The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (2017)

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (2017)

A gothic thriller with a supernatural twist.

Laura’s Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Plot: When Elsie marries Rupert, she is expecting a life of comfort and luxury, but when Rupert dies just weeks after their wedding, Elsie discovers that all he has left her is a crumbling mansion in the countryside. Elsie explores the attic to find a set of wooden figures known as “silent companions” that come off a bit too lifelike for her comfort.

Analysis: The setting of the small town and crumbling mansion is gothic and grim, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the haunting, suffocating atmosphere.

The “silent companions” are a unique and unconventional haunt. The figures are seemingly so innocuous, but their presence is quite unsettling. The creeping dark and the imagination of both the characters and the reader plays a role in creating a sense of unease. The book is very descriptive, with great imagery that really transports you into the story. I felt like I was in the time period (1860s) and I felt for Elsie and for Anne.

The book reminded me of two other books that I love: it had some of the gothic elements of Rebecca (along with a less-than-friendly housekeeper) and even some similarities to Silence for the Dead, with seemingly supernatural happenings in a large, old house.

I couldn’t put this book down, I just needed to know what was going to happen next. I’d highly recommend The Silent Companions to anyone looking for a creepy thriller.