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Mosaic
Something wicked waits.
When a stained-glass artist embarks upon the restoration of a church window, her personal demons are put to the test when she unveils a conspiracy to reawaken a cosmic force.
When a stained-glass artist embarks upon the restoration of a church window, her personal demons are put to the test when she unveils a conspiracy to reawaken a cosmic force.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2023
About the author
Catherine McCarthy
30 books300 followersCatherine McCarthy weaves dark tales on an ancient loom from her farmhouse in West Wales.
Her published novellas and novels include Immortelle, Mosaic, A Moonlit Path of Madness, The Wolf and the Favour and her most recent, The House at the End of Lacelean Street. Her short fiction has been published in various anthologies and magazines, including those by Black Spot Books, Nosetouch Press, and Dark Matter Ink.
In 2020 she won the Aberystwyth University Prize for her short fiction.
Time away from the loom is spent hiking the Welsh coast path or huddled in an ancient graveyard reading Dylan Thomas or Poe.
Find her at https://www.catherine-mccarthy-author...
or at https://twitter.com/serialsemantic
Her published novellas and novels include Immortelle, Mosaic, A Moonlit Path of Madness, The Wolf and the Favour and her most recent, The House at the End of Lacelean Street. Her short fiction has been published in various anthologies and magazines, including those by Black Spot Books, Nosetouch Press, and Dark Matter Ink.
In 2020 she won the Aberystwyth University Prize for her short fiction.
Time away from the loom is spent hiking the Welsh coast path or huddled in an ancient graveyard reading Dylan Thomas or Poe.
Find her at https://www.catherine-mccarthy-author...
or at https://twitter.com/serialsemantic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 3, 2024
Catherine McCarthy has blown me away again with this cosmic/folk/quiet horror mash up of a novella!
A young stained glass artist is commissioned to restore the windows in an old, abandoned church. She arrives in the small town, excited and ready to work. As she begins the project she becomes curious about the church's history and even more curious about the subject of the glass window she's restoring. As the mystery deepens and the work on the glass nears completion, the picture becomes all too clear in a terrifying denouement that hits the reader like a ton of bricks.
To that I say BRAVO!
This is my second read from Catherine and I have to say I am again impressed! With lovely, descriptive prose, she assembled the characters and placed them down in a creepy church, imbued it with a creepy, gothic atmosphere and then led the reader down the path with ease. I was running down that path and then BAM! It felt like I hit a brick wall! Heehee, I LOVED IT!
No blood, no gore, no violence -just a terrific storyteller at the top of her game.
My highest recommendation!
Source: I bought this one and it was worth every penny. Go get it!
A young stained glass artist is commissioned to restore the windows in an old, abandoned church. She arrives in the small town, excited and ready to work. As she begins the project she becomes curious about the church's history and even more curious about the subject of the glass window she's restoring. As the mystery deepens and the work on the glass nears completion, the picture becomes all too clear in a terrifying denouement that hits the reader like a ton of bricks.
To that I say BRAVO!
This is my second read from Catherine and I have to say I am again impressed! With lovely, descriptive prose, she assembled the characters and placed them down in a creepy church, imbued it with a creepy, gothic atmosphere and then led the reader down the path with ease. I was running down that path and then BAM! It felt like I hit a brick wall! Heehee, I LOVED IT!
No blood, no gore, no violence -just a terrific storyteller at the top of her game.
My highest recommendation!
Source: I bought this one and it was worth every penny. Go get it!
December 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this I thought it was exceptionally eerie and unsettling, a genre blending horror that has strong lovecraftarian elements, the prose was beautiful and felt deceptively peaceful, you don't seem to realise the horror breathing down your neck until it's too late, the writing style is addictive and immersive, it feels like someone telling you a creepy story in a really calm and relaxing way 😂 our protagonist Robin felt authentic, peppered throughout was hints at her dark past which made me question her reliability as a narrator, a trope I personally love, this was my first book by this author but won't be my last, have you read this?
August 24, 2023
Robin Griffiths receives a letter from one Jonathan Hargreaves, the Chairman of Bilbury Parish Council, offering her the job of restoring a stained-glass window on a thirteenth-century church. At first glance, Robin is suspicious - who sends a letter when they could easily mail or phone, but her curiosity and child-like wonder get the best of her. While driving through Bilbury looking for Coppersgate Woods, where the church is situated, Robin's thoughts are plagued by paranoia. Her unease resolves once she meets the unassuming Mr. Hargreaves. He looks like someone's grandpa, not like a deceitful scammer. As Robin gets acquainted with the church in the following week, she battles her inner doubts and fears over whether the job is real or a cover-up for something. Soon she becomes enamored with the stained glass window she needs to repair. The window seems to have portrayed St. Sannan, the saint the church was named after. The more Robin works on the window, the more bizarre the whole figure in the window seems. And why does she feel a constant presence in the church? Why is the crow watching her and attempting to communicate? Odd events start piling up as Robin gets closer to unraveling the truth about the old decrepit church.
