I would totally suggest you to go into this book blindly!
The writing is good in a way it knows when to set the required pace and the difference in the timelines is fairly evident which I really appreciate.
However I do feel dull at times in between while reading the book and I do feel some parts do appear repetitive. Also I feel the book could have been a few pages. The ending is a bit underwhelming for me with all that hype built up in the first eighty percent of the book.
But the book lives true to its title and the cover. If you’re looking for a creepy chilling read, go for this one when it comes out.
Also, check out the last few pages of the book as it covers well on the book club discussion topics.
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press, for the advance reading copy.
April 22, 2023
Do you find hair around your shower drain disturbing? You have no idea just how terrifying black hair can be…….
Book Information
Graveyard of Lost Children, written by Katrina Monroe, is scheduled to be published on May 9, 2023. The book spans 361 pages. Monroe is a private investigator by day and a horror author by night. She resides with her wife, two children, and a resident ghost named Eddie who haunts their bedroom closets, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her undoubtedly fascinating life.
Summary
Olivia Dahl has given birth to a daughter, her first child, but something just isn’t right. Despite the expectations of happiness, she is filled with an unexplainable sense of dread.
There is some precedent for concern as Olivia’s life took a dark turn when, at just four months old, her mother attempted to murder her. Convinced that Olivia was an imposter, her mother became consumed by the idea that the only way to retrieve her real baby was to make a trade with the Black-Haired Woman residing at the bottom of a forgotten well in a nearby forest.
As Olivia learns more about her mother, she begins to fear that history is repeating itself and that her daughter may not be who she appears to be. Nightmares featuring a black-haired woman terrorize her, seemingly beginning a new cycle of fear and violence that must be broken before it's too late.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed Graveyard of Lost Children—it’s a gripping psychological and supernatural thriller that explores the depths of motherhood and the terror that can come with it. The novel's fast-paced and character-driven plot follows Olivia, a new mother whose mind and body begin to deteriorate as she grapples with caring for herself, her new baby, and dealing with her family's traumatic past.
The story is told from two perspectives, Olivia’s and her mother’s. It spans several time periods. Along the way, the story takes a supernatural turn which will leave you on edge as you wonder what is really happening to Olivia and her baby. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, building up the tension without relying on breakneck action.
What sets Graveyard of Lost Children apart from other novels is its unique perspective on post-partum depression as a horror story. While post-partum is very real and devastating to some new mothers, this book gives it a physical presence. It delves into the darkest places that it can take a person and the impact it can have on the mom, those around her, and her child. The novel explores the questions that plague many new mothers: What makes a "good" mother? Why don’t I have the new mom “glow” I’m supposed to have? Is it possible to not give all of yourself up for your children? What happens when idealization and expectations don't line up with your reality? Are you ever really sure as a mother? What if I don’t connect with my child?
The exploration of mental illness is a significant aspect of the book, and it is depicted in a raw and unfiltered manner. Monroe illustrates the consequences of receiving help for mental illness, as well as the consequences of not seeking or receiving appropriate help at all.
Monroe provides a note at the beginning of the book that addresses the themes of mental illness, post-partum depression, and the contemplation of self-harm and suicide. This gesture is appreciated as it serves as a trigger warning and allows readers to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of the content for their mental and emotional well-being.
While some readers may find themselves relating to the characters' thoughts and experiences, it's important to approach these topics with caution and consideration. The author's inclusion of a trigger warning emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and seeking out resources and support when necessary.
In addition to exploring motherhood and mental illness, Graveyard of Lost Children also includes a compelling supernatural element in the form of the black-haired woman. This character adds an extra layer of mystery and dread to the novel, leaving readers guessing until the very end.
Recommendation
This is a well-crafted and thought-provoking horror/thriller/mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a must-read for fans of psychological and supernatural thrillers who are looking for a fresh perspective on the genre. Recommended.
Rating
4 Black Hair Laden Stars
Book Information
Graveyard of Lost Children, written by Katrina Monroe, is scheduled to be published on May 9, 2023. The book spans 361 pages. Monroe is a private investigator by day and a horror author by night. She resides with her wife, two children, and a resident ghost named Eddie who haunts their bedroom closets, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her undoubtedly fascinating life.
Summary
Olivia Dahl has given birth to a daughter, her first child, but something just isn’t right. Despite the expectations of happiness, she is filled with an unexplainable sense of dread.
There is some precedent for concern as Olivia’s life took a dark turn when, at just four months old, her mother attempted to murder her. Convinced that Olivia was an imposter, her mother became consumed by the idea that the only way to retrieve her real baby was to make a trade with the Black-Haired Woman residing at the bottom of a forgotten well in a nearby forest.
As Olivia learns more about her mother, she begins to fear that history is repeating itself and that her daughter may not be who she appears to be. Nightmares featuring a black-haired woman terrorize her, seemingly beginning a new cycle of fear and violence that must be broken before it's too late.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed Graveyard of Lost Children—it’s a gripping psychological and supernatural thriller that explores the depths of motherhood and the terror that can come with it. The novel's fast-paced and character-driven plot follows Olivia, a new mother whose mind and body begin to deteriorate as she grapples with caring for herself, her new baby, and dealing with her family's traumatic past.
The story is told from two perspectives, Olivia’s and her mother’s. It spans several time periods. Along the way, the story takes a supernatural turn which will leave you on edge as you wonder what is really happening to Olivia and her baby. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, building up the tension without relying on breakneck action.
What sets Graveyard of Lost Children apart from other novels is its unique perspective on post-partum depression as a horror story. While post-partum is very real and devastating to some new mothers, this book gives it a physical presence. It delves into the darkest places that it can take a person and the impact it can have on the mom, those around her, and her child. The novel explores the questions that plague many new mothers: What makes a "good" mother? Why don’t I have the new mom “glow” I’m supposed to have? Is it possible to not give all of yourself up for your children? What happens when idealization and expectations don't line up with your reality? Are you ever really sure as a mother? What if I don’t connect with my child?
The exploration of mental illness is a significant aspect of the book, and it is depicted in a raw and unfiltered manner. Monroe illustrates the consequences of receiving help for mental illness, as well as the consequences of not seeking or receiving appropriate help at all.
Monroe provides a note at the beginning of the book that addresses the themes of mental illness, post-partum depression, and the contemplation of self-harm and suicide. This gesture is appreciated as it serves as a trigger warning and allows readers to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of the content for their mental and emotional well-being.
While some readers may find themselves relating to the characters' thoughts and experiences, it's important to approach these topics with caution and consideration. The author's inclusion of a trigger warning emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and seeking out resources and support when necessary.
In addition to exploring motherhood and mental illness, Graveyard of Lost Children also includes a compelling supernatural element in the form of the black-haired woman. This character adds an extra layer of mystery and dread to the novel, leaving readers guessing until the very end.
Recommendation
This is a well-crafted and thought-provoking horror/thriller/mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a must-read for fans of psychological and supernatural thrillers who are looking for a fresh perspective on the genre. Recommended.
Rating
4 Black Hair Laden Stars
Read
June 1, 2023Graveyard of Lost Children by Katrina Monroe
Other Books by this author: They Drown Our Daughters
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978172824...
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
BISAC Categories: Ghost, Horror - General, LGBT - Lesbian, Occult & Supernatural, GothicThrillers - Supernatural, Women, Feminist
Sub-Genre/Themes: Reads Like a Thriller, Mystery, Human Monsters, Strong Women, Psychological, Folklore, Cursed, Haunted, Motherhood, Family Drama, Institutions, Postpartum Depression, Changelings, Secrets & Lies, Mental Illness
Writing Style: Intricately plotted, Multiple POV (Dual Narrative), Descriptive/Detailed
What You Need to Know: I think it’s important to know that this is a plot-driven story. Even though the central characters, Olivia (present-day POV) and her mother Shannon (past POV) have all this page time with the reader, I still felt detached from them, less like authentic people going through trauma and more like general women in a larger narrative.
