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Calico Mountain #2
Devil's Lair
For readers of The Dark Lake and The Dry , comes this taut psychological suspense set in a dramatic Tasmanian landscape from bestselling author Sarah Barrie.
A lonely widow, a sinister act, a remote mansion with a dark past... After the violent death of her husband, Callie Jones retreats to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania. The relative remoteness of the place and the wild beauty of the Tasmanian landscape are a balm to her shattered nerves and the locals seem friendly, particularly horseman Connor Atherton and his siblings at the nearby property, Calico Lodge. But all is not the old mansion has a sinister past, one associated with witchcraft and murder. As Callie is threatened by odd events in the night and strange dreams overtake her sleep, she begins to doubt her own sanity. What's really going on beneath the surface of this apparently peaceful town? Are her friends and neighbours really who they seem? As events escalate, Callie starts to realise that the mansion may hold the key to unlocking the mystery, but the truth might have as much power to destroy as it does to save.
A lonely widow, a sinister act, a remote mansion with a dark past... After the violent death of her husband, Callie Jones retreats to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania. The relative remoteness of the place and the wild beauty of the Tasmanian landscape are a balm to her shattered nerves and the locals seem friendly, particularly horseman Connor Atherton and his siblings at the nearby property, Calico Lodge. But all is not the old mansion has a sinister past, one associated with witchcraft and murder. As Callie is threatened by odd events in the night and strange dreams overtake her sleep, she begins to doubt her own sanity. What's really going on beneath the surface of this apparently peaceful town? Are her friends and neighbours really who they seem? As events escalate, Callie starts to realise that the mansion may hold the key to unlocking the mystery, but the truth might have as much power to destroy as it does to save.
448 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2019
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June 13, 2019
A wonderful thriller, that is quite chilling at times. After the death of her husband Callie has moved to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania, a property owned by the family of her friend Paisley. She finds work at a nearby property, becoming close with the owner Connor, but odd things start to happen. A doll shows up from nowhere in a locked house, and Callie is having nightmares, or is she? Are the nightmares actually real memories?
Soon a body is discovered, killed in a violent manner, and things start to spiral out of control. Is the killer after Callie? Or is he after something else entirely? As events climax to the breathtaking finale some surprising truths come to light.
I found Devil's Lair to be a gripping thriller, freaking me out on occasion, and I have no hesitation recommending it. This is the first book I've read by Sarah Barrie, but it certainly wont be my last.
My thanks to Harper Collins Australia for an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
Soon a body is discovered, killed in a violent manner, and things start to spiral out of control. Is the killer after Callie? Or is he after something else entirely? As events climax to the breathtaking finale some surprising truths come to light.
I found Devil's Lair to be a gripping thriller, freaking me out on occasion, and I have no hesitation recommending it. This is the first book I've read by Sarah Barrie, but it certainly wont be my last.
My thanks to Harper Collins Australia for an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2024
EXCERPT: Callie paced, unable to settle. Paisley rang three times, and three times she'd refused her offer to lock up and come back. When she got tired she sat, staring into space and thinking about the possibilities. why wasn't Dale back? She felt sick, her stomach rumbling making the churning worse. She forced down a sandwich. When the clock hit nine o'clock, she poured herself a glass of wine. At midnight she caved and called him. He didn't answer. Nor at twelve-thirty, or at one. Was something wrong? Could something have happened to him? Around two in the morning, another thought crept in. Was he with Lisa?
ABOUT 'DEVIL'S LAIR': A lonely widow, a sinister act, a remote mansion with a dark past... After the violent death of her husband, Callie Jones retreats to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania. The relative remoteness of the place and the wild beauty of the Tasmanian landscape are a balm to her shattered nerves and the locals seem friendly, particularly horseman Connor Atherton and his siblings at the nearby property, Calico Lodge. But all is not well: the old mansion has a sinister past, one associated with witchcraft and murder. As Callie is threatened by odd events in the night and strange dreams overtake her sleep, she begins to doubt her own sanity. What's really going on beneath the surface of this apparently peaceful town? Are her friends and neighbours really who they seem? As events escalate, Callie starts to realise that the mansion may hold the key to unlocking the mystery, but the truth might have as much power to destroy as it does to save.
MY THOUGHTS: I was instantly enamored with and drawn into Devil's Lair by Sarah Barrie. Callie Jones is a great character and I was rooting for her throughout. I could fully understand her reluctance to get into a relationship after her husband's death and loved Connor for being so understanding.
But the real story starts with a black envelope, empty, with a few cryptic words written on the back. Sinister? You'd better believe it!
Odd little things happen as the story progresses, but the incidences increase in frequency and severity finally escalating into an eruption of violence. People are hiding things from Callie, manipulating her, though she is unaware of it.
There is a dark history attached to the mansion in whose grounds Callie lives, a place Cliff, the elderly man who lives there, refuses to leave though he is clearly unable to care for himself. He wears a charm around his neck and the walls of his mansion are covered in protective symbols. But who or what does he need protecting from?
The level of creepiness increases incrementally and several times while reading, I found myself holding my breath. Barrie has crafted a perfectly paced, page-turning tale with just a touch of supernatural menace, and dark unnatural secrets of a family with a lot to hide.
This was so very nearly a five-star read. I loved the tension, the characters and the plot. The title gives some indication of the content, but I definitely wasn't expecting the mutilation and ritualistic killings of both humans and animals. Although the acts themselves aren't described, the results are. The other negative for me was what Paisley allows to happen. I am not going to elaborate on that as it would be a major spoiler, but if you read this book, and I hope you do, you will understand.
A breathtaking read.
⭐⭐.5
#DevilsLair #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: In a past life, Sarah worked as a teacher, a vet nurse, a horse trainer and a magazine editor, before deciding she wanted to write novels. About the only thing that has remained constant is her love of all things crime.
Her favourite place in the world is the family property, where she writes her stories overlooking mountains crisscrossed with farmland, bordered by the beauty of the Australian bush, and where, at the end of the day, she can spend time with family, friends, a good Irish whiskey and a copy of her next favourite book.
ABOUT 'DEVIL'S LAIR': A lonely widow, a sinister act, a remote mansion with a dark past... After the violent death of her husband, Callie Jones retreats to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania. The relative remoteness of the place and the wild beauty of the Tasmanian landscape are a balm to her shattered nerves and the locals seem friendly, particularly horseman Connor Atherton and his siblings at the nearby property, Calico Lodge. But all is not well: the old mansion has a sinister past, one associated with witchcraft and murder. As Callie is threatened by odd events in the night and strange dreams overtake her sleep, she begins to doubt her own sanity. What's really going on beneath the surface of this apparently peaceful town? Are her friends and neighbours really who they seem? As events escalate, Callie starts to realise that the mansion may hold the key to unlocking the mystery, but the truth might have as much power to destroy as it does to save.
MY THOUGHTS: I was instantly enamored with and drawn into Devil's Lair by Sarah Barrie. Callie Jones is a great character and I was rooting for her throughout. I could fully understand her reluctance to get into a relationship after her husband's death and loved Connor for being so understanding.
But the real story starts with a black envelope, empty, with a few cryptic words written on the back. Sinister? You'd better believe it!
Odd little things happen as the story progresses, but the incidences increase in frequency and severity finally escalating into an eruption of violence. People are hiding things from Callie, manipulating her, though she is unaware of it.
There is a dark history attached to the mansion in whose grounds Callie lives, a place Cliff, the elderly man who lives there, refuses to leave though he is clearly unable to care for himself. He wears a charm around his neck and the walls of his mansion are covered in protective symbols. But who or what does he need protecting from?
The level of creepiness increases incrementally and several times while reading, I found myself holding my breath. Barrie has crafted a perfectly paced, page-turning tale with just a touch of supernatural menace, and dark unnatural secrets of a family with a lot to hide.
This was so very nearly a five-star read. I loved the tension, the characters and the plot. The title gives some indication of the content, but I definitely wasn't expecting the mutilation and ritualistic killings of both humans and animals. Although the acts themselves aren't described, the results are. The other negative for me was what Paisley allows to happen. I am not going to elaborate on that as it would be a major spoiler, but if you read this book, and I hope you do, you will understand.
