Title: The Nesting
Author: C.J. Cooke
Published: September 2020, Gallery Books
Format: ARC E-copy, 368 pages
Source: Netgalley
Summary:
The woods are creeping in on a nanny and two young girls in this chilling modern Gothic thriller.
Architect
Tom Faraday is determined to finish the high-concept, environmentally
friendly home he’s building in Norway–in the same place where he lost
his wife, Aurelia, to suicide. It was their dream house, and he wants to
honor her with it.
Lexi Ellis takes a job as his nanny and
immediately falls in love with his two young daughters, especially Gaia.
But something feels off in the isolated house nestled in the forest
along the fjord. Lexi sees mysterious muddy footprints inside the home.
Aurelia’s diary appears in Lexi’s room one day. And Gaia keeps telling
her about seeing the terrifying Sad Lady. . . .
Soon Lexi
suspects that Aurelia didn’t kill herself and that they are all in
danger from something far more sinister lurking around them.
My thoughts: This is the first book I’ve read by C.J. Cooke and I absolutely loved it. It was just the kind of read I needed to start of my fall reading – a Nordic Gothic thriller that completely captivated me from start to finish!
I totally binge-read this book, reading it in one day because once I started it, I literally could not put it down! I was totally hooked and while there are some really creepy parts to this book, there are some other parts that are just totally lyrical that really lulled me into this story. It is so completely atmospheric that I felt like I was right there in Norway with the characters – I place, I might add, that I am so desperate to visit one day!
I loved the characters and how it was told in alternating perspectives of Lexie in present day and Aurelia in the past. I also loved that there were so many times when I was sure whether I could trust either of them. While each have their issues and secrets, nothing disputes the fact that these two women care deeply about the little girls in this story. That becomes their number one priority and despite everything else, that drives them in all they do.
I loved how the author wove the Norwegian folktales into the story. At times it was a little eerie and creepy but it works so well here. It adds to the overall sense of place and tone of the story. This book could not have been coming out at a more perfect time – just as we begin our fall season and are craving those dark, spooky reads. I loved this one and know that I will certainly be recommending it to all my thriller-loving friends that love those dark, chilling reads.
