This was the grabbiest thing I read all month. It starts with a chance encounter between a gay American named Jake and a Japanese businesswoman named Mariko, in an airport; both discover that they’ve lost someone close to them, in an eerily similar way: their personalities changed, they died of heart failure after agitated behaviour, and autopsies showed them both with situs inversus, a condition where all your organs are on the wrong sides of your body. The conversation leads Jake into a globe-hopping quest to track down the mysterious photographer who befriended his best pal and Mariko’s brother before their deaths, a woman he’s convinced is somehow responsible. (He’s not wrong.) His conversations with people who’ve encountered her are intercut with a present-day narrative entitled “Badlands”, set in the southwestern US, where the photographer is about to go hiking in the wilderness with a vulnerable young influencer-wannabe. The tension in these scenes is incredible; we just know something bad is going to happen, but we have no idea what, and Barker balances uncertainty with sickening conviction so well. Eventually, Jake catches up with the photographer and the two strands merge, in a finale that truly shocked me not so much for its violence—though its violence is brutal and all the more effective for coming virtually out of nowhere—as for the plot decisions it makes, the characters that the narrative eventually throws its weight behind. Almost by definition the novel feels very Lovecraftian, but there’s also a touch of Sarah Perry’s Melmoth here (in theme, if not in style), and some of the bleak Western horror-beauty of No Country for Old Men. Impossible to put down and highly recommended, this has strong book-of-the-year list potential.

OMG this was a spine tingling, epic scary read. Another of the books i couldnt put down, it is a scary story of a quest to stop evil. Highly recommended#OldSoul #NetGalley.

This was a bit of a roller coaster ride of a read for me. This book is made up of quite a few narratives with a common character threading through them all until the end where a number of the narratives link together. There were narratives I really enjoyed and others less so, however, I think something really clicked about 50% through that kept me wanting to keep reading. This is quite a slow and steady dark read and whilst perhaps not a horror it is quite creepy.

Sadly I had to DNF this book at 33% as I was not enjoying it.
The idea behind the book sounded very intriguing and I was looking forward to getting stuck into it. Unfortunately, because of the way it was written I found it difficult to follow what was happening and to create a connection to the characters. The stories, although all featuring the same woman killing people in a very unique way, felt disjointed and the violence felt gratuitous. I felt it was there only for the shock factor. In the end, I was not really sure what was going on and what the book was trying to say.
I also didn't like the lack of speech marks; it works, sometimes. But in this case, it just made a chaotic narration even more confusing.

Sadly, this wasn't the book for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When two grieving strangers meet by chance in Osaka airport they uncover a disturbing connection. Jake's best friend and Mariko's twin brother each died, 6,000 miles apart, in brutal and unfathomable circumstances.

I struggled with this initially, as I couldn’t fathom where it was going, but then got into its rhythm. At times, I got mixed up with who was narrating but, putting that aside, it’s a very readable story. Well written and it progresses at a good pace. There are a lot of characters to get used to as the plot skips along. It was a good read.

This book was amazing, what a terrifying and gripping story. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This was such a fascinating premise and so creepy! The way the story unveiled through testimonies was really clever too with how it juxtaposed with the events happening in the present timeline. We have a character chasing after stories of a dark haired woman after whom death shortly follows. This happens to the character’s friend and when he realises it wasn’t a sole occurrence he starts to seek out others who this has happened to. He searches out the loved ones of those who died, learning how they changed leading up to their deaths. This was such a clever way of giving us the different puzzle pieces to work out what was happening with the dark haired woman.

The writing was tense, evocative and frequently quite dark. The stories take place across many countries and landscapes and it’s just enough to give you the full picture of what’s happened, timed perfectly.

