Ghost stories and horror fiction are not my usual choice, but SOMETHING IN THE WALLS was a recommendation from my sister. The premise is intriguing–a young girl who seems to be talking to a witch. A green child psychologist eager to gain practical experience. A journalist ravaged by grief after the loss of his daughter. Desperate parents who are concerned about their child and the growing crowds of villagers, all convinced that a 13-year-old girl is a witch.
SOMETHING IN THE WALLS delivers on the mystery and creepiness fronts. There are interesting side plots exploring grief and guilt, group hysteria, and the slippery slope of folklore, myth, and legend. The writing is filled with tension and suspicion, making for a compelling narrative.
However, while the book excels at building mystery and maintaining an eerie atmosphere throughout, it ultimately leaves too many questions unanswered. Key supernatural elements that drive the plot are never fully explained, and the ending feels abrupt rather than conclusive. If you’re someone who wants a clear resolution about the characters’ fates or the true nature of the phenomena described, you might feel frustrated when the book ends. I certainly felt somewhat disappointed, wishing for more closure after investing in these characters and their strange circumstances.