Not necessarily a bad thing, just a good thing to know in order to set early expectations. And of course, every reader’s mileage may vary. Also, the “black-haired woman” mentioned in the synopsis felt cliched at first due to iconic, horror movie imagery of black-haired female ghosts, but I still find it scary. It worked on me. I recommend just enjoying the ride.
My Reading Experience: This book is a psychological thriller dealing with themes of postpartum psychosis as a generational affliction but with some welcomed horror elements.
There are dual timelines, Olivia and her partner with their new baby, Flora, and a look back on the events in Olivia’s mother’s life leading up to Shannon being institutionalized for throwing baby Olivia into a well. Sometimes, when there are dual timelines, I will favor one storyline over the other which makes me want to hurry through one of the timelines just to get back to the other one I find more intriguing and that was the case with Graveyard of Lost Children. I preferred the present-day story. Some of the chapters with Shannon at an institution were confusing. I lost the threads of the story a few times.
Olivia’s mental health crisis is disturbing and terrifying. There were times I felt like I shouldn’t read the book at night. The whole “black-haired woman”/ bent-neck lady imagery from movies is scary and this book plays with the trope well. I also enjoyed the way the author explored the stigma of teen pregnancy in some families. As Olivia’s postpartum condition worsens I enjoyed questioning her reliability.
As things escalate toward the climax/ending, everything straightens out and I appreciated the way the author ties things together but I’m not sure I liked where we wound up. A Deus Ex Machina.
The overall message and the introduction of motherhood folklore as a symptom or causation for postpartum psychosis. I feel like it crossed a boundary. I can’t really say too much about it with spoiling some major plotlines, so I’ll have to wait until more people have read it.
Final Recommendation: I absolutely love motherhood themes in horror and I will be recommending this one in big lists of books to read if you enjoy them too. This book is compelling, entertaining, and pretty scary at times. Unsettling and creepy. I definitely wouldn’t read it if I was a first-time mom–the newborn/changeling stuff would freak me out.
Comps: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage, The Push by Ashley Audrain, Beneath Cruel Waters by Jon Bassoff
Other Books by this author: They Drown Our Daughters
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978172824...
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
BISAC Categories: Ghost, Horror - General, LGBT - Lesbian, Occult & Supernatural, GothicThrillers - Supernatural, Women, Feminist
Sub-Genre/Themes: Reads Like a Thriller, Mystery, Human Monsters, Strong Women, Psychological, Folklore, Cursed, Haunted, Motherhood, Family Drama, Institutions, Postpartum Depression, Changelings, Secrets & Lies, Mental Illness
Writing Style: Intricately plotted, Multiple POV (Dual Narrative), Descriptive/Detailed
What You Need to Know: I think it’s important to know that this is a plot-driven story. Even though the central characters, Olivia (present-day POV) and her mother Shannon (past POV) have all this page time with the reader, I still felt detached from them, less like authentic people going through trauma and more like general women in a larger narrative.
Not necessarily a bad thing, just a good thing to know in order to set early expectations. And of course, every reader’s mileage may vary. Also, the “black-haired woman” mentioned in the synopsis felt cliched at first due to iconic, horror movie imagery of black-haired female ghosts, but I still find it scary. It worked on me. I recommend just enjoying the ride.
My Reading Experience: This book is a psychological thriller dealing with themes of postpartum psychosis as a generational affliction but with some welcomed horror elements.
There are dual timelines, Olivia and her partner with their new baby, Flora, and a look back on the events in Olivia’s mother’s life leading up to Shannon being institutionalized for throwing baby Olivia into a well. Sometimes, when there are dual timelines, I will favor one storyline over the other which makes me want to hurry through one of the timelines just to get back to the other one I find more intriguing and that was the case with Graveyard of Lost Children. I preferred the present-day story. Some of the chapters with Shannon at an institution were confusing. I lost the threads of the story a few times.
Olivia’s mental health crisis is disturbing and terrifying. There were times I felt like I shouldn’t read the book at night. The whole “black-haired woman”/ bent-neck lady imagery from movies is scary and this book plays with the trope well. I also enjoyed the way the author explored the stigma of teen pregnancy in some families. As Olivia’s postpartum condition worsens I enjoyed questioning her reliability.
As things escalate toward the climax/ending, everything straightens out and I appreciated the way the author ties things together but I’m not sure I liked where we wound up. A Deus Ex Machina.
The overall message and the introduction of motherhood folklore as a symptom or causation for postpartum psychosis. I feel like it crossed a boundary. I can’t really say too much about it with spoiling some major plotlines, so I’ll have to wait until more people have read it.
Final Recommendation: I absolutely love motherhood themes in horror and I will be recommending this one in big lists of books to read if you enjoy them too. This book is compelling, entertaining, and pretty scary at times. Unsettling and creepy. I definitely wouldn’t read it if I was a first-time mom–the newborn/changeling stuff would freak me out.
Comps: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage, The Push by Ashley Audrain, Beneath Cruel Waters by Jon Bassoff
June 6, 2023
A super spooky horror.
When Olivia was a baby, her mom tried to kill her.
Now, as she and her wife have just had their first child, she begins to worry she might be just like her mom. Her baby doesn’t smell right. She doesn’t look right. She doesn’t act right. It’s almost like a changeling has replaced her child. But that’s all folklore, right?
Olivia starts to wonder if her mother’s mental illness is hereditary. Strange things are happening. She’s seeing things. Hearing things. Something is wrong.
A very spooky take on postpartum depression. It was so good!
When Olivia was a baby, her mom tried to kill her.
Now, as she and her wife have just had their first child, she begins to worry she might be just like her mom. Her baby doesn’t smell right. She doesn’t look right. She doesn’t act right. It’s almost like a changeling has replaced her child. But that’s all folklore, right?
Olivia starts to wonder if her mother’s mental illness is hereditary. Strange things are happening. She’s seeing things. Hearing things. Something is wrong.
A very spooky take on postpartum depression. It was so good!
October 23, 2023
2.5 stars
Narrative voice is compelling, but this reads like a short story expanded to novel length--as if The Yellow Wallpaper was turned into a 368 page book. When the scope of the story is this limited, however, and the characters and relationships and plot and themes all underdeveloped, it just doesn't have the kind of impact it should. Horror only by technicality, as it doesn't incite fear or grief or much of anything other than the most abstract of sympathy for the subject matter.
Audio Notes: Mara Wilson's narration is easy to listen to, however. I'd happily listen to another book read by her.
Narrative voice is compelling, but this reads like a short story expanded to novel length--as if The Yellow Wallpaper was turned into a 368 page book. When the scope of the story is this limited, however, and the characters and relationships and plot and themes all underdeveloped, it just doesn't have the kind of impact it should. Horror only by technicality, as it doesn't incite fear or grief or much of anything other than the most abstract of sympathy for the subject matter.
Audio Notes: Mara Wilson's narration is easy to listen to, however. I'd happily listen to another book read by her.
September 25, 2023
...the act of mothering was torture. Breasts reduced to milk bags for animal rutting, sleep all but impossible to get, and the mind constantly twisted with wonder and worry for this helpless thing that would become no less helpless as it got older. An entire life devoted to the care and nurturing of another, always fearing, always convinced you were screwing up. Knowing deep down that whatever happened would be your fault. The surprising thing was that more mothers didn't lose their minds.
Haunting and affecting, Graveyard of Lost Children shines a light on postpartum depression and psychosis through a decidedly horror lens, making for a truly frightening and heartbreaking reading experience.
When Olivia was four months old, her mother Shannon became convinced Olivia was a changeling -- that her real daughter had been stolen by a black-haired woman, and that the only way to get her back would be to throw the changeling into a well. Now, decades after her mother nearly murdered her, Olivia and her wife have just welcomed their first baby. But Olivia isn't feeling the way she expected to feel. Instead of basking in the rosy glow of new motherhood, Olivia is exhausted, filled with dread and frustration. Soon, her nightmares are plagued with images of a black-haired woman -- a woman who begins to haunt the corners of her real life. And as her daughter nurses insatiably and stares at her with bottomless black eyes, Olivia becomes convinced that maybe this baby isn't her daughter at all. Maybe her real daughter has been stolen, replaced by an imposter...
