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Welcome to Danvers
Welcome to Danvers, Massachusetts . . . the true location of the Salem witch trials, a small town still haunted by the specter of forbidden magic.
Allison Lockhart arrives at the start of her senior year to a new home that is nothing like the beloved seaside town she left behind. The only thing she has in common with the other girls is her helpless crush on Andrew Whitfield, the charming athlete with a gorgeous girlfriend. When a mysterious death casts a cloud of suspicion over Andrew, Allison sets out to prove his innocence—and win his heart.
She is convinced one person knows the answers—Dylan Black, a brilliant but troubled outcast. Slowly, he draws her into the dark world of the occult, forcing her to confront her own demons. Will she uncover the truth, or become a pawn in a twisted scheme to destroy the boy she loves?
Welcome to Danvers (Book #1) is the first installment in a modern Gothic series that will journey through the town’s wicked past.
Allison Lockhart arrives at the start of her senior year to a new home that is nothing like the beloved seaside town she left behind. The only thing she has in common with the other girls is her helpless crush on Andrew Whitfield, the charming athlete with a gorgeous girlfriend. When a mysterious death casts a cloud of suspicion over Andrew, Allison sets out to prove his innocence—and win his heart.
She is convinced one person knows the answers—Dylan Black, a brilliant but troubled outcast. Slowly, he draws her into the dark world of the occult, forcing her to confront her own demons. Will she uncover the truth, or become a pawn in a twisted scheme to destroy the boy she loves?
Welcome to Danvers (Book #1) is the first installment in a modern Gothic series that will journey through the town’s wicked past.
- GenresHorrorYoung AdultRomance
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 19, 2018
Book Reviewed by Nia on www.whisperingstories.com
I loved this book! I think this might be my all time favourite YA novel, it has the perfect blend of intrigue, high school drama and the supernatural.
Allison returns to her birthplace with her adoptive parents, following the death of her biological grandmother. She inherits a house in the town of Danvers and moves there to finish her senior year of high school – this involves making new friends, enemies and learning about the history of the Salem witch trials.
This is the first book in a trilogy and focuses more on Allison’s introduction to the strange and Gothic town of Danvers than on her past, we have some nice clues about her parents and grandmother but nothing that the author is ready to reveal just yet. I really enjoyed the pacing for this reason and didn’t feel that too much information was being hurled at me too quickly.
The school drama is delicious; mean girls, jocks, goths, underage drinking and a makeover. Sometimes you just need these things in a novel!
When one of the girls in Allison’s class dies under suspicious circumstances, Allison is right in the thick of things – she does some classic sleuthing while getting herself in all sorts of tight scrapes and finds that the occult might be involved in the tragedy. This is a classic murder mystery, but the nature of the supernatural elements in this book are never fully laid out so you have to figure it out as you go.
This is an incredibly atmospheric book and a joy to read, I cannot wait for the rest of the series to be released!
I loved this book! I think this might be my all time favourite YA novel, it has the perfect blend of intrigue, high school drama and the supernatural.
Allison returns to her birthplace with her adoptive parents, following the death of her biological grandmother. She inherits a house in the town of Danvers and moves there to finish her senior year of high school – this involves making new friends, enemies and learning about the history of the Salem witch trials.
This is the first book in a trilogy and focuses more on Allison’s introduction to the strange and Gothic town of Danvers than on her past, we have some nice clues about her parents and grandmother but nothing that the author is ready to reveal just yet. I really enjoyed the pacing for this reason and didn’t feel that too much information was being hurled at me too quickly.
The school drama is delicious; mean girls, jocks, goths, underage drinking and a makeover. Sometimes you just need these things in a novel!
When one of the girls in Allison’s class dies under suspicious circumstances, Allison is right in the thick of things – she does some classic sleuthing while getting herself in all sorts of tight scrapes and finds that the occult might be involved in the tragedy. This is a classic murder mystery, but the nature of the supernatural elements in this book are never fully laid out so you have to figure it out as you go.
This is an incredibly atmospheric book and a joy to read, I cannot wait for the rest of the series to be released!
