You Watched in Silence by H. Lee Justine
Synopsis
In this shivery blend of queer psychological thriller and horror, evocatively set in the secluded islands of the Pacific Northwest, You Watched in Silence combines the bite of Jessica Knoll with the twists of Verity and the atmospheric tension of The Haunting of Bly Manor.
Caitlyn believes her world is falling apart when her best friend cuts her off–until she gets a message from the only person who can put it back together. Family vlogger Bella Greene–the celebrity influencer she and her ex-best friend were obsessed with–offers Caitlyn a job as nanny to her twins.
Like millions of others, Caitlyn knows that Bella’s life is in pieces, too. Canceled over perceived indifference to a tragic suicide by one of her fans, Bella fled with her family to a remote island off the coast of Washington. For Caitlyn, the opportunity to help Bella will also help her to heal; a way to honor the past while creating a new future.
Caitlyn can’t believe how easily she bonds with the twins. She also feels an instant connection with the family’s flirtatious chef, Hannah Zhou, who soon stirs romantic impulses that Caitlyn never imagined having again. It feels like magic … until she catches a glimpse of a mysterious girl that nobody else can see.
Before she knows it, Caitlyn descends into constant terror, unable to tell if she is losing her mind or being haunted by a past she’d rather forget. Worse, there is magic here, a dark force that manifests in mysterious pentagrams, animal sacrifices, and scrawled threats right in Bella’s backyard, and increasingly close to her home.
But who’s behind it? Is it a disgruntled employee? A scorned lover? Or someone out for unjust revenge? Because Bella didn’t do anything wrong … right?
Overall Rating
5/5
Gore Rating
1/5
Spooky Rating
3/5
Content Considerations:
- Bullying
- Suicide
- Murder
- Animal Death
- Child Exploitation Through Social Media
- Blood
- Homophobia
- Racism
It has been a long time since I read a book that tried to be so many things at once and… succeeded. And by succeeded, I mean blew it OUT OF THE PARK.
You Watched in Silence by H. Lee Justine is a Pacific Northwest gothic horror/thriller with mystery elements and a queer romance that lightens the mood.
But what made this book particularly special was tying all of those elements together with a firm take on how detrimental family influencers can be, particularly for the children involved. As well as the harm of creating parasocial relationships with or connecting to “influencers” as though they are actually friends, and how it can be harmful for one’s mental health. I appreciated how the author didn’t sugar coat this truth.
With the continuing onslaught of influencer culture in almost every area of the internet, this novel is an essential mirror of the world we are living in.
“That’s the thing, you know, about putting your kids online. Even if you aren’t being canceled or whatever. People will become obsessed with your children and that’s always going to be dangerous.”
This book is not an easy read, and for a good reason. It faces the reader head on with the realities of what putting our lives online can do. How it impacts children who don’t often have a choice, the cost of trusting “influencers,” and the danger of online harassment.
You Watched in Silence does address suicide, which is a sensitive topic to be aware of. But more than appropriate for Suicide Prevention Month and the topics covered. The author also portrays panic, anxiety, depression, and grief with an impeccable pen. As someone who has experienced these firsthand, I felt like she put the reader in the shoes of those of us who have these mental health concerns. Including the addition of the queer romance, and how the main character doesn’t want to get close because she doesn’t want to feel like a burden.
“I’m used to existing within two states of being, anyway. Joyful and ashamed, irate and cooly calm, rarely am I ever just one thing. I’ve grown to accept the dichotomies of my existence. I came into this world both sobbing and full of life. I imagine I’ll exit it the same.”
The way the author incorporates mystery with the gothic elements and current themes was outstanding. There were some elements of folk horror added (with some mentions of dead animals), and it all came together with a palpable atmosphere and a labyrinth of a mystery.
“You’re a reservoir for the viral, in every meaning of the word. The views go up, and your sickness spreads. It grows in you, and in everyone who watches. You’re a super spreader of envy, insecurity, and self-absorption.”
You Watched in Silence by H. Lee Justine is a book that stands on its own. The atmospheric writing and setting will sink you in, and the sense of dread and timely terrors will keep you captivated. I am in awe.
Rating Scales for Reference
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