Told on multiple timelines from the points-of-view of both Olivia and Shannon, Graveyard of Lost Children is an intricately-plotted, thought-provoking novel of psychological horror. The structure of the novel allows us to follow both Olivia and Shannon as their conditions worsen, exploring the generational impact of trauma through their parallel journeys. I found myself more invested in the present-day timeline with Olivia -- some of Shannon's sections felt a bit muddled and I occasionally lost my footing in her narrative -- but both timelines are vitally important to the story Katrina Monroe is telling. So many aspects of motherhood are so scary -- I think most mothers would agree -- and in this book, Monroe has personified some of a mother's worst fears. It's creepy and disturbing and bleak, intense and emotionally profound -- a unique and powerful depiction of postpartum depression and psychosis.
If you enjoy horror with motherhood themes, Graveyard of Lost Children is a complex and frightening novel to add to your TBR. Recommended for readers who enjoyed books like Little Darlings, Baby Teeth, and The Push.
Shelved as '2023'
June 13, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press
May 30, 2023
3.5. I did enjoy this book. I'm sure many women feel this way after giving birth and this was a very unique approach to the conversation of post partum depression. I have been unable to have a child myself, but I still enjoyed the book.
May 26, 2023
The narrative is told through two different perspectives. The first is that of Olivia, a new mother to baby, Flora, whose own family history involved her mother trying to kill her when she was four months old, by throwing her down a well. No Mother of The Year Award being given out here! Olivia has had no contact with Shannon and has found herself now in a loving marriage to her wife, Kris....but Flora’s birth brings up a lot of fears and anxieties. The first perspective is that of Shannon and follows her pregnancy and the months leading up to Olivia’s attempted murder. Throughout these timelines both women are seeing and hearing visions of a "Black Haired Woman", which gives them feelings of self-loathing, paranoia, and delusions about themselves and their babies. By the time the two storylines came together they melded very well and seemed to be fairly believable. The "Black Haired Woman" started coming back again with whispers and intuition that evolved into something more visceral and terrifying. This part of the story was done so well that it could hold its own with any ghost story ever written. The author really knew how to create not only a very unsettling ghostly supernatural being, but also how to create very real human characters who have loads of baggage, and many complex sides. Eventually, it’s the little things that turn into very big things. We see the new mother experiences of Olivia and Shannon as the story goes on. We also see that the two women are not faultless, and it ISN’T always the "Black-Haired Woman" doing the damage. With Olivia, it’s the constant comparison between her experience and the experiences of other new mothers. For her the whole motherhood deal is difficult and exhausting. How can it possibly seem so easy for others? She thinks that maybe it’s the fact that while her wife Kris is trying to be loving and supportive, she still has to prioritize her job, thanks to a less than understanding family leave policy where she works, Kis is also gone a lot, so she just doesn’t "GET it". Olivia feels like a failure, and everything becomes too much. Her medical professionals are dismissive and flippant when she raises concerns. I'm not at all unsympathetic, but by this point I was pretty much willing to drop her back into that well that her own mother had tried for all those years ago. All these people going on with their lives and simply ignoring her was also a bit unrealistic...maybe some would... but certainly not all of them.??) The "Black-Haired Woman" was the supposed villainess in this story, but there were other villains as well. Mostly the people that were supposed to support her and see that she was calling for help...although I admit some of it was way "over-the -top"...but I believe that was the entire point that the author was trying to make. Beware, that while this is in its own way, an interesting story, it's going to be absolutely gut-wrenching horror for many.
March 30, 2023
Reading for review in the April 2023 issue of Library Journal: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2023/03...
Three Words That Describe This Book: visceral dread, horrors of motherhood, honestly thoughtful
Draft Review:
Olivia and her wife Kris have a new baby girl, but Olivia, one of two narrators, is struggling with it all– caring for the needy infant, connecting to the baby as more than a monster that feeds off her, and finding herself amidst the chaos. But Olivia is not an ordinary first time mother. She is the child of a mother who tried to kill her when she was a baby herself. In a dual narration, readers met that mother, Shannon, sharing her story through journal entries. One thing both women have in common, a black haired woman who they believe is trying to take their baby. Opening with an unsettling and accurate Body Horror infused description of giving birth and then steadily and intentionally increasing the unease and discomfort, readers will keep the pages turning as they watch Ollivia spiral, always rooting for her to make it through.
Verdict: Monroe’s honest and thoughtful contemplation of the horrors of postpartum-depression are as big a draw as the visceral dread of the suspenseful Thriller-Horror hybrid storyline. A perfect choice for fans of motherhood framed Psychological Horror like Such a Pretty Smile by DeMeester and Just Like Mother by Heltzel.
Three Words That Describe This Book: visceral dread, horrors of motherhood, honestly thoughtful
Draft Review:
Olivia and her wife Kris have a new baby girl, but Olivia, one of two narrators, is struggling with it all– caring for the needy infant, connecting to the baby as more than a monster that feeds off her, and finding herself amidst the chaos. But Olivia is not an ordinary first time mother. She is the child of a mother who tried to kill her when she was a baby herself. In a dual narration, readers met that mother, Shannon, sharing her story through journal entries. One thing both women have in common, a black haired woman who they believe is trying to take their baby. Opening with an unsettling and accurate Body Horror infused description of giving birth and then steadily and intentionally increasing the unease and discomfort, readers will keep the pages turning as they watch Ollivia spiral, always rooting for her to make it through.
Verdict: Monroe’s honest and thoughtful contemplation of the horrors of postpartum-depression are as big a draw as the visceral dread of the suspenseful Thriller-Horror hybrid storyline. A perfect choice for fans of motherhood framed Psychological Horror like Such a Pretty Smile by DeMeester and Just Like Mother by Heltzel.
May 12, 2023
3.5/5 stars, rounded up
"An entire life devoted to the care and nurturing of another, always fearing, always convinced you were screwing up, knowing deep down that whatever happened would be your fault. The surprising thing was that more mothers didn’t lose their minds."
The line between the normal anxieties of new motherhood and dangerous delusions blur in this sophomore horror-thriller by Katrina Monroe. Dark, tense and impossible to put down once I got started; I deliciously devoured this in less than 2 days, but was left with a slightly bitter aftertaste by the aftertaste.
Synopsis:
Being a new mother can be plenty scary on its own right, and yet Olivia and her wife Kris have more to worry about than your average couple. Olivia was the victim of an attempted murder by her own mother when she was only 4 months old. Suffering from what was assumed to be post-partum psychosis, her mother became convinced that the baby she was taking care of wasn’t her daughter Olivia, but instead a changeling, swapped out by a black-haired woman who has been lurking at the edge of her vision ever since she gave birth. The only way to get her real daughter back, is to do the unthinkable to the changeling.
Saved in the nick of time by her grandmother, Olivia grows up without contact with her institutionalized mother, never knowing her side of the story of what happened that day, but never feeling the need to find out. That changes, when soon after giving birth to a daughter of her own, Olivia finds herself stalked visions of a black-haired woman herself. Has she inherited her mothers mental illness, or is something more happening here?
What I loved:
“Motherhood-horror” is a trope that seemingly gets me every time, and Katrina Monroe delivered even more so than she did in her debut They Drown Our Daughters. Graveyard of Lost Children truly managed to unnerve and disturb me, not only with its eerie imagery, but more so with its terrifying roots in reality. This needs to be said (and I’m glad the author herself does so on page 1): strong trigger-warnings for postpartum-depression/psychosis and subsequent thoughts of harm to self- and baby. Being inside Olivia’s mind as she begins to question if she’s losing her grip on reality is terrifying. I wasn’t able to find out if Monroe is speaking from a point of close experience herself, but her depiction of these difficult topics feel respectful and genuine. Her character work is impeccable here: she manages to portray Olivia as a likable and simultaneously unreliable narrator; a combination that is difficult at the best of times. She also keeps her sympathetic and (sort of) relatable, despite the very dark inner demons she wrestles during the story. The same can be said for Kris: I loved her character and the way their relationship was portrayed.