The only reason this didn’t get five stars for me was that the author didn’t use speech marks. This was quite jarring and confusing at times. I wasn’t sure if sometimes it was thoughts, action or speech. I know this doesn’t bother some people but I found it was pulling me out of the story when I was trying to work it out. This would have been completely enthralling otherwise.

caught me off guard! fantastic cover, incredible synopsys and the same can be said about Barker's writing. Definetly a must read. Not necessarily reinventing the wheel but manages to stand on its own and engage the reader. Fantastic writing and superb twists! Will keep an eye out for the author's new releases

A creepy well written novel. Jake and Mariko meet in an airport and find out that Jake's friend and Mariko's brother die in the same mysterious circumstances though different continents. Good characters and a plot that will keep you hooked. Thanks to Penquin UK/Fig tree and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Old Soul is one of those books that starts strong and compelling but goes on way longer than it should have done.

The opening with Jake and Mariko was arresting; the kind of opening that makes you sit up straight and settle in for what is sure to be a gripping read. The pair meet by chance when they both miss a flight at Kansai International Airport. As they get to know one another, it first seems like they have nothing in common, but soon they reach a chilling realisation: they each knew someone who died in the same disturbing and mysterious way.

What connects both these deaths, thousands of miles apart, is the appearance of a strange woman in the weeks leading up to the end. This new understanding leads Jake around the world in pursuit of answers.

The chapters alternate between Jake gathering testimonies from various people who have also lost loved ones to this mysterious woman, and the woman honing in on her next victim.

I have often expressed disagreement with Kirkus reviewers, but I think in this case they got it completely right. The longer this story dragged on, the more the tension drained out of it. Jake's investigations feel like a series of short stories, ones that became repetitive after a while. The eerie, mysterious woman, once well-explained, became far less eerie and not at all mysterious.

It was like the author built up all this tension in the first 25% or so, then just allowed it to slowly fade away over the rest of the book. By around the 75% mark, my interest had waned.

This is a book that took me a long time to get into and which, at about 20% and again at about 40% I seriously considered giving up on. This is rare for me - I hate to not finish a book. Having now finished Old Souls, am I glad I persevered to the end? On balance, yes. The book did improve as I progressed. I could see how the different vignettes fitted together and that the book ultimately came together as a whole - a dark, and disturbing whole thought it was. I don't mind horror books - although I wouldn't say they were my favourite genre. But there were elements of this book that felt just too chilling, dark, and depressing. I'm grateful to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC but I'm afraid that it just didn't do it for me.

This novel is a sort of horror which creeps up on you. At the start we have Jake who misses his flight back from Japan. He meets an wealthy Japanese woman who has also missed the flight and they share a drink. During their conversation she talks about the shocking death of her twin brother from who she was estranged which shocks Jake. For several years he has been mourning the death of his childhood friend, Lena, who also died in strange circumstances. He can see parallels between these two seemingly random deaths, especially as both the brother and Lena seem to have encountered a German photographer shortly before their deaths. Jake determines to find out more and begins to investigate, get testimonies from those who have also lost those close to them in similarly strange circumstances - a journey that takes him across Europe and America. The book is made up of testimonies of those who are grieving and the stories they tell reveal that there is a woman who seems to be involved every time. Her name might change, but she is predatory. Interspersed with these testaments are sections titled ‘The Badlands’ which is is present time and we are able to see the woman in action, we are able to watch her with her latest victim. Our ‘predator’ also gives us some perspective on her live - the spiral that she is caught up in and the Tyrant she serves. An unsettling story with an ending I’m still not sure about.

Did not finish. Stopped at 25% as I simply do not have a clue what is going on, I’ve literally lost the plot. I was excited to read this one, the premise of the synopsis sounded great. Sadly, just not for me.

I really couldn't gel with this book at all. I really liked the cover and the synopsis. It completely drew me in.

However, I don't know wether it was just the way my digital copy was formatted or if this is how it's meant to be. There was no indication as in quotation marks to let us know when a character was talking. I got confused when there was more than one character in a scene, as the narrative was just all thrown in there.

I tried my hardest to understand what was going on. But, even at 20% there hadn't been much happening apart from a lot of different characters getting introduced. Different locations and times. It just didn't sit well in my head and there was no clear clarification.

