Haunting Reflections on Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith
There’s something irresistibly compelling about delving into the world of a new horror novel, especially when that novel promises an intertwining of the eerie and the emotional. Amy Goldsmith’s Predatory Natures grabbed my attention not just for its striking cover but for its tantalizing premise—an elegant train steeped in luxury, yet veiled in unsettling chaos. After reading it, I can honestly say that this book did not just meet my expectations; it twisted and turned through my psyche long after the last page was turned.
Set aboard The Banebury, a lavish train designed for an elite clientele, Goldsmith’s story plunges us into the tumultuous life of Lara—a girl grappling with profound grief and guilt. Seeking solace from her past, Lara takes a position among the staff, ostensibly performing simple tasks like serving the privileged and keeping her head down. But from the moment Rhys appears, the echoes of her past blend chillingly with the train’s looming presence. He knows Lara’s secrets, and their frayed connection adds a layer of tension that permeates the narrative.
The setting itself is almost a character—decorative yet oppressive, beautiful yet rotting. Goldsmith crafts a vivid atmosphere where the lush description of velvet seating gives way to damp spores and creeping vines. I found myself sensing the train’s claustrophobic embrace, feeling the slow, invasive growth of something sinister beneath the glamorous façade. As I read, I often pondered how space could mold our minds and emotions, mirrored by Lara’s own transformation throughout the journey.
Goldsmith excels in marrying visceral horror with profound emotional depth. While the supernatural elements are chilling—the forbidden train cars filled with exotic flora that stirs and listens—it’s Lara’s internal struggles that resonate most. The psychological tension combined with Rhys’s presence challenges her to confront the rage and trauma she has buried deep.
One of my favorite characters, Gwydion, offered an intriguing juxtaposition. Slippery and enigmatic, he kept me questioning his intentions throughout the narrative. His interactions with Lara and Rhys added complexity to the plot, making every encounter feel loaded with uncertainty and potential betrayal.
Goldsmith’s writing style is lush and evocative, artfully balancing cinematic scope with intimate themes. She has a knack for building suspense that feels both organic and inevitable, crafting each chapter to pull us into a fever pitch that, once reached, does not offer an easy way out. I found myself entranced, eagerly turning pages yet feeling a creeping dread at what lay ahead.
Predatory Natures is a love letter to those who appreciate slow-burn horror, atmospheric tension, and a journey toward personal reckoning. It’s not just a train ride—it’s a journey into the wilds of feminine fury and exploration of grief’s tangled tapestry. I devoured this book, and in many ways, it devoured me right back.
For fans of psychological horror, lush settings, and characters grappling with their inner demons, I wholeheartedly recommend Goldsmith’s latest offering. This novel left an imprint on me, reminding me of the power of horror to engage with our deepest fears and desires. I walked away from Predatory Natures not just entertained but profoundly moved, its haunting themes lingering like the train that slowly, inexorably cuts through fog and darkness.
4.5 stars! A warm thank you to Insta Book Tours and the publisher for the ARC—my thoughts are entirely my own, but rest assured, this book will linger in your mind long after you finish it.