If unsettling books are your jam, you need to check out Nat Cassidy’s writing.

It felt reminiscent of a classic Stephen King novel, where its horror has mysterious, thriller-esque vibes. Add in the discomfort of a book like School for Good Mothers, and that might come close to describing the feel and tone of this novel.

While it definitely falls into the horror genre, there are so many deep topics that are explored through the writing. Just some of them include the grief of sudden disability, the difficulties of being a caretaker, complicated ideas on motherhood, postpartum depression, generational trauma, economic inequality, modern Judaism and antisemitism, and the overwhelming desire to fit in. Because of this, the book is quite heavy even before the urban horror aspects start to come into play.

I loved the creeping dread the author was able to infuse throughout the book; even after the reader has an idea of what’s going on, the tension and paranoia practically drip off every page. The descriptions are vivid enough to imagine oneself right there with the characters, which only added to the atmospheric unease. Be sure to read/listen to the afterward from the author - it’s quite powerful.

I will say that, much like a Stephen King novel, it took me a while to get into the story. But once I was invested, there was no way I could put this book down! It was a perfect spooky season read, and now I need to go pick up something light and happy!

*Note: I was given the advanced audiobook edition of the book, and I felt that Cassandra Campbell’s narration gave the perfect voices to the characters and added to the dread and unease of the book.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy!