The Visitors is Catherine Burns debut novel. It’s a dark crime/horror novel.
Marion lives with her brother in their family home. She’s an older lady, never married and still sleeps with her teddy bears. She’s childlike in many ways and dominated by her unpleasant older brother, who keeps a secret in the cellar.
Firstly, it’s well written, thoughtful and atmospheric. I found the characters well developed. Marion and John’s parents were somewhat cliche but this could have been due to Marion’s memories of them. Marion, herself has many of her own secrets. Although, initially it may appear that John and his secret is the main plot line, it is Marion’s story that takes the center stage. I read it in a day and a half. It flowed well and I wanted to peel back the secrets and get to the truth.
This novel makes us question reality, daydreams and memories. Marion lives very much in her head as her reality is dull and at times, frightening. She seems a creature,who hides from the real world. Is evil when you turn a blind eye to things you know are wrong? Can fear and weakness make a person evil? Marion closes her eyes to many things going on around her but sometimes doing nothing is the greatest evil of them all. It’s not my usual genre of reading but I enjoyed this book. The ending was refreshingly different. I think this would make a great readers group book as there is plenty of content to discuss.
4 out 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for this eArc copy for an honest review.
Once Upon The Wytching Hour 