What are you reading? "The Blackhouse" by Carole Johnstone

Noelia's contribution

The Book

I went into The black House expecting a dark, atmospheric thriller, and in many ways it delivery exactly that—but not always in a way that’s easy to enjoy.

Source: Amazon

What really stayed with me is the setting. The island feels oppressive, almost like it’s closing in on the characters. There’s this constant sense of discomfort, like something is off, but no one is willing to say it out loud. That feeling is reinforced by the people who live there—everyone seems to be hiding something, and that collective secrecy creates a tension that runs through the whole book. It’s one of those stories where you feel like the truth is always just out of reach.

I also found the use of Bronze Age esotericism interesting. It gives the story a strange, almost ritualistic layer that makes it stand out. It’s not just a mystery; there’s something older and more unsettling underneath everything, and that part is genuinely compelling.

Robert, for me, was one of the strongest characters. He is struggling with guilty feelings about being unable to face whatever he did in the past. You can sense that he’s stuck, and that fear of confronting the truth adds emotional weight to his storyline.

That said, the book can be hard to get through. The pacing is slow—sometimes too slow. There are moments where it feels like nothing is really happening, and it becomes easy to lose interest.

Maggie, as the main character, didn’t fully work for me either. I understand that she’s dealing with psychological issues, but at times she comes across as repetitive or even tiring. And her “turning point,” which is basically a sudden sexual encounter with Will, felt forced and unnecessary. It didn’t really add anything meaningful to the story, and honestly, it pulled me out of it a bit.

Another negative aspect is the use of Gaelic terms, which makes your reading a challenge. You end up stopping frequently to check the glossary at the end of the book to know the meaning of the words. Breaking the flow makes it harder to stay immersed.

In the end, I’d say The Blackhouse has a strong atmosphere and some really interesting ideas, but it’s weighed down by its slow pace and some questionable character choices. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you’re looking for something more dynamic or easier to read.

The Author

Source: Amazon

Carole Johnstone is a Scottish author known for her work in psychological thrillers, horror, and dark fiction. She was born in Scotland and developed an early interest in storytelling, particularly drawn to eerie, unsettling narratives that explore the darker sides of human nature.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Johnstone worked as a journalist. This background influenced her writing style, giving it a sharp, observant edge and a strong sense of realism, even when her stories move into supernatural or folkloric territory.

She first gained recognition through her short stories, many of which were published in anthologies and literary magazines. Her talent in the horror genre was especially noted, and she went on to win the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Story, which helped establish her reputation as an emerging voice in dark fiction.

Johnstone later transitioned into writing novels. One of her most notable works is The Blackhouse, a psychological thriller that blends mystery with elements of folklore and psychological horror. Her novels often explore themes such as trauma, guilt, memory, and the influence of the past on the present.

Her writing is characterized by atmospheric settings—frequently remote or isolated locations—and complex characters who struggle with inner conflicts. She is particularly skilled at creating tension through mood and ambiguity, rather than relying solely on plot-driven action.

Today, Carole Johnstone continues to write fiction that sits at the intersection of thriller and horror, and she is regarded as a distinctive voice within contemporary dark literature.