Crossroad Press has recently published new editions of five of Catherine Cavendish's novellas: Cold Revenge, Miss Abigail's Room, The Demons of Cambrian Street, The Devil Inside Her and this one, The Second Wife.
When
 newlywed Chrissie Marchant moves into Baron Grove, her husband Joe's 
home, it becomes apparent that he may not be completely over the death 
of his first wife. A large picture of Emily Marchant still hangs in the 
living room, the house is still decorated just as it was when she died 
and Joe refuses to change anything. After a few unsettling experiences 
are accompanied by Emily's signature scent of vanilla, Chrissie realizes
 that maybe Joe's first wife hasn't moved on either.
I'm a huge fan of Catherine Cavendish. This is the sixth book I've read by her and she never disappoints. The Second Wife is a creepy and atmospheric ghost story.
The
 characters are well-developed. Chrissie is a relatable protagonist and 
her reasons for not wanting to leave after her ghostly encounters are 
understandable (her sister lives on the other side of the world and Joe 
is all she has) and make the story more believable, keeping me from 
constantly wondering why she didn't just leave every time something freaky happened to her. I hated Joe and didn't 
understand what Chrissie saw in him...I guess he's a rich and handsome 
doctor, but keeping a shrine to your dead wife after you remarry is 
weird and creepy.
At 110 pages, this is a quick 
read and can easily be read in one sitting. The novella gets to the 
spooky scenes by the second chapter and never lets up the suspense until
 the satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended for fans of gothic 
horror, ghost stories, or anyone looking for a chilling read. 
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
Rating: 4/5

No comments:
Post a Comment