Sadie Hartmann's Reviews > At the Bottom of the Garden
At the Bottom of the Garden
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At the Bottom of the Garden by Camilla Bruce
Release date: January 2025, 368 pages
For the LineUp: Recently orphaned sisters are picked up by their wealthy aunt who has terrible secrets. The girls each have distinct paranormal gifts which threatens their aunt's ability to hide her secrets and maintain her lifestyle. The setup starts well enough, the author establishes multiple POVs between all three main characters and we get to know them very well. The development of the story is a little slow (not yummy Gothic slow, just slow, slow). Aunt Clara is over-the-top selfish and villainous. She reminded me of Cruella DeVille, which is fine, but it did affect the level of investment. The two girls are quite entertaining as young, inexperienced mediums/witches learning to use their powers. After moving into their aunt’s house, they quickly realize it’s haunted by menacing spirits (who are a bit scary at times). The ghosts reveal secrets that lead to some startling revelations. Perfect for readers who prefer spooky over scary, lighthearted, campy, psychological suspense and ghostly vibes for Spooky Season. Characters you love to hate, family drama, and just desserts.
Release date: January 2025, 368 pages
For the LineUp: Recently orphaned sisters are picked up by their wealthy aunt who has terrible secrets. The girls each have distinct paranormal gifts which threatens their aunt's ability to hide her secrets and maintain her lifestyle. The setup starts well enough, the author establishes multiple POVs between all three main characters and we get to know them very well. The development of the story is a little slow (not yummy Gothic slow, just slow, slow). Aunt Clara is over-the-top selfish and villainous. She reminded me of Cruella DeVille, which is fine, but it did affect the level of investment. The two girls are quite entertaining as young, inexperienced mediums/witches learning to use their powers. After moving into their aunt’s house, they quickly realize it’s haunted by menacing spirits (who are a bit scary at times). The ghosts reveal secrets that lead to some startling revelations. Perfect for readers who prefer spooky over scary, lighthearted, campy, psychological suspense and ghostly vibes for Spooky Season. Characters you love to hate, family drama, and just desserts.
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Reading Progress
October 24, 2024
– Shelved
(Unknown Binding Edition)
October 24, 2024
– Shelved as:
to-read
(Unknown Binding Edition)
November 26, 2024
– Shelved
December 1, 2024
– Shelved as:
to-read
January 21, 2025
–
14.0%
"Aunt Clara is a real selfish piece of work who takes her nieces in after a tragedy. We just got to the house and we’re discussing the children’s unusual gifts. The narrative goes back and forth between Aunt Clara and the girls"
January 23, 2025
– Shelved as:
to-read
February 8, 2025
–
Started Reading
February 13, 2025
–
50.0%
"I love Lily & Violet and Irpa (the raven)
Also, children are never believed"
Also, children are never believed"
February 13, 2025
–
73.0%
"“Once again, I picked the squirming pink tadpoles off my sister’s belly and swallowed them whole.�
I mean what?? What?! The first time was weird but this time it’s like, what does this mean??"
I mean what?? What?! The first time was weird but this time it’s like, what does this mean??"
February 14, 2025
– Shelved as:
arc
February 14, 2025
– Shelved as:
ebook
February 14, 2025
– Shelved as:
review-copy
February 14, 2025
–
Finished Reading