Janelle C. (jscrappy) reviewed on 1/8/2010 + 59 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 7

This is one of the oddest, most haunting books I have ever read. Merricat Blackwood and her sister Constance live with their aged Uncle Julian in a mansion on the outskirts of a small New England town. The villagers keep their distance from the Blackwood family, ever since the day, five or six years earlier, when almost the entire Blackwood family was poisoned at lunch and died. Merricat, Constance and Uncle Julian are the only survivors of that day and are regarded with suspicion and hatred by the village. Constance is terrified to leave the house. Uncle Julian is sinking into forgetfulness. Merricat brings in supplies and protects her home with a complex set of charms and rituals.

When a long-lost cousin turns up one day, he sets into motion an uncovering of the truth of what happened to the Blackwood family, and a terrible retribution on the part of the villagers.

Telling the facts of the story, however, doesn't do justice to the beauty of the writing, and to the character of Merricat Blackwood, who is unforgettable. I, unfortunately, had read a review that spoiled a couple of key details for me before I read the book, so I won't reveal any more about the story. If you enjoy creepy, off-beat stories, this is a terrific one, and a quick read.

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