A breathtaking read.
⭐⭐.5
#DevilsLair #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: In a past life, Sarah worked as a teacher, a vet nurse, a horse trainer and a magazine editor, before deciding she wanted to write novels. About the only thing that has remained constant is her love of all things crime.
Her favourite place in the world is the family property, where she writes her stories overlooking mountains crisscrossed with farmland, bordered by the beauty of the Australian bush, and where, at the end of the day, she can spend time with family, friends, a good Irish whiskey and a copy of her next favourite book.
June 12, 2019
Callie and Dale were living happily in the Hunter Valley in NSW, working on their vineyard when the unthinkable happened. After a time, Callie needed to get away, so her friend and associate persuaded her to head to Tasmania to Paisley’s property where she could quietly regain her life, grieving in peace. The stone cottage beside the old mansion was a boon for Callie and popping in on Paisley’s dad Cliff with occasional meals wasn’t difficult. When Callie found herself helping Paisley’s friend Tess with the landscaping at Calico Lodge, she realized her landscaping skills were still in her – she loved working with the dirt and plants; shaping the grounds to look beautiful. She could see her future once again doing something which gave her peace.
But strange events kept Callie awake at night – the dreadful howls of the devils sent chills down her spine; she didn’t feel comfortable inside or around the old mansion. And when ritualistic and gruesome murders occurred and events escalated, Callie felt threatened; she was terrified. Tess’ brother Connor was helping but even he didn’t seem to have any answers. What was going on? Was it connected to her husband’s death? What was she to do?
Devil’s Lair is an incredible psychological thriller by Aussie author Sarah Barrie. Set in the dense Tasmanian bush, the danger and breathtaking imagery jumped off the pages. Tense, gripping – the twists and turns were spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-crafted characters and loved the story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But strange events kept Callie awake at night – the dreadful howls of the devils sent chills down her spine; she didn’t feel comfortable inside or around the old mansion. And when ritualistic and gruesome murders occurred and events escalated, Callie felt threatened; she was terrified. Tess’ brother Connor was helping but even he didn’t seem to have any answers. What was going on? Was it connected to her husband’s death? What was she to do?
Devil’s Lair is an incredible psychological thriller by Aussie author Sarah Barrie. Set in the dense Tasmanian bush, the danger and breathtaking imagery jumped off the pages. Tense, gripping – the twists and turns were spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-crafted characters and loved the story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2024
Following her husband Dale's violent death at their Hunter Valley winery, Callie Jones has run away from the media attention to Tasmania hoping to start a new life and return to her previous work as a landscaper. Her friend Paisley has arranged for her to stay in an old cottage on her father's property Waldron Park where she can live quietly while the media frenzy dies down and look at starting up her new business. After meeting the nearby Atherton family at Calico Lodge, a farm and tourist resort, she finds their groundsman has been injured and she is soon happily occupied landscaping some new garden areas for them.
While she makes new friendships at Calico Mountain Lodge, particularly with handsome Connor Atherton, Callie's life at Waldron Park is not as peaceful as she would like. She has tried to befriend Paisley's father who lives a solitary life in the old, crumbling mansion but although he accepts the meals she brings him, he has little to say. Then there are the strange noises in the night, sinister stories of ghosts and witchcraft, and unsettling dreams.
Sarah Barrie has written a spooky, gothic mystery set in rural Tasmania. As strange happenings escalate, the suspense builds and events become more unsettling, eventually erupting into violence. An unexpected plot twist will have you re-evaluating everything you thought you knew and drive you to the nail biting climax. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a suspenseful murder mystery. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital ARC to read.
While she makes new friendships at Calico Mountain Lodge, particularly with handsome Connor Atherton, Callie's life at Waldron Park is not as peaceful as she would like. She has tried to befriend Paisley's father who lives a solitary life in the old, crumbling mansion but although he accepts the meals she brings him, he has little to say. Then there are the strange noises in the night, sinister stories of ghosts and witchcraft, and unsettling dreams.
Sarah Barrie has written a spooky, gothic mystery set in rural Tasmania. As strange happenings escalate, the suspense builds and events become more unsettling, eventually erupting into violence. An unexpected plot twist will have you re-evaluating everything you thought you knew and drive you to the nail biting climax. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a suspenseful murder mystery. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital ARC to read.
June 8, 2019
Devil's Lair by Sarah Barrie... wow!! I love a good Australian story and this one just sucked me in. It is first book by this author that I have read and I will certainly be on the look out for more now. I loved the rural settings and the character story in this book. It had such a dark and spooky feel but at the same time I could imagine the beautiful surroundings it was set in. Once you start reading this you are instantly caught up in Callie's world and pray that things work out well for her. I really liked this character and hope we will see her again.
The story starts in the gorgeous Hunter Vally, one of my favourite places to visit (and not just for the wine!!) it is a lovely part of Australia, beautiful scenery. Callie and her husband Dale run their own winery and Bed and Breakfast and are happy. Until one night when Callies world is turned upside down. Everything that she thought she knew is shattered and her life changes forever. She flees to Tasmania with her friend Paisley to try to escape the media and start her life over. Paisley arranges for her to live in a cabin on the grounds of her family's estate. A lot of new characters now come into play and it took me a while to keep them all straight and how they all linked. But as I kept reading it all became clear. Callie starts working as a landscaper in the grounds of the hotel and starts to feel happy and safe again. But then gruesome murders start to happen around her. The spooky stories and happenings have her questioning her sanity. And there is a new man in her life, but she is not sure she is ready for that just yet.
The ending of this book had me gasping! I certainly did not see it coming and it was brilliant. I was pulling for Callie, she is a great character that has had a tough life and deserves to be happy again. There is a lot of character development in this story by I found it to be a quick paced book that I just wanted to keep reading. I hope to see a follow up in the not too distant future.
Thanks to Harper Collins, HQ Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
The story starts in the gorgeous Hunter Vally, one of my favourite places to visit (and not just for the wine!!) it is a lovely part of Australia, beautiful scenery. Callie and her husband Dale run their own winery and Bed and Breakfast and are happy. Until one night when Callies world is turned upside down. Everything that she thought she knew is shattered and her life changes forever. She flees to Tasmania with her friend Paisley to try to escape the media and start her life over. Paisley arranges for her to live in a cabin on the grounds of her family's estate. A lot of new characters now come into play and it took me a while to keep them all straight and how they all linked. But as I kept reading it all became clear. Callie starts working as a landscaper in the grounds of the hotel and starts to feel happy and safe again. But then gruesome murders start to happen around her. The spooky stories and happenings have her questioning her sanity. And there is a new man in her life, but she is not sure she is ready for that just yet.
The ending of this book had me gasping! I certainly did not see it coming and it was brilliant. I was pulling for Callie, she is a great character that has had a tough life and deserves to be happy again. There is a lot of character development in this story by I found it to be a quick paced book that I just wanted to keep reading. I hope to see a follow up in the not too distant future.
Thanks to Harper Collins, HQ Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
March 19, 2024
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I just found out whilst posting my review that this is book 2 in a series! I can confidently say it reads well as a standalone.
Devil's Lair opens with a ritualistic cult-like killing and I initially thought the story might be too dark for me however it soon settles into a compelling mystery with dark elements, allusions to paranormal activity and some nice creepy stalking. There are more killings but they are spread throughout the book and by this time I was hooked on the mystery.
Devil's Lair is a taut, gothic small town thriller and the perfect setting of a Tasmanian winter adds to the atmosphere of seclusion. I enjoyed the light romance thread that ran through the novel. It gave me some relief from the spine-tingling drama that had me on the edge of my seat.
Sarah Barrie pulled me into the world of gothic Tasmania and when the jaw-dropping twists started revealing themselves I was totally addicted.
If you enjoyed The Dry and The Dark Lake you will love Devil's Lair
I just found out whilst posting my review that this is book 2 in a series! I can confidently say it reads well as a standalone.
Devil's Lair opens with a ritualistic cult-like killing and I initially thought the story might be too dark for me however it soon settles into a compelling mystery with dark elements, allusions to paranormal activity and some nice creepy stalking. There are more killings but they are spread throughout the book and by this time I was hooked on the mystery.
