About Charlotte’s Story
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Pegasus (October 15, 2015)
The fall of 1957 was a seemingly idyllic, even prosperous, time down in southern Virginia. A young housewife, Charlotte Bliss, lives with her husband, Press Bliss, and their two young children, Eva Grace and Michael, in the gorgeous Bliss family home. On the surface, theirs seems a calm, picturesque life, but soon tragedy befalls them: four deaths, with seemingly simple explanations.
But nothing is simple if Bliss House is involved.
Charlotte, nearly crippled with grief, feels more and more isolated from everyone around her. The only thing that brings her solace is going through the old photos and curiosities left behind by her mother-in-law. Then she makes a startling discovery that points not to tragedy, but to murder. How far will Charlotte go to discover the truth? And how far will she get without knowing who her real enemy is?
Not for the faint of heart, or those disturbed by sexual situations and violence, Charlotte’s Story injects new levels of horror into the classic Southern gothic.
Praise for Charlotte’s Story
Expertly paced revelations help build a sense of encroaching horror. A satisfyingly creepy tale for a rainy night. – Publishers Weekly
An evocative, frightening and flawless gothic, Charlotteís Story is guaranteed to send a delicious chill down your spine. Nobody does more for the modern southern gothic than Laura Benedict. – J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of What Lies Behind
Laura Benedict spins an ever-shifting web of shadow and light. A thrilling read. Benedict writes with passion and authority. Charlotte’s Story is not to be missed. – Carolyn Haines, author of the Sarah Booth Delaney mysteries, and†The Seeker
My Review:
Charlotte’s Story is the newest work in the Bliss House Novels from author Laura Benedict and the first of her work that I’ve read. I’m a huge fan of watching horror and had wandered a bit in reading it over the last few years. Well, this book certainly brought me right back into the genre. It was creepy, emotional, and damn good!
From the very beginning I was invested in Charlotte’s character. I was so sad as she experienced a loss no parent should ever have to bear. Then as things slowly started to turn in Bliss House, I became worried for her safety and if she would be able to handle all of the strange and intense things going on…mentally and emotionally. I was kept on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going on, why she was being shown the unexplainable things she was being shown…especially from her dead mother in law. But as the pieces started to fit together, I now became scared for Charlotte’s safety. Talk about one hell of an ending! Ms. Benedict did such a stellar job at dropping subtle hints throughout the story that, when they fell into place at the very end, I was stunned. Talk about a “whoa” moment! We were also set up for the next novel, which I have to say, I am really intrigued about…and am now worried once again for Charlotte’s safety….and her son’s.
Overall, if you’re looking for a creepy and intriguing read, this is a must on your list! Thank you, Ms. Benedict, for a phenomenal story.
Four-and-a-Half Loves
Purchase Links
Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
Laura Benedict
Laura Benedict is the author of Charlotte’s Story and Bliss House, the first two novels in the Bliss House trilogy, as well as several other novels of dark suspense. Her work has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine†and numerous anthologies. She lives with her family in Southern Illinois. Visit laurabenedict.com.
Connect with Laura on Facebook and Twitter.
“damn good” is a high recommendation indeed – this book looks deliciously creepy!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.