The Unwelcomed

I really enjoyed this book. It honestly made me feel more uneasy/scared than any other book has so far. Movies with possession normally freak me out and this is the first book I’ve read that had to do with this. I was genuinely scared and couldn’t read this at night which is when I do most of my reading. One night I was sleeping in the recliner and woke up at 3AM with my 18 month old and as I was rocking her I was thinking about this book when all of a sudden something came up behind me and very gently tapped my head twice. I screamed and jumped like a crazy lady and turned to see my 8 year old staring at me like I was nuts and then she said, “umm, I can’t sleep.” 🤣 I just started laughing lol. But this book seriously got to me!!! The only reason I’m giving it for stars is because there was a lotttt of bigger words or unusual words that I had no idea what they meant, so I spent a lot of time googling words to find out their meaning. I do understand this book is based on a period of time from 1890s-1900s, so I get people talked differently. Just personally it slowed me down a bit because I like to know what the words I’m reading mean and I did have to look up several words. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for approving me for this arc and giving me the opportunity to read it!!

This is dark and brooding from the outset. The scene is set as the story opens with menace and depress and something haunting. Clara Fowler's childhood is a baptism of horror and evil and it continues to haunt her life as the story follows her visitations and manifestations of darkness. It raises the question is evil real? If so is there the flip side or is all mental illness. Mystery surrounds the connection to the darkest of deed, the Ripper and HH Holmes and as Dr Morton Prince investigates the links with two childhood deaths, Clara's trauma and the oppressive darkness the truth is more shocking than ever expected. I really enjoyed this gripping thriller. A true study of darkness and evil and the human mind and psyche. Although dark and at times gloomy, is raises questions that I'm not sure I want answers for.

This book follows the mysterious case of Clara Fowler and her supposed possession. It's based off of the true story which showcased one of the first cases of schizophrenia and the fine line between mental illness and demonic possession. The book itself read like a fiction novel which I found to be entertaining. Often times, stories based on true events can read dry or boring, but The Unwelcomed held my attention the entire time. Even through the slower paced parts of the novel, I was still invested enough to push through and find out the outcome of the story. The author throws a lot of information at the reader so it's vital to pay attention to the details. I also enjoyed that towards the end, the reader can still make up their own mind about whether the afflicted was possessed or suffering from a serious mental illness. One of the great mysteries of humanity.

In *The Unwelcomed*, the author crafts a chilling narrative that deftly intertwines psychological horror with historical intrigue, inviting readers to confront the profound question of evil's existence. This thought-provoking tale begins with Clara Fowler, a troubled Radcliffe student, seeking help from the esteemed psychotherapist Dr. Morton Prince. As she recounts her harrowing childhood experiences, we are drawn into a dark world filled with religious visions and the sinister presence of a malevolent force.

From the outset, the novel grips you with its haunting atmosphere and unsettling themes. Clara’s visions of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin juxtapose sharply with the emergence of a demonic entity, creating a tension that is both compelling and terrifying. The author’s exploration of evil—whether as a metaphor or a tangible force—provokes deep reflection and resonates with timeless questions about human nature.

The narrative structure is particularly engaging, shifting between Clara’s recollections and the contemporary investigation led by a relentless city marshal. This dual perspective adds layers to the story, gradually revealing the chilling connections between Clara’s past and notorious historical figures like Jack the Ripper and H. H. Holmes. The meticulous weaving of fact and fiction heightens the sense of dread, as the reader becomes more entangled in the mysteries surrounding Clara’s family and their dark legacy.

The author excels in building suspense, using vivid imagery and atmospheric descriptions that transport you to a world where fear lurks in every corner. The characters are richly developed, particularly Clara, whose journey from innocence to horror is both heartbreaking and riveting. As she grapples with her memories and the implications of her experiences, the reader is left questioning the nature of reality itself.

The pacing is relentless, culminating in shocking revelations that leave you breathless. The intertwining of Clara's traumatic past with the detective's pursuit of the truth creates a gripping narrative that explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the haunting specter of evil.

*The Unwelcomed* is not just a horror story; it is a profound exploration of what it means to confront the darkness within and around us. With echoes of classic psychological thrillers, this novel will captivate fans of horror and mystery alike. has delivered a powerful, unsettling tale that lingers long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for those who dare to delve into the complexities of evil and the human psyche.

Clara Fowler is a young woman suffering from visions/visitations, and she finally has to resort to Dr Prince’s treatments.
While she seeks help from Dr Prince, Marshall Bassett Hilliard investigations a series of crimes.
We do not delve into the characters’ personalities much, except in the last quarter. There is so much potential in here.
Overall, after deliberate reflection on this, my initial pleasure and impression has remained, and it is favourable.
This is an enjoyable read, balancing many genres and topics.
When the author writes the possession, the ‘demon’ speaking, and the dynamics between Prince and Marshall, his writing shines.
Atmosphere 3.75
Characterisation 3.5
Prose 3.5
Plot 3.5
Enjoyability 4.5
Pacing 4.5

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of The Unwelcomed

If there was ever a novel that felt like it was personally written for me. The most unsettling and horrifically beautiful possession novel since The Exorcist, which is my absolute favorite novel.
Everything about this experience was just wonderful. The perfect atmosphere for such a story. I felt the 1900s. The way the characters dressed, chose their words, how they reacted to situations. The scenes with the clairvoyant character was 100% aristocratic curiosity of the veil.

Now there is a full cast of characters each with their vital roles. You must pay attention to the banters because like any good possession....the devil is in the details. This is a seasoned writer who proudly flexes his ability to conjure the perfect situations that build to moments in the book that just shake you apart. Just when you feel like you are close to a decision of possession vs mental illness, your mercilessly thrown back in to the fray to reevaluate. The reveal was absolute perfection. The whole scene was so intense and gruesome. This was such a ride! I want to divulge, but you know I don't do spoilers. If you love this subgenera, you loved The Exorcist or simply love well written cerebral horrors....read this novel!!

I found this to be a medium paced, horror/thriller/mystery. Good mix of characters. Plot and character driven. Huge character development and a hand full of trigger warnings: murder, suicide, rape, infanticide/dismemberment