Devil's Lair is a taut, gothic small town thriller and the perfect setting of a Tasmanian winter adds to the atmosphere of seclusion. I enjoyed the light romance thread that ran through the novel. It gave me some relief from the spine-tingling drama that had me on the edge of my seat.
Sarah Barrie pulled me into the world of gothic Tasmania and when the jaw-dropping twists started revealing themselves I was totally addicted.
If you enjoyed The Dry and The Dark Lake you will love Devil's Lair
June 10, 2019
Two years after Callie’s life is devastated by a shocking incident she flees relentless scrutiny to find sanctuary in a rural cottage in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. Changing her name, and her look, Callie hopes to make a fresh start, and when she is unexpectedly offered a job at nearby tourist retreat, Calico Lodge, she decides it’s an opportunity too good to pass up. Made to feel welcome by the owners, particularly Connor Atherton, and slowly winning over her gruff landlord at Waldron House, Callie begins to believe she can escape her past...until a psychotic killer revives a long held grudge.
Blurring gothic sensibilities with psychological suspense, The Devil’s Lair by Sarah Barrie is a gripping thriller that kept me compulsively turning the pages until the early hours of the morning. I experienced an almost visceral reaction to the sense of unease that builds as the story unfolds, finding myself startling at every unexpected noise outside my darkened window.
Barrie establishes the disquieting presence of Waldron House with descriptions of ‘shabby green walls and scarred wooden floors’, dim rooms crowded with boxes and dusty antique furniture, and the overgrown, wild gardens. Strange symbols are carved or drawn on door frames, the cellar door sports a large padlock, and chunks of black tormaline are placed on window sills. Add to that the odd noises and other strange occurrences that begin to plague Callie, as well as the disturbing rumours that persist regarding the property’s history, and the grandeur of Waldron House begins to lose its charm.
Callie is a sympathetic character, the tragedy that caused her to flee the Hunter Valley is horrifying to contemplate, and then, just as she begins to find her feet in Tasmania, members of the community are targeted by unspeakable violence, and Callie experiences a cascade of unsettling events that causes her to question not only her safety, but her sanity.
Contrivances were easy to dismiss as I got caught up in the story, and as the truth about the past and present unravels, Barrie stuns with plot twists that reveal shameful secrets, dangerous obsessions, and horrifying acts of revenge.
A compelling and darkly atmospheric tale, Devil’s Lair is a riveting thriller. I enjoyed it so much Ive ordered Blood Tree River, also by Sarah Barrie, which shares the novel’s location and some of the characters though it is not directly related.
Blurring gothic sensibilities with psychological suspense, The Devil’s Lair by Sarah Barrie is a gripping thriller that kept me compulsively turning the pages until the early hours of the morning. I experienced an almost visceral reaction to the sense of unease that builds as the story unfolds, finding myself startling at every unexpected noise outside my darkened window.
Barrie establishes the disquieting presence of Waldron House with descriptions of ‘shabby green walls and scarred wooden floors’, dim rooms crowded with boxes and dusty antique furniture, and the overgrown, wild gardens. Strange symbols are carved or drawn on door frames, the cellar door sports a large padlock, and chunks of black tormaline are placed on window sills. Add to that the odd noises and other strange occurrences that begin to plague Callie, as well as the disturbing rumours that persist regarding the property’s history, and the grandeur of Waldron House begins to lose its charm.
Callie is a sympathetic character, the tragedy that caused her to flee the Hunter Valley is horrifying to contemplate, and then, just as she begins to find her feet in Tasmania, members of the community are targeted by unspeakable violence, and Callie experiences a cascade of unsettling events that causes her to question not only her safety, but her sanity.
Contrivances were easy to dismiss as I got caught up in the story, and as the truth about the past and present unravels, Barrie stuns with plot twists that reveal shameful secrets, dangerous obsessions, and horrifying acts of revenge.
A compelling and darkly atmospheric tale, Devil’s Lair is a riveting thriller. I enjoyed it so much Ive ordered Blood Tree River, also by Sarah Barrie, which shares the novel’s location and some of the characters though it is not directly related.
June 22, 2019
*
4.5 stars
If you take one damaged widow, a whole host of creepy events and a shadowy past you have Devil’s Lair, the latest romantic suspense novel from Sarah Barrie. Devil’s Lair leans towards psychological suspense, with a hint of mystery and a dash of romance. Sarah Barrie’s latest is a tightly woven and engrossing novel, that consumes the reader from start to finish.
Devil’s Lair opens with an explosive introductory chapter. We meet Callie, a woman who sees her husband killed in the beginning chapters of this novel. It is an event that brings Callie away from the Hunter Valley, to an isolated cottage in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain region. Callie hopes to find peace and solace in her new remote locale. However, Callie can’t shake the feeling that her new home, which situated in the grounds of an old mansion, has secrets to tell. She gets a chill down her spine and strange events of the past have her questioning her sanity. Callie begins to doubt those around her in a quest to decipher the truth. This unravelling of the past and the mystery surrounding the mansion Callie currently occupies has the ability to do a great deal of damage. Can Callie survive yet another blow to her sanity?
Sarah Barrie is a commanding voice in the world of Australian romance and psychological suspense. I have really enjoyed her previous books and I was excited about the prospect of being able to review this new title. I haven’t read Barrie’s most recent book before this one, Bloodtree River. It seems I have some catching up to do as there are brief references and inclusions of some minor characters in Bloodtree River. But I do need to indicate clearly that you do not need to read Barrie’s previous novels to appreciate this one. I am living testimony to this!
Firstly, I have to say I was so impressed by Barrie’s sense of place in this novel. A return visit to Tasmania for me has been on the cards for some years now. I missed out on getting to the Cradle Mountain region of Tasmania when I visited nine years ago. My continued desire to see this stunning mountain based area of Tasmania is now high up on my travel list, thanks to the bountiful descriptions offered by Sarah Barrie. These setting sequences completely took my breath away. I dearly wanted to be standing there with Callie, the main character, minus the mishaps she goes through!
The Tasmanian landscape dominates this novel, it really is a character in its own right. The creepy mansion Callie retreats to after her Hunter Valley crisis has a great deal of page presence. Although the Hunter Valley sequences only appear in the first few chapters, this setting still affected me and I was drawn to the atmospheric sense of place exuded by this locale. The opening is an explosive one to say the least, but it is also essential, driving the events that are to come for the rest of the novel. The beginning chapters really work to completely hook the reader, I know once I read the first chapter I was completely at the mercy of Sarah Barrie and her book, Devil’s Lair.
So, with a title like Devil’s Lair, it is easy to surmise that the book has a dark and evil tone to it. There are themes in this novel that hint to cults, witchcraft and more. I liked the way in which Barrie presented these ideas. I am a big fan of gothic style novels and I would say that Devil’s Lair easily fits into this category. With plenty of swirling suspicion, odd characters, a grand old house with secrets, fishy behaviour and hints at something sinister at work, Barrie keeps the reader enthralled at every moment possible.
Rich characterisation defines Devil’s Lair, particularly in regards to the lead Callie, plus supplementary protagonists, Paisley and Connor. There are a good handful of characters that populate this novel and I had my doubts about a number of them. I think Barrie has worked hard at shrouding many of these characters in plenty of mystery so we continually question their intentions. This is always a sign of a solid suspense and mystery based novel.
Barrie’s novels, this one included, are generally offset by an undercurrent of romance. In Devil’s Lair, the reader wants Callie to be happy again after such a tragic event. It takes some time to come and we understand Callie’s reservations. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and I am confident that the audience will be receptive to this romance too.
Devil’s Lair provided to be an exhilarating read, set to a spectacular Australian stage. Devil’s Lair is a breathtaking and a clincher of a tale that I would recommend highly to readers of romantic suspense and mystery novels.
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Devil’s Lair is book #86 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
If you take one damaged widow, a whole host of creepy events and a shadowy past you have Devil’s Lair, the latest romantic suspense novel from Sarah Barrie. Devil’s Lair leans towards psychological suspense, with a hint of mystery and a dash of romance. Sarah Barrie’s latest is a tightly woven and engrossing novel, that consumes the reader from start to finish.