Mosaic is a clever little novel. The premise is interesting in itself, but the execution is marvelous. McCarthy told a meticulous story of a troubled woman treading into uncharted territory. Her character work on Robin is incredible. Robin feels like an actual person. The way the author incorporated Robin's childhood trauma into the narrative by having Robin internalize her father's nagging criticism works so well. We notice how the more time she spends in the church, the more prominently her anxiety and paranoia surface. But it may not be an entirely bad thing. With every move she makes, her father's voice rings in her head, condemning her. Robin tries her best to play devil's advocate with her thoughts, but in the end, she must face her past.
McCarthy's writing is descriptive and atmospheric, and it lures you into the story. While reading, I saw every moment of the story so vividly in my mind's eye. I could picture what the church and the backyard looked like, how Robin tirelessly worked on the window, and how the crow followed Robin's every move. The descriptions of Robin working on the window were an equally engrossing part of the narrative, just the creepy scenes. McCarthy sprinkled little details throughout the story, which allowed the story to culminate shockingly. The more I thought about the whole story, the more I realized how clever it all is.
I did not rate the book five stars because I wanted more backstory on the deity. We only get its name and brief description. I think the author built this story on a deity another author already invented and used, which is not a bad thing per se, but I wanted her to explore it. I wondered why St. Sannan's church was home to the deity and what it wanted from people. However, the principles of cosmic horror prevent the story from providing any answers. Still, the author could have maneuvered more lore into the story. Also, the ending is odd, and I am uncertain if it works in the story's favor.
Thank you to BookSirens for the review copy!
Mosaic is a clever little novel. The premise is interesting in itself, but the execution is marvelous. McCarthy told a meticulous story of a troubled woman treading into uncharted territory. Her character work on Robin is incredible. Robin feels like an actual person. The way the author incorporated Robin's childhood trauma into the narrative by having Robin internalize her father's nagging criticism works so well. We notice how the more time she spends in the church, the more prominently her anxiety and paranoia surface. But it may not be an entirely bad thing. With every move she makes, her father's voice rings in her head, condemning her. Robin tries her best to play devil's advocate with her thoughts, but in the end, she must face her past.
McCarthy's writing is descriptive and atmospheric, and it lures you into the story. While reading, I saw every moment of the story so vividly in my mind's eye. I could picture what the church and the backyard looked like, how Robin tirelessly worked on the window, and how the crow followed Robin's every move. The descriptions of Robin working on the window were an equally engrossing part of the narrative, just the creepy scenes. McCarthy sprinkled little details throughout the story, which allowed the story to culminate shockingly. The more I thought about the whole story, the more I realized how clever it all is.
I did not rate the book five stars because I wanted more backstory on the deity. We only get its name and brief description. I think the author built this story on a deity another author already invented and used, which is not a bad thing per se, but I wanted her to explore it. I wondered why St. Sannan's church was home to the deity and what it wanted from people. However, the principles of cosmic horror prevent the story from providing any answers. Still, the author could have maneuvered more lore into the story. Also, the ending is odd, and I am uncertain if it works in the story's favor.
Thank you to BookSirens for the review copy!
June 8, 2023
A short novella you'll easily finish within a few hours, and as always, Catherine's effortless style is as engaging here as ever. Peaceful in an odd sort of way. Even in its dark, underlying tones.
With a good balance between setting and character, my only wish was that it was a little longer. But the story did what it set out to do. There was no hanging around, and I admire that, too.
A real pleasure to read.
I have no problem giving this a deserving five stars.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
With a good balance between setting and character, my only wish was that it was a little longer. But the story did what it set out to do. There was no hanging around, and I admire that, too.
A real pleasure to read.
I have no problem giving this a deserving five stars.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
July 5, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 for Goodreads and Amazon!
Firstly I want to talk about the cover of this book, it’s all kinds of special and the subtle cross in the title informs us of some unearthly thing that awaits us, as well as the mosaic qualities of the figure in the picture.
I will also say that I’m a huge fan of McCarthy’s voice, I’ve read many of her works and having spoken to her a few times I can’t help but read her words in the lilt of her voice and it makes the words jump off the page.
Robin is hired to restore a stained glass window in an old and abandoned church. She sets about her work dutifully and McCarthy is able to weave in some tension as the story progresses, unease seeps into the pages with a masters touch… and as her work intensifies, one can’t help but be swept up in the broiling unease she’s able to create which at ever turn seems effortless.
As the window takes shape, we become more aware of strange inhabitants of the town, odd goings on and the dread which forms with each piece of the puzzle (stained glass) that is laid in place.
What I also loved about this story is the ability McCarthy had to make me care for the stained glass, how she taught me so much about the process - but all without forcing the point, it has given me much to think about the next time I see a piece of stained glass and that is a truly magical gift and the sign of a fabulous storyteller.
As Robin begins to piece everything together we are thrust into a realm of religious horror, one of my favourite sub-genres and the image, the icon, reveals itself and the story blows wide open.
There were two things I struggled with, the first being - SPOILER - the appearance of a family member near the end, yes they were mentioned from time to time in the book, but there was no real tangible thing I could see as to why they appeared at the end - it seemed a little forced and I wanted more of an explanation as to why they had appeared.