Because I came to care for the characters, I was tense throughout the entire story almost up until the ending.
What I didn’t love:
By the 275-page mark or so, I begin to worry that the book would fail to wrap up all its threads before the end, and unfortunately that was indeed the case. The ending feels rushed and leaves a lot of questions and problems unresolved. I’m personally the kind of reader who loves when the answer isn’t spelled out, but able to be puzzled out or interpreted by the reader in a satisfactory way. That isn’t the case here: no matter which explanation you believe leaves plot holes and unresolved issues.
I’m also a little conflicted on my thoughts on the representation mental-health, outside of Olivia’s character. I didn’t like the depiction of the mental health-institution Shannon is committed to, ór that of her fellow inpatients. Mental health facilities are not prisons, and depictions of hysterical women being strapped to gurneys do not belong in the 21st century. You could argue that it’s a reflection of the way Shannon experienced it, or that it’s due to the storyline being set 30 years ago. It still felt like a big contrast to Olivia’s excellent portrayal. Psychosis can lead to violence in its victims, but it’s luckily very rare, and we need to retire the “Shutter-island-trope” of mental health facilities being filled with violent criminals, locked up there for life. Because of the excellent portrayal of some of the other characters, it kind of balanced things out for me, but there were moments where the Shannon’s story definitely was toeing a line I didn’t like.
Overall, a wonderfully tense and gripping story that I thoroughly enjoyed about 80% off, and was ready to give a 4/5-star rating. The weak ending leaves it stuck at a 3.5, but still one I’d recommend if you’re in for a tense ride.
Readalikes: The Nesting and The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"An entire life devoted to the care and nurturing of another, always fearing, always convinced you were screwing up, knowing deep down that whatever happened would be your fault. The surprising thing was that more mothers didn’t lose their minds."
The line between the normal anxieties of new motherhood and dangerous delusions blur in this sophomore horror-thriller by Katrina Monroe. Dark, tense and impossible to put down once I got started; I deliciously devoured this in less than 2 days, but was left with a slightly bitter aftertaste by the aftertaste.
Synopsis:
Being a new mother can be plenty scary on its own right, and yet Olivia and her wife Kris have more to worry about than your average couple. Olivia was the victim of an attempted murder by her own mother when she was only 4 months old. Suffering from what was assumed to be post-partum psychosis, her mother became convinced that the baby she was taking care of wasn’t her daughter Olivia, but instead a changeling, swapped out by a black-haired woman who has been lurking at the edge of her vision ever since she gave birth. The only way to get her real daughter back, is to do the unthinkable to the changeling.
Saved in the nick of time by her grandmother, Olivia grows up without contact with her institutionalized mother, never knowing her side of the story of what happened that day, but never feeling the need to find out. That changes, when soon after giving birth to a daughter of her own, Olivia finds herself stalked visions of a black-haired woman herself. Has she inherited her mothers mental illness, or is something more happening here?
What I loved:
“Motherhood-horror” is a trope that seemingly gets me every time, and Katrina Monroe delivered even more so than she did in her debut They Drown Our Daughters. Graveyard of Lost Children truly managed to unnerve and disturb me, not only with its eerie imagery, but more so with its terrifying roots in reality. This needs to be said (and I’m glad the author herself does so on page 1): strong trigger-warnings for postpartum-depression/psychosis and subsequent thoughts of harm to self- and baby. Being inside Olivia’s mind as she begins to question if she’s losing her grip on reality is terrifying. I wasn’t able to find out if Monroe is speaking from a point of close experience herself, but her depiction of these difficult topics feel respectful and genuine. Her character work is impeccable here: she manages to portray Olivia as a likable and simultaneously unreliable narrator; a combination that is difficult at the best of times. She also keeps her sympathetic and (sort of) relatable, despite the very dark inner demons she wrestles during the story. The same can be said for Kris: I loved her character and the way their relationship was portrayed.
Because I came to care for the characters, I was tense throughout the entire story almost up until the ending.
What I didn’t love:
By the 275-page mark or so, I begin to worry that the book would fail to wrap up all its threads before the end, and unfortunately that was indeed the case. The ending feels rushed and leaves a lot of questions and problems unresolved. I’m personally the kind of reader who loves when the answer isn’t spelled out, but able to be puzzled out or interpreted by the reader in a satisfactory way. That isn’t the case here: no matter which explanation you believe leaves plot holes and unresolved issues.
I’m also a little conflicted on my thoughts on the representation mental-health, outside of Olivia’s character. I didn’t like the depiction of the mental health-institution Shannon is committed to, ór that of her fellow inpatients. Mental health facilities are not prisons, and depictions of hysterical women being strapped to gurneys do not belong in the 21st century. You could argue that it’s a reflection of the way Shannon experienced it, or that it’s due to the storyline being set 30 years ago. It still felt like a big contrast to Olivia’s excellent portrayal. Psychosis can lead to violence in its victims, but it’s luckily very rare, and we need to retire the “Shutter-island-trope” of mental health facilities being filled with violent criminals, locked up there for life. Because of the excellent portrayal of some of the other characters, it kind of balanced things out for me, but there were moments where the Shannon’s story definitely was toeing a line I didn’t like.
Overall, a wonderfully tense and gripping story that I thoroughly enjoyed about 80% off, and was ready to give a 4/5-star rating. The weak ending leaves it stuck at a 3.5, but still one I’d recommend if you’re in for a tense ride.
Readalikes: The Nesting and The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2023
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Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for approving this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Another chilling, thought-provoking masterpiece by Katrina Monroe! "Graveyard of lost children" explores the often overlooked and very real psychological horrors of post-partum depression, but gives it a supernatural twist.
Shannon gives birth to a healthy baby girl. Olivia gives birth to a healthy baby girl. Different circumstances, same outcome: the baby takes and takes and she doesn't look right. But it has to be the delusions from an overtired mind that isn't feeling what mothers are supposed to feel... at least, until the black-haired woman appears.
This character-driven psychological/supernatural thriller felt fast-paced without necessarily having a lot of breakneck action. We follow along Olivia's journey as a new mother as her body and mind deteriorate, while at the same time trying to unpack her family's trauma through her mother's journal entries. What really happened all those years ago, when Shannon tried to swap what she believes is a changeling for her real daughter? And what is happening to Olivia and her baby now?
I really enjoyed the unravelling of the plot. But, most of all, I enjoyed the unique perspective brought into making post-partum depression a horror story. What makes someone a mother? What makes someone a "good" mother? A "good" woman? Is it possible to not give all of yourself up for your children? What happens when idealization and expectations don't line up with your reality? Are you ever really *sure* as a mother? And in this sense, I especially enjoyed the element of the black-haired woman.
I am not a mother, but this might be an upsetting read to those who are or wish to be, although note that no babies are killed. Even so, it was eerie and grisly in its appearances of the black-haired woman and graphic descriptions of body harm/decay.
I picked this book because "They drown our daughters" was one of my favourite reads from 2022, and I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. If you enjoyed that book, then you should probably give this one a chance. Like "They drown our daughters", it explores motherhood and generational trauma from a feminist lens through horror, so it's really worth a read for anyone interested in those topics.
One thing I will note is that the plot device of women being locked up in mental health institutions against their will is not a thing that happens willy-nilly anymore in most Western countries, I believe. I will also say that you could justify it for Shannon as we don't actually see her going through the justice system to know what she was condemned for, but it's hard to see it happening for Olivia in present day - although the reader has reason to suspect that a) her fear was justified and amplified by what she was going through and what Shannon had gone through, not based in logic, and b) Angela was not acting under legality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for approving this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Another chilling, thought-provoking masterpiece by Katrina Monroe! "Graveyard of lost children" explores the often overlooked and very real psychological horrors of post-partum depression, but gives it a supernatural twist.
