The Moss by Lisa Lueddecke is a beautifully atmospheric and haunting tale that immerses readers in a world of mystery and magic. Lueddecke's lyrical prose brings the eerie, moss-covered landscape to life, creating an enchanting yet unsettling backdrop for the story. The novel explores themes of isolation, courage, and the secrets hidden within nature, following a protagonist whose journey is both captivating and emotionally resonant. With its richly drawn characters and an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing, The Moss is a spellbinding read that transports you to a place where the lines between reality and folklore blur.

Absolutely LOVED The Moss, a completely atmospheric mystery, that flicks between the now and the past. It's so descriptive of the pull Emma feels towards the boggy area near their house that their dad has always warned her about. Stay away, you scream at her! The Moss seems to have a dark identity that lures first Emma's mother and then her sister into it's cold embrace. Emma is determined not to follow in their footsteps, ignoring the ghosts she sees and attempts to unlock the mystery surrounding previous owners of the house. She thinks that somewhere in the cold her sister is still alive, will she solve the mystery and rescue her before the pull becomes too much to ignore?
Creepy and atmospheric - a total gem!

The Moss is a young adult horror that takes place in a haunted, strange house steeped in a dark presence of some sort, situated next to a bog which lures people in - those who have a gifted sight & seeps into their very being & their very souls. It had such a good premise & had a really strong opening & a really strong finish - but it unfortunately dragged in the middle for me a little. Strong characterisation and I absolutely adored the vibe. This is definitely a novel I'd recommend for anyone looking for an eerie & subtle horror story with mystical vibes.

Beautifully written and eerie, this is one of the most atmospheric YA novels I’ve read in a long time. The sense of haunting and unresolved grief is so vividly conveyed. I’m easily spooked, but the writing was strong enough to hold me through it!

Received this book as an arc from NetGalley.

I loved the premise, tone and pacing of this book. However there was something that kinda dragged for me. Emma is such a good protagonist, strong, caring I really enjoyed her character.
It was a very good erie kinda creepy book that id suggest to anyone looking for that kind of read.


(3.5 stars)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.

Seventeen-year-old Emma is haunted. Not just by ghosts but by her sister's disappearance into the Moss, the giant bog near their house.

The book starts with one of the best opening sentences I've ever read. You know it's going to be a good book when it starts off so well.

The Moss is depicted with pitch-perfect descriptions as a sentient, malevolent area. Lisa expertly conjures up an eerie, spine-tingling atmosphere thanks to her incredible gift for description. And Lisa's wonderful use of language is obvious throughout the entire book - I don't think I've ever used the highlight feature quite so generously but her descriptions are so beautiful, visceral and hard-hitting without being overwhelming that I know I'll want to go back and read them again.

I also loved the character of Emma. Her feisty nature and the way she stood up for herself were admirable. It's nice to read about a heroine who doesn't let people away with too much!

I will watch Lisa's career with interest and can't wait to read her next book.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this review contains my own unbiased thoughts.

Emma lives with her father in an old house in Maine. Beside the house is a mysterious, misty bog, called the Moss, which her father warns her never to enter. But he gave the same instruction to Emma’s sister, Eve. A year ago Eve vanished and, before that, so did the girls’ mother. With two mysterious tragedies befalling the same family, the townsfolk and police suspect the father. However, Emma is sure neither disappearance was his doing. Part of her senses Eve is still alive. Sinister voices and visions lure Emma towards the Moss. Although mindful of her father’s warning, she finds it ever harder to resist the call. With the help of school friend Jordan, she researches the house’s previous owners and discovers a treacherous history. Did something similar happen to Eve? To their mother? Does the same fate await Emma?
The writing evokes the power of nature and legend, and builds a creeping sense of menace and doom.
Although the novel is categorised as Young Adult, it felt more like adult literary fiction, along the lines of folkloric coming-of-age stories such as Lucie McKnight Hardy’s Water Shall Refuse Them or Ruth Gilligan’s The Butchers.
A good read. With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.