October 3, 2018
I received a free copy for an honest review. Wow, just wow. I don't even know what to think anymore. I thought this book was going to be one thing but it turned out to be something else entirely. Going into this you should know, nothing, and I mean nothing is what it seems. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I found the main character, Allison, to be rather annoying most of the time. I get that she's only a teenager but it seems like at times she's really smart and then she'll go do something stupid. Plus all the boy drama got to be too much some of the time. Don't let that dissuade you from reading it. The mystery will leave you with questions that demand to be answered and wanting to know more. I certainly do.
March 6, 2019
i am always shocked when a book has been a out a while and so little review, what a great read. newbie to Penne's writing. such a new fan. now this is not a happy go lucky read ...check another page for that kind of genre. this is a possible trigger warning for some: suicide, rape scenes, murder, violence, sexual assault, not recommended for YA folks. this is not a read i would want to read every day, i have always wondered what would i consider my trigger warnings, i hate snake (not making light of anything here folks, i am always a person who using humor to adjust to my life situations, it is how i cope. u cope how u cope. i do wonder sometimes what makes an author to go there, to dark scenes in our world or life ...but i guess for some it is less taboo or doesn't affect them as it would or might others??! when i was a kid there was no such thing as a trigger warning ... u don't like step away and read something with all roses or romance, whatever .. next? just know it might ... do what you enjoy, it is your life and yours to choose what you look and do in it??! get started.) ... but it is interesting to see where the author will and does go. beginning to a new series? are u a cliff lover as in cliffhanger? hopefully we don't have to wait long for the next in the series? will read more from Penne soon enough.
October 26, 2018
I enjoyed this novel for young adults by Penne Mayer.
This book is a good read for the beach or a ski trip. Although billed as the first book in a Gothic trilogy, I found it to be more of a mystery with supernatural overtones.
There are also elements of teenage love drama which I found a little stereotypic but fun.
With any book I always ask the question - am I engaged with the characters and do I care about them?
Allison is a typical teenage girl with a "Nancy Drew" curiosity. The death of her parents and the cryptic message from her dying grandmother to "sell the house" she has inherited - of course, is all she needs to pursue answers. "Why does she not belong here?" What are the secrets?
Allison has a crush on the local star athlete and the author does help us feel that Andrew is not just a typical shallow jock. Dylan is the local, creepy misfit and as we are drawn into the story, I am becoming more intrigued with his personality.
As you reach the final section of the book, it picks up momentum and has some interesting twists. I am left looking forward to the next book and seeing where the author takes the characters.
This book is a good read for the beach or a ski trip. Although billed as the first book in a Gothic trilogy, I found it to be more of a mystery with supernatural overtones.
There are also elements of teenage love drama which I found a little stereotypic but fun.
With any book I always ask the question - am I engaged with the characters and do I care about them?
Allison is a typical teenage girl with a "Nancy Drew" curiosity. The death of her parents and the cryptic message from her dying grandmother to "sell the house" she has inherited - of course, is all she needs to pursue answers. "Why does she not belong here?" What are the secrets?
Allison has a crush on the local star athlete and the author does help us feel that Andrew is not just a typical shallow jock. Dylan is the local, creepy misfit and as we are drawn into the story, I am becoming more intrigued with his personality.
As you reach the final section of the book, it picks up momentum and has some interesting twists. I am left looking forward to the next book and seeing where the author takes the characters.
June 17, 2020
This story is about Allison Lockhart or moves to Danver Massachusetts at the start of her senior year. Danver, Massachusetts knows of the Salem witch trials. This town is hunted and has forbidden magic.
Allison's new home is very creepy and nothing like her old house. But that's just the start of creepy things going on around Allison, there is also a mysterious death that happens. Allison sets out to prove the killer is innocent
I got a copy for an honest review of this book. So here it goes. This book was really good, I couldn't stop reading. I love the spooky/Gothic/mystery/dramatic feel to it. If you like pretty little liars/Charm/13 reasons why. I'm pretty sure you'll like this book. My favourite character was sweet Elsie. I can't wait for the second book. I will definitely read it when it comes out.
If you like modern gothic books. This is for you
https://anikreadsebooks.wixsite.com/a...