Also, I found the ending a little rushed, don’t get me wrong it’s a great book, thoroughly enjoyed it and read it super quick, but where McCarthy had excelled in this narrative was her ability to write about everything in detail (take the glass shards for example - we learn of their colour, shape, texture, how the light catches them, their age etc) but once the window is in place and things start happening - it was all rather quick considering the lengths that McCarthy had gone to before to give us the immersive weight of the story.
Those two things aside, it’s a great story and told by a deft writer… it’s dark, it’s brooding and it’ll have you on the edge of your seat!
Firstly I want to talk about the cover of this book, it’s all kinds of special and the subtle cross in the title informs us of some unearthly thing that awaits us, as well as the mosaic qualities of the figure in the picture.
I will also say that I’m a huge fan of McCarthy’s voice, I’ve read many of her works and having spoken to her a few times I can’t help but read her words in the lilt of her voice and it makes the words jump off the page.
Robin is hired to restore a stained glass window in an old and abandoned church. She sets about her work dutifully and McCarthy is able to weave in some tension as the story progresses, unease seeps into the pages with a masters touch… and as her work intensifies, one can’t help but be swept up in the broiling unease she’s able to create which at ever turn seems effortless.
As the window takes shape, we become more aware of strange inhabitants of the town, odd goings on and the dread which forms with each piece of the puzzle (stained glass) that is laid in place.
What I also loved about this story is the ability McCarthy had to make me care for the stained glass, how she taught me so much about the process - but all without forcing the point, it has given me much to think about the next time I see a piece of stained glass and that is a truly magical gift and the sign of a fabulous storyteller.
As Robin begins to piece everything together we are thrust into a realm of religious horror, one of my favourite sub-genres and the image, the icon, reveals itself and the story blows wide open.
There were two things I struggled with, the first being - SPOILER - the appearance of a family member near the end, yes they were mentioned from time to time in the book, but there was no real tangible thing I could see as to why they appeared at the end - it seemed a little forced and I wanted more of an explanation as to why they had appeared.
Also, I found the ending a little rushed, don’t get me wrong it’s a great book, thoroughly enjoyed it and read it super quick, but where McCarthy had excelled in this narrative was her ability to write about everything in detail (take the glass shards for example - we learn of their colour, shape, texture, how the light catches them, their age etc) but once the window is in place and things start happening - it was all rather quick considering the lengths that McCarthy had gone to before to give us the immersive weight of the story.
Those two things aside, it’s a great story and told by a deft writer… it’s dark, it’s brooding and it’ll have you on the edge of your seat!
Read
June 25, 2023I've always loved ancient churches, dilapidated graveyards, and stained glass windows and can often be found mooching about such places. Fortunately, where I live in Wales, there are plenty to choose from. This love affair was the initial inspiration behind Mosaic, then when my artist husband created an image of the deity in the window, the story secured its grip. Hence, Mosaic.
I hope readers will enjoy reading my cosmic tale as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I hope readers will enjoy reading my cosmic tale as much as I enjoyed writing it.
October 8, 2023
Folk horror and cosmic horror are two of my favorite subgenres, and Catherine McCarthy combines them to chilling effect in this novella.
Mosaic follows the story of Robin, a young woman hired to restore a stained glass window for a mysterious church. What comes next is a slow-building tale of dread as Robin searches for the hidden background of the place.
For me, it’s always characters that take precedence over plot, and in Mosaic there are plenty of interesting people to meet. Many of the villagers give off a Wicker Man vibe, in that “small town, something is just off about them” way. As for the main character, I thought it was a great choice to have her family background (in the form of memories and flashbacks) be such a large part of the tale; it gave depth to her character and tied thematically to the conclusion. The only part I didn’t like was a moment when a person from Robin’s past showed up near the end. It felt unnecessary and somewhat forced. But that section was over quickly, and therefore had little bearing on my general enjoyment.
As I’ve come to expect from this author, the writing style is atmospheric without being dense, and the prose is lovely without being purple. Truly, McCarthy’s ability to walk that line between literary and genre fiction is masterful, and will appeal to readers on either side of the fence. Additionally, the story is told in present tense, which lends itself well to the way events unfold.
Where the book might prove divisive is that it leans heavily into the Lovecraftian corner of cosmic horror. It’s hard to discuss without major spoilers, but let’s just say McCarthy eschewed the creation of her own mythos in favor of an existing fictional framework. This didn’t really bother me, but considering how much Lovecraft has fallen out of favor in the past decade, some readers might be turned off by what feels like an homage (as opposed to other books which are more critical retellings/subversions of Lovecraft, like The Ballad of Black Tom).
The ending was short and cruel, as one might expect from this type of story. Those familiar with the tropes of cosmic horror will be able to tell (mostly) where the story is going early on. In fact, there’s even a line in the first chapter that foreshadows it. But the very ending was a twist I didn’t see coming. At first glance it might seem like an unhappy conclusion, but upon further reflection it reveals a theme of empowerment for a character who didn’t have such a thing in their previous life.
Overall, a great addition to McCarthy’s growing body of work, helping to cement her place as one of the most exciting writers in the current field of dark fiction
Mosaic follows the story of Robin, a young woman hired to restore a stained glass window for a mysterious church. What comes next is a slow-building tale of dread as Robin searches for the hidden background of the place.