Devil’s Lair opens with an explosive introductory chapter. We meet Callie, a woman who sees her husband killed in the beginning chapters of this novel. It is an event that brings Callie away from the Hunter Valley, to an isolated cottage in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain region. Callie hopes to find peace and solace in her new remote locale. However, Callie can’t shake the feeling that her new home, which situated in the grounds of an old mansion, has secrets to tell. She gets a chill down her spine and strange events of the past have her questioning her sanity. Callie begins to doubt those around her in a quest to decipher the truth. This unravelling of the past and the mystery surrounding the mansion Callie currently occupies has the ability to do a great deal of damage. Can Callie survive yet another blow to her sanity?
Sarah Barrie is a commanding voice in the world of Australian romance and psychological suspense. I have really enjoyed her previous books and I was excited about the prospect of being able to review this new title. I haven’t read Barrie’s most recent book before this one, Bloodtree River. It seems I have some catching up to do as there are brief references and inclusions of some minor characters in Bloodtree River. But I do need to indicate clearly that you do not need to read Barrie’s previous novels to appreciate this one. I am living testimony to this!
Firstly, I have to say I was so impressed by Barrie’s sense of place in this novel. A return visit to Tasmania for me has been on the cards for some years now. I missed out on getting to the Cradle Mountain region of Tasmania when I visited nine years ago. My continued desire to see this stunning mountain based area of Tasmania is now high up on my travel list, thanks to the bountiful descriptions offered by Sarah Barrie. These setting sequences completely took my breath away. I dearly wanted to be standing there with Callie, the main character, minus the mishaps she goes through!
The Tasmanian landscape dominates this novel, it really is a character in its own right. The creepy mansion Callie retreats to after her Hunter Valley crisis has a great deal of page presence. Although the Hunter Valley sequences only appear in the first few chapters, this setting still affected me and I was drawn to the atmospheric sense of place exuded by this locale. The opening is an explosive one to say the least, but it is also essential, driving the events that are to come for the rest of the novel. The beginning chapters really work to completely hook the reader, I know once I read the first chapter I was completely at the mercy of Sarah Barrie and her book, Devil’s Lair.
So, with a title like Devil’s Lair, it is easy to surmise that the book has a dark and evil tone to it. There are themes in this novel that hint to cults, witchcraft and more. I liked the way in which Barrie presented these ideas. I am a big fan of gothic style novels and I would say that Devil’s Lair easily fits into this category. With plenty of swirling suspicion, odd characters, a grand old house with secrets, fishy behaviour and hints at something sinister at work, Barrie keeps the reader enthralled at every moment possible.
Rich characterisation defines Devil’s Lair, particularly in regards to the lead Callie, plus supplementary protagonists, Paisley and Connor. There are a good handful of characters that populate this novel and I had my doubts about a number of them. I think Barrie has worked hard at shrouding many of these characters in plenty of mystery so we continually question their intentions. This is always a sign of a solid suspense and mystery based novel.
Barrie’s novels, this one included, are generally offset by an undercurrent of romance. In Devil’s Lair, the reader wants Callie to be happy again after such a tragic event. It takes some time to come and we understand Callie’s reservations. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and I am confident that the audience will be receptive to this romance too.
Devil’s Lair provided to be an exhilarating read, set to a spectacular Australian stage. Devil’s Lair is a breathtaking and a clincher of a tale that I would recommend highly to readers of romantic suspense and mystery novels.
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Devil’s Lair is book #86 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 21, 2019
Don’t be fooled - Tasmanian gothic this is NOT. In fact, rural Australian crime it really isn’t, either. This is rural romance trying to escape and dress up as the aforementioned two genres.
Dressing up literally - the change of cover from the author’s previous books - all clearly rural romance from the covers, and rebranding the cover of this to something that looks like it supposed to pull in Jane Harper readers (for instance), doesn’t change what it intrinsically IS.
I was conflicted as how to rate this - two or three stars? It wanted to be a good book - but the mix of cozy happily forever after budding romance mixed with an attempt at crime writing doesn’t work. Pick a genre, and stick to that genre, don’t try to mix them up (my suggestion to the author is stick to rural romance because the attempt at the other two didn’t work in this instance).
The conflict came because I started off really enjoying the book. It COULD have been a good read - until the inevitable romance started - gorgeous fragile widow (who can do absolutely ANYTHING) hooks up with a gorgeous manly man of a bachelor. Too many “racing pulses” and “throbbing bodies” and “toes curling” for my likings, but then I have never been of fan of Harlequin romances. For me there was lots of eye rolling and skipped pages because of this.
While reading the book I initially thought that if the author had left out the romance aspect, it would have worked a whole lot better. But, really ... no. Would a country cop be working a so-called satanic serial killer case? Another reviewer of this book said even with the numbers of dead bodies piling up, there was a casual attitude toward it by characters, and I agree.
And the denouement- oi vey. Convoluted, implausible, and, I’m sorry to say, rather ridiculous.
That said, I still managed to read it in two days.
Dressing up literally - the change of cover from the author’s previous books - all clearly rural romance from the covers, and rebranding the cover of this to something that looks like it supposed to pull in Jane Harper readers (for instance), doesn’t change what it intrinsically IS.
I was conflicted as how to rate this - two or three stars? It wanted to be a good book - but the mix of cozy happily forever after budding romance mixed with an attempt at crime writing doesn’t work. Pick a genre, and stick to that genre, don’t try to mix them up (my suggestion to the author is stick to rural romance because the attempt at the other two didn’t work in this instance).
The conflict came because I started off really enjoying the book. It COULD have been a good read - until the inevitable romance started - gorgeous fragile widow (who can do absolutely ANYTHING) hooks up with a gorgeous manly man of a bachelor. Too many “racing pulses” and “throbbing bodies” and “toes curling” for my likings, but then I have never been of fan of Harlequin romances. For me there was lots of eye rolling and skipped pages because of this.
While reading the book I initially thought that if the author had left out the romance aspect, it would have worked a whole lot better. But, really ... no. Would a country cop be working a so-called satanic serial killer case? Another reviewer of this book said even with the numbers of dead bodies piling up, there was a casual attitude toward it by characters, and I agree.
And the denouement- oi vey. Convoluted, implausible, and, I’m sorry to say, rather ridiculous.
That said, I still managed to read it in two days.
February 17, 2020
2.5*, rounded up. I have to admit that I really had to slog through the first half of this, but then I'm not a huge lover of the romance genre, and this is (despite surface appearances) a Harlequin Mystery-Romance. The action and interest (for me) picked up in the second half, which I finished in a day. I agree with an earlier reviewer, that this and Barrie's previous book, , are really Rural Romance masquerading as mystery/gothic, and not the "real thing". The cover design and marketing is clearly aimed at drawing in readers of contemporary female crime authors such as Jane Harper and Sarah Bailey, but this is nowhere near that standard of mystery/crime fiction.
Like its series predecessor, this story is set in Tasmania's upper Derwent Valley and southern Central Highlands, with much of the action taking place at the whimsically named Calico Mountain Lodge, run by the Atherton family. This time around, younger brother Connor Atherton plays the love interest to widowed Hunter Valley exile Callie Jones. The mystery centres around dilapidated mansion Waldron Park, the family property of Callie's close friend and confidante Paisley, where Callie moves into a secluded cottage. Mysterious nocturnal occurrences, an over-zealous suitor, and a series of animal and human deaths suggestive of satanic ritual ensue.
Not badly written for what it is, but won't necessary satisfy Crime/Mystery afficionadoes.
Like its series predecessor, this story is set in Tasmania's upper Derwent Valley and southern Central Highlands, with much of the action taking place at the whimsically named Calico Mountain Lodge, run by the Atherton family. This time around, younger brother Connor Atherton plays the love interest to widowed Hunter Valley exile Callie Jones. The mystery centres around dilapidated mansion Waldron Park, the family property of Callie's close friend and confidante Paisley, where Callie moves into a secluded cottage. Mysterious nocturnal occurrences, an over-zealous suitor, and a series of animal and human deaths suggestive of satanic ritual ensue.
Not badly written for what it is, but won't necessary satisfy Crime/Mystery afficionadoes.
August 21, 2019
*
*
Devil's Lair by Author Sarah Barrie. (2019).