Allison's new home is very creepy and nothing like her old house. But that's just the start of creepy things going on around Allison, there is also a mysterious death that happens. Allison sets out to prove the killer is innocent
I got a copy for an honest review of this book. So here it goes. This book was really good, I couldn't stop reading. I love the spooky/Gothic/mystery/dramatic feel to it. If you like pretty little liars/Charm/13 reasons why. I'm pretty sure you'll like this book. My favourite character was sweet Elsie. I can't wait for the second book. I will definitely read it when it comes out.
If you like modern gothic books. This is for you
https://anikreadsebooks.wixsite.com/a...
November 22, 2021
I don’t think this book knew what it wanted to be …
Like it’s just so weird and I honestly couldn’t stand most of the characters… especially Andrew … after all the 💩 he did and in some cases didn’t do I don’t see how Allison could still want him
Like just no 😂 he sucks
It was still a pretty quick and mostly entertaining read 🤷♀️
Like it’s just so weird and I honestly couldn’t stand most of the characters… especially Andrew … after all the 💩 he did and in some cases didn’t do I don’t see how Allison could still want him
Like just no 😂 he sucks
It was still a pretty quick and mostly entertaining read 🤷♀️
December 23, 2018
I found this book by accident while looking for something else on Amazon. I bought it without expectations being too high because YA gothic horror can be hit or miss. This wasn’t “scary”, but it was suspenseful. I really loved it!! Recommended 👍🏻👍🏻
May 3, 2019
This is a portion of the review on my book blog
https://trailsoftales620253622.wordpr...
I have high hopes for this series. The events in ‘Welcome to Danvers’, as mind boggling as they are, seem to be just at teaser of much more scarier things to come. There are elements of mysteries which haven’t been explored in this first of a series. I am excited to read more about them.
The initial portion of this book might seem to excessively focused on school life and teenage rivalries. But it is the foundation for the crime that the story is centered around.
Keep in mind the protagonists are confused, mostly misguided teenagers on the verge of adulthood who are struggling desperately to find their footing. Needless to say, the novel does not focus on deeper emotional growth of the characters but rather the oft messy explorations of teenage minds.
Penne Mayer has carefully combined the elements of a thriller with those of the supernatural. In fact, by the end of the book you will still be wondeing whether to believe in the supernatural indications or the aspects of psychological thriller provided by ‘Welcome to Danvers’.
In my opinion, Author Penne Mayer’s creation of Alisson was the perfect medium to illuminate that you can never be sure of exactly who you are unless and until you are tempted to become someone else. How you react to that temptation defines your true self.
This book revolves around the darkness that is present inside all and what we might do to keep it hidden. It is a far deeper story than it might appear.
https://trailsoftales620253622.wordpr...
I have high hopes for this series. The events in ‘Welcome to Danvers’, as mind boggling as they are, seem to be just at teaser of much more scarier things to come. There are elements of mysteries which haven’t been explored in this first of a series. I am excited to read more about them.
The initial portion of this book might seem to excessively focused on school life and teenage rivalries. But it is the foundation for the crime that the story is centered around.
Keep in mind the protagonists are confused, mostly misguided teenagers on the verge of adulthood who are struggling desperately to find their footing. Needless to say, the novel does not focus on deeper emotional growth of the characters but rather the oft messy explorations of teenage minds.
Penne Mayer has carefully combined the elements of a thriller with those of the supernatural. In fact, by the end of the book you will still be wondeing whether to believe in the supernatural indications or the aspects of psychological thriller provided by ‘Welcome to Danvers’.
In my opinion, Author Penne Mayer’s creation of Alisson was the perfect medium to illuminate that you can never be sure of exactly who you are unless and until you are tempted to become someone else. How you react to that temptation defines your true self.
This book revolves around the darkness that is present inside all and what we might do to keep it hidden. It is a far deeper story than it might appear.
October 12, 2018
Includes some minimal spoilers in the Trigger Warning section below!