Shannon gives birth to a healthy baby girl. Olivia gives birth to a healthy baby girl. Different circumstances, same outcome: the baby takes and takes and she doesn't look right. But it has to be the delusions from an overtired mind that isn't feeling what mothers are supposed to feel... at least, until the black-haired woman appears.
This character-driven psychological/supernatural thriller felt fast-paced without necessarily having a lot of breakneck action. We follow along Olivia's journey as a new mother as her body and mind deteriorate, while at the same time trying to unpack her family's trauma through her mother's journal entries. What really happened all those years ago, when Shannon tried to swap what she believes is a changeling for her real daughter? And what is happening to Olivia and her baby now?
I really enjoyed the unravelling of the plot. But, most of all, I enjoyed the unique perspective brought into making post-partum depression a horror story. What makes someone a mother? What makes someone a "good" mother? A "good" woman? Is it possible to not give all of yourself up for your children? What happens when idealization and expectations don't line up with your reality? Are you ever really *sure* as a mother? And in this sense, I especially enjoyed the element of the black-haired woman.
I am not a mother, but this might be an upsetting read to those who are or wish to be, although note that no babies are killed. Even so, it was eerie and grisly in its appearances of the black-haired woman and graphic descriptions of body harm/decay.
I picked this book because "They drown our daughters" was one of my favourite reads from 2022, and I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. If you enjoyed that book, then you should probably give this one a chance. Like "They drown our daughters", it explores motherhood and generational trauma from a feminist lens through horror, so it's really worth a read for anyone interested in those topics.
One thing I will note is that the plot device of women being locked up in mental health institutions against their will is not a thing that happens willy-nilly anymore in most Western countries, I believe. I will also say that you could justify it for Shannon as we don't actually see her going through the justice system to know what she was condemned for, but it's hard to see it happening for Olivia in present day - although the reader has reason to suspect that a) her fear was justified and amplified by what she was going through and what Shannon had gone through, not based in logic, and b) Angela was not acting under legality.
March 5, 2023
Reviewing this book is a bit hard for me because on one hand I enjoy this author's writing style immensely. On the other hand, I found the ending of this lackluster and found myself frustrated with the supernatural element.
One thing I appreciate about Katrina Monroe is that her books (thus far) balances between thriller and horror with a focus on lesbian motherhood. That is present here and done well!
Our story focuses on Olivia, who has just had a baby girl named Flora! She should be thrilled- filled with that new mom glow. But there is this creeping feeling that they baby she's holding in her arms isn't hers. Her mother felt the same way about her when she was a baby and that nearly ended in tragedy.
Her wife is... infuriating and simultaneously sympathetic. Kris on one hand pushes too hard by expecting too much from a woman who just gave birth. Like inviting another couple over for dinner without consulting her wife who gave birth not that long ago.
However, Olivia is losing it.
Or is she? It becomes harder and harder to tell just what is real and what isn't as things get creepier and Olivia becomes more unstable.
So yeah- this book should've been a home run.
But our supernatural element doesn't feel well thought out or well executed. It doesn't make much sense at all honestly and we get some sort of half-assed explanation, but that still doesn't do enough to make it feel worth all that reading.
And that makes the ending fall so incredibly flat. Enough that I sat here debating over and over on what to rate this book. Because up until like 80% I was INTO this. But then... the ending came and I felt a bit robbed.
For now, I will go with three stars as I feel like I might just be dealing with a book that doesn't work for me entirely and I do think others might just like this. But let me tell you- deciding on that three stars was agonizing.
One thing I appreciate about Katrina Monroe is that her books (thus far) balances between thriller and horror with a focus on lesbian motherhood. That is present here and done well!
Our story focuses on Olivia, who has just had a baby girl named Flora! She should be thrilled- filled with that new mom glow. But there is this creeping feeling that they baby she's holding in her arms isn't hers. Her mother felt the same way about her when she was a baby and that nearly ended in tragedy.
Her wife is... infuriating and simultaneously sympathetic. Kris on one hand pushes too hard by expecting too much from a woman who just gave birth. Like inviting another couple over for dinner without consulting her wife who gave birth not that long ago.
However, Olivia is losing it.
Or is she? It becomes harder and harder to tell just what is real and what isn't as things get creepier and Olivia becomes more unstable.
So yeah- this book should've been a home run.
But our supernatural element doesn't feel well thought out or well executed. It doesn't make much sense at all honestly and we get some sort of half-assed explanation, but that still doesn't do enough to make it feel worth all that reading.
And that makes the ending fall so incredibly flat. Enough that I sat here debating over and over on what to rate this book. Because up until like 80% I was INTO this. But then... the ending came and I felt a bit robbed.
For now, I will go with three stars as I feel like I might just be dealing with a book that doesn't work for me entirely and I do think others might just like this. But let me tell you- deciding on that three stars was agonizing.
April 11, 2023
This was such an intense and dark read. It's kind of a creeper (in multiple ways)- one being very literally, this was an inherently unnerving read through and through. Whether it be visceral panic/terror being experienced via Olivia (or all mothers really-will come back to this) or the creepy black-haired boogeywoman lurking and drawing closer in the dark. Also, the story as a whole is very interpretive and that kinda creeps up and solidifies on you at the end. You're very much wondering what's real, and what is happening, and the whys of it all. By the end, much like Olivia, you're still left to interpret rather than all the answers being handed to you and things tied up pristenly with a pretty bow. Much like real life, I suppose. I enjoyed this aspect of the story.
Tying back in to my earlier motherhood as a whole comment, without giving too much away, I found the themes revolving around that and mental health issues in this story to be phenomenally done. I never experienced postpartum but I have experienced motherhood and I think we all have that little voice, that voice that questions every action at times:
If you're making the right decisions.
If you're good enough and even sometimes good at all.
The one that compares you to all these other moms out there and tells you you're doing it wrong, it's not enough, you're failing.
The voice that remembers the you before and how different and unsure and frazzled you can be now. Or how your body has changed. How sometimes you don't recognize that person staring back at you in the mirror.
The one that even when you get a moment you feel okay in the mom space- it creeps in and whispers about the laundry and dishes piling up or that you haven't even showered, or that you've not been 'in the mood' too often lately, or even checked in with friends or family, etc.
I think this voice is universal and Monroe harnesses and amplifies it in such a way it quite literally is a living and breathing down your neck presence.
I've read a handful of other books by Monroe and enjoyed most in very different ways. She's a versatile writer and I'm consistently surprised with how unique her stories are and how fully she commits to any genre she is writing in, as if that's all she writes and she's an old pro. I guess I have to stop being surprised at this point and just know whatever is coming next will likely wow me in some new fantastic way.
I received an ARC of this book from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
September 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Creepy and unique. Would not recommend to moms 😂 Definitely found myself itching to read whenever I could
May 1, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
Graveyard of Lost Children is much scarier than anything I would usually choose to read, but by the time it got to the truly horrifying parts, I was hooked and couldn’t look away.
I flip-flopped on who was the actual crazy person here soooo many times. At some point, I was convinced every single person in this book was either perfectly sane and a victim of haunting or manipulation or was the perpetrator of said manipulation while being completely insane. This is a perfect storm of mental illness, genetics, lack of sleep, hormones, postpartum depression, and unexplainable paranormal activity.
Monroe kept a pretty tight ship for most of the book, but the edges started to fray and give the game away about three-quarters of the way through. After that, things started to move too quickly, and a few big giveaways could have been avoided to keep the mystery alive and the intensity high.
This is the second ARC I’ve read by Monroe, and while They Drown Our Daughters was interesting, Graveyard of Lost Children stepped up to another level entirely. So many believable moments ground the narrative and make the horrific moments that much more terrifying. And the way these terrible moments happen in an instant, over almost as soon as they started, makes it way too easy to second guess and try to find ways to explain them away.
