The Nesting Review

By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

The Nesting is my third C.J. Cooke novel and is a captivating and atmospheric psychological thriller that expertly combines elements of suspense, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.

The story centres around Lexi Ellis, a British au pair who escapes her troubled past by accepting a position at a remote Norwegian mansion. Lexi’s character is relatable and enigmatic, and Cooke skillfully explores her complex psychology as she grapples with her own demons and the mysteries of this ancient land. Lexi’s growing obsession with the history of the mansion and its enigmatic former inhabitant, Tom, serves as the catalyst for the novel’s chilling narrative.

This wonderfully multilayered narrative sees Cooke masterfully intertwining elements of folklore and legend into the plot, adding a layer of mystique and unease to the story. The recurring motif of nesting birds and the tales of Norwegian folklore provide a sense of foreboding and give depth to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and superstition. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, building tension gradually and allowing the reader to become immersed in the dark and unsettling atmosphere. As Lexi delves deeper into the mysteries of her environment, the tension escalates, and the line between her past trauma and present reality begins to blur, creating a sense of disorientation that adds to the story’s suspense.

The Nesting excels in creating a gripping atmosphere and an intriguing premise, and this immersive story and its characters are brought to life by the talented Aysha Kala (Indian Summers, The Undeclared War). Kala delivers a masterclass in audiobook narration, creating an entire cast of distinctly voiced characters. The delicate nature in which she handles some intense dialogue and plot elements ensures a realistic portrayal of the characters, especially that of Lexi. There are a lot of tough themes to navigate, ranging from the subject of suicide and mental health issues to domestic abuse. However, between Cooke’s sensitive and earnest writing and Kala’s stunning narration, these moments serve to heighten the intensity and impact on the listener.

In terms of the production, the sound quality is crystal clear and the editing of the story is masterfully executed. I did experience, what I thought was a line slip. But after I skipped back, it didn’t occur again, so was probably just a random skip.

With regard to the negatives, I struggled to find them! This type of story will always come down to a listener’s personal preference. If you have any triggers around suicide and domestic violence, while these moments are not overtly graphic and serve a purpose, then you may struggle with some elements of the story. As for the ending, some listeners may desire a more definitive conclusion, while others may appreciate the room for speculation and interpretation. Again, this will come down to personal preference.

With its richly developed characters, eerie setting, and a blend of psychological and supernatural elements, The Nesting is a haunting and evocative Nordic folklore thriller. If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a touch of the uncanny, The Nesting is well worth your time!