Release: August 3rd, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Netgalley
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo
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Courtney Gould’s thrilling YA debut, The Dead and the Dark, are about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding a home in places—and people—you didn’t expect.
The Dark has been waiting for far too long, and it won’t stay hidden any longer.
Something is wrong in Snakebite, Oregon. Teenagers are disappearing, some are turning up dead, the weather isn’t normal, and all fingers seem to point to TV’s most popular ghost hunters who have just returned to town. Logan Ortiz-Woodley, daughter of TV’s ParaSpectors, has never been to Snakebite before. Still, the moment she and her dads arrive, she starts to feel that there are more secrets buried here than they originally let on.
Ashley Barton’s boyfriend was the first teen to go missing, and she’s felt his presence ever since. But now that the Ortiz-Woodleys is in town, his ghost follows her, and the only person Ashley can trust is the mysterious Logan. When Ashley and Logan team up to figure out who—or what—is haunting Snakebite, their investigation reveals truths about the town, their families, and themselves that neither of them is ready for. As the danger intensifies, they realize that their growing feelings for each other could be a light in the darkness.
About the Author:
Courtney Gould writes books about queer girls, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. Her debut novel, THE DEAD, AND THE DARK, come out in Summer 2021 from Wednesday Books.
She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Publishing. Born and raised in Salem, OR, she now lives and works as a legal case manager in Tacoma, WA. She continues to write love letters to the Pacific Northwest’s inexplicable mysteries and rural, empty spaces.
Courtney is represented by Claire Friedman and Jessica Mileo at InkWell Management.
The Dead and the Dark is her debut novel.
The Dead and the Dark Review:
Gravedigging? Ghost hunters? LGBT-themed characters? “The Dead and the Dark” was simply out of this world, and I loved it!
Let’s start with the plot. I love mystery thrillers, and being that this was a paranormal-themed one, it made it so much better! I had no idea what was going to happen or who was being the killings. The author also throws a few convincing red-herrings when the reveal catches you off guard and makes the story memorable! Moreover, the story is fast-paced, where so much happens. I also loved how the author gave “The Dark” its perspective at the interludes.
Coming to the characters, they are all amazing! I loved Ashley and Logan as individuals, and I loved them both together. Ashley mourns the loss of Tristan but still gives Logan a chance. Logan, on the other hand, knows she won’t fit in and wants to leave. The way they become friends is so fluid and gradual that you cannot help but love the pair. They drive the story so well. Some of the highlights were when they dig the grave or when Ashley sees Brandon’s footage.
Similarly, even Brandon and Alejo are adorable in their manner. Brandon was surprisingly complex, and it was interesting to see the various emotions he goes through. On a side note, the author also adds humor to the tale, like when Logan brings Elexis and Nick with her to Ashley. I had a wonderful time reading this one.
Overall, “The Dead and the Dark” is the perfect YA paranormal mystery thriller romance to pick up, and it won’t disappoint!
