The Wild Things by London Clarke
Release: February 25, 2025
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Carfax Abbey Publishing
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Amazon , GoodReads
True crime writer Kendall Casey has always been drawn to dark stories, but her latest project leads her to a neighborhood shrouded in secrets. Located in the North Carolina mountains, The Cove is a community in which the neighbors are far from harmonious. The Guffs are openly despised, while the charming entertainers, the Robinettes, are adored by all.
When Kendall’s wayward sister arrives unexpectedly and vows that she’s changed, Kendall reluctantly agrees to let her stay. But as the Robinettes welcome her sister into their inner circle, Kendall’s peaceful life unravels into a series of terrifying paranormal encounters, and simmering neighborhood tensions ignite into dangerous feuds. The closer Kendall gets to uncovering the truth, the more she suspects the Robinettes are hiding something sinister.
As neighborhood tensions boil over and terrifying visions haunt her nights, Kendall finds herself closer than ever to a dark truth lurking just below the surface. But some secrets are better left buried . . . and Kendall may not survive unearthing this one.
About the Author:
London Clarke is an award-winning, Amazon-bestselling author known for her supernatural thrillers and gothic suspense novels. She has written several series, including the Legacy of Darkness series, the Dunmoor series, and the Neighborhood Nightmares series. Some of her popular titles include “The Meadows,” “Whickering Place,” “Nocturne House,” and “Wildfell”.
You can find more information about her and her works on her . If you’re a fan of gothic suspense, her books might be right up your alley!
The Wild Things Review:
I liked Kendall as the protagonist. Kendall’s reactions to the various neighborhood dynamics were fun to watch as they revealed more about her character and the community she inhabits. The eerie moments, such as the scene with the trees full of shoes or Oli’s encounter with Kendall in the woods, add a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of classic thrillers.
One of the standout aspects of the book for me is the complex relationship between Kendall and Sam. Their “will they, won’t they” dynamic adds depth to the story, making their connection relatable and suspenseful.
Supporting characters like Marla, particularly Holly, also bring a lot to the table. Holly’s late arrival in the story adds a sense of intrigue, and her character arc is one I couldn’t put down. Even the subplot involving Eliana is engaging, adding layers to the overall plot and keeping things fresh.
Moreover, the slight hint of supernatural aspects is woven seamlessly into the narrative, mainly the mysterious girl Kendall keeps seeing.
However, there are a few drawbacks—For instance, the story’s focus shifts from Georgia to Blair and Flip. While Georgia is a compelling antagonist, she fades into the background later in the book. Also, the ending felt convoluted, with new characters and explanations that came out of nowhere. I think that the author could have tied these loose ends better.
Overall, The Wild Things is a solid thriller, full of suspense and unexpected twists. However, it could have benefited from a more precise resolution. It’s a book that keeps you questioning until the very end.