I thoroughly enjoyed Graveyard of Lost Children, even if it is likely to haunt my nightmares and make me see things in mirrors and dark windows for the foreseeable future… I probably would not recommend this one to pregnant readers or those with newborns. The only thing saving me from an actual mental breakdown is that I haven’t had children and feel ‘safe’ from the consequences described here.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
Graveyard of Lost Children is much scarier than anything I would usually choose to read, but by the time it got to the truly horrifying parts, I was hooked and couldn’t look away.
I flip-flopped on who was the actual crazy person here soooo many times. At some point, I was convinced every single person in this book was either perfectly sane and a victim of haunting or manipulation or was the perpetrator of said manipulation while being completely insane. This is a perfect storm of mental illness, genetics, lack of sleep, hormones, postpartum depression, and unexplainable paranormal activity.
Monroe kept a pretty tight ship for most of the book, but the edges started to fray and give the game away about three-quarters of the way through. After that, things started to move too quickly, and a few big giveaways could have been avoided to keep the mystery alive and the intensity high.
This is the second ARC I’ve read by Monroe, and while They Drown Our Daughters was interesting, Graveyard of Lost Children stepped up to another level entirely. So many believable moments ground the narrative and make the horrific moments that much more terrifying. And the way these terrible moments happen in an instant, over almost as soon as they started, makes it way too easy to second guess and try to find ways to explain them away.
I thoroughly enjoyed Graveyard of Lost Children, even if it is likely to haunt my nightmares and make me see things in mirrors and dark windows for the foreseeable future… I probably would not recommend this one to pregnant readers or those with newborns. The only thing saving me from an actual mental breakdown is that I haven’t had children and feel ‘safe’ from the consequences described here.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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February 15, 2024
I absolutely loved the dark atmosphere and the psychological quality of this book. It’s slow and very character-driven, a pacing that goes perfectly well with the topic and the genre at hand. I was enthralled by the postpartum depression turned into horror and the unreliable narrator made it an uncomfortable read at times, knowing there’s an infant involved. I also really enjoyed the other perspective and the epistolary aspect of it. The two timelines switch in the most clever way and make you wonder about the repercussions so you just never want to stop reading.
July 29, 2023
this book was not a horror by any means in my opinion and after reading through some of the reviews i’m convinced i must have read an entirely different book lol. i stuck through with this book but there really was not anything of note. another book that turns postpartum depression/anxiety surrounding motherhood into a “horror” but not done very well.
May 28, 2023
This was almost a DNF, but I was a little too far into it to not see if something intriguing what’s going to happen. I made myself finish it. Nothing worth noting happened.
May 17, 2023
Huh, I am sitting here having a hard time trying to articulate my thoughts about this wonderfully done horror book.
Spoilers ahead
In here we have Olivia, whose mother tried to kill her. She survived and mom went into a mental health facility. She is also an extremely unreliable narrator.
She grows up and gets married and has a child. She then starts having a mental break exactly like her mother before her and thinks her child is not her child and until near the end, thought her mother was going to help her get the real baby back.
Come to find out, that was not what mommy dearest wanted. Mommy dearest wants her real baby back as she does not believe this Olivia is her child.
I am going to be honest, I am not sure any of this was really paranormal. It could all be related to the mental health issues of this whole family. But that does not explain the other women involved.
Egads, I hate not having a for sure answer to what happened. Regardless, this was a wonderfully written story and I enjoyed it immensely. It could have been edited down a bit, but outside of that, it was good.
Spoilers ahead
In here we have Olivia, whose mother tried to kill her. She survived and mom went into a mental health facility. She is also an extremely unreliable narrator.
She grows up and gets married and has a child. She then starts having a mental break exactly like her mother before her and thinks her child is not her child and until near the end, thought her mother was going to help her get the real baby back.
Come to find out, that was not what mommy dearest wanted. Mommy dearest wants her real baby back as she does not believe this Olivia is her child.
I am going to be honest, I am not sure any of this was really paranormal. It could all be related to the mental health issues of this whole family. But that does not explain the other women involved.
Egads, I hate not having a for sure answer to what happened. Regardless, this was a wonderfully written story and I enjoyed it immensely. It could have been edited down a bit, but outside of that, it was good.
September 7, 2023
This book was so dark and creepy, and I loved it! I thought it was such a great representation of mental health and post-partum depression. Although I never suffered from PPD, this definitely brought back memories of some of the struggles I had as a new mom. I thought the supernatural element was so well done. The black haired woman was quite scary and reminded me of the movie, The Ring! At the end of this book, you will be left to wonder if all that Olivia went through was strictly due to mental health, or did something paranormal really play a part?
December 4, 2022
After the birth of her daughter, Olivia is feeling anything but glowing and gushy. Feeling the dread building inside her, she feels as though all she does is feed her ever hungry baby. Sensing something isn't right, Olivia starts noticing little changes in her baby - her eyes changing colour, her smell and all of those things start adding up that this baby is not hers. Meanwhile, in a dual POV, Olivia's mother Shannon, was admitted to a women's hospital after believing Olivia was a changeling and the only way to get her own daughter back was to make a trade with the black-haired women living in the bottom of the well near her property. Now Olivia is also seeing the black-haired women too - can madness be hereditary? Or is something more sinister going on with Olivia's baby.
Katrina Monroe has successfully created a deeply dark and delicious read, worthy of a one sitting read. Told over dual POV from Olivia, a mother who is struggling with the appearance of being a good mother and Shannon, told through journal entries, a woman who has lost her child due to mental instability. It's confronting and sometimes a little scary going through the motions with Olivia as she dives deeper and deeper into a post-natal depression, and the physical manifesting "the black-haired women" is thoroughly chilling. As someone who has experienced these kinds of mindset and attitudes, it had a spark of realism, making this read even scarier and much heavier than it probably intended to be. I would be highly recommending this to reading groups and book clubs as this is a read that would be fantastic to discuss and compare how each person is interpreting the read - as it would be good representation of how depression and mental illnesses affect everyone differently.
Graveyard of Lost Children is heavily focused on post-natal (postpartum) depression, mental health issues, feelings of inadequacy and failure to live up to expectations. If that may be upsetting for you, this may not be a read for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Graveyard of Lost Children is scheduled for release 9th May, 2023.
Katrina Monroe has successfully created a deeply dark and delicious read, worthy of a one sitting read. Told over dual POV from Olivia, a mother who is struggling with the appearance of being a good mother and Shannon, told through journal entries, a woman who has lost her child due to mental instability. It's confronting and sometimes a little scary going through the motions with Olivia as she dives deeper and deeper into a post-natal depression, and the physical manifesting "the black-haired women" is thoroughly chilling. As someone who has experienced these kinds of mindset and attitudes, it had a spark of realism, making this read even scarier and much heavier than it probably intended to be. I would be highly recommending this to reading groups and book clubs as this is a read that would be fantastic to discuss and compare how each person is interpreting the read - as it would be good representation of how depression and mental illnesses affect everyone differently.
Graveyard of Lost Children is heavily focused on post-natal (postpartum) depression, mental health issues, feelings of inadequacy and failure to live up to expectations. If that may be upsetting for you, this may not be a read for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Graveyard of Lost Children is scheduled for release 9th May, 2023.
April 30, 2023
Graveyard of Lost Children is a chilling read by bestselling author Katrina Monroe. This is my second read by this author, the first being They Drown Our Daughters. I adore the themes, writing and stories of both of these books and will purchase anything else going forward that they write. The themes in this book will tug at hear heart strings, while the almost horror elements will leave you feeling uneasy and wondering what’s real. The story is set over multiple timelines with multiple generations of narrators. Olivia and her wife, just recent gave birth to a daughter. When Olivia was born her mother tried to kill her declaring that Olivia was a changeling and to get her ‘real baby’ back she needed to trade her with the women in the well. Now Olivia herself is questioning and something seems a bit off about her own daughter, Flora. Is this history repeating itself, post-partum depression or something much more sinister. You won’t want to miss this hauntingly beautiful tale that will make you ask yourself some hard questions and think about what you would do if in the same situation. I adored this book and can’t wait to see what the author puts out next.