For me, it’s always characters that take precedence over plot, and in Mosaic there are plenty of interesting people to meet. Many of the villagers give off a Wicker Man vibe, in that “small town, something is just off about them” way. As for the main character, I thought it was a great choice to have her family background (in the form of memories and flashbacks) be such a large part of the tale; it gave depth to her character and tied thematically to the conclusion. The only part I didn’t like was a moment when a person from Robin’s past showed up near the end. It felt unnecessary and somewhat forced. But that section was over quickly, and therefore had little bearing on my general enjoyment.
As I’ve come to expect from this author, the writing style is atmospheric without being dense, and the prose is lovely without being purple. Truly, McCarthy’s ability to walk that line between literary and genre fiction is masterful, and will appeal to readers on either side of the fence. Additionally, the story is told in present tense, which lends itself well to the way events unfold.
Where the book might prove divisive is that it leans heavily into the Lovecraftian corner of cosmic horror. It’s hard to discuss without major spoilers, but let’s just say McCarthy eschewed the creation of her own mythos in favor of an existing fictional framework. This didn’t really bother me, but considering how much Lovecraft has fallen out of favor in the past decade, some readers might be turned off by what feels like an homage (as opposed to other books which are more critical retellings/subversions of Lovecraft, like The Ballad of Black Tom).
The ending was short and cruel, as one might expect from this type of story. Those familiar with the tropes of cosmic horror will be able to tell (mostly) where the story is going early on. In fact, there’s even a line in the first chapter that foreshadows it. But the very ending was a twist I didn’t see coming. At first glance it might seem like an unhappy conclusion, but upon further reflection it reveals a theme of empowerment for a character who didn’t have such a thing in their previous life.
Overall, a great addition to McCarthy’s growing body of work, helping to cement her place as one of the most exciting writers in the current field of dark fiction
January 14, 2024
Im so mad
May 17, 2024
the scariest part was that one woman being sexist af.
there was a dream that was creepy but the fact that it was just a dream was super disappointing
there was a dream that was creepy but the fact that it was just a dream was super disappointing
July 14, 2024
Catherine McCarthy and her “sledgehammer effect” story-telling leaves me speechless once again with this beautifully crafted, creepy, gothic mystery. I had to ‘sleep on it’ in order to write this review, because WOW.
Yesterday, I found myself wandering around gripping the book hard and shaking it in my husband’s face saying ‘she’s only bloody well done it again, this is terrific. TERRIFIC I TELL YOU’. ‘SMALL, YET PERFECTLY FORMED. I AM SHOOKETH’. And then I stopped shouting because I could see I was getting on his nerves.
Robin is an expert in stained-glass window restoration. She has been called to work on an ancient, run-down church, buried deep in the woods, to help bring it back to its former glory. But has this place of worship ever really been a house of God? As Robin painstakingly pieces together the coloured glass of the window, slowly, and with a tension that’s palpable, secrets of the local area begin to reveal themselves, unveiling the past and bringing Robins own demons back into the forefront of her mind.
Trust me when I say that this 150-odd page novella packs the punch of any epic horror story I’ve read, and then some. Catherine’s modus operandi is to absorb the reader into her dark, inky world and only release them when the final word is spoken. How can such a gently told story grip so hard?
I cannot stress enough how the short story is done such incredible justice by this author. Read her books. Read ALL her books. I can guarantee you’ll be saying ‘I did not see THAT coming’ to each and every one.
Thank you so much Catherine for sending me my copy. It is hugely appreciated.
Yesterday, I found myself wandering around gripping the book hard and shaking it in my husband’s face saying ‘she’s only bloody well done it again, this is terrific. TERRIFIC I TELL YOU’. ‘SMALL, YET PERFECTLY FORMED. I AM SHOOKETH’. And then I stopped shouting because I could see I was getting on his nerves.
Robin is an expert in stained-glass window restoration. She has been called to work on an ancient, run-down church, buried deep in the woods, to help bring it back to its former glory. But has this place of worship ever really been a house of God? As Robin painstakingly pieces together the coloured glass of the window, slowly, and with a tension that’s palpable, secrets of the local area begin to reveal themselves, unveiling the past and bringing Robins own demons back into the forefront of her mind.
Trust me when I say that this 150-odd page novella packs the punch of any epic horror story I’ve read, and then some. Catherine’s modus operandi is to absorb the reader into her dark, inky world and only release them when the final word is spoken. How can such a gently told story grip so hard?
I cannot stress enough how the short story is done such incredible justice by this author. Read her books. Read ALL her books. I can guarantee you’ll be saying ‘I did not see THAT coming’ to each and every one.
Thank you so much Catherine for sending me my copy. It is hugely appreciated.
June 12, 2023
When Robin is hired to restore an antique stained-glass window in an abandoned church, she's eager to take on the challenge. But as the window begins to take shape, she starts to suspect there might be something very... unsettling about it.