If you like stories about witchcraft in a setting close to Salem, this is the book for you. It was mostly normal with just enough creepy to keep you on your toes. Great balance of murder mystery, supernatural tinkering, and relationship drama. Not as much actual paranormal activity as I had anticipated but it was heavily indicated throughout. I thought all of the character were very well developed, even some of the minor characters. Though some were stereotypical, ie: the super hot mega rich mean girl, it wasn't the norm and most of the characters were less stereotypical. The flow and tension of the book were spot on. Not too fast but not slow. It amped up the creepy vibe but still kept the story moving. The setting was fitting. The descriptions of the houses and buildings were appropriate and often eerie. Warning, this book ends on a cliffhanger, a HUGE cliffhanger, and I have a feeling everything we think we know isn't correct. Overall, I loved it and thought it was an amazing beginning to a new series. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Trigger warnings: There is a potential suicide (or maybe homicide) by hanging, a scantly detailed rape scene, and a drunken sexual assault scene. Some violence (obviously with a potential murder) including fighting, and some strong language. I would not recommend for young teens.
If you like stories about witchcraft in a setting close to Salem, this is the book for you. It was mostly normal with just enough creepy to keep you on your toes. Great balance of murder mystery, supernatural tinkering, and relationship drama. Not as much actual paranormal activity as I had anticipated but it was heavily indicated throughout. I thought all of the character were very well developed, even some of the minor characters. Though some were stereotypical, ie: the super hot mega rich mean girl, it wasn't the norm and most of the characters were less stereotypical. The flow and tension of the book were spot on. Not too fast but not slow. It amped up the creepy vibe but still kept the story moving. The setting was fitting. The descriptions of the houses and buildings were appropriate and often eerie. Warning, this book ends on a cliffhanger, a HUGE cliffhanger, and I have a feeling everything we think we know isn't correct. Overall, I loved it and thought it was an amazing beginning to a new series. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Trigger warnings: There is a potential suicide (or maybe homicide) by hanging, a scantly detailed rape scene, and a drunken sexual assault scene. Some violence (obviously with a potential murder) including fighting, and some strong language. I would not recommend for young teens.
April 8, 2019
I really liked the description of this book and thought I would give it a try, but honestly I was a little disappointed.
The description added a mystery to this book and throughout the book the mystery always lingered in the air, but I found the main character annoying and although it was written how smart and clever she is, she was anything but that. The first half of the book nothing happened. I understand it needed some back story how she manages in her new school etc., but this whole concept left me cold hearted.
It was thoroughly mentioned how free spirited she is and how she likes to investigate so much, but for me it sounded just the opposite. She started to investigate just to free the crush of the suspicion, who also happens to be a boyfriend of another girl – Saralyn. Halfway through the book I realized what a crappy book it is. It didn’t have any indication of paranormalcy and when I reached the end of the book I was right. I really thought I will throw my tablet, because I was angry to have this kind of end. It was ridiculous and disappointing.
I started to read this book in hope to have some mystery and paranormal. I got the mystery part, but it was more like crime mystery to me where the high-school girl started to investigate what happened to her classmate.
Usually I like YA novels, but I wasn’t fond of this book. I couldn’t feel anything for the characters and relate to them. In the end it was just revenge between teenagers.
The description added a mystery to this book and throughout the book the mystery always lingered in the air, but I found the main character annoying and although it was written how smart and clever she is, she was anything but that. The first half of the book nothing happened. I understand it needed some back story how she manages in her new school etc., but this whole concept left me cold hearted.
It was thoroughly mentioned how free spirited she is and how she likes to investigate so much, but for me it sounded just the opposite. She started to investigate just to free the crush of the suspicion, who also happens to be a boyfriend of another girl – Saralyn. Halfway through the book I realized what a crappy book it is. It didn’t have any indication of paranormalcy and when I reached the end of the book I was right. I really thought I will throw my tablet, because I was angry to have this kind of end. It was ridiculous and disappointing.
I started to read this book in hope to have some mystery and paranormal. I got the mystery part, but it was more like crime mystery to me where the high-school girl started to investigate what happened to her classmate.
Usually I like YA novels, but I wasn’t fond of this book. I couldn’t feel anything for the characters and relate to them. In the end it was just revenge between teenagers.
