The Winter People is Jennifer McMahon’s newest novel and it is amazing. It takes a true talent to weave a ghost story that keeps you hooked throughout and leaves you with a deliciously creepy feeling long after you close the cover on it. That is what you’ll get with The Winter People with its twists, turns, and a few surprises. I loved this book and was lucky enough to listen to the audio which is fantastic. It is narrated by one of my favorites Cassandra Campbell and new to me Kathe Mazur. They were both fantastic and their narration perfectly enhanced the atmosphere of this novel.
The novel goes seamlessly back and forth from past to present. In 1908 we have Sara living in the small town of West Hall, Vermont with her husband and daughter Gertie. After her daughter dies and Sara herself is found dead in the field outside her home a legend is born – the legend of Sara Harrison Shea. From this legend come the sleepers who roam the woods that all kids of West Hall are told to stay out of. These sleepers are the dead who have been recalled by their loved ones but they don’t come back the same – they come back as monsters really. The line between legend and reality is a blurry one though…
Present day we meet nineteen year old Ruthie who lives with her mom Alice and younger sister Fawn in the very same farmhouse that Sara had lived in. Ruthie has led a different life from most teens because for as long as she can remember her family has always lived off the land and well away from others with no internet or other things normal people may have. The question is why? When Ruthie’s mom disappears Ruthie desperately begins searching for clues as to what happened to her. That is when she finds the diary of Sara Harrison Shea and what she eventually learns chills her to her very bones.
Again I loved this book. I wouldn’t say it’s scary though. It’s more creepy than scary which I love. The tension builds, the mystery unfolds, and if you’re listening to the audiobook it feels as though you’re watching a movie. For those who like a good ghost story curl up with The Winter People and enjoy! Highly recommended!
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.
I am listening to this one right now….creepy is a good word to describe it.
Diane, I’m curious to see what you think of it.
I don’t usually do creepy, but this one is on my wish list. Glad you enjoyed it!
JoAnn, this was a good kind of creepy not a scary kind.
I don’t usually read ghost stories but I’m itching to read this one!
Kathy, I think you’d like it. I’d be curious to see what you think if you do read it.
I’ve been hearing fellow readers say they are liking this even if they don’t usually do creepy. I love Cassandra Campbell & I think I’m going to add this to my CD book list.
I love that the book leaves you with a lingering creepy feeling! Sounds like my kind of book. I’m also a fan of Cassandra Campbell. She does suspense very well.
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!