Hemlock Island

A Novel

By: Kelley Armstrong

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

A standalone horror novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.

Laney Kilpatrick has been renting her vacation home to strangers. The invasion of privacy gives her panic attacks, but it’s the only way she can keep her beloved Hemlock Island, the only thing she owns after a pandemic-fueled divorce. But broken belongings and campfires that nearly burn down the house have escalated to bloody bones, hex circles, and now, terrified renters who've fled after finding blood and nail marks all over the guest room closet, as though someone tried to claw their way out...and failed.

When Laney shows up to investigate with her teenaged niece in tow, she discovers that her ex, Kit, has also been informed and is there with Jayla, his sister and her former best friend. Then Sadie, another old high school friend, charters over with her brother, who’s now a cop.

There are tensions and secrets, whispers in the woods, and before long, the discovery of a hand poking up from the earth. Then the body that goes with it... But by that time, someone has taken off with their one and only means off the island, and they’re trapped with someone—or something—that doesn’t want them leaving the island alive.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2023 Kelley Armstrong (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A tech mogul gifts his ex-wife their perfect vacation home on a remote island. You'd think this is a dream come true–but this is a Kelley Armstrong story! With creepy twists on every page and a unique horror element, it's got an ending you'll never see coming."–Alma Katsu, author of The Fervor

“With Hemlock Island, Kelley Armstrong stakes a solid claim in the horror genre. A truly disturbing tale filled with complex characters, weird twists, genuine chills, and deep emotions. Highly recommended!”–Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Kagen the Damned and Patient Zero

“Armstrong is a master storyteller. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, I was wrong—and I LOVED it! Also, I will never, ever look at wind chimes the same way…”–S.A. Barnes, author of Dead Silence

Loved!!!!

Narration and story was fabulous! I really enjoyed this book. Was the perfect escape from the day to day for a little while!

Phenomenal Scary Story

This is a great love story and a great horror story. This is a definite must read.

Hemlock island review

It was ok until the ending struggled to complete this book liked her other books better

Not my fave

This was good, you know KA is an amazing writer. The characters were great. But it was a bit cheesy. Am I going to read more KA, duh!! But it just wasn’t my favorite story.

Woke - but readable (Semi Spoiler in review)

I am not a fan, nor am I an opponent, of Woke-ism (not the right word but close enough).
The author however is clearly a fan of the current progressive topic list.
The book covers Bullying, Me too issues, Racism, Gender identity, Anti Police portrayal, Anti Elite/Rich portrayal, Feminism - sort of, and on and on and on.
Even the horror is ‘Green’ based.
It seems like the author had a checklist and wanted make sure she checked every box.
She was very thorough.
That aside the plot was twisting and turning so much that the contrived characters, identifiers, and social justice concerns didn’t get in the way of the most important part - the story itself. It was a good read in the end.

Not my favorite KA

I love so many of her other books, but this fell flat for me. I found it repetitive and filled with fluff very little substance.

Riveting!

I was hooked from the start. Her voice is also fantastic, soothing and stimulating at the same time.

Great story! Great Narration!

I've always love Kelly Armstrong, and this story doesn't disappoint. The story is not your typical paranormal tale and keeps you guessing for a while. The narration is spot on as well. Enough so that I'm going to look for other titles she narrates. Definitely worth a credit!

Wow

I was unsure from reading reviews but once I got started.. I couldn’t put this book down. It kept me on my toes and I kept finding myself having a hard time putting it down, always wanting to know what was going to happen next! Great job! ☺️

Loved The Character Devlopement

This was a quick, enjoyable listen. I love the character development in this book. The layers that unfolded as the story went on kept me intrigued. I enjoyed the general concept for the ending, but did find it to be a little cheesy and drawn out. Still worth the read!