It’s what we can’t see that scares us the most …
Twenty-five years ago, an unimaginable tragedy struck the town of Cherry Hollow, leaving its residents devastated and searching for answers. Grief overwhelmed the town for two decades until five years ago when the truth was finally revealed, but not everyone believed the story …
Now, a new family has moved to town, unaware of the secrets and lies that lurk under the floorboards of their new home that once belonged to Amber Walker, one of the five members of the original disaster.
Emma and Linda Smithson, and their two children, have moved there for a fresh start, determined to bury their murky pasts and forget about their own life-altering mistakes. But when they find out Amber took her own life, events start to unravel and suspicions begin to surface, as they each deal with their own darkness.
Jordan and Brooke, two of Amber’s best friends, are determined to prove that she was murdered, even if it means delving into the past, facing old enemies, and standing up to their previous demons. The ones they swore they’d never speak about again.
For the community of Cherry Hollow, it’s not all smiles and sunshine … because the darkness never left … and it won’t rest until it gets what it wants … The Truth.
The Darkness That Binds Us is a gripping, atmospheric psychological horror and the 2nd book in Jessica Huntley’s “The Darkness” series. Set in the town of Cherry Hollow, the story follows partners Emma and Linda Smithson and their two children, who move into a house previously owned by now-deceased Amber Walker, a main character from book 1. Upon learning that Amber allegedly took her own life, they become entangled in the town’s unresolved mysteries. Meanwhile, two of Amber’s friends, Jordan and Brooke, are convinced that her death was not a suicide and delve into the past to learn the truth. As secrets and lies resurface, the darkness that has long plagued Cherry Hollow threatens to consume all who stand in its way. The book delves into themes of mental health, grief, loss, guilt, and the repercussions of long-buried secrets, providing readers a multilayered and emotionally charged narrative.
While this book can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read the series in order to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and the intricacies of the plot. The characters are complex, flawed, emotionally intense, and richly developed. The mix of returning characters (from book 1) and new characters is cleverly crafted, and their interconnectivity becomes more intriguing and pronounced as the story unfolds. Emma, Linda, and their children are first introduced as a strong family unit looking for a fresh start, but their circumstances become increasingly darker as they uncover more secrets about the ominous house they’ve moved into. The characters will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster, as many of their fragile relationships collapse and secrets are exposed, making for a very thought-provoking story.
The book also contains some triggering content that readers should be aware of, including suicide ideation, PTSD/panic disorder, paranormal activity, and violence. The story is mostly fast-paced and alternates between multiple POVs, including many flashback scenes, creating an intricate and highly entertaining read. The interconnecting storylines come brilliantly together in the second half, culminating in a series of dramatic high-stakes scenes, followed by a surprise cliffhanger ending—readers will be eager to quickly get a copy of book 3 (the series finale) to see how this thrilling story concludes.
Overall, The Darkness That Binds Us is a well-crafted and fast-paced psychological horror that offers readers a dark, immersive experience into the complexities of the human psyche. Narrator Candace Fitzgerald creates a suspenseful listening experience from start to finish, using distinct character voices and a wide vocal range. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with paranormal elements and emotionally charged characters will enjoy this book and should consider adding both books in this series to their immediate reading lists!
