Scuttler’s Cove is an eerie, atmospheric novel folk horror novel from David Barnett. I have never read anything from this author but I definitely will after reading this! The basic premise involves two women, one returning to her childhood hometown and one recently widowed who is summering in the same time. Odd events start happening and the story just gets creepier as it goes on. The plot had my attention throughout and the cast of characters was great as well. I was also pretty surprised by a twist at the end. Definitely would recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this eARC.

This was such an atmospheric eerie tale that slowly built up throughout the book. Loved the characters so much, felt like I was right there with them. This was well depicted to the point I could see the imagery in my mind like a horror movie. Will definitely follow this author now!

The author portrays a very vivid setting and has come up with an interesting premise in this novel. However, for me, the extensive cast list resulted in insufficient character development, so I found it hard to feel truly engaged with them all.

Some passages also felt a little repetitive, which is more of an editing issue. The themes of gentrification and the greed of man destroying the world were slightly over-egged. Such points were made then repeated over and over which makes the reader feel like the author thinks they have not been paying attention!

Wow! Some of the best things I've read in a while. I'm a sucker for folk horror and this really takes it to another level. The writing is gripping and vivid. The setting is beautifully creepy. David Barnett is now on my auto buy list. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Scuttler's Cove by David Barnett is an absolute triumph of suspense and atmosphere, brilliantly blending dark mystery with a sense of eerie wonder. Barnett’s writing is both sharp and immersive, capturing the haunting setting of Scuttler’s Cove with such vivid detail that it feels like a character in itself. The plot is full of twists and turns, each more captivating than the last, with a strong undercurrent of psychological tension. The characters are richly developed, their motivations and complexities driving the story forward. This is a masterclass in gothic storytelling—gripping, chilling, and unforgettable. A must-read for fans of atmospheric horror books.

This is an entertainingly creepy folk horror tale, with some sympathetic leads and some realistically nasty DFLs. The sense of place is excellent, this really feels like the small Cornish villages I know, and there’s plenty of rising mystery and palpable dread. A very entertaining read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I only finished 'Withered Hill' what feels like recently, and I absolutely adored it. I did not, for a minute, think that I would be treated to a second iteration from David Barnett so soon, and I did not think that I would love it as much (in different ways) as 'Withered Hill'. But 'Scuttler's Cove' delivers, with a whole new cast of characters, as well as a plot that is equally as creeping and haunting as the former novel, but with a collection of different elements.

Good folk horror is hard to find, particularly good folk horror that feels and looks like the peak of the genre. This is definitely a prime example, however. This book is less violent than the predecessor, but it is equally as punchy. As someone who lives in a quasi-tourist town where you have a begrudgingly symbiotic relationship with those who come to visit and those who have always been there, 'Scuttler's Cove' was the perfect example of the awkward meeting of those things, with some nastiness chucked in.

The characters were compelling, and those who were meant to be bad were a 'love to hate' situation. Merrin and Jen were wonderfully written, and multi-faceted, which is always a win. Their connection to the town and the last minute twists were marvellous, and I found myself tearing through the book (much as with 'Withered Hill').

To save on spoilers, I won't mention a third place by name - but I do hope and pray for a third book in this wonderful series (and also, it means when I get physical copies, they can look nice and consistent together for me!).

I read Withered Hill back in September and became a fan of David Barnett. Folk horror is eerie without being over the top.

Scuttler's Cove is about a small town being taken over by city folk looking for a second home in the summer. The towns folk are either against the new people or cashing in on them. Merrin is brought back after her mom's passing and Jen is being dragged along by her recently deceased husband's friends.

Any time I read a folk horror book I am reminded of how good it is. There are things that just make sense because it's "for the greater good" (Think Hot Fuzz) and I don't bat an eye at it.

Definitely recommend checking out if you want something unique and creepy! Thank you to NetGalley, David Barnett, and Canelo Horror for the opportunity to read Scuttler's Cove. I have written this review voluntarily.

A beautiful folk horror beautifully executed.

Taking place in the eponymous Scuttlers Cove, a quiet fishing village in Cornwall. The story revolves around second homers moving in and driving the prices up and the locals out. Our two main characters, Merrin and Jen, find themselves drawn to Scuttler's Cove and soon come to realize there's dark ancient works at play that they find themselves in the middle of.

For fans of The Haar, Lovecraft, and short pov chapters this story builds up tension and intensity beautifully to a memorable climax. I have yet to read Withered Hill by Barnett but i'm definitely eager to read it now after loving this.