I absolutely loved this bitesize novella. The voice and atmosphere gripped me from the very first page and didn't let up the whole way through. Perfectly paced and imbued with a creeping sense of unease that will have you fearing what you're about to discover, yet unable to look away. And the ending! I won't say too much but it all slots together so perfectly, like a... well, like a mosaic. Don't be fooled by the slow burn: the horror is here, and it's waiting for you.
Thank you to Dark Hart Books for the free copy in return for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this bitesize novella. The voice and atmosphere gripped me from the very first page and didn't let up the whole way through. Perfectly paced and imbued with a creeping sense of unease that will have you fearing what you're about to discover, yet unable to look away. And the ending! I won't say too much but it all slots together so perfectly, like a... well, like a mosaic. Don't be fooled by the slow burn: the horror is here, and it's waiting for you.
Thank you to Dark Hart Books for the free copy in return for an honest review.
November 9, 2023
What was that?!! brilliant.
I wish this was a LOT longer; I'm concerned i can't hear any more about the window which is the stuff nightmares are made of and i was gripped!! Robin should definitely be sent off in a future story to another stained glass window to begin the process again...
I wish this was a LOT longer; I'm concerned i can't hear any more about the window which is the stuff nightmares are made of and i was gripped!! Robin should definitely be sent off in a future story to another stained glass window to begin the process again...
June 7, 2023
I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read the advanced copy of Mosaic. I base my opinions on books on two questions: Did it shock me, and will I think about this book for years to come? This book definitely meets both questions. I loved the slow build of clues to the shocking conclusion. I did not predict the ending. I love it when that happens. Often, I can figure the ending out. I'm drawn to books with derelict, historical churches, or buildings, and this setting was wonderful. This book had the perfect mix of creepy and sinister happenings under the surface. I highly recommend it.
June 6, 2024
Quite possibly my favourite work by one of my favourite authors. This feels like an evolution of McCarthy's work, while touching on some of the themes she writes with such assuredness - the artist as protagonist, for example.
Here, though, the pacing is at once slow enough to ease you into the tale, but rapid enough that you can't really put the book down.
The sinister elements come from within and without, and there is just enough doubt sewn throughout that when the reveals land at different stages of the story, they are always immensely impactful.
My favourite novella of the year and maybe the last few.
Here, though, the pacing is at once slow enough to ease you into the tale, but rapid enough that you can't really put the book down.
The sinister elements come from within and without, and there is just enough doubt sewn throughout that when the reveals land at different stages of the story, they are always immensely impactful.
My favourite novella of the year and maybe the last few.
June 26, 2023
There is a lot of good to say about this book. The main character, who restores stained-glass and other antique glass, is well conceived and has a dark past that is mostly only hinted at, but impacts her perspective in a way that made me wonder how reliable a narrator she was at times. I really enjoyed how the craft of the glass restoration was a framework for the story and provided a good skeleton to build up the horror. The slow reveal of demonic forces through the restoration and the found journals and hidden rooms was riveting. This all created an excellent atmosphere and tension that, I wish, would have been more fleshed out at the end. I felt the abrupt resolution of the book let the first 4/5 of the book down and, for me, the final actions of the MC didn't seem in character. Perhaps if we had learned more details about her past it would have made more sense, but ultimately it left me somewhat disappointed. I wanted more. Which, I suppose, attests to the quality of the writing and character development. I will recommend it for that, and now I really want to read more from the author. This book is scheduled for release in early August. Thanks to Dark Hart press and Sadie Hartmann for the ARC.
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August 8, 2023Catherine McCarthy's MOSAIC is itself a mosaic: the deftly assembled pieces of mystery, folk horror, and cosmic horror reveal a satisfying, rich novella with emotional depth that's vivid, engrossing, and atmospheric. A modern twist on a familiar mythos that horror fans will relish.
August 16, 2023
I needed a palette cleanser, so I went into this book with no expectations and was very surprised! Part thriller, part horror Catherine has succeeded in writing a book that was so atmospheric and descriptive with perfect amounts of horror and suspense. Fans of lovecraft will appreciate the mentions, I can only recommend this engaging, well written book. I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2023
Mosaic is one of the most thrilling and chilling novellas I have read in recent times. It is a perfect blend of cosmic horror, folk horror, and supernatural suspense that just flows effortlessly from the page. I was drawn to the story by the intriguing premise of a stained-glass window that hides a dark and ancient secret and Robin, a young woman who is hired to restore the window in an old church in a remote Welsh village.
Catherine has a remarkable talent for creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere. (Immortelle is absolutely stunning!) She made me feel like I was in the village with Robin, experiencing the beauty and the horror of the place. She also made me care about Robin, who is a really complex character. Robin is haunted by her past and her desire for freedom. She is also brave and determined to uncover the truth behind the window and the village.
Mosaic is a novella that is truly haunting. It is a story that will make you think about the nature of evil and the power of art. It is also a story that will inspire you to appreciate the beauty and the mystery of life. I highly recommend Mosaic to anyone who loves horror, especially those who enjoy stories with a touch of Lovecraftian influence.
