Reading and understanding the motivations for ghosts, or spirits haunting a person, place or thing, is not something you see a lot of. This story could have been done without that historical element, but I am glad that Ernshaw chose to write it this way. Getting the perspectives on the Swan sisters, as I mentioned above, was a real treat. She's described as ' vengeful & clever.single-minded in her hatred for the town.' My favorite character, of course, was Marguerite Swan. I didn't, maybe I am an idiot but regardless, I felt it was really well done. Watching its evolution felt mysterious, like more was hidden right under the surface.įor me, the big reveal was bloody fantastic.

When a new guy, Bo, arrives in town, she ends up giving him a job on the island helping with the lighthouse seeing to tasks gone to pot since her father disappeared. Penny is likable, if a bit aloof, but definitely someone you can get behind and cheer for. She lives out on Lumiere Island tending the lighthouse with her mother, who isn't well. The present day story follows local girl, Penny Talbot. I feel like it could translate well visually. I am actually glad this is going to be adapted. While they are completely different animals, that one being heavily adult and this one very YA, I feel they both combined those two elements to create a spooky and memorable ghost story.īoth stories truly get under your skin and sit there making you simultaneously warm and cold. One of my favorites for bringing these two elements together is Stephen King's, Bag of Bones. When love stories are combined with ghost stories, I find them so haunting. It sneaks up behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.' 'Love is an enchantress - devious and wild. It gave such depth to the story and the characters. The modern and historical were seamlessly brought together. That was a neat little twist I wasn't expecting, to have that historical perspective. I loved how she gave us insights into the times of the Swan sisters as well. It checked all of my boxes for an enjoyable and whimsical narrative. The Wicked Deep reads like a modern-day fairy tale, full of witches, magic, curses, revenge, mystery and love. I could feel the wind, the mist, the fog, the influx of outsiders, the weight of it was palatable and I thought Ernshaw brought that feeling to life.Įrnshaw's writing is enchanting, using breathtaking descriptions to weave together her tale. One that is a tourist destination and at times, in a way that can feel exploitative. Ernshaw's descriptions of the small seaside town of Sparrow, Oregon of the island, the weather and the tourists, was 100% relatable to me. The main thing I was looking for with this story was, ATMOSPHERE. The Wicked Deep received a lot of hype and in this case, I feel it's warranted.

I can see myself revisiting it for years to come. The Wicked Deep is an eerily beautiful book hella atmospheric and immersive.

Book the wicked deep