Before anything, I wanna thank the publisher, the author and Net Galley for sending me this ARC. All opinions are my own
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Scuttler’s Cove is a very entertaining and fast paced book despite its 377 pages since something is always happening with the characters, from the begging of the story until the last page, and yet the plot doesn’t feel rushed at any point, imo. It was very easy for me to connect with the main characters so I laughed with them and suffered with them.
It’s a fantasy horror story with plot twists that I never saw coming (and I pride myself on being very good at anticipating them) with a contemporary theme (gentrification) combined with tradition and folklore, which the author manages to combine in a spectacular way. Lastly, it didn’t flew over my head all the feminist comments throughout the book, which I don’t know if the author included on purpose or not, but I absolutely loved them.

I’m definitely going to check out the author’s other published works.

This was such a fun one! I loved the multiple POVs and inclusion of folk horror and supernatural elements. I for sure will be recommending this to friends.

The old ways are still alive in the Cornish coastal town of Scuttler’s Cove.

Scuttler’s Cove is the second book in what I am calling The Barnettverse - the first being the recently released Withered Hill, and effectively revolves around two women. Merrin Moon and Jen.

After receiving the news that her mother is dead, Merrin packs up her life in London and the relationship that is going nowhere. Returning to Scuttler’s Cove, Merrin finds out that her mother has sold off her estate to some equity fund, and whilst she has left some money to Merrin, she discovers that half of her fortune has just disappeared.

As Merrin fits back into the life that she left as a teenager, she reestablishes relationships that she left behind. However, she also realises that things are not as it seems at Scuttler’s Cove as she begins to uncover secrets about both her and her mother.

Jen is a career girl who becomes embroiled with a city financier, Justin, and his upper crust friends. Their relationship leads to a proposal of marriage and a new house built on the vale of Nans Avallen, overlooking Scuttler’s cove. The plan is for her and Justin to live there for the summer in the exclusive development with his friends.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Jen’s husband is tragically killed in a car crash and she is seriously injured. It falls to her husband’s former friends to pick Jen up and help rebuild her life.

As Jen and the gang carry on with the plans that they had to move into the housing development that she was going to set up with her husband, old things begin to stir in Scuttler’s Cove.

The two women are drawn together in friendship when Merrin moves into the exclusive development,owned by a local farmer who has had to provide social housing as part of the tenet to develop the land of Nans Avallen.

Moving the setting to Cornwall, Barnett carefully weaves Cornish folklore into the story to build an ominous plot. Throughout the story Barnett steadily builds the tension, teasing bits of information about Scuttler’s Cove and the lore behind the town. Mixing some scenes of horror reminiscent of the great Guy N. Smith, social commentary about the lack of housing for local inhabitants of rural communities, and old time creepy folk horror, Barnett builds an effective horror story.

Throughout the story, the plot can seem to be predictable, particularly the ending. However, Barnett performs a magic trick of totally diverting your expectations which was really unexpected.

Whilst some people may find the pacing to be slow at first, stick with it and you will be rewarded with a satisfying slice of horror.

Thank you net galley for letting me read this book.

The setting in this book has really thinking about a town off the coast and horror. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and the beach atmosphere really had me in the la push area in twilight. Or in the goosebumps adult version on Netflix kinda that eerie feeling. I really liked Merton and Jen’s character. Thank you bet galley for giving me the chance to read this book.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I found the story to be very slow and a bit repetitive. I found some parts to be simply filler, with pages and pages of nothing happening except for meeting up at the pub or having cocktails on a patio with a bunch of rich Londoners. I felt hit over the head with the point that many beautiful towns in the UK have been made unaffordable for the locals, due to Londoners buying up property as holiday places and in turn forcing property prices sky-high.
It feels to me, like the most interesting part of the story, old sleeping gods of the land and sea, became secondary to all the antics going on in this little town of Scuttlers Cove between the locals and the rich Londoners.

However, I did really enjoy Merrin's, Jen's, and Tarran's characters and that is what kept me reading.

I received an arc from NetGalley. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Scuttler's Cove by David Barnett

After her mother's death, Merrin Moon, a former inhabitant of Scuttler's Cove, returns to her hometown. The picturesque town has become a retreat for the wealthy and breathed new life into the community. However, disturbing superstitions are woven deeply into Scuttler's Cove's history. Strange happenings transpire within the land that Merrin and her rich neighbors inhabit. With a single, enigmatic apple tree in its center, the property begins to retell a tale of horror. Only the proper tributes will satisfy the craving. Can those involved decipher the harrowing complexities in time?

Having completed David Barnett's second novel, I am now a dedicated fan of his work. His portrayal of ominous surroundings, such as the darkness of dense forestry or crashing ocean waves upon the shoreline, results in an ever-changing opponent who challenges the reader's animalistic instinct to survive. For who can attempt to control the environment? Nature does what it wants, lending to catastrophic outcomes without remorse. The ocean has no feelings, or does it?