Absolutely recommended. 5⭐
Catherine has a remarkable talent for creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere. (Immortelle is absolutely stunning!) She made me feel like I was in the village with Robin, experiencing the beauty and the horror of the place. She also made me care about Robin, who is a really complex character. Robin is haunted by her past and her desire for freedom. She is also brave and determined to uncover the truth behind the window and the village.
Mosaic is a novella that is truly haunting. It is a story that will make you think about the nature of evil and the power of art. It is also a story that will inspire you to appreciate the beauty and the mystery of life. I highly recommend Mosaic to anyone who loves horror, especially those who enjoy stories with a touch of Lovecraftian influence.
Absolutely recommended. 5⭐
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July 9, 2023Whenever Catherine McCarthy has a new book release, I usually drop everything to read it, because I know I'm in for something special, something unique. Mosaic might just be her masterpiece. Her storytelling is like a piece of stained glass itself; beautiful to behold, but a slight flick of the wrist and it cuts deep. McCarthy's prose lures the reader in the way one slips into a warmth bath. So luxuriant and engaging that you don't notice there's something sinister moving under the surface until it's too late. And by that point, the story has its hooks into you and there's no letting go.
The strength of this book is how it is both extremely intimate, but also terrifyingly expansive. The characters and setting, along with the intricate craft of stained glass restoration, are beautifully immersive. The protagonist, Robin Griffiths, is hired to restore a stained glass window in a derelict 13th century church that hides secrets in its vaulted ceiling and mysteries in its musty crypt. A troubled family history has left Robin wary and a little socially awkward, and yet acutely aware of her surroundings. But is that awareness enough to save her from the shadow cast by the strange window she's restoring? You'll have to read it to find out.
Endings are notoriously hard to land, but this one knocked me flat. So dark, so dazzlingly brutal, that it stayed with me long after after I closed the book. That, my friends, is the mark of a truly great story.
The strength of this book is how it is both extremely intimate, but also terrifyingly expansive. The characters and setting, along with the intricate craft of stained glass restoration, are beautifully immersive. The protagonist, Robin Griffiths, is hired to restore a stained glass window in a derelict 13th century church that hides secrets in its vaulted ceiling and mysteries in its musty crypt. A troubled family history has left Robin wary and a little socially awkward, and yet acutely aware of her surroundings. But is that awareness enough to save her from the shadow cast by the strange window she's restoring? You'll have to read it to find out.
Endings are notoriously hard to land, but this one knocked me flat. So dark, so dazzlingly brutal, that it stayed with me long after after I closed the book. That, my friends, is the mark of a truly great story.
August 18, 2023
This story has all of the right elements, but I found it boring. If it hadn't been a novella, I would not have finished it. 3 stars for the creepy atmosphere and the decent writing.
December 29, 2023
What I love about this haunting tale is that it is equally concerned with exploring the external world of the church as it is with navigating the psychological terrain of Robin. Of the latter, the current of narcissism from Robin's parents--made all the more painful with flashbacks--was striking in its depth of pain.
Robin is tasked with restoring a stained glass window in a medieval church, and she tells the tale in present tense. It's a strong, alluring premise. The church's location is remote and rural, which immediately lends a heavy dose of atmosphere to the proceedings. McCarthy builds up the creepiness, tension, and mystery as the story progresses from there. Beautiful writing, as always.
Robin is tasked with restoring a stained glass window in a medieval church, and she tells the tale in present tense. It's a strong, alluring premise. The church's location is remote and rural, which immediately lends a heavy dose of atmosphere to the proceedings. McCarthy builds up the creepiness, tension, and mystery as the story progresses from there. Beautiful writing, as always.
August 27, 2023
Fantastic!
We're made of broken pieces, but mosaics are works of art, and so is this amazing tale by an immensely talented author. I read MOSAIC over the weekend, and I'm sure I'll be revisiting this one soon. If you haven't read McCarthy yet, MOSAIC would be an excellent place to start. Highly recommended!
We're made of broken pieces, but mosaics are works of art, and so is this amazing tale by an immensely talented author. I read MOSAIC over the weekend, and I'm sure I'll be revisiting this one soon. If you haven't read McCarthy yet, MOSAIC would be an excellent place to start. Highly recommended!
October 24, 2023
Fantastic setting and wonderful writing really bring this tale together. Throughly enjoyed this 5 star read. I will be seeing that window in my nightmares.
"I think back to the final conversation I had with my mother, the day I was brave enough to cut the ties for good. Like a portioned cake, the slices could never be put back together again. Not without the jam bleeding into the cream."
"I think back to the final conversation I had with my mother, the day I was brave enough to cut the ties for good. Like a portioned cake, the slices could never be put back together again. Not without the jam bleeding into the cream."
July 5, 2023
A woman with a strained family history, working as hard as she can as a stained glass restorer.
She is hired to work on a remote church with a spotty past!
Robin’s character is very relatable and the writing is really well done.
The coincidences that keep happening give me a folk lore horror vibe! The dream sequence is chapter twelve and the ending were magnificent!!!
Highly highly recommend this one
She is hired to work on a remote church with a spotty past!
Robin’s character is very relatable and the writing is really well done.
The coincidences that keep happening give me a folk lore horror vibe! The dream sequence is chapter twelve and the ending were magnificent!!!