After the shocking violent death of her husband, Callie retreats to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania. The locals seem fairly friendly, particularly horseman Connor Atherton and his siblings on the nearby Calico Lodge.
But the mansion has a sinister past, connected with witchcraft and murder. Callie begins to be threatened by odd events in the night and strange dreams. What's really going on in this apparently peaceful town? The mansion may hold the key to unlocking the mystery...
This book is quite entertaining and a super easy read even though it covers a range of topics including but not limited to murder, cults, witchcraft, mental illness and a strong dash of romance. What you should know is that although this book revisits a few main characters from the author's previous novel 'Bloodtree River', you can easily read this current book without first reading the previous. What happens to Callie throughout the book is very dramatic...but I think it works well. The storyline is quite gripping and I didn't want to put the book down until I reached the end and found out what was going on, and boy was I surprised at the ending, totally unexpected! I hope the author's next novel is in relation to the remaining Atherton sibling because I'd love to revisit these characters again.
Happy to recommend this Australian suspense thriller.
*
Devil's Lair by Author Sarah Barrie. (2019).
After the shocking violent death of her husband, Callie retreats to a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in Tasmania. The locals seem fairly friendly, particularly horseman Connor Atherton and his siblings on the nearby Calico Lodge.
But the mansion has a sinister past, connected with witchcraft and murder. Callie begins to be threatened by odd events in the night and strange dreams. What's really going on in this apparently peaceful town? The mansion may hold the key to unlocking the mystery...
This book is quite entertaining and a super easy read even though it covers a range of topics including but not limited to murder, cults, witchcraft, mental illness and a strong dash of romance. What you should know is that although this book revisits a few main characters from the author's previous novel 'Bloodtree River', you can easily read this current book without first reading the previous. What happens to Callie throughout the book is very dramatic...but I think it works well. The storyline is quite gripping and I didn't want to put the book down until I reached the end and found out what was going on, and boy was I surprised at the ending, totally unexpected! I hope the author's next novel is in relation to the remaining Atherton sibling because I'd love to revisit these characters again.
Happy to recommend this Australian suspense thriller.
June 23, 2019
I was attracted to this book for its Tasmanian setting and the promise of a big, ol' spooky house. It delivered on both in a solid, slightly paranormal mystery with a touch of romance.
The arrival of a mysterious black envelope was the catalyst for a chain of events that turned Callie's life upside down. Within weeks she was a widow, and barely 12 months later had relocated from the Hunter Valley to the relative anonymity of Waldron Park, her friend Paisley's family estate just outside of New Norfolk in southern Tasmania. Living in a small cottage within view of the main house, Callie kept to herself and slowly began to earn the grudging appreciation of Paisley's prickly dad, Cliff, by taking him homecooked meals, taming the gardens and helping him out after a fall. But it wasn't enough to keep Callie busy, so after a surprise visit from Tess Atherton, she found herself over at Calico Mountain Lodge, taking on the role of landscaper.
As Callie settled into the rhythms of her new, quiet life, she began to hope the traumas of the past were behind her, but then things started to go wrong - a grisly murder in the nearby national park, strange noises near the cottage at night, the sudden appearance of children's toys and books in her locked cottage...
After a great start, it took me a little while to settle into this book. I think my expectations may have been too high! But once I convinced myself that it wasn't meant to be literary, I was able to stop rolling my eyes, burrow in and just enjoy the ride. In fact, by the end I surprised myself by taking an interest in the author's previous Calico Mountain Lodge book () as a potential future read. NB although the two books have characters in common, I don't think my reading experience suffered for not having read the earlier book first.
As a native Tasmanian I love to read fiction set in that part of the world, but I can also be hyper-critical of errors or stretched-truths regarding geography. One thing Sarah Barrie has nailed in this book is the almost legendary atmosphere that the former asylum brought to the New Norfolk area. Reading the passages set at Waldron Park, I often found myself reflecting on this and wondering if that's changed in the 20 or so years since its closure. I remember clearly as a child how hurtful it could be to someone to utter the slur that they belonged in New Norfolk!! Oh, so cruel. The town's name was synonymous with mental illness and we weren't such a PC society back then.
Recommended for readers of thrillers, mystery, crime and romantic suspense.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital ARC to read and review.
The arrival of a mysterious black envelope was the catalyst for a chain of events that turned Callie's life upside down. Within weeks she was a widow, and barely 12 months later had relocated from the Hunter Valley to the relative anonymity of Waldron Park, her friend Paisley's family estate just outside of New Norfolk in southern Tasmania. Living in a small cottage within view of the main house, Callie kept to herself and slowly began to earn the grudging appreciation of Paisley's prickly dad, Cliff, by taking him homecooked meals, taming the gardens and helping him out after a fall. But it wasn't enough to keep Callie busy, so after a surprise visit from Tess Atherton, she found herself over at Calico Mountain Lodge, taking on the role of landscaper.
As Callie settled into the rhythms of her new, quiet life, she began to hope the traumas of the past were behind her, but then things started to go wrong - a grisly murder in the nearby national park, strange noises near the cottage at night, the sudden appearance of children's toys and books in her locked cottage...
After a great start, it took me a little while to settle into this book. I think my expectations may have been too high! But once I convinced myself that it wasn't meant to be literary, I was able to stop rolling my eyes, burrow in and just enjoy the ride. In fact, by the end I surprised myself by taking an interest in the author's previous Calico Mountain Lodge book () as a potential future read. NB although the two books have characters in common, I don't think my reading experience suffered for not having read the earlier book first.
As a native Tasmanian I love to read fiction set in that part of the world, but I can also be hyper-critical of errors or stretched-truths regarding geography. One thing Sarah Barrie has nailed in this book is the almost legendary atmosphere that the former asylum brought to the New Norfolk area. Reading the passages set at Waldron Park, I often found myself reflecting on this and wondering if that's changed in the 20 or so years since its closure. I remember clearly as a child how hurtful it could be to someone to utter the slur that they belonged in New Norfolk!! Oh, so cruel. The town's name was synonymous with mental illness and we weren't such a PC society back then.
Recommended for readers of thrillers, mystery, crime and romantic suspense.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital ARC to read and review.
April 26, 2020
This was an excellent mystery thriller. It was a slow burn to start but as the story is revealed the tension builds and it genuinely creepy. I got chills at one point!
Callie and her husband run a winery and b&b in the hunter valley, then a mysterious woman turns up and Callie’s world is turned upside down. The story moves to Tasmania, there’s a scary old house with a long dark history, a grumpy old man, a weird little boy with a friendly puppy and the screams of the tassie devils in the night all adding to the Tasmanian gothic atmosphere. Great read.
Callie and her husband run a winery and b&b in the hunter valley, then a mysterious woman turns up and Callie’s world is turned upside down. The story moves to Tasmania, there’s a scary old house with a long dark history, a grumpy old man, a weird little boy with a friendly puppy and the screams of the tassie devils in the night all adding to the Tasmanian gothic atmosphere. Great read.
July 22, 2019
4.5*
Devil’s Lair is a wonderful psychological thriller by Aussie author Sarah Barrie. A well crafted story set against the backdrop of the Tasmania wilderness, where murders are taking place and you will be kept guessing until the very end as to why everyone is so frightened and what is the motivation behind it all.
It is easy to lose yourself in this murder mystery tale where elements of the supernatural combine nicely against a balance of new beginnings and a little romance. Although you might ascertain early on the who, it will be the why that will keep you turning pages with impactful revelations right to the very end.
Sarah brings to life the magnificence of the Tasmania wilderness which provides the perfect remote backdrop for this thriller. The flora and fauna play a significant role in creating a suspenseful atmosphere. There are a range of well fleshed out characters, all with something to offer. The interactions, particularly between the Atherton family members, make it all appear so normal and relatable. There is Indy and Logan from Sarah’s previous book, however, this is most definitely a standalone read. There are characters you will love and some that will frighten and repulse you ... all comprising the necessities of a good murder mystery.
With a little gothic flavour added to a murder mystery, Devil’s Lair is sure to please and keep you in suspense. If psychological thrillers are your thing, I have no doubt Sarah’s latest read will be sure to please.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Devil’s Lair is a wonderful psychological thriller by Aussie author Sarah Barrie. A well crafted story set against the backdrop of the Tasmania wilderness, where murders are taking place and you will be kept guessing until the very end as to why everyone is so frightened and what is the motivation behind it all.