The fragile connections among the elite crowd unfold like a captivating episode of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," full of drama and intrigue. A slowburning romance sputtered with uncertainty, always lingering, leaving the reader in a constant state of wonder. A sprinkling of hints nudging the reader ever so slightly. Important information was withheld until the right moment to keep me engaged throughout. As the moments unfolded, a series of faint explosions echoed in my mind, each revelation igniting a spark of understanding.

Horror with a slight fantastical twist is right up my alley. I adore David Barnett's worlds, possibly because I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and am transported back to the fear of a menacing forest. His writing style transports you to a raw, instinctual realm that captivates the senses. For such an entertaining read, I recommend this and give it 4 out of 5 stars, with a slight lean towards 4.5 stars.

Many thanks to Canelo for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

337 pages

5 stars

This is a gripping and fast paced horror story. The Cornish town of Scuttler’s Cove is by the sea. Steeped in folklore and mystery its idyllic setting is much wanted by the incomer summer rich folk who snap up land and cottages at exorbitant prices.

Unlike the other towns along the Cornish coast, Scuttler’s Cove is blessed. But, with what? By what? This book has a delicious mix of folklore and horror. The town must honor the traditions. What are the traditions?

I cannot praise this creepy read enough. Just the right amount of deception, tension and terror to make a great well paced and descriptive little horror story. And even creepy crawlies make their entrance !

The main characters are well drawn and played out. The incomers have a big secret. All play their part extremely well. I was a little disappointed at the end, but it did not dampen my enjoyment of this novel. Very well done, Mr. Barnett. I will be looking at your other works.

I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.

Wow. David Barnett is officially in my list of favorite horror authors; Scuttler’s Cove is a masterful work of modern folk horror, and I absolutely loved this book!

Merrin Moon returns to her small seaside town of Scuttler’s Cove after her Mother dies, and finds the town transformed into a tourist attraction where the wealthy buy summer homes. But under the surface, the town’s inhabitants are clinging to the old ways… ancient, dark ways. As Merrin and out-of-towner Jen work to unravel the mysteries that abound in this sleepy seaside town, they realize that they may actually be connected to the darkness beneath Scuttler’s Cove.

Scuttler’s Cove is pitch-perfect folk horror for our modern world; the dangers of both the new and old collide in this story that explores the dark cycles that span generations, and what it could take to break them. This book is mysterious and creepy and wonderfully atmospheric. There’s a constant sense of dread that unspools through the story, which is one of the things I look for in folk horror. It’s not all atmospheric, though; there are some really scary moments throughout this book, and the entire final act is edge-of-your-seat tense.

I loved this book so much, I immediately borrowed Withered Hill from the library to read the author’s first scary novel. Please, please keep writing folk horror, Mr. Barnett; I will read anything you publish in this genre!

I would recommend Scuttler’s Cove to any fans of folk horror, especially authors like Andrew Michael Hurley or Adam Neville; you will not be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I really loved this book. I loved the setting, I loved the folklore, I loved the depth of the characters.. it was just a perfectly unsettling read.

It's classed as a horror and it is in some aspects, but nothing too abhorrent. The steady thrum of foreboding and the chill that sits with you throughout, kinda knowing what's coming, but not truly until the end is somewhat magical.

All credit where it's due, David has done a really great job with this book! I'd highly recommend.

Thank you, David Barnett and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This is the second book I've read by this author, and it definitely was another strange read. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one, but I still enjoyed it. That said, the pacing was medium, and as you read the book, it picks up and shows down. This book definitely is filled with lore and interesting things i wasn't expecting. I think the lore is a huge part of what draws me into this author books. The detail and how I thought out it always is. Not only that, I enjoy the characters. I want nothing more than the best for them. They are characters you can root for. This book had me from the start and only sunk its claws deeper the further I got into it. There are some triggers like death and nudity, but nothing is truly horrific.

What if you had no choice for how your life was going to end up? What of you didn't even know the choices you were making were in motion of something far bigger than you knew? Merrin moved back home because her mother died and she needed a new start. Once she got there, strange things started happening. People from london have moved nearby and things only get stranger. What's going on in her hometown, and is there something far more dangerous happening? Can it be stopped, or will things continue on as they have?

Reading this authors work, it only has increased my interest in folk horror, and i want more of it. It's so interesting to me. The way he writes them it's so different from both his books I've read so far. i can't wait to see what he's going to do next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC of Scuttler's Cove.

Withered Hill lives rent free in my head, so when I saw another title from this author I requested it right away and I was not disappointed! I loved the mounting dread I felt as a worked through the book. I also often think supernatural elements take away from an otherwise well-crafted storyline but the author adds such a richness to the story with the way he weaves in these details. I will definitely be looking forward to more from David Barnett!!

4.5 stars