August 8, 2023
Graveyard of Lost Children
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Katina Monroe
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: ONCE SHE HAS HER GRIP ON YOU, SHE'LL NEVER LET YOU GO.
At four months old, Olivia Dahl was almost murdered. Driven by haunting visions, her mother became obsessed with the idea that Olivia was a changeling, and that the only way to get her real baby back was to make a trade with the "dead women" living at the bottom of the well. Now Olivia is ready to give birth to a daughter of her own…and for the first time, she hears the women whispering.
Everyone tells Olivia she should be happy. She should be glowing, but the birth of her daughter only fills Olivia with dread. As Olivia's body starts giving out, slowly deteriorating as the baby eats and eats and eats, she begins to fear that the baby isn't her daughter at all and, despite her best efforts, history is repeating itself. Soon images of a black-haired woman plague Olivia's nightmares, drawing her back to the well that almost claimed her life—tying mother and daughter together in a desperate cycle of fear and violence that must be broken if Olivia has any hope of saving her child…or herself.
My Thoughts: This story was a dark, creepy, disturbing thriller. It focuses on a new mother, the realizations of new motherhood, and the fear that can come about from being a new mother. This is more character driven than plot driven. Olivia, our MC, is struggling to adjuster to new motherhood, and her mind and body begins to suffer as she struggles with self-care, taking care of her new baby, and her traumatic past. The story is part thriller and part supernatural, and all dark.
This story is narrated in two timelines, primarily from Olivia whom just had a baby, and voice of her mother. I did appreciate that the author delineated between the two timelines, so you had a clear understanding which timeline you were reading. However, some of the parts appeared to be repetitive. Postpartum depression is a mental illness and the significant backbone to this story, and I could appreciate how the author presents this in a raw, unfiltered way, and the devastating consequences of not receiving the help when needed. Olivia’s character was developed well and our mysterious black hair woman had the right amount of creepiness.
This is a creepy, chilling read and I would recommend to other readers. The twisted spin on this novel is portraying postpartum depression as a horror tale. While this disorder is very real and very disabling, it gives a unique physical spin on it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Katina Monroe
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: ONCE SHE HAS HER GRIP ON YOU, SHE'LL NEVER LET YOU GO.
At four months old, Olivia Dahl was almost murdered. Driven by haunting visions, her mother became obsessed with the idea that Olivia was a changeling, and that the only way to get her real baby back was to make a trade with the "dead women" living at the bottom of the well. Now Olivia is ready to give birth to a daughter of her own…and for the first time, she hears the women whispering.
Everyone tells Olivia she should be happy. She should be glowing, but the birth of her daughter only fills Olivia with dread. As Olivia's body starts giving out, slowly deteriorating as the baby eats and eats and eats, she begins to fear that the baby isn't her daughter at all and, despite her best efforts, history is repeating itself. Soon images of a black-haired woman plague Olivia's nightmares, drawing her back to the well that almost claimed her life—tying mother and daughter together in a desperate cycle of fear and violence that must be broken if Olivia has any hope of saving her child…or herself.
My Thoughts: This story was a dark, creepy, disturbing thriller. It focuses on a new mother, the realizations of new motherhood, and the fear that can come about from being a new mother. This is more character driven than plot driven. Olivia, our MC, is struggling to adjuster to new motherhood, and her mind and body begins to suffer as she struggles with self-care, taking care of her new baby, and her traumatic past. The story is part thriller and part supernatural, and all dark.
This story is narrated in two timelines, primarily from Olivia whom just had a baby, and voice of her mother. I did appreciate that the author delineated between the two timelines, so you had a clear understanding which timeline you were reading. However, some of the parts appeared to be repetitive. Postpartum depression is a mental illness and the significant backbone to this story, and I could appreciate how the author presents this in a raw, unfiltered way, and the devastating consequences of not receiving the help when needed. Olivia’s character was developed well and our mysterious black hair woman had the right amount of creepiness.
This is a creepy, chilling read and I would recommend to other readers. The twisted spin on this novel is portraying postpartum depression as a horror tale. While this disorder is very real and very disabling, it gives a unique physical spin on it.
September 14, 2023
3.5
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy to review.
I’m so picky when it comes to horror talking about children or motherhood and this just wasn’t what I wanted. There were some good creepy moments, but I wanted it to really go there in terms of horror and it just fell short.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy to review.
I’m so picky when it comes to horror talking about children or motherhood and this just wasn’t what I wanted. There were some good creepy moments, but I wanted it to really go there in terms of horror and it just fell short.
June 4, 2023
You know when you finish a book, and it dawns on you that you've just had the privilege of experiencing absolute genius? Or when a book makes you remember all over again why you love a specific genre? Monroe did all of that and more with this true gem of horror and literature.
This novel in particular was personally horrifying to me. I am terrified of the very concept of motherhood, and I never want to experience it myself, as just the thought of being pregnant or having to raise a child sends a shiver down my spine. So this book was essentially my biggest fears staring back at me through the pages. And usually I would think that this kind of story is so far removed from my existence that it wouldn't actually affect me that much. However, having a queer woman take on that bone chilling role of motherhood and seeing from the beginning how terrified she was of being a mother, made her extremely relatable to me and I found it impossible to remove myself from the narrative. I felt so deeply connected to her and it made the entire reading experience so incredibly potent.
Of course, as I do with every horror novel, I read this in the pitch darkness of my bedroom, with nothing but one creepy candle by my bedside and my chilling horror album to keep my company. And I have genuinely been haunted for the past couple of weeks. I see the monster from this story in the corner of my eye and in every dark shadowy space. My brain makes up jump scares that take me by surprise on random brightly lit weekday afternoons. For most I would assume that this would not be a positive thing, but I have had such a fun and exciting experience with this. And the only reason it took me so long to get through it is that it was quite emotionally draining, and I needed to take my time to understand the depth of every message Monroe communicates to the reader.
Monroe also makes a genius literary choice by having Olivia's chapters, the young mother, be written in third person POV and Shannon's, the older mother, in first person POV. It so completely skewed with your perception of who was losing their sanity, who could be trusted, who was lying, and who was seeing the truth. It was so effective and it was only when I was discussing the book with a friend that I even realized that there was a POV switch, and just how incredible of a move it was.
The whole book is an amazing allegory for the complexities of motherhood: the way others treat you, the way you start to treat yourself, the doubt, the fear, the unwavering and unconditional love you have for your child and how that very love is the most terrifying thing a human can experience. I really do not have a better word for this novel other than simply genius.
I cannot recommend it enough and I will be thinking about this book, probably forever. It's going straight to the top of my horror recommendation list and I will scream about it until I have run out of breath.
Source: NetGalley
This novel in particular was personally horrifying to me. I am terrified of the very concept of motherhood, and I never want to experience it myself, as just the thought of being pregnant or having to raise a child sends a shiver down my spine. So this book was essentially my biggest fears staring back at me through the pages. And usually I would think that this kind of story is so far removed from my existence that it wouldn't actually affect me that much. However, having a queer woman take on that bone chilling role of motherhood and seeing from the beginning how terrified she was of being a mother, made her extremely relatable to me and I found it impossible to remove myself from the narrative. I felt so deeply connected to her and it made the entire reading experience so incredibly potent.
Of course, as I do with every horror novel, I read this in the pitch darkness of my bedroom, with nothing but one creepy candle by my bedside and my chilling horror album to keep my company. And I have genuinely been haunted for the past couple of weeks. I see the monster from this story in the corner of my eye and in every dark shadowy space. My brain makes up jump scares that take me by surprise on random brightly lit weekday afternoons. For most I would assume that this would not be a positive thing, but I have had such a fun and exciting experience with this. And the only reason it took me so long to get through it is that it was quite emotionally draining, and I needed to take my time to understand the depth of every message Monroe communicates to the reader.
