The book was a joy to read, especially as someone who enjoys mystery and thriller stories. The eerie atmosphere is established right from the first chapter, immediately pulling me in. I also loved how the story was told—it felt interactive in a way that constantly pushed me to think and piece together the mysteries of the strange houses myself. Overall, it was a deeply satisfying and immersive read.

At first, I wasn’t really hooked on the book. But as I kept reading and followed Gabe, Julia, and Elizabeth’s intertwined stories, I found myself slowly falling in love with it. It explores love, life, and grief—but more than that, it highlights the relationships we encounter along the way. We never truly know how the people we meet will come to matter in our lives, and I think the book captured that beautifully. Reading it felt like I was walking alongside Julia as she uncovered the realities and hidden parts of Gabe’s life that she never knew. Still, I didn’t find myself rooting for them to end up together. Their relationship felt confusing, always lingering in a gray area—uncertain and unresolved. I think what they both lacked was communication and closure. They couldn’t fully accept whether their chapter had truly ended because they kept crossing that same blurred line without ever moving past it. I also couldn’t help but side with Elizabeth. Her initial reactions and the way she treated Julia felt valid. They were all grieving, and suddenly, someone from a part of Gabe’s life she never knew about was entering hers. As she said, grief comes in waves, and she was still trying to navigate that when everything became even more complicated. Nonetheless, I was so happy and relieved that Elizabeth and Julia were able to find peace with each other and build a relationship. It was especially heartwarming to see Julia interact with Elizabeth’s daughter. As I was reading, I kept hoping they would become friends—because, in a way, they’re both connected by the same person, Gabe. Having each other gives them someone to lean on and someone who truly understands what the other is going through.

I didn’t particularly enjoy reading this book. There’s little in it that feels engaging or exciting, and the plot comes across as flat and overly predictable, which made it a disappointing read overall. While there are a few well-written lines, much of the dialogue feels unnatural and awkward. The characters also didn’t resonate with me—Gareth, in particular, was especially irritating. His interactions with Hyacinth lacked any real spark and often felt forced, making their dynamic unconvincing.