It is easy to lose yourself in this murder mystery tale where elements of the supernatural combine nicely against a balance of new beginnings and a little romance. Although you might ascertain early on the who, it will be the why that will keep you turning pages with impactful revelations right to the very end.
Sarah brings to life the magnificence of the Tasmania wilderness which provides the perfect remote backdrop for this thriller. The flora and fauna play a significant role in creating a suspenseful atmosphere. There are a range of well fleshed out characters, all with something to offer. The interactions, particularly between the Atherton family members, make it all appear so normal and relatable. There is Indy and Logan from Sarah’s previous book, however, this is most definitely a standalone read. There are characters you will love and some that will frighten and repulse you ... all comprising the necessities of a good murder mystery.
With a little gothic flavour added to a murder mystery, Devil’s Lair is sure to please and keep you in suspense. If psychological thrillers are your thing, I have no doubt Sarah’s latest read will be sure to please.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
November 1, 2019
This book is a difficult one for me to review because I think that we just weren’t a good fit for each other. I picked it up a few times and put it down again, lured repeatedly by its promise of some Gothic suspense. Just a disclaimer, which is purely my personal opinion, but if you are a fan of Jane Harper’s THE DRY, you are not guaranteed to automatically gel with this book, even if the blurb states so. I don’t think that comparing books to other best sellers does them any favours, UNLESS they are very similar in style. However, to me – whilst an entertaining read – DEVIL’S LAIR lacked the grit of Jane Harper’s or Sarah Bailey’s novels. This is not a bad thing for readers who love a good romantic suspense novel. But for someone who doesn’t do romance well, it was a bit like false advertising.
However, saying that, I can fully appreciate how DEVIL’S LAIR will be a good fit for readers who love a rural romance set in an atmospheric setting with some crime thrown in. There is a bit of murder and suspense, but in a non-confrontational manner that is more easily digestible for readers who shy away from graphic violence. I really enjoyed the Tassie setting and was thoroughly intrigued when the old mansion started to turn a bit creepy – even though there was not enough of that stuff in my opinion. Barrie sets the scene well, and I could easily picture those lush gardens set among green Tassie hills. Despite earlier misgivings, I came to like Callie and thought her to be a plucky character who was not afraid to face her inner demons and rise from the ashes of her traumatic past to make a better life for herself. I also really enjoyed Barrie’s writing style, which was the one thing that kept me reading to the end, even when the romance threatened to take over the storyline.
On the downside, there were so many characters with strange names to keep track of. Not a single Jack, Joe or Jane in the whole group! They were each going about their daily lives, which took up a lot of the story with often mundane descriptions of everyday stuff that wasn’t relevant to the plot. Sometimes that works well for me, other times I get a bit bored. I thought that instead of hearing about tree planting and meals in the staff room, or random conversations between the twenty or so characters working on the property, I would have loved to see a bit more action, especially the spooky stuff that was going on in the old house. It had so much more potential to be super creepy! There was even a weird over-friendly guy who gave me goosebumps for all the wrong reasons and it skirted the border of spooky a few times, but never quite got over the finish line.
Instead, I got a very predictable romance between the two main characters that held absolutely no surprises and little interest for me. As I said – not a good fit for this reader! At some point, my cynical mind coined the story as The Bachelor with some weird Gothic murders thrown in, which no one seemed particularly freaked out about. If I had found a few mutilated corpses on my property (who BTW were staff members of mine), my first priority would probably not be to feed the B & B guests and impress the visiting food critic. I could go on and on about all the things that bugged me about the crime elements of the book, but it would take way too long – let’s just say I had major issues with credibility here. Towards the end, I felt that the author was trying too hard to fit in as much weird stuff as possible – there were cases of mistaken identity, a few ritualistic murders, mental illness, a psychopath on a killing spree, witchcraft, things that go bump in the night ... too much, TOO MUCH!
To sum it all up, I concede that DEVIL’S LAIR and I were not a good match. I suspect that many lovers of gritty Australian crime will struggle with some of the same elements that made my eyes roll back in my head like a Chucky doll, leading to the consumption of several paracetamol to quell the ensuing headache. I really think that comparing this book to THE DRY is doing it a disservice – fans of cosier mysteries and romantic suspense will most likely enjoy it much more than I did.
<2.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
However, saying that, I can fully appreciate how DEVIL’S LAIR will be a good fit for readers who love a rural romance set in an atmospheric setting with some crime thrown in. There is a bit of murder and suspense, but in a non-confrontational manner that is more easily digestible for readers who shy away from graphic violence. I really enjoyed the Tassie setting and was thoroughly intrigued when the old mansion started to turn a bit creepy – even though there was not enough of that stuff in my opinion. Barrie sets the scene well, and I could easily picture those lush gardens set among green Tassie hills. Despite earlier misgivings, I came to like Callie and thought her to be a plucky character who was not afraid to face her inner demons and rise from the ashes of her traumatic past to make a better life for herself. I also really enjoyed Barrie’s writing style, which was the one thing that kept me reading to the end, even when the romance threatened to take over the storyline.
On the downside, there were so many characters with strange names to keep track of. Not a single Jack, Joe or Jane in the whole group! They were each going about their daily lives, which took up a lot of the story with often mundane descriptions of everyday stuff that wasn’t relevant to the plot. Sometimes that works well for me, other times I get a bit bored. I thought that instead of hearing about tree planting and meals in the staff room, or random conversations between the twenty or so characters working on the property, I would have loved to see a bit more action, especially the spooky stuff that was going on in the old house. It had so much more potential to be super creepy! There was even a weird over-friendly guy who gave me goosebumps for all the wrong reasons and it skirted the border of spooky a few times, but never quite got over the finish line.
Instead, I got a very predictable romance between the two main characters that held absolutely no surprises and little interest for me. As I said – not a good fit for this reader! At some point, my cynical mind coined the story as The Bachelor with some weird Gothic murders thrown in, which no one seemed particularly freaked out about. If I had found a few mutilated corpses on my property (who BTW were staff members of mine), my first priority would probably not be to feed the B & B guests and impress the visiting food critic. I could go on and on about all the things that bugged me about the crime elements of the book, but it would take way too long – let’s just say I had major issues with credibility here. Towards the end, I felt that the author was trying too hard to fit in as much weird stuff as possible – there were cases of mistaken identity, a few ritualistic murders, mental illness, a psychopath on a killing spree, witchcraft, things that go bump in the night ... too much, TOO MUCH!
To sum it all up, I concede that DEVIL’S LAIR and I were not a good match. I suspect that many lovers of gritty Australian crime will struggle with some of the same elements that made my eyes roll back in my head like a Chucky doll, leading to the consumption of several paracetamol to quell the ensuing headache. I really think that comparing this book to THE DRY is doing it a disservice – fans of cosier mysteries and romantic suspense will most likely enjoy it much more than I did.
<2.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
June 27, 2019
This story is absolutely fabulous, edge of your seat suspense, fabulous setting and a romance that just made me feel so good with everything else that is going on in the story, fast paced and a must read, this is the second book in this series and we are back in Tasmania, time to make yourself comfortable because you will not want to put this one down until you find out all of the details.
Callie Jones is involved with the death of her husband Dale on a winery in th Hunter Valley, there had been a gruesome death of a woman and what happened next changed Callie’s life, she is encouraged to move to Tasmania by her friend and manager of the winery Paisley, she ends up on Paisley’s family home an old homestead that has a dark past and it is not long before Callie is having strange dreams. Callie meets Conner Atherton who with his family run the nearby guesthouse Callie ends up helping with their garden and feelings for Conner grow even though it is the last thing that Callie wanted.
Conner and his family have been through a lot in the past and when strange things start happening at their lodge Conner worries big time that evil is around, meeting the new neighbor Callie sets his blood afire after the last relationship turned so bad but he is sure Callie is very different. Danger is arriving and it appears that Callie is in danger and Conner is determined to keep her safe.
