Where’s Molly ♦ H.D. Carlton | Review

A Gripping Dark Romance with Unforgettable Characters

Where’s Molly by H.D. Carlton is a thrilling addition to the world created in the Cat & Mouse Duet. If you’ve already devoured Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline (and I highly recommend it), then this spinoff is sure to satisfy your craving for more of Carlton’s unique blend of dark romance, psychological tension, and raw emotion. While it stands as a separate narrative, Where’s Molly continues to delve into the shadowy depths of human nature, bringing with it a storyline that is as captivating as it is unsettling.

Where's Molly by H.D. Carlton
Series: Cat and Mouse Duet #2.5
Published: 16. February 2024 by Independently Published
Format: Paperback, 241 pages
Genre: Dark Romance, Death, Horror, Mystery, Novella, Suspense
ISBN-13: 9781957635156
Language: English
Audience: Adult
Shelve: Read 2024
Link to Goodreads
Rating:

A spin-off of the Cat & Mouse Duet...

“Molly Devereaux has been missing for more than two weeks, and police are still searching for the girl who seemed to vanish out of thin air. The world still wants to know... Where's Molly?”

In my dreams, I never escaped the Oregon woods.
Life after death isn't easy to accept, especially when I still feel like a ghost.
Now, I live deep in the mountains of Montana—the paradigm of beauty. But they are also the home of horrors.
Horrors that I only unleash at night.
When my pigs are allowed to feast.
It is strongly recommended to read Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline before reading Where's Molly.

Warning: This is a dark romance that contains dark subject matter. Please refer to the author's website for content warnings.

Buy the Book at: Amazon*

Opinion

The book starts with a bang: Molly Devereaux has been missing for over two weeks, and the mystery surrounding her disappearance has gripped not just the fictional world within the book but also readers from the very first page. The story is primarily told from Molly’s perspective, a character who is hauntingly complex and layered. She’s a survivor, albeit one who is deeply scarred by her experiences. The Oregon woods, which play a significant role in her backstory, are more than just a setting—they’re almost a character in themselves, representing both the horrors of her past and the unrelenting grip of trauma.

Now living in the Montana mountains, Molly’s life is anything but peaceful. While the natural beauty of her surroundings provides a stark contrast to the darkness within her, it’s clear that she’s still trapped in a nightmare. The novel explores themes of survival, identity, and the lingering effects of trauma with a rawness that is both disturbing and compelling. Molly’s struggle to reconcile her past with her present, and the constant question of whether she can ever truly escape the horrors that haunt her, make for an intense reading experience.

Carlton’s writing shines in her ability to create atmosphere. The Montana mountains are described in vivid detail, juxtaposing the serenity of the wilderness with the sinister events that unfold within it. The tension is palpable, and there’s a sense of dread that permeates the novel, making it difficult to put down. The psychological depth of the characters, especially Molly, is another highlight. Her internal battles, her sense of isolation, and her fight to maintain a semblance of control over her life are portrayed with a realism that is both heartbreaking and relatable.

However, it’s important to note that Where’s Molly is not for the faint of heart. The book deals with dark and potentially triggering subjects, including violence and psychological trauma. Carlton doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of Molly’s world, which may be difficult for some readers. That said, those who appreciate dark romance and are familiar with the content warnings provided by the author will likely find this book to be a gripping and satisfying read.

The only reason this isn’t a five-star review is that the pacing occasionally falters. There are moments where the story lingers a bit too long on Molly’s internal monologues, which can slow the narrative. Additionally, while the book is a spinoff, readers unfamiliar with the Cat & Mouse Duet might find themselves lost at times, as some elements of Molly’s story are more fully appreciated with the background provided in the previous books.

Conclusion

Overall, Where’s Molly is a compelling, dark, and emotionally charged novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. H.D. Carlton has once again crafted a story that lingers long after the last page is turned, with a protagonist who is as unforgettable as she is broken. If you’re up for a dark, psychological journey, Where’s Molly is well worth the read.

About H.D. Carlton

H.D. Carlton is an International and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Bigfoot, two dogs, and cat. When she’s not bathing in the tears of her readers, she’s watching paranormal shows and wishing she was a mermaid. Her favorite characters are of the morally gray variety and believes that everyone should check their sanity at the door before diving into her stories.

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