The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart by Leanna Renee Hieber

A really good sequel to Darker Still.

The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart picks up right where Darker Still left off. And due to possible spoilers, I will refrain from saying exactly what that is. I was wondering how the series would continue after Darker Still; I couldn't see what could possibly happen next.

I will say that the beginning of the book was slow going and I was a bit fearful that the whole book would be like this. Thankfully, once the story settled, it took off and I was engrossed. There was just the right amount of supernatural for me, and I was able to follow all of it. And the spooky moments even went up a notch from the last book. Reading this at night was not a good idea.

This installment of the series introduced some new enjoyable characters that I hope to see more of. And based on how the book ended, there will definitely be a third book, and I can't wait.

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

A very unique historical fantasy book surrounding a mute girl and a haunted portrait of a young English Lord.

Set in 1880 New York, Natalie is a young woman who comes across a stunning portrait of a young Lord and seems drawn to it. The book is written as if it's Natalie journal, so we're privy to her deepest darkest thoughts and the workings of her mind. She is obviously driven to record everything that comes to her, for it's the only way she can express it.

Natalie was, of course, a very unique heroine. She could only communicate with most people by writing on her notepad. She felt left out often, and when she interacted with people, she was usually met with a pitying look. Through the course of her journey that is chronicled through her journal, Natalie discovers strengths and talents she didn't even know she had.

Darker Still has hints of The Picture Dorian Gray, and I loved it. The story was obviously inspired by the classic novel.

I went into this book not really knowing the details, so I'm hesitant to give anything away. It was so much more than I expected. I definitely wasn't expecting it to be so creepy in some places. While reading during the night, I found some parts completely spooked me – walking beheaded corpses and all that. Argh, but it was good.