oooooooo yessssss. the atmosphere of this book was exactly what it was supposed to be. Everything about it just fit. yesyesyes

A really enjoyable page turner which follows the unbreakable bond of two sisters, and the mysterious moss which haunts them. It kept me guessing until the end, and is the perfect read for all thriller lovers!

Initially, I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish this book but I am pleased I did.
The Moss is a gothic mystery about a girl whose mother and sister disappeared into a strange bog outside her house. The gloomy and tense atmosphere Lueddecke creates is masterful and permeates the story entirely, creating a constant sense of foreboding. However, I found myself not entirely enthralled. The real action only truly starts about 75% of the way in and, though that section is well crafted and written, the rest of the story seems to lack pace. It is almost as if they weren't sure what was in the Moss but kept writing until an idea came.
Truly the reason to read this novel is for Lueddecke's skill in imagery. I could imagine every awful inch of the Moss through her words and I will look out for her books again for just this reason.
If you liked the work of Kate Alice Marshall I think this would be for you.

This had me hooked from start to finish and one of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved the atmosphere, the writing, the characters, the intrigue. I have read several of the authors previous works, but this one was definitely my favourite. Brilliant!

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.