Published by Poison Pen Press Genres: Fiction, Horror
Format: ARC, eBook
For generations the Hull family has owned Gallows Hill Winery. They live on the property with their staff, and everything seems fine until Mr. and Mrs. Hull are found dead in their beds. Margot, their daughter has inherited the home and winery.
Gallows Hill has an infamous past. It is the site where hundreds of convicts were hanged. Locals say the ground is cursed. Margot hasn’t been to the home in a decade but as she settles in, she begins to believe the curse is real and that may be next!
The beginning of this book was a slow burn and I struggle with slow burns. I kept waiting for something – anything scary to happen. The later part of the book brings on the frights. It occurs in stages but once you hear the bells, you know things are about to get real- real fast! Finally!
I would have loved more action in the beginning of the book, more tension, but as I mentioned things do pick up the second half of the book. This was not my favorite book by Coats (my favorite being From Below) but I did enjoy the book once things picked up.
Coates is great at weaving tension and chills in her books. There are things here that go bump in the night, there is a curse, family secrets, and a dark history tied to Gallows Hill. Plus, there is a golden retriever in the book!
Although this book was not my favorite book by the author, I can’t wait to see what she writes next.