Smothermoss by Alisa Alering is, above all else, to me, incredibly unique. And weird. An atmospheric, Appalachian, gothic, haunting… murder mystery? ghost story? about struggling with your queer identity and being a lonely and independent elder sister to an unruly younger sister? while also trying to figure out what’s going on with this serial killer in the woods? and it almost feels like a fairytale? and it has RABBITS!!!

I could NOT get a handle on what was going on in this story at times and I honestly mean that in the best possible way. I saw another reviewer (over on YouTube, Sound & Fury Book Reviews!) say that it felt like taking a strange path and ending up on the coolest road. I couldn’t agree more. I love the journey this strange book took me on, I love the vibes, I love the setting, I love the sisters. I related to the queer-in-a-small-town identity struggle, lots of empathy for that feeling of a rope tied around your neck that no one else can see… unless they can. And you’re all found out! And the rope is getting tighter!!

Big recommendation for all the We Have Always Lived in the Castle lovers!! Sheila and Angie both remind me of Constance and Merricat, but major emphasis on Angie and Merricat.