The Lighthouse by Fran Dorricott

Six friends travel to a remote Scottish lighthouse for a school reunion, courtesy of Kira. On the first evening, James goes missing and despite searching through the night, he is nowhere to be seen. But when the remainder of the group return to the lighthouse the following morning, they are shocked to see James sitting there, clearly scared.

Despite trying to enjoy the rest of their weekend, objects start to disappear and things occur that cannot be explained. It is clear that James knows more than he is telling and once they learn the truth, will they survive another night?

The characters are bland and rather childish in the way they act, especially when they are all running around a remote island in a storm. There is also no chemistry between them and it surprises me that any of them are even friends with each other.

This book was advertised as ‘a chilling and powerfully atmospheric suspense novel with a gothic edge’. Set against the backdrop of a remote Scottish island and based in an abandoned lighthouse, this book had all the makings of a decent horror/thriller. But, unfortunately for me, whilst the book did make me turn the pages quickly at the start, it was a very slow burner, with not much action. When we finally learn of the truth, it is somewhat disappointing and, in my opinion, unrealistic.

Bewitched by Books Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️