October 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book the way I enjoy coffee, the bitterness of it, the heat of it, the comfort it provides, that first sip is always a bit of a shock, but you always want more. That's how this book reads, the story twists and turns and the reader is forced to relive their own teenage angst, yet still looks forward to diving into it again each day. I loved getting lost in Welcome to Danvers. I was thoroughly engaged while reading it and found myself staying up through the night and into the early morning reading as one chapter pulled me into the next. The authors' engaging and evocative prose transports you into the world of the small, sneakily-spooky town of Danvers full of teenagers up to no good. The book makes you want to reach through the pages and shake the heroine to her senses, tell her that high school is such a short and insignificant period on the grand scale of a lifetime, and yet you can't help but follow her as she travels the trials of her own teenage drama. I loved the characters and the story and CANNOT WAIT for the second installment.
October 22, 2018
I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this book from the author (I learned about the opportunity via a social media post - I don't personally know her!). I found it to be surprisingly polished for a debut, with a writing style I appreciated much more than some other popular YA fiction I've read. For me, most of the book was a "well, it's late but just one more chapter... they're short" kind of read, and I finished it much more quickly than I usually get through printed (vs. audio) books! I enjoyed the story with its twists even though it didn't go in the direction I anticipated and there are a couple of storylines I hope get explored more in future books if this turns into a series. (More creepy house, parents' lives, and info on the neighbors please!)
October 21, 2018
Penne Mayer has written a good debut.
Allison was born in Danvers, but grew up happily in the California sunshine. A serious of events take her back to Danvers for her senior year.
I enjoyed Welcome to Danvers. The plot is a slow burn with a mystery that shapes a large part of the action. I think there were some elements that could have been shaped a bit more, but perhaps that was on purpose by the author as there will be a book 2. I'm also curious how the character development will continue. I'm not sure we fully know Allison or a few of the major players yet.
I'm interested to see where this story will go.
Allison was born in Danvers, but grew up happily in the California sunshine. A serious of events take her back to Danvers for her senior year.
I enjoyed Welcome to Danvers. The plot is a slow burn with a mystery that shapes a large part of the action. I think there were some elements that could have been shaped a bit more, but perhaps that was on purpose by the author as there will be a book 2. I'm also curious how the character development will continue. I'm not sure we fully know Allison or a few of the major players yet.
I'm interested to see where this story will go.
September 2, 2019
Welcome to Danvers is a young adult story. The main character, Allison, inherits a house in Danvers, i.e. Salem Witch Trials territory, and moves there to finish her senior year of high school. Honestly, moving for your senior year really bites. Allison is not a bad character, but she's not very likeable either. It's a maturity issue in my opinion. The story itself is good with its unique premise. It's engaging, compelling and atmospherically haunting. The vibe is Gothic/Victorian, which I happen to like. Overall, it's a good solid read that I enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2018
Super fun, sugar rush of a read!
I received a review copy of this novel and all I can say is that I loved this story so dingdang much. The writing quality, character development, and worldbuilding were topnotch and just what I needed to escape and keep me entertained during my daily commute. It's the perfect fall/winter read, full of mystery, witchcraft, secrets, and fun character drama. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series and to be able to hang out with these characters again.
I received a review copy of this novel and all I can say is that I loved this story so dingdang much. The writing quality, character development, and worldbuilding were topnotch and just what I needed to escape and keep me entertained during my daily commute. It's the perfect fall/winter read, full of mystery, witchcraft, secrets, and fun character drama. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series and to be able to hang out with these characters again.
March 14, 2019
This was such a great read. Mystery, confusion, love and loss. The characters were written so realistic that you can actually see their emotions, their turmoil. Just when you think you have everything figured out it throws a twist into the mix. I can not wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2018
I really enjoyed getting to know Danvers. I would read it while nursing my baby and found myself holding her for an hour or two long naps because I didn't want to stop reading! I'm excited for more in the series. A great read for lovers of witchcraft and high school drama :)
March 6, 2019
Welcome to Danvers by Penne Mayer is a wonderful story by a brand new author for me to read. This is book number one in this wonderful series that I started reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2019
Captivating read, waiting for book 2 to come.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews