Review of Caitlin Marceau's "This Is Where We Talk Things Out"

Caitlin Marceau’s This Is Where We Talk Things Out is a quick, tropey horror read suitable for fans of Stephen King and other classic horror authors. Miller has had a fraught relationship with her mother. Nevertheless, she agrees to go on a girls’ trip to a cabin in the woods...during a snowstorm. The tension quickly escalates when Miller recognizes the furniture, clothing, and accessories in the cabin are from her childhood home. Her mother, Sylvie, has recreated it almost perfectly. Thinking her mom is having trouble coping with Miller’s father’s death, Miller tries to make the most of the time with her mom. But one thing leads to another, and Miller realizes before long that there is more at work here. Can she get out and save herself? 

A little bit Misery, a little bit “A Rose for Emily” (hope that’s not too much of a spoiler), This Is Where We Talk Things Out is a strong novella that had me gritting my teeth and wincing in sympathetic pain. Though a bit predictable, the story’s allure is not in the mystery or twists, but in the author’s execution of the tropes she selected. The descriptions are graphic and gritty. We are with Miller’s struggle every step of the way, even though we are fairly certain we know how it will turn out. The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger, and I hope to see the next installment from the perspective of Miller’s partner. The dramatic irony of that plot would be quite rich. Caitlin Marceau has done a good job with This Is Where We Talk Things Out, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this author. I received the ARC of the book from the publisher.