A small village is shaken when strange occurrences begin to stir, particularly around a group of girls and an old, tightly woven community. Told through the alternating perspectives of the townspeople, the girls, and a grandfather named Joseph, the story weaves together suspicion, fear, and whispers that quickly grow into something far more dangerous. As unease turns into mass hysteria, the novel explores the ripple effect of gossip and fear in a place where everyone knows everyone.

This was almost a five-star read for me. I’m honestly tempted to bump it up from a 4.5. The beginning was a little slow and had that old-timey, classical writing style that took a few chapters to settle into. But once I found the rhythm, I was hooked. I absolutely loved the rotating points of view, especially how they gave the story a rounded, communal feel while showing just how quickly gossip and paranoia can spread.

The atmosphere felt thick with tension. I haven’t read The Suicide Diaries, and it’s been years since I picked up The Crucible, but that sense of creeping dread and social panic was well done here. Horror-wise, it’s not scary in a traditional sense, but it leans into magical realism with eerie undertones and a haunting mood. The ending is open-ended (not always my favorite), but it fits this story. Still, I wouldn’t have minded a few more answers… and let’s be honest, Pete is the worst.

If you enjoy slow-burn, character-driven folk horror with that classical writing vibe and just enough mystery to keep you turning pages, The Hounding is one to check out. Definitely a great debut to check out!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP | ★★★★.5

The Hounding comes out August 5, 2025. Huge thank you to Henry Holt & Co for my copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books or on Tiktok @speakingof.books