Highly highly recommend this one
September 24, 2023
4.75 stars -- Thank you, Book Sirens!
Mosaic is a novella by Catherine McCarthy. Until receiving this ARC, I’d never heard of this author.
The only disappointment was the ending because I predicted a little more to happen, but it fell short and was very calm. Mosaic is a slow burn, for sure. The story builds and builds and builds until you feel like you're going to burst. A demonic presence, with “true” followers and an unsuspecting main character stuck in the middle, perfect.
Robin (our protagonist) is at the center of this story as she is tasked to bring a stained-glass window back from ruin after it was destroyed. The details of that remain hidden until she uncovers the truth.
I liked how Robin’s backstory is woven throughout because you get a sense of her upbringing and the resentment she has towards her family, especially her father. To Robin’s family, keeping up appearances was the object of the game. Robin and her sister Wren would be pawns and tuned against each other as the family favored one over the other.
I would have loved a little more to the end of the story (add some meat to the bone), because it seems that Robin just rides off into the sunset with the purpose of demonic destruction and more followers, but all we get is she felt a sense of calm.
This book was creepy in a sense, and being rated as horror, you expect a certain amount. But I think it’s more of how your imagination plays on what’s written. All in all, it has a great premise and a good story, and THAT COVER …is terrifying. You’re told never to judge a book by this, but I did. It wasn’t until the end that I tied the cover to the story.
I also feel this would make a great audiobook.
Mosaic is a novella by Catherine McCarthy. Until receiving this ARC, I’d never heard of this author.
The only disappointment was the ending because I predicted a little more to happen, but it fell short and was very calm. Mosaic is a slow burn, for sure. The story builds and builds and builds until you feel like you're going to burst. A demonic presence, with “true” followers and an unsuspecting main character stuck in the middle, perfect.
Robin (our protagonist) is at the center of this story as she is tasked to bring a stained-glass window back from ruin after it was destroyed. The details of that remain hidden until she uncovers the truth.
I liked how Robin’s backstory is woven throughout because you get a sense of her upbringing and the resentment she has towards her family, especially her father. To Robin’s family, keeping up appearances was the object of the game. Robin and her sister Wren would be pawns and tuned against each other as the family favored one over the other.
I would have loved a little more to the end of the story (add some meat to the bone), because it seems that Robin just rides off into the sunset with the purpose of demonic destruction and more followers, but all we get is she felt a sense of calm.
This book was creepy in a sense, and being rated as horror, you expect a certain amount. But I think it’s more of how your imagination plays on what’s written. All in all, it has a great premise and a good story, and THAT COVER …is terrifying. You’re told never to judge a book by this, but I did. It wasn’t until the end that I tied the cover to the story.
I also feel this would make a great audiobook.
June 12, 2023
“Something sinister stirs within these walls. Something ancient.”
Mosaic follows 23-year-old glazier (stained-glass window artist) Robin Griffiths as she accepts a restoration job at St. Sannan’s Church in Bilbury Parish. Situated in a woodland area, the 13th-century church has been abandoned for 25 years, and the local parishioners and committee intend to restore the derelict locale to its former splendor.
As she embarks on the job — the focal point of which is a 12-foot tall, shattered stained-glass window — Robin’s fraught family history and personal demons come to light. These troubles leech into her daily life, making basic interactions and daily function a constant struggle and relegating Robin to a lonely existence consumed with work and disturbing thoughts of the past.
As a result of her damaged psyche, Robin doubts herself when the people, circumstances, and forces surrounding her arouse suspicion, fear, and discomfort. These ominous aspects couple perfectly with the deliciously dark gothic horror and historical/research elements employed by the author, infusing the story with a wonderfully sinister sense of tension, mystery, and foreboding from the beginning through to the dramatic conclusion. The prose throughout the window restoration process is also richly textured with descriptions concerning both the individual glass pieces and the fully assembled image, leaving the reader longing to see the profane final product (not to mention get a peek inside the church’s creepy, subterranean crypt!).
This was a wonderfully eerie and atmospheric horror novella, and I enjoyed it from start to finish! Thank you to Sadie Hartmann and Dark Hart Books for allowing me to read and review a digital ARC.
Mosaic follows 23-year-old glazier (stained-glass window artist) Robin Griffiths as she accepts a restoration job at St. Sannan’s Church in Bilbury Parish. Situated in a woodland area, the 13th-century church has been abandoned for 25 years, and the local parishioners and committee intend to restore the derelict locale to its former splendor.
As she embarks on the job — the focal point of which is a 12-foot tall, shattered stained-glass window — Robin’s fraught family history and personal demons come to light. These troubles leech into her daily life, making basic interactions and daily function a constant struggle and relegating Robin to a lonely existence consumed with work and disturbing thoughts of the past.
As a result of her damaged psyche, Robin doubts herself when the people, circumstances, and forces surrounding her arouse suspicion, fear, and discomfort. These ominous aspects couple perfectly with the deliciously dark gothic horror and historical/research elements employed by the author, infusing the story with a wonderfully sinister sense of tension, mystery, and foreboding from the beginning through to the dramatic conclusion. The prose throughout the window restoration process is also richly textured with descriptions concerning both the individual glass pieces and the fully assembled image, leaving the reader longing to see the profane final product (not to mention get a peek inside the church’s creepy, subterranean crypt!).
