We're following Vesper returning to her estranged, cult-adjacent family for a wedding, and this book seems to rely heavily on her dry, sarcastic voice to carry the story. The writing is definitely easy to get into and quite conversational, with a good mix of dark humour and unease, though the pacing and character depth can feel a bit uneven at times. I liked the direction of the story, but it's nothing really too amazing. It’s certainly an interesting blend of horror and family drama, even if it doesn’t fully lean into either side.

Completely blew me away, Kylie Lee Baker has officially solidified herself as an autobuy author for me with this one. It’s one of those books where you know there’s a million pieces moving under the surface, but you don’t fully see the shape of it until the very end and then it all comes together. The dual timelines (following Lee in the present and Sen in the past) are woven together so seamlessly, and the way their stories echo each other across time is honestly kind of breathtaking. I loved that every detail mattered, even when I didn't realize it yet.

The atmosphere was my favourite aspect. It's so dark, claustrophobic, and deeply unsettling which seems to be Baker's forte when thinking about Bat Eater in comparison. She does descriptive prose and dread so incredibly well. The horror does an incredible job with what’s lurking in the shadows, but also has a focus on grief, history, and the weight of generational trauma. The house itself feels alive, shifting and watching, and the blend of Japanese folklore with this eerie, almost dreamlike storytelling makes everything feel so surreal at the same time. And the characters, especially Lee and Sen, are so painfully human that I couldn't help but get attached. I felt so much pain for them. Their connection, even without romance, carries so much emotionality behind it.

This is horror with a heartbeat. This is the genre Baker absolutely thrives in. It’s so beautifully written, haunting, and genuinely affecting. I needed answers from the very first chapter, and while I was constantly theorizing, it somehow it still managed to surprise me. The author’s note is 100% worth reading after, as well! Just so, so extraordinary.

*Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.