I cannot recommend this book enough it has everything that a romantic suspense reader wants in a story it is a psychological thriller with dark magic and secrets that have been kept for many years, and when it all comes to a thrilling end OMG I never guessed how it would all pan out, MS Barrie you have done it again what a fantastic story I savoured every word, I didn’t want to put it down. I loved Conner and Callie they had both been through so much but came through strong and in love, thank you, I hope I have given this book justice, I loved it.
Callie Jones is involved with the death of her husband Dale on a winery in th Hunter Valley, there had been a gruesome death of a woman and what happened next changed Callie’s life, she is encouraged to move to Tasmania by her friend and manager of the winery Paisley, she ends up on Paisley’s family home an old homestead that has a dark past and it is not long before Callie is having strange dreams. Callie meets Conner Atherton who with his family run the nearby guesthouse Callie ends up helping with their garden and feelings for Conner grow even though it is the last thing that Callie wanted.
Conner and his family have been through a lot in the past and when strange things start happening at their lodge Conner worries big time that evil is around, meeting the new neighbor Callie sets his blood afire after the last relationship turned so bad but he is sure Callie is very different. Danger is arriving and it appears that Callie is in danger and Conner is determined to keep her safe.
I cannot recommend this book enough it has everything that a romantic suspense reader wants in a story it is a psychological thriller with dark magic and secrets that have been kept for many years, and when it all comes to a thrilling end OMG I never guessed how it would all pan out, MS Barrie you have done it again what a fantastic story I savoured every word, I didn’t want to put it down. I loved Conner and Callie they had both been through so much but came through strong and in love, thank you, I hope I have given this book justice, I loved it.
July 21, 2023
A story that crawls over your skin and plays with your mind.
I’m so glad I read this one from my TBR list! Excellent writing, great gothic-like setting in Tasmania and outstanding character creation by Barry. Her writing evokes genuine emotion, tension and pace.
A must-read, especially if it’s been languishing on your ever-growing To-Be-Read list, like mine had been - I should not have left it so long.
I’m so glad I read this one from my TBR list! Excellent writing, great gothic-like setting in Tasmania and outstanding character creation by Barry. Her writing evokes genuine emotion, tension and pace.
A must-read, especially if it’s been languishing on your ever-growing To-Be-Read list, like mine had been - I should not have left it so long.
June 18, 2019
4.5 stars
Crikey, what a tale!
Once upon a time I was excited to read a book for its compelling plot but now I also get a thrill up my spine thinking of which stunning country, city, region I will be transported to. This story sees the reader traveling to a beautiful part of Tasmania, the Central Highlands (another state of Australia that is on my bucket list). Prepare to be wowed by the vivid description of the (fictional) Calico Lodge property, a bed and breakfast owned by the Atherton’s - Connor, Logan and Tess and the details of the nearby cottage, where Callie is residing, the old mansion close by belonging to Paisley’s father, will leave you haunted.
Murder, rituals, witchcraft and spooky happenings in the night will have you hiding under a blanket while reading this story however the cute and subtle romance will put a smile on your face and make you feel all warm and squishy on the inside.
I highly recommend this suspenseful psychological thriller.
Many thanks to Harlequin Australia for an uncorrected advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Crikey, what a tale!
Once upon a time I was excited to read a book for its compelling plot but now I also get a thrill up my spine thinking of which stunning country, city, region I will be transported to. This story sees the reader traveling to a beautiful part of Tasmania, the Central Highlands (another state of Australia that is on my bucket list). Prepare to be wowed by the vivid description of the (fictional) Calico Lodge property, a bed and breakfast owned by the Atherton’s - Connor, Logan and Tess and the details of the nearby cottage, where Callie is residing, the old mansion close by belonging to Paisley’s father, will leave you haunted.
Murder, rituals, witchcraft and spooky happenings in the night will have you hiding under a blanket while reading this story however the cute and subtle romance will put a smile on your face and make you feel all warm and squishy on the inside.
I highly recommend this suspenseful psychological thriller.
Many thanks to Harlequin Australia for an uncorrected advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2019
This was all sorts of bad.
1. Dialogue was stunted and totally unrealistic
2. Pacing was weird- everything just seemed to come out of nowhere with no build up or context
3. Too many characters?
4. Witchcraft in Tassie? Seriously? I mean Tassie is a weird place but it's not that weird.
5. Even I could pick who was behind everything and I am HOPELESS with guessing who dunnit.
If you're after an atmospheric Tasmanian based story go for Flames by Robbie Arnott, and if you want a good crime thriller, go for anything by Candice Fox- she does Aussie thriller brilliantly.
1. Dialogue was stunted and totally unrealistic
2. Pacing was weird- everything just seemed to come out of nowhere with no build up or context
3. Too many characters?
4. Witchcraft in Tassie? Seriously? I mean Tassie is a weird place but it's not that weird.
5. Even I could pick who was behind everything and I am HOPELESS with guessing who dunnit.
If you're after an atmospheric Tasmanian based story go for Flames by Robbie Arnott, and if you want a good crime thriller, go for anything by Candice Fox- she does Aussie thriller brilliantly.
June 17, 2019
‘Forever, she thought, sounded just perfect.’
Life in the Hunter Valley for Callie and her husband Dale is idyllic. They have a winery, a beautiful home and gardens, a successful business. And then Dale dies violently.
Two years later, Callie takes refuge in Tasmania. Her friend Paisley has arranged for her to stay in a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in southern Tasmania. Could this be the new start Callie is looking for? But the old mansion has a history, of witchcraft and murder, and that history threatens to overwhelm the present.
What can I tell you about this book without spoiling the suspense? Almost any description will give away some detail which will (trust me) be important in appreciating the story. Callie is driven to question her own sanity at times: she’s willing to think that she might have an overactive imagination, but some events defy any logical explanation. And, at the same time as Callie is trying to fit in and find her own place, others are having their lives destroyed.
I found it easy to get caught up in the story, to allow the setting to transport me into aspects I usually would not enjoy. The pace of the story didn’t allow me time to bring my usual cynicism to tales of witchcraft and trying to understand who murdered whom (and why, as well as who might be next) kept me turning the pages. And the ending? You’ll need to read it for yourself to find out.
If you like gothic settings, if you enjoy suspenseful mystery with a twist (or two), then you may enjoy this novel as well. Just pick it up, start reading and follow the story.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Life in the Hunter Valley for Callie and her husband Dale is idyllic. They have a winery, a beautiful home and gardens, a successful business. And then Dale dies violently.
Two years later, Callie takes refuge in Tasmania. Her friend Paisley has arranged for her to stay in a cottage in the grounds of an old mansion in southern Tasmania. Could this be the new start Callie is looking for? But the old mansion has a history, of witchcraft and murder, and that history threatens to overwhelm the present.
What can I tell you about this book without spoiling the suspense? Almost any description will give away some detail which will (trust me) be important in appreciating the story. Callie is driven to question her own sanity at times: she’s willing to think that she might have an overactive imagination, but some events defy any logical explanation. And, at the same time as Callie is trying to fit in and find her own place, others are having their lives destroyed.
I found it easy to get caught up in the story, to allow the setting to transport me into aspects I usually would not enjoy. The pace of the story didn’t allow me time to bring my usual cynicism to tales of witchcraft and trying to understand who murdered whom (and why, as well as who might be next) kept me turning the pages. And the ending? You’ll need to read it for yourself to find out.
If you like gothic settings, if you enjoy suspenseful mystery with a twist (or two), then you may enjoy this novel as well. Just pick it up, start reading and follow the story.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 14, 2019
Callie was definitely questioning her sanity and I completely understand why... lol omg talk about a freaking awesome thriller with so much suspense my nails are bitten to the quick, but I couldn't put it down, I couldn't even hide my face in my pillow I just had to keep reading, I had to find out what happened next and wow it was so worth it.
Sarah Barrie is an amazingly talented author who would keep any reader right on the edge of her seat, she certainly did that for me.
Sarah Barrie is an amazingly talented author who would keep any reader right on the edge of her seat, she certainly did that for me.
August 22, 2019
Not the psychological thriller I was expecting. This is much more of a romantic suspense and should not be compared with books like The Dry. I can see why people love it, but it's not really my cup of tea. There were a lot of characters to keep up with and it couldn't hold my interest. A DNF. I skipped to the end and the resolution seemed extremely convoluted.