Monroe also makes a genius literary choice by having Olivia's chapters, the young mother, be written in third person POV and Shannon's, the older mother, in first person POV. It so completely skewed with your perception of who was losing their sanity, who could be trusted, who was lying, and who was seeing the truth. It was so effective and it was only when I was discussing the book with a friend that I even realized that there was a POV switch, and just how incredible of a move it was.
The whole book is an amazing allegory for the complexities of motherhood: the way others treat you, the way you start to treat yourself, the doubt, the fear, the unwavering and unconditional love you have for your child and how that very love is the most terrifying thing a human can experience. I really do not have a better word for this novel other than simply genius.
I cannot recommend it enough and I will be thinking about this book, probably forever. It's going straight to the top of my horror recommendation list and I will scream about it until I have run out of breath.
Source: NetGalley
April 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.5)
🌶️🌶️
Thank you NetGalley, Katrina Monroe, and Poisoned Pen Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review of Graveyard of Lost Children (coming out May 9th!)
I was so excited to read this book. I loved books that have a similar vibe -- Jennifer McMahon's Winter People, Ashley Audrain's The Push -- but sadly, this book did not live up to my expectations. I went into the story thinking I knew what the general theme would be, but became progressively more and more confused as the story went on. It sort of came around in the end, but by then the book felt too long, and I'd been kept in the dark for too much of the narrative that I'd lost my investment in figuring out what in the world was going on.
Also, this book hits on a lot of important topics related to mental health, like post partum depression, yet provides an extremely inaccurate portrayal of mental health treatment. All these mothers who are being held against their will indefinitely is wild. Maybe if this book took place before the 90s I could have bought into the idea. But institutionalizing people like this is very difficult nowadays, as it should be! I won't even go into how the criminal justice system plays a role in mental health care in America. But the kind of involuntary commitment to a state hospital that's shown in this book is for someone with significant and persistent mental illness AND committed major crimes AND failed at community health care facilities. But for some reason Shannon just skipped the whole criminal justice system, technically committed no crimes, and ended up hospitalized indefinitely for decades after America was deinstitutionalized. AND the reader is supposed to believe Olivia is at risk of something similar happening to her present-day. Who is her insurance and why are they willing to pay for that lol.
I get that this book was fiction, but it's also supposed to make us think about real life, PPD, our culture's treatment and expectations of women, etc. I think that was ruined for me by the way it then inaccurately portrayed society's treatment of mothers and mental illness. Overall, I was intrigued by the story but I think the message trying to be conveyed got convoluted.
For 2023, I’ll be using this rating scale:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I mourned the ending of this journey 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really enjoyed and would recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was fine
⭐️⭐️ I didn’t enjoy this journey
⭐️ I dnf’d or wish I’d dnf’d
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ this is smutty smutty erotica 🥵
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ medium burn / heat @ 50% or later
🌶️🌶️🌶️ slow burn / heat @ 75% or later
🌶️🌶️ romantic b plot / closed door / YA romance
🌶️ no romance
🌶️🌶️
Thank you NetGalley, Katrina Monroe, and Poisoned Pen Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review of Graveyard of Lost Children (coming out May 9th!)
I was so excited to read this book. I loved books that have a similar vibe -- Jennifer McMahon's Winter People, Ashley Audrain's The Push -- but sadly, this book did not live up to my expectations. I went into the story thinking I knew what the general theme would be, but became progressively more and more confused as the story went on. It sort of came around in the end, but by then the book felt too long, and I'd been kept in the dark for too much of the narrative that I'd lost my investment in figuring out what in the world was going on.
Also, this book hits on a lot of important topics related to mental health, like post partum depression, yet provides an extremely inaccurate portrayal of mental health treatment. All these mothers who are being held against their will indefinitely is wild. Maybe if this book took place before the 90s I could have bought into the idea. But institutionalizing people like this is very difficult nowadays, as it should be! I won't even go into how the criminal justice system plays a role in mental health care in America. But the kind of involuntary commitment to a state hospital that's shown in this book is for someone with significant and persistent mental illness AND committed major crimes AND failed at community health care facilities. But for some reason Shannon just skipped the whole criminal justice system, technically committed no crimes, and ended up hospitalized indefinitely for decades after America was deinstitutionalized. AND the reader is supposed to believe Olivia is at risk of something similar happening to her present-day. Who is her insurance and why are they willing to pay for that lol.
I get that this book was fiction, but it's also supposed to make us think about real life, PPD, our culture's treatment and expectations of women, etc. I think that was ruined for me by the way it then inaccurately portrayed society's treatment of mothers and mental illness. Overall, I was intrigued by the story but I think the message trying to be conveyed got convoluted.
For 2023, I’ll be using this rating scale:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I mourned the ending of this journey 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really enjoyed and would recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was fine
⭐️⭐️ I didn’t enjoy this journey
⭐️ I dnf’d or wish I’d dnf’d
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ this is smutty smutty erotica 🥵
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ medium burn / heat @ 50% or later
🌶️🌶️🌶️ slow burn / heat @ 75% or later
🌶️🌶️ romantic b plot / closed door / YA romance
🌶️ no romance
May 9, 2023
I was enraptured with Katrina Monroe's talent since I discovered her debut novel, THEY DROWN OUR DAUGHTERS. Her newest, GRAVEYARD OF LOST CHILDREN (Release May 9), is equivalently stunning and I predict will touch the hearts of every mother and grandmother, and anybody who feels! Olivia and Shannon and even Shannon's mother (a tougher lady to admire) elicit empathy even as they err and sometimes fail. I think GRAVEYARD OF LOST CHILDREN will be especially poignant for new mothers; but then, what mother forgets those early days? So, apropos for us all!
Even though the theme of mental health (postpartum depression, Imposter syndrome--where the newborn is viewed as a changeling) is strong throughout, and heartwrenching, as a number of young mothers strive to work through loss and grief and their own troubled minds, there is also an ongoing thread weaving through that could be considered Paranormal (and I, of course, choose to do so), with the mysterious, elusive, recurring, mostly undesired, "black-haired woman" (which I continually noted as "black-eyed"). I think this is a case when the reader can choose for herself: is it strictly psychological? Is it psychological fomenting by Paranormal? Or is it solely Paranormal?
Even though the theme of mental health (postpartum depression, Imposter syndrome--where the newborn is viewed as a changeling) is strong throughout, and heartwrenching, as a number of young mothers strive to work through loss and grief and their own troubled minds, there is also an ongoing thread weaving through that could be considered Paranormal (and I, of course, choose to do so), with the mysterious, elusive, recurring, mostly undesired, "black-haired woman" (which I continually noted as "black-eyed"). I think this is a case when the reader can choose for herself: is it strictly psychological? Is it psychological fomenting by Paranormal? Or is it solely Paranormal?
January 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.
This book was DARK and CREEPY, but soooo good!
This book is told from the perspectives of Olivia and Shannon, who both after birth suffer issues with postpartum depression and mental heath. However, there is also the dark haired women who is seem by both women. This book has you wondering if there is a dark presence taking over the women, or is it mental health?
I highly suggest this book if mental health and post partum depression are not triggers.
This book was DARK and CREEPY, but soooo good!
This book is told from the perspectives of Olivia and Shannon, who both after birth suffer issues with postpartum depression and mental heath. However, there is also the dark haired women who is seem by both women. This book has you wondering if there is a dark presence taking over the women, or is it mental health?
I highly suggest this book if mental health and post partum depression are not triggers.
Read
November 13, 2022Oh my GOD this book! It completely captured my attention from start to finish. Are there paranormal goings on, or is it generational mental illness? The unreliable narrators (two of them!) will leave you guessing, and the deeply dark tentacles of story weaving, love, loss and fear will sink deep into your psyche. This is an amazing book and definitely worth the read.
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