The email message that lands in Billie Hope’s inbox seems like a gift from the universe. For $100 she can purchase a spacious Victorian home in Juliana, Georgia, a small town eager to boost its economy in the wake of the pandemic. She can leave behind her cramped New York City rental and some painful memories. Plus she’ll get a business grant to open a new restaurant in a charming riverside community laden with opportunity.
After some phone calls and one hurried visit, Billie and her husband and daughter are officially part of the "Juliana Initiative." The town is everything promised, and between settling into her lavish home and starting a new restaurant, Billie is busy enough to dismiss misgivings.
Yet those misgivings grow. There’s something about Juliana, something off-kilter and menacing beneath its famous Southern hospitality. No matter how much Billie longed for her family to come here, she’s starting to wonder how, and whether, they’ll ever leave. ~taken from Goodreads
After some phone calls and one hurried visit, Billie and her husband and daughter are officially part of the "Juliana Initiative." The town is everything promised, and between settling into her lavish home and starting a new restaurant, Billie is busy enough to dismiss misgivings.
Yet those misgivings grow. There’s something about Juliana, something off-kilter and menacing beneath its famous Southern hospitality. No matter how much Billie longed for her family to come here, she’s starting to wonder how, and whether, they’ll ever leave. ~taken from Goodreads
I first fell in love with author, Emily Carpenter, back in 2016 with her debut book, "Burying The Honeysuckle Girls", which I cannot recommend enough. I also enjoyed reading "Until The Day I Die" and have other novels of hers on my TBR list.
This latest one caught my eye because I love a good southern gothic story. When I saw it was by the author I couldn't say no. The premise for this book was truly unique and one of a kind: a family offered a chance to restart their life in an idealistic town for practically nothing. A chance for them to own a house and get a loan to start a business seemed like a dream come true.
Right away, something seems off about the people of this town. On the outside they are all so friendly and eager to help their new neighbors and friends. What secrets are they hiding about this town? Why is it so perfect? How are they able to offer houses so cheap and give out money to fund new businesses on town?
This was labeled southern gothic mystery/horror and I think that is wholly incorrect. This is a mild thriller and cozy mystery at best. It has a slight paranormal aspect to it, maybe?
While I was disappointed in the genre, I did enjoy the story as a whole. The characters, although plentiful & at times confusing, where all unique and unforgettable. There were also times where the plot seemed to drag on and move too slowly, and I think the ending came a bit too swift and wrapped up a bit too neatly.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 4 star read for me, as I am still thinking about it days later.
"Gothictown" by Emily Carpenter is set to be released on March 25, 2025 here in the U.S. so pre-order your copy now!
Happy Reading!
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