A thriller that is enjoyable but repetitive to the point of irritation. As a reader you have a brain that can take in information and hold it there for the duration of a book. As an author you have to trust your reader’s capabilities and not over write everything.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this chance to read this book.

Interesting concept, but I was really lost in the random characters popping up with out any real reason, and the deaths in it all felt very cut and paste of each other after the first couple.
I found it difficult to care about what happened and the world didn't keep me engaged either.

Sorry, this book wasn't for me. I felt I was walking through a fog with odd characters appearing and disappearing. Each time I didn't learn enough about the characters to be interested in what happened to them. The style of writing didn't help. The story line sounded good and a wonder if it would work as a TV mini-series condensed to about 3 hours.

the deaths are always the same. the woman appears. she befriends her victim. and soon after, they're dead, in the same gruesome, devastating way. when the grieving relatives of two victims meet by chance, they discover that they're not alone. can she be stopped? and what will it cost?

this is a really strong thriller, with escalating tension and a truly creepy villain. but the standout strength of this book is its characters: throughout centuries, we meet her victims and uncover their pasts, and each one's death feels devastating. that gives it so much pathos and makes the final confrontation so gripping. i absolutely devoured this.

thank you NetGalley for my review copy!

I have mixed feelings about horror books as if they verge too much into the world of the supernatural then I quickly lose interest. Luckily "Old Soul" by Susan Barker is on the right side of horror for me, and can be likened to Stephen King with a bit of Japanese horror and Woman in Black chucked in. The book seems to be divided into two parts - stories of those who have encountered the "woman" and then the story of the "woman" herself. I found the stories of encounters with the "woman" more captivating and mysterious as like when you are shown how a magic trick is done, it loses something. This would make a great film or tv drama.

Old Soul is a book that’s shrouded in mystery from the first page. I loved the poetic and haunting writing. The themes are deep and engaging. The way the story flows is also interesting, we have a search for answers, an investigation of sorts and get pulled into the varied stories. This may sound complex but it is beautifully crafted creating a compelling reading experience. Overall a stunning literary horror that ends masterfully.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

*Old Soul* by Susan Barker is a beautifully written and haunting exploration of life, death, and reincarnation, blending elements of spirituality, memory, and the supernatural into a profound narrative. The novel spans generations, centuries, and even lifetimes, weaving a tale about the unbreakable thread that connects people, souls, and experiences. With its evocative prose, complex characters, and philosophical underpinnings, *Old Soul* is a work that demands deep reflection and engages the reader’s heart and mind in equal measure.

### Plot Overview:
At the heart of *Old Soul* is **Juliet**, a woman who is born with the unique ability to remember her past lives. Throughout the novel, she is caught in a continual cycle of death and rebirth, each life offering her both answers and new questions about her existence. As Juliet ages and accumulates memories from her past selves, she grapples with the idea of identity and how each lifetime shapes who she is in the present moment.

The novel traces her journey through multiple lifetimes, each of which is framed in a different historical and cultural context, creating a sense of timelessness. Juliet's past lives reflect not only her individual experiences but also the cultural shifts and personal struggles that resonate through time. As she moves through the centuries, her understanding of life, love, and loss deepens, and she begins to question whether there is a greater purpose to her eternal cycle or if she is doomed to repeat the same patterns without resolution.

The structure of the novel is non-linear, with different chapters exploring various periods of Juliet’s reincarnated lives, as well as her attempts to understand the world around her from the perspective of her past selves. This gives the book an episodic quality, allowing the reader to experience multiple layers of narrative while also creating a deep, philosophical exploration of existence and the concept of eternal return.

### Character Development:
Juliet is a fascinating and multi-dimensional protagonist. Her struggles with the weight of her memories are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making her both relatable and enigmatic. As she recalls the lives she’s lived before, she is confronted with questions of personal agency, fate, and whether the accumulation of lifetimes leads to wisdom or simply adds to her confusion and emotional burden. Juliet’s search for meaning and understanding, as well as her relationships with those she meets in each life, makes her a compelling figure whose journey is both personal and universal.