This was a wonderfully eerie and atmospheric horror novella, and I enjoyed it from start to finish! Thank you to Sadie Hartmann and Dark Hart Books for allowing me to read and review a digital ARC.
October 17, 2023
In this cosmic/folk horror novella we follow Robin, a young woman who loves her quiet life as a stained glass artist. One day she receives a letter from the Chairman of Bilbury Parish Council asking if she wants to restore the stained glass window of an abandoned thirteenth-century church deep in the forest. Intrigued by the concept, she accepts the job. But soon Robin starts noticing something is off about the Chairman and the window she's working on...
What an incredibly well-written, creepy novella! From the start I felt a pervasive sense of dread that didn't stop until the end of the book. The premise itself is already very scary and atmospheric, but the way McCarthy fleshed it out made it even more so. There are many descriptions of the abandoned church, the graves and the forest surrounding them, and we follow the restoration of the stained glass window in detail. With each piece Robin puts back together the horror is gradually revealed as well. I loved the writing style a lot - the beautiful metaphors especially.
I also appreciate that Robin's childhood trauma was included in the story. She recently cut ties with her abusive parents but still often hears the voice of her narcissistic father in her head, telling her what she should and shouldn't do. It felt very realistic and gave an extra dimension to the story and the horror aspect.
My only complaint is that the ending seemed a bit rushed to me. I think I would have been able to take everything in more if it was 5-10 pages longer. But I still love how unique the conclusion was (that's an understatement), and it will definitely stay with me for a long time!
I'm looking forward to reading McCarthy's other books, starting with Mists and Megaliths - a horror short story collection based on Welsh myths and legends!
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for the (free) digital published copy!
What an incredibly well-written, creepy novella! From the start I felt a pervasive sense of dread that didn't stop until the end of the book. The premise itself is already very scary and atmospheric, but the way McCarthy fleshed it out made it even more so. There are many descriptions of the abandoned church, the graves and the forest surrounding them, and we follow the restoration of the stained glass window in detail. With each piece Robin puts back together the horror is gradually revealed as well. I loved the writing style a lot - the beautiful metaphors especially.
I also appreciate that Robin's childhood trauma was included in the story. She recently cut ties with her abusive parents but still often hears the voice of her narcissistic father in her head, telling her what she should and shouldn't do. It felt very realistic and gave an extra dimension to the story and the horror aspect.
My only complaint is that the ending seemed a bit rushed to me. I think I would have been able to take everything in more if it was 5-10 pages longer. But I still love how unique the conclusion was (that's an understatement), and it will definitely stay with me for a long time!
I'm looking forward to reading McCarthy's other books, starting with Mists and Megaliths - a horror short story collection based on Welsh myths and legends!
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for the (free) digital published copy!
March 14, 2024
With thanks to Booksirens for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this eerie, atmospheric horror novella from the pen of Catherine McCarthy. The setting she based her story in, the plot, and indeed her writing style reminded me of two other authors in this genre that I have also enjoyed, namely Susan Hill and Benedict Ashforth. My only criticism of the story is that it felt a little rushed at the finish, and more background of the deity and how it came to be represented in a stained glass window in this particular church would have been welcome. Otherwise, for me, this was a really enjoyable few hours of reading, and I would highly recommend this to other fans of the horror genre.
I really enjoyed this eerie, atmospheric horror novella from the pen of Catherine McCarthy. The setting she based her story in, the plot, and indeed her writing style reminded me of two other authors in this genre that I have also enjoyed, namely Susan Hill and Benedict Ashforth. My only criticism of the story is that it felt a little rushed at the finish, and more background of the deity and how it came to be represented in a stained glass window in this particular church would have been welcome. Otherwise, for me, this was a really enjoyable few hours of reading, and I would highly recommend this to other fans of the horror genre.
March 21, 2024
The premise and cover drew me in, and the writing achieved the dark gothic atmosphere!
But I was hoping for intrigue or mystery and found myself following the story, knowing what was to come. So it got a little boring and I got stuck on how the main character's every single thought or scenario ends up with her ruminating or having a flashback about how her parents treated her as a child. Like mix it up or take a break girly.
But I was hoping for intrigue or mystery and found myself following the story, knowing what was to come. So it got a little boring and I got stuck on how the main character's every single thought or scenario ends up with her ruminating or having a flashback about how her parents treated her as a child. Like mix it up or take a break girly.
August 27, 2023
Robin Griffiths restores stained-glass windows, when she gets a job to restore a broken window at a very old thirteenth century church in the middle of nowhere. Not much is known about what the window looked like or even the church, it’s a mystery. As Robin continues her work, slowly but surely she uncovers secrets that should have remained hidden.
A stunning read. The tension continues to rise through this book, keeping you turning the pages, until and incredible ending. An excellent book.
A stunning read. The tension continues to rise through this book, keeping you turning the pages, until and incredible ending. An excellent book.
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