Book Review: The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon – A Haunting Tale in a Snow-Covered Vermont
Rating: 4/5 stars (enjoyed reading, but wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend to others)
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon is a book that promises to take you deep into the eerie woods of West Hall, Vermont, where mysteries linger and the past never seems to fully die. From the very first page, the chilling atmosphere pulls you in, and McMahon’s storytelling truly immerses you in the hauntingly beautiful, snow-covered town of West Hall. While the book might not be perfect, it’s certainly worth a read for fans of ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.
Plot Summary
Set in a small town with a reputation for spooky happenings, The Winter People weaves together two narratives: one in 1908, centering on Sara Harrison Shea, a woman who loses her daughter and ends up writing a journal that will later become the key to unraveling a series of strange events; and the other in the present day, following Ruthie, a teenage girl who discovers her mother has disappeared without a trace. As the story unfolds, these two timelines intersect in unexpected ways, revealing secrets that haunt the town of West Hall.
Atmosphere & Setting
One of the strongest points of The Winter People is its setting. McMahon’s depiction of the cold, isolated Vermont town is atmospheric, almost like a character in itself. As you read, you can practically feel the biting cold, hear the crunch of snow underfoot, and sense the mysterious aura of the abandoned places that dot the town. This setting helps the novel feel both eerie and beautiful, capturing the reader’s imagination and making it easy to fall into the lives of the characters who reside there.
Predictability & Ending
While the story is undeniably compelling, The Winter People can be fairly predictable. The plot twists, though interesting, aren’t particularly surprising, and if you’re a seasoned reader of mystery or horror, you might find yourself predicting the key revelations. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat underwhelming; after such an intense buildup, it doesn’t quite deliver the punch one might hope for. The conclusion, though fine, lacks the impact that would elevate the book to a five-star read.
Characterization
Despite these drawbacks, McMahon does an excellent job of drawing readers into the lives of her characters. Sara’s grief, Ruthie’s fear, and the mysteries of the past all feel vivid and real, adding depth to the story. Sara’s character, in particular, is well-developed; her journal entries give a glimpse into the mind of a mother who has lost everything, and her desperate choices become somewhat understandable, even if unsettling. Ruthie’s journey of discovery and her attempts to understand her family’s secrets add layers to the story that keep you invested in finding out what happens.
Overall Impression
The Winter People might not have the most surprising plot twists or a completely satisfying ending, but it’s still an enjoyable read. It’s a book that excels in setting and atmosphere, with an eerie charm that lingers. For readers who enjoy a spooky, slow-burn mystery with a hint of the supernatural, this book offers an atmospheric journey worth taking. And while the ending might leave you wanting a little more, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience of being transported to West Hall, Vermont.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a book that’ll transport you to a snow-laden, haunted town and introduce you to characters with deep, dark secrets, The Winter People will be right up your alley. Just be prepared for a somewhat predictable plot and an ending that may not fully satisfy. Despite its flaws, it’s a haunting tale that lingers, leaving you with a taste of mystery and a feeling that perhaps, in West Hall, the past never really dies.