July 21, 2019
Devil's Lair is about family, revenge and love. Callie Jones was happy running with her husband Dale a winery and guesthouse in the Hunter Valley until her violent husband death decided to sell and move to Tasmania for a quiet life. However, this did not happen, and Callie became involved with Calico Mountain landscape gardens
The readers of Devil's Lair will continue to follow Callie to see what happens to her and the garden.
Wow, another fantastic book by Sarah Barrie. I like that Devil's Lair continues with the four main characters from . I love Sarah Barrie portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. I engaged with the plot of Devil's Lair from the first page, and I was glued to my chair until I finished the book. Sarah Barrie did an excellent job in intertwining the two plots and combine them at the end of the book. Devil's Lair was well written and researched by Sarah Barrie.
The readers of Devil's Lair will learn about mental illness and the effect it has on everyone around them. Also, the readers of Devil's Lair will start to understand how to run a farm stay business in Tasmania.
I recommend this book.
The readers of Devil's Lair will continue to follow Callie to see what happens to her and the garden.
Wow, another fantastic book by Sarah Barrie. I like that Devil's Lair continues with the four main characters from . I love Sarah Barrie portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. I engaged with the plot of Devil's Lair from the first page, and I was glued to my chair until I finished the book. Sarah Barrie did an excellent job in intertwining the two plots and combine them at the end of the book. Devil's Lair was well written and researched by Sarah Barrie.
The readers of Devil's Lair will learn about mental illness and the effect it has on everyone around them. Also, the readers of Devil's Lair will start to understand how to run a farm stay business in Tasmania.
I recommend this book.
July 31, 2019
I couldn't put this book down! I should have read Blood Tree River first as this story leads on from there.
July 8, 2020
*4 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Sarah Barrie book, and I enjoyed it. It kicks off with a bang, and then after the main characters gets to Tasmania, so begins a slow burn of creepy proportions. All sorts of weird things are happening not only to Callie, and at Waldron House, but to her new friends at Calico Mountain. And amongst all of that, is also her attraction to Connor.
I was intrigued by what was happening and who the culprit would turn out to be. I like all of Callie's friends, and as things built up, lots of scenarios played out. Until one fit right in. Even so, by the end, when the actual truth came out, I was quite shocked. I had guessed part of the equation, but not the majority of it.
I look forward to reading more from this author, as this one kept me guessing til the end, even if it was a bit of a slow burn kind of book.
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Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Sarah Barrie book, and I enjoyed it. It kicks off with a bang, and then after the main characters gets to Tasmania, so begins a slow burn of creepy proportions. All sorts of weird things are happening not only to Callie, and at Waldron House, but to her new friends at Calico Mountain. And amongst all of that, is also her attraction to Connor.
I was intrigued by what was happening and who the culprit would turn out to be. I like all of Callie's friends, and as things built up, lots of scenarios played out. Until one fit right in. Even so, by the end, when the actual truth came out, I was quite shocked. I had guessed part of the equation, but not the majority of it.
I look forward to reading more from this author, as this one kept me guessing til the end, even if it was a bit of a slow burn kind of book.
Follow me on:
July 28, 2019
Having read and enjoyed Blood Tree River, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Devil's Lair. As psychological thrillers go, this one is a doozy. I made a point of not reading it before bedtime. Twists and turns in the plot keep you on the edge of your seat right up until the most engaging and breath-stealing finale I've yet to read in a suspense thriller. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Ms Barrie throws the reader right back into the raging river of evil intrigue and mystery. Add a little black magic, a truly evil villain, a few red herrings and a whole crew of damaged and twisted minds, and this is a read that will give you nightmares. Well worth the read.
July 3, 2019
Bit of housekeeping first because I got myself a little confused early on here. DEVIL'S LAIR is a standalone novel from prolific Australian author Sarah Barrie, sharing some location similarities with an earlier novel - BLOODTREE RIVER. Sarah's past books seem to lean towards the romance side of the equation, with DEVIL'S LAIR billed as romantic suspense.
The novel starts out with events leading up to the violent death of Dale Jones, unfaithful husband and business partner of Callie Jones. Fleeing the aftermath of his death, Callie lobs up in a neglected mansion house, in a small Tasmanian town, which comes with the requisite spooky stories, creaks in the night, odd neighbours, and general decay and foreboding.
From the opening pages I suspect some readers may be aware that we're looking at that form of suspense that comes well telegraphed, with atmospherics to spare, and a cast of millions. There were points in the book where a hand written cast list including connections to who / how was the only hope I had at keeping up. Especially if the book had been put aside for a few days to go on with something else, when getting back into the swing of it required heaps of concentration and that list. Having said that DEVIL'S LAIR feels very much like the opening salvo in a series as there plenty of hints of future directions as well.
So - lots of characters / lots of ideas / a pretty stereotypical setting ... can be gone along with, but what stayed with me for the longest time after reading the book was the juxtaposition of all of that, and a sort of cozy narrative with an oddly laid back attitude when faced with a particularly gruesome body count. Whilst you'd think you could possibly live with things that move or bump in the night in a house that's supposed to be haunted, the somewhat lackadaisical approach to murder after murder, and oddity of never once having that referred to ... I don't know ... a major crime squad or something, didn't make sense. Add to that the budding romance - our plucky widow and the gorgeous local bachelor and the balance wasn't pitched at reader's of my ilk obviously.
Extra heavy on the romance, extra light on the suspense side, where the murder and mayhem seems to be somewhat secondary to the personal relationships, DEVIL'S LAIR will undoubtedly appeal to fans of that balance.
The novel starts out with events leading up to the violent death of Dale Jones, unfaithful husband and business partner of Callie Jones. Fleeing the aftermath of his death, Callie lobs up in a neglected mansion house, in a small Tasmanian town, which comes with the requisite spooky stories, creaks in the night, odd neighbours, and general decay and foreboding.
From the opening pages I suspect some readers may be aware that we're looking at that form of suspense that comes well telegraphed, with atmospherics to spare, and a cast of millions. There were points in the book where a hand written cast list including connections to who / how was the only hope I had at keeping up. Especially if the book had been put aside for a few days to go on with something else, when getting back into the swing of it required heaps of concentration and that list. Having said that DEVIL'S LAIR feels very much like the opening salvo in a series as there plenty of hints of future directions as well.
So - lots of characters / lots of ideas / a pretty stereotypical setting ... can be gone along with, but what stayed with me for the longest time after reading the book was the juxtaposition of all of that, and a sort of cozy narrative with an oddly laid back attitude when faced with a particularly gruesome body count. Whilst you'd think you could possibly live with things that move or bump in the night in a house that's supposed to be haunted, the somewhat lackadaisical approach to murder after murder, and oddity of never once having that referred to ... I don't know ... a major crime squad or something, didn't make sense. Add to that the budding romance - our plucky widow and the gorgeous local bachelor and the balance wasn't pitched at reader's of my ilk obviously.
Extra heavy on the romance, extra light on the suspense side, where the murder and mayhem seems to be somewhat secondary to the personal relationships, DEVIL'S LAIR will undoubtedly appeal to fans of that balance.
June 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this one, it’s such a gripping read and it had me on the edge of my seat—it’s so tense and full of atmosphere! It’s pretty darn creepy in places and has definite gothic undertones... For a while there I thought the story was going to get all supernatural on me, but I needn’t have worried, everything resolved believably. The story was really well plotted—the mystery was complex and there were lots of revelations that I didn’t see coming. Highly recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book from Harlequin Australia in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book from Harlequin Australia in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 30, 2020
This is actually the first book I've read by Australian author Sarah Barrie though she's penned the Hunters Ridge series and I understand this is loosely linked to her 2018 release, Blood Tree River.
I kinda guessed the 'whodunnit' part here which is eventually partially handed to us. The why wasn't as predictable though and sets up the suspense in this book quite nicely.
Read my review here:
I kinda guessed the 'whodunnit' part here which is eventually partially handed to us. The why wasn't as predictable though and sets up the suspense in this book quite nicely.
Read my review here:
June 13, 2019
I was sent an ARC from Harper Collins Australia for an honest review.
Cannot wait to pick this one up as my next read!
Cannot wait to pick this one up as my next read!
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