The supporting characters, who come in and out of her various lifetimes, are equally well-crafted. Each person represents a different facet of Juliet’s journey and serves as a reflection of the evolving themes of the novel. From romantic partners to friends and even enemies, these characters provide important insights into Juliet's development and into the nature of human connection across time.

The interactions between Juliet and the people she encounters allow the novel to explore a variety of emotions—love, loss, betrayal, and hope—offering a deep dive into the complexity of relationships. There is a constant tension between the knowledge that she will eventually lose those she cares about (as they pass on while she reincarnates) and her desire to fully experience love and human connection in the present.

### Writing Style:
Barker’s prose is rich and evocative, with an almost lyrical quality that enhances the novel’s spiritual and emotional themes. Her writing has a reflective, meditative tone that complements the novel's philosophical nature. The structure, which moves through different time periods and perspectives, can be disorienting at times, but this only adds to the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates the story.

The narrative weaves between past and present effortlessly, and Barker uses vivid, sensory language to transport the reader to different worlds, eras, and environments. This ability to evoke the feel of different times and places is one of the strengths of the novel. Whether exploring ancient civilizations, early 20th-century life, or modern-day concerns, the settings come alive through Barker’s careful descriptions.

The pacing of the novel is slower, allowing for deep introspection and a gradual unfolding of the mysteries surrounding Juliet's existence. However, this pace is never tedious—rather, it invites the reader to engage with the material thoughtfully and to ponder the larger themes at hand.

### Themes and Symbolism:
*Old Soul* is rich with themes of **reincarnation**, **identity**, **love**, **loss**, and **memory**. The novel questions the nature of the self and how much of who we are is shaped by our past experiences. Through Juliet’s multiple lives, the reader is invited to explore the idea of continuity and change—how we are both the same and different with each new iteration of our lives.

**The passage of time** is another central theme. Barker deftly explores the cyclical nature of existence, showing how each life, though distinct, is inextricably linked to the others. The idea that souls are reborn over and over again is not presented as a simple metaphysical concept but as something that carries with it both the burden and beauty of memory. Juliet’s memories of her past lives influence her actions and emotions in her present life, making her journey a perpetual quest for understanding and closure.

Another important theme is **human connection**. The novel examines how deeply we are impacted by the people in our lives and how those relationships transcend time. Juliet's experience of love, grief, and connection across lifetimes suggests that some bonds are too strong to be broken by death and time.

The **symbolism** of reincarnation itself is pervasive throughout the novel. The way Juliet lives multiple lives is a metaphor for the human desire to find meaning in the cycle of life and death. It raises questions about destiny, free will, and the possibility of learning from our past mistakes, as well as whether we can ever truly escape our past selves.

### Emotional Impact:
*Old Soul* is deeply moving, and its philosophical explorations of life, death, and rebirth have the potential to resonate with readers on an emotional level. The novel does not shy away from the profound sadness of losing loved ones, nor does it overlook the beauty of connection and love that persists beyond time. Juliet’s journey is as much about personal evolution as it is about the universal search for meaning in the face of mortality.

The emotional weight of the novel comes from its exploration of the fragility of life and the enduring nature of love, making it a meditation on the cyclical nature of human existence. The connections between people, even when they are only fleeting in one life, are shown to have a lasting impact.

### Final Thoughts:
*Old Soul* by Susan Barker is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of reincarnation, memory, and the connections that transcend time. Through the lens of Juliet’s multiple lives, the book invites readers to reflect on the nature of identity, love, and human connection, while also challenging us to consider the larger questions of existence. Barker’s evocative prose and well-crafted characters ensure that *Old Soul* is a powerful and memorable read that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

For those who enjoy philosophical fiction with elements of magical realism and deep emotional resonance, *Old Soul* is a book worth reading. It is a complex, deeply reflective work that will leave you contemplating your own soul's journey through time.