I’ll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong

In the realm of supernatural horror, few authors can weave a tale as intricate and emotionally resonant as Kelley Armstrong. Kelley Armstrong’s latest offering, “I’ll Be Waiting,” is a masterclass in blending genres, seamlessly merging elements of ghost stories, murder mysteries, and psychological thrillers into a narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

A Haunting Premise

At its core, “I’ll Be Waiting” by Kelley Armstrong is a story about grief, love, and the lengths we’ll go to for closure. Nicola Laughton, our protagonist, is a woman who’s spent her life defying expectations. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child, she never expected to see adulthood. But medical advances allowed her to not only survive but thrive, leading her to a whirlwind romance and marriage with Anton.

Their happiness is short-lived, however. Months after their wedding, Anton dies in a car crash, but not before uttering five fateful words: “I’ll be waiting for you.” This private moment becomes public fodder when a bystander claims to have seen Anton’s ghost hovering over his body, setting off a media frenzy and thrusting Nicola into an unwanted spotlight.

A Séance Gone Wrong

Desperate for closure and hounded by spiritualists, Nicola agrees to one last séance with a reputable medium—a professor of parapsychology. The setting? A Lake Erie beach house once owned by Anton’s family. It’s the perfect backdrop for a ghost story, with its creaky floorboards, mysterious locked rooms, and a defunct dumbwaiter shaft that seems to have a mind of its own.

But what starts as an attempt to contact Anton quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Locked doors open on their own. Swarms of insects engulf the house. And Nicola finds herself plagued by nightmares of a past she’d rather forget—because this isn’t her first brush with the supernatural, and Nicola isn’t even her real name.

A Master of Atmosphere

Armstrong’s skill in crafting atmosphere is on full display here. The Lake Erie setting is practically a character in its own right, with its moody waters and unpredictable weather serving as a perfect mirror for Nicola’s turbulent emotional state. The author’s descriptions are vivid and immersive, making readers feel as if they’re right there in the beach house, jumping at every creak and shadow.

Standout passage:

“The crash of waves.

I hear the crash of waves … right below me. The bugs clear enough that I can see my bare foot … at the edge of the cliff.”

This scene, where Nicola nearly plunges to her death, is just one example of Armstrong’s ability to create heart-pounding tension out of seemingly ordinary moments.

Complex Characters, Deeper Themes

While “I’ll Be Waiting” by Kelley Armstrong delivers on the scares, it’s the characters that truly elevate this novel. Nicola is a fascinating protagonist – resilient, sharp-witted, but also deeply flawed. Her struggle with grief is palpable, and her desperation for closure is something many readers will relate to.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. From Nicola’s protective brother Keith to the enigmatic medium Dr. Cirillo, each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the story. Even the ghosts (or are they?) have distinct personalities that leap off the page.

But perhaps the most intriguing character is Shania, a young woman who becomes entangled in Nicola’s quest for answers. Without spoiling too much, Shania’s arc is both tragic and terrifying, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the power of family legacies.

A Twist on Traditional Ghost Stories

What sets “I’ll Be Waiting” apart from other supernatural thrillers is its unique take on the concept of hauntings. Armstrong doesn’t just give us vengeful spirits or restless souls – she explores the idea of generational trauma and the ways our past can quite literally come back to haunt us.

The novel delves into heavy themes like guilt, redemption, and the nature of evil. Are some people born “bad,” or are they shaped by their experiences? Can the sins of our ancestors influence our own destinies? These are questions that linger long after the final page is turned.

Food for thought:

• How much of our identity is shaped by our past?
• Can we ever truly escape our family legacy?
• What are the ethical implications of contacting the dead?

Pacing and Plot Twists

Armstrong keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, avoiding the predictable tropes that often plague the genre.

One particularly effective technique is the way Armstrong weaves in flashbacks to Nicola’s past. These scenes not only provide crucial backstory but also ratchet up the tension as we begin to understand the full scope of what Nicola is up against.

A Few Minor Quibbles

While “I’ll Be Waiting” is a stellar read overall, there are a few minor issues that might bug some readers:

• The sheer number of characters introduced in the first few chapters can be a bit overwhelming.
• Some of the medical jargon related to Nicola’s CF might be confusing for those unfamiliar with the condition.
• The final confrontation, while thrilling, feels slightly rushed compared to the meticulous build-up.

These are small complaints, however, in what is otherwise a masterfully crafted novel.

Comparisons and Context

Fans of Armstrong’s previous work, particularly her Rockton series, will find familiar elements here—a strong female protagonist, a remote setting, and a mystery that goes deeper than it first appears. However, “I’ll Be Waiting” leans more heavily into the supernatural elements, bringing to mind classic ghost stories like Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” or more recent hits like Riley Sager’s “Home Before Dark.”

The novel also bears comparison to psychological thrillers like Gillian Flynn’s “Sharp Objects,” particularly in its exploration of family secrets and small-town mysteries.

Final Verdict

“I’ll Be Waiting” is a triumph of supernatural suspense, showcasing Kelley Armstrong at the height of her powers. It’s a ghost story with heart, a murder mystery with depth, and a character study that will leave you questioning the nature of reality itself.

The Good:

• Atmospheric and genuinely scary
• Complex, well-developed characters
• Unpredictable plot twists
• Thoughtful exploration of grief and trauma

The Not-So-Good:

• Some medical jargon might be confusing
• Large cast of characters to keep track of

Perfect for fans of:

• Supernatural thrillers
• Haunted house stories
• Character-driven mysteries

Armstrong has crafted a tale that will haunt readers long after they’ve turned the final page. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, “I’ll Be Waiting” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare with substance.

A Personal Note

As someone who’s always been fascinated by ghost stories but often left disappointed by their execution, “I’ll Be Waiting” was a breath of fresh air (or should I say, a chilling gust?). Armstrong’s ability to balance scares with genuine emotion is truly impressive.

One scene in particular stuck with me – when Nicola realizes the true nature of what she’s up against. The way Armstrong describes the dawning horror, the way past and present collide… it gave me goosebumps in broad daylight. That’s the mark of a truly effective thriller.

If you pick up one horror novel this year, make it “I’ll Be Waiting.” Just maybe keep the lights on while you’re reading. You know, just in case.